Significant Differences In Patient Characteristics Research Articles

Comparison of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with raltitrexed plus liposomal doxorubicin vs. tegafur plus pirarubicin for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

There is still no general consensus on the optimal chemotherapeutic agent selection for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of TACE with raltitrexed plus liposomal doxorubicin (R + PGLD) vs. tegafur plus pirarubicin (T + P) in patients with unresectable HCC. A total of 148 patients with unresectable HCC treated with TACE between January 2012 and December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Of them, 74 patients were in the R + PGLD group and 74 patients were in the T + P group (1:1). The treatment response of the tumor, overall survival (OS) time, and adverse effects were compared between the two groups. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics or embolization effect (lipiodol deposition) between the two groups (P>0.05). R + PGLD treatment had a better clinical efficacy than T + P treatment (OR: 64.9% vs. 45.9%, P=0.031; DC: 89.2% vs. 74.3%, P=0.032). Portal vein invasion, hepatic vein invasion, tumor size and BCLC stage were associated with OR or DC after TACE using R + PGLD treatment. Survival analysis revealed that patients who received TACE with R + PGLD had a better prognosis than those treated with T + P. Moreover, some complications in the R + PGLD group, including vomiting, myelosuppression and cardiotoxicity, were significantly lower than those in the T + P group (P<0.05). TACE with raltitrexed and liposomal doxorubicin could reduce the incidence of adverse reactions and significantly improve the OS of patients with unresectable HCC.

Check point to get adequate weight loss within 6-months after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity in Asian population

Purpose of this study is to develope a scoring system to predict the likelihood of excess body weight loss (EBWL) ≥ 50% 6-months after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). From April 2016 to September 2018, data was collected from 160 patients (BMI ≥ 32) who underwent primary LSG with at least 6-months follow-up. They were separated into score generation (operated by one surgeon, n = 122) and validation groups (operated by 3 different surgeons, n = 38). EBWL at 6-months ≥ 50% was considered adequate weight loss. Independent variables including age, gender, initial body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, life-style habits, percentage of EBWL and percentage of total body weight loss at 1-week, 1-month, and 3-months were analyzed with mutivariate logistic regression to generate the scoring system. The system was applied to internal and external validation groups to determine efficacy. As results, between the score generation and internal validation groups, the only significant difference in patient characteristics was in exercise participation. EBWL at 1-month > 19.5% (1 point) and EBWL at 3-months > 37.7% (2 points) were identified as independent factors to predict EBWL at 6-months ≥ 50%. When scores were > 1, the system had 94.03% positive predictive value (PPV) and 81.82% negative predictive value (NPV) (AUC: 0.923). Internal validation scores > 1 had a 95.83% PPV and 85.71% NPV (AUC: 0.975). External validation results showed 88.59% PPV and 72.00% NPV (AUC: 0.802). We concluded that this scoring system provides a reliable, objective prediction of EBWL at 6-months ≥ 50%. Patients requiring more aggressive clinical follow-up and intervention can be detected as early as 1- to 3-months after LSG.

Comparative Cost Analysis of Robotic-Assisted and Jig-Based Manual Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Excellent durability with traditional jig-based manual total knee arthroplasty (mTKA) has been noted, but substantial rates of dissatisfaction remain. Robotic-assisted TKA (raTKA) was introduced to improve clinical outcomes, but associated costs have not been well studied. The purpose of our study is to compare 90-day episode-of-care (EOC) costs for mTKA and raTKA. A retrospective review of an institutional database from 4/2015 to 9/2017 identified consecutive mTKAs and raTKAs using a single implant system performed by one surgeon. The raTKA platform became available at our institution in October 2016. Prior to this date, all TKAs were performed with mTKA technique. After this date, all TKAs were performed using robotic-assistance without exception. Sequential cases were included for both mTKA and raTKA with no patients excluded. Clinical and financial data were obtained from medical and billing records. Ninety-day EOC costs were compared. Statistical analysis was performed by departmental statistician. One hundred and thirty nine mTKAs and 147 raTKAs were identified. No significant differences in patient characteristics were noted. Total intraoperative costs were higher ($10,295.17 vs. 9,998.78, respectively, p < 0.001) and inpatient costs were lower ($3,893.90 vs. 5,587.40, respectively, p < 0.001) comparing raTKA and mTKA. Length of stay (LOS) was reduced 25% (1.2 vs. 1.6 days, respectively, p < 0.0001) and prescribed opioids were reduced 57% (984.2 versus 2240.4 morphine milligram equivalents, respectively, p < 0.0001) comparing raTKA with mTKA. Ninety-day EOC costs were $2,090.70 lower for raTKA compared with mTKA ($15,629.94 vs. 17,720.64, respectively; p < 0.001). The higher intraoperative costs associated with raTKA were offset by greater savings in postoperative costs for the 90-day EOC compared with mTKA. Higher intraoperative costs were driven by the cost of the robot, maintenance fees, and robot-specific disposables. Cost savings with raTKA were primarily driven by reduced instrument pan reprocessing fees, shorter LOS, and reduced prescribed opioids compared with mTKA technique. raTKA demonstrated improved value compared with mTKA based on significantly lower average 90-day EOC costs and superior quality exemplified by reduced LOS, less postoperative opioid requirements, and reduced postdischarge resource utilization.

Clinical, laboratory, and radiological features indicative of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in emergency departments: a multicenter case-control study in Hong Kong.

ObjectivesLittle is known about the value of routine clinical assessment in identifying patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in the emergency department (ED). We aimed to compare the exposure history, signs and symptoms, laboratory, and radiographic features of ED patients who tested positive and negative for COVID‐19.MethodsThis was a case‐control study in 7 EDs in Hong Kong from 20 January to 29 February 2020. Thirty‐seven patients with laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 were age‐ and sex‐matched to 111 controls. We compared the groups with univariate analysis and calculated the odds ratio (OR) of having COVID‐19 for each characteristic that was significantly different between the groups with adjustment for age and presumed location of acquiring the infection.ResultsThere were no significant differences in patient characteristics and reported symptoms between the groups. A positive contact history within 14 days (adjusted OR 37.61, 95% CI: 10.86–130.19), bilateral chest radiograph shadow (adjusted OR 13.19, 95% CI: 4.66–37.35), having prior medical consultation (adjusted OR 7.43, 95% 2.89–19.09), a lower white blood cell count (adjusted OR 1.30, 95% CI: 1.11–1.51), and a lower platelet count (adjusted OR 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01–1.12) were associated with a higher odds of COVID‐19 separately. A higher neutrophil count was associated with a lower odds of COVID‐19 (adjusted OR 0.77, 95% CI: 0.65–0.91).ConclusionThis study highlights a number of clinical features that may be useful in identifying high‐risk patients for early testing and isolation while waiting for the test result. Further studies are warranted to verify the findings.

The Effect Of Traditional Chinese Exercise On Diabetic : A Non-randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE: Clinical practice recommendations issued by the American Diabetes Association in 2019 include the health status and quality of life of people with diabetes as part of their daily care , and believe that it’s important to strengthen physical exercise for diabetic patients. Previous studies have shown that the Baduanjin, a traditional Chinese sport, can regulate blood glucose and blood lipids, weight loss and improve immunity.This study was aimed at investigating the effects and safety of Modified Baduanjin on patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Forty patients were divided into the Modified Baduanjin group (Α group, n=22) and the control group (Β group, n=18) for 12 weeks according to their individual motivation. On the basis of conventional hypoglycemic treatment, Group Α practiced Baduanjin for 30 minutes per day, 4 times per week, while no exercise intervention was given in group Β. The main study outcomes included changes in fasting blood glucose, blood lipids, glycosylated hemoglobin,Quality of Life score( QoL score, 100 in total), muscle endurance, and flexibility after 12 weeks. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between the two groups at baseline. Group Α in glycosylated hemoglobin (pre 6.56±0.70 vs post 6.28±0.70) , QoL score (pre 80.18±9.02 vs post 86.64±9.91) , muscle endurance (pre 3.76±4.38 vs post 6.91±5.73) and flexibility (pre 2.86±9.69 vs post 5.88±9.75) . All the above results were statistically significant (P<0.05).There were no statistical significance in group Β (P>0.05) . 2) Few changes were found in fasting blood glucose and lipid parameters both in two groups(P>0.05). 3) All patients completed the exercise programme with no adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Chinese traditional exercise is effective and safe in regulating and control the level of blood glucose, enhancing physical fitness and improving the quality of life.

Prediction of the Technical Success of Endovascular Therapy in Patients with Critical Limb Threatening Ischaemia Using the Global Limb Anatomical Staging System

This study aimed to determine the clinical impact of the Global Limb Anatomical Staging System (GLASS) and develop a model to determine the grade of difficulty for target artery path (TAP) using GLASS stage. This was a single centre retrospective study. Endovascular treatment (EVT) was performed for 400 lesions in 257 patients with critical limb threatening ischaemia (CLTI) between April 2009 and March 2018. All lesions were divided into three groups (GLASS Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ), which were compared in terms of patient characteristics, lesion characteristics, technical success, and procedural complications. All observations were then randomly assigned to the derivation set or validation set at a ratio of 2:1 (derivation set: 166 patients; validation set: 91 patients). Predictors of technical success for TAP were identified by multivariable analysis. Each predictor was assigned a score based on its regression coefficient, and the total score was calculated. This value was used to categorise all lesions into the following four groups: low (score 0), intermediate (score 1), difficult (score 2), and very difficult (score≥3). No significant differences in patient characteristics were observed between the three GLASS groups. In GLASS Ⅲ group, anatomic/limb severity and procedural complications were observed frequently, and the technical success rate was lower than that in the other groups. Through multivariable analysis, absence of pedal modifier (P)0 or P1, GLASS Ⅲ, total occlusion, and severe calcification predicted technical failure. The four groups stratified according to GLASS score demonstrated stepwise and highly reproducible difference in the probability of technical success for TAP. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.95 in the development group and 0.93 in the validation sample. In GLASS Ⅲ, anatomic/limb severity was more complex and procedural complications were more frequent. The GLASS scoring system reliably predicts the technical success of de novo TAP in patients with CLTI.

BRCA immunohistochemistry for screening of BRCA mutation in epithelial ovarian cancer patients

To evaluate BRCA1/2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) as a screening test for germline BRCA1/2 in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), tumor tissue from 105 EOC patients who had germline BRCA mutations, including 9 BRCA1 mutations, 6 BRCA2 mutations and 90 no BRCA mutations, were studied. Paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were stained for BRCA1 and BRCA2. Tumors were indicated as a loss of BRCA expression when neoplastic nuclear stained less than 10%. Loss of BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 expression was found in 36 patients (34.3%). BRCA1 IHC loss was found in 21 patients (20%) while 24 patients (22.9%) had BRCA2 IHC loss. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between both groups. Loss of BRCA1 expression had 66.7% sensitivity, 84.3% specificity, 28.6% positive predictive value (PPV), and 96.4% negative predictive value (NPV) for detection of germline BRCA1 mutation. Meanwhile, loss of BRCA2 expression had 50% sensitivity, 78.8% specificity, 12.5% PPV, and 96.3% NPV for detection of germline BRCA2 mutation. There was no significant difference in survival outcomes between both groups.Based on high NPV, BRCA IHC may be useful to exclude patients without BRCA dysfunction if IHC showed intact expression. Only patients with BRCA IHC loss should be offered further genetic testing.

Relation between measurable residual disease and morphologic relapse in AML.

7535 Background: Measurable residual disease (MRD) in AML portends a poor prognosis. The outcomes and treatments of MRD after an initial MRD negative complete remission (MRD- CR) are unclear. Methods: We retrospectively identified 432 patients ≥ 18 years of age treated for AML or high grade myeloid neoplasm (10-19% blasts in blood and/or marrow) at University of Washington/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance from 2008-2017 who achieved MRD- CR after initial treatment. Next disease recurrence was recorded, with patients either developing MRD ( &lt; 5% blasts via multiparameter flow cytometry; n = 44) or developing morphologic relapse (≥5% blasts; n = 100). The remaining patients remained in MRD- CR (n = 288, median follow up time 3.7 years). A landmark analysis at one year was performed to compare overall survival (OS). Results: Patients who developed MRD tended to be older (p = 0.009), but baseline characteristics were otherwise similar. Therapies for MRD included allogeneic transplant, low intensity chemotherapy, and high intensity chemotherapy; no significant associations were found between type MRD directed therapy and survival. Landmark OS at 1 year after MRD- CR was significantly different for patients without relapse at 1 year compared to those with MRD or morphologic relapse (median OS was 8.5 years for no relapse, 2.2 years for MRD, and 1.0 years for morphologic relapse). A multivariable Cox regression model among patients alive at 1 year showed patients without relapse had significantly improved OS compared to those with morphologic relapse [HR 0.18 (95% CI 0.1-0.31)]. Although there was a trend towards improved OS, we did not identify a significant difference between patients with MRD relapse compared to morphologic relapse [HR 0.54 (95% CI 0.27-1.11)]. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics for patients with MRD vs morphologic relapse matched by time of relapse (days 30-90, 90-150, 150-210). Conclusions: Following MRD- CR, development of either MRD or morphologic relapse were both associated with decreased OS. Notably, no significant differences in terms of survival were seen between patients who presented with MRD as opposed to morphologic relapse. No clear predictors were identified for MRD vs morphologic relapse. In this cohort, development of MRD carried a poor OS prognosis, similar to the prognosis of developing morphologic relapse. Future clinical trials should focus on MRD directed therapies, as no consensus exists about optimal treatment of MRD.

Patterns of thyroid dysfunctions during treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in 59 solid cancer patients.

e18567 Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have now become the mainstay treatment in patients with many kinds of cancers. Thyroid dysfunction as the most common endocrine toxicity is poorly understood. This study aimed to report hypothyroidism and exam its changing dynamtic in our first series of patients treated with ICI. Methods: This is a retrospective study. Patients received nivolumab or pembrolizumab between July 2018 and December 2019 were considered. Patient must have euthyroidism within the 3 months before immunotherapy and those had previous use of levothyroxine were excluded. They were monitored by thyroid function tests every cycle until stopping ICI. Patients must have received at least 3 cycles of antibody treatment. Results: Among 89 patients treated, 59 met the inclusion criteria. There were 33 males, 26 females, including 26 (44.1%) nivolumab, and 33 (55.9%) pembrolizumab. Median age was 62 years [range: 27-88]). Cancer diagnoses observed were non small cell lung cancer 17(28.8%), small cell lung cancer 4 (6.8%),liver cancer 9 (15.3%), head and neck cancer 5 (8.5%), esophageal cancer4 (6.8%) colon cancer 3 (5.1%), nasopharygeal carcinoma 3 (5.1%) melanoma 3 (5.1%) and other cancers 11(18.6%). There were 9 patients (15.3%) developed a thyroid dysfunction, including 5 females. Four patients had thyrotoxicosis (median onset: 8 weeks) followed by hypothyroidism. There were three types of thyroid dysfunctions: the first type patients 3 (33.3%) had a brief time period of TSH flair (peak 17.4-57.8) after the first cycle of ICI, followed by TSH dramatic drop companied with rising fT4, which usually returned to normal level during 3-4 cycles of . The other 4 patients (44.4%) with thyroid dysfunction presented with remarkably elevated TSH (15.43-125.2) after 3.5-10 months’ treatment, followed by hypothyroidism development with a need of levothyroxine. The remaining 1 patient had a third type of thyroid dysfunction with elevated TSH, elavated more while the treatment continue, the patient should be given levothyroxine as soon as possible. Additionally, 1 patient developed hypopituitarism presented with both low level of TSH and fT4 after 10 month treatment. There was no significant difference in patient characteristics between patients with hypothyroidism and those without. Conclusions: There are heterogeneity in thyroid function and hypothyroidism after ICI. Before more experience is gained, frequent monitoring of thyroid function during ICI is warranted for prompt management of the hypothyroidism.

The impact of early administration of vasopressor agents for the resuscitation of severe hemorrhagic shock following blunt trauma

BackgroundWhen resuscitating patients with hemorrhagic shock following trauma, fluid volume restriction and permissive hypotension prior to bleeding control are emphasized along with the good outcome especially for penetrating trauma patients. However, evidence that these concepts apply well to the management of blunt trauma is lacking, and their use in blunt trauma remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the impact of vasopressor use in patients with blunt trauma in severe hemorrhagic shock.MethodsIn this single-center retrospective study, we reviewed records of blunt trauma patients with hemorrhagic shock and included patients with a probability of survival < 0.6. Vital signs on arrival, characteristics, examinations, concomitant injuries and severity, vasopressor use and dose, and volumes of crystalloids and blood infused were compared between survivors and non-survivors. Data are described as median (25–75% interquartile range) or number.ResultsForty patients admitted from April 2014 to September 2019 were included. Median Injury Severity Score in survivors vs non-survivors was 41 (36–48) vs 45 (34–51) (p = 0.48), with no significant difference in probability of survival between the two groups (0.22 [0.12–0.48] vs 0.21 [0.08–0.46]; p = 0.93). Despite no significant difference in patient characteristics and injury severity, non-survivors were administered vasopressors significantly earlier after admission and at significantly higher doses. Total blood transfusion amount administered within 24 h after admission was significantly higher in survivors (8430 [5680–9320] vs 6540 [4550–7880] mL; p = 0.03). Max catecholamine index was significantly higher in non-survivors (2 [0–4] vs 14 [10–18]; p = 0.008), and administered vasopressors were terminated significantly earlier (12 [4–26] vs 34 [10–74] hours; p = 0.026) in survivors.Although the variables of severity of the patients had no significant differences, vasopressor use (Odds ratio [OR] = 21.32, 95% confident interval [CI]: 3.71–121.6; p = 0.0001) and its early administration (OR = 10.56, 95%CI: 1.90–58.5; p = 0.005) indicated significant higher risk of death in this study.ConclusionVasopressor administration and high-dose use for resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock following severe blunt trauma are potentially associated with increased mortality. Although the transfused volume of blood products tends to be increased when resuscitating these patients, early termination of vasopressor had better to be considered.

Prognostic implications of TdT expression in acute myeloid leukemia with an intermediate-risk karyotype.

Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) is expressed on precursor lymphoblastic neoplasms and some acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. The clinical impact of TdT expression on AML outcomes remains unclear. Here, we conducted a retrospective analysis to identify prognostic implications of TdT expression in AML with an intermediate-risk karyotype. Forty-eight cases of intermediate-risk AML were enrolled. TdT positivity was defined as expression on ≥ 10% of the gated cells. Of 48 cases, 12 (25%) were positive for TdT [median expression rate of TdT 0.9% (range 0-86.9%)]. No significant differences in patient characteristics or complete remission rate were observed between TdT-positive and TdT-negative cases. The probability of overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) at 1year was not significantly different between TdT-positive and TdT-negative cases (OS: 58.3% vs. 65.2%, p = 0.32; EFS: 33.3% vs. 57.1%, p = 0.06). Relapse-free survival (RFS) probability at 1year was significantly lower for TdT-positive than TdT-negative cases (10% vs. 71.3%, p = 0.002). Multivariate analyses revealed that TdT positivity was an independent significant adverse factor for RFS [hazard ratio: 3.309, 95% confidence interval: 1.334-8.209, p = 0.009]. Our results suggest that TdT expression is associated with increased risk of relapse in patients with intermediate-risk AML.

OUTCOME OF SURGICAL TREATMENT IN PATIENTS WITH BORDERLINE ACETABULAR DYSPLASIA: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF HIP ARTHROSCOPY AND PERIACETABULAR OSTEOTOMY

Background:Optimal treatments of patients with borderline hip dysplasia, defined as LCEA 20°-25°, is controversial. These patients can have symptomatic impingement and/or instability. The optimal treatment of either hip arthroscopy (HA) alone or periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) (with/without hip arthroscopy) has not been established.Purpose:The purpose of this study was to evaluate surgical outcomes of patients with borderline hip dysplasia at a minimum of 2-year follow-up.Methods:A longitudinal cohort was utilized to identify patients with borderline acetabular dysplasia defined via prospective radiographic measurements. Demographics and radiographic measurements were recorded. Patient evaluation, diagnosis and treatment decisions (PAO v HA) were made by one treating surgeon. Outcome were assessed at baseline and a minimum 2 years postoperative. Descriptive and comparative statistics were performed. Failure was defined as reoperation, or failure to reach mHHS MCID (8 points) or PASS (mHHS <74).Results:Total of 113 hips were included at 4.7 years postoperatively (range 2.0-11.2 years). Overall, 76% were female and 42% of hips had PAO (65% combined with hip arthroscopy), while 58% had isolated hip arthroscopy (HA). For PAO group, mHHS improved from 57.9 to 82.8 postoperatively, compared to 62.6 to 84.0 for the HA group. Similarly, HOOS pain (PAO 48.2 to 79.1, HA 61.2 to 82.0) and HOOS Sports (PAO 36.5 to 73.0, HA 47.8 to 74.4) demonstrated similar improvements. Comparing the PAO and HA groups, the change in PRO was significantly greater for the PAO group for HOOS Pain (10.5 ±23.2, p=0.02) and HOOS ADL (9.4 ±20.5, p=0.04) which was primarily due to a lower baseline score (similar final score). No significant difference was detected for other PROs. Reoperations in the PAO group were 2% (1 hip arthroscopy) and 6% for hip arthroscopy group (3 hip arthroscopies, 1 PAO). The failure rate was 17% for PAO and 15% for HA (p=0.86).Discussion:Surgical outcomes at minimum of 2 years in patients with borderline hip dysplasia in selected patients undergoing PAO or hip arthroscopy were good. Significant differences in patient characteristics and radiographic parameters were present between hips indicated for PAO vs. HA emphasizing the need for careful diagnosis and treatment decision-making.

Long Term Survival after Heart Transplantation is Not Affected by Axillary Intra Aortic Balloon Pump Support as a Bridge to Heart Transplantation

Axillary intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) has been utilized in selected patients for circulatory support as a bridge to heart transplantation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if preoperative axillary IABP support has an impact on early and long-term survival in patients undergoing heart transplantation. Between January 2010 and August 2019, 307 consecutive patients underwent heart transplantation in our institution. We divided the cohort into two groups: 144 patients who underwent axillary IABP insertion as a bridge to transplantation (Group A) and 163 patients without an axillary IABP (Group B). The primary outcomes of interest include 30-day mortality and long-term survival. We also investigated if preoperative axillary IABP support was an independent predictor of long-term survival by Cox proportional hazards analysis. There were no significant difference in patient characteristics including age, sex and preoperative creatinine. The number of patients who had history of previous cardiac surgery in Group B (115/163, 70.6%) was significantly larger than in Group A (42/144, 29.2%) (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in 30 days mortality between Group A (4/144, 2.8%) and Group B (4/163, 2.5%) (p=0.86). The mean follow-up period was 38.2 ± 29.9 months. There was also no significant difference in long-term survival: 85.1% at 3 years and 83.7% at 5 years in Group A and 82.6% at 3 years and 74.6% at 5 years in Group B (log rank = 0.28). Cox proportional hazards analysis did not identify that preoperative axillary IABP was associated with long-term survival (hazard ratio 0.65, 95% CI 0.19 - 2.01, p=0.47) CONCLUSION: Axillary IABP circulatory support as a bridge to heart transplantation would be a reasonable strategy to optimize heart transplant candidates, leading to comparable 30-day mortality and long-term survival to those who without IABP support. Axillary IABP was not an independent predictor of long-term survival.

Heart Rate After Resuscitation From Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest due to Acute Coronary Syndrome Is an Independent Predictor of Clinical Outcome.

Heart rate (HR) is a useful predictor of cardiovascular disease, especially in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, it is unclear whether there is an association between HR and clinical outcomes after resuscitation from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) due to ACS. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of HR on clinical outcome in individuals resuscitated from OHCA due to ACS.Methods and Results:Data from 3,687 OHCA patients between October 2002 and October 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. We divided 154 patients diagnosed with ACS into 2 groups: those with tachycardia (HR >100 beats/min, n=71) and those without tachycardia (HR ≤100 beats/min, n=83) after resuscitation. The primary endpoint was 1-year mortality and the secondary endpoint was neurological injury at discharge according to cerebral performance category score. Overall, mean HR was 95.6 beats/min. There were several significant differences in patient characteristics, indicating poor general condition of patients with tachycardia. Mortality at 1-year was 41.6%, and neurological injury at discharge was observed in 44.1% of individuals. In the multivariate analysis, tachycardia after resuscitation was an independent predictor of both 1-year mortality (hazard ratio, 2.66; 95% CI: 1.20-5.85; P=0.03) and neurological injury at discharge (odds ratio, 2.65; 95% CI: 1.27-5.55; P=0.04). In patients who recovered from OHCA due to ACS, tachycardia after resuscitation predicted poor clinical outcome.

Factors leading to loss of patency after biliary reconstruction of major laparoscopic cholecystectomy bile duct injuries: an observational study with long-term outcomes

BackgroundSmall sample size and a lack of standardized reporting for patients requiring reconstruction for laparoscopic cholecystectomy bile duct injuries (LC-BDI) have limited investigation of factors contributing to loss of patency. MethodsUsing a prospective database, patient characteristics, pre-repair investigations, Strasberg-Bismuth level of injury, timing of reconstruction and postoperative complications were compared in successful index reconstruction and revision patients. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of loss of patency. ResultsOf 131 patients analysed, 103 had a successful index reconstruction and 28 required revision. There were no statistically significant differences in patient characteristics between the two groups. Days to referral and reconstruction were significantly different (p < 0.001, p = 0.001). Patients with incomplete biliary imaging more often required a revision (p < 0.001). The only independent predictor of loss of patency was incomplete depiction of the biliary tree prior to initial reconstruction (p = 0.035, OR 10.131, 95% CI 1.180–86.987). Primary and secondary patency were 98.1% and 96.4%, respectively with no differences in 30-day complications. ConclusionsIncomplete depiction of LC-BDI before index reconstruction was independently associated with loss of patency requiring revision. Despite the complexity of repeat biliary reconstruction, outcomes in an HPB unit were similar to that of an index reconstruction.

Changes to Venous Flow Coupler Signal during DIEP Flap Inset Can Be Predictive of Poor Clinical Outcomes in Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

Venous flow couplers are typically used to monitor free flaps during the postoperative period, with a continuous venous signal available immediately after completion of the anastomosis. Intraoperative loss of the coupler signal is not uncommon and may require adjustments in free flap inset and even flap thickness to get the venous signal to return. The effects of intraoperative coupler signal loss and the role of this technology on flap outcomes have not been evaluated. We hypothesized that the use of intraoperative coupler can be protective of both early and late flap complications by preventing unfavorable flap insets. All patients who underwent free flap breast reconstruction between January 2018 and June 2019 by single microsurgery team were included. Flap inset and inset changes based on flow coupler signal problems were reviewed in the procedure notes. Patient demographics data and clinical outcomes were analyzed with comprehensive chart review. Forty-four consecutive patients with 69 free flaps were identified. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics or venous coupler size used in venous anastomosis. Although the number of operating room take backs for venous insufficiency was not significantly different between two groups, the free flaps with inset change had significantly higher complications that required later surgical intervention (p = 0.0464). Surgeons should be aware that intraoperative coupler signal loss can be associated with poor clinical outcomes postoperatively and these flaps may require more perfusion imaging, flap debulking, or even additional venous anastomosis.

Private and Public Bariatric Surgery Trends in New Zealand 2004-2017: Demographics, Cardiovascular Comorbidity and Procedure Selection.

For bariatric surgery, patient selection, procedural choice and availability has changed over time internationally. We analysed the annual volume and location of bariatric surgery in New Zealand by demographic characteristics, clinical history and procedure. Patients who underwent bariatric procedures between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2017 were identified through New Zealand hospitalisation records. Hospitalisation and medication data were used to indicate a clinical history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and/or diabetes. Publicly funded intervention rate by ethnicity was calculated using year- and sex-specific ethnic population estimates and obesity prevalence statistics. This study included 9109 patients, undergoing gastric bypass (GB, n = 3323) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG, n = 5452) as the most common procedures. Nationally, annual bariatric surgery volume increased in the public sector, from 34 to 516 between 2004 and 2017, with a similar increase in available private sector figures. Public recipients were significantly more likely to have a history of diabetes (33.8% vs 14.4%) and/or CVD (9.0% vs 4.7%) than private recipients. Male recipients had higher prevalence of diabetes (29.9% vs 17.6%) and CVD (12.9% vs 4.1%) than female recipients. After adjustment for the adult population prevalence of morbid obesity, Pacific people had half the intervention rate of European and Māori. Bariatric surgery is increasing in frequency in New Zealand, with SG and GB being the most common procedures. Significant differences in patient characteristics exist between the public and private sectors. Ensuring equitable selection of publicly funded bariatric surgery candidates remains a challenge.

Surgical outcomes and learning curve of totally intracorporeal ileal conduit urinary diversion following laparoscopic radical cystectomy at a single institution.

Constant evaluation of the outcomes of laparoscopic intracorporeal urinary diversion is not yet established. This study aimed to describe surgical outcomes and learning curve of intracorporeal ileal conduit (ICIC) following laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) at a single institution. From June 2012 to February 2018, 38 patients with bladder cancer underwent LRC with ileal conduit at our institution. Surgical outcomes were compared between ICIC (n = 30) and extracorporeal ileal conduit (ECIC) (n = 8). The learning curve during ICIC with regard to the operative time and complication rate was compared. No significant differences in patient characteristics between the ICIC and ECIC groups were found. Comparison of outcomes between the ICIC and ECIC groups were as follows: median total operative time, 688 vs 713 minutes; urinary diversion time, 213 vs 192 minutes; and estimated blood loss, 450 vs 420 mL, respectively. The median time to walking and oral intake were similar in both groups. Rates of high-grade complications associated with urinary diversion (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ III) were 3% in ICIC and 25% in ECIC. Although 25% of ECIC patients developed wound dehiscence (Clavien-Dindo grade IIIb), no patient in the ICIC group had postoperative wound infection. For the learning curve of ICIC (n = 30), urinary diversion time decreased significantly (27 minutes decrease per 10 cases, P = .02). Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ II complication did not occur after 20 cases. LRC with ICIC could be performed safely with low incidence of severe wound infection compared with ECIC. The incidence and severity of complications also decreased with time.

Propensity score matched comparison of docetaxel and androgen receptor axis-targeted (ARAT) agents in castration-resistant prostate cancer patients with intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC-P).

80 Background: Several studies have reported that intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC-P) is a pathological adverse prognostic factor in patients with prostate cancer. However, the optimal treatment has not been established. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of docetaxel and androgen receptor axis-targeted (ARAT) agents in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) with IDC-P using a propensity score-matched analysis. Methods: We retrospectively identified 309 patients with CRPC from February 2007 to February 2016. They received initial androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and after progression to CRPC, they received docetaxel or ARAT (abiraterone or enzalutamide) as the first-line life-prolonging therapy. The primary outcome of interest was OS from the time of CRPC diagnosis. We also investigated PFS from the time of docetaxel or ARAT initiation. Results: Propensity score-matching identified 85 patients in each group. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between the groups. The median OS in the docetaxel group was 38.2 months versus 58.3 months in the ARAT group (HR 0.57; 95% CI 0.37–0.89; P =.01). Regarding patients with IDC-P, OS was significantly longer in the ARAT group than the docetaxel group (HR 0.48; 95% CI 0.26–0.86; P =.01), and there was no significant difference in each group, as in patients without IDC-P (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.37–1.52; P =.43). The median PFS in the docetaxel group was 6.7 versus 7.8 months in the ARAT group (HR 0.65; 95% CI 0.45–0.94; P =.02). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that the presence of IDC-P, duration of primary ADT, visceral metastasis, and administration of ARAT as the first treatment for CRPC were independent prognostic factors for OS. Conclusions: Administration of ARAT as the first treatment for CRPC may prolong OS more than that of docetaxel, especially in patients with IDC-P.

First year experience of a pulmonary embolism response team with comparisons of outcomes between catheter directed therapy versus standard anticoagulation

ABSTRACTObjectives: The Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) model is now widely adopted in many institutions to provide multidisciplinary care for patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). However, descriptive experiences of PERT operations and studies on clinical outcomes remain limited.Methods: We performed a retrospective review of PERT activations at an academic tertiary care center, with secondary aims to study outcomes associated with performing catheter directed therapies (CDT).Results: The intermediate high-risk PE category was most frequent (n = 40, 76.9%) among the 52 total cases evaluated during the study period. There was one in-hospital mortality, associated with hospice admission for a non-PE diagnosis. Six patients (11.5%) experienced a bleeding complication of any severity. Anticoagulation (AC) alone was recommended in 30 patients (57.7%) and CDT was performed in 16 patients (30.8%). There were no significant differences in patient characteristics or disease severity between patients in the AC group versus the CDT group, except for a higher prevalence of malignancy in the AC group (p = 0.037). Patients who underwent CDT demonstrated a lower, albeit non-significant, median intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) (3 vs. 4 days, p = 0.34) and hospital LOS (4 vs. 5 days, p = 0.25), as compared to patients receiving AC alone. Bleeding rates were similar between the two groups (6.7% vs. 6.3%, p = 1.0).Conclusions: Adoption of the PERT model at an academic tertiary care center was associated with acceptably low rates of mortality and bleeding, similar to other published studies. Performing CDT in select patients under PERT consultation may be associated with shorter ICU and hospital LOS; however, larger studies are needed to validate this finding.