Retrospective Comparative Study Research Articles

Are trauma centers penalized for improved prehospital resuscitation?: The effect of prehospital transfusion on arrival vitals and predicted mortality.

Prediction models for survival in trauma rely on arrival vital signs to generate survival probabilities. Hospitals are benchmarked on expected and observed outcomes. Prehospital blood (PB) transfusion has been shown to improve mortality, which may affect survival prediction modeling. We hypothesize that the use of PB increases the predicted survival derived from probability models compared with non-blood-based resuscitation. All adult trauma patients presenting to a level 1 trauma center requiring emergency release blood transfusion from January 2017 to December 2021 were reviewed. Patients were grouped into those receiving PB or those who did not (no PB). Prehospital Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) and shock index were compared with those at presentation to hospital. Univariate and multivariate regressions were performed to identify factors associated with changes in survival probability at presentation. In total, 2117 patients were reviewed (PB, 1,011; no PB, 1,106). Patients receiving PB were younger (35 vs. 40 years, p < 0.001), more likely to have blunt mechanism (71% vs. 65%, p = 0.002), and more severely injured (Injury Severity Score, 27 vs. 25; p < 0.001) and had higher rates of prehospital hypotension (44% vs. 19%, p < 0.001) and shock index (1.10 vs. 0.87, p < 0.001). Upon arrival, PB patients had lower rates of ED hypotension (34% vs. 39%, p = 0.01), and significant improvements in arrival TRISS scores (+0.09 vs. -0.02, p < 0.001) and shock index (+0.10 vs. -0.07, p < 0.001) compared with prehospital. On multivariate analysis, PB was associated with a threefold increase in unexpected survivors (odds ratio, 3.28; 95% confidence interval, 2.23-4.60). The use of PB was associated with improved probability of survival and an increase in unexpected survivors. Applying TRISS and shock index at hospital arrival does not account for en route hemostatic resuscitation, causing patients to arrive with improved vitals despite severity of injury. Caution should be used when implementing survival probability calculations using arrival vitals in centers with prehospital transfusion capability. Retrospective Comparative Study Without Negative Criteria; Level III.

Distal femoral fractures: periprosthetic fractures have four times more complications than non-periprosthetic fractures and cerclage should be avoided: retrospective analysis of 206 patients

BackgroundDistal femoral fractures account for less than 1% of all fractures. The therapy of choice is usually surgical stabilization. Despite advances in implant development over the past few years, complication rate remains comparatively high. The aim of this study is to analyze our results with plate fixation of distal femoral fractures with a focus on complication and fracture healing rates.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, patients (> 18 years) with distal femoral fractures treated at an urban level I trauma center between 2015 and 2022 were analyzed.ResultsIn total, 206 patients (167 female, 39 male) with an average age of 75 (SD 16) years were diagnosed with a fracture of the distal femur. One hundred fourteen of these patients were treated surgically by means of plate osteosynthesis. In 13 cases (11.41%), a revision procedure had to be performed. The indication for surgical revision was mechanical failure in eight cases (7.02%) and septic complication in five cases (4.39%). Periprosthetic fractures were more likely to cause complications overall (19.6% versus 4.76%) and further included all documented septic complications. The analysis of modifiable surgical factors in the context of plate osteosynthesis showed higher complication rates for cerclage in the fracture area compared with plate-only stabilizations (44.44% versus 22.22%).ConclusionsThe data show an increased amount of revisions and a significantly higher number of septic complications in the treatment of periprosthetic fractures of the distal femur compared with non-periprosthetic fractures. The detected combination of plates together with cerclage was associated with higher complication rates.Level of evidence Level III retrospective comparative study.

Transradial approach for middle meningeal artery embolization is a safe alternative to transfemoral approach in patients with chronic subdural hematoma: A single-center retrospective comparative study

BackgroundTransradial approach (TRA) has been increasingly utilized in various neuroendovascular interventions as a safe alternative to the transfemoral approach (TFA). As middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization emerges as an effective therapy for treating chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH), some studies have explored using TRA. In this study, we compared procedural times and post-operative outcomes between those with TRA and TFA. MethodsThis is a single-institution retrospective study of patients undergoing MMA embolization for cSDH. The cohort was divided into the TRA and TFA subgroups. Baseline characteristics, procedural times, and immediate outcomes were compared. Univariate analysis was performed. ResultsWe performed 62 MMA embolizations for treatment of cSDH, of which 37 (59.7 %) were performed transradial and 25 (40.3 %) were performed transfemoral. Those who underwent TRA were significantly younger than those who had TFA (p = 0.02). For patients who underwent unilateral MMA embolization, those with TRA had significantly shorter duration of procedure compared to the TRF group (p = 0.01). This difference was not observed in the bilateral MMA embolization subgroup. Only three patients had access site complications, and all were in the TFA group. There was no significant difference in length of hospital stay. ConclusionAs MMA embolization for cSDH becomes more prevalent, efforts to optimize the safety and efficacy of the technical aspects become critical. In this study we demonstrate that TRA is a safe and efficient alternative to traditional TFA in those undergoing unilateral MMA embolization.

Benefits of early mobilization after atrial fibrillation ablation in geriatrics over 75 years old: A retrospective comparative study

IntroductionDespite early mobilization has been proposed as an effective intervention to improve prognosis of patients in intensive care unit and other clinical settings, the benefits of it in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation is still unknow. Method273 geriatric patients with atrial fibrillation underwent catheter ablation in our center were included in this retrospective cohort study, with 137 in early mobilization group and 136 in routine care group. ResultAfter in-hospital observation and 90-day follow-up, we found though patients undergoing early mobilization didn't suffer more post-procedural complications, early mobilization didn't either shorten or extend the length of hospital stay. The average score of EQ-5D visual analogue scale and EHRA symptom scale were significantly improved and less unscheduled outpatient visits were recorded in early mobilization group during 90-day follow-up. ConclusionEarly mobilization could be a safe and favorable intervention for patients underwent catheter ablation.

Prediction of Mastectomy Skin Flap Necrosis With Indocyanine Green Angiography and Thermography: A Retrospective Comparative Study

Prediction of Mastectomy Skin Flap Necrosis With Indocyanine Green Angiography and Thermography: A Retrospective Comparative Study

Characterization of non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease and pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with AFB smear-positive sputum: A retrospective comparative study

BackgroundDistinguishing nontuberculous mycobacteria pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) from pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is a challenge especially in patients with positive sputum smear of acid-fast bacilli (AFB). This study aimed to compare and identify the clinical characteristics between the two diseases among patients with positive sputum AFB. MethodsFrom February 2017 through March 2021, patients with positive sputum AFB were reviewed in two hospitals of China. Among them, clinical data of NTM-PD and PTB patients was collected and compared. Results76 cases of NTM-PD and 92 cases of PTB were included in our study. When compared with PTB, NTM-PD patients were older (59.2 ± 11.4 vs 44.2 ± 19.5 years, P < 0.001) and manifested more hemoptysis and dyspnea (28.9 % vs 14.1 %, P < 0.05; 48.7 % vs 17.4 %, P < 0.001 respectively). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) for Xpert were 85.9 %, 96.1 %, 96.3 %, 84.9 %, respectively, compared to 94.2 %, 81.1 %, 83.1 %, 93.5 %, respectively for T-spot in diagnosing PTB. In radiological features, NTM-PD affected more lobes (4.53 ± 0.89 vs 3.61 ± 1.41, P < 0.001) and showed more consolidation (50 % vs 32.6 %, P < 0.05), destroyed lung (22.7 % vs 9.8 %, P < 0.05), honeycomb lung (26.7 % vs 6.5 %, P < 0.001) but less nodules (80.3 % vs 95.7 %, P < 0.05), tree-in-bud sign (49.3 % vs 87 %, P < 0.001), and satellite nodules (14.5 % vs 90.2 %, P < 0.001) than PTB. Age (odds ratio [OR], 1.043; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.018–1.069, P < 0.05), hemoptysis (OR, 3.552; 95%CI, 1.421–8.729, P < 0.05), and dyspnea (OR, 2.631; 95%CI, 1.151–6.016, P < 0.05) were independently correlated with NTM infection. ConclusionsNTM-PD and PTB share similar clinical manifestations. Among them, advanced age, hemoptysis, and dyspnea are the independent predictors for NTM infection. Xpert is an efficiency analysis in discriminating between NTM-PD and PTB in patients with positive sputum AFB.

Add-on homeopathic treatment to institutional management protocol in children suffering from acute encephalitis syndrome: A retrospective comparative cohort study

Background and objectives: Acute encephalitis syndrome is a health burden to a populous country like India. It is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, altered sensorium with or without seizures, irritability, abnormal behaviour, or unconsciousness. This study aims to augment further evidence on the effects of add-on homeopathic treatment in reducing mortality and morbidity in children. Methods: This comparative retrospective study included children hospitalized with acute encephalitis syndrome between July 2016 to December 2016. We compared the parameters of children for whom decisions on Glasgow Outcome scale and Liverpool outcome score aided by add-on homeopathy against those of children from the same year when the add-on homeopathy was not used. All the children were on conventional supportive care and treatment tailored to each child. We also counted the days until the resumption of oral feeding and the length of hospital stay. Results: Ordinal regression analysis on analyses on 622 children (IH +CSC=329; IMP only=293) was done. Odds of a shift towards increased recovery were superior in the homeopathy-added group than in the IMP group without adjustment (crude OR 2·30, 95% CI 1·66 to 3·20; p=0·0001) and with adjustment (adjusted OR 3.38, 95% CI 2·38 to 4.81; p=0·0001). There was 14.8% less mortality and 17.4% more recovery in the add-on homeopathy group compared to CSC alone. Individualized homeopathic remedies commonly used were: Belladonna (n =238), Stramonium (n =17), Opium (n = 14), Sulphur (n=11) and Hyoscyamus niger (n = 7). Conclusion : This retrospective cohort study advocates for add-on homoeopathy in children suffering acute encephalitis which can produce notable improvements in terms of mortality and morbidity. Further studies in different settings are warranted.

1480P Long term therapy with denosumab and zoledronic acid: A comparative real-world retrospective observational study on skeletal-related events and pain in patients with metastatic breast cancer

1480P Long term therapy with denosumab and zoledronic acid: A comparative real-world retrospective observational study on skeletal-related events and pain in patients with metastatic breast cancer

The Impact of Surgical Margin in Wide Local Excision of Pediatric Melanoma – An Argument for a More Conservative Approach

BackgroundPediatric melanoma is the most common skin cancer in children. Achieving surgical margins recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) for wide local excision (WLE) is challenging in children with less body domain. This study investigated whether surgical margin impacted postoperative clinical outcomes following WLE for melanoma in children and adolescents. MethodsAll patients ≤21 years undergoing WLE between 2007 and 2023 were analyzed. Patients were categorized in groups of surgical margin <2 cm vs. ≥2 cm. The chi-square test/Fisher’s exact test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze categorical and continuous variables between groups. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association of age and tumor location with surgical margin group and whether NCCN guidelines for WLE were met. ResultsOf the 59 patients included, 61% had WLE with <2cm margins. Head/neck melanomas were less likely to have margins ≥2 cm (OR=0.121, 95% CI 0.022—0.648, p=.014) and margins that met the NCCN guidelines (OR=0.002, 95% CI 0.003—0.215, p<.001) when compared to trunk/extremity primaries. There was no difference in the rate of postoperative complications or need for intervention for complications between patients with margins <2 cm and those with ≥2 cm. No patients experienced local recurrence with a median follow-up of 52 months (IQR: 16 to 93). ConclusionPediatric head/neck melanomas undergoing WLE were likelier to have narrow margins <2 cm and less likely to meet NCCN criteria. Narrow margins may achieve excellent results for pediatric melanoma patients. Type of StudyThis is a treatment study. Levels of EvidenceThis is a Level III retrospective comparative study.

A retrospective comparative study of extensive sinus membrane perforations repairing using collagen membranes with pouch and nonpouch techniques

ObjectivesTo evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of employing collagen membranes with pouch and non-pouch techniques to repair extensive maxillary sinus membrane perforation. Study DesignPatients who experienced extensive maxillary sinus membrane perforation (>10 mm) during lateral window maxillary sinus floor elevation (LWMSFE) were included and treated with either the pouch or non-pouch techniques. ResultsThe number of patients treated with the pouch technique and those treated with the non-pouch technique was 10 each. For the pouch and non-pouch techniques, the mean vertical bone height gain were 17.04±1.64mm and 16.42±2.41mm; the mean bone density were 720.10±20.58HU and 692.85±40.03HU; and the mean bone augmentation volume were 2720.07±680.58mm3 and 3238.84±781.02mm3. The mean vertical bone height gain, bone density and bone augmentation volume were not statistically different between two techniques (P > 0.05). No implant was observed for loss during the follow-up period of 8-12 months after crown placement. ConclusionsThe success of the pouch and non-pouch techniques in repairing extensive membrane perforation is evident in terms of clinical and radiographic outcomes. Regardless of whether the pouch or non-pouch technique is used, secure and stable implant restoration results can be achieved after the maxillary sinus membrane perforation is repaired.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings of plantar venous thrombosis: a comparative study with Doppler ultrasound

Objective: Analyze magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, demographics and clinical data in patients with plantar venousthrombosis (PVT). Methods: A retrospective study screening patients with PVT, diagnosed with color Doppler ultrasound, who also underwent MRI of the foot and ankle. In the post-contrast MRI sequences, the intravascular filling defect was analyzed, and in the non-contrast MRI sequences, the diameter of the foot vessels was analyzed, and perivascular edema was documented. MRI exams from a control group without PVT were also analyzed. Results: Sixty-one cases and 204 controls were included. The lateral plantar veins were the most frequent location in the foot with PVT (63.9%). In all post-contrast sequences, an intravascular filling was seen. In the case group, veins had a significantly greater diameter compared to controls (p &lt; 0.05), and perivascular edema was observed in all cases (100%). A history of trauma/mechanical overload of the foot was documented in 83% of the patients (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Our results showed that the lateral plantar vein was the most frequent location of PVT. An intravascular filling defect on post-contrast MRI sequences was seen in all PVT cases. Compared to the control group, all vessels had a greater diameter in the case group, and perivascular edema was observed in all cases. Our results also suggest that a clinical history of trauma or mechanical overload (physical activities) in the foot and ankle may be one of the causal factors of this pathology. Level of evidence III; Therapeutic studies - investigating the results of treatment; Retrospective comparative study

Impact of CAD/CAM technique on operative time in stand-alone genioplasty: A retrospective comparative study

Impact of CAD/CAM technique on operative time in stand-alone genioplasty: A retrospective comparative study

Comparative clinical and radiographic results of three fixation systems for transverse subcapital osteotomy in treating hallux valgus

Objective: Compare three fixation models for Bosch osteotomy both clinically and radiographically.Methods: A retrospective comparative study was conducted on patients surgically treated for hallux valgus using Bosch osteotomywith three different fixation systems. The first group was treated with a temporary pin for three weeks; the second, received thesame pin plus a screw; and the third, used two screws without a pin. Radiographic analysis included the intermetatarsal angle,metatarsophalangeal angle, percentage of lateral shifting of the metatarsal head, dorsal or plantar migration of the metatarsal head,and consolidation time. Clinical evaluation was performed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale.Complications during follow-up were recorded.Results: Twenty hallux valgus were included in each group. No significant differences were found in radiographic evaluations amonggroups in the preoperative and final follow-up, except that the third group showed less loss of correction. There were no significantdifferences in consolidation times. Clinical improvements were observed in all three fixation systems, with no significant differencesamong them according to the AOFAS scale.Conclusion: No significant clinical or radiographic differences were observed among the three fixation systems, except that the groupusing two screws showed less loss of correction. Level of evidence IV; Therapeutic studies; Case series.

The effect of pre-emptive middle glenohumeral ligament release, following the release of the rotator interval and coracohumeral ligament in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair of small- to medium-sized tears to prevent postoperative stiffness: a retrospective comparative study

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of preemptive middle glenohumeral ligament (MGHL) release during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) of small- to medium-sized tears to prevent postoperative stiffness. MethodsPatients who underwent ARCR of small- to medium-sized tears were enrolled and allocated into two groups retrospectively: the preemptive MGHL release group (MGHL+ group, n=34) and preemptive MGHL non-release group (MGHL- group, n=32). The rotator interval and coracohumeral ligament release were performed in all patients with or without MGHL release in both groups. Clinical outcomes including the range of motion (ROM), Constant Shoulder (CS) score, and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score preoperatively and at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively and complications were assessed and compared between the two groups. The integrity of the repaired tendon was assessed at the 12-month follow-up using magnetic resonance imaging. ResultsThe MGHL+ group showed a significantly higher external rotation, CS score, and UCLA score than the MGHL- group at 6 months postoperatively (P=.03, <.001, .01, respectively). The ROM and functional scores were not significantly different between the groups at 3 and 12 months postoperatively (P>.05). The retear rate, postoperative stiffness, and postoperative instability were not significantly different between the groups (all, P>.05). ConclusionsPreemptive MGHL release in ARCR of small- to medium-sized tears could be an effective method to prevent early postoperative shoulder stiffness but does not significantly change the overall clinical outcome after ARCR.

Long-term Outcomes of Intramedullary Nails in Osteogenesis Imperfecta: Fewer Surgeries and Longer Survival Times With Telescoping Rods in Patients With Over Ten Years Follow-up.

Intramedullary rodding of lower extremity long bones in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a widely accepted technique for fracture treatment and prevention. Previous small studies with short to medium-term follow-up have shown that telescoping rods have longer survival times compared with static rods. However, there are no long-term studies (10 or more years) longitudinally evaluating the results of these procedures. The purpose of this study was to compare the rod survival duration and number of procedures in patients treated with static versus telescoping rods with 10 years minimum follow-up. This was a multicenter retrospective comparative study of patients with a diagnosis of OI who had intramedullary nailing of the femur and/or tibia. Each bone included in the study had a 10-year minimum follow-up, only one type of rod utilized over the follow-up period, and no rod replacement surgeries outside of the primary hospital system. Patient demographics, clinical data, and details of each procedure were obtained. Groups were compared using univariate analysis with a 2-independent samples t test for continuous variables, χ2 for categorical variables, and the Kaplan-Meier method for survival analysis. A total of 119 bones in 52 patients met inclusion criteria. Average follow up was 13.1 (range: 10.2 to 18.4) years. There were no differences between groups in follow-up length, Sillence type, bisphosphonate use, or age at first-rod placement. There were significantly more tibias treated in the static rod group compared with the telescopic rod group. The average survival length was significantly longer for telescopic rods, 5.8 ± 3.9 years versus 4.0±3.6 years for static rods. On average, bones treated with telescopic rods had significantly fewer surgeries compared with static rods (2.2 ± 0.8 vs 3.3 ± 1.6). At long term follow up, bone segments in patients with OI treated with telescopic rods required fewer surgeries and had longer implant survival times compared with those treated with static rods. When available, surgeons should consider telescopic rods as the initial implant choice in this patient population.

Enhancing Preoperative Outcome Prediction: A Comparative Retrospective Case-Control Study on Machine Learning versus the International Esodata Study Group Risk Model for Predicting 90-Day Mortality in Oncologic Esophagectomy.

Risk prediction prior to oncologic esophagectomy is crucial for assisting surgeons and patients in their joint informed decision making. Recently, a new risk prediction model for 90-day mortality after esophagectomy using the International Esodata Study Group (IESG) database was proposed, allowing for the preoperative assignment of patients into different risk categories. However, given the non-linear dependencies between patient- and tumor-related risk factors contributing to cumulative surgical risk, machine learning (ML) may evolve as a novel and more integrated approach for mortality prediction. We evaluated the IESG risk model and compared its performance to ML models. Multiple classifiers were trained and validated on 552 patients from two independent centers undergoing oncologic esophagectomies. The discrimination performance of each model was assessed utilizing the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC), the area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC), and the Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC). The 90-day mortality rate was 5.8%. We found that IESG categorization allowed for adequate group-based risk prediction. However, ML models provided better discrimination performance, reaching superior AUROCs (0.64 [0.63-0.65] vs. 0.44 [0.32-0.56]), AUPRCs (0.25 [0.24-0.27] vs. 0.11 [0.05-0.21]), and MCCs (0.27 ([0.25-0.28] vs. 0.15 [0.03-0.27]). Conclusively, ML shows promising potential to identify patients at risk prior to surgery, surpassing conventional statistics. Still, larger datasets are needed to achieve higher discrimination performances for large-scale clinical implementation in the future.

Comparison of two laser power levels in the subthreshold micropulse yellow laser treatment of acute central serous chorioretinopathy

AimsTo compare the efficacy of two power levels in the 577 nm sub-threshold micro pulse laser (SML) treatment of acute central serous chorioretinopathy (aCSC). MethodsA retrospective comparative study was conducted. A total of 65 patients (65 eyes) with aCSC were enrolled. Of which, 32 patients received low power treatment and 33 patients received high power treatment of 577 nm SML. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), fundus-monitored microperimetry and height of subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) as well as subretinal fluid (SRF) were evaluated at baseline and 3 months. ResultsThe height of SFCT and retinal sensitivity in the low power treatment group was significantly better than that in the high power treatment group at 4 weeks (all p < 0.001). Mean BCVA improved from baseline to 3 months after treatments but with no significant difference between the two groups after 3 months (p > 0.05). In the low power group, the CMT decreased from 379.76 ± 139.23 μm at baseline to 176.56 ± 37.78 μm at 3 months, and in the high power group, the CMT decreased from 364.97 ± 143.08 at baseline to 191.77 ± 38.26 μm at 3 months. There was no significant difference at 3 months between the two groups (p > 0.05). Similar results were also found in term of SRF. ConclusionsTimely intervention with 577 nm SML with low power treatment can improve visual acuity, and included anatomic success without adverse events.

Radicular Pain Management Using Ultrasound-Guided Versus Fluoroscopy-Guided Epidural Steroid Injections: A Systematic Scoping Review of Comparative Studies.

Back pain is the leading cause of disability globally and results in a substantial medical and economic burden. Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) have been widely used as a treatment for back pain with radiculopathy of various etiologies. Ultrasound guidance (UG) for delivering ESIs can reduce costs and facilitate the procedure in resource-limited settings compared to the current standard technique of using fluoroscopic guidance (FG). This scoping review aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between UG and FG ESIs in the treatment of radicular pain. Systematic searches of Embase, Ovid Medline, Scopus, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), CDSR (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews), and ClinicalTrials.gov were conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews) guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative observational studies investigating the outcomes between UG and FG ESIs in the treatment of radicular pain were included. The risk of bias for included RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool. From 1,659 potentially relevant publications, eight studies (five RCTs and three retrospective comparative studies) were included. Five of the studies were conducted in the Republic of Korea, one in China, one in India, and one in Egypt. All studies reported no significant difference between UG and FG ESIs in success rate, pain index, and postoperative disability (p > 0.05). One study reported increased intravascular injections in the FG group, but this did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). One study reported decreased needle-placement time in the UG group (p < 0.001). One study reported decreased total operation time in the UG group (p < 0.05). Overall, treatment outcomes and adverse events profile are comparable between UG and FG ESIs for radicular pain. UG ESIs reduce costs, minimize radiation exposure, facilitate vessel identification, prevent injury, and potentially save intraoperative time while offering the same benefits as FG injections. Future studies should focus on long-term outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and the impact of UG ESIs on patient satisfaction and quality of life.

Comparative Retrospective Cohort Study of Carotid-Subclavian Bypass versus In Situ Fenestration for Left Subclavian Artery Revascularization during Zone 2 Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair: A Single-Center Experience.

Background: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has become the first-line therapy for descending aortic disease. Recent studies have demonstrated that preventive revascularization of the left subclavian artery (LSA) in zone 2 TEVAR cases reduces the risk of neurological complications. However, there is no uniform consensus on the choice of revascularization techniques. Although carotid-subclavian bypass is considered the gold standard method, in situ fenestration techniques have also shown encouraging results. This study aims to compare the carotid-LSA bypass with in situ fenestration (ISF) for LSA revascularization and to discuss our treatment approach. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of all patients undergoing zone 2 TEVAR with in situ fenestration (ISF) or carotid-subclavian artery bypasses for LSA revascularization at our institution between February 2011 and February 2024. Preoperative patient characteristics and primary outcomes, such as operative mortality, transient ischemic attack, stroke, and spinal cord ischemia, were analyzed between the groups. Results: During the 13-year study period, 185 patients underwent TEVAR procedures. Of these, 51 patients had LSA revascularization with zone 2 TEVAR; 32 patients underwent carotid-subclavian artery bypasses, and 19 underwent in situ fenestration. The technical success rate was 100%. Statistically, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of primary outcomes such as stroke, transient ischemic attack, spinal cord ischemia, and death (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In situ fenestration (ISF) may be an effective and feasible method for LSA revascularization. With precise patient selection and in experienced hands, ISF appears to be associated with similar perioperative outcomes and mortality rates to the carotid-subclavian bypass.

The effect of the steroid profile on the severity and the outcome of treatment of newborns with congenital malformations

Introduction. Adrenal insufficiency is often found in critical conditions of the neonatal period and has nonspecific symptoms, which greatly complicates its diagnosis. The objective was to study the hormonal status of newborns with congenital malformations (CM according to the outcome of treatment in the intensive care unit.Materials and methods. Study design – observational, dynamic retrospective comparative study. 60 newborns were examined: 26 healthy and 34 with CM. Depending on the severity of the condition, children with CM were divided into two groups. Group I included patients in an extremely severe condition, and in group II – in a stable condition. We studied the concentration of 17-hydroxypregnenolone, aldosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, cortisol, cortisone, corticosterone, progesterone, testosterone, estradiol and 17-hydroxyprogesterone upon admission to the ICU, immediately after surgery and on the first day after it.Results. In all children with CM, the concentration of 17-hydroxypregnenolone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone before surgery was significantly lower compared to healthy newborns, while in group I, it was minimal. After surgery, the concentration of cortisol precursors remained low, but its level increased significantly, especially in children of group I. A risk factor for lethal outcome in newborns with CM needing treatment in the ICU is the 17-OH-pregnenolone/dehydroepiandrosterone ratio, both at the time of admission to the ICU (AUC = 0.821; sensitivity = 68.97; specificity = 100; p = 0.0002; cut-off &lt; 1,52); and on the first day after surgery (AUC = 0.807; sensitivity = 79.3; specificity = 80; р = 0.025; cut-off = 0).Conclusion. The increase in the concentration of cortisol against the background of low level of hormone precursors and the reduction of the 17-OH-pregnenolone/dehydroepiandrosterone ratio in the first day after surgery is a marker of an adverse course of the postoperative period and outcome.