Multicenter Retrospective Study Research Articles

Unique characteristics of bone union at the infected vertebrae after minimally invasive posterior fixation without bone grafting in thoracolumbar pyogenic spondylitis: a retrospective multicenter cohort study

BackgroundThe current study aimed to evaluate the bone union rate between infected vertebrae after minimally invasive posterior fixation without bone grafting in thoracolumbar pyogenic spondylitis.MethodsThis retrospective multicenter cohort study evaluated 75 patients of posterior fixation for thoracolumbar pyogenic spondylitis that have been recorded at six relevant institutions from January 2016 to December 2022. Data on age, sex, location of infected vertebrae, number of infected disks, comorbidity, Pola classification, number of vertebrae fixed according to surgery, implant failure requiring revision surgery, and distance according to the type of infected vertebrae after surgery were evaluated. Further, their association with postoperative bone union was investigated > 12 months postoperatively.ResultsFinally, 40 patients were included in the study. In total, 32 (80%) patients achieved bone union at the infected vertebrae after minimally invasive posterior fixation without bone grafting. The mean duration from surgery to union was 10.7 months. Twenty-six (65%) patients initially achieved bone union at the lateral and/or anterior bridging callus. Patients with multiple-level infected disks (33%, 2/6 patients) had a lower bone union rate than those with a single-level infected disk (88%, 30/34 patients) (p = 0.0095).ConclusionsIn 80% of patients, bone union at the infected vertebrae was achieved after minimally invasive posterior fixation without bone grafting in thoracolumbar pyogenic spondylitis. A total of 65% of the patients achieved initial bone union at the lateral and/or anterior bridging callus. Moreover, patients with multiple-level infected disks had a low bone union rate. Hence, the treatment strategy should be cautiously considered.Trial registrationThis study was registered retrospectively and all procedures used in this study including the review of patient records were approved by the institutional review board.

Inter-Reader Agreement for Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System Major Features and Final Categorization: A Subanalysis From a Prospective Multicenter Study.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) is used to definitively diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients at risk. However, the user variability associated with CEUS LI-RADS has not been validated in North American and European patients. This study aims to evaluate the inter-reader agreements of CEUS LI-RADS features for, and final categorization of, HCC in patients at risk. This retrospective multicenter clinical study used the database of a previous prospective multinational study, evaluating the accuracy of CEUS LI-RADS for HCC diagnosis in patients at risk. All cases were first evaluated by a site physician performing/supervising the CEUS examination. Randomly selected cases were re-evaluated by a blinded central reader. Final diagnosis was confirmed with the reference standard, which was a composite of imaging tests and histology. Cohen's kappa test was used to evaluate inter-reader agreement. This study included 150 liver nodules and 58.0% (87/150) were confirmed as HCC, 4.7% (7/150) non-HCC malignancies, 22.7% (34/150) had no confirmed final diagnosis, and 14.7% (22/150) were nonmalignant. Inter-reader agreements were substantial for CEUS LI-RADS categorization (κ = 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51-0.71) and major features assessment (ranged κ = 0.64-0.78), LR-5 (κ = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.52-0.77), and LR-M (κ = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.44-0.90), while for LR-1 and LR-2 categorization was almost perfect (κ = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.65-1.00). Our study reported a substantial inter-reader agreement for overall CEUS LI-RADS categorization, especially for LR-5 and LR-M, and major imaging features of HCC, further confirming CEUS LI-RADS as a valuable and reliable tool for diagnosis of HCC.

Cardiac amyloidosis and left atrial appendage closure: a multicenter retrospective study

Abstract Background Thromboembolic stroke risk remains a clinical challenge in cardiac amyloidosis (CA) patients with atrial fibrillation because of the increased prevalence of left atrial appendage thrombi irrespective of CHA2DS2-VASc score and a higher prevalence of factors that increase the risk of bleeding with anticoagulation. Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is an effective option in patients with atrial fibrillation and high bleeding risk; however, data describing a LAAC strategy for stroke prevention in patients with CA is limited. Among non-CA patients, procedural success and serious complication rates are around 98% and 3% respectively. Purpose In this multicenter retrospective study, we aimed to investigate whether left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) could reduce the risk of bleeding complications and ischemic cerebrovascular events in patients with CA. Methods In an international multi-center retrospective study, patients with CA that underwent LAAC were included. The diagnosis of CA was established on the basis of histologic confirmation or advanced multimodality cardiac imaging as per current consensus statements. Results A total of 28 patients (93% male; 87% ATTR-CA; 13% AL-CA; mean age 80 years) met inclusion criteria. At baseline, mean CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were 4 and 3 respectively, mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 50%, and mean indexed left atrial volume was 58 mL/m2. 21% of patients had a prior history of ischemic stroke, 14% prior history of hemorrhagic stroke, 7% prior transient ischemic attack, and 54% had a prior history of major or minor bleeding. Procedural success was achieved in 26 patients (93%) with procedural complications occurring in 2 patients (vascular access site bleeding and cardiac tamponade). Regarding in-hospital and follow-up complications, 0% ischemic stroke, 0% hemorrhagic stroke, and major or minor bleeding in 4% of patients. During follow up, device thrombosis occurred in only 1 patient. Conclusion LAAC is a feasible and effective alternative to anticoagulation in patients with CA and excessive bleeding risk, with procedural success and complication rates similar to reported studies of non-CA patients.

Trends in maternal body mass index, macrosomia and caesarean section in first-time mothers during the pandemic: a multicentre retrospective cohort study of 12 Melbourne public hospitals.

To compare specific perinatal outcomes in nulliparas with a singleton infant in cephalic presentation at term, with and without exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic during pregnancy. We hypothesised that the pandemic conditions in Melbourne may have been an independent contributor to trends in maternal Body Mass Index ≥ 25kg/m2, macrosomia and caesarean section. Multi-centre retrospective cohort study and interrupted time-series analysis. Metropolitan Melbourne, Victoria. Singleton infants ≥ 20 weeks gestational age born between 1 January 2019 and 31 March 2022. Rates of maternal Body Mass Index ≥ 25kg/m2, macrosomia (birthweight ≥ 4000g) and caesarean section. 25 897 individuals gave birth for the first time to a singleton infant in cephalic presentation at term in the pre-pandemic cohort, and 25 298 in the pandemic-exposed cohort. Interrupted time-series analysis demonstrated no significant additional effect of the pandemic on pre-existing upward trends in maternal Body Mass Index ≥ 25kg/m2, caesarean section or macrosomia. The rate of maternal Body Mass Index ≥ 25kg/m2 was higher in the pandemic-exposed cohort compared with the pre-pandemic cohort, (45.82% vs. 44.58% respectively, p = 0.041) as was the overall rate of caesarean section(33.09% vs. 30.80%, p < 0.001). However, this increase in caesarean section was confined to individuals who had either an induction of labour or no labour. There was also a nonsignificant trend to higher rates of macrosomia in the pandemic-exposed cohort compared with the pre-pandemic cohort (8.55% vs. 7.99% respectively, p = 0.124). While rates of Body Mass Index ≥ 25kg/m2, pre-labour caesarean section, and caesarean section following induction of labour were higher among pandemic-exposed nulliparas, these findings represented a continuation of pre-existing upward trends, with no significant independent contribution from the pandemic. These trends are forecast to continue, with long term implications for population health.

Comparative Outcomes of Unilateral vs Bilateral Revascularization in Moyamoya Disease: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is characterized by progressive steno-occlusion of the internal carotid arteries, leading to compensatory collateral vessel formation. The optimal surgical approach for MMD remains debated, with bilateral revascularization potentially offering more comprehensive protection but involving more extensive surgery compared to unilateral revascularization. This study aims to compare bilateral revascularization and unilateral revascularization short-term safety profile in the treatment of MMD. This multicenter retrospective study included patients with MMD who underwent surgical revascularization at 13 academic institutions. Patients were categorized into unilateral and bilateral revascularization groups. Data collected included demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes. Propensity score matching was used to balance baseline characteristics. Statistical analyses were conducted using Stata (V.17.0; StataCorp). A total of 497 patients were included, including 90 who had bilateral revascularization and 407 who had unilateral revascularization. Bilateral revascularization was associated with more perioperative asymptomatic strokes (10% vs 2.4%; odds ratio [OR] 4.41, 95% CI 1.73 to 11.19, P = .002) and higher rates of excellent functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale 0-1) at discharge (92.2% vs 79.1%; OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.39 to 7, P = .006). After propensity score matching, 57 matched pairs were analyzed. There was a higher rate, though not statistically significant difference, of perioperative stroke in the bilateral revascularization group (15.7% vs 8.7%; OR 1.95, 95% CI 0.61 to 6.22, P = .26). No significant differences were noted in modified Rankin scale 0 to 1 and 0 to 2 scores at discharge, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale at discharge, intraoperative complications, or length of hospital stay. The follow-up stroke rates were also not significantly different (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.11 to 1.39, P = .15). This study found no significant differences between bilateral and unilateral revascularization in MMD. Patients who had bilateral revascularization had higher tendency of perioperative stroke, though not statistically significant. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these results.

Genotype-phenotype correlations in patients with titin variants and cardiomyopathy from a Swiss cohort

Abstract Background Alterations in titin (TTN) are mostly described with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Few studies identified TTN variants in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), but the overlap of dilated and arrhythmogenic phenotypes in TTN variants is scarcely studied. Most pathogenic TTN variants are located on the A-band, but there is few knowledge about the phenotypic presentation of I-band and Z-disc (non-A-band) variants. Purpose The aim of this study is to characterize and investigate the outcome of patients with cardiomyopathy and pathogenic (P) or likely pathogenic (LP) TTN variants with a particular focus on the cardiomyopathy phenotype (DCM vs. ACM) at initial presentation and follow-up. Further, we studied the association of the TTN variant (A-band vs. non-A-band regions) and a unique phenotype. Methods This is a retrospective multicenter study from a Swiss cohort including 34 patients with P/LP TTN variants and cardiomyopathy. The variables of the secured anonymized database include patient characteristics, genetic, ECG, echocardiographic, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) data. Ventricular arrhythmia (VA) events were divided into non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (nsVT), sustained ventricular tachycardia (sVT) and sudden cardiac arrest (SCA +/- ventricular fibrillation). Results Of 34 included patients, 68% were male. Median age at presentation was 43.5 years. 29 (85%) patients presented with DCM, 7 (21%) left dominant ACM (2020 Padua criteria) and none ARVC (2010 ARVC Task Force criteria). At median follow-up of 48.5 months, 17 (50%) patients had VA events (15 nsVT, 5 sVT and 3 SCA events). VA events significantly increased over time (p=0.008) and were not associated with gender or left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) &amp;lt;35%. Under optimal guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) mean LVEF and right ventricular function increased significantly (LVEF: 28.3±14.4% vs. 41.9±9.8% and right ventricular fractional area change (RV FAC): 24.7±7.5% vs. 35.8±4.8%, p&amp;lt;0.05). Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on CMR was commonest in the basal septum, but no patient had higher degree atrioventricular block (AVB) at baseline and follow-up. At last follow-up, 8 (24%) patients fulfilled ACM and 13 (38%) DCM criteria (Figure 1). Most TTN variants were located on the A-band (21, 62%), 10 (29%) on the non-A-band regions. Latter had higher rates of sVT (log-rank p=0.041) during follow-up (Figure 2). 20 (59%) had LP and 11 (32%) P variants. P variant carriers were younger at disease presentation compared to LP variant carriers. Conclusion Patients with TTN variants frequently present as DCM, whereas presentation as left dominant ACM is less common. TTN does not seem to be a classical ARVC causing gene. Despite favourable biventricular remodelling under GDMT, ventricular arrhythmic events increase during follow-up. I-band and Z-disk variants are associated with a higher risk of sVT, which may help in the risk stratification process.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Safety of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatment in Fistulising Crohn's Disease: An International Real-Life Retrospective Multicentre Cohort Study.

Perianal fistulas of Crohn's disease (CD) create a significant burden on patients' lives. However, the efficacy and safety of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell treatment are contradicting, and real-world evidence is lacking. To examine the usability of darvadstrocel therapy in managing perianal CD. We enrolled patients with CD and perianal fistulas in this retrospective multicenter study. The primary outcome was perianal clinical remission (defined as all treated fistulas closed) at weeks 26 and 52. Secondary outcomes were clinical response rates (≥ 1 fistulas closed), perianal activity (PDAI), patient satisfaction, and adverse events. Data were recorded at baseline and weeks 12, 26 and 52. Prediction of primary outcomes was performed by logistic regression. Overall, among 223 patients (male/female ratio: 0.48), perianal clinical remission was achieved in 78.2% and 62.3% until weeks 26 and 52. Baseline PDAI score (OR 0.75), number of fistulas (OR 0.28) and the number of weeks after preparation for surgery (OR 0.98) were associated with treatment failure. The clinical response rates were 84.8% and 79.8% at weeks 26 and 52. Improvement of subjective perianal symptoms was achieved in 77.8% and 78.4% of patients, respectively. Adverse events occurred in 13.5% of patients; perianal abscesses and proctalgia were the most frequently reported. Effectiveness data were higher than in clinical trials. The safety profile was reassuring, and patients' satisfaction was high. Appropriate patient selection, fistula preparation and expertise may help to achieve treatment success.

A Multicenter Retrospective Study Evaluating Distal Radial Access vs. Conventional Transradial or Transvenous Access for Endovascular Treatment of Malfunctioning Dialysis Fistulas

Background: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of distal transradial access (dRA) for the endovascular management of malfunctioning dialysis fistulas. This study also compares dRA with conventional access techniques, such as proximal radial and transvenous access, focusing on technical success, clinical outcomes, and vascular access site complications (VASCs). Methods: A retrospective multicenter study was conducted across four hospitals, including 292 patients treated between January 2019 and June 2024. Of these, 57 patients underwent dRA, and 235 received proximal radial or transvenous access. Key outcomes included technical success (successful completion of the procedure), clinical success (restoration of functional dialysis access), and complication rates. Data were collected on procedure times and complication profiles. Results: Technical success was achieved in 96.5% of patients undergoing dRA, compared to 98.3% in those receiving conventional access (p = 0.388). Clinical success was similar between groups (96.5% vs. 97%, p = 0.835). The overall complication rate was 10.5% for dRA and 8.5% for conventional access (p = 0.632). Cannulation time was longer for dRA (109.1 vs. 91.9 s, p &lt; 0.001), but total procedure duration was comparable between the groups. No major complications were observed in either cohort, and improved post-procedure access flow rates were recorded in all patients. Conclusions: Distal transradial access is a feasible and effective approach for the endovascular management of malfunctioning dialysis fistulas, with outcomes comparable to conventional access techniques. It provides a safe alternative, particularly for patients with complex fistulas, while maintaining a low complication profile.

Impact of preoperative quantitative flow ratio on long term coronary artery bypass grafts patency

Abstract Background Preoperative fractional flow reserve (FFR) in the native coronaries is a known predictor of long-term graft patency after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) is an angiogram-based functional assessment tool of coronary stenoses. Its predictive value of graft patency is unknown. Purpose To investigate the impact of preoperative QFR value on long-term graft patency after CABG. Methods In this retrospective multicentric study we included consecutive patients treated with CABG between 2011 and 2022, with available coronary angiogram before and at any timepoint after CABG. Three-vessel QFR analysis of the preoperative angiography has been performed. Follow-up angiography was checked for graft patency. Only vessels entered the analysis for which baseline QFR was appropriate and which has been bypassed. Results 400 patients were included with mean age of 67±8 years. They received on average 2.0±0.9 bypasses. 788 coronaries and bypasses were analyzed, among the latter 455 were arterial and 333 were veins. 37% were placed on LAD, 26% on RCA and 26% on the LCx. Stenosis severity at baseline was 73±22% with a QFR value of 0.68±0.30. Follow-up angiographies were performed at 34±29 months. Overall graft patency was 83%, with higher occlusion rate for venous than arterial conduits (27% vs 9%, respectively; HR 3.9 [2.60-5.88]). Occlusion rate was lower for grafts implanted on QFR significant native vessels versus those, placed on non-significant ones (13% vs 30%, respectively; HR 2.86 [1.93-4.26]). Benefit was maintained for both, arterial (5% vs 22%, respectively; HR 5.23 [2.78-10.38]), as well as for venous conduits (24% vs 39%; HR 2.09 [1.21-3.50]). Conclusion QFR significantly predicts graft patency irrespective of whether the graft is arterial or venous. However, patency of venous grafts is poor, even if implanted on functionally significant native stenotic coronaries.Graft patency

Long COVID in the UAE: symptomatology, gender gaps, and health implications among COVID-19 survivors

Abstract Background A growing number of COVID-19 survivors are experiencing symptoms post-SARS-CoV-2 infection, known as long COVID. It is a new multisystem condition and understanding its associated factors and its impact on individuals is crucial. This study aims to characterize long COVID in previously hospitalized patients in the UAE, identifying associated factors and assessing its impact on patients’ daily lives. Methods A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted in hospitals in Dubai and Sharjah from January 29, 2020 to October 14, 2021, involving RT-PCR confirmed cases. Clinical, epidemiologic, and long COVID data were collected via hospital records and phone interviews. Results Long COVID affected 48.7% of 533 patients, with 46.6% prevalence persisting over a year. A total of 43 symptoms across 11 organ systems were reported. Females had 1.83 times higher odds of long COVID (95% CI [1.22, 2.74], p = 0.003). Each additional initial symptom (AOR = 1.22, 95% CI [1.05, 1.40], p = 0.008), ICU admission (AOR = 1.77, 95% CI [1.06, 2.98], p = 0.030), and ≥ 2 comorbidities (AOR = 2.19, 95% CI [1.09, 4.40], p = 0.027) increased the odds of long COVID. Long COVID significantly impacted daily life, with poorer health ratings (AOR = 5.576, 95% CI [3.029, 10.265], p &amp;lt; .001), worse health status (AOR = 7.842, 95% CI [4.954, 12.415], p &amp;lt; .001), and work limitations due to physical (AOR = 4.808, 95% CI [3.229, 7.158], p &amp;lt; .001) and emotional issues (AOR = 3.149, 95% CI [2.01, 4.933], p &amp;lt; .001). This impact persisted beyond 12 months post-infection. Conclusions Long COVID presents prolonged multisystem involvement and substantial disability among survivors, necessitating further research to understand its lasting effects and intervention development to mitigate its impact Key messages • Long COVID poses a substantial challenge to public health in the UAE, affecting almost half of hospitalized survivors and extending its impact beyond 12 months post-infection. • Risk factors like gender initial symptoms, ICU stay, and comorbidities increase the risk of long COVID, warranting the need for tailored interventions and support strategies for vulnerable populations.

Effectiveness and safety of levodopa-entacapone-carbidopa infusion in Parkinson disease: A real-world data study.

Levodopa-entacapone-carbidopa intestinal gel (LECIG) infusion is a recently developed device-aided therapy for advanced Parkinson disease (PD) patients. The aim of this study was to report real-world evidence about the effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of LECIG in PD patients. A multicenter observational retrospective study of the first patients who initiated LECIG in Spain was performed. All neurologists with an experience of at least two patients treated until 30 March 2024 were invited to participate. Data about effectiveness and safety from the medical records (V0, pre-LECIG; V1, initiation of LECIG; V2, post-LECIG follow-up) with a total of 246 variables were collected. Seventy-three PD patients (61.6% males, 70.1 ± 9.1 years old) from 21 Spanish centers with a mean disease duration of 14.4 ± 6.3 years (range = 5-31) were included. Twenty-six patients (35.6%) were switched directly from levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel. The mean exposure to LECIG was 177.3 ± 110.5 days (range = 7-476). The mean daily OFF time decreased from 5.2 ± 3 (pre-LECIG) to 1.9 ± 1.8 (post-LECIG; n = 66, p < 0.0001). Global improvement was observed in >85% of the patients. No significant change was detected in the levodopa equivalent daily dose from V0 to V2. Only 7% received 24-h infusion, and 24.7% required more than one cartridge per day at V2. Thirty-four patients (46.6%) had at least one adverse event related to LECIG and/or the device system. Five patients (6.8%) discontinued LECIG. LECIG was safe and effective in advanced PD patients.

Application of anticoagulants in the perioperative period of pci for patients with a history of atrial fibrillation and NSTEMI: a real-world, large multicenter retrospective clinical study

Abstract Backgrounds The optimal management for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD) remains unclear, particularly regarding anticoagulants use and ischemia-bleeding balance risks. This study aims to investigate the impact of perioperative anticoagulant use on patients with AF and acute non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Methods Data for this study were obtained from a retrospective cohort of patients admitted to and discharged from 72 secondary and tertiary hospitals from 2010 to 2023. A total of 150,530 patients were enrolled, including 74,373 NSTEMI patients. Patients were divided into anticoagulants and non-anticoagulants groups. A total of 1,358 patients were included in the non-anticoagulant group, and 3,541 patients were included in the anticoagulant group. Patients in each group were one-to-one matched based on propensity scores using the nearest available pair matching (PSM) method with a caliper width equal to 0.01. The primary endpoints were major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular adverse events (MACCE), including cardiovascular death, recurrent myocardial infarction, and stroke. Secondary endpoints included cardiovascular death, recurrent myocardial infarction, BARC type 3 bleeding, and cerebral hemorrhage. Follow-up time points were set at 1 month,3 months, and 6 months. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results After PSM matching, each group consisted of 809 patients. The anticoagulant group had a higher proportion of males, a higher prevalence of patients with a history of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, and hyperlipidemia, while proportions of patients with Killips classification of III/IV and history of chronic kidney disease were lower. Anticoagulant use during the perioperative period significantly reduced the occurrence of MACCE at the primary endpoint at 1 month (aHR 0.57; P &amp;lt; 0.001), 3 months (aHR 0.57; P = 0.023), and 6 months (aHR 0.57; P &amp;lt; 0.001). At the secondary endpoint, anticoagulants use was associated with a lower incidence of cardiogenic death at 1 month,3 months, and 6 months (aHR 0.55; P &amp;lt;0.001), (aHR 0.55; P &amp;lt;0.001), (aHR 0.56; P &amp;lt;0.001), lower risk of myocardial infarction recurrence at 3 months and 6 months (aHR 0.47; P = 0.02), (aHR 0.44; P &amp;lt;0.001), without increasing the risk of bleeding events, including BARC type 3 bleeding and cerebral hemorrhage. Conclusion Perioperative anticoagulant use during PCI can reduce the occurrence of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and stroke recurrence within 6 months post-surgery without increasing bleeding events in AF and NSTEMI patients. Therefore, for patients with AF, it is recommended to consider combining anticoagulant therapy with dual antiplatelet therapy during the perioperative period, if no contraindications.

G-CSF-In Patients With Severe Alcohol-Associated Hepatitis: A Real-World Experience.

Severe alcohol-associated hepatitis (SAH) is associated with high short-term mortality, and failure of response to corticosteroids is associated with a mortality of ~70%-80% within 6 months. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been studied in steroid non-responders; however, the data are limited. This is a multicentre retrospective cohort study. The study period was from January 2016 to November 2023. SAH was defined as alcohol-associated hepatitis (ICD-10-CM codes) with serum bilirubin ≥ 5.0 mg/dL and INR ≥ 1.5. Other aetiologies of acute hepatitis and biliary obstruction were excluded. The primary outcome was 90-day median overall survival in SAH patients treated with G-CSF compared with standard medical therapy (SMT) or corticosteroids. Propensity score (1:1) matching was performed to control confounding variables. Among 20 132 patients with SAH, 10800 (53.65%) were treated with corticosteroids and 224 (1.11%) G-CSF. The G-CSF group was younger (45.5 vs. 48.4) White (79.91% vs. 72.40%); however, there was no age or gender difference between G-CSF and corticosteroid groups. Whites and patients with more comorbidities received G-CSF more frequently than SMT or corticosteroids. After propensity score matching, 90-day overall survival was better in patients who received G-CSF (88.31% vs. 62.36%, p < 0.01) compared with SMT or corticosteroids (88.31% vs. 74.39%, p < 0.01). Patients on G-CSF had better 6-month transplant-free survival compared with SMT (83.53% vs. 55.36%, p < 0.001) or corticosteroids (82.89% vs. 60.21%, p < 0.001). Gastrointestinal bleeding was less common in G-CSF group compared with corticosteroids (5.02% vs. 10.50%, p < 0.001). A small minority of patients with severe alcohol-associated hepatitis receive G-CSF. G-CSF improves 90-day overall survival in patients with severe alcohol-associated hepatitis and is non-inferior to corticosteroids.

The evolving treatment landscape of multiple myeloma in Portugal: A nation‐wide retrospective cohort study of real‐world clinical practice

AbstractObjectivesTo characterize variations in real‐world treatment patterns in multiple myeloma (MM) in Portugal over a 5‐year period.MethodsA retrospective cohort multicenter study using secondary data of national hospital drug consumption database from 11 Portuguese public hospitals between 2017 and 2022.ResultsNumber of MM‐treated patients increased 53% over 5 years (from 825 to 1266 patients). Constant slight predominance of male patients (55%), 82% over 60 years old (median age, 70 years), and half of newly diagnosed patients were transplant‐eligible. The highest growth rate was in second‐line treatments, with a sixfold increase in patients in fourth‐line or beyond. First‐line treatment pattern remained stable both in transplant‐eligible (bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (VCd_, bortezomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone (VTd), and bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (VRd)) and noneligible patients (bortezomib, melphalan and prednisolone (VMP), VCd, and lenalidomide, dexamethasone (Rd)). Maintenance therapy increased from 5% to 16%, shifting from thalidomide to lenalidomide. Second and third lines were dominated by daratumumab‐based regimens after 5 years. No standard of care in fourth‐line treatment. Treatment duration increased in transplant‐eligible due to maintenance therapy and in noneligible due to fourth‐line treatments. Patients moved from first‐ to second‐line more rapidly over time.ConclusionsThere was an increase in MM patients reaching advanced treatment lines and significant changes in the treatment patterns, driven by access to more effective frontline treatments and longer duration of treatment.

Risk for appropriate ICD intervention and complications in patients implanted after an out-hospital cardiac arrest compared to patients implanted for primary and other secondary prevention indication

Abstract Background Few data are available about patients implanted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). In particular, it is unclear if these patients have a higher risk of appropriate device therapy than patients implanted for primary and other secondary prevention. Purpose To assess if appropriate device interventions (ATP/shocks) are higher in patients implanted after OHCA compared to patients implanted for primary and secondary prevention other than OHCA. To verify also if mortality, implantation-related complications (pneumothorax, hemothorax, hematoma, cardiac tamponade), device-related complications (lead displacement and fracture, infections) and inappropriate shocks/ATP are higher in OHCA patients compared to other patients. Methods This is a retrospective multicenter international study. All the patients implanted with an ICD between January 2015 and December 2016 in the participating centers were included. Follow-up was considered concluded in case of death or at the last follow-up available until December 2023. Patients were divided according to ICD implantation indication (secondary prevention after OHCA, other secondary prevention, primary prevention). Results 1386 patients (79% males; median age 67, IQR 59-74) from 15 centers were included with a median follow-up of 83 months: 111 patients in OHCA group, 134 in other secondary prevention group and 1141 in primary prevention group. Considering the first appropriate intervention, a significant difference among the three groups was observed (Fig.1A) and, at post-hoc comparison, the OHCA group was at higher risk than primary prevention (HR 1.51, 95%CI 1.06-2.17, p=0.02), but was at similar risk than other secondary prevention (HR 0.79, 95%CI 0.51-1.23, p=0.3). This was confirmed also after correction for age, gender, history of atrial fibrillation, aetiology and multi-comorbidity (Fig.2A). However, considering the number of appropriate interventions during follow-up, the risk of OHCA group was lower than other secondary prevention (IRR 0.28, 95%CI 0.11-0.68, p&amp;lt;0.01) and similar to primary prevention (IRR 0.97, 95%CI 0.47-1.96, p=0.93), also after correction for the other predictors (Fig.2B). The three groups showed no differences in survival (Fig.1B), implantation-related complication, device-related complications (Fig.1C) and inappropriate shocks/ATP. Conclusion Patients implanted with an ICD after an OHCA have a risk similar to those implanted for other secondary prevention, when considering the first appropriate intervention, but a risk similar to those implanted for primary prevention when considering the number of appropriate interventions during follow-up. Our study confirms that OHCA patients represents a peculiar population with the same chance of survival and rate of complications compared to primary and other secondary prevention patients suggesting the need of more studies to improve their long-term treatment.Figure 1 (Panel A, B and C)Figure 2 (Panel A and B)

Association between hidradenitis suppurativa and gout: a propensity-score-matched cohort study.

Introduction While an association between hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and inflammatory arthritis has been reported in clinical studies, the potential link between HS and gout remains uncertain. As HS and gout share common immunological pathways, we conducted a retrospective cohort study to determine whether HS patients are at an increased risk of developing gout in the future. Methods This retrospective multicenter cohort study obtained information through the US collaborative network, a subset of the TriNetX research network. Patients diagnosed with HS between January 01, 2005, and December 31, 2017, were recruited, and a 1:1 propensity score matching was conducted to identify appropriate controls. The hazard ratio for the new-onset of gout in HS patients was subsequently calculated. Results Compared to individuals without HS, those with HS were associated with a 1.39-fold higher risk (95% CI, 1.20, 1.62) of developing new-onset gout within five years after the index date. This association remained significant in shorter follow-up times and sensitivity analyses utilizing different matching models. For both male and female HS patients, the risk of developing new-onset gout within 5 years after the index date was statistically significant, with respective hazard ratios of 1.61 (95% CI, 1.28,2.02) for males and 1.41 (95% CI, 1.11,1.78) for females. Conclusion HS patients are at a high risk of developing gout within five years after an HS diagnosis while comparing with non-HS controls.

Long-term clinical outcomes informed by artificial intelligence-enabled single-lead ECG detection of reduced ejection fraction

Abstract Background * Reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is linked to poor clinical outcomes (1, 2). * Despite its increasing prevalence, reduced LVEF is often undetected due to resource-limited echocardiography and lack of suitable point-of-care diagnostic tools. * Previous studies have shown that an artificial intelligence-enabled electrocardiogram (AI-ECG) algorithm can accurately identify patients with reduced LVEF, but may also offer novel insights on long-term prognosis (3, 4). Purpose We aimed to determine if an AI-ECG algorithm designed for detecting reduced LVEF can also independently predict 2-year major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality. Method * A retrospective multicentre observational study investigating the ability of AI-ECG to predict long-term clinical outcomes (i.e. over two years' follow up). * Analysis included a total of 1,007 consecutive unselected patients attending for routine echocardiography, with a single-lead ECG recording performed at the same time. * An AI-ECG algorithm, designed to identify impaired LVEF, was applied to each single-lead ECG. * Occurrence of MACE and all-cause mortality associated with AI-ECG results (Figure 1) was investigated using Cox regression; evaluating performance of AI-ECG results as a classifier (0 or 1) and as a probability score (0 to 1). * The study was approved by the UK Health Research Authority (reference 21/LO/0051). Results * The mean age was 62.3 years. 52.4% of patients were male and 57.5% of patients were White. * Appropriately, patients with a positive AI-ECG had a higher MACE rate compared to those with a negative AI-ECG (34.2% vs. 11.9%; adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 2.02; 95% CI, 1.46 – 2.81; p &amp;lt; 0.005), primarily driven by increased mortality (23% vs. 9.6%; p &amp;lt; 0.0001; aHR 1.65; 95% CI, 1.12 – 2.43) and heart failure hospitalization (14.5% vs. 1%; p &amp;lt; 0.0001) – Figure 2. * AI-ECG probability score (per 10% increase) was significantly associated with MACE (aHR 1.17; 95% CI, 1.09 – 1.25; p &amp;lt; 0.005) and all-cause mortality (aHR 1.11; 95% CI, 1.02 – 1.20; p = 0.01). * Importantly, sub-analysis of AI-ECG for those who have a normal LVEF (i.e. ≥50%) continued to show association between positive AI-ECG and MACE (27.2% vs. 11.9%; p &amp;lt; 0.0001; aHR 1.70, 95% CI 1.17 – 2.48) and all-cause mortality (20.4% vs. 9.6%; p &amp;lt; 0.0001; aHR 1.53, 95% CI 1.00 – 2.36). Conclusion An AI-ECG algorithm designed to identify impaired LVEF can identify patients at risk of MACE and all-cause mortality from single-lead ECG screening – regardless of their LVEF. Such results may enable further risk stratification for cardiovascular investigations through the simple addition of single-lead ECG recording.

Characteristics of adolescents with acute alcohol intoxication in Belgium

Abstract Background Binge drinking and acute alcohol intoxication (AAI) are common in Belgian adolescents, posing a risk of serious health consequences. To develop cost-effective preventive measures for problematic alcohol use in adolescents in Belgium, more insight into the background of this group is necessary. Methods To gain more insight into the prevalence, medical characteristics and context of AAI, a retrospective multicentre hospital chart study was performed on adolescents aged 10 to 18 years with AAI in Antwerp, Belgium from 2015-2021. Furthermore, a prospective intervention study for adolescents with AAI in Antwerp was set up in 2023, of which the first results were not yet known at the time of submission. However, these results will be presented at the conference, if available. Results Over the study period, a total of 1032 admissions related to alcohol intoxication occurred in 1016 patients, with a median age of 16.6 years old and a median blood alcohol intoxication (BAC) of 1.95 g/L. There was combined drug use in 10% of the cases. Only 17% of the patients received additional care after admission. These findings did not significantly change over the study period. Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that after correcting for covariates, higher age, no combined drug use and decreased consciousness at admission were associated with more severe AAI cases (higher BAC). Conclusions AAI is prevalent among Belgian adolescents. Therefore, better-targeted preventive measures and policies are needed. Our findings could be taken into account when developing preventive measures. However, data addressing the demographics and context of AAI were mostly missing. Therefore, a prospective follow-up study was set up in Antwerp, which started in 2023 and is still ongoing. Furthermore, this study will investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of a follow-up intervention for this group of patients.

International Multicenter Retrospective Study From the Ultra-rare Sarcoma Working Group on Low-grade Fibromyxoid Sarcoma, Sclerosing Epithelioid Fibrosarcoma, and Hybrid Forms: Outcome of Primary Localized Disease.

The aim of the study was to report the outcome of primary localized low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (LGFMS), sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF), and hybrid LGFMS/SEF (H-LGFMS/SEF). Patients with primary localized LGFMS, SEF, or H-LGFMS/SEF, surgically treated with curative intent from January 2000 to September 2022, were enrolled from 14 countries and 27 institutions. Pathologic inclusion criteria were predefined by expert pathologists. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints were crude cumulative incidence (CCI) of local recurrence (LR), CCI of distant metastases (DM), and post-metastases OS (p-OS). Two hundred ninety-four patients (239 LGFMS, 32 SEF, and 23 H-LGFMS/SEF) were identified. At a median(m-) follow-up (FU) of 57.1 months, 12/294 patients died. The 5- and 10-year OS were 99.0% and 95.9% in LGFMS, 86.2% and 67.0% in SEF, and 84.8% and 84.8% in H-LGFMS/SEF, respectively. Predictors of worse OS included pathology, age at surgery, systemic therapy, and radiotherapy. LR developed in 13/294 (4.4%) patients. The observed m-time to LR was 10.7 months. The 5- and 10-yr CCI-LR were 4.7% in LGFMS and 6.6% in SEF, respectively. There were no LR events in H-LGFMS/SEF. The sole predictor of higher risk of LR was histology. DM developed in 23/294 (7.8%) patients. The observed m-time to DM was 28.2 months. The 5- and 10-yr CCI-DM were 1.3% and 2.7% in LGMFS, 29.9% and 57.7% in SEF, 48.9% and 48.9% in H-LGFMS/SEF, respectively. Predictors of higher risk of DM were histology, systemic therapy, and radiotherapy. Primary localized LGFMS treated with complete surgical resection has an excellent prognosis, while about 50% of H-LGFMS/SEF and SEF develop DM within 5 to 10 years. Very long-term FU is needed to understand absolute cure rates.

Duration of sinus rhythm after direct current cardioversion does not predict recurrence of atrial fibrillation after subsequent catheter ablation: a multicentre study

Abstract Background Catheter ablation (CA) for persistent atrial fibrillation (PsAF) is associated with high rates of AF recurrence. DC cardioversion (DCCV) is often performed before CA, with wide variation in duration of maintenance of sinus rhythm (SR) post-DCCV. Factors associated with short duration of SR after DCCV, such as raised body mass index, prior duration of AF, prolonged p wave duration on the 12-lead ECG, and indexed left atrial volume, are either associated with or indicative of atrial electrical and structural remodelling, suggesting that shorter duration of SR after DCCV reflects a more advanced substrate for AF, which could in turn also influence the likelihood of success after CA. Objective To determine if post-DCCV SR duration is associated with AF recurrence after subsequent CA. Methods We performed a multicentre retrospective study of patients undergoing first-time CA for PsAF between 2015-2018 with prior DCCV. SR duration after the last DCCV prior to CA was recorded. The primary outcome was the first recurrence of atrial arrhythmia post-CA (after a 90-day post-CA blanking period). We also performed a pre-specified sensitivity analysis for amiodarone use at DCCV, by performing repeat analysis after excluding all such patients across the three groups. Results A total of 331 patients were identified across five centres and categorised by post-DCCV SR duration: &amp;lt;7 days (group 1); 7-31 days (group 2); &amp;gt;31 days (group 3; Table 1). Over median post-CA follow-up of 591 days, 207 patients (62.5%) met the primary outcome. There was no significant between-group difference in the time to primary outcome (log rank p=0.82; Figure 1). There were significantly more blanking period arrhythmias in groups 1 and 2 than group 3 after post hoc Bonferroni correction (pairwise p=0.001, 0.002 respectively; Table 1). After exclusion of patients on amiodarone at time of DCCV, there remained no significant between-group difference in the time to primary outcome (log rank p=0.85). Conclusion Shorter duration of SR post-DCCV is associated with blanking period arrhythmia after CA, but crucially does not predict long-term AF recurrence. Early AF recurrence after DCCV should not influence decisions on CA suitability or be used to predict long-term CA success.