Matched Group Research Articles

Abstract 4136203: Risk of Mortality and Heart Failure with Myosin Inhibition Among Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Patients

Background: While prior studies have established that mavacamten therapy in symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM) leads to significant clinical and functional improvement, long-term data on the effect of mavacamten on mortality and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in these patients is lacking. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study utilizing electronic health record data from the TriNetX Network, we aimed to assess the association of mavacamten therapy with mortality and HFrEF compared to medical management among patients with oHCM between 04/2022 and 04/2024. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the study outcomes were estimated by comparing propensity-score matched groups. Results: Among 47,601 adults (45.4% females; mean age: 63.5±16.6 years), 701 and 46,900 patients were included in the mavacamten and medical management groups, respectively. ( Table ) In the propensity-matched analysis, mavacamten was associated with a lower risk of mortality (HR=0.40;95%CI:0.21-0.73,p=0.002), but a similar risk of incident HFrEF (HR=1.03;95%CI:0.56-1.88,p=0.93) compared with medical management. ( Figure ) Conclusions: The current study is among the first to report improved survival with mavacamten therapy among patients with oHCM utilizing real-world data. The similar risk of HFrEF between the mavacamten and medical management cohorts highlighted in this study indicates the efficacy of the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program in maintaining patient safety and offsetting any potential excess risk of HFrEF.

Разработка предметных графов знаний на основе семантического аннотирования табличных данных

The article outlines an approach and software tool for the automated enrichment of domain-oriented knowledge graphs with new facts derived from semantically annotated tabular data. For semantic annotation of table columns, a combination of three heuristic methods is proposed, leveraging named entity recognition in cells, lexical matching, and feature grouping. This approach is implemented as a dedicated handler within the Talisman software platform. An example and experimental evaluation of the approach during the semantic annotation of columns are provided using a test set of tabular data across six thematic categories: "organization employees," "open vacancies," "car model market," "famous scientists," "book sales," and "tennis player rankings." Evaluation metrics included precision, recall, and F-measure, with final results across all six categories as follows: precision - 79%, recall- 63%, F-measure - 70%. These results highlight the potential of the developed approach for enriching domain-oriented knowledge graphs with new facts from semantically annotated tabular data. The limitations of the proposed approach are also discussedfrom semantically annotated tabular data. The paper also provides a number of limitations of the proposed approach.

The associations between exposure to ambient air pollution and coagulation markers and the potential effects of DNA methylation

Previous studies have illustrated the pivotal role of coagulation biomarkers in the link between air pollution and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, inconsistencies remain in the conclusions, with limited studies conducted in rural areas of China. We conducted a panel study in rural areas of Henan Province, China. Considering the potential effect modifications of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risks, 104 participants were enrolled, comprising two matched groups: 52 with high ASCVD risks and 52 with low ASCVD risks. DNA methylation at CpG sites and coagulation indices were measured for all participants. Linear mixed-effect regression models were used to evaluate the associations between ambient air pollution, coagulation biomarkers, and DNA methylation. We observed that for every 5-day standard deviation (SD) increment of PM2.5 (11.91μg/m³) and PM10 (13.65μg/m³), fibrinogen increased by 7.70% (95%CI: 2.27, 13.12) and 8.50% (95%CI: 2.46, 14.55), respectively. SO2 (6.95μg/m³) was associated with 40.25% (95%CI: 14.83, 65.67) increase in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). Decreased methylation at CpG sites was associated with exposure to air pollution. However, DNA methylation did not mediate the association between ambient air pollution and coagulation. Our study revealed the harmful impact of ambient air pollution on coagulation function but found no significant mediation effects of DNA methylation.

The Impact of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on Minipuberty in Girls

Minipuberty is the second phase of physiological activation of the reproductive axis, playing a role in the postnatal development of sexual organs. The course of female minipuberty was found to be affected by low maternal vitamin D status and hypothyroidism during pregnancy. The aim of the current study was to assess the hormonal profile and the size of sexual organs in daughters of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus. The study included three matched groups of infant girls: daughters of healthy women without metabolic disorders during pregnancy (group 1), daughters of women with poorly controlled gestational diabetes mellitus (group 2), and daughters of women with gestational diabetes mellitus adequately controlled during pregnancy (group 3). Urinary levels of gonadotropins, salivary levels of estradiol, testosterone, DHEA-S and progesterone, ovarian volume, uterine length and breast diameter were measured from postnatal month 1 to postnatal month 18. Concentrations of FSH, LH and estradiol were higher, while concentration of progesterone was lower in group 2 than in the remaining groups. There were no between-group differences in concentrations of testosterone and DHEA-S. Levels of LH, FSH, estradiol and progesterone correlated with maternal whole-blood levels of glycated hemoglobin. Group 2 was also characterized by the longest detection periods for LH and estradiol. Ovarian volume, uterine length and breast diameter were greater in group 1 than in the remaining two groups. Over the entire observation period, there were no differences in hormone levels and sizes of the sexual organs between groups 1 and 3. The obtained results suggest that poorly controlled, but not well controlled, gestational diabetes mellitus affects the course of female minipuberty.

Procedural and clinical outcomes according to ultrasound-guided access in TAVI: a propensity-matched comparative sub-analysis from the PULSE registry

Abstract Background Access-related vascular and bleeding complications during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Ultrasound-guided (USG) puncture may reduce the incidence of these events, particularly in large-bore arterial access. However, large-scale data on this approach are limited and it has not yet fully been implemented into standard clinical practice during TAVI. Purpose We compared access-related vascular and bleeding complications in USG versus fluoroscopy-guided (FG) access from a large multicenter TAVI registry. Methods The PULSE registry (Plug or sUture based vascuLar cloSurE after TAVI) retrospectively evaluated data of 9,295 patients who underwent transfemoral TAVI at 10 high-volume German heart centers from 2016 to 2021. USG and FG access were performed in 1,992 (21.4%) and 7,303 (78.6%) patients, respectively. A propensity score was used to match 1,023 FG with 1,023 USG access patients in a 1:1 fashion. The primary endpoint was a composite of minor and major vascular complications at the TAVI-access site or bleeding type II-IV. Outcomes were evaluated in accordance with the Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC-3) definitions. Results Mean age was 81.9±6.25 years and 48.0% of patients were female. Comorbidities and clinical variables were well-balanced in matched groups. The overall risk profile was comparable in USG vs. FG (mean EuroSCORE II: 3.4 [2.1, 6.4] vs. 3.6 [2.2, 5.7], p=0.54). The primary end point occurred in 12.0% in the USG and 17.7% in the FG group, p<0.001. While major large bore access-related vascular complications did not differ significantly (3.5% vs. 4.2%, p=0.49), there was a trend towards lower minor complications for USG compared to FG (5.9% vs. 7.8%, p=0.096). Large bore access-related bleeding occurred in 5.5% versus 7.8% (p=0.04) of patients. Endovascular balloon inflation was required in 0.6% and 3.3% (p<0.001) of all large-bore access vascular complications. Stroke (1.7% vs. 1.5%, p=0.86) and stage III/IV acute kidney injury (3.0% vs. 2.2%, p=0.42) were similar in both groups. Conclusion In patients treated with transfemoral TAVI, ultrasound-guidance for gaining access was associated with lower rates of access-related vascular complications or type II-IV bleeding. Endovascular treatment was required more frequently in case of a fluoroscopy-guided approach. These findings challenge the fact that most TAVI procedures were performed with fluoroscopy-guidance.

Clinical impact of perfusion balloon for ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction: RYUSEI study

Abstract Background Drug-eluting stents have significantly contributed to reducing mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMIs), but slow flow/no-reflow phenomenon and in-stent restenosis are still clinical problems. On the other hand, perfusion balloons (PBs) can compress thrombi and ruptured plaque for long inflation without ischemia and can be used as a delivery device for infusion of nitroprusside to distal risk area during ballooning. Purpose We conducted RYUSEI (Reduction of risk bY perfUsion balloon for ST-segment Elevated myocardial Infarction) study to evaluate whether PBs before stenting are more effective than conventional stenting for STEMIs. Methods We divided consecutive patients with STEMIs who underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) into PB group who were treated with PBs before stenting and the conventional PCI (CP) group. In PB group, we inflated PB at the culprit lesion for five minutes to compress thrombi and ruptured plaque as a pre-stent lesion modification. In addition, an intra-coronary injection of nitroprusside (total dose: 120 µg; slow bolus injection of 24 µg/5mL every minute [5 times]) into the distal vascular bed to the culprit lesion through the PB was performed during a 5-minute PB ballooning. We compared clinical results including slow flow/no-reflow phenomenon, OCT findings, and one-year clinical events including cardiac death, target vessel-related myocardial infarctions, target lesion revascularization and stent thromboses between the two groups. Results We finally analyzed 34 patients in PB group and 90 in CP group. After propensity score matching, PB and CP groups consisted of 23 patients, respectively. In the propensity score-matched cohort, there were no significant differences of the patients’ backgrounds and lesion and procedural characteristics between the two groups. In the cohort, regarding post PCI angiographic and OCT findings, the incidence of slow flow/no-reflow phenomenon and maximum protrusion area detected by OCT were significantly lower (P=0.047 and P=0.019, respectively) and TIMI flow grade 3 was significantly higher (P=0.022) in the PB group than CP group while the other parameters were similar (Table). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a significantly better one-year clinical outcome in PB group than CP group (p=0.038) (Figure). Conclusions The RYUSEI study revealed a pre-stent lesion modification in addition to nitroprusside infusion using PB is useful to achieve better clinical course in STEMI patients.Post PCI Angiographic and OCT FindingsComparison of One-year Clinical Outcome

Application of distal radius coronal bone structure matching in the treatment of distal radius fractures

To investigate the clinical effect of coronal bone structure matching(CBSM)in the treatment of distal radius fracture. A total of 39 cases of distal radius fracture between Jannary 2018 and Jannary 2022 were included in this study. Among them there were 22 males and 17 females with an average age of (48.9±16.3) years old, ranged from 22 to 65 years old. All patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with plates. Based on the measurement of CBSM value on the X-ray film the next day after surgery. All patients were divided into matched group and mismatched group according to the coronal bone structure matching in the normal range or not. There were 27 patients in the matched group, including 15 males and 12 females, the age ranged from 22 to 64 years old with an average of (48.0±16.2) years old. AO classification of fracture was C1 in 6 cases and C2 in 21 cases;the operation time ranged from 1 to 6 days after injury;9 cases were complicated with ulnar styloid process fracture. There were 12 patients in the mismatched group, including 7 males and 5 females;the age ranged from 22 to 65 years old with an average of (48.8±15.8) years old. AO classification of fracture was C1 in 4 cases and C2 in 8 cases;the time from injury to operation ranged from 1 to 5 days;4 cases were complicated with ulnar styloid process fracture. The X-ray films were used to evaluate fracture healing, humeral height, ulnar angle and palm tilt angle at 3 months after operation. The range of wrist motion(pronation, supination, palmar inclination and dorsiflexion), function outcomes(Gartland-Werley score) and pain levels (visual analogue scale, VAS) were compared between the two groups at the last follow-up. The average follow-up time of 39 patients were(9.5±4.3)months, ranged from 6 to 14 months. All patients healed in one stage without postoperative infection, fracture nonunion and fracture displacement occurred. Compared with match group at the last follow-up, the VAS in the mismatch group was increased[(2.5±1.3)points vs (1.6±1.0)points], the wrist pronation were decreased[(70.5±12.6)° vs (80.5±9.4)°], with statistically significant difference(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the range of motion(supination, palmar inclination, dorsiflexion)and excellent good rate between the two groups at last follow-up after operation (P>0.05). Wrist dysfunction, limited pronation, and wrist pain may occur when the postoperative matching degree of the distal radius fracture is not within the normal range.

Early outcomes of robotic versus video-thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy: a propensity score-matched real-world study.

Minimally invasive anatomic segmentectomy for the resection of pulmonary nodules has significantly increased in the last years. Nevertheless, there is limited evidence on the safety and feasibility of robotic segmentectomy compared to video-assisted thoracic surgery. This study aimed to compare the real-world early outcomes of robotic and video-thoracoscopic in anatomic segmentectomy. Single centre cohort study including all consecutive patients undergoing segmentectomy by either robotic or video-thoracoscopic from June 2018 to November 2023. Propensity score case matching analysis generated two matched groups undergoing robotic or video-thoracoscopic segmentectomy. Short-term outcomes were analysed and compared between groups. 204 patients (75 robotic and 129 video-thoracoscopic patients) were included. After matching, 146 patients (73 cases in each group) were compared. One 30-day death was observed in the robotic group (P = 1). Two conversions to thoracotomy occurred in the robotic, and none in the video-thoracoscopic group (P = 0.5). Surgical time was longer in the robotic group (P = 0.091). There were no significant differences between robotic and video-thoracoscopic groups in postoperative complications (13.7% vs 15.1%, P = 1), cardiopulmonary complications (6.8% vs 6.8%, P = 1), major complications (4.1% vs 4.1%, P = 1), prolonged air leak (4.1% vs 5.5%, P = 1), arrythmia (1.4% vs 0%, P = 1) and reoperation (2.7% vs 2.7%, P = 1). Median length of stay was 3 days (IQR, 2-3 days) in the robotic group vs 3 days (IQR, 2.5-4 days) in the video-thoracoscopic group (P = 0.212). Robotic segmentectomy is a safe and feasible alternative to video-thoracoscopy, as no significant differences in early postoperative outcomes were found between the two techniques.

VENO-VENOUS EXTRACORPOREAL MEMBRANE OXYGENATION IMPROVES OUTCOMES IN TRAUMA PATIENTS SUFFERING RESPIRATORY FAILURE.

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) improves hypoxemia and carbon dioxide clearance in patients with severe respiratory derangements. A greater understanding of the potential benefits of VV ECMO in trauma patients could lead to broader adoption. We hypothesize that trauma patients who receive VV ECMO have improved mortality outcomes when compared to those receiving conventional ventilator management given the rapid stabilization VV ECMO promotes. We performed a single center, propensity score matched cohort study. All trauma patients from January 1, 2014, to October 30, 2023, who were placed on VV ECMO or who would have met institutional guidelines for VV ECMO but were managed with conventional ventilator strategies were matched 1:1. The primary outcome analysis was survival at hospital discharge. Significance was defined as p < 0.05. Eighty-one trauma VV ECMO patients and 128 patients who received conventional management met criteria for inclusion. After matching, VV ECMO and conventional treatment cohort characteristics were similar in age and MOI. Matched ISS, SI, lactate levels, and frequency of TBI were also similar. Finally, respiratory parameters including pre-intervention, pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), lactate levels, and oxygen saturation were similar between matched groups. VV ECMO patients had higher survival rates at discharge when compared to the matched conventional treatment group (70% v 41%, p < 0.001). Corresponding hazard ratio for VV ECMO use was 0.31 (95%CI 0.18-0.52; p < 0.001). The odds ratio of mortality in matched trauma patients who receive VV ECMO versus conventional treatment was 0.29 (95%CI 0.14-0.58; p < 0.001). VV ECMO may represent a safe, alternative treatment approach for appropriately screened trauma patients with acute respiratory failure, however further studies are warranted.

No Difference in Postoperative Complications Between Simultaneous and Staged, Bilateral Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty.

Background The optimal timing of contralateral surgery following unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) remains unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the differences in postoperative complications in patients undergoing unilateral, simultaneous and staged bilateral UKA. Methods The PearlDiver administrative claims database was queried for patients undergoing UKA between 2015-2020. Patients undergoing unilateral UKA were matched in a 1:1 fashion based on age, gender, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI), obesity, diabetes and smoking status to patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral UKA, bilateral UKA staged 1-90 days and bilateral UKA staged 91-365 days. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine the impact of timing of bilateral procedures on 90-day postoperative complications relative to patients who underwent unilateral UKA. Outcomes were considered significant at p<0.05. Results A total of 9,638 patients undergoing UKA were included in the final analysis, of which 5,672 (58.9%) were unilateral, 396 (4.1%) were simultaneous bilateral, 1,496 (15.5%) were bilateral staged between 1-90 days and 2,074 (21.5%) were bilateral staged between 91-365 days. Univariate analysis identified no significant differences in complications between matched groups except for an increased incidence of wound dehiscence amongst patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral UKA (2.1% vs. 0.0%, p=0.040) compared to unilateral UKA. However, multivariate analysis demonstrated that simultaneous or staged bilateral UKA at either time point did not increase the risk of any postoperative complication relative to unilateral surgery. Conclusion Bilateral UKA can be performed simultaneously or in a staged fashion without increasing the risk of 90-day complications relative to unilateral UKA.

Vertebral Body Morphology in Neuromuscular Scoliosis with Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy

Background/Objectives: The distorted vertebral body has been studied in scoliosis; however, there is little knowledge about the difference between neuromuscular and idiopathic scoliosis. This study aimed to investigate the vertebral body morphology in patients with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and scoliosis (CP scoliosis) and compare them with those of apex- and Cobb angle-matched patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods: Thirty-four patients with CP scoliosis and thirty-two patients with AIS were included. The pedicle diameter, chord length, and vertebral body rotation were evaluated at one level above the apex, one level below the apex, and at the apex using a reconstructed computed tomography scan. The apex of the curve and Cobb angle were too diverse between patients with CP scoliosis or AIS. Eighteen patients were matched in each group according to the apex and Cobb angle (within 5-degree differences) of the major curve, and compared between matched groups (mCPscoliosis vs. mAIS). Results: In the comparison of the apex and Cobb angle-matched groups, there was no statistical difference in the Cobb angle between mCPscoliosis (80.7 ± 13.8 degrees) and mAIS (78.6 ± 13.6 degrees, p = 0.426), and the vertebral body rotation (25.4 ± 15.4° in mCPscoliosis vs. 24.4 ± 6.5° in mAIS, p = 0.594). There was no difference in the pedicle diameters of either the convex (3.6 ± 1.1 mm in mCPscoliosis vs. 3.3 ± 1.2 mm in mAIS, p = 0.24) or concave side (3.1 ± 1.2 mm in mCPscoliosis vs. 2.7 ± 1.6 mm in mAIS, p = 0.127). However, the patients in the mCPscoliosis group were younger (12.7 ± 2.5 years vs. 14.6 ± 2.4 years, p = 0.001), and the chord length was shorter on the convex (38.0 ± 5.0 mm vs. 40.4 ± 4.9 mm, p = 0.025) and concave (37.7 ± 5.2 mm vs. 40.3 ± 4.7 mm, p = 0.014) sides compared with those of the mAIS group. Conclusions: With a similar apex and Cobb angle, the vertebral body rotation and pedicle diameter in patients with CP scoliosis were comparable to those with AIS; however, the chord length was shorter in CP scoliosis. For the selection of the pedicle screw in CP scoliosis, the length of the pedicle screw should be more considered than the diameter.

Outcomes of Multiorgan Heart Transplant Between Donation After Circulatory Death and Brain Death.

There is insufficient data on the outcomes of donation after circulatory death (DCD) multiorgan transplant that includes heart. The primary objective of this study is to compare the overall survival outcomes of DCD and donation after brain death (DBD) multiorgan transplants. We identified all heart transplant patients from 2019 to June of 2023 using the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Database who also received an additional organ (kidney, liver, and lungs). A total of 1,844 DBD and 91 DCD multiorgan transplants occurred within the study period, the majority being combined heart-kidney transplantation. More patients were listed at a higher status in the DBD group (p < 0.05) and were in the intensive care unit (ICU) before transplant (p < 0.05). Despite the higher ischemia time in the DCD group (p < 0.05), the overall unmatched survival did not differ between the two groups (p < 0.05). Within the heart-kidney transplants, the overall survival between DBD and DCD heart-kidney transplants did not differ in either unmatched or matched groups (unmatched p = 0.5, matched p = 0.5). In conclusion, the data on the outcomes of DCD multiorgan transplants are limited. Still, our analysis of the currently available data suggests that the overall survival is comparable in the DCD multiorgan transplants.

Excimer Laser-Assisted Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty Versus Penetrating Keratoplasty for Patients With Keratoconus: A Retrospective Analysis From the Homburg Keratoconus Center.

To evaluate the outcome of excimer laser-assisted deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (Exc-DALK) and penetrating keratoplasty (Exc-PKP) for keratoconus (KC). We included 123 eyes and compared the outcome of 30 eyes undergoing big-bubble Exc-DALK after stromal debulking (G1) against a matched group of 83 eyes undergoing Exc-PKP (G2) in our department. G2 was created after performing a pseudorandom stratified bootstrapping of our PKP database starting with 2802 surgeries with removal of any bias. Main outcomes included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spherical equivalent (SE), tomographic changes, and endothelial cell density (ECD). Data were compared preoperatively, postoperatively with 2 double-running cross-stitch sutures according to Hoffmann [2 and 10 months postoperatively (T1 and T2)], after first suture removal [15 months postoperatively (T3)], and after final suture removal [26 months postoperatively (T4)]. Preoperatively, all parameters were comparable without significant differences. At T1, G1 showed significantly better BCVA (P = 0.01), lower SE (P = 0.04), lower anterior and posterior topographic astigmatism (ATA and PTA, P < 0.01), lower maximal keratometry (P = 0.02), and lower central corneal thickness (P < 0.01). At T2, G1 showed significantly better BCVA (P = 0.04), lower PTA (P < 0.01), and higher ECD (P < 0.01). At T3, G1 showed significantly lower ATA (P = 0.01) and PTA (P < 0.01) and higher ECD (P = 0.02). At T4, G1 showed significantly lower PTA and higher ECD (P < 0.01) but no significant difference in BCVA (P = 0.07). Exc-DALK provided faster visual rehabilitation and represented an endothelial cell-sparing method compared with Exc-PKP. After final suture removal, Exc-DALK showed noninferior outcomes compared with Exc-PKP if the graft was placed on naked Descemet membrane.

Mid-term outcomes of medial metal backed and all-polyethylene unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in obese patients: a retrospective propensity-matched analysis

BackgroundThis retrospective study compares the outcomes of unicompartmental medial fixed-bearing knee arthroplasty (mUKA), involving a cemented metal-backed (MB) or an all-polyethylene (AP) tibial component, performed in obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) > 30 with a follow-up of at least 5 years.MethodsThe institutional database was mined for primary mUKAs involving an MB or an AP tibial component (MB-UKA and AP-UKA groups, respectively) performed from January 2015 to August 2019. Patient demographics and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were compared and a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis (1:1) using multiple variables was conducted.ResultsPSM analysis yielded 37 pairs of obese MB-UKA and AP-UKA patients. At 5 years, the Knee Society Function Score (KSFS) was 75.1 ± 10.6 in MB-UKA and 79.4 ± 9.1 in AP-UKA patients (p = 0.029), and the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) was 38.1 ± 4.4 in MB-UKA and 40.6 ± 5.7 in AP-UKA patients (p = 0.011).ConclusionAt five-year follow-up, in a matched group of obese MB-UKA and AP-UKA patients, the AP-UKA group achieved better KSFSs and OKSs. Both the AP and the MB tibial components were able to bring about a significant improvement of the most widely used PROMs.

Effectiveness of a peer-to-peer, self-management intervention for young people with depression and anxiety in Denmark: an observational study and a propensity score-matched comparison.

This study investigated the effectiveness of a 7-weeks peer-to-peer program for young people aged 15 to 25 years with depression or anxiety symptoms in Denmark. A total of 483 participants (72% women) participated in the program and the evaluation. The participants completed questionnaires at baseline, postintervention, and at 5-month follow-up to assess changes in depression symptoms (using Beck's Depression Inventory-II), anxiety symptoms (using Spielbergers State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Adults) and self-efficacy in controlling or managing the illness (using the personal control subscale from the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised). Analyses were done using repeated measures mixed linear regression models. Moreover, a register-based matched comparison group was derived as a comparison to assess changes in being in education and employment at 8-month follow-up. Within the intervention group, both depression and anxiety scores declined across the 5-month follow-up compared to baseline (b = -9.6, 95% CI: -11.2, -8.1 for depression symptoms). The self-efficacy score increased from baseline to post-intervention (b = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.0, 1.8) and this level was maintained at follow-up. More than half of the participants were in education at baseline while 24% received social transfer payments. Compared with matched comparison group, a lower proportion of the intervention group remaining in education (71% vs. 80%). Among participants who were employed at baseline, a higher proportion of the intervention group were enrolled in education (27% vs. 19%) and were unemployed (14% vs. 4%) compared to the matched comparison group. This study supports the effectiveness of a peer-to-peer intervention for depression and anxiety symptoms, and self-efficacy in symptom control. However, mixed effects on education and employment were observed, indicating a negative impact on education among those initially enrolled and a higher proportion of employed participants starting education.

Adverse Impacts of Corticosteroid Treatment on Osteoporosis/Osteopenia in Adult Asthmatics: A Retrospective ICARUS Cohort Study

Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and oral corticosteroid (OCS) are often used in asthma management. This study evaluated the long-term effect of ICS/OCS on osteoporosis, osteopenia, fractures, and bone metabolism in adult asthmatics in real-world clinical practice. This is a retrospective study investigating de-identified electronic health records from Ajou University Medical Center (Korea). Adult asthmatics receiving maintenance ICS with/without OCS for at least 1 year were enrolled. They were classified into the high/low-dose of ICS or OCS groups. Primary outcomes (incidences of osteoporosis, osteopenia, and fractures) and secondary outcomes (drug prescription and laboratory values related to bone metabolism including albumin and alkaline phosphatase [ALP]) were compared after 5 years of follow-up. After propensity score matching, both high- and low-dose OCS groups included 468 patients, and high/low-dose ICS groups each comprised 1,252 patients. The risk of osteoporosis/major fracture was higher (hazard ratio [95% CI]; 2.00 [1.15-3.57]/3.03 [1.04-11.11]) in the high-dose OCS group (especially in females aged ≥50 years) than in the low-dose group, although the ICS groups showed no significant differences. The high-dose ICS group showed a higher risk of osteopenia (1.92 [1.05-3.70]) than the low-dose ICS group. The linear mixed model of laboratory values showed significantly decreased serum albumin and increased ALP in the high-dose OCS group than in the low-dose OCS group. The results of this study suggest that long-term use of OCS can increase the risk of osteoporosis and osteoporosis-related fractures, while long-term use of ICS may increase the risk of osteopenia in adult asthmatics.

Efficacy and tolerability of house dust mites subcutaneous immunotherapy with monomeric allergoid: an Italian multicenter study.

Background. Subcutaneous immunotherapy is an effective treatment of respiratory allergy and allergoids offer a treatment option characterized by reduced IgE-binding properties to improve the safety profile. Purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and the safety of an injective monomeric allergoid in patients with moderate to severe persistent allergic rhinitis due to house dust mites. Methods. in a perspective, controlled, observational study a suspension of 0.70 mL at 10 BU/mL containing a mixture of carbamylated extract of Dermatophagoides was injected monthly for 12 months, following a 5-weeks build-up phase (0.10-0.20-0.30-0.50-0.70 mL weekly), to 58 patients (mean age 25.1 ± 12.7). A matching group of 60 patients (mean age 34.0 ± 14.2) was observed as control, and both groups were allowed to assume standard pharmacotherapy. After one year, changes from baseline in visual analogue scale for symptoms and drugs intake were compared; satisfaction rate was based on patients' and physicians' judgements. Results. In respect to baseline both groups showed an improvement in symptoms with a significant difference in favor of immunotherapy. Drugs intake was significantly lower in patients receiving injections. High level of agreement was found between doctors and patients on their rate of satisfaction. No serious reactions occurred, and at least a mild episodic local or systemic reaction was reported by a limited number of patients. Conclusions. In routine practice injective monomeric allergoid of house dust mites was safe and associated with a perceived significant clinical benefit in persistent rhinitis shown by objective and subjective outcomes.

Heart transplant survival and the use of donors with intracranial bleeding: United Network for Organ Sharing Registry propensity-score matched analysis

ObjectiveThe transplantation of hearts from donors who experienced intracranial bleeding (ICB) has been associated with inferior long-term survival in both single-center analyses and, more recently, with the United Network for Ogan Sharing Registry. The purpose of this study was to further explore this relationship through propensity score matching in recipients receiving donor hearts from ICB and non-ICB donors in a large national registry. MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort analysis of the United Network for Organ Sharing Registry Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network between 2006 and 2018 for adult candidates wait-listed for isolated heart transplantation. Recipients were stratified into 2 groups: ICB and non-ICB donors. Propensity score matching was performed to estimate causal effects by using observational data. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate survival posttransplant. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to evaluate the independent effect of ICB as a cause of death. ResultsA total of 25,315 candidates met inclusion criteria. ICB heart donors (n = 5529) were older (median age, 42 vs 27 years; P < .001), less likely men (54.5% vs 75.2%; P < .001), and more often had a history of smoking (20.1% vs 11.7%; P < .001), and hypertension (34.2% vs 9.5%; P < .001). Before matching there was a significant difference in long-term posttransplant survival; for example, the non-ICB (60.7% [interquartile range, 59.5%-61.9%] vs 56.8% (interquartile range, 54.7%-59.0%]; P < .0001). However, when analyzing the propensity-score matched groups for outcomes, no difference was found between the cohorts both in terms of long-term survival as well as in rates of rejection. ConclusionsIn the largest propensity score matching analysis of heart transplants from donors who had experienced ICB, we found similar survival and rejection rates in heart transplant recipients.

Esophageal Varices as an Independent Predictor of Fatal Outcomes after Balloon-Occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration in Patients with Hepatic Encephalopathy

Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate esophageal varices (EVs) as predictors of poor prognosis with low tolerability after balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) in patients with overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Methods: This study retrospectively enrolled 107 patients who underwent BRTO for uncontrollable overt HE. The enrolled patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of EVs using propensity matching. The present study assessed the technical success rate and safety of BRTO in both the groups. Further, the event-free survival, HE-free survival, and the overall survival (OS) were compared between the two groups. Event-free survival was defined as the time period during which the patients did not developed complications related to portal hypertension, including EVs, hepatic ascites, and portal vein thrombosis. Results: After propensity matching, the EV and non-EV groups had 37 and 36 patients, respectively. Only 1 patient experienced an unsuccessful procedure in the EV group. Procedure-related adverse events in the EV group and non-EV group occurred in 11 and 7 patients, respectively (p = 0.417). The event-free survival after BRTO in the EV and non-EV group were 1,283 (95% CI: 798–1,767) days and 2,257 (1,722–2,792) days, respectively. Event-free survival was significantly worse in the EV group than in the non-EV group (p = 0.014). Furthermore, the EV group experienced worse OS than the non-EV group (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: The presence of EVs could potentially be associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes or mortality after BRTO treatment in individuals with HE.

Lung volumes by CT and plethysmography: are we measuring the same? - CanCOLD study data

BackgroundMeasurement of lung volumes forms an integral part of pulmonary function testing. Lung volumes determined by CT scans are well established, but the comparability to other methods like plethysmography in large cohorts remains in question.MethodsCanCOLD is a prospective longitudinal cohort study from Canada, including three matched groups of individuals with COPD I-II, smokers at risk and healthy controls. All participants underwent lung volume measurement by plethysmography and CT, using inspiratory and expiratory imaging. We compared total lung capacity (TLC) and residual volume (RV) in the different cohorts between plethysmography and CT.ResultsData from 1235 (518 females) individuals were analysed. Baseline characteristics were comparable in all three groups. Significant differences between CT and plethysmography could be observed in all groups, with consistently higher TLC and lower RV by plethysmography, respectively. Correlation was strong for TLC between the methods of measurement with a very stable bias of about 1.68 liters for all groups, but the correlation was only low/moderate for RV. Variability of differences seemed to be higher for RV. No correction for supine position or dead air space was used for CT based measurements.ConclusionMeasurement of TLC and RV by plethysmography yields higher and lower values than by CT, respectively, so results of the different methods should not be used interchangeably.