Single-center Prospective Study Research Articles

Assessment of interocular symmetry of choroidal vascularity index and thickness in patients with systemic sclerosis: a prospective study

PurposeSystemic sclerosis (SSc) affects blood vessels, internal organs, and skin. In ophthalmology, SSc impacts the choroid. The choroidal vascularity index (CVI) measures the vascular component of the choroid and may serve as a biomarker for the disease staging and prognosis. Studies have reported reduced choroidal thickness and altered CVI in SSc, which supports the theory of vascular damage. This study aimed to examine interocular symmetry in choroidal parameters among SSc patients. It has provided the insight into the disease symmetry and assessed the representativeness of examining one eye.MethodsThis prospective single-center cross-sectional study included 33 patients with SSc and 40 healthy controls. The patients underwent ophthalmological examination (including refraction, visual acuity, IOP, biometry, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, dilated fundus examination, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography) and rheumatological evaluation. Various parameters of the choroid in the macular and peripapillary regions were analyzed, including choroidal thickness, choroidal volume, and CVI. The interocular asymmetry in the choroidal parameters was quantified using signed and absolute differences. The correlation analysis between the left and right eyes was based on the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Spearman’s correlation coefficient, and paired Wilcoxon test.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the macular and peripapillary choroidal parameters between fellow eyes in both SSc patients and controls (p > 0.05). The parameter that showed the lowest correlation among those examined was CVI—in both groups, as well as in both examined areas. The interocular correlation of choroidal parameters was stronger in the peripapillary area than in the macular area in both groups. In general, the results were confirmed in subgroup analyses stratified according to sex, SSc subtype, Scl70 antibody positivity and previous and/or active digital ulcers.ConclusionThere is interocular symmetry of the choroidal parameters in patients with SSc and controls included in our study. The parameters from one eye are representative of the fellow eye of a given patient. This conclusion may contribute to the design and interpretation of future studies. It also broadens our knowledge of SSc pathophysiology.

The Effect of PCSK9 Monoclonal Antibodies on Platelet Reactivity and Cardiovascular Events in Patients Receiving Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have demonstrated promising effects in lowering cardiovascular incidents among patients with acute coronary syndrome. However, their influence on early platelet reactivity after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) remains unclear. This research sought to investigate the effects of entirely human anti-PCSK9 antibodies on platelet function as measured by thrombelastography and 12-month postoperative results in patients receiving PPCI and treated with ticagrelor-based dual antiplatelet therapy. This single-center prospective study was conducted at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, China, between January 2021 and June 2023. Patients were divided into two groups: those receiving standard statin therapy (statin-only group) and those receiving additional PCSK9 mAbs (either evolocumab 140 mg or alirocumab 75 mg, subcutaneously, every 2 weeks; PCSK9 mAb group). A total of 1250 eligible patients were enrolled. To equalize baseline characteristics, propensity score matching was conducted in a 1:1 ratio, resulting in 310 patients per group. Platelet activity was measured using thrombelastography 5 days after PPCI, presented as adenosine diphosphate-induced maximal amplitude (MAADP). The primary clinical outcome was the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events, which included cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for unstable angina, and coronary revascularization, measured over a 12-month period. At 5 days after PPCI, the PCSK9 mAb group exhibited levels of MAADP that were significantly lower than those in the statin-only group (17.10 ± 9.52 mm vs. 20.73 ± 12.07 mm, P < 0.001). The use of PCSK9 mAbs was significantly correlated with reduced MAADP (β - 0.166, P < 0.001). The occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events in the PCSK9 mAb group was significantly lower than in the statin-only group. Furthermore, individuals in the top MAADP tertile (MAADP > 21.7 mm) plus statin-only subgroup exhibited the lowest rate of cumulative event-free survival. Incorporating PCSK9 mAbs into ticagrelor-based dual antiplatelet therapy significantly reduced platelet reactivity and correlated with better cardiovascular results over a 12-month period. These findings support the use of PCSK9 mAbs as an effective adjunctive therapy in the management of acute coronary syndrome.

Effect of prophylactic doses of enoxaparin on antifactor Xa activity confirmed by rotational thromboelastometry in critically ill patients: a preliminary prospective cohort study

IntroductionCritically ill patients present multiple risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Underdosing of antithrombotic medications can result in VTE even as bleeding remains a significant concern for critically ill patients. On the other hand bleeding, remaining a significant concern for the critically ill, can be worsend by overdosing of antithrombotic medications. The present study aimed to assess the effects of prophylactic doses of enoxaparin on antifactor Xa activity (anti-Xa) and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) parameters in critically ill patients.Materials and methodsIn this prospective single-center cohort study, the effects of enoxaparin were assessed via anti-Xa monitoring. Standard laboratory coagulation and ROTEM parameters were also determined using the same blood samples.ResultsA total of 61 patients (42.6% women) were enrolled in this study, whose median age was 59.0 (interquartile range: 43.0–70.0) years. Based on anti-Xa, the effects of enoxaparin were normal in 35 subjects (57.4%); in 17 patients (27.9%), the anti-Xa troughs and/or peaks were higher than the prophylactic range; in 9 patients (14.7%), the anti-Xa peak was lower than the prophylactic range. There were differences among the anti-Xa groups with respect to some ROTEM parameters. No VTE was detected among the study subjects. In 3 subjects (4.9%), there were signs of bleeding, and these patients presented with longer thrombin times.ConclusionAnti-Xa values may be within the prophylactic range in slightly more than half of the critically ill patients receiving enoxaparin at prophylactic doses. The dosing of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in critically ill patients may require individualization based on anti-Xa. Further studies are therefore required to establish a universal anti-Xa prophylactic range for LMWH, the timing of anti-Xa determination, and management of LMWH dosing.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Colonization with Carbapenem-Resistant Microorganisms in Patients Admitted to a Multidisciplinary Hospital

Relevance. In the last decade, there has been an increase in the isolation of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms in community settings. Colonization and asymptomatic carriage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and carbapenemase producers can be a precursor to the development of an infectious process and a significant factor in the pathogenesis of healthcare-associated infections. Understanding the risk factors for community-acquired colonization with antibiotic-resistant microorganisms is necessary for targeted screening and timely implementation of measures to prevent the spread of resistance in hospitals.The aim. To determine significant risk factors for colonization with antibiotic-resistant gram-negative microorganisms and carriage of carbapenem resistance genes in patients admitted to a multidisciplinary hospital.Materials &amp; Methods. A prospective single-center crosssectional study was conducted at the Moscow Multidisciplinary Clinical Center «Kommunarka» from 15.09.2022 to 15.08.2023. The study included 733 patients aged 18 to 94 years. Biological samples were taken from the rectum, upper and lower respiratory tract. The obtained samples were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with hybridization-fluorescent detection of amplification products to identify carbapenemase genes and by culture method to determine colonization with carbapenemresistant bacteria. Identification of isolated microorganisms was performed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and antibiotic susceptibility was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar. The results of susceptibility testing were interpreted based on EUCAST v12.0, v13.0, and v13.1 criteria.Results. Carriage of carbapenemase genes was detected in 12.6% of patients admitted to the hospital, while colonization with carbapenem-resistant bacteria was found in 2.7%. In the majority of patients (66.7%), the rectum was the only site of gene carriage. However, only 18.1% of these patients showed rectal colonization with carbapenem-resistant bacteria. This discrepancy is likely due to the higher sensitivity of molecular genetic methods compared to culture-based techniques. From a clinical perspective, the detection of nucleic acids by PCR can serve as an equivalent to pathogen detection in biological material. Multivariate analysis identified 5 independent predictors of colonization: cytostatic therapy, transfer from another hospital, need for vasopressor support, antibiotic use in the previous 3 months, and male gender.Conclusion. The identified risk factors allow for the identification of a highrisk patient cohort for targeted screening, enabling timely administration of appropriate antibiotic therapy and implementation of measures to prevent the spread of carbapenem resistance in the hospital.

Kidney REPLACEment therapies in patients with acute kidney injury and RHABDOmyolysis (ReplaceRhabdo): a pilot trial

BackgroundRhabdomyolysis is frequently associated with acute kidney injury (AKI). Due to the nephrotoxic properties of myoglobin, its rapid removal is relevant. If kidney replacement therapy (KRT) is necessary for AKI, a procedure with effective myoglobin elimination should be preferred. This pilot trial was designed to compare different KRT modes that enable myoglobin elimination.MethodsIn this prospective randomized single-center study, 15 patients with rhabdomyolysis and severe AKI requiring KRT were randomized 1:1:1 into three groups: continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH), continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (CVVHD) using a high cut-off dialyzer (CVVHD-HCO), or CVVHD using a high-flux dialyzer in combination with the adsorber CytoSorb (CVVHD-CS). Concentrations of serum myoglobin, urea, creatinine, β2-microglobulin, interleukin-6, and albumin were measured before and after the dialyzer 1, 6, 12, and 24 h after initiating KRT.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the median myoglobin clearance between the KRT modes during the 24-h study period. Nevertheless, the CVVHD-CS group showed a significantly higher myoglobin elimination compared to the other modes in the first hours of treatment. However, as a greater decline in clearance performance was observed over time, no better performance was detected over the whole study period. Simulation of different device combinations showed the highest myoglobin clearance for CVVHD-HCO combined with CS with a 12-hourly adsorber exchange interval.ConclusionsAll tested modes showed an effective myoglobin elimination capacity. The time-dependent elimination performance could be further increased by combining KRT with more frequent adsorber exchange.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Registry (DRKS00023998); date of registration 03/03/2021.

MicroRNAs in Plasma-Derived Extracellular Vesicles as Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory esophageal disorder. The lack of non-invasive biomarkers currently results in dependency on endoscopy with biopsies for its diagnosis and monitoring. We aimed to identify potential non-invasive biomarkers using microRNAs (miRNAs) in plasma-derived extracellular vesicles (pEVs). This was a prospective single-center observational study of a discovery cohort of EoE patients (n = 26) with active disease (EoE.Basal) and after anti-inflammatory treatment (EoE.Post.tx) and control subjects (n = 16). Small-RNA-seq was performed to identify differentially regulated small RNAs (sRNAs). Candidate miRNAs were validated in an independent cohort (EoE patients, n = 33; controls, n = 14). The pEVs-sRNA cargo differed among conditions. Compared with controls, Ser_Comb_22, Leu_Comb_5, miR-10b-5p, and miR-125a-5p were upregulated in EoE.Basal, and miR-224-5p, miR-221-3p, let-7d-5p, and miR-191-5p were downregulated. The combination of miR-221-3p and miR-10b-5p showed the best diagnostic performance. Comparing paired EoE samples, miR-374a-5p and miR-30a-3p were upregulated in EoE.Basal, while miR-15a-5p and let-7d-5p were downregulated. Combined miR-30a-3p and miR-15a-5p showed the best AUC values, and miR-30a-3p alone was best as a monitoring biomarker (p = 0.001). In conclusion, pEVs-sRNA changed upon inflammation in EoE patients, and miR-30a-3p was proposed as a potential biomarker for monitoring the treatment. This study was the first to explore the use of pEVs as a non-invasive biomarker for EoE.

Knee Anterior Laxity and Graft Maturation After Transphyseal Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

The failure rate of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in children and adolescents is a significant concern. Of the multitude of clinical factors that contribute to this risk, delayed maturation and graft laxity are potentially related and modifiable elements. The aim was to investigate knee anterior laxity and graft maturation in children and adolescents. The ligamentization of the graft may be correlated with the residual laxity. A single-center prospective study included skeletally immature patients treated with transphyseal ACL reconstruction using semitendinosus tendon autograft from 2017 to 2019. Participants were evaluated on 4 occasions: preoperatively, then at 6, 12, and 24 months with instrumented laximetry and MRI to analyze graft maturation according to the Signal-to-noise Quotient (SNQ) and Howell classification. A total of 50 patients (33 boys and 17 girls), with a mean age of 13.2 years (range, 9 to 16) at the time of surgery, were included. Mean side-to-side knee anterior laxity decreased from 2.78mm preoperatively to 1.59, 1.80, and 1.30mm (at 6, 12, and 24mo follow-up, respectively), P<0.05. No statistical difference was noted according to the follow-up or sex. SNQ was unchanged between 6 and 12 months, but a significant difference was demonstrated between 12 months and 24 months (P=0.008). There was no statistical correlation between laximetry and graft maturation. ACL graft ligamentization is delayed in children and adolescents and only occurs between 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Residual laximetry and MRI signal of the graft may become one of the multiple elements upon which to base the decision to return to sport.

Effect of intermittent infusion hemodiafiltration on cerebral and hepatic oxygenation

BackgroundHepatosplanchnic circulation plays a crucial role in maintaining hemodynamic stability during hemodialysis (HD). In patients undergoing HD, hepatic oxygenation decreases before the onset of intradialytic hypotension. However, clinical studies comparing systemic tissue oxygenation, particularly in the brain and liver, between HD and intermittent infusion hemodiafiltration (I-HDF) are limited. We aimed to compare changes in the cerebral and hepatic oxygenation during I-HDF and HD.MethodsThis single-center prospective observational study included 25 patients undergoing dialysis therapy. I-HDF involved a dialysate infusion volume of 200 mL, administered at a rate of 150 mL/min via back-filtration every 30 min. Cerebral and hepatic regional oxygenation saturation (rSO2) levels were monitored during HD and I-HDF using the INVOS 5100C oxygen saturation monitor. Changes in these parameters were compared between the two modalities.ResultsThe relative blood volume change (%ΔBV) at the end of therapy was significantly smaller with I-HDF compared with HD (−8.0 ± 4.4% versus −10.0 ± 5.0%, p = 0.019). No significant differences in cerebral and hepatic rSO2 were observed at the initiation of HD and I-HDF (cerebral rSO2: 54.5 ± 6.3% versus 54.0 ± 6.0%, p = 0.444; hepatic rSO2: 63.4 ± 11.8% versus 63.4 ± 12.3%, p = 0.977). During I-HDF, cerebral and hepatic rSO2 levels significantly increased in response to dialysate infusion, compared with corresponding time points during HD. The percentage (%) change in hepatic rSO2 after the seventh dialysate infusion was significantly greater than those after the first, third, and fifth infusions. Additionally, percentage changes in hepatic rSO2 were negatively correlated with %ΔBV (ρ = −0.394, p < 0.001) and positively correlated with the ratio of the dialysate infusion volume to circulating BV just before infusion (ρ = 0.387, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that BV reduction at the end of I-HDF was significantly smaller than that of HD, and that hepatic oxygenation increased rapidly after dialysate infusion during I-HDF. Further studies are required to elucidate the impact of increased hepatic oxygenation during I-HDF on intradialytic hemodynamic stability.

Heart Rate Variability Does Not Predict Recurrence of Apnoea of Prematurity After Ceasing Caffeine Therapy: A Prospective Cohort Study.

We evaluated whether sample entropy of heart rate time series could serve as a biomarker for guiding caffeine cessation in preterm infants treated for apnoea of prematurity (AOP). We also assessed associations of sample entropy with weeks of gestation, clinical morbidity, AOP frequency and caffeine reinitiation. We conducted a prospective single-centre study at the University Children's Hospital Basel, Switzerland, from July 2019 to June 2020. We included 61 hospitalised preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestation. Heart rate was derived from the clinical standard monitoring system at caffeine cessation, 3 days later, and at discharge. Sample entropy was calculated from 90-min recordings using custom-written analytical software. We obtained valid data from 44/61 infants (72%) with a mean of 28.4 weeks of gestation (range: 24.0-31.7). Twenty-eight (64%) were male. Sample entropy at caffeine cessation was positively associated with weeks of gestation (R2 = 0.15, p = 0.01) and negatively with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (R2 = 0.18, p = 0.01). It did not predict AOP frequency or caffeine reinitiation. Sample entropy at caffeine cessation is associated with maturation at birth and bronchopulmonary dysplasia but does not predict AOP within 3 days of cessation. Further studies should assess longitudinal measurements to predict respiratory control in preterm infants. clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04303494.

Identification of Novel Surface Landmarks for Inframammary Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap– A Prospective Single Centre Study

Identification of Novel Surface Landmarks for Inframammary Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap– A Prospective Single Centre Study

Effects of Plant-Based Diet on Metabolic Parameters, Liver and Kidney Steatosis: A Prospective Interventional Open-label Study.

This interventional single-center prospective open-label study aims to evaluate the effects of a vegan diet, compared to a vegetarian and omnivorous diet, on metabolic parameters, insulin sensitivity, and liver and kidney steatosis in healthy adults. The study included 53 omnivorous participants aged 18-40 years, body-mass index 18-30 kg/m2, without any chronic disease, chronic medication use, active smoking, or significant alcohol consumption. All participants were omnivorous at baseline and selected to continue an omnivorous diet or transition to a vegetarian or vegan diet, with follow-up over six months. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters, and liver and kidney steatosis were assessed at baseline and after six months using magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF). Primary outcomes included changes in liver and kidney steatosis, while secondary outcomes were alterations in anthropometric and biochemical markers. Among 53 participants, 18 followed an omnivorous diet, 21 adopted a vegetarian diet, and 14 transitioned to a vegan diet. Dietary interventions did not result in statistically significant changes in body mass index, fat mass, fat percentage, or muscle mass over six months. However, statistically significant improvements in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, favoring the vegan diet, were observed. We aimed to control for potentially confounding variables to ensure the reliability of these findings. We have demonstrated a better decline in steatosis at the lower kidney pole, the total hilus and the Liver 6 index in vegans. We demonstrated that a plant-based diet is associated with improvements in several metabolic parameters and may reduce liver and kidney steatosis.

Association of obesity with ropivacaine and sufentanil EC50 in labor analgesia: a single-center prospective study.

In part I, measure the EC50 of sufentanil in obese and non-obese parturients combined with 0.1% ropivacaine and compare the differences. Similarly, in part II, measure the EC50 of ropivacaine in obese and non-obese parturients combined with 0.5 µg/ml sufentanil and compare the differences. This study comprises two parts, with an initial intention to enroll 120 full-term primiparous women who underwent vaginal delivery and sought epidural analgesia. Each part includes an obese group (OA group, Obese Adults, defined as prepartum BMI≥29 kg/m2) and a non-obese group (CON group, Control group, defined as 18.5<prepartum BMI<28 kg/m2), with 30 participants in each. Both parts, for both obese and non-obese women, utilized an initial concentration of 0.1% ropivacaine with 0.5 µg /ml sufentanil. The initial concentration of sufentanil is 0.5 µg/ml. When the NRS score is ≤3 within 30min after analgesia, it is considered effective analgesia, and the concentration of sufentanil in the next parturients decreases by 0.05 µg/ml. Otherwise, the concentration of sufentanil in the next parturient will increase by 0.05 µg/ml. The second part uses the same method to measure the EC50 of ropivacaine (increase or decrease by 0.01%) in the OA group and CON group combined with 0.5 µg/ml sufentanil, with 30 participants in each group. EC50 measurements were performed through up-and-down sequential allocation, with effective analgesia defined as an NRS score ≤3, 30 min post-analgesia. In part I, the EC50 of epidural sufentanil in the OA group was 0.090 µg/ml (95% CI, 0.061~0.115µg/ml), and in the CON group, it was 0.170µg/ml (95% CI, 0.117~0.219µg/ml). In part II, the EC50 of epidural ropivacaine in the OA group was 0.048% (95% CI, 0.041~0.053%), and in the CON group, it was 0.070% (95% CI, 0.064~0.075%). The secondary outcomes in both parts of the study showed no statistically significant differences. Obese parturients exhibited significantly lower EC50 values for ropivacaine and sufentanil compared to non-obese parturients. Lower concentrations of both agents can be considered for labor analgesia in obese parturients.

Thiamine Deficiency Is Common and Underrecognized in Emergency Department Oncology Patients.

Background: Wernicke's encephalopathy can occur in oncology patients independent of alcohol use, likely resulting from poor dietary thiamine intake. High metabolic demands, such as those in acute illnesses seen in the emergency department (ED), can exacerbate thiamine deficiency. In this study, our objective was to assess the incidence of thiamine deficiency in ED oncology patients, which could lead to Wernicke's encephalopathy or other thiamine deficiency disorders if left untreated. Methods: This was a single-center prospective cohort study. We included patients with acute illness and a history of active cancer management in the ED of a large, urban hospital. We also included age and sex-matched control patients with no history of cancer who sought ED care. We excluded patients with a history of alcohol use or parenteral thiamine administration before enrollment. We recorded whole blood thiamine levels to measure total body thiamine stores and collected data on clinical variables, thiamine treatment, and adverse events. Results: In total, 87 oncology and 71 control patients were included in the study. The mean age was 62.1 ± 13.7 and 58.9 ± 12.6 years, respectively, and 48% of oncology vs. 55% of control participants were female. The most common cancers represented were colon (23%), lung (25%), prostate (10%), and breast (9%). Thiamine deficiency was significantly higher in ED oncology patients (25, 28.7%) compared to controls (6, 8.5%), odds ratio 4.4 (95% CI 1.7-11.4). None of the oncology patients with deficiency received thiamine treatment in the ED. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that thiamine deficiency is prevalent in acutely ill oncology patients, yet rarely treated in the ED.

A modified technique for radial artery access: how interventional radiologists can optimise the cardiologists’ technique to suite their procedures

BackgroundThis is a single-centre prospective observational study examining radial access in 62 Prostatic Artery Embolisation (PAE) procedures. Evaluation of left radial artery diameter using high frequency ultrasound before and after administration of sublingual glycerl trinitrate (GTN). Pre-procedure questionnaires calculating symptom severity score compared with post-procedure.ResultsSublingual GTN resulted in a statistically significant increase in radial artery diameter (p < .00001). There was a statistically significant reduction in both average International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Quality of Life (QoL) from pre-procedure to post-PAE. The radial sheath was successfully inserted in 100% of cases. Crossover rate to femoral access was low (4%). Radial artery access had a low complication rate (2%). Radial artery variant anatomy was reasonably common (7%).ConclusionsSublingual GTN significantly increase radial artery diameter. PAE from radial access is associated with a symptomatic improvement at 2-month follow-up.

Vasoreactive testing prevalence and characteristics in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension

INTRODUCTION: The choice of treatment strategy in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH)/HPAH/DPAH (Hereditary pulmonary arterial hypertension/ Drug-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension) II-III functional class (FC) (WHO) based on an acute vasoreactive testing result (VRT). Positive VRT (VRT+) is an indication for calcium channel blockers therapy. Long-term vasoresponders demonstrate sustained low-risk status and the highest survival among all PH subtypes. THE STUDY AIMED: To characterize VRT performance in IPAH patients and differences in presentation between patients with positive, negative VRT, and patients with not done VRT due to physicians’ decision. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-six adult IPAH patients (44.2 ± 15.3 years, 34 males) comprised into prospective single-center study between 2008 and 2023 years. Inhaled iloprost was used for VRT. Positive VRT was defined with established Sitbon criteria. Standard baseline pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) evaluation including cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) was performed. Risk status was evaluated using ESC/ERS (European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society) risk scale 2015. Survival was assessed with the Kaplan–Mayer method. RESULTS: Eighty-five (51.2%) patients underwent VRT. VRT not done (ND VRT) due to the physicians’ decision in 26.7% patients, due to the technical inability in 15.4% and IV FC (WHO) in 16.2% patients. Positive VRT registered in 26 (15.6%) patients. Patients with negative VRT demonstrated worse hemodynamics and exercise tolerance, higher N-terminal pro-brain-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level, and right heart dilatation compared with VRT+. Patients with ND VRT due to the physicians decision were often older than 60 years, had higher body mass index, symptoms of right heart failure, hemoptysis, arrhythmias, high NT-proBNP, and hemodynamic criteria of high risk in comparison with patients with done VRT. Some CPET parameters were similar between VRT + group and patients ND VRT group. Loss of vasoreactivity and PAH worsening were detected in 50% of VRT + patients in a 1.76 year of follow-up. Patients with vasoreactivity loss exhibited the criteria of intermediate risk at a baseline. Five-year survival was 97% in VRT + group in comparison with 61% in VRT − and 53% in ND VRT group. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians’ decision was the most common reason for not doing VRT in IPAH patients. Intermediate high-risk criteria presence at a baseline were associated with not done VRT due to physicians decision, negative VRT, and the vasoreactivity loss during the follow-up. CPET should be used more widely to detect the early signs of PAH progression in low risk or VRT + patients.

The change of detrusor contractility at 5 years after transurethral resection of the prostate: a single center prospective observational study

The change of detrusor contractility at 5 years after transurethral resection of the prostate: a single center prospective observational study

Clinical Outcomes in Diabetic Females Presenting with STEMI: A Cohort Study

Introduction: Although the incidence of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is lower in women, outcomes are worse, particularly in diabetic females. Despite advances in revascularisation and treatment, mortality rates among diabetic females remain higher, with poorer postpercutaneous coronary intervention outcomes. Studies have rarely addressed the differences in the course of myocardial infarction in diabetic females and this underrepresentation has influenced the formulation of guidelines. Aim: To evaluate the in-hospital composite outcomes of death, non fatal myocardial infarction, emergency revascularisation, heart failure and cerebrovascular accident in diabetic women presenting with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), as well as the individual in-hospital outcomes and outcomes at one and three months follow-up. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective single-centre cohort study conducted between November 2017 and October 2018 on 204 patients with STEMI and followed-up for three months. Data were collected from patients using a semistructured questionnaire-based interview, clinical examination, laboratory investigations, echocardiography and angiography. In-hospital outcomes—death, non fatal MI, emergency revascularisation, heart failure and cerebrovascular accident—were studied. Telephonic follow-up was conducted at one and three months. The comparison of variables was carried out using the Independent Student’s t-test or Chi-square test, and regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of mortality. Results: The mean age was 64±11 years; 60.3% were hypertensive and 26% had dyslipidaemia. A total of 12.3% were newly diagnosed diabetics. The mean prehospital delay was 201.9±156.8 minutes. Primary angioplasty was performed in 77%, while thrombolysis was done in 16.7%. The composite outcome was observed in 26.3% of the patients, with heart failure occurring in 19%, cardiogenic shock in 27.9% and death in 16.2%. Cerebrovascular accidents were noted in 0.5% and renal dysfunction was present in 13.2%. At one and three months, heart failure occurred in 7.6% and 5.8%, respectively. Among those with in-hospital mortality, a higher proportion had Anterior Wall Myocardial Infarction (AWMI) (p=0.043), were in Killip class&gt;II (p-value &lt;0.0001), and had qRBBB (Right Bundle Branch Block) (p-value &lt;0.0001). They presented later, with higher blood sugar (p-value &lt;0.0001) and creatinine values (p-value=0.009) and had a lower Ejection Fraction (EF) (p-value=0.003). Killip class (OR=16.0), presence of Ventricular Septal Rupture (VSR) (OR=23.4), no-reflow phenomenon (OR=23.4) and development of renal dysfunction (OR=9.0) were identified as predictors of mortality. Conclusion: Despite a high rate of revascularisation and fewer procedure-related complications, outcomes remain grim, with a higher incidence of heart failure, cardiogenic shock, renal dysfunction and mortality. A worse clinical profile, left ventricular dysfunction and renal dysfunction were significant predictors of mortality

Current status of postoperative morbidity following cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastasis: a prospective single-center observational study

Current status of postoperative morbidity following cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastasis: a prospective single-center observational study

A prospective single-center cohort study on a modification of the posterior sagittal anorectoplasty technique for vestibular fistula in females

A prospective single-center cohort study on a modification of the posterior sagittal anorectoplasty technique for vestibular fistula in females

Advancing Pediatric Surgery with Indocyanine Green: Nonhepatobiliary Applications and Outcomes

ABSTRACT Aim: This prospective single-center study aimed to evaluate the nonhepatobiliary applications of indocyanine green fluorescence-guided surgery (ICG FGS) in pediatric patients, assessing its utility as an adjunct for intraoperative imaging. Materials and Methods: Over a 30-month period from January 2021 to July 2023, pediatric patients undergoing various surgical procedures, excluding hepatobiliary cases, were included in the study. ICG (Aurogreen™) was administered intravenously or directly injected in tissue, and fluorescence imaging was conducted using specialized equipment (KARL STORZ GmbH and Co. KG). Patient demographics, diagnoses, surgical procedures, ICG protocols, intraoperative findings, and perioperative outcomes were analyzed. Results: The study included seventeen pediatric cases including Hirschsprung disease, anorectal malformations, undescended testes, varicocele, Mayer-Rokitansky-Kustner-Hauser syndrome, ovarian torsion, chylous ascites, chylothorax, and Wilms’ tumor. ICG aided in the real-time assessment of vascular, intestinal perfusion in Hirschsprung disease, anorectal malformations, delineation of lymphatics from vessels in varicocele, confirmation of preserved vascularity after detorsion of ovary, identification of lymphatics for ligation in chylothorax, and chylous ascites. ICG thus aided in precise dissection and confirming tissue viability without reported adverse events. Conclusion: ICG FGS demonstrates significant potential as a tool for enhancing surgical outcomes in pediatric surgeries including indications beyond hepatobiliary cases. The findings suggest that ICG FGS can improve surgical precision by providing real-time assessment of tissue perfusion, and lymphatic mapping, thereby potentially reducing intraoperative complications. Further research and prospective studies are essential to validate its efficacy and establish standardized protocols, aiming to integrate ICG FGS as a routine adjunct in pediatric surgical practice.