Predictive Factors For Treatment Failure Research Articles

Patterns of treatment failure in patients with sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma after chemoradiotherapy.

To investigate the failure patterns based on precision radiation treatment and to determine the predictive factors of treatment failure for sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) patients. This was a retrospective study that included 214 cases of treatment failure from 441 consecutive patients. Two experienced radiation oncologists evaluated the tumor volume of cases with local recurrence. The 5-year overall survival (OS), progression-free survival rates (PFS), and distant-metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were estimated. Investigations were performed on the factors that predicted local failure or distant metastasis. 140 (31.7%) patients developed local recurrence, 24 (5.4%) experienced regional failure, and 65 (14.7%) underwent distant metastasis. In-field, marginal, and out-of-field failures occurred in 55.7% (78/140), 33.6% (47/140), and 10.7% (15/140) of patients with local recurrence, respectively. In logistic regression analysis, factors statistically significant for total local failure included treatment mode (p < 0.01), chemotherapy (p < 0.01), and surgical margins (p < 0.01). Primary tumors with poor differentiation (p = 0.018) and R2 resection margin (p = 0.009) were more prone to develop distant failure. The 5-year OS, PFS, and DMFS rates were 57.8%, 52.0%, and 56.7% for the whole cohort. In univariate and multivariate analysis, the skull base involvement was an independent predictor for poorer OS and PFS; orbital invasion was an independent predictor for poorer OS. Local recurrence and distant metastasis were the most common failure modes. Treatment mode, chemotherapy, and surgical margins were related to local recurrence. Poor differentiation and R2 resection margin were predictors for distant failure. Local recurrence is the most common failure pattern in patients with sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma who accepted chemoradiotherapy, and marginal and out-of-field failures occurred in 44.3% of patients with local recurrence.

CT findings as predictive factors for treatment failure in Mycobacterium abscessus complex lung disease: a retrospective cohort study

PurposeMycobacterium abscessus complex (MABC) commonly causes lung disease (LD) and has a high treatment failure rate of around 50%. In this study, our objective is to investigate specific CT patterns for predicting treatment prognosis and monitoring treatment response, thus providing valuable insights for clinical physicians in the management of MABC-LD treatment.MethodsWe retrospectively assessed 34 patients with MABC-LD treated between January 2015 and December 2020. CT scores for bronchiectasis, cellular bronchiolitis, consolidation, cavities, and nodules were measured at initiation and after treatment. The ability of the CT scores to predict treatment outcomes was analyzed in logistic regression analyses.ResultsThe CT scoring system had excellent inter-reader agreement (all intraclass correlation coefficients, > 0.82). The treatment failure (TF) group (17/34; 50%) had higher cavitation diameter (p = 0.049) and extension (p = 0.041) at initial CT and higher cavitation diameter (p = 0.049) and extension (p =0 .045), consolidation (p = 0.022), and total (p = 0.013) scores at follow-up CT than the treatment success (TS) group. The changes of total score and consolidation score (p = 0.049 and 0.024, respectively) increased in the TF group more than the TS group between the initial and follow-up CT. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed initial cavitation extension, follow-up consolidation extension, and change in consolidation extension (adjusted odds ratio: 2.512, 2.495, and 9.094, respectively, per 1-point increase; all p < 0.05) were significant predictors of treatment failure.ConclusionsA high pre-treatment cavitation extension score and an increase in the consolidation extension score during treatment on CT could be alarm signs of treatment failure requiring tailor the treatment of MABC-LD carefully.

Outcome of Radioiodine Treatment in Hyperthyroidism and Predictive Factors of Treatment Failure: A 10-Year Experience

Objective: To analyze the effectiveness of the first dose of radioiodine (I-131) treatment in patients with hyperthyroidism in Southern Thailand. The second objective was to predict the factors implicated in treatment failure. Materials and Methods: Patients with hyperthyroidism who received first dose of I-131 between January 2010 and December 2019 at Songklanagarind Hospital were enrolled in the present retrospective study. The data collected included age, gender, duration of the disease, type of disease, thyroid gland size (by palpation), type of antithyroid drug (ATD), ATD dose, and time of withholding ATD before and after I-131 treatment. The effectiveness of the first dose of I-131 treatment was assessed after six months of treatment. Treatment success was defined as a euthyroid or hypothyroid status. Results: One thousand four hundred twenty-four patients with hyperthyroidism at a median age of 44.5 years and including 73.2% women were included in this study. Graves’ disease was the most common cause at 95.8%. The median I-131 dose was 7 mCi. Six months after treatment, 703 patients or 49.4%, achieved treatment success, which increased to 859 patients (60.3%) after 12 months. The authors found three factors that influenced treatment failure, duration of disease of seven months or longer (p=0.001), thyroid gland size of 100 g or larger (p=0.004), and I-131 treatment dose 10 to 19 mCi (p=0.021). The patient cohort was divided into three groups based on thyroid gland size at less than 50 g, 50 to 99 g, and more than 100 g, the I-131 treatment dose that increased the success rate of treatment in each group was 5 mCi or more, 6 mCi or more, and 15 mCi or more, respectively. Conclusion: A single dose of I-131 could successfully treat hyperthyroidism. The duration of the disease, size of the thyroid gland, and the dose of I-131 treatment had a substantial impact on the result. Thus, the authors recommended early treatment with I-131 at a suitable dose for patients with hyperthyroidism. Keywords: Radioiodine treatment; I-131; Hyperthyroidism; First dose

Predictive factors of radiofrequency ablation failure in the treatment of dysplastic Barrett's esophagus

IntroductionRadiofrequency ablation (RFA) has become the recommended endoscopic treatment for flat dysplastic Barrett's esophagus. However, the outcomes of this treatment are variable across European countries. Our aim was to report the results of a French high-volume center, and to investigate factors associated with treatment failure. MethodsWe conducted a single-center retrospective study from a prospectively collected database from 2011 to 2020, including all consecutive patients treated with RFA for flat dysplastic Barrett's esophagus. The primary endpoint was the failure rate of esophageal radiofrequency treatment, defined as either persistence of intestinal metaplasia at the end of treatment, or neoplastic progression during RFA. Results96 patients treated with a median of four RFA sessions for a mean C5M6 Barrett's esophagus were included in the analysis. Complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia were achieved in 59% and 79% of patients, respectively, resulting in a treatment failure rate of 41%. Ten patients experienced neoplastic progression during treatment. We recorded 14% of post-RFA esophageal strictures, all successfully treated by endoscopic dilatation. Univariate analysis identified the length of Barrett's esophagus and the absence of hiatal hernia as predictive factors for treatment failure, however not confirmed in multivariate analysis. ConclusionIn our experience, RFA of flat dysplastic Barrett's esophagus had a 41% treatment failure rate. The length of the Barrett's segment might be associated with treatment failure. Although our results confirm a role for RFA in the management of dysplastic Barrett's esophagus, the treatment failure rate was higher than expected. This suggest that endoscopists, even in high-volume centers, should receive specific training in RFA.

Predictive Factors for Failure of Intraarticular Injection in Management of Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder.

Intraarticular (IA) corticosteroid injections have been demonstrated to be an effective management for adhesive capsulitis in both the short- and mid-term. Yet, certain patients fail to improve both subjectively and clinically. This study aims to identify predictive factors for treatment failure of IA injections in management of adhesive capsulitis. A retrospective review found 533 patients undergoing IA corticosteroid or IA NSAID injection for adhesive capsulitis between June 2015 and May 2020 at a single healthcare institution. Patient demographics characteristics, comorbidities, pain scores, and range of motion were compared. Treatment failure was defined as need for subsequent IA injection within 6 months or progression to surgical management within 12 months. 152 patients (28.52%) experienced treatment failure of IA corticosteroid injection. Pre-injection pain scores were greater for those who experienced treatment failure (5.40 vs. 4.21, p < 0.05). Post-injection pain scores were greater for those who experienced treatment failure (3.77 vs. 2.17, p < 0.01). Reduced post-injection external rotation in abduction also predicted treatment failure (56.88° vs. 70.22°, p < 0.01). IA corticosteroid injections are associated with increased rates of failure and progression to surgical management when patients present with increased pain levels as well as with less improvement in pain levels and ROM following injection.

Safety and efficacy of switching immunosuppressive drugs for maintenance treatment in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A retrospective cohort study.

We aim to clarify the efficacy and safety of switching immunosuppressive drugs and to identify the predictive factors for treatment failure after switching in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We retrospectively evaluated patients with SLE who switched immunosuppressive drugs for any reason in our hospital between 2015 and 2020. The efficacy endpoints were the change in SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 score, prednisolone dose, and disease status over 12 months, as well as treatment continuation rates. The safety endpoint was the frequency of adverse events over 1 year before and after switching. Cox hazard regression analyses were used to identify the predictive factors for treatment failure. Thirty-nine patients (age, 41.5 ± 12.6 years; 35 women and 4 men) were analysed. The SLE Disease Activity Index score and prednisolone dose were significantly reduced after switching, with few disease exacerbations over 12 months. The 1- and 2-year continuation rates were 71.4% and 62.3%, respectively. The frequency of adverse events was similar in the year before and after switching the drug. Drug switching due to inadequate efficacy was a predictive factor of less likely treatment failure. Immunosuppressive drug switching led to reduced disease activity and decreased glucocorticoid dose without disease exacerbations and severe adverse events.

Functional outcomes of surgical treatment of ureteral injury following gynecological and obstetrical surgery

IntroductionIatrogenic ureteral lesions represent one of the serious complications that can follow obstetric and gynecological surgery. This condition has a fatal consequence on renal function if it's not promptly diagnosed and managed. ObjectiveThe aim of our study was to report our experience in the management of this pathology. Materials & MethodsThis is a retrospective study of 32 patients treated for an iatrogenic ureteral injury after gynecological or obstetrical surgery, collected in the urology department of the Rabta Hospital over a 15-year period (2005–2020). Clinical presentation, investigations, and operative and postoperative details were reviewed from the patients' charts. ResultsThe average age of the patients was 42.6 (21–61). Multiparity was observed in 90.6% of cases. Hysterectomy was the most common cause (71.87%), followed by cesarean operation (18.75%), mainly for patients with placenta percreta (12.5%), and lastly, cure of prolapse by the upper approach in 9.37% of cases. The symptoms were dominated by low back pain and urinary incontinence. Stenosis was the most frequent lesion in 25 cases, followed by a section in 4 cases. A ureterovaginal fistula was observed in 3 case s. The first-line treatment of the patients was drainage by a ureteral stent (15.6%) or by a percutaneous nephrostomy (84.4%). Ureterovesical reimplantation was performed in 26 cases (81.25%). However, one patient had an Ileal ureter replacement. During follow-up, treatment failure was noted in 7 patients. Four patients developed secondary hydronephrosis treated with a urethral stent while 3 patients required nephrectomy. The type of gynecological and obstetrical procedure (open hysterectomy), history of pelvic surgery, and malignant pathology were predictive factors of treatment failure. ConclusionsInjuries to the ureter during gynecological and obstetrical surgery are generally rare. The diversity of repair techniques and the contribution of endo-urological techniques most often allow renal preservation, knowing that the best treatment remains prevention.

Predictive factors for treatment failure in reducing alcoholic consumption by case management in alcoholics living in permanent rental apartments

IntroductionBased on the results showing that there are more alcoholics in the low-income bracket, case management (CM) for such cases was initiated in 2011. As a result, the treatment failure rate was identified between 43-44% based on the WHO criteria.ObjectivesWe investigated the predictive factors for the treatment failure to maximize successful CM treatment.MethodsThirty-nine subjects from Sasang-gu and Saha-gu treated by four social workers using CM were included in this study. Failure was defined when the level of risk was maintained or increased as per the WHO criteria. The clinical characteristics of the subjects including their age and gender were collected.ResultsTypically, 17 (43.6%) subjects demonstrated treatment failure by the CM (TF). Compared with the subjects who were treated successfully (n=22; TS), TF maintained abstinence in shorter periods in terms of the longest abstinent period compared with TS while CM (28.24±.99 vs. 76.82±.27, p=.025). The higher population in TF did not make an effort to quit drinking compared with TS while CM (41.2% vs.13.6%, p=.051). Also, more TF stayed with their family members compared with TS (58.8% vs. 31.8%, p=.092).ConclusionsThe results showed that shorter abstinence periods and the absence of efforts initiated to quit drinking while CM, and living with family members were the predictive factors for failure in treating alcoholics by the CM. It is presumed that influencing patients to quit drinking and encouraging them to abstain for longer periods are crucial to attaining successful treatment.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Vesico-vaginal fistula in Tunisia: Epidemiology and risk factors of treatment failure.

Vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) is a global healthcare problem that has a high prevalence in developing countries. The aim of this work is to study the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic characteristics of VVF post-obstetric and gynecologic procedures in order to identify the predictive factors of surgical treatment failure. Data were collected from 132 VVF patients in our institution between 1985 and 2017. VVF was classified according to Zmerli's classification. Patients underwent surgical treatment and were evaluated after a follow-up period of 6 months. Successful treatment was defined as the absence of urine leakage whereas recurrence was defined as the presence of urine leakage immediately after the surgery or after a period of dryness with a confirmed VVF. Risk factors of surgical treatment failure were identified. The average age of patients was 44 years. The patients were multiparous in 62% of cases. VVF was consecutive to hysterectomy in 62.1% of cases, and after childbirth in 34%. VVF was retro-trigonal in 99 cases (75%) and trigonal in 33 cases (25%). The average size of the fistula was 1cm (0.3-2cm). VVF repair was performed by vaginal approach in 68% of cases and abdominal approach in 32% of cases. Treatment failure was noted in 36 patients (27%). Predictive factors of treatment failure were: vaginal fibrosis (P<0.001); trigonal location of the fistula (P<0.001); large diameter of the VVF>1cm (P<0.001); and complex and complicated fistulas (P=0.02). Although Tunisia is a developing country, the main cause of VVF was not obstetrical. Treatment failure, noted in almost one third of cases, was, in our series, correlated with the quality of the vaginal tissue, the size and the location of the fistula, and its complexity. 4.

Trends and predictive factors for treatment failure following artemisinin-based combination therapy among children with uncomplicated malaria in Ghana: 2005\u20132018

BackgroundSince the introduction of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) in Ghana in 2005 there has been a surveillance system by the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) and the University of Ghana Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (UG-NMIMR) to monitor the therapeutic efficacy of ACTs for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in the country. We report trends and determinants of failure following treatment of Ghanaian children with artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ) and artemether-lumefantrine (AL) combinations.MethodsPer protocol analyses as well as cumulative incidence of day 28 treatment failure from Kaplan Meier survival analyses were used to describe trends of failure over the surveillance period of 2005–2018. Univariable and multivariable cox regression analyses were used to assess the determinants of treatment failure over the period.ResultsDay 28 PCR-corrected failure, following treatment with ASAQ, significantly increased from 0.0% in 2005 to 2.0% (95% CI: 1.1–3.6) in 2015 (p = 0.013) but significantly decreased to 0.4% (95% CI: 0.1–1.6) in 2018 (p = 0.039). Failure, following treatment with AL, decreased from 4.5% (95% CI: 2.0–9.4) in 2010 to 2.7% (95% CI: 1.4–5.1) in 2018, though not statistically significant (p = 0.426). Risk of treatment failure, from multivariable cox regression analyses, was significantly lower among children receiving ASAQ compared with those receiving AL (HR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.11–0.53; p < 0.001); lower among children with no parasitaemia on day 3 compared with those with parasitaemia on day 3 (HR = 0.02; 95% CI: 0.01–0.13; p < 0.001); and higher among children who received ASAQ and had axillary temperature ≥ 37.5 °C on day 1 compared with those with axillary temperature < 37.5 °C (HR = 3.96; 95% CI: 1.61–9.75; p = 0.003).ConclusionsTreatment failures for both ASAQ and AL have remained less than 5% (below WHO’s threshold of 10%) in Ghana since 2005. Predictors of treatment failure that need to be considered in the management of uncomplicated malaria in the country should include type of ACT, day 3 parasitaemia, and day 1 axillary temperature of patients being treated.

Feasibility of an adapted schedule of carboplatin plus paclitaxel in elderly women with advanced ovarian cancer: A retrospective cohort.

5546 Background: The EWOC-1 trial compared Carboplatin monotherapy (C mono) to two different Carboplatin + Paclitaxel (CP) regimens (weekly or 3-weekly) in vulnerable elderly patients treated for advanced ovarian cancers (OC). This study was closed prematurely because of a worse outcome in the C mono group. Both CP regimens were equivalent in terms of feasibility and efficacy with different toxicity profiles. Optimal CP regimen in elderly patient is still unknown. Here we propose a study of another adapted regimen of CP (aCP) performed in elderly patients in our institution. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed OC patients ≥ 70 years who received a Carboplatin AUC 4-5 d1q3week + Paclitaxel 80 mg/m² d1-d8 q3week regimen between 2015 and 2019. Primary endpoint was treatment feasibility according to the EWOC-1 standard: completion of 6 courses of chemotherapy without early stopping for disease progression, death or unacceptable toxicity (adverse event (AE) related to chemotherapy or treatment procedure leading either to early treatment stopping, to an unplanned hospital admission or to death or to a dose delay lasting more than 14 days or more than 2 dose reductions). Results: We identified 36 pts with a median age of 79 years (table). All patient but one had an ONCODAGE-G8 score ≤ 14, 30.6% of patients had a comorbidity Charlson’s index &gt; 4 and 52.5% had an albumin rate &lt; 35 g/L. The feasibility endpoint was met in 58.3% of patients (IC95% = [25.6; 57.8]). Main causes of treatment failure (TF) were early discontinuation because of toxicity in 6 patients (16.7%) and progressive disease in 3 patients (8.33%). Median PFS was 35.3 months (IC95% = [22.7; NR]) and median OS was 62.1 months (IC95% = [31.4.0; NR]). The most frequent AE were asthenia (all grades = 94.4%, grade 3-4 = 13.9%), anemia (all grades = 94.4%, grade 3-4 = 27.8%), neutropenia (all grades = 66.7%, grade 3-4 = 38.9%) and neuropathy sensory (all grades = 61.1%, no grade 3-4). Non high-grade-serous histological type and a poor Charlson’s score were associated with a higher rate of TF (100% and 63.6%, respectively). Conclusions: These results are consistent with the findings of the EWOC-1 trial in both CP regimens and suggest that aCP could be non-inferior with an acceptable toxicity profile. Further prospective and comparative studies are mandatory to confirm this trend and to better identify predictive factors of TF in OC elderly patients.[Table: see text]

VP59.03: Conservative treatment in non‐tubal ectopic pregnancies and predictive factors of treatment failure

VP59.03: Conservative treatment in non‐tubal ectopic pregnancies and predictive factors of treatment failure

Decompensated cirrhosis and liver transplantation negatively impact in DAA treatment response: Real-world experience from HCV-LALREAN cohort.

Although the effectiveness of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been reported in real-world settings, predictive factors of treatment failure are lacking. Therefore, we sought to explore the baseline predictors of treatment response to DAAs. This was a prospective multicenter cohort study from the Latin American Liver Research Educational and Awareness Network (LALREAN) including patients who received DAAtreatment from May 2016 to April 2019. A multivariate logistic regression model was conducted to identify variables associated withunachieved sustained virological response (SVR), defined as treatment failure (odds ratios [OR] and 95% confidence intervals [CIs]). From 2167 patients (55.2% with cirrhosis) who initiated DAAtherapy, 89.4% completed a full-course treatment (n = 1938). Median treatment duration was 12 weeks, and 50% received ribavirin. Definitive suspension due to intolerance or other causes was observed in only 1.0% cases (n = 20). Overall non-SVR12 was 4.5% (95% CI, 3.5-5.7). There were no significant differences in treatment failure according to HCV genotypes and the degree of fibrosis. Independently associated variables with DAAfailure were liver function impairment according to the Child-Pugh score B OR, 2.09 (P = .06), Child-Pugh C OR, 11.7 (P < .0001); and liver transplant (LT) recipient OR, 3.75 (P = .01). In this real-life setting, higher DAAtreatment failure rates were observed in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and in LT recipients. These predictive baseline factors should be addressed to individualize the appropriate time-point of DAAtreatment (NCT03775798; www. gov).

761 - Predictive factors for treatment failure after prostatic surgery for lower urinary tract symptoms: Analysis after 10 years

761 - Predictive factors for treatment failure after prostatic surgery for lower urinary tract symptoms: Analysis after 10 years

WITHDRAWN: TREATMENT FAILURE AND EMPIRIC ANTIBIOTIC CHOICE FOR HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS WITH COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA: Β-LACTAM/Β-LACTAMASE INHIBITOR COMBINED WITH MACROLID OR FLUOROQUINOLONE ALONE?

Background&#x0D; A considerable percentage of empirical antibiotic treatment fails in hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). β-lactams and macrolid (BLM) combination or respiratory fluoroquinolones (FQ) are the most frequently used in these patients. The aim of the present study is to compare the treatment failure (TF) rates in BLM and FQ treatment and to analyze the predictive factors of TF.&#x0D; Method&#x0D; Hospitalized patients who were initially treated with either BLM or FQ were included retrospectively and treatment results of the two regimens were compared.&#x0D; Results&#x0D; Of the 144 patients included in the study, the mean age was 67±16 and 102 (71%) were male. Each group constituted of 72 patients. Antibiotic selection did not alter TF rates, length of stay (LOS) and 30-day mortality. Baseline higher levels of leucocytes, neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio (NLR), C-reactive protein (CRP), BUN/albumin, lactate dehydrogenase/aspartat aminotransferase (LDH/AST) levels and pneumonia severity index (PSI) scores were detected as predictors of TF.&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; Empirical treatments with either BLM or FQ do not correlate with TF, LOS and 30-day mortality. NLR, BUN/albumin and LDH/AST may suggest TF. These inexpensive and easily-reachable parameters have the potential as predictors of the treatment outcome in CAP.&#x0D; &#x0D; Notices of retraction&#x0D; Akyil, F. T., Bekir, S. A., Gungor, A., Akyuz, K., Kose, N., Turker, H., Akyil, M., &amp; Sevim, T. (2019). TREATMENT FAILURE AND EMPIRIC ANTIBIOTIC CHOICE FOR HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS WITH COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA: Β-LACTAM/Β-LACTAMASE INHIBITOR COMBINED WITH MACROLID OR FLUOROQUINOLONE ALONE?. International Journal of Research -GRANTHAALAYAH, 7(7), 360-369. https://doi.org/10.29121/granthaalayah.v7.i7.2019.778&#x0D; Article retracted by : EditorReason(s) for retraction : Author's conflicts of interest

Long-term continuation with secukinumab in psoriasis: association with patient profile and initial psoriasis clearance.

There are limited data regarding the long-term continuation with biological therapy for patients with psoriasis. In particular, the reasons for secukinumab discontinuation have not been thoroughly investigated. To better ascertain the real-life continuation of secukinumab in psoriasis, we conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the incidence, causes and factors of secukinumab discontinuation in patients with psoriasis. All patients treated with secukinumab for psoriasis in the Department of Dermatology (Toulouse University and Larrey Hospital, Toulouse, France), between September 2011 and June 2017, were enrolled in the study. Of the 91 patients in the study, 22 (24.2%) discontinued secukinumab. In 14 (15%) patients, the discontinuation was due to loss of efficacy. Two patients stopped treatment because they planned a pregnancy and five patients stopped because of adverse events. A longer disease duration (P=0.01) and presence of palmoplantar psoriasis (P=0.01) seem to be predictive factors for treatment failure. Patients reaching 90 or 100% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI90 and PASI100, respectively) at weeks 12-16 had a lower risk of long-term treatment discontinuation compared with patients who had less complete clearance (P=0.04). Long-term persistence of secukinumab appears to be good, as only 24.2% (n=22) of the patients in this study discontinued secukinumab over the follow-up period. Loss of efficacy prompted discontinuation in about 14% of patients by the 2-year follow-up. Persistence appears to be lower in patients with palmoplantar psoriasis and in patients previously exposed to many systemic treatments. Optimal therapeutic response at 12-16weeks as defined by reaching PASI90-100 seems to be predictive of long-term treatment persistence.

The Predictive Factors Associated With Comorbidities for Treatment Response in Outpatients With King Classification III Diabetes Foot Ulcers.

The aim of this study is to investigate the preexisting predictive factors associated with comorbidities for diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) in King classification III at an outpatient clinic. This prospective study included 100 patients with DFU in King classification III treated at outpatient clinics in Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from January 2011 to December 2011. The least follow-up time was 1 year. Medical documentations were in respect of patient's baseline characteristics, associated history, presence of comorbidities, follow-up time, and condition of wounds. Patients were divided into success group (healed or healing with wound reduction), stagnate group, and failure group (amputation or infection, need in-hospital medical service) in accordance with the treatment response of wounds. χ Test, Fisher exact test, and 1-way analysis of variance were used for variables in 3-group comparison, whereas Student t test was applied in 2-group comparison. The predictive factors with P value less than 0.1 were further investigated using the model of univariate logistic regression. With 3-group stratification according to treatment response-failure (n = 8), stagnate (n = 22), and success (n = 70)-the occurrence rate of retinopathy was higher in the treatment stagnate group (42.1%) than in the treatment failure (14.3%) and success groups (12.5%; P = 0.019); the rate of previous percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) history was higher in the treatment failure group (25%) than in the treatment stagnate (4.8%) and success groups (1.5%; P = 0.020). With 2-group stratification-failure (n = 8) versus nonfailure (n = 92), and success (n = 70) versus nonsuccess (n = 30)-PTA history was strongly associated with treatment failure (odds ratio [OR], 14.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.71-120.32; P = 0.014), whereas retinopathy (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.07-0.65; P = 0.006) was the major negative predictor for treatment success. Previous debridement met borderline significance to predict treatment nonsuccess (OR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.01-1.01; P = 0.051). Sex, age, associated history, dyslipidemia, hypertension, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular accident, chronic kidney disease, and end-stage renal disease and wound condition had no statistical significance. Previous PTA and retinopathy, which indicated preexisting severe vasculopathy, are univariate predictive factors for treatment failure and nonsuccess, respectively, in patients with King classification III DFU. With the subdivision of King classification III DFU, medical history taking and fundus examination are acceptable methods for risk screening at an outpatient clinic.

Long-term effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists in type 2 diabetic patients: A retrospective real-life study in 131 patients

AimWe evaluate retrospectively long-term effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists in type 2 diabetic patients treated between 2008 and 2016. Methods131 patients treated by GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) were included. The objective was to evaluate the evolution of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) during a period up to 4 years. The secondary objectives consisted of analysing the long-term effects of treatment on body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and lipids; reporting the proportion of patients who reached HbA1c objectives; estimating the time before treatment failure and determining predictive factors of failure. We also compared twice-daily exenatide to once-daily liraglutide on the major parameters. ResultsHbA1c improved significantly, mostly during the first year of treatment (−1.2%), and this effect was maintained after 4 years (−1.4% vs. baseline). At 1 year, 26% and 47% of subjects achieved HbA1c levels <7.0% and 7.5%, respectively. Treatment failure was observed in 51% of patients after a mean duration of GLP-1RA treatment of 50 months. Half of patients had failed after 42 months. Baseline HbA1c greater than 9.0% and male gender were predictive factors of treatment failure. BMI also decreased: −0.9 kg/m2 the first year, −1.9 kg/m2 after 4 years. No significant difference was found between patients treated with exenatide and liragutide over time. ConclusionsThe beneficial effects of GLP-1RAs on HbA1c reached a plateau after the first year of treatment and are maintained at 4 years only in one third of patients. Failure occurred predominantly in men with a baseline HbA1c greater than 9%.

Predictive factors for treatment failure of post-sternotomy wound infections

Post-sternotomy wound infection is still a major concern and it affects morbidity, mortality, and hospital costs. Reconstruction failure may further increase these risks with significant financial implications. Here, we attempted to verify some factors that may significantly influence the success of the surgical treatment. We performed a single-center retrospective analysis of data from 3177 consecutive patients who underwent midline sternotomy. The diagnostic signs of post-sternotomy wound infections were observed in 60 patients (1.9%). These data were thoroughly analyzed. Beside late diagnosis, the positive microbiological culture of the wounds, radical surgical intervention and peripheral vascular disease were found to significantly contribute to the development of surgical reconstruction failure. Radical surgical reconstruction was associated with a higher success rate (81.8 vs. 11.1%), p<0.001. Identification of the predictive factors that may lead to treatment failure can assist in developing treatment algorithms and improving the success rates of surgical reconstructions. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(14): 566-570.

Predictive Factors for Treatment Failure after Peritoneovenous Shunt for Hepatic Ascites

Peritoneovenous shunt (PVS) is used to treat refractory ascites. Here, we identify predictive factors for inhospital death after PVS placement. Thirty-five patients with refractory ascites related to liver cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent PVS placement between February 2005 and February 2013 were included in the study. Group A comprised 13 patients for whom the PVS placement outcome was inhospital death. Group B comprised 22 patients who were discharged after PVS placement without complications. Patient background and laboratory data were analyzed to identify risk factors for inhospital death. HCC prevalence in Groups A and B was 92 and 55 per cent, respectively (P = 0.02) and that of portal venous tumor thrombus (PVTT) was 54 and 9 per cent, respectively (P = 0.003). The mean des-γ-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) level in both groups was 15,553 ± 49,330 and 787 ± 2600 mAU/mL, respectively (P = 0.009). Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of PVTT was the only independent predictor of inhospital death (P = 0.007). The presence of PVTT, HCC, and elevated des-γ-carboxy prothrombin levels are predictors of inhospital death after PVS placement. Therefore, PVS should not be used to treat refractory ascites in patients with these predictors, particularly with PVTT.