Risk Factors For Severe Complications Research Articles

Evaluation of the risk factors for severe complications and surgery of intestinal foreign bodies in adults: a single-center experience with 180 cases.

BackgroundForeign bodies (FBs) lodged in the intestine or causing intestinal complications are uncommon in clinical practice but may pose diagnostic difficulties and prove life-threatening. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for severe complications and surgery to aid clinicians in the diagnosis and management of intestinal FBs.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of patients in whom FBs were lodged in the intestine or caused complications from 2010 to 2020 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Zhejiang, China). The characteristics of the patients and FBs, symptoms, imaging findings, diagnostics, treatment strategies, and clinical outcomes were analysed. Furthermore, the risk factors for complications and surgery were investigated.ResultsIn total, 180 patients were included in our study. Most patients (76.1%) were unable to provide a history of ingestion. Bezoars were the most common FBs (35.6%). The FBs were mainly located in the duodenum (32.8%) and the ileum (27.8%). Surgical removal of FBs was successful in 89 (49.4%) patients and endoscopic removal in 54 (30.0%) patients. Eleven with perforations were treated conservatively. FBs located in the jejunum or ileum were more likely to cause severe complications than those located in the duodenum. FBs located in the jejunum, ileum, or sigmoid colon were more likely to undergo surgery, and severe complications were an independent risk factor for surgery.ConclusionIntestinal FBs, often localized in angulation, are likely to be misdiagnosed because most patients do not provide a history of FB ingestion. Surgery and endoscopic therapy are the most commonly used treatment modalities. Surgery is not mandatory in clinically stable patients with small and contained perforations. FBs located in the jejunum or ileum are risk factors for both complications and surgery.

One year follow-up of ablation procedures performed in a single-center over a 32-months period

Arrhythmia ablation procedures are in constant increase. Securing these invasive procedures is one of the major concerns. Complications are relatively rare but can be potentially severe. To describe early and mid-term (one month) complications and the long-term impact on symptoms and antiarrhythmic and anticoagulant agents prescription in a cohort of successive patients who underwent arrhythmia ablation in the department of cardiology of the university hospital of Brest. All patients undergoing interventional arrhythmia procedures are included and followed in the PRINT registry. We included 841 consecutive patients who underwent an arrhythmia ablation procedure between 2017 and 2019, and observed complications (occurring early during or after the procedure and at one month follow-up), symptoms at 3 months and 1 year follow-up, and medication at 1 year. The rate of severe complications was 6.8% with differences according to the type of procedure. The most frequent were vascular complications (2.8% in all patients), conductive disturbances (0.9%), and severe pericardial effusion without need for surgery (1.1% in all procedures, 2.7% in atrial fibrillation ablation, more often in case of radiofrequency ablation). Hypertension and left bundle branch block were independent risk factors for severe complications in our study. The rate of procedure-related death was very low (0.1%). Symptoms, including palpitations and dyspnea were significantly reduced at 1 year. The use of anticoagulant and antiarrhythmic therapy was significantly lower at 1 year. The complication rates in our study were similar, for equivalent procedures, to those reported in other series. In our population, we confirm the favorable impact of ablation procedures on symptoms and quality of life, with a significant decrease in the number of symptomatic patients and the discontinuation or reduction of drug treatment.

Analysis of Clinicopathological Features and Risk Factors for Severe Complications after Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer in Elderly Patients

Objective: As life expectancy is increasing, the number and proportion of elderly patients with gastric cancer are also expanded. This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological features for elderly gastric cancer patients undergoing gastrectomy and analyze risk factors for developing severe complications.Methods: A total of 514 patients treated surgically for gastric cancer between January 2016 and December 2019 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into two groups: younger group ( ≤ 69 years) and elderly group ( ≥ 70 years). Clinicopathological characteristics and operative outcomes including the complications and mortality were compared between two groups. Risk factors for severe complications in elderly gastric cancer patients were also investigated.Results: Of the 514 patients, 145 (28.2%) were elderly group. Comorbidity (P < 0.001), differentiated histology (P = -0.006), deeper in tumor depth (P = 0.012), and frequent lymph node metastasis (P = 0.028) were observed in elderly group. Overall complications (P = 0.046) and severe complications (P = 0.049) were significantly higher in elderly group. Multivariate analysis indicated that extent of resection (P = 0.044) was associated with severe complications in elderly gastric cancer patients.Conclusion: Elderly patients have a significantly higher probability of complications and severe complications than younger patients after gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Especially, when total gastrectomy was performed in elderly gastric cancer patients, the risk of developing serious complications was significantly higher more than 3 times. Therefore, surgeons should pay attention to gastric cancer patients over the age of 70 who require total gastrectomy.

Postoperative complications after robotic resection of colorectal cancer: An analysis based on 5-year experience at a large-scale center.

BACKGROUNDAs a common gastrointestinal malignancy, colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a serious health threat globally. Robotic surgery is one of the future trends in surgical treatment of CRC. Robotic surgery has several technical advantages over laparoscopic surgery, including 3D visualization, elimination of the fulcrum effect, and better ergonomic positioning, which together lead to better surgical outcomes and faster recovery. However, analysis of independent factors of postoperative complications after robotic surgery is still insufficient.AIMTo analyze the incidence and risk factors for postoperative complications after robotic surgery in patients with CRC.METHODSIn total, 1040 patients who had undergone robotic surgical resection for CRC between May 2015 and May 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Postoperative complications were categorized according to the Clavien-Dindo (C-D) classification, and possible risk factors were evaluated.RESULTSAmong 1040 patients who had undergone robotic surgery for CRC, the overall, severe, local, and systemic complication rates were 12.2%, 2.4%, 8.8%, and 3.5%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that multiple organ resection (P < 0.001) and level III American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (P = 0.006) were independent risk factors for overall complications. Multivariate analysis identified multiple organ resection (P < 0.001) and comorbidities (P = 0.029) as independent risk factors for severe complications (C-D grade III or higher). Regarding local complications, multiple organ resection (P = 0.002) and multiple bowel resection (P = 0.027) were independent risk factors. Multiple organ resection (P < 0.001) and level III ASA score (P = 0.007) were independent risk factors for systemic complications. Additionally, sigmoid colectomy had a lower incidence of overall complications (6.4%; P = 0.006) and local complications (4.7%; P = 0.028) than other types of colorectal surgery.CONCLUSIONMultiple organ resection, level III ASA score, comorbidities, and multiple bowel resection were risk factors for postoperative complications, with multiple organ resection being the most likely.

Use of the modified Clavien‑Dindo classification to determine the risk factors for early complications following radical gastrectomy and the effect of such complications on long‑term prognosis

Surgical resection remains the gold standard treatment for gastric cancer; however, the rate of post‑operative complications remains unsatisfactory. Although the majority of complications are treatable, it remains unknown whether the long‑term survival of patients is affected and what type of complications affect prognosis. In the present study, the modified Clavien‑Dindo classification system was used to examine the incidence of early complications along with the related risk factors following radical gastrectomy (RG) and to determine the effects of such complications on long‑term prognosis. For this purpose, 525 gastric cancer patients with RG were analyzed retrospectively. The results revealed that age [odds ratio (OR), 1.781; P=0.013], pre‑operative comorbidity (OR, 1.765; P=0.020), blood loss (OR, 2.153; P=0.001) and the type of surgery (OR, 3.137; P&lt;0.001) were identified as independent risk factors associated with post‑surgery complications. Blood loss (OR, 13.053; P=0.013) and the resection type (OR, 7.936; P=0.047) were identified as independent risk factors for severe complications. The 5‑year overall survival (OS) rate of patients in the severe complication group was 35%, which was significantly worse than that of patients in the non‑severe complication group (61.8%). Severe complications (hazard ratio, 1.595; P=0.107) were not found to be independent risk factors associated with the 5‑year OS. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that complications following RG were significantly related to age, pre‑operative comorbidity, blood loss and the type of surgery. Severe complications were distinctly affected by blood loss and the resection type. The 5‑year OS of patients in the severe complication group was significantly worse than that of patients in the non‑severe complication group; however, severe complications were not found to be independent risk factors associated with long‑term survival.

Effect of preoperative asymptomatic renal dysfunction on the clinical course after colectomy for colon cancer.

To evaluate the effect of mild renal dysfunction on the clinical course after colectomy in patients with colon cancer. The subjects of this retrospective study were 263 patients who underwent surgical resection for colon cancer at our hospital between 2011 and 2015. Renal function was assessed based on preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values. Patients were divided into groups based on their eGFR value of 55ml/min/1.73 m2. The Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square or Fisher exact test, and log-rank test were used in the data analysis. There were 59 patients (22.4%) in the low eGFR group and 204 patients in the normal eGFR group. There were differences between the groups in age, comorbidities, and the levels of hemoglobin, albumin, and serum creatinine. The overall postoperative complication rate, frequency of severe complications, and length of stay were significantly higher in the low eGFR group than in the normal eGFR group. Multivariate analysis revealed that low eGFR was the only independent risk factor for severe complications (Clavien-Dindo classification III/IV). There were no differences in survival between the groups. Preoperative asymptomatic renal dysfunction may be correlated with the development of postoperative complications and a possible significant risk factor for severe complications after colon cancer surgery.

Political affiliation and risk taking behaviors among adults with elevated chance of severe complications from COVID–19

This study determines whether COVID-related risk-taking behavior was different among Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, in adults with elevated chance of severe complications from COVID–19. Using US national survey data collected September 30–October 27, 2020 (N = 6095), behaviors in the prior week examined were: 7 potentially risky activities, mask wearing anywhere, and mask wearing while undertaking each activity. Differences among political affiliations were estimated for adults with 0 and with ≥1 medical risk factors for severe complications, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Among adults with medical risk factors, the adjusted number of potentially risky activities was higher among Republicans (3.83) but not Independents (3.17) relative to Democrats (2.98). The adjusted percentage of adults with medical risk factors who wore a mask anywhere in the past week was lower for Republicans (87%) and Independents (91%) than for Democrats (97%). While undertaking each specific activity, the adjusted percentage of at-risk adults never wearing a mask was higher for Republicans than Democrats: 24% vs 8% at bar/club; 6% vs 0% at grocery/pharmacy; 63% vs 30% visiting at friend's home; 68% vs 41% hosting visitors; 30% vs 5% at gathering of ≥10 people; 25% vs 11% while within 6 ft of someone they do not live with. Rates of mask wearing among political Independents were between rates among Democrats and Republicans. Efforts to reduce COVID-related risky behavior should recognize that although Republicans take more risks, rates of mask wearing at common activities are low across political affiliations, even for populations vulnerable to severe complications.

The impact of COVID-19 on obesity services across Europe: A physician survey.

SummaryObesity is a risk factor for severe complications from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). During the COVID‐19 pandemic in Spring 2020, many clinics and obesity centers across Europe were required to close. This study aimed to determine the impact of COVID‐19 on the provision of obesity services across 10 European countries via a survey of physicians (n = 102) specializing in treating persons with obesity (PwO). In total, 62–95 out of 102 physicians reported that COVID‐19 affected obesity‐related services, with cancellations/suspensions ranging from 50% to 100% across the 10 countries. Approximately 75% of cancellations/suspensions were provider‐ rather than patient‐initiated. A median increase of 20%–25% in waiting times was reported for most services across the countries. When services resume, 87 out of 100 physicians consider factors influencing down‐stream patient outcomes as the most relevant factors for prioritizing interventional treatment. Responses showed that 65 out of 102 and 36 out of 102 physicians believed it (highly) likely that a change in treatment guidance will occur to prioritize earlier interventional treatment for the management of PwO, by either using bariatric surgery or pharmacotherapy, respectively. Results from this study provide important learnings, such as opportunities for, and discrepancies in, the provision of alternative care in light of services cancellations or delays, which may be important for the future management of obesity, especially during future waves of COVID‐19 or other infectious pandemics.

Treatment of severe infectious complications caused by multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in children with malignant neoplasms of the hematopoietic system: experience of the Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology at N.N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center

Introduction. So far there has been no clear protocol on the treatment of bacterial infections in hematopoietic cancer patients undergoing polychemotherapy (PCT) and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Guidelines available from antibiotic therapy panels such as EMBT, NCCN, ECIL, Sepsis-3 often fail to cover the entire spectrum of clinical risk factors of severe complications caused specifically by multiresistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.The aim of the study — is to showcase the clinical experience of demonstration of the experience of the Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology at N.N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center with respect to adjusting antibacterial therapy for the spectrum of microorganisms found in the patient before the onset of antitumor therapy, and for the multiresistant microorganism findings in patients with blood cancers and febrile neutropenia (FN) undergoing PCT and HSCT.Materials and methods. The study involved five patients undergoing either PCT or HSCT for hematopoietic cancers at Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology in October 2019 — October 2020, multiresistant Klebsiella pneumonia colonies found in each case. Results. Five patients with hematopoietic cancers and induced bone marrow aplasia were found to have multiresistant Klebsiella pneumoniae colonies on top of post-PCT/HSCT immunosuppression. Given high risk of death, these patients need early antibacterial therapy with reserve antibiotics outside standard empirical antibacterial treatment protocols should they develop FN. The Center's practices have shown that baseline protocols are often inadequate to the severity of these patients' conditions in a certain timeframe.Conclusions. To sum up the Center's limited experience, the finding is that additional research is required into the factors of risk of severe multiresistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infections in patients undergoing PCT and HSCT; algorithms must be developed for the treatment of patients in such a critical condition.

Preoperative chronic opioid use and its impact on early complicationsin bariatric surgery: a Swedish nationwide cohort study of 56,183 patients.

The association between severe obesity and chronic pain makes opioid use common among bariatric patients. Preoperative opioid use has been identified as a risk factor in other surgical procedures. To examine the impact of preoperative opioid use on complications after primary bariatric surgery. Sweden. All primary laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) patients from 2007-2017 were identified in the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Register. Prescriptions for opioids within 90 days prior to surgery were retrieved from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register and converted into oral morphine equivalents (OMEs). Patients with ≥2 prescription of opioids within 90 days prior to surgery were defined as chronic opioid users. Generalized linear regression was used to adjust for age, sex, body mass index, procedure type, year of operation, and co-morbidities. Of the 56,183 patients who had undergone primary LRYGB (n = 49,615) or LSG (n = 6568), 17.5% (n = 9825) had at least 1 prescription of opioids prior to surgery, of which 4.3% (n = 2390) weredefined as chronic opioid users. Chronic opioid use was associated with a higher risk of severe complications (Clavien Dindo grade ≥ 3b; odds ratio [OR], 1.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.37-2.04), increased lengths of stay (relative risk, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.08-1.14), and higher rates of readmission(OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.49-1.94) and reoperation (OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.53-2.27; all P values< .001). Furthermore, higher OME exposure was associated with stepwise higher risks. Preoperative opioid use was an independent risk factor for severe complications, as well as prolonged lengths of stay, readmission, and reoperation after primary bariatric surgery.

Preoperative prognostic nutritional index predicts postoperative infectious complications and oncological outcomes after hepatectomy in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BackgroundIn the surgical treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), postoperative complications may be predictive of long-term survival. This study aimed to identify an immune-nutritional index (INI) that can be used for preoperative prediction of complications.Patients and methodsMulti-institutional data from 316 patients with ICC who had undergone surgical resection were retrospectively analysed, with a focus on various preoperative INIs.ResultsSevere complications (Clavien-Dindo grade III–V) were identified in 66 patients (20.8%), including Grade V complications in 7 patients (2.2%). Comparison of areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) among various INIs identified the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) as offering the highest predictive value for severe complications (AUC = 0.609, cut-off = 50, P = 0.008). Multivariate analysis revealed PNI < 50 (odds ratio [OR] = 2.22, P = 0.013), hilar lesion (OR = 2.46, P = 0.026), and long operation time (OR = 1.003, P = 0.029) as independent risk factors for severe complications. In comparing a high-PNI group (PNI ≥ 50, n = 142) and a low-PNI group (PNI < 50, n = 174), the low-PNI group showed higher rates of both major complications (27% vs. 13.4%; P = 0.003) and infectious complications (14.9% vs. 3.5%; P = 0.0021). Furthermore, median survival time and 1- and 5-year overall survival rates were 34.2 months and 77.4 and 33.8% in the low-PNI group, respectively, and 52.4 months and 89.3 and 47.5% in the high-PNI group, respectively (P = 0.0017).ConclusionPreoperative PNI appears useful as an INI correlating with postoperative severe complications and as a prognostic indicator for ICC.

The Impact of Microorganisms in Pregnancy

The pregnancy process involves many physiological changes, including weight gain, hormonal, metabolic and immune changes. One of the effective factors in this process is infection caused by microorganisms. Originally, before the advent of antibiotics, pregnancy was known as a risk factor for severe complications of pneumococcal pneumonia. Among viral infections, the 2009 flu pandemic issued a newer warning that some infections may disproportionately affect pregnant women and cause miscarriage and its complications during pregnancy. Generalization of pregnancy as a condition of suppression of the general immune system or increased risk is misleading and prevents the establishment of adequate guidelines for the treatment of pregnant women during epidemics. Viral infection has also become an important factor in pregnancy conditions. The recent outbreak of Ebola and other viral outbreaks and epidemics shows how pregnant women show worse outcomes (such as preterm delivery and fetal adverse outcomes) than the general population and non-pregnant women. The purpose of this article is studying pathogenesis of microorganisms and the risks which pose to the mother and the fetus. In order to investigate these factors, from 120 article prepared from google scholar and Pub med, Elsevier database. Knowing these factors can increase the ability to treat the infections in a timely manner and prevent their effects on the fetus and the patient.

Clinical implication of ICG test in major hepatectomy for biliary tract cancer.

Major hepatectomy with bile duct resection (BDR) is associated with severe postoperative complications; therefore, evaluation of preoperative liver function is important. However, little is known about mechanisms of increased severe complications in patients with poor liver function. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether indocyanine green retention rate after 15 minutes of injection (ICG-R15) is useful for predicting the risk of severe postoperative complications in this operation, and to reveal the mechanisms of increasing severe complications by focusing on immune function and liver regeneration after hepatectomy. Patients receiving major hepatectomy with BDR between 2000 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Severe postoperative complications were defined as Clavien-Dindo grade ≥IV. In 284 patients undergoing major hepatectomy with BDR, ICG-R15 was correlated with severe postoperative complications, with cut-off value of 11.8%. In brief, the incidences of hyperbilirubinemia, coagulopathy, liver failure, respiratory failure, severe complications, and mortality were higher in the high ICG-R15 group. Moreover, high ICG-R15 (≥11.8%) was an independent factor for predicting severe complications after major hepatectomy with BDR. Immune dysfunction in the early phase after operation, prolonged postoperative immunosuppression, and delayed liver regeneration were reasons for increasing severe postoperative complications in patients with high ICG-R15. High ICG-R15 is an independent risk factor for severe complications after major hepatectomy with BDR, and its cut-off value is 11.8%. Compromised condition and delayed liver regeneration induced by immune dysfunction are reasons of increased severe postoperative complications in patients with high ICG-R15.

Impact of the preoperative prognostic nutritional index as a predictor for postoperative complications after resection of locally recurrent rectal cancer

BackgroundLocal recurrence is common after curative resections for rectal cancer. Surgical intervention is among the best treatment choices. However, achieving a negative resection margin often requires extensive pelvic organ resections; thus, the postoperative complication rate is quite high. Recent studies have reported that the inflammatory index could predict postoperative complications. This study aimed to validate the correlation between clinical factors, including inflammatory markers, and severe complications after surgery for local recurrent rectal cancer.MethodsThis retrospective study included 99 patients that underwent radical resections for local recurrences of rectal cancer. Postoperative complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Grades ≥3 were defined as severe complications. Risk factors for severe complications were identified with univariate and multivariate logistic regression models and assessed with receiver-operating characteristic curves.ResultsSevere postoperative complications occurred in 38 patients (38.4%). Analyses of correlations between inflammatory markers and severe postoperative complications revealed that the strongest correlation was found between the prognostic nutrition index and severe postoperative complications. The receiver-operating characteristic analysis showed that the optimal prognostic nutrition index cut-off value was 42.2 (sensitivity: 0.790, specificity: 0.508). In univariate and multivariate analyses, a prognostic nutrition index ≤44.2 (Odds ratio: 3.007, 95%CI:1.171–8.255, p = 0.02) and a blood loss ≥2850 mL (Odds ratio: 2.545, 95%CI: 1.044–6.367, p = 0.04) were associated with a significantly higher incidence of severe postoperative complications.ConclusionsWe found that a low preoperative prognostic nutrition index and excessive intraoperative blood loss were risk factors for severe complications after surgery for local recurrent rectal cancer.

Impact of preoperative muscle quality on postoperative severe complications after radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer patients.

BackgroundPreoperative sarcopenia is an important risk factor for postoperative complications in patients with gastric cancer. However, the relationship between muscle quality and postoperative complications in patients with gastric cancer is inadequately studied. Therefore, we investigated the impact of preoperative muscle quality on severe postoperative complications after radical gastrectomy.MethodsA total of 840 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for p‐stages I–III primary gastric cancer between April 2008 and June 2018 with preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans and body composition analysis were included. We measured intramuscular adipose tissue content (IMAC) as an indicator of muscle quality. A higher IMAC signified a poorer quality. All statistical analyses were performed with EZR, and a P‐value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe low‐IMAC and high‐IMAC groups had 422 (50.2%) and 418 (49.8%) patients, respectively. The latter were older (P < 0.001), had higher body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.001), and higher rates of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (P = 0.002) and diabetes (P < 0.001). They had lower skeletal muscle indexes (SMI) (P = 0.011) and higher visceral fat areas (VFA) (P < 0.001). They also experienced more intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.001) and greater complications (P = 0.016). Multivariate analysis showed that high‐IMAC was an independent risk factor for severe complications (odds ratio: 2.260, 95% confidence interval: 1.220‐4.190, P = 0.010).ConclusionsPoor preoperative muscle quality is an independent risk factor for severe postoperative complications after radical gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer.

The Centrality of Obesity in the Course of Severe COVID-19.

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a global public health challenge. Most patients do not experience severe complications, but approximately 25% of patients progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and the mortality rate is approximately 5–7%. Clinical findings have determined several risk factors for severe complications and mortality in COVID-19 patients, such as advanced age, smoking, obesity, and chronic diseases. Obesity is a common and serious health problem worldwide that initiates a cascade of disorders, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The presence of these disorders is linked to a more severe course of COVID-19. Given the “epidemic” of obesity worldwide and the importance of obesity in the progression of COVID-19, we investigated the mechanisms through which obesity increases the susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19 to support the selection of more appropriate therapies for individuals with obesity.

Obesity, Nutrients and the Immune System in the Era of COVID-19.

The past year has shown that obesity is a risk factor for severe complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Excess fat mass during obesity is known to be a risk factor for chronic diseases but also for severe infections and infectious complications. We have focused here on the elements responsible for this particular susceptibility to infections and more specifically to COVID-19. Excess fat is, in itself, responsible for alterations of the immune system by disrupting the production and function of immune cells. Indeed, hypertrophic adipocytes produce more pro-inflammatory adipokines (including cytokines). The increase in their apoptosis induces a release of pro-inflammatory compounds into the circulation and a recruitment of pro-inflammatory macrophages into the adipose tissue. A chronic systemic inflammatory state is then observed. In addition, diet, apart from its role in the development of adipose tissue, can also affect the immune system, with excess simple sugars and saturated fats exerting pro-inflammatory effects. This inflammation, the adipokines released by the adipocytes, and the infiltration of lipids into the lymphoid organs affects the production of immune cells and, directly, the functions of these cells. The alteration of the immune system increases the risk of infection as well as complications, including secondary bacterial infections and septic states, and increases infection-related mortality. During COVID-19, the chronic inflammatory state promotes the cytokine shock, characteristic of severe forms, caused in particular by excessive activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Furthermore, in obese subjects, the already present endothelial dysfunction will render endothelial inflammation (endotheliitis) due to viral infiltration all the more severe. Added to this is a state of hypercoagulability and a decrease in respiratory capacity, leading to a risk of severe COVID-19 with cardiovascular complications, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and disseminated intravascular coagulation, which can lead to multiple organ failure and even death.

Activity Tracking After Surgery: Does It Correlate With Postoperative Complications?

Postoperative ambulation is an important tenet in enhanced recovery programs. We quantitatively assessed the correlation of decreased postoperative ambulation with postoperative complications and delays in gastrointestinal function. Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were fitted with digital ankle pedometers yielding continuous measurements of their ambulation. Primary endpoints were the overall and system-specific complication rates, with secondary endpoints being the time to first passage of flatus and stool, the length of hospital stay, and the rate of readmission. 100 patients were enrolled. We found a significant, independent inverse correlation between the number of steps on the first and second postoperative days (POD1/2) and the incidence of complications as well as the recovery of GI function and the likelihood of readmission (P < .05). POD2 step count was an independent risk factor for severe complications (P = .026). Digitally quantified ambulation data may be a prognostic biomarker for the likelihood of severe postoperative complications.

Incidence and risk factors of postoperative complications after robotic gastrectomy for gastric cancer: an analysis of 817 cases based on 10-year experience in a large-scale center.

In this study, we investigated the incidence and risk factors for postoperative complications after robotic gastrectomy (RG) in patients with gastric cancer. A total of 817 patients who underwent RG for gastric cancer between March 2010 and August 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Postoperative complications were categorized according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, and possible risk factors were evaluated. Among 817 patients who underwent RG, overall, severe, local and systemic complication rates were 13.8, 4.2, 7.0 and 6.9%, respectively. Multivariable analysis revealed that an age of 70years or older (P < 0.001) and multiorgan resection (P = 0.031) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of overall complications. Multivariable analysis showed that an age of 70years or older (P = 0.005) and surgeons' experience ≤ 25 cases(P = 0.004) were independent risk factors for severe complications. Regarding local complications, an age of 70years or older (P < 0.001), multiorgan resection (P = 0.010) and surgeons' experience ≤ 25 cases (P = 0.005) were identified as independent risk factors. An age of 70years or older (P < 0.001), a BMI of 25 or higher (P = 0.045) and the presence of comorbidity (P = 0.029) were identified as independent risk factors for systemic complications. The present study demonstrated that RG is a safe and feasible procedure for the treatment of gastric cancer, and it has an acceptable postoperative morbidity. Elderly patients and insufficient surgeon experience were two major risk factors for the occurrence of complications following RG. We suggest that surgeons choose patients in good condition during their RG learning phase to reduce learning-associated morbidity.

A high methionine and low folate diet alters glucose homeostasis and gut microbiome

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is considered as a risk factor for several complications, including cardiovascular and neurological disorders. A high methionine low folate (HMLF) diet chronically causes HHcy by accumulating homocysteine in the systemic circulation. Elevated Hcy level is also associated with the incidence of diabetes mellitus. However, very few studies focus on the impact of HMLF diet on glucose homeostasis, and that on gut microbiome profile. HHcy was induced by feeding C57BL/6 mice a HMLF diet for 8 weeks. The HMLF diet feeding resulted in a progressive body weight loss, and development of slight glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in HHcy mice. Notably, the HMLF diet alters the gut microbiome profile and increases the relative abundance of porphyromonadaceae family of bacteria in HHcy mice. These findings provide new insights into the roles of dysregulated glucose homeostasis and gut flora in the pathogenesis of HHcy-related complications.