Risk Of Complications In Patients Research Articles

Нуреrsensitivity pneumonitis combined with arterial hypertension: clinical, radiological, functional features

The aim of the study was to explore the clinical, radiological, functional indicators of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) in combination with arterial hypertension, to assess the effect of these diseases on each other.Methods. The study included 50 patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and 49 patients with arterial hypertension (AH). The patients were divided into three groups. The main group included 24 patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis combined with AH. The comparison group was 26 patients with HP without AH; the control group was 25 patients with arterial hypertension alone. Clinical symptoms, radiological findings, and results of instrumental tests were analyzed.Results. The intensity of clinical symptoms (shortness of breath, cough) was significantly higher in the main group than in the control and comparison groups. Exercise tolerance estimated from the six-minute walk test was significantly lower in the main group. The clinical status correlated with the functional testResults. Volumetric and velocity spirometry values tended to decrease more in the main group compared to the other two groups. The lung diffusion capacity was significantly lower in the group of patients with HP in combination with AH compared to the group of patients with hypertension only. A similar trend was observed when assessing the chest CT: significantly more pronounced changes were found in the main group. EchoCG showed a significant increase in pulmonary hypertension and volumes of the right heart in the main group compared to the group of patients with AH alone.Conclusion. The present study provides evidence of the greater intensity of respiratory symptoms, decreased functional status, ventilation disorders, dilated heart cavities, greater risk of fatal vascular complications in patients with HP associated with hypertension.

CA 15-3 prognostic biomarker in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia

The severity of lung involvement is the main prognostic factor in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Carbohydrate antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), a marker of lung damage and fibrosis, could help predict the prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. This was a retrospective and observational study. CA 15-3 was analyzed in the blood samples of patients consecutively admitted for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and whose blood samples were available in the biobank. Other prognostic markers were also measured (interleukin 6 [IL6], C-reactive protein [CRP], D-dimer, troponin T, and NT-ProBNP). The occurrence of in-hospital complications was registered, including death, the need for medical intensive care, and oxygen therapy at discharge. In this study, 539 patients were recruited (54.9% men, mean age: 59.6 ± 16.4 years). At admission, the mean concentrations of CA 15-3 was 20.5 ± 15.8 U/mL, and the concentration was correlated with male sex, older age, and other severity markers of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) (IL6, CRP, D-dimer, troponine T, and NT-ProBNP). CA 15-3 levels were higher in patients who died (n = 56, 10.4%) (35.33 ± 30.45 vs. 18.8 ± 12.11, p < 0.001), who required intensive medical support (n = 78, 14.4%; 31.17 ± 27.83 vs. 18.68 ± 11.83; p < 0.001), and who were discharged with supplemental oxygen (n = 64, 13.3%; 22.65 ± 14.41 vs. 18.2 ± 11.7; p = 0.011). Elevated CA 15-3 levels (above 34.5 U/mL) were a strong predictor of a complicated in-hospital course, in terms of a higher risk of death (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22–11.9, p = 0.022) and need for intensive care (adjusted OR 4.56, 95% CI: 1.37–15.8) after adjusting for all other risk factors. The degree of lung damage and fibrosis evaluated in terms of CA 15-3 concentrations may allow early identification of the increased risk of complications in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

Implementation of a machine learning application in preoperative risk assessment for hip repair surgery

BackgroundThis study aims to develop a machine learning-based application in a real-world medical domain to assist anesthesiologists in assessing the risk of complications in patients after a hip surgery.MethodsData from adult patients who underwent hip repair surgery at Chi-Mei Medical Center and its 2 branch hospitals from January 1, 2013, to March 31, 2020, were analyzed. Patients with incomplete data were excluded. A total of 22 features were included in the algorithms, including demographics, comorbidities, and major preoperative laboratory data from the database. The primary outcome was a composite of adverse events (in-hospital mortality, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, respiratory, hepatic and renal failure, and sepsis). Secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) admission and prolonged length of stay (PLOS). The data obtained were imported into 7 machine learning algorithms to predict the risk of adverse outcomes. Seventy percent of the data were randomly selected for training, leaving 30% for testing. The performances of the models were evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). The optimal algorithm with the highest AUROC was used to build a web-based application, then integrated into the hospital information system (HIS) for clinical use.ResultsData from 4,448 patients were analyzed; 102 (2.3%), 160 (3.6%), and 401 (9.0%) patients had primary composite adverse outcomes, ICU admission, and PLOS, respectively. Our optimal model had a superior performance (AUROC by DeLong test) than that of ASA-PS in predicting the primary composite outcomes (0.810 vs. 0.629, p < 0.01), ICU admission (0.835 vs. 0.692, p < 0.01), and PLOS (0.832 vs. 0.618, p < 0.01).ConclusionsThe hospital-specific machine learning model outperformed the ASA-PS in risk assessment. This web-based application gained high satisfaction from anesthesiologists after online use.

The effectiveness of modern immunomodulatory and cardiometabolic therapy in correction the risk of hospital complications in patients with acute myocardial infarction with myocardial revascularization: the results of multifactorial analysis

The effectiveness of modern immunomodulatory and cardiometabolic therapy in correction the risk of hospital complications in patients with acute myocardial infarction with myocardial revascularization: the results of multifactorial analysis

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Melatonin in Rats with Induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Introduction: Insulin resistance is associated with a pro-inflammatory state increasing the risk for complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition to its chronobiotic effects, the pineal hormone melatonin is known to exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Melatonin was also suggested to affect insulin secretion. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the effect of melatonin on inflammation in diabetic rats and to study the possible involvement of the melatonin receptor, MT2. Materials and Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four experimental groups (n = 10 per group): (1) control, (2) streptozotocin/nicotinamide induced diabetes type 2 (T2DM), (3) T2DM treated with melatonin (500 µg/kg/day), and (4) T2DM treated with melatonin (500 µg/kg/day for 6 weeks) and the selective MT2 receptor antagonist luzindole (0.25 g/kg/day for 6 weeks). Blood samples were taken for biochemical parameters and various tissue samples (liver, adipose tissue, brain) were removed for immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blot (WB), and Q-PCR analyses, respectively. Results: Melatonin significantly reduced increased blood levels of liver transaminases (AST, ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), triglyceride, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and cholesterol in diabetic rats with luzindole treatment partly reversing this effect regarding the lipids. Furthermore, the liver and adipose tissues of T2DM rats treated with melatonin showed lower expression of the inflammatory markers IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB as compared to the T2DM group without melatonin. The results also showed that the MT2 receptor is at least partly involved in the protective effects of melatonin. Conclusions: Our results suggest that melatonin exerts relevant anti-inflammatory effects on various tissues in type 2 diabetic rats.

Тактика хирургического лечения центральной отслойки сетчатки с макулярным разрывом различного диаметра у пациентов с высокой миопией и стафиломой склеры

Purpose. The aim of the work was to analyze the results of surgical treatment of patients with central retinal detachment against the background of macular holes of various diameters in patients with high myopia and scleral staphyloma using autologous conditioned plasma (ACP) as a hole blocking composite and pneumoretinopexy as the final tamponade. Material and methods. Surgical tactics included subtotal vitrectomy 25+, 27G, peeling of the inner limiting membrane, pneumoretinopexy, introduction of ACP into the area of the scleral staphyloma through the macular hole, and after the formation of a plasma seal at the base, application of ACP to the surface of the retina in the area of the hole in 2–3 layers up to formation of a resistant ACP layer. The operation was completed seamlessly, blocking the sclero-conjunctival access by applying 2–3 layers of ACP to the surface of the sclera and conjunctiva. Using this technique, 22 patients with central retinal detachment and macular hole with a diameter of 700–2200 microns against the background of high myopia and with severe scleral staphyloma were operated. Results. As a result of the treatment in the early and late postoperative period, the retina was completely adjacent and the macular hole was blocked in all patients. Conclusion. Thus, this technique is the most sparing and highly effective; it allows to achieve full anatomical fit of the retina and closure of the macular hole, eliminates the need for silicone tamponade, minimizes the risk of postoperative complications in patients with central retinal detachment and macular holes of various diameters in patients with high myopia and scleraд staphyloma. Keywords: central retinal detachment with macular hole, high myopia, scleral staphyloma, autologous conditioned plasma.

Patients with Prior Craniectomy or Craniotomy Have No Increased Risk of Acute Hemorrhage after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the risk of acute hemorrhagic complications in patients after either a decompressive craniectomy or a craniotomy sustaining a recurrent mild traumatic brain injury. Furthermore, we analyze whether there is a higher risk for acute hemorrhagic complications considering patients with anticoagulation compared with patients without anticoagulation in both groups. All patients with mild traumatic brain injuries after either decompressive craniectomy or craniotomy, treated between January 2005 and December 2020 at a single level 1 trauma center, were included in this retrospective analysis. Patients were screened for intracranial bleeding after mild traumatic brain injury with computed tomography. Additionally, the type of anticoagulation and its relationship concerning the clinical outcome were assessed. A total of 188 patients who had sustained a mild traumatic brain injury were included in the study. Overall, 22 patients (11.7%) presented intracranial lesions. A bony defect (decompressive craniectomy) was present in 31 patients (16.5%). In 157 patients (83.5%) who underwent decompressive craniectomy, the bony defect was closed during a second operation. There was no significant correlation between both groups on the occurrence of intracranial bleeding (p = 0.216). Furthermore, no difference was present between patients with and without anticoagulation (p = 0.794) concerning acute hemorrhagic complications after recurrent traumatic brain injury. Pre-existing bony defects after decompressive craniectomy showed no higher risk for acute hemorrhagic complications after recurrent mild traumatic brain injury compared with patients who primarily underwent craniotomy. Anticoagulation did not influence the occurrence of intracranial bleeding after mild traumatic brain injury in patients with decompressive craniectomy.

Associations between diabetes-related distress and predicted cardiovascular complication risks in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes-related distress (DRD) is experienced by nearly 50% of people with diabetes at any given time in their diagnosis. The effects of low socioeconomic status (SES) and lacking access to resources can increase DRD. In addition, cardiovascular (CV) complications associated with diabetes are associated with higher DRD scores. This study evaluated the associations between DRD and predicted CV risks in participants with type 2 diabetes. This cross-sectional study included 234 individuals with low SES who were Medi-Cal (California version of Medicaid) beneficiaries and sought medical care at a safety-net clinic system. The Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) questionnaire assessed DRD levels. The United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study Risk Engine was utilized to predict 10-year risks for coronary heart disease (CHD), fatal CHD, stroke, and fatal stroke. A multivariate linear regression model was constructed between the two variables, including other variables to control for potential confounding factors, for assessing the associations. After controlling for potential confounders, participants' total PAID questionnaire scores were significantly associated with their 10-year predicted fatal CHD risks (B=0.060, 95% CI: [0.00084, 0.12], p=0.047). After controlling for covariates, DRD levels exhibited a significant association with increased 10-year predicted fatal CHD risks in patients with type 2 diabetes and lower SES. Screening for DRD and provision of appropriate psychosocial interventions may reduce the risks of CHD in those with type 2 diabetes.

Role of preoperative albumin in predicting risk of postoperative complications in patients undergoing post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PC-RPLND).

416 Background: Testicular cancer with retroperitoneal metastases is often treated with chemotherapy, with subsequent post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PC-RPLND) performed for residual masses after chemotherapy. While the cure rate is high, the surgery is associated with significant morbidity. Unlike in other genitourinary cancers, perioperative nutritional optimization is typically not prioritized as most patients are young, otherwise healthy men. Albumin is a systemic marker of nutritional status and has been shown to predict adverse outcomes in other urological cancers. We sought to assess whether preoperative albumin level is associated with postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing PC-RPLND. Methods: A database of patients who received PC-RPLND at our institution between 2007 and 2019 was created. Pre-RPLND albumin was obtained and correlated with postoperative outcomes using univariate and multivariable regression models. The primary outcome was the presence of major (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ III) complications within 90 days of surgery. Results: Of 76 patients who underwent PC-RPLND, 70 patients had preoperative albumin values available. The median age (IQR) of patients at the time of surgery was 26 years (22 - 32) and median (IQR) preoperative albumin level was 4.4 g/dL (4.1 - 4.6). Patients with major postoperative complications had lower median preoperative albumin than those without a complication (4.1 g/dL vs. 4.4 g/dL; p = 0.03). Greater albumin level (per g/dL) was associated with a lower risk of major postoperative complications on multivariable logistic regression (OR = 0.12; p = 0.03). Other preoperative serum markers such as hemoglobin and creatinine did not associate with postoperative complications. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that preoperative albumin is an independent predictor of major postoperative complications in patients undergoing PC-RPLND. This finding demonstrates the importance of nutritional optimization even in young, otherwise healthy individuals prior to undergoing this morbid surgery. Additional studies are warranted to more reliably predict which patients may experience complications.

Using the Zwolle Risk Score at Time of Coronary Angiography to Triage Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Following Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention or Thrombolysis.

BackgroundThe Zwolle Risk Score was designed to identify the risk of complications in patients with ST‐segment‒elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Its utility following PCI in STEMI treated with thrombolysis is unknown. The objective was to evaluate the safety of using the Zwolle Risk Score to triage patients with STEMI following PCI, including patients receiving thrombolysis.Methods and ResultsPatients aged ≥18 years with STEMI and primary PCI or PCI after thrombolysis were included. A triage protocol was developed, with high‐risk patients those with Zwolle Risk Score ≥4 triaged to the cardiac intensive care unit. A prospective evaluation of the triaging protocol was performed on 452 patients, mean age 65±12 years, 73% men. Median Zwolle Risk Score was 3 (interquartile range, 2‒5), with 257 low‐risk (57%), and 195 high‐risk (43%) patients. Adherence to the protocol was 91%. In‐hospital mortality was 0.4% in low‐risk and 13% in high‐risk patients (P<0.001). Seventy‐two patients (16%) received thrombolysis. Median time post‐thrombolysis to PCI was 281 minutes (interquartile range, 219‒376). In‐hospital mortality was 0% versus 9% (P=0.083) for low‐ and high‐risk patients, respectively. High‐risk patients had higher rates of cardiogenic shock (34% versus 1%, P<0.001), pulmonary edema (60% versus 9%, P<0.001), arrhythmia (25% versus 2%, P<0.001), blood transfusion (10% versus 2%, P<0.001), and stroke (4% versus 0.4%, P=0.011). Median hospital costs decreased by $1419 per low‐risk patient after protocol implementation.ConclusionsFor patients with STEMI following primary PCI or PCI following thrombolysis, a Zwolle‐based triaging system is safe and may decrease cardiac intensive care unit usage costs.

Influence of ST2 level on the development of acute arrhythmias in NSTEMI

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Purpose To determine the structure and relationship of cardiac arrhythmias in NSTEMI patients based on plasma ST2 level. Methods We studied 90 patients with NSTEMI aged from 35 to 79 years (mean 60.7 ± 0.8, median - 61, interquartile range 54 and 69). Plasma ST2 level was determined and analyzed in the NSTEMI patients group, the gradations of the ST2 level and the correlation with cardiac arrhythmias. All of the research corresponds to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki of the World Medical Association. Results. Using the variation statistics method, the ST2 level gradations group were selected. Thus, the relatively low (RL) corresponded to less than 25, and the relatively high (RH) level of ST2 to more than 75 persons in the group, respectively. For patients in the main group, these levels were &amp;lt;26 and&amp;gt; 56 ng / ml, respectively. Instead, the relatively moderate (or intermediate) ST2 level (RM) for these patients was 26-56 ng / ml. It has been determined that the most frequent rhythm disturbances were observed in the RM and RH risk groups, and more often in the RM risk group, probably due to a larger number of observations (Tab. 1). At that time, the total duration of ventricular tachycardia (VT) episodes, regardless of the number of patients, was at RH risk group. The same was observed with episodes of ST-depression. Conclusions. Despite the number of observations, the risk of VT and ST-depression is significantly higher in patients at RH risk group. This should be taken into account when predicting the risk of complications in patients with NSTEMI. Abstract Figure. Tab. 1

Efficiency of using modern technologies in treatment of postoperative wounds of patients with diabetes

The aim of the study is to study and evaluate the effectiveness of modern technologies used in the treatment of postoperative wounds in patients with diabetes mellitus. Results. In the process of research work, the concept of «surgical infection» was studied, the risks of possible complications in patients with diabetes mellitus in the postoperative period were considered, innovative dressings and equipment used in the treatment of postoperative wounds in patients with diabetes mellitus were studied, recommendations were made on the use of modern technologies in the treatment of postoperative wounds. Conclusion. This work has shown the high efficiency of the use of modern dressing material in the treatment of postoperative wounds in patients with diabetes mellitus, which is confirmed by a decrease in postoperative complications in this category of patients to minimal numbers.

Radiological Knosp, Revised-Knosp, and Hardy-Wilson Classifications for the Prediction of Surgical Outcomes in the Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery of Pituitary Adenomas: Study of 228 Cases.

PurposeTo evaluate which radiological classification, Knosp, revised-Knosp, or Hardy–Wilson classification, is better for the prediction of surgical outcomes in the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal (EET) surgery of pituitary adenomas (PAs).MethodsThis is a retrospective study of patients with PAs who underwent EET PA resection for the first time between January 2009 and December 2020. Radiological cavernous sinus invasiveness was defined as a Knosp or revised-Knosp grade >2 or a grade E in the Hardy–Wilson classification.ResultsA total of 228 patients with PAs were included. Cavernous sinus invasion was evident in 35.1% and suprasellar extension was evident in 74.6%. Overall, surgical cure was achieved in 64.3% of patients. Surgical cure was lower in invasive PAs than in non-invasive PAs (28.8% vs. 83.1%, p < 0.0001), and the risk of major complications was higher (13.8% vs. 3.4%, p = 0.003). The rate of surgical cure decreased as the grade of Knosp increased (p < 0.001), whereas the risk of complications increased (p < 0.001). Patients with Knosp 3B PAs tended to achieve surgical cure less commonly than Knosp 3A PAs (30.0% vs. 56.0%, p = 0.164). Similar results were observed based on the invasion and extension of Hardy–Wilson classification (stage A–C 83.1% vs. E 28.8% p < 0.0001, grade 0–II 81.1% vs. III–IV 59.7% p = 0.008). The Knosp classification offered the greatest diagnostic accuracy for the prediction of surgical cure (AUC 0.820), whereas the invasion Hardy–Wilson classification lacked utility for this purpose (AUC 0.654).ConclusionThe Knosp classifications offer a good orientation for the estimation of surgical cure and the risk of complications in patients with PAs submitted to EET surgery. However, the invasion Hardy–Wilson scale lacks utility for this purpose.

Long-term glycemic variability and risk of stroke in patients with diabetes: a meta-analysis

ObjectivesLong-term glycemic variability has been related to increased risk of vascular complication in patients with diabetes. However, the association between parameters of long-term glycemic variability and risk of stroke remains not fully determined. We performed a meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the above association.MethodsMedline, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for longitudinal follow-up studies comparing the incidence of stroke in diabetic patients with higher or lower long-term glycemic variability. A random-effect model incorporating the potential heterogeneity among the included studies were used to pool the results.ResultsSeven follow-up studies with 725,784 diabetic patients were included, and 98% of them were with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The mean follow-up duration was 7.7 years. Pooled results showed that compared to those with lowest category of glycemic variability, diabetic patients with the highest patients had significantly increased risk of stroke, as evidenced by glycemic variability analyzed by fasting plasma glucose coefficient of variation (FPG-CV: risk ratio [RR] = 1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11 to 1.39, P < 0.001; I2 = 53%), standard deviation of FPG (FPG-SD: RR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.31, P = 0.02; I2 = 74%), HbA1c coefficient of variation (HbA1c-CV: RR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.61 to 2.19 P < 0.001; I2 = 0%), and standard deviation of HbA1c (HbA1c-SD: RR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.49 to 2.00, P < 0.001; I2 = 0%).ConclusionsLong-term glycemic variability is associated with higher risk of stroke in T2DM patients.

Показники лейкоцитарної та тромбоцитарної ланки крові в динаміці госпітального періоду у хворих з гострим інфарктом міокарда: можливість використання для оцінювання ризику розвитку віддалених ускладнень

The aim – to create a new method of assessing the development of long-term complications in STEMI patients by studying blood cell composition and its adaptation to practical application in general clinical practice.Materials and methods. The study was involved 148 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who was admitted from January 2014 to June 2020 to the intensive care unit. Some patients were evaluated retrospectively and were in group 1 (n=92). Group 2 – 56 patients, who were studied prospectively. The groups of patients did not differ in clinical and anamnestic characteristics and treatment. The study provided an annual observation period. The endpoint in group 1 was: death, stroke, exacerbation of coronary heart disease – including the need for revascularization, the developement or decompensation for heart failure, which led to hospitalization (in addition, group 2 was analyzed for onset of cardiac death).Results and discussion. There complex indicators were built, based on the analysis of the clinical profile and dynamics of laboratory parameters in patients with the onset of the endpoint – a modified leukocyte index (mLI), which contains the values ​​of the number and percentage of granulocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes on days 1, 3 and 10 of STEMI and leukocyte-platelet index (mLPI), which additionally includes indicators of platelet inhomogeneity in size (PDWc and P-LCR). These indices with their limit values ​​(mLI &gt; 140 units and mLPI &gt; 242 units) were more informative in predicting distant cardiovascular events than other laboratory markers (including neutrophil-leukocyte ratio, NLR). In a prospective study branch (group 2), the mLI and mLPI indicators also turned out to be more informative than other markers (in particular, the NLR indicator) in determining the propensity to occur as a combined endpoint (area under the curve 0.71 for both; p&lt;0.0001), so and death (areas under the curve 0.78 and 0.84, respectively; p&lt;0.0001). Based on the data obtained, a computer algorithm has been created that simplifies the risk assessment in AMI patients using the developed indicators.Conclusions. Created leukocyte and leukocyte-platelet indices are highly informative in predicting the risk of complications in patients within a year after AMI.

The Effect of Chronic Disease Management Program on the Risk of Complications in Patients With Hypertension in Korea.

BackgroundA chronic disease management program was implemented in April 2012 to lower out-of-pocket costs for repeat visits to the same clinic. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between participating in this program and the onset of complications among patients with hypertension using whole-nation claims data.MethodsWe used National Health Insurance Service data (2011–2018) and patients with newly detected hypertension from 2012 to 2014 were selected. Chronic disease management program reduces the out-of-pocket expenses of consultation fee from 30% to 20% when patients enroll in this program by agreeing to visit the same clinic for the treatment of hypertension or diabetes. As the dependent variable, acute myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and heart failure (HF) were selected. For analysis, cox proportional hazards model was used.ResultsTotal participants were 827,577, among which 102,831(12.6%) subjects participated in the chronic disease management. Participants of the chronic disease management program were more likely to show lower hazard ratios (HRs) than those of non-participants in terms of all complications (MI: HR, 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.68–0.82; stroke: HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.72–0.78; CKD: HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.85–0.96; HF: HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.52–0.61).ConclusionThe results showed that participants of the chronic disease management program were less likely to have hypertension complications compared to non-participants. Enhancing the participation rate may be related to better outcomes and reducing medical expenses among patients with chronic diseases.

Thirty-day morbidity and mortality of bariatric and metabolic surgery in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A subset analysis of the GENEVA cohort study

Introduction: There is a paucity of data in the scientific literature on the morbidity and mortality of bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS) in individuals suffering from Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). The current study is a secondary analysis of the GENEVA dataset to understand this. Materials and Methods: Logistic regressions were performed to investigate the influence of diabetes on complication rates and procedure selection. Ethical approval was not required. Results: One thousand four hundred and seventy-five of these patients were suffering from T2D at the time of the surgery (416 diet-treated type 2 diabetes), 806 oral agent-treated type 2 diabetes, and 253 insulin-treated type 2 diabetes [ITD]). Six hundred and fifty (44.1%) of these patients underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG); 487 (33%) underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass; 230 (15.6%) underwent a one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB); and 108 (7.3%) underwent some other procedures. The 30-day mortality of BMS in those without T2D was 0.07% (4/5609) as compared to 0.4% (6/1475) and 0.8% (2/253) in those with T2D and ITD, respectively. 7.9% of those with T2D developed a 30-day complication compared to 6.5% without T2D (P = 0.0475). There was an increased risk of complications in patients with ITD on univariate and multivariate analysis. Patients with T2D were significantly less likely to undergo an LSG and significantly more likely to undergo an OAGB. Conclusions: ITD patients undergoing BMS experienced significantly higher 30-day morbidity and mortality. Although LSG was the most common procedure in patients with T2D, these patients were less likely to undergo LSG than patients without T2D.

Risk of Postoperative Complications After Major Elective Surgery in Active or Resolved COVID-19

1.1. Objective: To determine the affiliation among the timing of surgical procedure relative to the improvement of Covid-19 and the dangers of postoperative complications. 1.2. Background: It is unknown whether or not patients who recovered from Covid-19 after which underwent a prime elective operation have an increased danger of developing postoperative complications. 1.3. Material and Methods: The risk of postoperative complications for patients with Covid-19 research process, 18 primary forms of optionally available operations with inside the Covid-19 Research Database was evaluated the use of multivariable logistic regression. Patients were grouped through time of surgical procedure relative to Covid-19 infection i.e. 1. Pre-Covid-19: Surgical procedure performed earlier than January 2020 2. Peri-Covid-19: 0 to 4 weeks after Covid-19 infection 3. Early post-Covid-19: 4 to 8 weeks after infection 4. Late post-Covid-19: 8 weeks after infection. 1.4. Results: A total of 6479 patients who met study criteria were included in the study. Out of 6479 patients 3021 (46.6%) PeriCovid-19 had an elevated risk of developing postoperative pneumonia in 44(1.4%) patients, respiratory failure in 69(2%), pulmonary embolism in 23(0.5%), sepsis in 35(1.1%), arthythmia in 59(1.9%), renal failure in 75 (2.4%), UTI in 75(2.4%), DVT in 40(1.3%) patient’s respectively when compared to pre-Covid-19 patients. Early post-Covid-19 patients had an increased risk of developing postoperative pneumonia in 16 (2.9%), respiratory failure in 15(2.7%), pulmonary embolism in 7(1.2%), sepsis in 13(2.3%), arthythmia in 15(2.7%), renal failure in 13(2.3%), UTI in 17(3.1%), DVT in 10(1.8%) patients respectively when compared to pre-Covid-19 patients. Late post-Covid-19 patients did not have an increased risk of postoperative complications when compared to pre-Covid-19 patients. 1.5. Conclusions: Major, elective surgery 0 to 04 weeks after Covid-19 infection is related to an improved risk of postoperative complications. Surgery achieved four to eight weeks after Covid-19 infection remains related to an improved risk of postoperative pneumonia, while surgical treatment eight weeks after Covid-19 analysis is not related to improved complications.

The role of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the development of vascular rigidity and cardiovascular risk in patients with arterial hypertension

Purpose. To assess the parameters of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, insulin resistance, chronic low-intensity systemic inflammation, structural and functional parameters of the liver in patients with hypertension (AH) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) compared with patients with isolated AH, as well as the impact of changes in these parameters on reducing the elasticity of the main arteries and increasing the risk of cardiovascular complications in patients with comorbid pathology.Material and methods. A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out, which included 120 patients, aged 45 to 65, with AH grade I-II, stages 1-2 (with (FLI≥60) and without NAFLD). During the initial examination, a clinical examination was carried out, the parameters of lipid, carbohydrate and structural-functional parameters of the liver were assessed. The severity of chronic systemic inflammation and insulin resistance were also assessed. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), central aortic pressure (CAP), vascular age and total cardiovascular risk were measured according to the SCORE scale.Results. The data obtained indicate a more pronounced insulin resistance, chronic systemic inflammation, as well as significantly higher lipid metabolism in patients with AH and NAFLD in comparison with patients with isolated AH. In addition, in patients of this group, the indicators of PWV and CAP were significantly higher, and patients with AH and NAFLD had a higher 10-year fatal risk (p=0.013). The performed ROC analysis showed that at FLI≥60, a high risk of PWVm&gt;10m/s is predicted. Multiple regression analysis found that an increase in VLDL cholesterol leads to an increase in the values of both PWVe (p&lt;0.001) and PWVb (p=0.048). The 10-year fatal risk (SCORE) in patients with AH and NAFLD increased with an increase in PWVe (p=0.021), FLI (p=0.013), and visceral obesity (p&lt;0.001).Conclusion. The study shows that in patients with AH and NAFLD, compared with patients with isolated AH, the indicators of insulin resistance and chronic low-intensity systemic inflammation are significantly higher, the highly atherogenic type of hyperlipidemia and visceral obesity are more often found. Also, in comorbid patients with AH, statistically significant higher values of CAP and augmentation index are determined. Stiffness indices of the great arteries were also significantly higher in patients with comorbid pathology. The ROC analysis showed that at FLI≥60, a high risk of PWVm&gt;10 m/s was predicted, which is associated with the development of cardiovascular complications. Also, multiple regression analysis showed that the increase in PWVe and PWVm was mainly due to an increase in VLDL cholesterol, and the 10-year fatal cardiovascular risk of complications had the greatest increase with an increase in the values of PWVe, FLI and visceral obesity.

Letter to Editor: Interpretation and Application of the Likelihood Ratio to Clinical Practice in Thoracic Oncology.

To the Editor: A recent opinion piece entitled Interpretation and application of the likelihood ratio to clinical practice in thoracic oncology presents an incorrect description of the statistical approach used in the Nodify XL2 Proteomic Test and an erroneous view of the way the Nodify XL2 test results are used by clinicians. Current clinical management of lung nodule patients is challenging for physicians because the available tools are insufficient. This insufficiency can lead to a misclassification of risk of malignancy and subsequently to delayed diagnosis or unnecessary procedures,1 including invasive and painful biopsies, increased risk of complications for patients, and higher patient expenses. Because of this, we designed the Nodify XL2 test to help physicians make more informed decisions about the risk of malignancy of a lung nodule based on a simple blood draw. The Nodify XL2 test, when used as intended, has been widely validated using multiple clinical studies. The test has been reviewed and approved by third-party statisticians and the New York State Department of Health Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program/Wadsworth Center. Clinical studies evaluating the test have been reviewed by a centralized Institutional Review Board and local Institutional Review Boards at 30 different academic and community centers.2 The concept of likelihood ratios, as applied in the Nodify XL2 test, is widely used and understood. There are >300,000 publications3 discussing the application of likelihood ratios and >80004 published papers that reference this same standard approach for determining likelihood ratio in conjunction with diagnostic tests. In fact, the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine at Oxford, the industry global standards developer, advocates the use of this approach. By using a well-established likelihood ratio application and aggregate data modeling, not only does the Nodify XL2 test align more closely to the empirical data,5 it reduces variance across the thresholds and thereby reduces patient risk as compared to the author’s method. In contrast, the author’s approach of a multilevel likelihood ratio increases variance, overestimates risk, and may lead physicians to recommend a more invasive procedure, all of which can lead to further complications and higher patient costs. We continue to generate and incorporate emerging data and identify opportunities to further enhance the way physicians utilize this Nodify XL2 test. For example, a team of biostatisticians and clinical statisticians are currently analyzing results from over 1500 patients and samples from the prospective ORACLE Study and 2 major US cancer centers for continued assessment of the clinical utility and performance of the Nodify XL2 test. As the author states, we have also initiated a first-in-class,6 prospective randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial7 (ALTITUDE). Interim results are anticipated in 2022. Biodesix will continually assess and apply the data’s learnings to our methodology and if necessary, make any changes needed to ensure the best possible performance of the test for patients with indeterminate pulmonary nodules. It is important to note that Nodify XL2 results provide supplementary information to the standard of care patient risk assessment and are intended to assist physicians with decisions related to patient management. Physician recommendations, patient choice, other clinical information, and guideline recommendations are all used in combination with these test results to determine the best course of action for each patient. Biodesix is committed to patient safety and improving health outcomes. The Nodify XL2 test, when used as intended, is a safe8 and valuable tool, in combination with other important clinical factors, to provide supplemental information to aid physicians in treatment decision-making. Steven Springmeyer, MD James Jett, MDBiodesix Inc., Boulder, CO