Significant Predictor Of Treatment Failure Research Articles

Machine Learning Model Predictors of Intrapleural tPA and DNase Failure in Pleural Infection: A Multicenter Study.

Intrapleural enzyme therapy (IET) with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and deoxyribonuclease (DNase) has been shown to reduce the need for surgical intervention for complicated parapneumonic effusion/empyema (CPPE/empyema). Failure of IET may lead to delayed care, and increased length of stay. The goal of this study was to identify risk factors for failure of IET. We performed a multicenter, retrospective study of patients who received IET for the treatment of CPPE/empyema. Clinical and radiological variables at the time of diagnosis were included. We compared four different machine learning classifiers (L1-penalized logistic regression, support vector machine (SVM), XGBoost and LightGBM) by multiple bootstrap-validated metrics, including F-beta to demonstrate model performances. 466 participants who received IET for pleural infection were included from five institutions across the United States. Resolution of CPPE/empyema with IET was achieved in 78% (n=365). SVM performed superior with median F-beta of 56%, followed by L1-penalized logistic regression, LGBM and XGBoost. Clinical and radiological variables were graded based on their ranked variable importance. The top two significant predictors of IET failure using SVM were the presence of an abscess/necrotizing pneumonia (17%) and pleural thickening (13%). Similarly, LightGBM identified abscess/necrotizing pneumonia (35%) and pleural thickening (26%) and XGBoost indicated pleural thickening (36%) and abscess/necrotizing pneumonia (17%) as the most significant predictors of treatment failure. Predictors identified by L1-penalized logistic regression model were pleural thickening (18%) and pleural fluid LDH (9%). The presence of abscess/necrotizing pneumonia and pleural thickening consistently ranked among the strongest predictors of IET failure in all machine learning models. The difference in rankings between models may be a consequence of the different algorithms used by each model. These results indicate that the presence of abscess/necrotizing pneumonia, and pleural thickening may predict IET failure. These results should be confirmed in larger studies.

Predictors of gentamicin therapy failure in neonates with sepsis.

Sepsis is a common disease with high morbidity and mortality among newborns in intensive care units world-wide. Gram-negative bacillary bacteria are the major source of infection in neonates. Gentamicin is the most widely used aminoglycoside antibiotic in empiric therapy against early-onset sepsis. However, therapy failure may result due to various factors. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of gentamicin therapy failure in neonates with sepsis. This was a prospective cross-sectional study at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Windhoek Central Hospital over a period of 5 months in 2019. Neonates received intravenous gentamicin 5 mg/kg/24 h in combination with either benzylpenicillin 100 000 IU/kg/12 h or ampicillin 50 mg/kg/8 h. Logistic regression modeling was performed to determine the predictors of treatment outcomes. 36% of the 50 neonates were classified as having gentamicin treatment failure. Increasing treatment duration by 1 day resulted in odds of treatment failure increasing from 1.0 to 2.41. Similarly, one unit increase in CRP increases odds of gentamicin treatment failure by 49%. The 1 kg increase in birthweight reduces the log odds of treatment failure by 6.848, resulting in 99.9% decrease in the odds of treatment failure. One unit increase in WBC reduces odds of gentamicin treatment failure by 27%. Estimates of significant predictors of treatment failure were precise, yielding odds ratios that were within 95% confidence interval. This study identified the following as predictors of gentamicin therapy failure in neonates: prolonged duration of treatment, elevated C-reactive protein, low birthweight, and low white blood cell count.

Salvage high-dose rate brachytherapy for local recurrence of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy

Background. The current need for optimization of salvage treatment methods is dictated by the growing expansion of indications for radical prostatectomy in many centers in the developed countries of the world.Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness, toxicity, and technical characteristics of high-dose rate brachytherapy in treatment of local prostate cancer (PCa) recurrences after radical prostatectomy.Materials and methods. Between January 2015 and December 2020, salvage high-dose rate brachytherapy was performed in 17 patients at the Russian Scientific Center of Roentgenology and Radiology for local recurrence of PCa after radical prostatectomy. All patients underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis at the stage of primary diagnosis in order to determine macroscopic tissue component in the prostate bed area. To rule out regional and distant metastases, all patients underwent positron emission tomography with 18F- or 68Ga-labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen. All patients included in the study underwent perineal biopsy of the prostate bed and seminal vesicles.Results. Median follow-up in the treatment group was 35.7 (24–54) months. Overall survival was 100 %. Prostatespecific antigen-specific survival was 88.2 %. There were no local recurrences of PCa in the treatment group. In patients with local PCa recurrence, significant predictors of treatment failure were the presence of clinically extremely high risk of progression at initial diagnosis (p = 0.003), development of biochemical relapse up to 24 months after main treatment (p = 0.001), and increased blood level of prostate-specific antigen above 10 ng/mL during registration of biochemical relapse (p = 0.002).Conclusion. High-dose rate brachytherapy is a safe and effective salvage treatment for local recurrence of PCa after radical prostatectomy. In addition to the brachytherapy technique, the diagnostic stage is also of great importance providing visualization of the exact location of tumor recurrence.

Silicosis as a predictor of tuberculosis mortality and treatment failure and need for incorporation in differentiated TB care models in India

BackgroundDifferentiated tuberculosis (TB) care is an approach to improve treatment outcomes by tailoring TB management to the particular needs of patient groups based on their risk profile and comorbidities. In silicosis-prone areas, the coexistence of TB and silicosis may exacerbate treatment outcomes. The objective of the study was to determine predictors of TB-related mortality, treatment failure, and loss to follow-up in a silicosis-prone region of western India.MethodsA retrospective cohort was conducted among 2748 people with TB registered between January 2006 and February 2022 in Khambhat, a silicosis-prone block in western India. Death, treatment failure, and loss to follow up were the outcome variables. The significant predictors of each outcome variable were determined using multivariable logistic regression and reported as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsIn the cohort of 2,748 people with TB, 5% presented with silicosis, 11% succumbed to the disease, 5% were lost to follow-up during treatment, and 2% encountered treatment failure upon completion of therapy. On multivariable logistic regression, concomitant silicosis [aOR 2.3 (95% CI 1.5–3.5)], advancing age [aOR 1.03 (95% CI 1.02–1.04)], male gender [aOR 1.4 (95% 1.1–1.9)], human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive [aOR 2.2 (95% 1.02–4.6)], and previous TB treatment [aOR 1.5 (95% CI 1.1–1.9)] significantly predicted mortality among people with TB. Concomitant silicosis [aOR 3 (95% CI 1.4–6.5)], previous TB treatment [aOR 3 (95% CI 2–6)], and multi-drug resistant TB [aOR 18 (95% CI 8–41)] were the significant predictors of treatment failure on adjusted analysis. Advancing age [aOR 1.012 (1.001–1.023)], diabetes [aOR 0.6 (0.4–0.8)], and multi-drug resistance [aOR 6 (95% CI 3–12)] significantly predicted loss to follow-up after adjusting for confounders.ConclusionsControlling silicosis might decrease TB mortality and treatment failure in silicosis-prone regions. The coexistence of HIV and silicosis may point to an increase in TB deaths in silicosis-prone areas. Silicosis should now be acknowledged as a major comorbidity of TB and should be included as one of the key risk factors in the differentiated TB care approach. Primary care physicians should have a high clinical suspicion for silicosis among individuals diagnosed with TB in silicosis-prone blocks.

Minimum 5-Year Results of Elongation Derotation Flexion Casting for Early Onset Scoliosis: The Story Is Not Over Until Skeletal Maturity.

Early conservative treatment for patients with idiopathic infantile scoliosis (IIS) with elongation derotation flexion (EDF) casting and subsequent serial bracing has become widely utilized. However, the long-term outcomes of patients treated with EDF casting are limited. We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients who had undergone serial elongation derotation flexion casting and subsequent bracing for scoliosis presenting at a single large tertiary center. All patients were followed for a minimum of 5 years or until surgical intervention. Our study included 21 patients diagnosed with IIS and treated with EDF casting. At a mean 7-year follow-up, 13 of the 21 patients were considered successfully treated with a mean final major coronal curvature of 9 degrees compared to a pretreatment coronal curve of 36 degrees. These patients, on average, began casting at 1.3 years old and spent 1 year in a cast. Patients that did not have substantial improvement began casting at mean 4 years old and remained in a cast for 0.8 years. Three patients initially had substantial improvement with the correction to <20 degrees at a mean age of 7; however, their curves worsened in adolescence with poor brace compliance. All 3 patients will require surgical intervention. Of the patients not successfully treated with casting, 7 required surgery at a mean 8.2 years of age, 4.3 years after initiation of casting. A significant predictor of treatment failure was older age of cast initiation ( P <0.001). EDF casting can be an effective cure for IIS patients if initiated at a young age with 15 of 21 patients successfully treated (76%). However, 3 patients had a recurrence in adolescence resulting in an overall success rate of only 62%. Casting should be initiated early to maximize the likelihood of treatment success and periodic monitoring should be continued through skeletal maturity as recurrence during adolescence can occur.

Femoral Head Core Decompression and Bone Marrow Concentrate Injection in Pediatric Sickle-cell Related Avascular Necrosis.

Femoral head avascular necrosis affects 10% to 40% of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of femoral head core decompression and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (CD-BMAC) injection in pediatric patients with SCD. Eligible patients were enrolled in this retrospective study of patients undergoing CD-BMAC. Patients with SCD who were younger than 18 at the time of surgery and had >1 year of follow-up were included in this analysis. Hips were staged based on the Ficat system by 2 raters. The visual analog score for pain, hip outcome score, modified Harris hip score, and the University of California, Los Angeles activity score were used as patient-reported outcome measures preoperatively, at 5 to 9 months postoperatively, and final follow-up. Treatment failure was defined as total hip arthroplasty or visual analog score >3 at the final follow-up. Twenty-three hips in 17 patients were included, with a median age at the time of surgery of 15.8 years (interquartile range: 13.1 to 17.8 y). Patients were followed for 4.25 ± 1.7 years. Ten hips showed a 1-stage increase in the Ficat stage at the final follow-up, whereas 11 retained the same stage, and 1 hip had a 1-stage regression. All patient-reported outcome measures showed significant improvement from the preoperative visit to short-term follow-up, but the preoperative to final follow-up improvement was not significant. Six treatment failures were recorded, including 3 total hip arthroplasties and 3 painful hips at the final follow-up. In a multivariate logistic regression model, only skeletal maturity (odds ratio = 16.2, 95% CI: 1.44-183.0, P = 0.024) and femoral head collapse (odds ratio = 12.0, 95% CI: 1.1-130.5, P = 0.041) were significant predictors of treatment failure. In the largest study on pediatric SCD patients undergoing CD-BMAC, we found that CD-BMAC injection offers significant improvement in pain and functional outcomes in the short term, with a very low risk for complications. Skeletal maturity and femoral head collapse were significant predictors of treatment failure. Patients with a collapsed femoral head experienced functional deterioration over time after initial improvement, whereas precollapse hips maintained their functional improvement up to the latest follow-up. Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Clinical efficacy of Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs) for Treatment of Recurrent Hepatitis C Virus infection After Liver Transplantation

Abstract BACKGROUND &amp; AIMS Recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection of transplanted liver allografts is universal in patients with detectable HCV viremia at the time of transplantation. Directacting antiviral (DAA) therapy has been adopted as the standard of care for recurrent HCV infection in the post-transplant setting. However, there are insufficient data regarding its efficacy in liver transplant (LT) recipients with a history of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the risk of HCC recurrence after DAA therapy is unknown. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate predictors of DAA treatment failure and HCC recurrence in LT recipients. METHODS A total of 106 LT recipients given DAAs for recurrent HCV infection from 2015 to 2019 were identified (68 with and 38 without HCC). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to estimate the multivariate odds ratios and respective 95% confidence intervals for predictors of treatment failure and HCC recurrence. RESULTS Six patients (6%) experienced DAA therapy failure and 100 (94%) had a sustained virologic response at follow-up week 12 (SVR12). A high alanine transaminase level &amp;gt;35 U/L at treatment week 4 was a significant predictor of treatment failure. DAA failure at follow-up week 12 was significantly associated with post-transplantation HCC recurrence, (odds ratio, 10.6 [95% confidence interval, 1.0-121.6]; P = .05). CONCLUSIONS DAAs are effective and safe in the treatment of recurrent HCV infection in LT recipients with history of HCC. Lack of SVR12 is a predictor of post-transplantation HCC recurrence.

Percutaneous transthoracic catheter drainage for lung abscess: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To evaluate the outcomes of patients receiving image-guided percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) for lung abscesses in terms of treatment success, major complications, and mortality as well as the predictors of those outcomes. Embase and OVID-MEDLINE databases were searched to identify studies on lung abscesses treated with PCD that had extractable outcomes. The outcomes were pooled using a random-intercept logistic regression model. Multivariate Firth's bias-reduced penalised-likelihood logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of treatment success and complications. Methodological quality was assessed by summing scores of binary responses to items regarding selection, ascertainment of exposure and outcome, causality of follow-up duration, and reporting. From 26 studies with acceptable methodological quality (median score, 4; range, 3-5), 194 patients were included. The pooled rates of treatment success and major complications were 86.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 78.5-91.8%; I2 = 23%) and 8.1% (95% CI, 4.1-15.3%; I2 = 26%), respectively. Four patients eventually died from uncontrolled lung abscesses (pooled rate, 1.5%; 95% CI, 0.2-11.1%; I2 = 36%). Malignancy-related abscess (odds ratio [OR], 0.129; 95% CI, 0.024-0.724; p = .022) and the occurrence of a major complication (OR, 0.065; 95% CI, 0.02-0.193; p < .001) were significant predictors of treatment failure. Traversing normal lung parenchyma was the only significant risk factor for major complications (OR, 27.69; 95% CI, 7.196-123.603; p < .001). PCD under imaging guidance was effective for lung abscess treatment, with a low complication rate. Traversal of normal lung parenchyma was the sole risk factor for complications, and malignancy-related abscesses and the occurrence of major complications were predictors of treatment failure. • The pooled treatment success rate of PCD for lung abscess was reasonably high (86.5%); malignancy-related abscesses and the occurrence of a major complication were predictors of treatment failure. • The pooled rate of percutaneous transthoracic catheter drainage-related major complications was 8.1% and traversing normal lung parenchyma by the catheter was the only risk factor. • The pooled mortality rate from uncontrolled lung abscesses with percutaneous transthoracic catheter drainage was low.

Risk factors for chemoresistance in metastatic high-risk Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia

BACKGROUND: Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) is a tumor known to be sensitive to chemotherapy. However, a subset of patients still develop resistance to the primary intensive chemotherapy. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the risk factors for multidrug resistance among high-risk metastatic GTN patients at University of the Philippines–Philippine General Hospital from January 2014 to December 2018. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case–control study involving 111 high-risk metastatic GTN patients who underwent primary intensive chemotherapy Etoposide Methotrexate Actinomycin Cyclophosphamide Oncovin (EMACO) was done at the Philippine General Hospital from January 2014 to December 2018. The medical records of eligible patients were retrieved and reviewed. A comparison of the profile between patients who achieved remission (controls) and those who exhibited chemoresistance (cases) to the EMACO regimen was done. Stepwise logistic regression analysis and Cox's proportional hazards regression were used to determine the significant risk factors that could predict EMACO chemoresistance among these high-risk patients. RESULTS: The cases and controls were comparable in terms of their clinicodemographic profiles. Adjusting for confounders, multivariate analysis showed that the number of metastasis, FIGO stage, and World Health Organization (WHO) prognostic scores were all predictors of survival. Using the fitted logistic regression model, the accuracy of predicted death and survival was 85.16%. CONCLUSION: The pretreatment serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin level, number of metastasis, tumor size, FIGO stage, and WHO prognostic score were significant predictors of treatment failure. A higher number of metastatic lesions, stage, and WHO prognostic scores indicated poor survival.

Clinical efficacy of direct-acting antiviral therapy for recurrent hepatitis C virus infection after liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUNDRecurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection of transplanted liver allografts is universal in patients with detectable HCV viremia at the time of transplantation. Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy has been adopted as the standard of care for recurrent HCV infection in the post-transplant setting. However, there are insufficient data regarding its efficacy in liver transplant (LT) recipients with a history of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the risk of HCC recurrence after DAA therapy is unknown.AIMTo demonstrate predictors of DAA treatment failure and HCC recurrence in LT recipients.METHODSA total of 106 LT recipients given DAAs for recurrent HCV infection from 2015 to 2019 were identified (68 with and 38 without HCC). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to estimate the multivariate odds ratios and respective 95% confidence intervals for predictors of treatment failure and HCC recurrence.RESULTSSix patients (6%) experienced DAA therapy failure post-LT and 100 (94%) had a sustained virologic response at follow-up week 12. A high alanine transaminase level > 35 U/L at treatment week 4 was a significant predictor of treatment failure. Relapse to pre-LT DAA therapy is a predictor of post-LT HCC recurrence, P = 0.04. DAA relapse post-LT was also associated with post-transplantation HCC recurrence, P = 0.05.CONCLUSIONDAAs are effective and safe in the treatment of recurrent HCV infection in LT recipients with history of HCC. Relapse to pre- and post-LT DAA therapy is associated with post-transplantation HCC recurrence.

Patterns of Failure in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Patients in an Urban, Predominately Black Population.

Triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) behave more aggressively than hormone-receptor positive breast cancers. They are also known preferentially to affect young black women, often leading to poorer outcomes compared with those for white women. We sought to evaluate the comprehensive patterns of failure associated with treatment for TNBC at an urban institution with a predominantly black population and to assess the impact of social determinants of health on treatment failure. A retrospective review of TNBC patients treated from 2005 to 2015 was conducted. Detailed patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics and information on patterns of failure were included. With a median follow-up of 46months, 32 (16%) documented failures occurred. Locoregional failures comprised 84% of failure patterns whether isolated or in combination with distant failure. Treatment failure was associated with insurance type and smoking status, as well as several tumor characteristics. On multivariate analysis, pathologic nodal staging was the most significant predictor of treatment failure. In contrast to previous studies, we found that black women had higher overall survival than white women, but race was not associated with differences in recurrence patterns or with likelihood of treatment failure. Regardless of race, of the patients who recurred, 53% failed in distant and locoregional sites simultaneously, with an additional 34% failing locally only. These results highlight the need for aggressive local therapies in high-risk patients and suggest a need for improved follow-up focusing on detecting locoregional failures. Multidisciplinary care is essential in the management of these patients at time of failure.

Nasal Packs for Epistaxis: Predictors of Success

To investigate factors affecting the haemostatic success of non-dissolvable intranasal packs in the management of acute epistaxis presenting to the emergency department (ED). Prospective cohort study. A nationwide prospective audit examining epistaxis management at 113 sites in the UK over a 30-day period. Patients 16years or older, presenting to the ED with acute epistaxis managed with non-dissolvable intranasal packs. The primary outcome was pack success, defined as successful haemostasis following nasal pack removal, not requiring further packing or surgical intervention or interventional radiology. A cohort of 969 patients presented with epistaxis to the ED, with nasal packs being inserted in 54.4% by ED staff and by ENT in a further 18.9%. Overall, nasal packs were successful in 87.5%. Longer duration packs (≥21hours) were more successful than shorter-duration packs (89.9% vs. 84.3%, χ2 P=.028). A patient survey supported longer packing duration. The most significant predictors of treatment failure were shorter packing duration (Odds Ratio (OR)=2.3; 95% Confidence Interval (CI)=1.4-3.8), alongside ischaemic heart disease (OR=1.9; 95% CI=1.1-3.3), normal admission haemoglobin (OR=2.0; 95% CI=1.2-3.4) and no attempt at cautery following pack removal (OR=2.5; 95% CI=1.4-4.2). The majority of epistaxis patients are packed by the ED prior to referral to ENT. Once inserted, nasal packs are highly successful, with data supporting the British Rhinological Society guidance of maintaining nasal packs for around 24hours. Further work is needed to explore alternatives to non-dissolvable intranasal packs to improve patient experience in epistaxis.

MP35-01 INTERNAL URETHROTOMY AS PRIMARY TREATMENT FOR UNTREATED BULBAR URETHRAL STRICTURES

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Direct visual internal urethrotomy (DVIU) represents the most common surgical procedure for urethral strictures’ repair. Nevertheless, since the selection of the patients, follow up criteria, and assessment of success and failure are not homogeneous, the evaluation of short and long-term outcomes after DVIU appear challenging. The aim of this retrospective study is to investigate the outcomes and identify the predictors of failure for DVIU as primary treatment for untreated bulbar urethral strictures, performing a multivariable analysis of the results of DVIU in a homogeneous series of patients who underwent a strict follow up after surgery. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive analysis on a cohort of patients who DVIU in a referral center for reconstructive urethral surgery was performed. Patients who underwent DVIU for untreated bulbar urethral strictures with a 12 months’ follow-up were included. The primary outcome was treatment failure, defined as any postoperative instrumentation. All patients underwent preoperative evaluation using urine culture, uroflowmetry, post-void residual (PVR), retrograde urethrogram, voiding cystourethrogram, and urethral ultrasonography. Follow-up visits were scheduled every 4 months in the first year and every 6 months later including urine culture, uroflowmetry and PVR. Statistical analyses consisted of Kaplan-Meyer plots to depict treatment-failure free survival and univariate and multivariable Cox regression analysis to test the association between predictors and treatment failure. RESULTS: 136 patients were included. The median stricture length was 2 cm. Median follow-up was 55 months. At 5-years follow-up failure-free survival rate was 57%. At univariate analysis, presence of diabetes, non-idiopathic etiology, stricture length of 3-4 cm, and pre-operative maximum flow were significantly associated with treatment failure (p value <0.00001). These predictors were included at multivariable analysis, where pre-operative maximum flow was the only significant predictor of treatment failure. Patients were stratified into three groups based on pre-operative maximum flow: ≤5ml/s, 5-8 ml/s, ≥8 ml/s. Failure-free survival at 5 years after surgery was significantly different in the three groups: 31% vs. 53% vs. 83% (p<0.00001). Similarly, stratifying according to stricture length (1-2 cm vs. 2-3 cm vs. 3-4 cm), a significantly different treatment failure-free survival was observed at 5 years (71% vs. 51% vs. 39%; p<0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: The failure of internal urethrotomy for untreated bulbar urethral strictures depends on pre-operative maximum flow at uroflowmetry. Patients with pre-operative maximum flow>8ml/s have a high rate of success, and patients with maximum flow<5 ml/s have low chances of success. The success rates of DVIU as primary treatment in patients with stricture lengths of 1-2 cm compared to longer strictures was statistically significant, however the use of DVIU for untreated bulbar urethral stricture should be suggested only in selected cases. Source of Funding: None

Virologic Failure and its Determinant Factors among Children in First Line on Highly Active Anti Retroviral Therapy at Felegehiwot Referral Hospital, Bahir Dar, Northwest, Ethiopia: cross-sectional study

Introduction: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) played a critical role in the medical management of HIV infected individuals by restoring the immune function and minimizes HIV related outcomes. But treatment failure minimized these advantages and leads to an increment of morbidity and mortality with poor quality of life in all HIV patients. The aim at this study was to assess the prevalence of HIV-1 treatment failure and its determinants factors among children on first line HAART at Felegehiwot Referral Hospital. Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted on 238 children who had on first line HAART regimen using the inclusion criteria. Data were collected from patients’ chart starting from ART commencement (baseline data and other information) and interviewed using structured questionnaire. CD4 T-cells from whole blood and viral load from separated plasma were analyzed according to protocols. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS packages version 20. Descriptive statistics, odds ratio, bi-variate and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to show determinant factors association. Independent associations were considered with p&lt;0.05. Result: Among the 238 participants enrolled, 137(57.6%) were females. The mean ages were 8.09 years and the median months on HAART from initiation were 51.93 months. A total of 25 (10.5%) participants were found to have virologic/treatment failure. The mean CD4 T-cells at base line were 342.33 cells/ml and 672.13 cells/ml respectively. Long duration on treatment, sub-optimal drug adherence, conducting faith healing, high medication dosage and ambulatory functional status at baseline were found to be significant predictors of treatment failure and showed positive odds ratio. Conclusion: This study demonstrates high virologic failure and the determinant factors of virologic failures among HAART first line children are still changing. Therefore, evidence-based intervention and early detection of treatment failure must be made to further identify the potential causes and set standardized protective mechanisms of virologic failures.

Predictors of treatment failure in severe pneumonia treated with Ampicillin in tertiary care center

Background: Pneumonia affects 156 million children under five years every year and is the leading cause of mortality in this age group. It emphasizes the need to identify high risk factors for Treatment Failure so as to treat them aggressively. The objective of this study was to assess factors influencing treatment failure in severe pneumonia treated with Ampicillin.Methods: Prospective observational study, in which 235 children with severe pneumonia between 2 months to 60 months were enrolled and started with intravenous Ampicillin as per WHO protocol. If no clinical improvement was seen after 48 hours, it was taken as treatment failure and managed accordingly.Results: Among 235 children, 43(18.2%) did not respond to Ampicillin. Among treatment failure cases males were 20 (46.5%) and females were 23 (53.6%). All the following parameters were statistically significant(p&lt;0.05). Majority of 23(53.4%) were between 2 to 12 months. 13(30.2%) were incompletely immunized. MAM were 23(53.4%) and 22(51.1%) cases had signs of Rickets. 34(79.1%) had Anemia out of which 22(64%) had moderate anemia. 39(90.6%) children had fever and hypoxia at admission.Conclusions: Infancy, malnutrition, severity of anemia, rickets, lack of immunization, hypoxia at baseline were significant predictors of treatment failure in severe pneumonia. Strengthening immunization and improving nutritional status may improve the outcome. Children with above risk factors require vigilant monitoring.

Predictors of treatment failure in severe pneumonia treated with Ampicillin in tertiary care center

Background: Pneumonia affects 156 million children under five years every year and is the leading cause of mortality in this age group. It emphasizes the need to identify high risk factors for Treatment Failure so as to treat them aggressively. The objective of this study was to assess factors influencing treatment failure in severe pneumonia treated with Ampicillin.Methods: Prospective observational study, in which 235 children with severe pneumonia between 2 months to 60 months were enrolled and started with intravenous Ampicillin as per WHO protocol. If no clinical improvement was seen after 48 hours, it was taken as treatment failure and managed accordingly.Results: Among 235 children, 43(18.2%) did not respond to Ampicillin. Among treatment failure cases males were 20 (46.5%) and females were 23 (53.6%). All the following parameters were statistically significant(p&lt;0.05). Majority of 23(53.4%) were between 2 to 12 months. 13(30.2%) were incompletely immunized. MAM were 23(53.4%) and 22(51.1%) cases had signs of Rickets. 34(79.1%) had Anemia out of which 22(64%) had moderate anemia. 39(90.6%) children had fever and hypoxia at admission.Conclusions: Infancy, malnutrition, severity of anemia, rickets, lack of immunization, hypoxia at baseline were significant predictors of treatment failure in severe pneumonia. Strengthening immunization and improving nutritional status may improve the outcome. Children with above risk factors require vigilant monitoring.

Residual or Recurrent Precancerous Lesions After Treatment of Cervical Lesions in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-infected Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Treatment Failure.

BackgroundScreening and treating premalignant cervical lesions (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ [CIN2+]) is an effective way to prevent cervical cancer, and recommendations exist for the monitoring of treatment success. Yet, there is no specific recommendation for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected women, who are at a known, increased risk of cervical cancer.MethodsA systematic review was performed by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science for studies published from January 1980 through May 2018. Eligible studies described the prevalence of histologically- and/or cytologically-defined lesions in HIV-infected women at least 6 months post-treatment. The primary endpoint was treatment failure, defined as the presence of residual and/or recurrent high-grade CIN2+/high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions post-treatment. The pooled prevalence in HIV-infected women and the odds ratios (ORs) for HIV-infected compared to HIV-uninfected women were estimated using random-effects models.ResultsAmong 40 eligible studies, the pooled prevalence of treatment failure in HIV-infected women was 21.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 15.8–27.0). There was no significant difference in the treatment failure prevalence for cryotherapy (13.9%, 95% CI 6.1–21.6) versus loop electrosurgical excision procedure (13.8%, 95% CI 8.9–18.7; P = .9), but the treatment failure prevalence was significantly higher in women with positive (47.2%, 95% CI 22.0–74.0) than with negative (19.4%, 95% CI 11.8–30.2) excision margin (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.5–7.7). Treatment failure was significantly increased in HIV-infected versus HIV-uninfected women, both overall (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.0–3.5) and in all sub-group analyses.ConclusionsThere is strong evidence for an increased risk of treatment failure in HIV-infected women, in comparison to their HIV-negative counterparts. The only significant predictor of treatment failure in HIV-infected women was a positive margin status, but further data is needed on long-term outcomes after ablative treatment in HIV-infected women.

Focus on Internal Urethrotomy as Primary Treatment for Untreated Bulbar Urethral Strictures: Results from a Multivariable Analysis

BackgroundThe use of internal urethrotomy for treatment of urethral stricture remains a controversial topic in urology. ObjectiveTo investigate outcomes and predictors of failure for internal urethrotomy as primary treatment for untreated bulbar urethral strictures. Design, setting, and participantsWe performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent internal urethrotomy. Patients with bulbar urethral stricture who did not receive any previous treatment were included. Patients with traumatic, penile or posterior urethral strictures, lichen sclerosus, failed hypospadias repair, or stricture length >4cm were excluded. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisThe primary outcome was treatment failure. Kaplan-Meyer plots were used to depict treatment failure–free survival. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to test the association between predictors (age, body mass index, diabetes, history of smoking, etiology, stenosis type and length, preoperative maximum flow [pQmax]) and treatment failure. Results and limitationsOverall, 136 patients were included. The median stricture length was 2cm. Median follow-up was 55 mo. At 5-yr follow-up the failure-free survival rate was 57%. On univariate analysis, diabetes, nonidiopathic etiology, stricture length of 3–4cm, and pQmax were significantly associated with treatment failure. These predictors were included in a multivariable analysis, in which pQmax was the only significant predictor of treatment failure. ConclusionsFailure of internal urethrotomy for untreated bulbar urethral strictures greatly depends on pQmax flow at uroflowmetry. Patients with pQmax >8ml/s have a high probability of success, while patients with pQmax <5ml/s have a low probability of success. Patient summaryThe use of internal urethrotomy in patients with an untreated bulbar urethral stricture should only be considered in selected cases.

99mTc-pertechnetate thyroid scintigraphy predicts clinical outcomes in personalized radioiodine treatment for Graves’ disease

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was, first, to ascertain the efficacy of radioiodine therapy (RIT) for Graves’ disease (GD) based on a calculated-dose regime and, second, to determine the value of 99mTc-pertechnetate thyroid scintigraphy in predicting the clinical outcomes of RIT. MethodsOne hundred and thirty nine consecutive GD patients who underwent RIT using a calculated-dose method in our hospital from January 2015 to September 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. Radioiodine dose was calculated based on the Marinelli's formula. 99mTc-pertechnetate uptake, age, gender, thyroid mass, duration of the disease, previous antithyroid drugs treatment, serum levels of TSH, FT3 and FT4, a positive rate of TPOAb and Anti-TRAb, radioiodine dose and follow-up were evaluated as potential interference factors for RIT success. ResultsOne hundred and eight (77.7%) GD patients including 71 (51.1%) euthyroid and 37 (26.6%) hypothyroid were successful, but 31 (22.3%) remained hyperthyroid (treatment failure). Significant differences were found between the treatment success group and the failure group in 99mTc-pertechnetate uptake (p<0.0001), the duration of disease (p=0.0140) and positive rate of Anti-TRAb (p=0.0103). 99mTc-pertechnetate uptake is an independent risk factor for predicting treatment failure (p=0.0394). Using a cut-off value of 18.4%, 99mTc-pertechnetate uptake could predict treatment failure with a sensitivity of 84.3%, and a specificity of 80.6%. ConclusionOur study has shown that a calculated radioiodine dose is effective in treating GD patients with a consequent low rate of hypothyroid. A 99mTc-pertechnetate uptake above 18.4% is a significant predictor of treatment failure and these patients should receive a higher radioiodine dose in this scenario.

Identification of risk factors for failure in patients with skin and soft tissue infections

PurposeThe purpose was to determine significant predictors of treatment failure of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) in the inpatient and outpatient setting. MethodsA retrospective chart review of patients treated between January 1, 2005 to July 1, 2016 with ICD-9 or ICD-10 code of cellulitis or abscess. The primary outcome was failure defined as an additional prescription or subsequent hospital admission within 30 days of treatment. Risk factors for failure were identified through multivariate logistic regression. ResultsA total of 541 patients were included. Seventeen percent failed treatment. In the outpatient group, 24% failed treatment compared to 9% for inpatients. Overweight/obesity (body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2) was identified in 80%, with 15% having a BMI >40 kg/m2. BMI, heart failure, and outpatient treatment were determined to be significant predictors of failure. The unit odds ratio for failure with BMI was 1.04 (95% [Cl] = 1.01 to 1.1, p = 0.0042). Heart failure increased odds by 2.48 (95% [Cl] = 1.3 to 4.7, p = 0.0056). Outpatients were more likely to fail with an odds ratio of 3.36. ConclusionPatients with an elevated BMI and heart failure were found to have increased odds of failure with treatment for SSTIs. However, inpatients had considerably less risk of failure than outpatients. These risk factors are important to note when making the decision whether to admit a patient who presents with SSTI in the emergency department. Thoughtful strategies are needed with this at-risk population to prevent subsequent admission.