Preoperative D-dimer Levels Research Articles

Identifying high-risk groups for deep vein thrombosis after primary total knee arthroplasty using preoperative Caprini scores and D-dimer levels.

Caprini score and D-dimer are well-recognized markers in deep vein thrombosis (DVT) assessment. However, their utility in guiding post-arthroplasty DVT risk is hampered by susceptibility to various post-operative factors, limiting their effectiveness as reminders. Conversely, these markers exhibit greater stability in the pre-operative setting. Despite this, research on the pre-operative predictive value of Caprini score and D-dimer for DVT following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains scarce. In a retrospective study, we analyzed data from patients who underwent primary TKA, between August 2015 and December 2022. Upon admission, Caprini scores were assessed, and comprehensive blood panels were obtained from fasting blood samples. For all patients, lower limb vascular Doppler ultrasonography was performed pre-operatively to exclude those with pre-existing DVT, and all patients underwent DVT examination again post-operatively. Our study included 2,873 patients, averaging 67.98 ± 7.54years, including 676 men and 2,197 women. In this study, 303 (10.55%) patients developed postoperative DVT, and 57 (1.98%) cases presented with lower limb symptoms. DVT incidence in patients with pre-operative Caprini scores of 1-2 (6.50%), 3 (10.28%), and ≥ 4 (18.05%) showed significant differences (P < 0.05). DVT rates were 14.80% in patients with pre-operative D-dimer levels of ≥ 1mg/L, higher than the 8.98% in those with levels of < 0.5mg/L, and 10.61% in those with levels 0.5-1mg/L (P < 0.05). In patients with Caprini scores of 1-2 and D-dimer levels ≤ 0.5mg/L, the occurrence rate of postoperative DVT was only 5.84%. For patients with Caprini scores ≥ 4 and D-dimer levels ≥ 1.0mg/L, the postoperative DVT occurrence rate soared to 24.81%, with the OR(odds ratio) was 4.744 compared to the former group. Patients with preoperative higher Caprini scores and D-dimer are more likely to develop DVT after TKA. Additionally, those with a preoperative Caprini score ≥ 4 and D-dimer level ≥ 1.0mg/L have a significantly increased risk (24.81%) of developing DVT, identifying them as a high-risk group for DVT following TKA. These findings hold significant value for DVT risk stratification in primary TKA patients and the formulation of preoperative interventions to mitigate the risk of DVT.

Nomogram based on clinical characteristics and ultrasound indicators for predicting severe postpartum hemorrhage in patients with anterior placenta previa combined with previous cesarean section: a retrospective case-control study

BackgroundPlacental accreta spectrum disorders (PAS) are a high-risk group for severe postpartum hemorrhage (SPPH), with the incidence of PAS increasing annually. Given that cesarean section and anterior placenta previa are the primary risk factors for PAS, therefore, our study aims to investigate the predictive value of clinical characteristics and ultrasound indicators for SPPH in patients with anterior placenta previa combined with previous cesarean section, providing a theoretical basis for early prediction of SPPH.MethodsA total of 450 patients with anterior placenta previa combined with previous cesarean section were retrospectively analyzed at Shengjing Hospital affiliated with China Medical University between January 2018 and March 2022. Clinical data and ultrasound indicators were collected. Patients were categorized into SPPH (blood loss >2000mL, 182 cases) and non-SPPH (blood loss ≤ 2000mL, 268 cases) groups based on the blood loss within 24 h postpartum. The population was randomly divided into training and validation cohorts at a 7:3 ratio. LASSO and multifactorial logistic regression analyses were utilized to identify independent risk factors for SPPH. Accordingly, a nomogram prediction model was constructed, the predictive performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA).ResultsAmong the 450 patients, 182 experienced SPPH (incidence rate, 40.44%). Preoperative systemic immune-inflammatory index, preoperative D-dimer level, preoperative placenta accreta spectrum ultrasound scoring system (PASUSS) score, and one-step-conservative surgery were identified as independent risk factors for SPPH in patients with anterior placenta previa combined with previous cesarean section. A nomogram was constructed based on these factors. The areas under the ROC curves for the training and validation cohorts were 0.844 (95%CI: 0.801–0.888) and 0.863 (95%CI: 0.803–0.923), respectively. Calibration curves and DCA indicated that this nomogram demonstrated good predictive accuracy.ConclusionsThis nomogram presents an effective and convenient prediction model for identifying SPPH in patients with anterior placenta previa combined with previous cesarean section. It can guide surgical planning and improve prognosis.

Analysis of D-dimer levels for the detection of deep venous thrombosis for patients with spinal metastasis undergoing decompression with fixation

BackgroundDeep venous thrombosis (DVT) after spinal surgery has recently attracted increasing attention. Patients with spinal metastases who undergo decompression with fixation are at a high risk of developing DVT. D-dimer levels indicate the risk of DVT, and the purpose of our study was to investigate D-dimer levels as a predictor of DVT perioperatively.MethodsWe prospectively evaluated 100 patients with spinal metastases. D-dimer tests were performed twice: once before surgery and one day postoperatively. DVT was diagnosed by duplex ultrasonographic assessment of both lower extremities. Pulmonary embolisms (PEs) were diagnosed using multidetector computed tomography and pulmonary angiography. Perioperative serum D-dimer levels were compared between the DVT (+) and DVT (-) groups. The cutoff value of the D-dimer level was calculated using receiver operating characteristic analysis.ResultsPreoperative and postoperative DVT prevalences were 8.0% (8/100) and 6.6% (6/91), respectively, and none of the patients developed PE. Before surgery, there was no significant differences in D-dimer levels between the pre-DVT (+) and pre-DVT (-) groups. After surgery, the D-dimer level one-day postoperatively for the post-DVT (+) group (17.6 ± 11.8 mg/L) was significantly higher than that of the post-DVT (-) group (5.0 ± 4.7 mg/L). The cutoff value of the postoperative D-dimer level was 9.51(mg/L), and the sensitivity and specificity for the optimum threshold were 83.3% and 89.4%, respectively.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that preoperative D-dimer level may not be a predictor of DVT. Preoperative ultrasound examinations should be routinely performed in patients with spinal metastases. Postoperative D-dimer levels greater than 9.51(mg/L) are a predictive factor for the early diagnosis of DVT after spine surgery.Trial registrationOur study was registered on Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No.ChiCTR2000029737). Registered 11 February 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx.

Clinical value of measuring plasma D-dimer levels in patients with esophageal cancer

BackgroundEsophageal cancer represents a significant public health concern; however, reliable diagnostic and prognostic markers have not been established. This study aimed to investigate the clinical value of plasma D-dimer levels in patients with esophageal cancer.MethodsOverall, 120 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent radical surgical resection at our department between January 2019 and 2020 were included (esophageal cancer group). Plasma D-dimer levels were measured preoperatively and on postoperative days 1 and 14. Additionally, 60 healthy participants (control group) with measured plasma D-dimer levels were included. The preoperative D-dimer levels and positive D-dimer test rates were compared between the groups. The 3-year survival rate in patients with esophageal cancer was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method.ResultsPreoperative D-dimer concentration in the esophageal cancer group was (0.65 ± 0.859 µg/mL) significantly higher than that in the control group (0.32 ± 0.369 µg/mL). The positivity rate in the esophageal cancer group (35.0%, 42/120) was significantly higher than that in the control group (15%, 9/60). D-dimer concentrations were significantly higher 1 day postoperatively than preoperatively. Conversely, D-dimer concentrations were significantly lower 14 days postoperatively than preoperatively. Patients in the esophageal cancer group with plasma D-dimer concentrations ≤ 0.5 µg/mL had significantly higher 3-year survival rates than those with higher concentrations. In the logistic multivariate analysis, tumor pathological stage and preoperative plasma D-dimer levels were independent prognostic factors of 3-year survival rates in patients with esophageal cancer.ConclusionPlasma D-dimer concentrations are clinically valuable in esophageal cancer diagnosis, postoperative recurrence monitoring, and prognosis prediction.

The Role of Peripheral Inflammatory Markers and Coagulation Factors in Patients with Central Nervous System (CNS) Immune Disease and Glioma

Gliomas are associated with high rates of disability and mortality, and currently, there is a lack of specific and sensitive biomarkers for diagnosis. The ideal biomarkers should be detected early through noninvasive methods. Our research aims to develop a rapid, convenient, noninvasive diagnostic method for gliomas, as well as for grading and differentiation. We retrospectively collected data from patients who underwent surgery for glioma, trigeminal neuralgia/hemifacial spasmschwannoma, and those diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at our institution from January 2018 to December 2020. Inflammatory markers and coagulation factor levels were collected on admission, and neutrophil count (NLR), (WBC count minus neutrophil count) / lymphocyte count, platelet count / lymphocyte count, lymphocyte count / monocyte count, and albumin count [g/L]+total lymphocyte count× 5 were calculated for patients. Analyze the significance of biomarkers in the diagnosis and grading of gliomas, the diagnosis of MS, and the differential diagnosis of them. We evaluated 155 healthy individuals, 64trigeminal neuralgia/hemifacial spasm patients, 47 MS patients, 316 schwannoma patients, and 814 with glioma patients. Compared with healthy controls and MS group, the preoperative levels of NLR, (WBC count minus neutrophil count) / lymphocyte count, D-dimer, Fibrinogen, Antithrobin, and Factor VIII of glioma patients were significantly higher in glioma patients and positively correlated with the grade of glioma. Conversely, 0020 lymphocyte count / Monocyte count and albumin count [g/L]+total lymphocyte count× 5 were significantly lower and negatively correlated with glioma grading. ROC curves confirmed that for the diagnosis of glioma, NLR showed a maximum area under the curve value of 0.8616 (0.8322-0.8910), followed by D-dimer and Antithrombin, with area under the curve values of 0.8205 (0.7601-0.8809) and 0.8455 (0.8153-0.8758), respectively. NLR and d-dimer also showed great sensitivity in the diagnosis of MS and differential diagnosis with gliomas. Our study demonstrated that multiple inflammatory markers and coagulation factors could be utilized as biomarkers for the glioma diagnosis, grading, and differential diagnosis of MS. Furthermore, the combination of these markers exhibited high sensitivity and specificity.

Combining KRAS gene status with preoperative D‑dimer levels as a predictive marker of venous thromboembolism risk in patients with resectable colorectal cancer: A prospective cohort study.

Colorectal cancer (CRC), one of the most prevalent types of cancer, is accompanied by a notably high incidence of thrombotic complications. The present study aimed to elucidate the association between KRAS mutations and hypercoagulability in operable CRC. The prognostic value of preoperative D-dimer levels was also investigated, thus providing novel insights into the development of therapeutic strategies to enhance patient survival and diminish morbidity. Therefore, a prospective analysis of 333 CRC cases post-surgery at Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, between May 2019 and October 2022 was performed. Data on demographics, tumor characteristics and D-dimer levels were compiled from the electronic health records. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) was diagnosed by doppler or computed tomography angiography, with D-dimer thresholds set at 550 and 1,650 µg/l. KRAS mutations at codons 12 and 13 were assessed in a subset of 56 cases. Subsequently, the factors affecting the hypercoagulable state in these patients were prospectively analyzed, focusing on the pivotal role of KRAS. The results showed that KRAS mutations were associated with elevated preoperative D-dimer levels, with 1,076 µg/l compared with 485 µg/l in the wild-type cohort, indicative of a hypercoagulable state. Increased D-dimer levels were also associated with vascular invasion, distant metastases and a heightened risk of postoperative VTE. Furthermore, multivariate analyses identified KRAS mutations, distant metastases and vascular invasion as independent predictors of elevated D-dimer levels, with relative risk values of 2.912, 1.884 and 1.525, respectively. Conversely, sex, age, tumor location, differentiation grade, Ki67 index and tumor stage could not significantly affect D-dimer levels, thus indicating a complex interplay between tumor genetics and coagulation dysfunction in CRC. The current study suggested that the KRAS mutation status, distant metastasis and vascular invasion could be considered as independent risk factors of blood hypercoagulability in patients with CRC, potentially serving as prognostic factors for VTE risk.

The Important Role of Preoperative D-Dimer in Constrictive Pericarditis.

The impact of coagulation indicators on postoperative outcomes of patients with constrictive pericarditis undergoing pericardiectomy has been poorly investigated. This study aimed to assess the prognostic role of preoperative coagulation indicators in these patients. We retrospectively included 158 patients with constrictive pericarditis undergoing pericardiectomy. The diagnostic values of coagulation indicators for postoperative complications were evaluated by ROC curves. Patients were divided into two groups according to the cutoff value calculated by ROC curve. Postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors of postoperative complications. ROC curve showed that among different coagulation indicators, preoperative D-dimer (DD) level could effectively identify patients with postoperative complications (AUC 0.771, 95% CI 0.696-0.847, P < 0.001). Patients were divided into the low DD group and the high DD group. The comparison of postoperative outcomes suggested that high preoperative DD level was significantly associated with longer durations of vasoactive agents using (P = 0.018), intubation (P = 0.020), ICU stay (P = 0.008), chest drainage (P=0.004) and hospital stay (P = 0.002). Multivariable analysis showed that high preoperative DD level was the independent risk factor of postoperative complications (OR 6.892, 95% CI 2.604-18.235, P < 0.001). High preoperative DD level was significantly linked to poor postoperative outcomes and could provide an effective prediction ability for postoperative complications in patients with constrictive pericarditis.

Risk Factors Analysis and Nomogram Model Establishment of Hidden Blood Loss in Overweight and Obese Elderly Patients After Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has become the first-choice treatment for elderly patients with end-stage hip disease. The high amount of hidden blood loss (HBL) in overweight and obese patients after THA not only affects rapid recovery, but also results in a greater economic burden. We aimed to identify risk factors that contribute to elevated HBL in overweight and obese patients after THA by retrospective analysis, and establish a nomogram prediction model for massive HBL in overweight and obese patients after THA. A total of 505 overweight and obese patients treated with THA were included and randomly divided into modeling and validation sets according to a 7:3 ratio. The demographic and relevant clinical data of the patients were collected. The independent risk factors affecting HBL after THA in overweight and obese patients were obtained by Pearson, independent sample T-test, and multiple linear regression analyses. R software was used to establish a nomogram prediction model for postoperative HBL, as well as a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). HBL was 911±438 mL, accounting for 79.5±13.1% of the total perioperative blood loss (1104±468 mL). A multiple linear regression analysis showed that HBL was associated with necrosis of the femoral head, absence of hypertension, longer operative time, higher preoperative erythrocytes, and higher preoperative D-dimer levels. The areas under the ROC curve (AUC) for the modeling and validation sets were 0.751 and 0.736, respectively, while the slope of the calibration curve was close to 1. The DCA curve demonstrated a better net benefit at a risk of HBL ≥1000 ml in both the training and validation groups. HBL was an important component of total blood loss (TBL) after THA in overweight and obese patients. Necrosis of the femoral head, absence of hypertension, longer operative time, higher preoperative erythrocytes, and higher preoperative D-dimer levels were independent risk factors for postoperative HBL in these patients. The predictive model constructed based these data had better discriminatory power and accuracy, and could result in better net benefit for patients.

Analysis of Risk Factors of Postoperative Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis in Patients With Cervical Cancer.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) has a significant negative impact on surgical and tumor patient's safety and quality of life. There was no specific report on the incidence and risk factors of postoperative lower extremity DVT in cervical cancer patients. Analysis of the risk factors of postoperative DVT in patients with cervical cancer is of great clinical significance for prevention and treatment. We retrospectively analyzed 309 cervical cancer patients treated by the Hubei Cervical Cancer Prevention Center and used a logistic regression model to test the risk variables of postoperative lower extremity deep venous thrombosis in cervical cancer patients. By univariate analyses, the results of the study showed that the incidence of postoperative DVT was significantly increased in cervical cancer patients complicated with old age, obesity, high preoperative plasma D-dimer level, increased preoperative triglyceride level, chronic diseases (hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease), open surgery, long operation time, intraoperative blood transfusion, advanced tumor stage, and preoperative chemotherapy/radiotherapy. Advanced age, obesity, elevated preoperative D-dimer level, high preoperative triglyceride level, and open surgery were independent risk factors for postoperative lower extremity DVT in patients with cervical cancer by multivariate regression analyses (all P < .05). In gynecologic patients with cervical cancer, there is a high incidence of postoperative lower extremity DVT. Clinicians should develop systematic and comprehensive prevention and treatment measures for the risk factors to lower this morbidity and improve patient prognosis.

Development and validation of a nomogram for identifying venous thromboembolism following oral and maxillofacial oncological surgery with simultaneous reconstruction

ObjectivesThis study aimed to establish and validate a novel predictive model for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing oral and maxillofacial oncological surgery with simultaneous reconstruction. Material and methodsA total of 372 patients were selected, and their demographic data, comorbidities, medical history, laboratory variables, postoperative Caprini scores, perioperative indicators, and procedures were recorded and analyzed to build the model. The predictive model is displayed as a nomogram. ResultsThe incidence of VTE was 20.7% (77/372). Several factors were found to be significantly associated with VTE, including age (67 vs. 56 years, P < 0.001), preoperative level of D-dimer (0.56 vs. 0.36 mg/L, P < 0.001), proportion of female patients (46.8% vs. 33.6%, P = 0.032), hypertension (33.8% vs. 21%, P = 0.019). The predictive model was composed of age, gender, and preoperative D-dimer level, with good discriminative ability, as reflected by an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.756, the 95% confidence interval (CI) was 0.696–0.816. Moreover, it showed favorable diagnostic performance compared with both the 2005 (AUC 0.646, 95% CI = 0.578–0.714) and 2010 (AUC 0.627, 95% CI = 0.559–0.694) versions of the Caprini risk assessment model. For patients with malignant tumor, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was also an independent risk factor. ConclusionsThis novel predictive model consists of three readily available clinical variables that show good diagnostic performance in predicting postoperative VTE.

Unreliability of Serum- or Plasma-based Assays of D-dimer or Fibrin (Fibrinogen) Degradation Product for Diagnosing Periprosthetic Joint Infection: A Prospective Parallel Study.

The ability of D-dimer to diagnose periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) before revision hip or knee arthroplasty is still controversial, and the differences in diagnostic ability between serum- or plasma-based assays of D-dimer and fibrin (fibrinogen) degradation product (FDP) are uncertain. The prospective parallel study was performed to determine the ability of D-dimer to diagnose PJI before revision hip or knee arthroplasty, and the differences in diagnostic ability between serum- or plasma-based assays of D-dimer and FDP. Patients undergoing knee or hip arthroplasty at our institution were prospectively enrolled into the following groups: those without inflammatory diseases who were undergoing primary arthroplasty ("Prim" group), those with inflammatory arthritis who were undergoing primary arthroplasty ("Prim/Inflam"), those undergoing revision arthroplasty because of aseptic failure ("Rev/Asept"), or those undergoing revision arthroplasty because of PJI ("Rev/PJI"). The ability of preoperative levels of D-dimer or FDP in serum or plasma to diagnose PJI in each group was assessed using areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) and other diagnostic performance indicators. The diagnostic performance of these assays was compared with that of C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). In the final analysis, Prim included 42 patients; Prim/Inflam, 40; Rev./Asept, 62; and Rev./PJI, 47. D-dimer assays led to AUCs of 0.635 in serum and 0.573 in plasma, compared to 0.593 and 0.607 for FDP. Even in combination with CRP or ESR, these assays failed to perform as well as the combination of CRP and ESR for diagnosing PJI. Levels of D-dimer or FDP in serum or plasma, whether used alone or together with CRP or ESR, are unreliable for diagnosing PJI before revision arthroplasty.

Intratumoral thrombosis as a histological biomarker for predicting epidermal growth factor receptor alteration and poor prognosis in patients with glioblastomas.

Intratumoral thrombosis is a specific finding in glioblastomas and considered the origin of palisading necrosis. Its distribution and contribution to the glioblastoma pathophysiology and systemic thrombosis are obscure, although deep vein thrombosis is a common complication in glioblastoma cases. Clinicopathological and genetic analyses were performed on 97 glioblastoma tissue specimens to elucidate the role of thrombotic events and associated molecular abnormalities. Morphologically, intratumoral thrombosis was observed more frequently in vessels composed of single-layered CD34-positive endothelium and/or αSMA-positive pericytes in the tumor periphery, compared to microvascular proliferation with multi-channeled and pericyte-proliferating vessels in the tumor center. Intratumoral thrombosis was significantly correlated with the female sex, high preoperative D-dimer levels, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) amplification. The presence of one or more thrombi in 20 high-power fields was a predictive marker of EGFR amplification, with a sensitivity of 81.5% and specificity of 52.6%. RNA sequencing demonstrated that the group with many thrombi had higher EGFR gene expression levels than the group with few thrombi. The tumor cells invading along the vessels in the tumor periphery were positive for wild-type EGFR but negative for EGFRvIII, whereas the cells around the microvascular proliferation (MVP) in the tumor center were positive for both wild-type EGFR and EGFRvIII. Intratumoral thrombosis is an independent poor prognostic factor. Aberrant but exquisitely regulated EGFR can induce thrombosis in non-MVP vessels in the tumor invasion area and then promote palisading necrosis, followed by hypoxia, abnormal angiogenesis, and further tumor cell invasion.

Intratumoral platelet microthrombi in oral squamous cell carcinoma: A marker of lymph node metastasis.

A hypercoagulable state exists in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), but the role of platelets in the tumour microenvironment has not been explored. This study revealed the status of intratumoral plateletmicrothrombi (PLT-MT) and their clinicopathological relevance and predictive value in OSCC. This study retrospectively evaluated 106 OSCC patients. Tumour and tumour-adjacent tissue specimens were used to stain PLT-MT. Clinicopathological information, patient follow-ups and outcomes and preoperative coagulation and inflammatory hematologic indicators were collected, and their correlation with PLT-MT was analysed. Intratumoral PLT-MT was present in 35 of 106 patients with OSCC who had higher preoperative D-dimer, CRP, FIB and PT levels and lower TT levels. PLT-MT was an independent correlative factor of lymph node metastasis and suggested worse OS in N0 patients. Intratumoral PLT-MT was found in OSCC and was correlated with a hypercoagulable inflammatory state. PLT-MT was an independent marker of lymph node metastasis and showed potential in prognosis prediction.

Incidence and Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Resectable Pancreatic Cancer Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy.

Pancreatic cancer has the highest risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Additionally, chemotherapy for cancer patients increases the risk of developing VTE. Due to recent advances in neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) regimens, more patients with resectable pancreatic cancer will receive NAC. However, the incidence, risk, and predictors of developing VTE in these patients have not been fully evaluated. We retrospectively evaluated the incidence, risk, and predictors of VTE among 67 consecutive patients with resectable pancreatic cancer who received neoadjuvant combination therapy with gemcitabine+S-1 (NAC-GS) followed by surgery and 45 patients with resectable pancreatic cancer who underwent upfront surgery (Up-S). The incidence of VTE in the NAC-GS and Up-S groups was 10.4% and 6.6%, respectively. Preoperative D-dimer levels were significantly higher in the NAC-GS group, and D-dimer levels were significantly increased during NAC-GS. Preoperative D-dimer level was the only predictor for VTE in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer who received NAC-GS. There is an increased risk of developing VTE during NAC. Screening with D-dimer and taking appropriate measures to suppress critical VTE is essential to provide NAC to patients with resectable pancreatic cancer.

The Significance of the D-Dimer Level as a Prognostic Marker for Survival and Treatment Outcomes in Patients With Stage IV Colorectal Cancer.

Predictive markers for survival and therapeutic efficacy in stage IV colorectal cancer have not been established. As described in our previous report, D-dimer levels may have potential utility as an indicator of cancer activity. The present study evaluated the significance of the D-dimer level as a marker for the survival and treatment outcomes in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer. A total of 34 patients who underwent surgery for stage IV colorectal cancer between February 2017 and October 2019 were enrolled. The D-dimer level was measured using a blood sample obtained at the first visit to our hospital. The median preoperative D-dimer level was 1.2 μg/ml (range=0.5-41.0 μg/ml). We divided patients into two groups using a D-dimer level of 2.0 μg/ml as the cut-off value based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The group with a high-D-dimer-level had a significantly shorter overall survival than that with a low D-dimer level. Progression-free survival after first-line chemotherapy tended to be better in those with a low D-dimer level group than in the high-D-dimer-level group. The preoperative D-dimer level may be a useful indicator for survival and chemotherapeutic outcome in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer.

Prognostic Role of Preoperative D-dimer Levels in Patients With Stage I-III Colorectal Cancer.

As D-dimer levels have been reported to reflect cancer activity, preoperative D-dimer levels may serve as a prognostic marker in patients with colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of preoperative D-dimer levels in patients with stage I-III colorectal cancer who underwent curative surgery. A total of 264 patients who underwent curative surgery for stage I-III colorectal cancer between January 2015 and December 2019 were enrolled in this study. The median preoperative D-dimer level was 0.8 μg/ml (range=0.4-42.5 μg/ml). Based on the results of a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, we set 1.45 as the cut-off value and classified patients into the low (n=215) and high D-dimer (n=49) groups. The high D-dimer group had significantly lower relapse-free and overall survival in comparison to the low D-dimer group (p<0.0001, p<0.0001, respectively). Preoperative D-dimer levels can serve as a prognostic marker for stage I-III colorectal cancer.

A nomogram risk prediction model for no-reflow after primary percutaneous coronary intervention based on rapidly accessible patient data among patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and its relationship with prognosis.

BackgroundNo-reflow occurring after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) can increase the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The present study aimed to construct a nomogram prediction model that can be quickly referred to before surgery to predict the risk for no-reflow after PCI in STEMI patients, and to further explore its prognostic utility in this patient population.MethodsResearch subjects included 443 STEMI patients who underwent primary PCI between February 2018 and February 2021. Rapidly available clinical data obtained from emergency admissions were collected. Independent risk factors for no-reflow were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model. Subsequently, a nomogram for no-reflow was constructed and verified using bootstrap resampling. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the discrimination ability of the nomogram model and a calibration curve was used to assess the concentricity between the model probability curve and ideal curve. Finally, the clinical utility of the model was evaluated using decision curve analysis.ResultsThe incidence of no-reflow was 18% among patients with STEMI. Killip class ≥2 on admission, pre-operative D-dimer and fibrinogen levels, and systemic immune–inflammation index (SII) were independent risk factors for no-reflow. A simple and quickly accessible prediction nomogram for no-reflow after PCI was developed. This nomogram demonstrated good discrimination, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.716. This nomogram was further validated using bootstrapping with 1,000 repetitions; the C-index of the bootstrap model was 0.706. Decision curve analysis revealed that this model demonstrated good fit and calibration and positive net benefits. Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis revealed that patients with higher model scores were at a higher risk of MACE. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that higher model score(s) was an independent predictor of MACE (hazard ratio 2.062; P = 0.004).ConclusionsA nomogram prediction model that can be quickly referred to before surgery to predict the risk for no-reflow after PCI in STEMI patients was constructed. This novel nomogram may be useful in identifying STEMI patients at higher risk for no-reflow and may predict prognosis in this patient population.

Prevalence and risk factors of preoperative venous thromboembolism in patients with malignant musculoskeletal tumors: an analysis based on D-dimer screening and imaging

BackgroundVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major complication in patients with malignant tumors and orthopedic disorders. Although it is known that patients undergoing surgery for malignant musculoskeletal tumor are at an increased risk of thromboembolic events, only few studies have investigated this risk in detail. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for preoperative VTE in malignant musculoskeletal tumors patients.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 270 patients who underwent surgical procedures, including biopsy for malignant musculoskeletal tumor, have undergone measurements of preoperative D-dimer levels, and were subsequently screened for VTE by lower extremity venous ultrasonography and/or contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans. Statistical analyses were performed to examine the prevalence and risk factors for VTE. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to verify the D-dimer cutoff value for the diagnosis of VTE.ResultsOverall, 199 patients (103 with primary soft tissue sarcomas, 38 with primary bone sarcomas, 46 with metastatic tumors, and 12 with hematologic malignancies) were included. D-dimer levels were high in 79 patients; VTE was detected in 19 patients (9.5%). Multivariate analysis indicated that age ≥ 60 years (P = 0.021) and tumor location in the lower limbs (P = 0.048) were independent risk factors for VTE. ROC analysis showed that the D-dimer cutoff value for the diagnosis of VTE was 1.53 µg/mL; the sensitivity and specificity were 89.5% and 79.4%, respectively.ConclusionsOur study indicated that age and tumor location in the lower limbs were independent risk factors for preoperative VTE in malignant musculoskeletal tumors patients. D-dimer levels were not associated with VTE in the multivariate analysis, likely because they are affected by a wide variety of conditions, such as malignancy and aging. D-dimer is useful for exclusion diagnosis because of its high sensitivity, but patients with high age and tumor location in the lower limbs are a high-risk group and should be considered for imaging evaluation such as ultrasonography regardless of D-dimer levels.Trial registrationOur study was approved by the institutional review board. The registration number is B200600056. The registration date was July 13, 2020.

Association of Preoperative Plasma D-Dimer and Fibrinogen and Osteosarcoma Outcome.

ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the utility of preoperative D-dimer and plasma fibrinogen (PF) levels as useful markers for predicting the clinical value of patients with osteosarcoma.Methods145 enrolled patients with osteosarcoma were studied retrospectively. We determined the critical values of D-dimer and PF by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Cox regression analysis was used to assess prognostic role of the D-dimer and PF levels among osteosarcoma patients.ResultsThe critical values of D-dimer and PF were calculated to be 0.46 µg/mL and 3.34 mg/mL, respectively. Upregulation of D-dimer and PF showed positive correlations with a higher clinical stage, tumour metastasis and recurrence. Survival curve results confirmed that osteosarcoma patients with higher levels of D-dimer and PF predicted worse overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Moreover, only a high D-dimer level was associated with a shorter OS (P = 0.013) and PFS (P = 0.042) in both the univariate and multivariate analysis.ConclusionElevated preoperative D-dimer levels are correlated with aggressive clinicopathological features and poor survival outcomes, which indicates that assessment of the D-dimer could be a useful prognostic marker in osteosarcoma.

IJU this Issue

This issue of International Journal of Urology contains one Review Article, 10 Original Articles, and eight editorial comments. Yuan et al. (Jiangsu, China) updated a meta-analysis for the diagnostic performance of the Vesical Imaging–Reporting And Data System (VI-RADS) for predicting muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) with 20 studies published between September 2018 and July 2021. VI-RADS was introduced in 2018 to define a standardized approach to imaging and reporting multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging for patients with bladder cancer. The diagnostic performance of the VI-RADS for predicting MIBC was excellent in both cutoff points of the VI-RADS 3 and 4. Multiple image acquisition planes of diffusion-weighted imaging should be given more attention in the VI-RADS. We hope that VI-RADS will become more mature and prevalent, which should lead to better management of bladder cancer via further studies. In the original articles, Nishimura et al. (Nara, Japan) evaluated the clinical outcomes and prognostic factors in Japanese patients with bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)-unresponsive nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) who underwent early radical cystectomy (RC) using a large-scale multicenter retrospective study and concluded the highest-risk status among the pre-BCG factors was associated with upstaging to extravesical tumors and poor prognosis, despite early RC procedures. The Japanese Urological Association Clinical Practice Guidelines for Bladder Cancer 2019 recommended that patients with BCG-unresponsive disease are considered unlikely to benefit from further BCG therapy and early RC. This study seems to be one of those with the evidence based on a pathological evaluation. Although some new strategies such as intravesical nadofargene firadenovec gene therapy (Lancet Oncol. 2021; 22: 107–17), pembrolizumab monotherapy (Lancet Oncol. 2021; 22: 919–30) have been reported, there is no doubt that BCG-unresponsive disease is a risk factor and RC will continue to be required in a certain proportion of patients with BCG-unresponsive NMIBC. Kato et al. (Osaka, Japan) evaluated the long-term incidence and clinical features of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) in kidney transplant recipients from two major transplantation centers in Japan. Graft survival has improved due to a reduction in the acute rejection rate by advances in immunosuppressive agents; however long-term survival after kidney transplantation remains unchanged. Therefore, it is extremely important to focus on malignancy, especially PTLD after kidney transplantation. They emphasized the strategies to identify PTLD and suggested the benefits of positron emission tomography-computed tomography for ascertaining PTLD. They also revealed that mycophenolate mofetil contributed the onset of PTLD, and rituximab was not significantly associated with the incidence of PTLD. We have to be careful for each immunosuppressive agent. Yamashita et al. (Shizuoka, Japan) examined the incidence and location of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing RC. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) including DVT and pulmonary embolism is a serious perioperative complication in urological surgery. RC, whether open or robot-assisted surgery, is the procedure with the highest risk of perioperative VTE in urological surgery according to the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on thromboprophylaxis in urological surgery. They also identified that preoperative D-dimer level was a significant risk factor for preoperative DVT, and preoperative D-dimer level, type of urinary diversion (ileal neobladder), and preoperative DVT were significant risk factors for postoperative DVT. EAU guidelines strongly recommended the use of pharmacological prophylaxis in all patients undergoing open and robot-assisted RC. These results might suggest appropriate patients for pharmacological prophylaxis in RC. Unfortunately, the limited space does not allow me to introduce all the articles. However, all the papers are very interesting and informative. Please enjoy this issue of the International Journal of Urology. None declared.