Predictors Of Outcome Research Articles

Blood Product Usage as a Predictor of Adverse Outcomes Following Cardiac Surgery: A Queensland Experience

Blood Product Usage as a Predictor of Adverse Outcomes Following Cardiac Surgery: A Queensland Experience

High Plasma D-Dimer Levels Correlate with Ictal Infarction and Poor Outcomes in Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Early brain injury (EBI) is the leading cause of poor outcomes in spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (sSAH). Plasma D-dimer levels and acute cerebral ischemia have been highlighted as relevant findings in EBI; however, their correlation has not been substantially investigated. This retrospective, single-center cohort study was conducted at a tertiary emergency medical center from January 2004 to June 2022. Consecutive patients with sSAH who presented within 12 h of ictus and underwent magnetic resonance imaging within 3 days were included. We assessed the correlation of plasma D-dimer levels with acute ischemic lesions detected on the diffusion-weighted images and the clinical characteristics. Among 402 eligible patients (mean age, 63.5 years; 62.7% women; median time from onset to arrival, 45.5 min), 140 (34.8%) had acute ischemic lesions. Higher plasma D-dimer levels linearly correlated with worse neurological grades, more severe SAH on initial CT, acute ischemic lesions, and poor outcomes, except for patients with neurogenic stunned myocardium. In the multivariate analysis, acute ischemic lesions were significantly associated with worse neurological grades, higher plasma D-dimer levels, bilateral loss of light reaction, and advanced age. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed D-dimer levels as excellent predictors for acute ischemic lesions (area under the curve [AUC], 0.897; cut-off value, 5.7 μg/mL; p <0.0001) and unfavorable outcomes (AUC, 0.786; cut-off value, 4.0 μg/mL; p <0.0001). High plasma D-dimer levels correlated with the appearance of acute ischemic lesions on DWI and were dose-dependently associated with worse neurological grades, more severe hemorrhage, and worse outcomes.

Ensuring neurosurgical equity: set up for safe ventricular endoscopy, and Predictors of clinical outcome in resource limited health care system.

Background/ObjectiveNeuroendoscopic surgeries require specialized equipment, which may not be universally available or equitably distributed in most neurosurgical units of resource-limited healthcare systems. This review reports on the use of locally available resources to perform safe ventricular endoscopic surgeries in patients with hydrocephalus and cystic craniopharyngioma, in a resource-limited health care system. MethodsThis study, described the use of locally available resources to perform intraventricular endoscopic surgeries, and retrospectively reviewed a three-year outcome of these surgeries, The authors, used a 24Fr, 2-way Foley's catheter, that served as an endoscopic working sheet. A transparent 9mm naso-tracheal tube, that served as a retractor and a peel-away sheet. An intravenous fluid (IVF) giving set, was used for irrigation, and a metallic stylet of External ventricular drain(EVD) was used for third ventricular floor or cyst wall fenestration. ResultsTwenty-one intraventricular endoscopic surgeries were performed, consisting; of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), septostomies, cystostomies, and intraventricular biopsies. Mortality occurred in four patients, with one of the mortality, directly related to intraoperative hemorrhage. Most (3/21) of the complications were post-operative CSF leakage and partial wound dehiscence. Of the 17 surviving patients, the ETV success rate was 82.4% (14/17). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the patient's age, etiology, ETV success score (ETVSS) and procedure performed were not predictive of ETV success or mortality. ConclusionsPatients accessing neurosurgical care in resource-limited healthcare systems can benefit from safe and successful intraventricular endoscopy. However, this may require the innovative use of locally available resources that can be adapted to local neurosurgical needs.

Association of Systemic Inflammatory Response Index and Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio on Unfavorable Functional Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients after Endovascular Therapy

BACKGROUNDInflammatory markers for the prognosis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with endovascular therapy remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI) and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) with unfavorable functional outcomes at 90-day in individuals of AIS who underwent endovascular therapy. METHODS128 AIS patients who had endovascular therapy were enrolled from the Nanjing Stroke Registry between September 2019 and November 2022. Peripheral venous blood was collected from patients within 24 h of admission for information on the following parameters: neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, monocyte count. Then, the SIRI and NLR values were calculated, and the association among SIRI, NLR, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores 90 days after endovascular therapy was examined via univariate and multivariate logistic analyses. ROC curves were utilized to determine the best threshold for SIRI and NLR in predicting negative neurological outcomes following endovascular treatment for patients with AIS. RESULTS128 participants were evaluated, among which 50% had unfavorable outcomes. Linear regression analysis showed that the best threshold for SIRI was >1.407 (OR = 1.265; 95% CI, 1.071-1.493; P = 0.006), and for NLR it was >5.347 (odds ratio; OR = 1.088; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.007-1.175; P = 0.033). These results revealed NLR and SIRI as significant predictors of unfavorable outcomes at 90 days. The AUC for SIRI and NLR in predicting 90-day adverse outcomes was 0.643 and 0.609, respectively. CONCLUSIONSHigher SIRI and NLR levels at admission may lead to unfavorable outcomes at 90 days for AIS patients with endovascular therapy.

Reviving Consciousness: The Impact of Short-Term Spinal Cord Stimulation on Patients with Early-Onset Prolonged Disorders of Consciousness

IntroductionManaging prolonged disorders of consciousness (pDoC) presents a significant clinical challenge despite numerous available therapies. While short-term spinal cord stimulation (st-SCS) for over 3 months has been recognized as an effective treatment for pDoC, its efficacy within the first 3 months remains unclear. This study explores st-SCS's impact on patients with pDoC for less than 3 months. Material and MethodsWe enrolled 141 pDoC patients within 3 months of onset; 104 received st-SCS, and 37 underwent conservative treatment. Consciousness levels were assessed using the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) before treatment, 2 weeks after, and at 3-month follow-up. ResultsComparing the data from the 3-month follow-up, we found that, the st-SCS group showed significantly greater improvement in CRS-R scores compared to the control group (p < 0.01), with more patients showing symptom amelioration (51/104 (49%)). Further analysis of the st-SCS treatment group showed significant improvement in CRS-R scores after 2 weeks (T1) and at the 3-month follow-up (T2) compared to baseline (T0). Both consciousness levels and specific CRS-R items improved notably post-treatment. Younger patients (<40 years) with traumatic brain injury and higher initial CRS-R scores were more likely to experience positive outcomes. Additionally, multivariate logistic regression identified etiology, time since injury, and initial CRS-R score as significant predictors of the 3-month outcome (p < 0.05). Conclusionsst-SCS is an effective treatment for pDoC within 3 months of onset, particularly for younger patients and those with trauma-induced conditions, significantly improving consciousness and outcomes.

Predictors of 30-Day Complications, Readmission, and Post-Operative Length of Stay in Children Undergoing Autologous Rib Grafting for Microtia

BackgroundPredictors of outcomes in pediatric microtia surgery are not well understood within the current literature. A multi-institutional database study may reveal insights into these predictors. ObjectivesTo explore predictors of 30-day complications, 30-day readmission, and postoperative length of stay (PLOS) in pediatric microtia patients undergoing autologous rib grafting. MethodsThe Pediatric National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was queried for patients with microtia (ICD-9/10 744.23/Q17.2) who underwent autologous rib grafting (CPT 21230) between 2012–2021. Demographics, comorbidities, inpatient status, 30-day complications, PLOS, and 30-day readmissions were analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed to compare preoperative characteristics with postoperative outcomes. Results667 patients met inclusion criteria. 63 (9.4%) had at least one complication and 19 (2.9%) were readmitted. Univariate analysis showed inpatient status (p=0.011) and race (p=0.023) were associated with higher complication rates. Multivariate analysis revealed that outpatient status was associated with significantly lower odds of complications (OR: 0.49, 95% CI [0.27, 0.87], p=0.018), and developmental delay was associated with higher odds of 30-day readmission (OR: 2.80, 95% CI [1.05, 7.17], p=0.036). Longer operative time was associated with older age (13.9% increase per five-year age increase, p<0.001) and inpatient status (35.3% increase, p<0.001). Postoperative length of stay was shorter for outpatients (45.45% shorter, p<0.001) and cases performed by plastic surgeons (14.2% shorter, p<0.001). ConclusionMicrotia reconstruction with autologous cartilage is a relatively safe procedure with low complication and readmission rates. Significant predictors of postoperative outcomes include inpatient status, race, developmental delay, and age. These findings highlight the importance of considering these factors in surgical planning and patient counseling.

Radiological predictors of outcomes in hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement.

Hip arthroscopy has gained prominence as a primary surgical intervention for symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). This study aimed to identify radiological features, and their combinations, that predict the outcome of hip arthroscopy for FAI. A prognostic cross-sectional cohort study was conducted involving patients from a single centre who underwent hip arthroscopy between January 2013 and April 2021. Radiological metrics measured on conventional radiographs and magnetic resonance arthrography were systematically assessed. The study analyzed the relationship between these metrics and complication rates, revision rates, and patient-reported outcomes. Out of 810 identified hip arthroscopies, 359 hips were included in the study. Radiological risk factors associated with unsatisfactory outcomes after cam resection included a dysplastic posterior wall, Tönnis grade 2 or higher, and over-correction of the α angle. The presence of acetabular retroversion and dysplasia were also significant predictors for worse surgical outcomes. Notably, over-correction of both cam and pincer deformities resulted in poorer outcomes than under-correction. We recommend caution in performing hip arthroscopy in patients who have three positive acetabular retroversion signs. Acetabular dysplasia with a lateral centre-edge angle of less than 20° should not be treated with isolated hip arthroscopy. Acetabular rim-trimming should be avoided in patients with borderline dysplasia, and care should be taken to avoid over-correction of a cam deformity and/or pincer deformity.

Echocardiographic Predictors of Surgical Outcomes in Pulmonary Atresia With Intact Ventricular Septum and Development of a Discriminatory Scoring System: An Australian Tertiary Institution Experience

Echocardiographic Predictors of Surgical Outcomes in Pulmonary Atresia With Intact Ventricular Septum and Development of a Discriminatory Scoring System: An Australian Tertiary Institution Experience

Cerebral hypoperfusion exacerbates vascular dysfunction after traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injuries are extremely common, and although most patients recover from their injuries many TBI patients suffer prolonged symptoms and remain at a higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration. Moreover, it remains challenging to identify predictors of poor long-term outcomes. Here, we tested the hypothesis that preexisting cerebrovascular impairment exacerbates metabolic and vascular dysfunction and leads to worse outcomes after TBI. Male mice underwent a mild surgical reduction in cerebral blood flow using a model of bilateral carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) wherein steel microcoils were implanted around the carotid arteries. Then, 30 days post coil implantation, mice underwent TBI or sham surgery. Gene expression profiles, cerebral blood flow, metabolic function, oxidative damage, vascular health and angiogenesis were assessed. Single nuclei RNA sequencing of endothelial cells isolated from mice after TBI showed differential gene expression profiles after TBI and BCAS, that were further altered when mice underwent both challenges. TBI but not BCAS increased mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. Both BCAS and TBI decreased cerebrovascular responses to repeated whisker stimulation. BCAS induced oxidative damage and inflammation in the vasculature as well as loss of vascular density, and reduced the numbers of angiogenic tip cells. Finally, intravascular protein accumulation was increased among mice that experienced both BCAS and TBI. Overall, our findings reveal that a prior vascular impairment significantly alters the profile of vascular health and function of the cerebrovasculature, and when combined with TBI may result in worsened outcomes.

Association of Positive TwaVR/STaVR ECG Changes with Adverse Outcomes in Heart Failure Patients with Reduced Ejection Fraction Undergoing CABG in Turkey: A Retrospective Study.

Positive T-wave polarity in the augmented vector right lead (Tw-aVR) and ST-segment deviation in the augmented vector right lead (STaVR) have been identified as potential predictors of adverse outcomes in various cardiac conditions. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of positive Tw-aVR and STaVR on in-hospital mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). A five-year retrospective study was conducted on 250 HFrEF patients who underwent CABG at a tertiary care hospital between January 2018 and December 2022. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and the main exposures were positive Tw-aVR and STaVR on preoperative electrocardiograms. Logistic regression models were used to assess the factors associated with in-hospital mortality. Two hundred and fifty patients with a mean age of 67.4 ± 8.1 years were studied. Males constituted 68% of the participants. Among the participants, 60 (24%) had positive Tw-aVR, and 96 (38.4%) had STaVR. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 7.6%, and patients with positive Tw-aVR and STaVR had significantly higher mortality rates than those without (odds ratio: 3.62 and 2.87, respectively, P < 0.01). These associations remained significant even after controlling for potential confounders such as age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.20; P = 0.008), sex (AOR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.31-2.18; P = 0.684), diabetes mellitus (AOR: 2.12; 95% CI: 0.88-5.12; P = 0.091), and chronic kidney disease (AOR: 1.79; 95% CI: 0.75-4.27; P = 0.194). Positive Tw-aVR and STaVR were found to be associated with in-hospital mortality in HFrEF patients after CABG. These findings suggest that identifying patients with positive Tw-aVR and STaVR may help identify those at higher risk of adverse outcomes and facilitate closer monitoring and more aggressive interventions.

Eighty-six cases of clinical characteristics and outcomes of systemic lupus erythematosus-associated macrophage activation syndrome: A meta-analysis study.

To improve our understanding of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). A systematic review was performed, to retrieve all those papers on patients with SLE-MAS, in individual or aggregated form. The data in each of these medical records were extracted and analyzed to identify the characteristics of SLE-MAS. A total of 86 SLE-MAS patients were included (25 males and 61 females. The mean (±standard error of the mean) age was 31.21 ± 1.694 years. MAS occurred as the initial presentation of SLE in 47 people (54.65%) and during the course of SLE in 39 (45.35%). A coinfection was reported in 23 (26.74%) patients. The mean Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) score was 16.54 ± 0.9462. Overall, 10 patients (11.63%) died. The SLEDAI-2K score was higher in patients with MAS as an initial manifestation of SLE than in those where MAS occurred during the course of SLE. The proportion of patients receiving steroid pulse therapy was lower in patients with coinfections. The deceased group demonstrated lower platelet and ferritin levels. Multiple regression analysis revealed that age and thrombocytopenia were independent factors associated with poor prognosis. In receiver operating characteristic analysis, a platelet count cutoff value of ≤47 × 109/L was a predictor of poor outcome. SLE-MAS patients demonstrated high lupus activity, and lupus activity was especially higher in patients with MAS as an initial manifestation. Lupus activity was the predominant trigger of lupus MAS. Thrombocytopenia was an independent factor for poor prognosis.

Evolving Trends and Impact of Waitlist Transfusion on Recipient Outcomes Following Heart Transplantation.

This study evaluates the clinical trends, risk factors, and impact of waitlist blood transfusion on outcomes following isolated heart transplantation. The UNOS registry was queried to identify adult recipients from January 1, 2014, to June 30, 2022. The recipients were stratified into two groups depending on whether they received a blood transfusion while on the waitlist. The incidence of waitlist transfusion was compared before and after the 2018 allocation policy change. The primary outcome was survival. Propensity score-matching was performed. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of waitlist transfusion. A sub-analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of waitlist time on waitlist transfusion. From the 21 926 recipients analyzed in this study, 4201 (19.2%) received waitlist transfusion. The incidence of waitlist transfusion was lower following the allocation policy change (14.3%vs. 23.7%, p < 0.001). The recipients with waitlist transfusion had significantly reduced 1-year posttransplant survival (88.8%vs. 91.9%, p < 0.001) compared to the recipients without waitlist transfusion in an unmatched comparison. However, in a propensity score-matched comparison, the two groups had similar 1-year survival (90.0%vs. 90.4%, p=0.656). Multivariable analysis identified ECMO, Impella, and pretransplant dialysis as strong predictors of waitlist transfusion. In a sub-analysis, the odds of waitlist transfusion increased nonlinearly with longer waitlist time. There is a lower incidence of waitlist transfusion among transplant recipients under the 2018 allocation system. Waitlist transfusion is not an independent predictor of adverse posttransplant outcomes but rather a marker of the patient's clinical condition. ECMO, Impella, and pretransplant dialysis are strong predictors of waitlist transfusion.

Trends, outcomes, and complications of surgery for lesional epilepsy in infants and toddlers: A multicenter study.

To assess seizure and developmental outcomes, their predictors, and complications in 160 children who, between 1998 and 2022, underwent surgery for lesional epilepsy with curative intent before the age of 3 years. To compare trends in epilepsy surgery in this age group before and after the year 2014. Retrospective multicenter study. Descriptive and univariate analyses, and multivariable models for all outcomes. These 160 patients (76 F; 47.5%) underwent 169 surgeries (age at surgery 20.4 ± 9.4 months). At the last follow-up (77 ± 57.4 months), 121 patients (75.6%) were in Engel class I, 106 (66.2%) of whom were in Engel class Ia. Antiseizure medications were stopped in 84 patients (52.5%). Complications requiring reoperations were observed in 16 patients (10%; 9.5% of surgeries) and unexpected permanent deficits in 12 (7.5%; 7.1% of surgeries). Postoperative cognitive functions remained unchanged in 56 patients (44.4%), improved in 51 (40.5%), and worsened in 19 (15.1%). Multivariable analyses showed that the probability of achieving Engel class Ia was lower when the duration of epilepsy was longer, patients underwent preoperative video-EEG, and unexpected postoperative permanent deficits occurred. Cognitive improvement after surgery was associated with lower preoperative seizure frequency, better preoperative developmental level, and a longer postoperative follow-up. FCDII and tumors were the histopathologies carrying a higher probability of achieving seizure freedom, while polymicrogyria was associated with a lower probability of cognitive improvement. The number of patients operated on after 2014 was higher than before (61.3% vs. 38.7%), with stable outcomes. Epilepsy surgery is effective and safe in infants and toddlers, although the complication rate is higher than seen in older patients. Shorter duration of epilepsy, lower seizure frequency, no need for video-EEG, tumors, and some malformations of cortical development are robust predictors of seizure and cognitive outcome that may be exploited to increase earlier referral. This study analyzed the results of epilepsy surgery in 160 children who had been operated on before the age of 3 years at four Italian centers between 1998 and 2022. At the last follow-up (77 ± 57.4 months), 121 patients (75.6%) were free from disabling seizures, of which 106 (66.2%) were completely seizure-free since surgery. Major surgical complications occurred in 28 patients (17.5%), which is higher than observed with epilepsy surgery in general, but similar to hemispheric/multilobar surgery. Postoperative cognitive function remained unchanged in 56 patients (44.4%), improved in 51 (40.5%), and worsened in 19 (15.1%). Epilepsy surgery is effective and safe in infants and toddlers.

The STS 2024 Risk Models for Lung Cancer Resection: Continued Refinement and Improved Outcomes

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database (STS GTSD) has been used to develop risk models for patients undergoing pulmonary resection for cancer. Leveraging a contemporary and more inclusive cohort, we sought to refine these models. The study population consisted of adult patients in the STS GTSD who underwent pulmonary resection for cancer between 2015 and 2022. Unlike previous models, non-elective operations were included. Separate risk models were derived for operative mortality, major morbidity, and composite morbidity or mortality. Logistic regression with backward selection was used with predictors retained in models if p<0.10. All derived models were validated using 9-fold cross validation. Model discrimination and calibration were assessed for the overall cohort and for surgical procedure, demographic, and risk factor subgroups. Data from 140,927 patients at 337 participating centers were included in the study. Overall operative mortality rate was 1.1%, major morbidity 7.3%, and composite morbidity or mortality 7.6%. Novel predictors of short-term outcomes included interstitial lung disease, DLCO, and payor status. Overall discrimination was superior to previous STS pulmonary resection models for operative mortality [C-statistic = 0.80] and for composite morbidity or mortality [C-statistic = 0.70]. Model discrimination was comparable and model calibration was excellent across all procedure- and demographic-specific sub-cohorts. Among STS GTSD participants, major morbidity and operative mortality rates remain low following pulmonary resection. The newly derived pulmonary resection risk models demonstrate superior performance compared to previous models, with broader real-life applicability and clinical face validity.

Is HALP score a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with hematologic malignancies admitted to the intensive care unit?

BackgroundThe Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocyte, Platelet Score (HALP) is a novel predictive biomarker that has surfaced in the literature in recent years. It has been applied to the prediction of many clinical outcomes related to different neoplasms. Each of these inflammatory and nutritional markers is taken into account by the HALP score, which provides an overall prognosis for patients with cancer.MethodsRetrospective data was collected on the demographics of patients hospitalized to our hospital's intensive care unit (ICU) for hematologic malignancies between January 2014 and March 2021. To measure the prognostic value of the HALP score, it was retrospectively calculated for patients with hematologic malignancies on the first day of ICU admission.This study looked into the link between the HALP score and general prognostic characteristics because it has been suggested that the HALP score is a relevant prognostic marker.ResultsPatients with an HALP score <37.10 had significantly higher APACHE II scores (p < 0.001). They also had significantly higher rates of qSOFA score ≥2 (89.3%), as well as statistically significantly higher rates of intubation (96%) and death (96.1%) (p < 0.001). Our study found that a HALP score <37.1 was associated with a 47.04-fold increase in mortality risk.ConclusionIn patients with hematologic malignancies, the prognosis is strongly correlated with the HALP score. When validated in large cohorts, the HALP score, APACHE II, and q SOFA scores, either individually or collectively, can be used to guide prognostic evaluation of patients and act as a reliable predictor of unfavorable clinical outcomes in patients with hematologic malignancies.

Predictors of Patient-Reported Outcomes After Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Effect of Expectations and Psychological Stress.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections are a common nonsurgical treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Patient expectations and psychological stress are believed to affect outcomes after orthopaedic procedures. This was a prospective cohort study seeking to identify factors predictive of greater patient-reported outcomes after HA injections, particularly expectations and psychological stress. 250 patients receiving a series of HA injections for knee OA were enrolled, with 196 being included for analysis. Demographics, surgical history, and preoperative Kellgren-Lawrence severity scores were collected, and patients completed the Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire, a modified KOOS questionnaire assessing their 6-month postinjection expectations, and the Perceived Stress Scale before the first injection. Outcomes were assessed at 3 weeks and 3 and 6 months after the final injection. KOOS scores improved from preinjection to 6-month follow-up but did not meet patients' expectations or minimal clinically important difference. Expectations correlated with 6-month KOOS pain, activities of daily living, sport, and quality of life subscales (ρ = 0.19 to 0.34), but not the symptom subscale (P = 0.10). Expectations (ρ = 0.31 to 0.37), younger age (ρ = -0.17 to -0.18), and greater perceived stress (ρ = 0.23) correlated with greater improvement from baseline KOOSs. Lower body mass index (ρ = -0.19 to -0.22), male sex (ρ = -0.17), and greater preinjection function (ρ = 0.37 to 0.46) correlated with greater 6-month outcomes. Stress measured on the Perceived Stress Scale did not correlate with 6-month KOOSs (P ≥ 0.27). Lower Kellgren-Lawrence severity score was weakly associated with greater 6-month KOOS activities of daily living and sport scores (ρ = -0.15 to -0.16) and greater improvement in the KOOS symptom score (ρ = -0.15). This study identified that higher expectations, lower body mass index, younger age, male sex, lower radiographic severity, greater preinjection function, and greater perceived stress are associated with greater patient outcomes after HA injection. Physicians should consider these factors when counseling patients with knee OA about viscosupplementation. Prospective Cohort Study (Level of Evidence II).

Topographical Quantification of Retinal Fluid in Type 3 MNV and Associations with Short-Term Visual Outcomes.

This study aims to quantify the volume of intraretinal fluid (IRF), subretinal fluid (SRF), and sub-retinal pigment epithelium (sub-RPE) fluid in treatment-naïve Type 3 macular neovascularization (MNV) eyes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and to investigate the correlation of these fluid volumes with visual acuity (VA) outcomes at baseline and following anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment. Retrospective, clinical cohort study. In this study, we analyzed patients diagnosed with exudative AMD and treatment-naïve Type 3 MNV undergoing a loading dose of anti-VEGF therapy. Using a validated deep-learning segmentation strategy, we processed optical coherence tomography (OCT) B-scans to segment and quantify IRF (i.e., both in the inner and outer retina), SRF, and sub-RPE fluid volumes at baseline. The study correlated baseline fluid volumes with baseline and short-term VA outcomes post-loading dose of anti-VEGF injections. Forty-six eyes from 46 patients were included in this study. Visual acuity was 0.51±0.30 LogMAR at baseline and 0.33±0.20 LogMAR after the loading dose of anti-VEGF (p=0.001). Visual acuity at the follow-up visit was 0.40±0.17 LogMAR in patients with no complete resolution of retinal fluid and 0.31±0.20 LogMAR in eyes without retinal fluid after treatment (P=0.225). In the multivariable analysis, the IRF volume in the inner retina (P=0.032) and the distance of the MNV from the fovea (P=0.037) were predictors of visual acuity at baseline. The baseline IRF volume in the inner retina also predicted the visual acuity at follow-up (p=0.023). The present study highlights the fluid volume in the inner retina as a crucial predictor of short-term visual outcomes in Type 3 MNV, underscoring the detrimental effect of IRF on neuroretinal structures.

Worth the wait? The impact of timing of repair of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula on outcomes

IntroductionInfants with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) are at increased risk for respiratory compromise and gastric perforation until fistula ligation. We sought to describe current practice regarding the timing of EA/TEF repair and hypothesized that age at repair is a predictor of adverse outcomes. MethodsThe Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database was used to identify patients with EA/TEF who underwent fistula ligation and esophago-esophagostomy at US children’s hospitals from July 2016-June 2021. Patients with a repair >10 days of age, a long-gap atresia, or H-type fistula were excluded. Comorbidities including prematurity and operative congenital heart disease were noted. Outcomes including anastomotic leak, gastric perforation, and post-operative respiratory failure were assessed for association with age and day of the week of operation. ResultsAmong 863 patients that were evaluated, the plurality of operations was on DOL 2 (36%) and 83% were on a weekday (random rate = 71%). Later operations had shorter LOS (p=0.04) and more recurrent nerve injuries (p=0.01). Weekend repairs were associated with equivalent outcomes. Gastric perforations occurred in 18 (2.0%) patients; 11 (61%) of these occurred after DOL 2. ConclusionsWe found no significant differences in outcomes other than more recurrent nerve injury and decreased LOS with EA/TEF repair at older ages. Although repair beyond DOL 2 was safe from a respiratory standpoint, most gastric perforations occurred after this point. In the absence of contraindications or significantly reduced weekend capabilities, we recommend repair of EA/TEF by DOL 2. Level of EvidenceIII

GEMA-Na and MELD 3.0 severity scores to address sex disparities for accessing liver transplantation: a nationwide retrospective cohort study

The Gender-Equity Model for liver Allocation corrected by serum sodium (GEMA-Na) and the Model for End-stage Liver Disease 3.0 (MELD 3.0) could amend sex disparities for accessing liver transplantation (LT). We aimed to assess these inequities in Spain and to compare the performance of GEMA-Na and MELD 3.0. Nationwide cohort study including adult patients listed for a first elective LT (January 2016-December 2021). The primary outcome was mortality or delisting for sickness within the first 90 days. Independent predictors of the primary outcome were evaluated using multivariate Cox's regression with adjusted relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The discrimination of GEMA-Na and MELD 3.0was assessed using Harrell c-statistics (Hc). The study included 6071 patients (4697 men and 1374 women). Mortality or delisting for clinical deterioration occurred in 286 patients at 90 days (4.7%). Women had reduced access to LT (83.7% vs. 85.9%; p=0.037) and increased risk of mortality or delisting for sickness at 90 days (adjusted RR=1.57 [95% CI 1.09-2.28]; p=0.017). Female sex remained as an independent risk factor when using MELD or MELD-Na but lost its significance in the presence of GEMA-Na or MELD 3.0. Among patients included for reasons other than tumours (n=3606; 59.4%), GEMA-Na had Hc=0.753 (95% CI 0.715-0.792), which was higher than MELD 3.0 (Hc=0.726 [95% CI 0.686-0.767; p=0.001), showing both models adequate calibration. GEMA-Na and MELD 3.0 might correct sex disparities for accessing LT, but GEMA-Na provides more accurate predictions of waiting list outcomes and could be considered the standard of care for waiting list prioritization. Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Agencia Estatal de Investigación (Spain), and European Union.

Center of Pressure- and Machine Learning-based Gait Score and Clinical Risk Factors for Predicting Functional Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke

ObjectivesTo investigate whether machine learning (ML)-based center of pressure (COP) analysis for gait assessment, when used in conjunction with clinical information, offers additive benefits in predicting functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Study DesignA prospective, single-center cohort study. SettingA tertiary hospital setting. ParticipantsA total of 185 patients with acute ischemic stroke, capable of walking 10 meters with or without a gait aid by day 7 post-admission. From these patients, 10,804 pairs of consecutive footfalls were included for analysis. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresThe dependent variable was a three-month poor functional outcome, defined as modified Rankin scale scores ≥ 2. For independent variables, 65 clinical variables including demographics, anthropometrics, comorbidities, laboratory data, questionnaires, and drug history were included. Gait function was evaluated using a pressure-sensitive mat. Time-series COP data were parameterized into spatial and temporal variables and analyzed with logistic regression and two ML models (LightGBM, and multilayer perceptron [MLP]). We derived output GAIT scores from the best-performing model analyzed COP data, and constructed multivariable logistic regression models using clinical variables and the GAIT scores. ResultsAmong the included patients, 70 (37.8%) experienced unfavorable outcomes. The MLP model demonstrated the highest predictive performance with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.799. Multivariable logistic regression identified age, initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, and initial Fall Efficacy Scale-International as associated factors with unfavorable outcomes. The combined multivariable logistic regression incorporating COP-derived output scores improved the AUROC to 0.812. ConclusionsGait function, assessed through COP analysis, serves as a significant predictor of functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients. Machine learning-based COP analysis, when combined with clinical data, enhances the prediction of poor functional outcomes.