Retrospective Comparative Study Research Articles

Secondary anti-viral prophylaxis in solid organ transplant recipients for the prevention of cytomegalovirus relapse: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs). Secondary prophylaxis (SP) is not routinely recommended by guidelines on the management of CMV in SOTR but may be considered in certain higher-risk situations. A comprehensive search of English language publications up to September 2023 was performed. The primary outcome was CMV relapse, defined as the recurrence of DNAemia or disease. Secondary outcomes included graft loss, mortality, and hematological toxicity. Meta-analysis used the random-effects model. The study protocol is registered in PROSPERO (no. CRD42022357028). Six retrospective comparative studies were included. A total of 520/727 (72%) of SOTR received SP with valganciclovir. The meta-analysis did not demonstrate a significant difference in CMV relapse (odds ratio [OR] 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.79-2.63). Heterogeneity between the studies was low (I2 = 0%, p = 0.57). SP was significantly associated with a reduction in mortality (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.07-0.54) but not graft loss (OR 0.67, 0.17-2.63). There was no significant difference in CMV relapse among kidney-specific SOTR (OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.65-2.96). Evidence from six nonrandomized studies is limited and cannot support a recommendation for or against routine SP in SOTR treated for CMV infection. Awaiting prospective-controlled trials, the decision about SP should depend on individualized risk-profile assessments by experienced clinicians.

Comparative analysis of two double-plate fixation techniques for intercondylar fractures of the distal humerus

This study was aimed to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients with intercondylar fractures of the humerus treated with orthogonal and parallel plating methods via precontoured plates. This was a retrospective comparative study conducted on 50 adult patients with intercondylar humerus fractures that were surgically treated over an eleven-year period. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A underwent internal fixation via parallel plating, whereas Group B received orthogonal plating. Clinical outcomes were evaluated via the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and the radiographic assessments included time to consolidation, pseudoarthrosis, malunion and hardware removal. Both groups presented similar demographic and preoperative characteristics. The functional outcomes assessed by the MEPS were not significantly different between the groups. Radiographically, comparable healing times and rates of complications, including pseudoarthrosis, malunion and hardware removal, were observed. The study findings suggest that both orthogonal and parallel plating methods yield comparable clinical and radiographic outcomes in the treatment of intercondylar humerus fractures. These results underscore the effectiveness of both techniques and emphasize the importance of further research to elucidate the optimal plating method for specific fracture patterns.

Comparative retrospective study on surgical outcomes of hand‐sewn anastomosis versus stapling anastomosis for colectomy using a nationwide inpatient database in Japan with propensity score matching

AbstractBackgroundIntestinal anastomosis is performed by two main methods: hand‐sewn anastomosis (HA) and stapling anastomosis (SA). Studies on anastomosis are still being reported and are an ongoing area of interest. The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of each by comparing them with description and statistical analysis using a nationwide inpatient database.MethodsWe collected data for colon cancer patients who underwent colectomy between April 2014 and March 2022 using the Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) database. In the descriptive analysis, we described the background of the study population and the number of each method. In the statistical analysis, we used propensity score matching to achieve balanced covariates and showed the results of the comparative study using risk ratios and risk differences.ResultsA total of 232 155 cases were selected (HA group: 40 764; SA group: 191 391). SA was performed more frequently than HA during the study period, with the proportion of SA increasing over the last few years (~80% in 2015 and 85% in 2021). We obtained 40 760 pairs through propensity score matching. The comparison of postoperative events varied by outcome (reoperation: 517 [1.27%] vs 380 [0.93%]; risk ratio [RR]: 1.36 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19 to 1.55], endoscopic intestinal hemostasis: 17 [0.04%] vs 80 [0.20%]; RR: 0.21 [95% CI, 0.13 to 0.36]).ConclusionSA is becoming more common in colectomy. The risk of reoperation could be higher in the HA group, while the risk of postoperative endoscopic intestinal hemostasis could be higher in the SA group.

Parameters of leukopoiesis and thrombocytopenia in early urosepsis as potential predictors of a lethal outcome in hospitalized patients

Aim. To perform a comparative analysis of leukopoiesis parameters and platelet count in peripheral blood with evaluation of their changes in the first 48 hours from urosepsis (US) verification in hospitalized patients depending on the outcome of the disease.Materials and methods. A retrospective comparative study included 40 patients with US divided into a group of deceased (n = 10) and a group of recovered (n = 30) individuals. Along with a full clinical and paraclinical examination, which is a routine practice in the urology clinic in case of suspected (confirmed) sepsis, we performed a differentiated assessment of leukopoiesis and platelet count in peripheral blood at baseline (at the moment of US verification) and 48 hours after US verification. The assessment included determination of the immature granulocyte count, investigation of neutrophil granularity intensity (NEUT-GI) and neutrophil reactivity intensity (NEUT-RI), and measurement of the mean platelet volume (MPV).Results. The baseline level of organ dysfunction graded by the SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) score was significantly higher in deceased patients than in survivors (6 points vs. 3 points, respectively; p = 0.001). The group of the deceased was characterized by lower platelet and monocyte levels. The ROC analysis with the calculation of area under the curve (AUC) identified the following potential predictors of a lethal outcome in US: proportion of monocytes from the total leukocyte count at baseline ≤ 5.5% (AUC 0.732, p = 0.032), proportion of eosinophils from the total leukocyte count at baseline ≤ 0% (AUC 0.756, p = 0.011), absolute eosinophil count at baseline ≤ 0.01 × 109 / l (AUC 0.802, p = 0.009), absolute basophil count at baseline ≤ 0.03 × 109 / l (AUC 0.718, p = 0.028), NEUT-GI at baseline ≤ 153.2 scatter intensity (SI) units (AUC 0.754, p = 0.021), NEUT-RI at baseline ≤ 59.3 SI units (AUC 0.737, p = 0.024) and their increase after 48 hours by > 0.9 SI units (AUC 0.852, p = 0.001) or by > 1.34% (AUC 0.844, p = 0.003), platelet count at baseline ≤ 144 × 109 / l (AUC 0.762, p = 0.007) and after 48 hours ≤ 174 × 109 / l (AUC 0.769, p < 0.007).Conclusion. The assessment of the platelet count and leukopoiesis parameters, including the ones characterizing neutrophil maturation (NEUT-RI, NEUT-GI), in the first 48 hours from US verification, can be effective predictors of a lethal outcome in patients with US.

A comprehensive evaluation of efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in non-arteritic central retinal artery occlusion using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in patients with central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) by analyzing changes in visual acuity (VA) and enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) parameters. A comparative retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of all HBO-treated RAO patients in our department and comparing them with matched RAO patients who did not receive HBO treatment. All patients treated with HBO received treatment within 7 days of the onset of visual symptoms. Baseline characteristics were compared, and VA and OCT parameters were evaluated at baseline and follow-up visits. A total of 50 eyes from 50 patients were included, with 29 eyes in the HBOT group and 21 eyes in the control group. The mean BCVA of the HBOT group at the initial visit was 2.03 logMAR, which improved to 1.55 logMAR at 6 months, with the change being statistically significant (P < 0.01), while the control group's BCVA remained almost unchanged, from 2.1 to 2.11 logMAR (P = 0.762). The central choroidal thickness increased significantly in the HBOT group over the subsequent period. The central fovea, and outer retinal layer thickness in the HBOT group were significantly greater than those in the control group at the 6-month follow-up after treatment. HBOT appears to be effective in improving VA and inducing favorable changes in OCT parameters in patients with CRAO. It helps to preserve retinal layer thickness, especially in the outer retinal layer.

Teledermoscopic triage of melanoma-suspicious skin lesions is safe: A retrospective comparative diagnostic accuracy study with multiple assessors.

The rising incidence of melanoma and the high number of benign lesions excised due to diagnostic uncertainty highlight the need for effective patient triage. This study assesses the safety and accuracy of teledermoscopic triage on a high-prevalence case set with pre-triaged, challenging, melanoma-suspicious lesions. Five dermatologists independently reviewed 250 retrospectively extracted patient cases. Teledermoscopy assessments were simulated for panels of 1, 2, 3 and 5 assessors using two distinct consensus strategies, Caution Protocol and Majority Vote, and the sensitivity and specificity of the patient triages were calculated. Triage by a single teledermatologist showed a sensitivity of 92.3% and a specificity of 58.7%. Sensitivity improved with the number of assessors, particularly when using the Caution Protocol, though with a considerable drop in specificity. The Majority Vote showed a more balanced improvement in sensitivity and specificity. Safety analyses indicated that diagnostic accuracy decreased with poor image quality and increased case difficulty. Expert teledermoscopic triage of melanocytic skin lesions is highly sensitive and lowers the need for unnecessary excision procedures by half while dismissing as few as 0.4% (95% confidence interval 0-0.6%) of melanomas, even when applied to a high-prevalence pre-triaged subpopulation. Implementation of safety procedures increases accuracy. Using multiple teledermatologists increases sensitivity but at the cost of specificity unless a Majority Vote consensus strategy is applied. Future teledermoscopy guidelines should encompass safety procedures and protocols for disagreement between assessors.

Outcome of tailored antiplatelet therapy in carotid stenting: a retrospective comparative study

BackgroundCarotid stenting requires dual antiplatelet therapy to effectively prevent thromboembolic complications. However, resistance to clopidogrel, a key component of this therapy, may lead to persistent risk of these complications. The aim of this study was to determine, if the implementation of routine platelet function testing and adjusting therapy was associated with lower incidence of thromboembolic complications and death.MethodsAll consecutive patients treated with carotid artery stenting in a single institution over 8 years were enlisted in a retrospective study. Platelet function testing was performed, and efficient antiplatelet therapy was set before the procedure. Incidence of procedure-related stroke or death within periprocedural period (0–30 days) was assessed. The results were evaluated in relation to the findings of six prominent randomized control trials.ResultsA total of 241 patients were treated for carotid stenosis, seven patients undergo CAS on both sides over time. There was 138 symptomatic (55,6%) and 110 asymptomatic stenoses (44,4%). Five thromboembolic complications (2,01%) occurred, four of them (1,61%) was procedure-related. Two patients died because of procedure-related stroke (0,82%). Incidence of procedure-related stroke or death was significant lower compared to the results of CREST study (2,01% vs. 4,81%, P = 0,0243) in the entire cohorts, and to the results of ICSS study in the symptomatic cohorts (2,86% vs. 7,37%, P = 0,0243), respectively.ConclusionsTailored antiplatelet therapy in carotid stenting is safe and seems to be related with lower incidence of procedure-related death or stroke rate. Larger prospective studies to assess whether platelet function testing-guided antiplatelet therapy is superior to standard dual antiplatelet should be considered.

Does the presence or absence of preoperative lower extremity neurologic symptoms influence postoperative clinical outcome in patients with cervical intradural extramedullary tumors?: a single-center retrospective comparative study.

Retrospective comparative study OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether the presence or absence of preoperative lower extremities neurological symptoms (LENS) influences clinical outcomes following tumor resection in patients with cervical intradural extramedullary (IDEM) tumors. The single institution in Japan. Ninety-two patients with cervical IDEM tumors requiring surgical resection were included. Based on the degree of preoperative LENS assessed using the modified McCormick scale (MMCS), patients were categorized into LENS (-) and (+) groups. Demographic and surgical characteristics were compared between both groups. There were no significant differences observed in sex, tumor location, tumor size, surgical time, estimated blood loss, approach for tumorectomy, or tumor histopathology between the two groups. Additionally, the overall surgical outcomes were favorable for both groups. At the final follow-up, 91.1% of the patients in the LENS (+) group were able to walk without support. Improvement in LENS was observed after surgery in most patients with preoperative MMCS II-IV, but it persisted in approximately 40% of patients with preoperative MMCS V. In the LENS (+) group, there were no significant differences in demographic or surgical data between the patients with MMCS I and II-III at the final follow-up. Regardless of the presence or absence of preoperative LENS, clinical improvement was observed after tumor resection in most patients with cervical IDEM tumors. These findings suggest that neurological status is likely to improve sufficiently if tumor resection is performed before preoperative LENS deteriorates to an extremely severe stage as MMCS V.

Body image and quality of life undergoing totally robotic versus robotic-assisted distal gastrectomy: a retrospective propensity score matched cohort study

BackgroundWith the improvement of anastomotic techniques and the iteration of anastomotic instruments, robotic intracorporeal suturing has become increasingly proficient. The era of fully intracorporeal anastomosis in robotic gastric cancer resection is emerging. This study aims to explore the impact of totally robotic distal gastrectomy (TRDG) and robotic-assisted distal gastrectomy (RADG) on patients’ quality of life.Patients and methodsThis study is a comparative retrospective study of propensity score matching. This study included 306 patients who underwent robotic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer between June 2016 and December 2023 at our center. Covariates used in the propensity score included sex, age, BMI, ASA score, maximum tumour diameter, degree of histological differentiation, Pathological TNM stage, Pathological T stage, Pathological N stage, and Lauren classification. Outcome measures included operative time, intraoperative bleeding, time to first venting, time to first fluid intake, postoperative hospital stay, total hospitalization cost, total length of abdominal incision, postoperative complications, inflammatory response, body image, and quality of life.ResultsAccording to the results of the study, compared with the RADG group, the TRDG group had a faster recovery time for gastrointestinal function (P = 0.025), shorter length of abdominal incision (P < 0.001), fewer days in the hospital (P = 0.006) less pain (P < 0.001), less need for additional analgesia (P = 0.013), and a postoperative white blood cell count (P < 0.001) and C-reactive protein content indexes were lower (P<0.001). In addition, the TRDG group had significantly better body imagery and cosmetic scores (P = 0.015), physical function (P = 0.039), role function (P = 0.046), and global function (P = 0.021) than the RARS group. Meanwhile, the TRDG group had milder symptoms of fatigue (P = 0.037) and pain (P < 0.001). The PASQ Total Subscale Score (P < 0.001) and Global Subscale Score (P < 0.001) were significantly lower in the TRDG group than in the RADG group at postoperative 3 months.ConclusionTotally robotic distal gastrectomy has a smaller incision, faster gastrointestinal recovery time, fewer days of postoperative hospitalization, and lower inflammatory markers than robotic-assisted distal gastrectomy. At the same time, postoperative cosmetic and quality of life outcomes were satisfactory. Clinically, these benefits translate to enhanced patient recovery, reduced surgical trauma, and better postoperative outcomes. These findings could guide surgeons in selecting more effective surgical approaches for patients undergoing gastrectomy, leading to better overall patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Percutaneous kyphoplasty combined with pediculoplasty (PKCPP) augments and internally fixates the severe osteoporotic vertebral fractures: a retrospective comparative study.

Vertebral augmentation (VA) has emerged as a satisfactory and minimally invasive surgical approach for severe osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs). However, treating severe OVFs with advanced collapse, burst morphology with MC injury, posterior wall retropulsion, high degree of osseous fragmentation, pediculo-somatic junction fracture, and large vacuum cleft presents significant challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous kyphoplasty combined with pediculoplasty (PKCPP) in reducing refracture, preventing further collapse and bone cement displacement, reconstructing vertebral body (VB) stability, and providing internal fixation of the anterior column (AC), middle column (MC), and the bilateral pedicles. The current study was designed as a retrospective review of clinical and radiologic parameters. From July 2018 to September 2021, ninety-six patients with severe OVFs and without neurological deficit were treated either with simple percutaneous kyphoplasty (simple PKP group, n = 54) or with percutaneous kyphoplasty combined with pediculoplasty (PKCPP group, n = 42). All patients were followed up for at least 1year, and clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed. Surgery duration and bone cement volume were compared between the two groups, as well as analgesic dosage and hospital stay. Anterior wall height (AWH), posterior wall height (PWH), and Cobb angle (CA) were measured and analyzed before and after surgery. The simple PKP group had significantly shorter surgery duration and lower bone cement volume compared to the PKCPP group (P < 0.05). Conversely, the simple PKP group had significantly higher analgesic dosage and longer hospital stay than the PKCPP group (P < 0.05). Both groups showed significant improvements in AWH, PWH, and CA after surgery (P < 0.05). At the final follow-up, the PWH in the simple PKP group was significantly lower than the preoperative measurement (P < 0.05), and the difference in PWH between the two groups was statistically significant (P > 0.05). Moreover, both groups demonstrated a significant reduction in CA after surgery, with the PKCPP group showing a greater reduction compared to the simple PKP group throughout the postoperative period to the final follow-up (P < 0.05). VAS and ODI scores significantly decreased in both groups after surgery (P < 0.05), with no significant difference between the groups at the final follow-up (P > 0.05). However, the PKCPP group achieved better VAS scores than the simple PKP group at postoperative 1day, 1month, and 3months (P < 0.05), and the ODI in the PKCPP group was lower than the simple PKP group at 1month after surgery (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the overall complication rate in the PKCPP group was significantly lower than that in the simple PKP group (P < 0.05). If performed by appropriately trained surgeons, both PKP and PKCPP are safe and effective treatments for patients with severe OVFs. However, PKCPP offers additional benefits in the setting of bothersome fractures, including rapid pain relief, improved spinal stability, satisfactory restoration of vertebral body height, and better correction of kyphotic deformity. These promising results have been tested in a single center but require further confirmation in multiple centers.

Derotational distal femoral osteotomy yields better outcomes in patellar subluxation with proximal femoral torsion compared with distal femoral torsion: A retrospective comparative study.

Controversy exists regarding the origin of femoral torsion, and specific treatment rules regarding the optimal position of femoral osteotomy in patients with recurrent patellar subluxation and excessive femoral torsion are scarce. To establish a novel classification system for such patients, and to compare clinical and radiological outcomes after distal derotational femoral osteotomy (DDFO) between femoral torsion at proximal (neck and shaft) and distal levels. Between January 2014 and June 2019, patients who underwent DDFO were retrospectively reviewed. The segmental torsion analysis was performed to establish a novel classification system, and classify included patients into two groups: 35 patients in proximal torsion group and 38 patients in distal torsion group. These patients were followed-up for at least 3years. Clinical evaluations included functional outcomes, physical examinations, quality of life, activity level, satisfaction, and complications. Radiological outcomes included patellofemoral osteoarthritis, congruence, and alignment. Type I was defined as the proximal torsion. Type II was defined as the distal torsion. Proximal torsion group had lower postoperative femoral torsion (12.6 ± 2.6° vs. 14.8 ± 3.6°; P = .004) and higher surgical correction angle (21.6 ± 5.0° vs. 19.1 ± 3.0°; P = .009). All clinical and radiological outcomes improved significantly in both groups, but proximal torsion group had significantly higher quality of life (EQ-5D-5L: 0.96 ± 0.06 vs. 0.91 ± 0.07; P = .003. 92.0 ± 6.0 vs. 88.7 ± 5.8; P = .021) and Tegner activity score (5.2 ± 1.5 vs. 4.5 ± 1.4; P = .040), and fewer patellofemoral osteoarthritis (8.6% vs. 26.3%; P = .048). Two patients in the distal torsion group had subjective patellar instability. The percentage of patients with anterior knee pain was higher in the distal torsion group. A novel classification system for patients with recurrent patellar subluxation and excessive femoral torsion based on segmental femoral torsion analysis was established. DDFO was more appropriate for patients with proximal torsion, yielding higher surgical correction angle, and better clinical and radiological outcomes. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Epidemiological and clinical aspects of syphilis incidence in the Russian Federation and the Kyrgyz Republic: comparative analysis

The Soviet period of development of domestic dermatovenereology was characterized by scientific achievements and the creation of organizational forms of combating venereal and contagious skin diseases. After the collapse of the USSR, socio-economic changes occurred in the former Soviet republics that affected the medical sphere. In recent years, the integration of dermatovenereologists with representatives of related specialties has increased and cooperation in the exchange of experience between dermatovenereological services of Russia and other countries is actively developing, including in the field of prevention of the spread of STIs. In 2021 and 2022, a significant increase (by 69.7%) in the incidence of syphilis was registered in Russia for the first time compared to 2020, which is due to an increase in this indicator among migrants (from 2801 cases in 2020 to 12748 cases in 2022), of which 30% of syphilis cases were among citizens of Kyrgyzstan. The article presents the results of a retrospective comparative study of syphilis incidence rates among children aged 0 to 14 years, adolescents aged 15 to 17 years, and adults over 18 years in the Russian Federation and the Kyrgyz Republic, and analyzes regulatory documents governing syphilis testing and treatment. Despite significant similarities in approaches to laboratory diagnostics of syphilis, including neurosyphilis, uniform principles of prenatal examination of women and treatment of pregnant women, there are currently a number of significant differences, including shorter courses of therapy and low doses of drugs, shorter periods of clinical and serological monitoring in the Kyrgyz Republic.

Routine single-incision laparoscopic common bile duct exploration with concomitant cholecystectomy for elderly patients: a 6-year retrospective comparative study.

While single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) has gained more popularity in recent years, its application to elderly patients needs further evaluation. Few SILC studies regarded this rapidly growing vulnerable population, and single-incision laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (SILCBDE) was never mentioned. We conducted an observational study of 146 routine SILCBDE to address this issue. One hundred forty-six consecutive patients underwent SILCBDE with concomitant cholecystectomies during a period of 6 years (July 2012-June 2016 and July 2018-July 2020). Forty patients with an age of 65years or older were the study target. Characteristics and operative outcomes were compared with the remaining 106 younger patients by retrospective chart review. The primary outcomes include complications and mortality, while the secondary outcomes contain intraoperative blood loss, operative time, procedural conversions, postoperative length of hospital stay, and bile duct stone recurrence. There was no mortality. The bile duct stone clearance rate was 98.6%. The elderly group had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores, higher comorbidity rate, higher acute cholangitis rate, lower completion intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) rate, longer operative time, more blood loss, longer postoperative hospital stay (p < .001), longer total hospital stay (p < .001), higher procedural conversion rate (p < .05), higher complication rate (p < .001), and the exclusive open conversion (2.5%). The difference in complications derived from Clavien-Dindo grade I. Routine SILCBDE with concomitant cholecystectomy by experienced surgeons is safe and efficacious for elderly patients as for younger patients. Randomized controlled trials are anticipated.

The Outcome of Microscopic with Bipolar Cautery Assisted and Head Light and Cold Steel Assisted Tonsillectomy: A Comparative Retrospective Study on 276 Patients

The Outcome of Microscopic with Bipolar Cautery Assisted and Head Light and Cold Steel Assisted Tonsillectomy: A Comparative Retrospective Study on 276 Patients

Effectiveness and Side Effect Incidence in a Real-World Digital Weight-Loss Service Using Compounded Semaglutide: A Retrospective Comparative Study

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) were originally developed in the late 1980s as a class of antidiabetic medication. However, research over the past decade has found them to be a safe and effective weight-loss agent, which has led to the approval of GLP-1 RAs such as Semaglutide as a supplement to lifestyle obesity interventions in multiple countries. When Semaglutide has become commercially unavailable, digital weight-loss services (DWLSs) have prescribed a compounded form of the medication—a practice in which health professionals formulate a replica of the commercial medication to serve ongoing patient needs. Although compounding has been relatively common over the past century, prominent medical bodies have argued that compounding a relatively novel medication such as Semaglutide represents a major safety risk. This study retrospectively compared the weight and side effect outcomes of patients from a large Australian DWLS whose lifestyle coaching was supplemented with either compounded or pure Semaglutide (both groups following the same titration schedule). All data were extracted from the service’s central data repository. To be included in the weight loss analysis, patients needed to have received a minimum of four monthly medication orders between June 2023 and May 2024 and have submitted weight data between 90 and 150 days after the arrival of their first order. All patients who received at least one medication order within the same period were included in the side effect analysis. The mean four-month weight loss percentage was statistically lower in the compounded Semaglutide group (N = 923, M = 9.11, SD = ±5.76) compared to those in the pure Semaglutide group (n = 1858, M = 9.87, SD = ±6.46), t (2032) = −3.15, p = 0.0017. A statistically lower proportion of patients in the compounded Semaglutide group (71.61%) reported at least one side effect than patients in the pure Semaglutide group (77.40%) during the study period, X2 (1, N = 7683) = 32.32, p &lt; 0.001. When side effects were disaggregated into severity categories, a statistical difference was only observed in mild side effects, X2 (1, N = 7683) = 59.16, p &lt; 0.001. A significantly higher rate of patients from the pure Semaglutide group achieved the ten (50.54% vs. 44.64%), X2 (1, N = 7683) = 10.34, p &lt; 0.001, and fifteen (21.42% vs. 12.78%), X2 (1, N = 7683) = 30.43, p &lt; 0.001, percent weight loss thresholds than patients from the compounded Semaglutide group. The findings indicate that compounded Semaglutide can be used as a component of tightly controlled DWLSs with slightly less effectiveness and but with slightly lower side effect incidence when compared to pure Semaglutide.

Liposomal bupivacaine plus intrathecal hydromorphone associated with shortened length of stay and decreased opioid use in pediatric patients following posterior spinal fusion surgery.

We aimed to determine if the use of intrathecal (IT) hydromorphone and/or liposomal bupivacaine (LB) decreased the amount of postoperative and post-discharge opioids for pediatric patients undergoing fusion (PSF) surgery to treat adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). A retrospective review of AIS patients undergoing PSF surgery was conducted. Hospital LOS, and inpatient and post-discharge opioid use were compared. Opioid use was reported as oral morphine equivalents (OMEs). Three groups were formed from 186 patients: the control (CG) (n = 39), the IT hydromorphone only (IT) (n = 58), and the liposomal bupivacaine with intrathecal hydromorphone (LB + IT) group (n = 89). The mean LOS were 4.8, 4.2, and 3.5 days for the CG, IT, and LB + IT groups, respectively, with the LB + IT group being shorter than both the CG (p < 0.001) and IT groups (p < 0.001). The mean inpatient OMEs were 106.3/day, 69.2/day, and 30.0/day for the CG, IT, and LB + IT groups, respectively, with each group being significantly different than each other (all pairwise comparisons, p < 0.001). The mean total OMEs that patients were prescribed post-discharge were 693.6 in the CG, 581.1 in the IT, and 359.4 in the LB + IT group (F(2,183) = 14.5, p < 0.001), with the LB + IT group being prescribed significantly less than both the IT (p = 0.003) and CG groups (p < 0.001). Both the use of IT hydromorphone and LB were associated with shortened LOS and fewer total and per day in-hospital OMEs; however, the group who received both IT and LB (LB + IT) had the greatest decrease in LOS, and both inpatient and post-discharge OME usage. Level III (retrospective comparative study).

Nebulized tranexamic acid for treatment of post-tonsillectomy bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Post-tonsillectomy bleeding (PTB) is a significant complication and common reason for emergency department (ED) visits. Limited literature has investigated the clinical efficacy of nebulized tranexamic acid (TXA) for treating PTB; however, the results were conflicting and not comprehensively summarized. This study aimed to provide the first-ever systematic review encompassing all literature exploring the efficacy and safety of nebulized TXA in treating PTB. We screened six databases until 01-July-2024, for relevant studies and assessed their quality using validated tools. We provided a qualitative summary of baseline characteristics and clinical data. The primary endpoint was the reoperation rate to manage PTB, and its effect size was aggregated as a proportion or risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random-effects model. We analyzed nine studies (2 case reports, 4 case series, and 3 retrospective comparative studies), all of which demonstrated good quality and low risk-of-bias. In studies using nebulized TXA for treating PTB (n = 9 studies), the pooled proportion of reoperation to control bleeding was 0.27 (95% CI: 0.08-0.5). The rate of reoperation to control bleeding was significantly lower in the nebulized TXA arm compared to the no-TXA arm (n = 3 studies, RR = 0.55, 95% CI [0.39-0.77], p < 0.001). Nebulized TXA is safe and promising for treating PTB. This is evidenced by its high efficacy in achieving hemostasis in acute settings during ED visits and reducing the rate of reoperations needed to control PTB. Further high-quality investigations are warranted to corroborate these findings.

An additional intra-operative peri-articular tranexamic acid decreases the drain output but does not benefit in total blood loss conservation during bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: A retrospective observation

BackgroundThe preferred procedure for end-stage arthritic knees is Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). Hidden blood loss during and after surgery is one of the most frequent side effects of TKA. This study aims to assess the impact of an extra intraoperative dosage of local periarticular tranexamic acid (TXA) on total blood loss and drain output following bilateral TKA in comparison to conventional triple dose IV TXA. MethodsPatients who had bilateral simultaneous TKA between January 2021 and November 2022 were the subjects of a single centre based retrospective observational analysis. In group 1 and group 2, 80 knees (IV TXA with periarticular TXA) were compared to a matched paired control set of 80 knees (3 dose IV TXA). ResultsIn all, 80 patients having 160 TKAs performed were included in the study. When the two groups' total and concealed blood losses were compared, they were found to be statistically insignificant; nevertheless, first group's drain output was considerably lower than the second group due to the use of an additional dose of periarticular TXA. Comparable declines in Hb, HCT, and platelet count were observed among the two groups. The secondary goal indicated that although there was no significant difference in range of motion between the groups 72 h after surgery, group 2 had a higher rate of hospital re-admissions within 30 days compared to group 1. ConclusionThe study demonstrated that peri-articular TXA administration during bilateral simultaneous TKA resulted in no additional benefit to the total or hidden blood loss conservation, except reducing the drain amount. However, a unique finding of the current study suggests decreased chances of wound complications and lesser 30-day readmission rate among patients receiving peri-articular TXA. Present study thus advocates the use of TXA as an effective peri-articular adjunct after TKA when a negative suction drain is being used post-operatively. Level of evidenceLevel III, Retrospective comparative study.

A Short-term clinical and radiologic outcomes of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with navigation system in Asian population: A retrospective comparative study

BackgroundIn reverse total arthroplasty (rTSA), glenoid component positioning is a critical factor for outcomes especially in Asian population with smaller glenoid. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiologic outcomes of rTSA with and without the navigation system with a minimum follow-up of two years in Asian population. MethodsThis was a retrospective comparative study of 33 rTSA with the navigation system (NAV group) and 40 conventional rTSA (CON group). Radiologic measurements regarding the position of the glenoid component, glenoid vault perforation by the central cage, and scapular notching, as well as clinical outcomes including range of motion (ROM), functional scores and complications were compared. Number, length, and angulation of screws were assessed. ResultsThe mean age was 73.9 ± 5.9 years with a mean follow-up of 30.1 ± 6.4 months. The NAV group more frequently utilized augmented baseplate (P < 0.001), showed less superior inclination (P = 0.030) and had lower incidence of glenoid vault perforation (P = 0.040). The length of superior (P = 0.001) and inferior screws (P = 0.045) was longer in the NAV group. In the NAV group compared to the CON group, more inferior orientation of superior screws (P < .001), more anterior orientation for inferior screws (P = 0.031), and anterior screws (P = 0.003) were observed. The NAV group showed significantly less penetration into the suprascapular fossa by a superior screw (P = 0.007). Final ROM, functional scores, and complications showed no significant differences between two groups. ConclusionIn short-term follow-up, the use of a navigation system in rTSA showed no significant difference in clinical outcomes and complications compared to conventional implantation. However, it enabled a lower superior inclination and a reduced glenoid vault perforation by the central cage, simultaneously allowing for the insertion of longer peripheral screws in a safer direction compared to conventional implantation.

Do prospective randomized controlled trials comply with filed protocols? Spin study of 206 trials from 2010 to 2023

IntroductionProspective randomized controlled trials (RCT) have a robust methodology, but some distortions may occur during the course of study. Some protocols may not be available at the time an article is reading. Some authors may change the methodology between the time the protocol was submitted and when the trial results are actually published. Others may distort results to favor more attractive findings and draw conclusions that support prior hypotheses. This has rarely been investigated and none explored the RCTs published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS). Therefore, we did a retrospective investigation aiming to determine: (1) the proportion of trials with a protocol deposited and accessible to the reader, (2) whether the trials scrupulously followed the filed protocols. HypothesisProtocols were available in over 80% of cases, and these protocols were followed in over 80% of trials for the primary endpoint. Patients and methodsThis was a retrospective study of articles published in the JBJS between January 2010 and November 2023. Differences in primary and secondary endpoints between protocols and articles were sought. ResultsOf the 206 RCT articles studied, 113 (54.9%) described clear and identifiable endpoints, and 93 (45.1%) were not identifiable and were inferred in the results; 184 (89.3%) articles identified a trial protocol. For the 184 articles (89.3%) declaring a trial protocol in the text, 23 (11.1%) protocols were not accessible. In all, 45 articles (21.8%) thus had no protocol available on the Internet (i.e., not available to the reader either because it was not cited in the text or because it was not accessible) so we analyzed 161 articles. The primary endpoint remained unchanged in 97 articles (60.2%) out of the 161 studied, was changed in 64 articles (39.8%), and was lacking (protocol not accessible) in 45 articles (21.8% of all articles). The secondary endpoints of the articles were unchanged in 61 articles (37.9%) out of the 161 studied. DiscussionLike other leading journals, JBJS publishes RCT articles containing a significant proportion of inconsistencies between preoperative trial protocols and the methods actually used in the research. Level of evidenceIII; retrospective comparative study non randomized