Single-center Case-control Study Research Articles

Characteristics of the fundus and optical coherence tomography angiography metrics in myopic patients with myelinated retinal nerve fibers

AimsTo investigate the fundus characteristics and macular optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) metrics in patients with myelinated retinal nerve fibers (MRNF) and to identify the associations among myopic parameters, fundus metrics, and OCTA metrics.MethodsThe single-center case-control study included 15 patients with monocular MRNF and 15 patients without MRNF, matched for age, affected eyes’ spherical equivalent error (SER), and axial length (AL) between May 2021 and December 2021. Fundus features, including the entire MRNF area (Area1), the denser MRNF area (Area2), and the shortest distance from the fovea to the MRNF border (Df−m), along with ocular parameters, including SER, AL, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and OCTA metrics at the fovea, including choroidal (ChT) and retinal (ReT) thicknesses at the fovea, the foveal avascular zone area (FAZ), foveal avascular zone perimeter (FAZP), FAZ-circularity index (FAZ-CI), and foveal vessel density in a 300-µm wide region (FD-300), were assessed.ResultsThe SER, AL, and BCVA were significantly different, and the ChT was thinner in the affected eyes than in the contralateral eyes. Compared with matched eyes, affected eyes had reduced BCVA and thinner ReT. In the affected eyes, both Area1 and Area2 were negatively correlated with SER (r1 = -0.84, r2 = -0.65), △SER (r1 = -0.86, r2 = -0.61), ReT at the vertical superior 3 mm (VS) (r1 = -0.78, r2 = -0.67), and ChT_VS (r1 = -0.64, r2 = -0.62), and positively correlated with AL (r1 = 0.82, r2 = 0.52) and BCVA (r1 = 0.54, r2 = 0.59). Df−m was negatively correlated with BCVA (r = -0.57).ConclusionThe presence of MRNF affects BCVA and ReT at the fovea. The area of the MRNF, as well as the distance from the MRNF to the fovea, are closely associated with the affected eyes’ BCVA, SER, AL, and the degree of anisometropia.

Impact of Pemphigus on Sleep Quality: A Prospective Observational Single-Center Case-Control Study.

Pemphigus, an autoimmune disorder, significantly impacts the quality of life for those affected. This study examined the sleep quality in patients with pemphigus, a domain for which the existing literature provides limited data without a focused analysis. A total of 156 individuals, 52 in the case and 104 in the control group, completed several questionnaires (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI], General Health Questionnaire-12 [GHQ-12], and ABQOL [Autoimmune Bullous Disease Quality of Life]). Disease severity was evaluated using the Pemphigus disease area index (PDAI index). The case group exhibited significantly higher levels of psychological distress, reflected in GHQ-12 scores (P = 0.00), and notably poorer sleep quality compared to controls across various parameters (sleep latency [SL], disturbances [SDi], medication [SM], daytime sleep dysfunction [DSD]), and the global PSQI score (GS)] (P = 0.00)). Significant correlations were observed between PDAI scores and sleep duration (SDu) (P = 0.01), SM (P=0.03), SL (P =0.03), and GS (P=0.00). An association was found between the equivalent steroid intake and SDu (P=0.00) as well as GS (P=0.02). No statistically significant correlation emerged between disease duration and PSQI scores. Our findings indicated a correlation between poor sleep quality and cutaneous rather than mucosal manifestations (p=0.01). Pemphigus affects sleep quality. Severe disease showed heightened SDi, correlating with higher steroid doses, and in the chronic phase, the impact seems to have been more influenced by the pro-inflammatory stage of the disease. Patients with cutaneous pemphigus exhibited reduced sleep quality compared to those with oral pemphigus. Understanding that pemphigus worsens sleep quality can be beneficial for the holistic management of individuals with this condition.

Pediatric orthopedic surgeons may perform better in terms of surgical outcomes in type 3 supracondylar humerus fractures: a comparative analysis

Supracondylar fractures of the humerus represent the most common surgical fractures in pediatric patients. There is a discourse regarding the influence of the surgeon training on treatment. Different studies show equivocal effect of subspecialty training. We conducted a single center case control study to evaluate the outcomes of type 3 fractures (fully displaced) comparing pediatric-trained orthopedic surgeons (PTOS) and non-pediatric trained orthopedic surgeons (NTOS). In this retrospective study, we investigated the surgical outcomes of type 3 supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children treated between the years 2012 and 2019, divided by surgeon type. During the research, a policy reform at our department was established and PTOS became the only surgeons for those injuries starting from September 2017. Patients’ demographics, perioperative details, and postoperative course were recorded. Primary outcome was reoperations, and secondary outcomes were open reductions, infections, length of surgery, and neurological deficits. 1175 patients were diagnosed with supracondylar fractures at our Level I trauma center, and 346 cases were diagnosed with radiologically confirmed type 3. Overall, 312 cases were analyzed; 113 cases were diagnosed before 1 September 2017 and treated by NTOS, and 199 cases were treated by PTOS until 31 December 2019; 7.1% (8) of the patients treated by NTOS had to be reoperated compared to 1.5% (3) of the patients treated by PTOS (P = 0.014). There was significant difference looking at postsurgical complications and surgery length. This study’s findings suggest that PTOS achieve superior outcomes when treating patients with type 3 supracondylar humerus fractures. Level of evidence: Level III.

Analysis of characteristics of peripheral blood lymphocytes in endometrial carcinoma: a single-center study based on five-year clinical data

IntroductionThis study analyzed and discussed the characteristics of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) in patients with endometrial carcinoma (EC) to explore the PBLs’ clinical application value.MethodsThis single-center case‒control study analyzed the clinical data of patients with EC and uterine fibroids who underwent surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between October 2018 and October 2023 retrospectively. The Center for Clinical Molecular Medical Detection of our hospital performed PBLs detection using flow cytometry, and recorded the detection results in the electronic medical records system. Between-group and subgroup comparisons of PBLs in patients with EC were analyzed using t-test or Mann–Whitney U test. The effect of surgery on PBLs in patients with EC was assessed using a paired t-test or the Wilcoxon signed rank test.ResultsThe immune function of patients with EC was significantly lower than that of healthy people (P < 0.05) and those with benign uterine diseases (P < 0.05) and was related to body mass index (BMI), hypertension, diabetes, and blood lipids (P < 0.05). In patients with EC, the PBLs counts decreased significantly after surgery (P < 0.05) and more kinds of lymphocytes were affected in the laparoscopic surgery group than in the open surgery group.ConclusionsWith the decrease of PBLs counts, the immune status of patients with EC is impaired. Metabolic syndrome (Mets), including obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and high blood lipids, also affects the immune function of patients with EC. And for EC patients, the effect of laparoscopic surgery is greater than that of open surgery. PBLs has the potential to be one of indicator during the diagnosis and treatment of EC.Trial registrationThis study was retrospectively registered by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (approval number K2023-578).

Acute kidney injury and mortality in patients with critical COVID-19 in Mexico: case-control study.

We aimed to test the association between acute kidney injury (AKI) and mortality in critically ill patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We conducted a single-center case-control study at the intensive care unit (ICU) of a second-level hospital in Mexico. We included 100 patients with critical COVID-19 from January to December 2021, and collected demographic characteristics, comorbidities, APACHE II, SOFA, NEWS2, and CO-RADS scores at admission, incidence of intrahospital complications, length of hospital and ICU stay, and duration of mechanical ventilation, among others. The median survival of deceased patients was 20 days. After multivariable logistic regression, the following variables were significantly associated to mortality: AKI (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 6.64, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 2.1-20.6, p = 0.001), age > 55 years (AOR 5.3, 95% CI = 1.5-18.1, p = 0.007), and arrhythmias (AOR 5.15, 95% CI = 1.3-19.2, p = 0.015). Median survival was shorter in patients with AKI (15 vs. 22 days, p = 0.043), as well as in patients with overweight/obesity (15 vs. 25 days, p = 0.026). Our findings show that the development of AKI was the main risk factor associated with mortality in critical COVID-19 patients, while other factors such as older age and cardiac arrhythmias were also associated with this outcome. The management of patients with COVID-19 should include renal function screening and staging on admission to the Emergency Department.

Unveiling molecular clues: Exploring IFNγ, IL-10, and MMP7 blood levels in gastric carcinoma patients

Objective: Gastric carcinoma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early detection can help reduce mortality rates. Biomarkers are being investigated globally for their potential in disease screening, monitoring, and follow-up in various cancers. However, currently, there is insufficient data on the role of biomarkers in gastric carcinoma. Material and Methods: This single center case control study was conducted from June 2018 to March 2021 from South India. Blood samples were collected from 85 patients diagnosed with gastric carcinoma and 85 apparently healthy individuals serving as the control group. The samples were collected in a fasting state. The serum levels of biomarkers interferon gamma (IFNγ), interleukin 10 (IL-10), and matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared between the two groups. Additionally, the levels of biomarkers were compared within the gastric cancer group based on disease location, stage, and histotype. Results: The serum levels of IFNγ and IL-10 were found to be significantly elevated in gastric carcinoma patients compared to the healthy control group. Both biomarkers exhibited high sensitivity and specificity in detecting carcinoma of the stomach. However, there was no significant difference in the serum level of MMP7 between gastric cancer patients and control group. Conclusion: IFNγ and IL-10 show promise as potential molecular biomarkers for the detection of gastric carcinoma. Further, well designed studies, involving larger and more diverse populations matched for stage and histological types, are necessary to establish the screening and monitoring utility of these biomarkers in gastric carcinoma.

Effect of postoperative normothermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy on the prognosis of MPM patients receiving CRS+HIPEC: A single-center case-control study

BackgroundThe comprehensive treatment strategy, mainly cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), combined with systemic and intraperitoneal chemotherapy, is the standard treatment for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM), which can significantly prolong the survival of patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical significance of postoperative normothermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (NIPEC) in MPM patients. MethodsData of 152 MPM patients who underwent CRS + HIPEC and postoperative intravenous chemotherapy were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into the Non-NIPEC group and the NIPEC group according to whether they received NIPEC after surgery. The baseline characteristics of the two groups were compared, and the survival outcome was analyzed in subgroups according to completeness of cytoreduction (CC) score. Multivariate survival analysis was used to determine the independent prognostic factors. ResultsIn CC 0–1 and CC 2–3 subgroups, there was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between Non-NIPEC and NIPEC groups. Survival analysis showed that for CC 0–1 patients, there was no significant difference in overall survival (OS) between Non-NIPEC and NIPEC groups (P = 0.503). However, for CC 2–3 patients, the median OS of the NIPEC group was significantly longer than that of the Non-NIPEC group (24.5 vs. 10.3 months, P = 0.005). Pathological type, preoperative thrombosis and postoperative NIPEC (HR = 0.423, 95%CI: 0.228–0.786, P = 0.006) were independent prognostic factors for CC 2–3 patients. ConclusionsFor MPM patients receiving CRS + HIPEC, postoperative intraperitoneal combined with intravenous chemotherapy may improve the survival of CC 2–3 patients, but CC 0–1 patients do not seem to derive the same benefit.

Association of Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms (FokI, ApaI, TaqI), metabolic features and susceptibility to polycystic ovary syndrome: a preliminary single center case-control study

Research questionAre the combined genotypes and haplotypes of VDR gene polymorphisms (FokI, ApaI, TaqI) associated with PCOS susceptibility and metabolic features of the disease? DesignWe performed a case-control study, including 46 women with PCOS and 48 controls. Genotypes of VDR genes were determined using the PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) method. In all women, the waist circumference, parameters of lipid and glucose metabolism were evaluated. ResultsPCOS group presented higher waist circumference and visceral adiposity index (VAI) levels compared to controls. Total cholesterol, LDL-C and triglycerides had higher values in PCOS women. VDR-FokI C/C (F/F) genotype had significantly higher odds of PCOS (adjusted OR = 6.27, 95% CI: 1.53-25.65). VDR-Apal was associated with susceptibility to PCOS in the dominant model, the variant genotype (A/C-A/A) (A/a- a/a) had higher odds of PCOS than the wild genotype C/C (A/A) (adjusted OR = 3.15, 95% CI: 1.07-9.32). Haplotype analysis revealed that T-C- T (f-A-T) haplotype was statistically associated with lower odds of PCOS (adjusted OR = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.01-0.95). PCOS women with VDR-Fokl T/T (f/f) genotype had lower fasting glucose and higher VAI levels compared to C/T (Ff) or C/C (F/F) genotype. ConclusionThe present findings suggest the association between FokI and ApaI polymorphisms and PCOS susceptibility. Moreover, T/T (f/f) genotype of VDR-FokI could be a marker of decreased fasting glucose in PCOS. TaqI polymorphism did not reveal a relationship with PCOS susceptibility in our study population.

Reduced Levels of Neurosteroids in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients.

Produced by the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, neurosteroids such as allopregnanolone are neuroprotective molecules that influence various neuronal functions and regulate neuroinflammation. They are reduced in neurodegenerative diseases, while in the Wobbler mouse model, allopregnanolone and its precursor progesterone showed protective effects on motor neuron degeneration. This single-center case-control study included 37 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and 28 healthy controls. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurosteroid levels were quantified using liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry and compared between the two cohorts. Neurosteroid concentrations have been correlated with neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration biomarkers detected through an automated immunoassay, along with disease features and progression. Pregnenolone, progesterone, allopregnanolone, pregnanolone, and testosterone levels were significantly lower in ALS patients' CSF compared to healthy controls. A significant inverse correlation was found between neurofilament and neurosteroid levels. Neurosteroid concentrations did not correlate with disease progression, phenotype, genotype, or survival prediction. Our study suggests the independence of the disease features and its progression, from the dysregulation of neurosteroids in ALS patients' CSF. This neurosteroid reduction may relate to disease pathogenesis or be a consequence of disease-related processes, warranting further research. The inverse correlation between neurosteroids and neurofilament levels may indicate a failure of compensatory neuroprotective mechanisms against neurodegeneration.

Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Heart Disease: A Case-Control Study.

Objective: We analyzed the obstetric and cardiac characteristics and results of pregnant women with heart disease (HD) and compared their results with those of healthy controls. Methods: In this retrospective single-center case-control study, women with HD attended between 2010 and 2018 were matched at a 1:2 ratio (according to date of delivery, parity, and singleton or twin pregnancy) with controls without heart disease treated in the same referral center. Results: We identified 141 pregnant women with HD, of whom 132 reached 22 weeks of gestation and were paired with 264 healthy controls, for a total of 396 participants and 408 newborns. Most common HDs were congenital HD (53 women), arrhythmia (46), valvular HD (35), and cardiomyopathy (16), having women with more than one coexisting HD. During pregnancy or the puerperium, 19.9% of mothers experienced a major adverse cardiac event (MACE), with 5% requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. The rates of cesarean section were 37.1% in the case group and 18.2% in the control group, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.66 (95% CI = 1.66-4.26, p < 0.001). We also found a higher use of general anesthesia, with an OR of 10.73 (95% CI = 2.32-49.75, p = 0.002); more prolonged hospitalizations, with an OR of 2.91 (95% CI 1.02-8.35, p = 0.023); and a higher incidence of low neonatal weight, with an OR of 1.96 (95% CI 1.09-3.52, p = 0.012). There were no differences between groups in terms of gestational age at delivery; however, we observed greater prematurity in women with HD, without reaching statistical significance. The rate of congenital heart disease among the newborns of mothers with HD was 13.2%. Conclusions: HD increases maternal morbidity during pregnancy and it is associated with higher rates of cesarean section and low birth weight.

Helicobacter pylori might be a contributing factor in gallbladder polyps or gallstones: A single center case-control matching study of Turkish individuals

Background/Purpose: In recent studies, Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection; It was stated that it may be associated with diseases such as obesity, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney failure. In our study, we aimed to examine the relationship between Hp infection and gallstones and gallbladder polyps. Methods: Patients who underwent elective cholecystectomy between January 2017 and December 2021 were retrospectively examined. Patients were divided into those with only polyps in the gallbladder (Group P), those with polyps and stones together (Group SP), and those with only stones (Group S). The control group consisted of patients who underwent gastroscopy due to dyspeptic complaints (Group No). The groups were screened for the presence of Helicobacter pylori. Demographic data, comorbidities, presence of hepatosteatosis and laboratory values were recorded and compared. Results: 244 patients were included in the study. HP was positive in 141 (57.8%) of the patients and negative in 103 (42.2%). There were 58 (23.8%) patients in Group P, 22 (9%) in Group SP, 90 (36.9%) in Group S, and 74 (30.3%) in Group No. There was a significant difference in age between Group P and Group No (P = 0.012). Female gender was significantly higher in Group S (P=0.009). Helicobacter pylori positivity rate was significantly higher in Group P and Group SP (P = 0.012). Conclusion: HP infection may be associated with gallbladder polyps. We recommend that prospective randomized controlled studies be supported by large sample data.

Drug-Induced Intracranial Hypertension: The Adverse Effects of Acne Medications and Topical Retinoids.

Tetracyclines and vitamin A derivatives, major components in acne care and antiaging products, have been associated with the development of drug-induced intracranial hypertension (DIIH). Treatment practices and longitudinal visual outcomes have been highly understudied in DIIH. The purpose of this study was to provide management guidelines for DIIH and report visual outcomes of patients with DIIH. This was a single institute ophthalmology center case-control study where patients were seen between June 1, 2012, and September 1, 2023, in the United States. Patients with an International Classification of Disease (ICD) code for IIH and meeting the IIH diagnostic criteria who were taking a tetracycline or a vitamin A derivative during their diagnosis were included in this study. Patients were stratified into the following 3 categories: tetracyclines only, vitamin A derivatives only, or both, and compared with Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum tests. Poor visual outcomes were evaluated for and defined as a visual field mean deviation (peripheral visual measure) of -7 dB or greater. Individuals were followed for up to 1.5 years after diagnosis. Among patients with IIH (n = 839), DIIH occurred in 8.10% of them (n = 68) with 83% taking the medication for acne. 88% of cases were female, and patients had a mean age of 24.96 years. DIIH medications were taken for an average length of 25.79 weeks before diagnosis of IIH. 20.5% of patients with DIIH were not treated with any IIH medication and were discontinued from the inducing drug. 3 patients had a poor visual outcome on follow-up with all of them taking a vitamin A derivative (P < 0.05). Patients identified as having a poor visual outcome did not report discontinuing the DIIH drug (P < 0.05). We propose treatment guidelines highlighting that patients taking a DIIH medication who develop headaches or visual changes should be immediately referred to ophthalmology, removal of the offending agent, and close monitoring by ophthalmology for vision loss. Importantly, vitamin A DIIH may have more severe visual outcomes, but further research is needed to corroborate this finding.

Early nutritional support for inpatients reduces admission rates to intensive care units in Korea: a single-center case-control study

Early nutritional support for inpatients reduces admission rates to intensive care units in Korea: a single-center case-control study

The use of a tibial stem in primary total knee arthroplasty for patients with a frontal deformity of more than ten degrees reduces the rate of postoperative pain.

The use of a tibial stem for large deformities (> 10°) would reduce the incidence of pain. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of tibial stem on postoperative pain and aseptic loosening at the tibia in patients with a preoperative deformity > 10° in the frontal plane at 2years follow-up. This was a retrospective single-center case-control study. Ninety-eight patients with deformities greater than 10° in the frontal plane and a BMI > 30kg/m2 who had undergone posterior-stabilized (PS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with a tibial stem were matched using a propensity score to 98 patients who had undergone PS TKA without a tibial stem. The primary endpoint was the pain rate at 2years. The secondary endpoints were the rate of aseptic loosening of the tibia at 2years post-operatively. A significant difference was found in the rate of postoperative pain at 2years. It was higher in the group without tibial stem compared with the group with tibial stem (41.8% vs 17.3%, p = 0.0003). In the group without tibial stem, 24.4% of pain was mild, 61% moderate and no severe pain. In the tibial stem group, 47.1% of pain was mild, 41.2% moderate and no severe pain. A radiolucent line (RLL) was present at 2years in 26.5% of prostheses in the without tibial stem group and in 9.2% of prostheses in the tibial stem group (p = 0.002). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of aseptic loosening. The use of a tibial stem in primary TKA in patients with frontal deformities greater than 10° reduces postoperative pain and the presence of radiolucent lines.

Risk factors for older people re-presenting to the emergency department with falls: A case-control analysis.

Falls are a leading cause for ED presentations among older adults. Existing secondary falls prevention interventions have not been shown to decrease fall-related ED re-presentation, indicating a need to better understand contributing factors. Our aim was to evaluate risk factors for fall re-presentations among the older patient population presenting to the ED. This is a single-centre case-control study. Cases were patients aged ≥65 years with two falls-related ED presentations within 6 months. Age- and sex-matched controls had a corresponding index, but no subsequent ED fall presentation. Data collected included falls risk factors and clinical features of the index presentation. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between potential exposures and fall re-presentation. A total of 300 patients (mean age 83.8 years) were studied. On univariate analysis, factors significantly associated with ED fall re-presentation included increasing multimorbidity (P < 0.0001), increasing number of medications (P < 0.0001) and residing in residential aged care facility (RACF) (odds ratio [OR] 3.06, P < 0.001). No factors remained significant on multivariate analysis. Post-hoc analyses for the RACF subgroup showed that psychotropic medication use (OR 1.65, P = 0.04) and prior fall within 12 months (OR 2.68, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with re-presentation. Initial presentation with serious musculoskeletal injury was a significant protective factor (OR 0.21, P = 0.02). The present study failed to identify factors independently associated with ED fall re-presentation, suggesting that the factors are complex and inter-related. Two high-risk populations were identified - those from RACF and those initially presenting with falls not resulting in serious injury.

Gut microbiota in preterm infants with late-onset sepsis and pneumonia: a pilot case-control study

BackgroundLate-onset sepsis (LOS) and pneumonia are common infectious diseases, with high morbidity and mortality in neonates. This study aimed to investigate the differences in the gut microbiota among preterm infants with LOS, or pneumonia, and full-term infants. Furthermore, this study aimed to determine whether there is a correlation between intestinal pathogenic colonization and LOS.MethodsIn a single-center case‒control study, 16 S rRNA gene sequencing technology was used to compare gut microbiota characteristics and differences among the LOS group, pneumonia group, and control group.ResultsOur study revealed that the gut microbiota in the control group was more diverse than that in the LOS group and pneumonia group (P < 0.05). No significant differences in diversity were detected between the LOS and pneumonia groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, the abundances of Akkermansia, Escherichia/Shigella, and Enterococcus increased, while the abundances of Bacteroides and Stenotrophomonas decreased in the LOS and pneumonia groups. The pathogenic bacteria in infants with LOS were consistent with the distribution of the main bacteria in the intestinal microbiota. An increase in Escherichia/Shigella abundance may predict a high risk of LOS occurrence, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.773.ConclusionChanges in the gut microbiota composition were associated with an increased risk of LOS and pneumonia. The dominant bacteria in the gut microbiota of the LOS group were found to be associated with the causative pathogen of LOS. Moreover, preterm infants exhibiting an elevated abundance of Escherichia/Shigella may be considered potential candidates for predicting the onset of LOS.

Improvement of Breast Cancer Detection Using Dual-Layer Spectral CT.

This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of breast mass detection on monoenergetic image data at 40 keV (MonoE40) and on iodine maps (IM) compared with conventional image data (CI). In this prospective single-center case-control study, 50 breast cancer patients were examined using contrast-enhanced dual-layer spectral CT. For qualitative and quantitative comparison of MonoE40 and IM with CI image data, four blinded, independent readers assessed 300 randomized single slices (two slices for each imaging type per case) with or without cancerous lesions for the presence of a breast mass. Detection sensitivity and specificity were calculated and readers rated their subjective diagnostic certainty. For statistical analysis of sensitivity and specificity, a paired t-test and ANOVA were used (significance level p = 0.05). A total of 50 female patients (median age 51 years, range 28-83 years) participated. IM had the highest overall scores in sensitivity and specificity for breast cancer detection, with 0.97 ± 0.06 and 0.95 ± 0.07, respectively, compared with 0.90 ± 0.04 and 0.92 ± 0.06 in CI. MonoE40 yielded a sensitivity of 0.96 ± 0.02 and specificity of 0.94 ± 0.08. All differences in sensitivity and specificity between MonoE or IM and CI were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The superiority of IM sensitivity and specificity was most pronounced in patients with dense breasts. Spectral CT improved the detection of breast cancer with higher sensitivity and specificity compared to conventional image data in our study.

Diagnostic value of systemic immune inflammation index in acute appendicitis and complicated appendicitis in pregnant patients.

Acute pain in the right lower quadrant during pregnancy is difficult to approach and acute appendicitis must be excluded. The complication rate in pregnant acute appendicitis increases as a result of delayed diagnosis due to physiological and anatomic changes. The systemic immune inflammatory index (SII), which includes several inflammatory tests, is considered to be a good indicator of acute inflammation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic value of SII in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis and complicated appendicitis in pregnant women. This was designed as a retrospective, single-center case-control study. This study was performed in pregnant women over 12 weeks of gestation who were diagnosed with acute appendicitis as indicated by pathology report and met the inclusion criteria. Vital parameters, demographic characteristics, laboratory values, presence of complicated appendicitis, and pathology reports were taken into analysis. The present study was performed with 76 pregnant women, including 38 pregnant women with acute appendicitis and 38 pregnant women with healthy controls. SII had a sensitivity of 82.0% and specificity of 66.7% with a cut-off value of 840.13 in pregnant acute appendicitis cases (AUC: 0.790; 95% CI: 0.686-0.984; p < 0.001) and SII level was significantly higher in complicated appendicitis cases with a sensitivity and specificity of 66.7% and 91.3%, respectively, with a cut-off value of 2301.66 (AUC: 0.812; 95% CI: 0.665-0.958; p = 0.001). SII is a cost-effective, rapid, easily calculated, and powerful marker that can be used for the diagnosis of both acute and complicated appendicitis in pregnant patients.

Factors associated with hospital revisitation within 7 days among patients discharged at triage: a case-control study.

Existing data are limited for determining the medical conditions best suited for an emergency department (ED) redirection strategy in a heterogeneous, nonurgent patient population. The aim was to establish factors associated with hospital revisits within 7 days among patients discharged or redirected by a triage team. An observational single-center case-control study was conducted at the Tampere University Hospital ED for the full calendar year of 2019. The cases comprised unplanned hospital revisits within 7 days of being discharged or redirected by triage, while the controls were discharged or redirected but did not revisit. The primary outcome was an unplanned hospital revisit within 7 days. A subgroup analysis was conducted for revisits leading to hospitalization. Basic demographics, comorbidities before triage, and triage visit characteristics were considered as predictive factors for the revisit. A backward stepwise conditional logistic regression analysis was performed. During the calendar year of 2019, there were a total of 92 406 ED visits. Of these, 7216 (7.8%) visits were discharged or redirected by triage, and 6.5% (n = 467) of all these patients revisited. Of the revisiting patients, 25% (n = 117) were hospitalized. In multivariable analysis, higher age was associated with both revisitation [odds ratio (OR): 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00-1.02] and hospitalization (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00-1.04). Furthermore, using other visits as a reference, abdominal pain was associated with revisitation and hospitalization (OR: 3.70, 95% CI: 2.24-6.11 and OR: 5.28, 95% CI: 2.08-13.4, respectively). Higher age and abdominal pain were associated with hospital revisitation and hospitalization within 7 days among patients directly discharged or redirected by the triage team. Regardless of the triage system in use, there might be patient groups that should be evaluated more cautiously if a triage-based discharge or redirection strategy is to be considered.

P-358 Fertility preservation outcome in patients with onco-hematological malignancies versus solid tumor neoplasms

Abstract Study question Do women diagnosed with onco-hematological malignancies exhibit poorer response to ovarian stimulation in comparison to those with localized neoplasms? Summary answer There are no significant differences between women undergoing fertility preservation for onco-hematological malignancies compared to those with solid tumor malignancies. What is known already Oocyte cryopreservation is now considered the first choice for fertility preservation in post-pubertal women scheduled for gonadotoxic anticancer treatments. Patients with onco-hematological diseases, such as leukemia or lymphoma, encounter unique challenges due to their aggressiveness and multi-organ nature, potentially impacting ovarian function. Conversely, patients with solid malignancies may experience more favorable outcomes, as the impact on their reproductive function is likely less severe. However, comparative data on oocyte cryopreservation outcomes in both groups remain limited, hence further research is essential to guide personalized fertility preservation counselling. Study design, size, duration This is a single center case-control retrospective study that included data collected from 142 patients who underwent oocyte cryopreservation in our center between 2013 to 2023. Laboratory exams, ovarian stimulation and oocyte retrieval were all performed in our center. Participants/materials, setting, methods The main group of patients (or group 1) comprised 71 women with onco-hematological malignancies such as leukemia and lymphoma. Patients from group 1 were matched for age and study period in a 1:1 ratio with solid malignancies (group 2), such as breast cancer. Gynecological tumors were excluded. Significance was considered with a p &amp;lt; 0.05. Data are reported as median [interquartile range - IQR] or number (percentage). Main results and the role of chance In both groups, the mean age at oocyte cryopreservation was 30 years [25-34]. Only a minority of patients were undergoing estroprogestin therapy (10% in group 1 vs. 19% in group 2) (p=ns). Menstrual cycles were found to be regular in 88% and 90% of patients respectively (p=ns). Stimulation protocols were also comparable: 48% and 55% underwent GnRH antagonist, and the remaining underwent progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (p=ns). Duration of stimulation and total dose of gonadotropins did not differ between the two groups. Ovarian stimulation was interrupted due to inadequate response in two patients in the onco-hematological group and one in the control group (p=ns). At oocyte retrieval, the number of oocytes retrieved was 12 [7 - 18] and 15 [7-20] respectively (p=ns), and the number of cryopreserved oocytes was 10 [6-15] and 13 [7-15], respectively (p=ns). This result aligns with the antral follicle counts (AFC) detected before ovarian stimulation: 18 [12 - 24] vs. 20 [12 - 26], respectively (p=ns). However, a notable difference was found in anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels, being 1.96 ng/mL [1.14 - 3.10] in onco-hematological patients and 3.11 ng/ml [1.52 - 4.52] in control patients (p = 0.01). Limitations, reasons for caution This is a retrospective, monocentric study with patients selected from a 10-year period. Wider implications of the findings When planning fertility preservation in women with systemic diseases like cancer, relying solely on AMH levels to estimate ovarian response to stimulation may be limited. In this scenario, AFC proves more reliable. Further evidence is needed to understand the clinical meaning of the lower AMH in onco-hematological cancer patients. Trial registration number NA