Single Center Research Articles

SP7.11 - Long term mortality risk factors for patients that underwent a Carotid surgery

Abstract Aims Carotid endarterectomy is the gold standard intervention to reduce carotid stenosis induced embolic cerebrovascular events. Current literature lacks long-term large sample analysis for post-carotid surgery mortality risks. The aim of this study was to determine long term all-cause mortality after carotid surgery. Method Single centre 10-year retrospective observational study of CEA mortality evaluating pre, intra and post-operative factors between 2010 and 2020. The data was manually extracted from the hospital’s database. Odds ratios and mortality rates were calculated and adjusted for age by adapting linear regression. Results 970 patients’ data were identified with an average follow up of 6.65 ±3.37 years for an average mortality rate of 31.9%. There was a non-significant (p>0.05) age adjusted odd of survival between gender (aOR 1.81 ±0.298) elective admission (aOR 0.932 ±0.321) and symptomatic patients (aOR 1.274 ±0.47). There was a significantly (p>0.05) decreased chance of survival for current smokers (aOR 0.433 ±0.54) and patients on ACE/ARB (aOR 0.516 ±0.091). On the other hand, single (aOR 2.934 ±0.531) and dual anti-platelet (aOR 4.964 ±0.286) showed a significant (p>0.05) protective effect. The 5-year age-adjusted death rate was elevated for all patients at 1.42. Conclusion The results highlight the smoking cessation, DAPT and appropriate prophylaxis remain important factors in increasing survival odds post carotid surgery. 30% mortality at 5 years is similar to those after Aortic interventions in these arteriopathic patients with extensive co morbidities.

FP1.6 - Prospective analysis of outcomes of colorectal resections in the over 75 age group. A single centre study

Abstract Objectives Cancer is a disease of ageing. Additionally, the population of the UK is getting older. Therefore, colorectal operations in the elderly population is becoming more frequent. Herein we analyse the outcomes of patients over 75 who have had elective or emergency colorectal surgery in a single Scottish Healthboard. Methods A prospective review was conducted of 408 patients aged 75 years and over who underwent elective or emergency colorectal surgery in our region between 2018 and 2023 was performed. Patient characteristics, operative intervention, short- and long-term post operative outcomes were noted. Results Of 408 Colorectal surgery patients, 303 were elective and 105 were emergency cases. Of these cases, 40.6% (n = 123) of elective cases and 28.6% (n = 30) of emergency patients did not experience any complications. Of these patients, 8.6% of emergency patients went from being independent to requiring full care. Emergency patients (n = 34, 32.4%) demonstrated a higher mortality rate at one year than elective cases (n = 59, 19.5%). Conclusion Colorectal Surgery in patients aged 75 years and older are associated with poor post operative outcomes, functional decline, and increased mortality. Whilst these findings are intuitive, the scale of functional decline is important to discuss with future patients when counselling future patients for such procedures.

SP3.1 - Could shorter length of stay and oncological non inferiority justify a radical paradigm shift towards RAS to be the gold standard for all rectal cancer resections

Abstract Aim Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) has proven to be an effective alternative to open (OP) and laparoscopic-assisted (LAP) rectal cancer resections. We aim to evaluate pathological and peri-operative outcomes of patients in a single centre undergoing rectal cancer resections using all three surgical techniques to evaluate whether RAS should be the gold-standard. Methods We retrospectively identified all elective rectal cancer resection cases since 2019 at our centre offering OP, LAP, and RAS services. We audited length-of-stay (LoS), complications, readmission rates, margin clearance status, and lymph node yield. Results Since 2019, there were 28 OP, 77 LAP, and 35 RAS resections performed. The median LoS for OP resections was 11 days, for LAP was 8 days (p=0.02) and was lowest for RAS resections (3 days, p=0.005). Readmission rates were highest for OP resections (21.4%) and were identical for LAP and RAS resections (14.2% each). Complications (OP 25%, LAP 34%, RAS 37%; p>0.05) were categorized using Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification with LAP having highest proportions of CD-IV (7.7%) and CD-V (7.7%), whereas RAS and OP resections had no severe complications (CD-IVa/IVb/V). Conclusion Our analysis shows significantly superior outcomes for shorter LoS and clear non-inferiority of RAS in all other aspects as compared to conventional approaches. Efforts must be bolstered to introduce RAS for rectal cancer resections in the long run considering the need for increasing training opportunities and improved resources to allow for a stable transition to RAS led services, rather than a radical conversion. Further studies are warranted to substantiate our observation.

FP3.5 - Colonoscopy post diverticulitis – Compliance with ACPGBI guidance in a single centre audit

Abstract Introduction For decades the management of acute diverticulitis (AD) has included endoscopic evaluation to exclude malignancy. In complicated AD, the incidence of colonic neoplasia is between 7.8%-10.9% (1-5) so interval colonoscopy remains mandatory. However, in uncomplicated AD, the incidence is low, 1.6%-1.9% (1-5), therefore the routine colonoscopy may be unnecessary in this group. This audit aims to assess our single-centre compliance with the ACPGBI guidance of colonoscopy post-diverticulitis. Methods A retrospective single-centre audit enrolled 120 patients with CT-confirmed diverticulitis over 18 months. Patient identification involved on-call handover sheets or PACS reports containing "diverticulitis" or "complicated diverticular disease." Patient scans were reviewed, and their management was studied. Results Number Number Uncomplicated Surgery 0 (Hinchey 1A+1B) No surgery 90 (75%) Colonoscopy 71 (59%) No colonoscopy 19 (16%) Surgery 15 (12.5%) Complicated (Hinchey 2 or greater) No surgery 15 (12.5%) Colonoscopy 11 (9.2%) No colonoscopy 4 (3.3%) Total 120 3.3% of complicated diverticulitis did not undergo colonoscopy due to patient choice, comorbidities or frailty. Among the 82 patients who underwent colonoscopy, there was no detection of CRC, resulting in a 0% detection rate. Conclusion In this 120-patient cohort, the incidence of colorectal cancer was 0%, which is in keeping with the published data. 78.9% of patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis underwent colonoscopy, which may have been unnecessary. The use of faecal immunochemical testing may be beneficial as an adjunct to avoid endoscopy in this group, whilst taking into consideration individual risk factors such as age, clinical suspicion of malignancy or concerning features on imaging.

Clinical manifestations, treatment and prognosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis with pulmonary involvement in China: a single centre study.

In recent years, the distinct clinical presentations and elevated mortality rates of various subtypes of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) with pulmonary involvement have garnered significant attention. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical characteristics of pulmonary involvement in patients with JIA to improve clinicians' knowledge. This single-centre retrospective study analysed the baseline data, treatment options, follow-up of sixty patients of JIA with pulmonary involvement in China. Patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) were further classified in accordance with the 2013 American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society International multidisciplinary consensus on idiopathic interstitial pneumonia. Sixty patients (5.03%) with JIA were complicated with pulmonary involvement. The highest subtype was systemic JIA (sJIA, 63.3%), followed by rheumatoid factor (RF)-positive polyarthritis (pJIA, 25.0%). The incidence of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) was 21.6%. The most common diagnosis was ILD (90%). Respiratory symptoms/signs were initially experienced by 61.7% of the patients, and respiratory support was required by 21.7%. High-resolution CT classification of sJIA revealed non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) and organising pneumonia. High-resolution CT classification of pJIA was NSIP and usually interstitial pneumonia (UIP). Patients were treated with NSAIDs, along with glucocorticoids, DMARDs, and biological agents. The survival rates after 1 and 5 years were approximately 93.3% and 90.0%, respectively. Patients with JIA with pulmonary involvement present with early onset, high mortality rate. JIA patients should undergo physical examination thoroughly and high-resolution CT scans, lung function tests for evaluating and monitoring the occurrence and development of pulmonary involvement in early stages to improve prognosis.

WP3.1 - Retrospective analysis of gallbladder polyps: correlation between ultrasound imaging and histology findings – a single center study

Abstract Aims To investigate ultrasound imaging findings in patients with gallbladder polyps requiring cholecystectomy and compare them with histopathological results. Methods Patients with ultrasound diagnosis of gallbladder polyps who underwent cholecystectomy between January 2019 and September 2023 were included. Results A total of 701 patients’ records who had cholecystectomy were reviewed, 45 patients were included as per the inclusion criteria, of whom 73% were women. Mean age was 52±15 years. Average size of the polyps on ultrasound was 7.26mm and approximately 26.7% of polyps were noted to be bigger than 10mm. Histopathological findings confirmed the presence of polyps in only 46.7%. Out of these, size of the polyps was documented in 62% of histology reports which was compared with ultrasound findings. Mean size on USG was 9.13±2.73mm in comparison to histological size of 6±2.94mm. Mean difference in measurements was 3.13mm. Conclusion This study examines the relationship between ultrasound imaging and histological findings of gallbladder polyps. From our 45 patients identified with gallbladder polyps the majority were women. Larger sized polyps are more likely to be confirmed on histology and our findings suggest that ultrasound can overestimate polyp-size by up to 3mm. Finally, 53.3% of polyps diagnosed via ultrasound were not confirmed on histological examination. Further studies on larger cohorts are required to validate above findings and refine diagnostic protocols.

EP588 - Review of the need for Immediate Nasogastric Tube Insertion in patients with Small Bowel Obstruction: Single Centre Quality Improvement Project

Abstract Aim This QIP was conducted in a busy UK hospital. It aims to review, improve, and stress the importance of early insertion of an NG tube in patients who have clinically suspected or radiologically confirmed small bowel obstruction. Method Retrospective data collection involving 72 patients, in a period from Jan to April 2023 (50 patients) and from May to July 2023 (22 patients)Inclusion criteria: adult patients with SBO (clinically suspected or radiologically confirmed) and NGT insertion advised by the surgical teamExclusion criteria: paediatric patients, LBO, and patients not advised NGT in ED Results In the first cycle, we found that NG insertion is delayed 84% > 7 hrs. With associated morbidity of pneumonia, including aspiration in 20% of patients, ileus and sepsis in 8%, and re-admission and mortality in 6%, respectively. The following interventions were carried out. Broad communication with the ED team to highlight the importance of NG insertion for suspected patients. Provide NGT training for ED nursing staff The surgical team and admission nurses should inquire about NGT insertion before accepting patients' admission to surgical emergency wards. Circulating the QIPS recommendation Trust-wide as sharing learning point Post-intervention, we noticed a 50% delay in NGT insertion, which is a huge improvement compared to the 84% delay Conclusion Early insertion of NG for decompression in both pre and post-op periods is known to decrease associated complications, including bowel oedema, perforation, aspiration pneumonia, and post-ileus, leading to better outcomes and a significant decrease in hospital stay length.

ThP6.7 - Early assessment by a specalist geriatric team reduces length of stay in unplanned surgical admissions

Abstract Intro A comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) performed by the Perioperative medicine for Older People undergoing Surgery (POPS) team has been shown to reduce length of stay(LOS) for unplanned hospital admissions in the older population. This study investigates whether timing of POPS review reduces LOS for older adults admitted under the acute general surgical team. Methods We performed a single centre, prospective study of all older adult patients (aged 65 or above) admitted acutely to the general surgical team between August 2022 and September 2023. Timing of POPS review and LOS was calculated, and Mann Whitney-U test was performed. Results Three hundred and nine patients were identified. Of these, 207 patients were reviewed by POPS within 48 hours (early) and 151 of these patients were reviewed within 24 hours (very early) of admission. There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) in LOS between those who were assessed by POPS within 48 hours [Median 5 days (IQR 3,9)] versus those beyond 48 hours [Median 9 days (IQR 6,19)]. Very early POPS review (less than 24 hours) resulted in a statistically significant reduction in length of stay compared to POPS review between 24 and 48 hours [Median 5 days (IQR 2,8) versus 6 days (IQR3,9)] p<0.02. Conclusions POPS review within 48 hours reduces length of stay for older patients who have had an acute general surgical admission. Furthermore, this data suggests that very early POPS review (within 24 hours) is associated with a shorter hospital admission. Further research into this will help service planning.

EP443 - Title: Efficacy of a dedicated "Hot Gallbladder" list in the treatment of acute cholecystitis: A single centre observational study from a District General Hospital

Abstract Aim To evaluate the efficacy of a dedicated "Hot Gallbladder" list in the treatment of acute cholecystitis. Methods This was a retrospective, single-centre observational study of 43 patients who were admitted with acute cholecystitis and operated on the "Hot gallbladder" list during June 2021 to May 2022. The parameters studied were age, gender, duration of symptoms, previous admissions, investigations, imaging, surgery performed [laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy with OTC (on table cholangiogram) or laparoscopic cholecystectomy with CBD exploration], post-operative complications, re-admissions, and re-operations. Results Out of the 43 patients, 25 were female and 18 were male. The median age was 50 with the range from 24 to 87. 61-70 was the age group which had maximum number of patients (10). The median duration of symptoms was 2 days before admission to the hospital. 37 were first-time admissions and 6 had previous admissions. Ultrasound, CT and MRI were done on 34, 14 and 14 patients respectively. 27 patients were diagnosed to have acute calculous cholecystitis, 10 patients had acute gallstone pancreatitis and 6 had biliary colic due to lithiasis. 23 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. 20 patients had an OTC of which 8 patients went on to have transcystic CBD exploration. No patients had re-operations. 4 patients were re-admitted. Conclusion A dedicated "hot gall bladder list" provides a safe and effective way to reduce the disease burden.

FP2.8 - Emergency CRC Resections: A single centre cohort Study

Abstract Aims According to NBOCA, 20% of cases of CRC’s are emergencies, associated with high rates of post-operative morbidity and death (11.3 % within 90 days, NBOCA annual report 2023). Emergency CRC commonly presents as obstruction and perforation, less commonly with other constitutional symptoms. Aim of study is to assess surgical outcomes in emergency malignant CRC resections. Methods Cohort study carried out from Jan'2008 to Jan'2023. Descriptive demography & post-operative surgical outcomes were analysed in all emergency CRC resections. All elective CRC resections were recruited as controls. Results Em CRC (n = 365) Elective CRC (n = 1349) Mann Whitney U test (p value) Age(yrs) 70.0 70.5 NS Sex(M:F) 193 : 172 764 : 585 NS ASA(median) 3 2 < 0.0001 BMI(kg/m2) 25.7 26.7 < 0.0005 Op time(mins) 134.1 186.1 < 0.0001 LOS(days) 11 7 < 0.0001 Complications (n) Leaks 7 59 NS Ileus 68 207 NS HAP 53 132 NS Anaemia (Tx) 8 47 NS Wound infections 41 115 NS Collections 29 67 NS Sepsis 31 55 NS Mortality (n) 30 day 32 26 NS 60 day 46 38 < 0.01 90 day 54 44 < 0.005 TNM stage (n) 0 10 16 1 20 351 2 107 456 3 158 446 4 45 52 Survival rates 1st year 71.1 92.3 5th year 48.3 77.1 10th year 41.1 68.5 Logrank p < 0.05 15th year 39.5 65.1 Conclusions Emergency CRC patients had a worse pre-operative functional limitation (ASA 3), prolonged hospitalization, greater 90-day mortality rate, thus poorer survival. Despite national bowel cancer screening initiatives, emergency CRC presentations remain a challenge. Our study supports prompt diagnosis and early surgical intervention.

Vascular Access Related Infections in Hemodialysis Children and the Impact of Implementation of CDC Guidelines and Tools on the Control of these Infections: A Single Centre Experience from Egypt

Background: Vascular access-related infection (VARI) is a serious issue in pediatric end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients on regular hemodialysis. Objective: To estimate the frequency of vascular access-related infections in hemodialysis (HD) children and to assess the effect of the implementation of CDC guidelines and tools on the prevention of VARI. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted on 110 patients with ESKD on regular hemodialysis at the Pediatric Dialysis Unit, Ain Shams University, from August 2019 to September 2021, retrospectively for one year and prospectively for another year after implementing the CDC infection control procedures. Besides full history taking, vascular access history, and thorough clinical examination, lab investigations for VARI diagnosis and echocardiography were performed. CDC infection control procedures were implemented for one year, and VARI was re-evaluated. Results: The total number of patients enrolled in the study was 110, they were 58 males (52.7%) and 52 females (47.3%). The incidence of infection per 1000 vascular access days in both years was highest in patients with NTVCs (10.447 /1000 NTVC days, 6.861 /1000 NTVCs days), followed by patients with TVCs (1.051/1000 TVC days, 0.604 /1000 TVC days) then patients with AVF, (0.141/1000 AVF days, 0.046 /1000 AVF days). The mortality from vascular access-related infections in the first year was higher than in the second year, with 5 patients (10.2%) and 1 patient (3.8%), respectively. The average duration of hospital stays (PPY) due to VARI (total admission days 8.09 and ward admission days 6.41) in the first year were significantly higher than in the second year, 4.04, 3.20 days/PPY, respectively. Conclusion: The incidence of vascular access infection (VAI) is higher with non-tunneled catheters and lowest with Arteriovenous fistulae (AVF). To reduce the risk of VARI and hospitalization, proper infection control procedures must be implemented.

ThP5.5 - Outcomes Of Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration And Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy; A Single Centre Review From A District General Hospital In Northern Ireland

Abstract Aim Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration is a one-stage therapeutic option for patients presenting with choledocholithiasis. This is a review of outcomes for patients who underwent this procedure in a district general hospital setting in Northern Ireland over a two-year period. Method This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data concerning all patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration between October 2021 and October 2023. Data were reviewed to include pre-operative liver function, pre-operative imaging, rate of conversion to open procedure, length of stay, and readmission rate due to complications. Results 106 patients were included in the review. The average length of stay was 2.7 days (with a median of 1 day) and readmission rate was 7.5%. 87.7% of patients had deranged liver function tests on the morning of surgery, and 100% had proven choledocholithiasis on cross-sectional imaging prior to proceeding to theatre. Only two patients required conversion to open cholecystectomy. No patients developed postoperative pancreatitis. The complication rate was 11.3%, with most complications being of Clavien-Dindo Grade I or II. Conclusions Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration at the time of laparoscopic cholecystectomy represents a safe and effective method for management of choledocholithiasis. It can be considered as an alternative to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography as a therapeutic option in an appropriately selected patient group.

Acute renal infarction: A 12 year retrospective analysis

Introduction: Acute renal infarction (ARI) is a relatively rare and underdiagnosed condition. Presenting symptoms are non-specific and imaging is the mainstay for diagnosis. This study attempts to characterize the profile of patients with acute renal infarction and identify possible risk factors. Methods: All inpatients admitted with diagnosis of ARI between 2010 to 2022 were included in this single center retrospective observational study. Patients with chronic renal infarction, iatrogenic causes and without radiographic evidence of acute renal infarction were excluded. Clinical, laboratory and radiological findings of patients were collected. Patients were grouped into three groups based of cardiovascular, hypercoagulable disorders and idiopathic based on probable etiology, and analysed. Results: 85 patients were included. Mean age of patients was 61.6±17.54 years. Cardiovascular group had the highest number of patients (49.4%) of which atrial fibrillation was the most common etiology (59.5%). Malignancy was the most common etiology in the hypercoagulable disorder group (69.3%). Patients in the idiopathic group were significantly younger and had higher mean BMI than the other 2 groups at presentation. Smokers had 9 times higher risk of renal infarction in cardiovascular group and 1.7 times higher risk in hypercoagulable when compared to the idiopathic group. 48.2% of patients developed renal infarction though they were on antiplatelets/anticoagulants. Conclusion: ARI is a rare and often underdiagnosed condition that can have residual renal dysfunction. It is important to consider ARI as a differential especially in young patients with risk factors even if they are on anticoagulation medication.

Effectiveness of different tirofiban administration times in patients with no-reflow myocardial infarction during percutaneous coronary intervention

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of different tirofiban administration time windows in patients with no-reflow myocardial infarction (MI) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: This single centre retrospective observational study included patients with no-reflow MI, undergoing PCI at the Hanyang Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology from March 2020 to May 2023. All patients were administered tirofiban. Patients who received tirofiban with postinterventional thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow ≥ 1 were grouped as Group-I, and patients who were directly given tirofiban through the guiding catheter without forward blood flow were grouped as Group-II. TIMI blood flow classification, levels of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB), incidence of complications and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in the two groups before and after the treatment were statistically analyzed. Results: A total of 156 patients were included in this study, including 79 patients in Group-I and 77 patients in Group-II. There was no significant difference in the baseline data between the two groups (P>0.05). After treatment, TIMI blood flow classification of the two groups improved and was significantly better in Group-I compared to Group-II (P<0.05). After treatment, levels of Serum cTnT and CK-MB in the two groups decreased, and were significantly lower in Group-I than in Group-II (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between Group-I (3.80%) and Group-II (6.49%) (P>0.05). The incidence of MACE in Group-I (3.80%) was lower than that in Group-II (12.99%) (P<0.05). Conclusions: Compared with the direct application of tirofiban, tirofiban given when TIMI Grade≥ 1 for patients with no-reflow MI during PCI can more effectively regulate the blood flow status of target vessels, reduce myocardial injury, and reduce the risk of MACE. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.9.10101 How to cite this: Mei C, Yu H. Effectiveness of different tirofiban administration times in patients with no-reflow myocardial infarction during percutaneous coronary intervention. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(9):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.9.10101 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Incidental parathyroidectomy after thyroid surgery and relationship with postoperative hypocalcemia: a single tertiary center analysis.

Incidental parathyroidectomy (IP) is a complication seen at varying rates after thyroid surgery, and its relationship with postoperative hypocalcemia has not been clarified. In this study, our goal was to identify the frequency and risk factors for IP in a large patient cohort and assess its correlation with postoperative hypocalcemia. A total of 4052 patients who underwent thyroid surgery between 2008 and 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups, the IP and non-IP groups, and compared in terms of demographics, surgical procedures, pathological diagnosis, and specimen weight. The relationships between IP and hypocalcemia were also evaluated. There were 587 (14.5%) IPs out of 4052 cases. In these patients, mostly one gland was removed (84.6%), and 23.2% of these glands were intrathyroidal. The rate of transient hypocalcemia was 39.9%, and that of permanent hypocalcemia was 1.7%. Female gender, malignancy, lower preoperative thyroid volume, presence of central lymph node dissection, lower specimen weight, presence of autotransplantation and capsule invasion in malignant cases were determined to be risk factors for IP. After excluding hemithyroidectomy and autotransplantation, transient and permanent hypocalcemia were found to be significantly higher in cases with IP (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that female sex, no multinodular goiter, central dissection, and low thyroid volume were risk-adjusted independent variables. Our findings highlight the significant role of IP in postoperative hypocalcemia. Given that most IPs are located in the perithyroidal region, precise surgical dissection is vital to preserve parathyroid gland function and prevent IP and subsequent hypocalcemia.

Impact of single centre kidney-exchange transplantation to increase living donor pool in India: A cohort study involving non-anonymous allocation.

In India, 85% of organ donations are from living donors and 15% are from deceased donors. One-third of living donors were rejected because of ABO or HLA incompatibility. Kidney exchange transplantation (KET) is a cost-effective and legal strategy to increase living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) by 25%-35%. We report our experience with 539 KET cases and the evolution of a single-centre program to increase the use of LDKT. Between January 2000 and 13 March, 2024, 1382 deceased donor kidney transplantations and 5346 LDKT were performed at our centre, including 10% (n = 539) from KET. Of the 539 KET, 80.9% (n = 436) were ABO incompatible pairs, 11.1% (n = 60) were compatible pairs, and 8% (n = 43) were sensitized pairs. There were 75% 2-way (n = 2 × 202 = 404), 16.2% 3-way (n = 3 × 29 = 87), 3% 4-way (n = 4 × 4 = 16), 1.8% 5-way (n = 5 × 2 = 10), 2.2% 6-way (n = 6 × 2 = 12), and 1.8% 10-way KET (n = 10 × 1 = 10). Of the recipients 81.2% (n = 438) were male and 18.8% (n = 101) were female, while of the donors, 78.5% (n = 423) were female and 21.5% (n = 116) were male. All donors were near relatives; wives (54%, n = 291) and mothers (20%, n = 108) were the most common donors. At a median follow-up of 8.2 years, patient survival, death censored graft survival, acute rejection, and median serum creatinine levels of functioning grafts were 81.63% (n = 440), 91% (n = 494), 9.8% (n = 53) and 1.3 mg/dL respectively. We credited the success to maintaining a registry of incompatible pairs, high-volume LDKT programs, non-anonymous allocation and teamwork. This is the largest single-centre KET program in Asia. We report the challenges and solutions to replicate our success in other KET programs.

Neonatal Gastrointestinal Perforations: A 4-year Experience in a Single Centre.

Gastrointestinal perforation (GIP) during the neonatal period is still a significant problem despite improved neonatal care. The study aimed to report on incidence, management, morbidity and mortality. Records of neonates with GIPs between October 2018 and November 2022 were retrospectively analysed. There were 47 patients, 22 (46.8%) males and 25 (53.2%) females. The incidence of neonatal GIP was 0.39% amongst all newborns treated in the neonatal intensive care unit. The mean gestational age was 30.4 ± 4.5 (23-38) weeks, and the mean birth weight was 1493.08 ± 753 (580-2940) g. Of 47 neonates, 5 (10.6%) were full term and 42 (89.4%) were preterm. The mean age of surgery was 12.25 ± 9.89 (0-41) days. A laparotomy was performed in 43 (91.4%) of 47 neonates, while seven of the patients underwent surgical intervention after decompression by percutaneous drainage. Four patients were managed with peritoneal drainage alone due to poor general condition. The pathologies unrelated to necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) were the most common cause of GIPs (55.3%) and included spontaneous intestinal perforation (n = 18), stomach perforation (n = 4), segmental volvulus (n = 2), acute mesenteric ischaemia (n = 1) and meconium peritonitis (n = 1). Overall survival was 55.4%. GIPs are one of the most significant causes of mortality in newborns. The most common cause of perforations is non-NEC entities and can be seen in the entire intestinal system from the stomach to the colon. Surgical exploration is still the primary management model.

The Indispensable Role of Cardiac Catheterization Before Surgical Intervention of Pediatrics Undergoing Tetralogy of Fallot Total Correction; A Single Center Experience

Background: Inadequate pulmonary blood flow in the tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) can lead to the development of major aortopulmonary collaterals, interfering with surgical repair. Objectives: We aimed to depict the crucial role of cardiac catheterization before the surgical intervention of pediatrics undergoing ToF total correction. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted on consecutive pediatric patients under two years of age who underwent ToF total correction surgery. All of the patients were diagnosed with ToF with doubled times trans-thoracic echocardiography, and the patients with high suspicion of the presence of major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) underwent cardiac catheterization before ToF total correction surgery. Conversely, if the catheterization approach failed, they underwent ToF total correction surgery simultaneously with MAPCA closure. On the other hand, the patients with no evidence of MAPCA in the echocardiographic findings (as considered undiagnosed patients) underwent ToF total correction surgery. Results: Two hundred fifty eligible pediatrics who underwent ToF total correction surgery participated. The ICU stay (P &lt; 0.001), hospital stay (P &lt; 0.001), and weaning time from mechanical ventilation (P &lt; 0.001) in patients with correct diagnosis before the ToF surgery were statistically lower than misdiagnosed open MAPCA patients who underwent the surgical approach of the ToF group. Some intra-operative and postoperative parameters showed no statistical differences between patients in the two groups. We had three mortality in the patients whose trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE) findings were undiagnosed as there was no evidence to rely on the presence of open MAPCA. Conclusions: Based on this study's findings, we strongly recommend that all ToF patients undergo cardiopulmonary catheterization before the surgical approach.

Prevalence and CCR3-T51C genotype–phenotype correlation of bronchial asthma among basic education school children: an observational study

BackgroundBronchial asthma (BA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder identified by different endotypes and phenotypes. Chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3) is one of the essential chemokine receptors that have a crucial role in asthma development by activating the migration of eosinophils through eotaxin production. We aimed to determine asthma prevalence among school children and to investigate the association between CCR3-T51C gene polymorphisms and the symptom-based clinical asthma phenotypes.MethodsThis study employed a hybrid design, conducted at a single center in Egypt from 2020 to 2021, to explore the relationship between asthma, its clinical phenotypes, and the CCR3-T51C gene polymorphism. Initially, a cross-sectional analysis was performed, utilizing a modified version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire to determine the prevalence of asthma in a cohort of 60 children, who presented with diverse clinical phenotypes, alongside 100 healthy controls. Subsequently, in the case–control phase of the study, we focused on examining the association between asthma (and its clinical phenotypes) and the CCR3-T51C gene polymorphism. For both groups, serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and eosinophil counts were assessed, and the genotypes and alleles of the CCR3-T51C gene polymorphism were identified using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) technique.ResultsA total of 600 children aged (6 to 16 years old) were enrolled. Out of these, 72 children (12%) were diagnosed with bronchial asthma in the basic education schools in El Manzala City, Egypt. Also, 72 (12%) of the studied children had wheezes, and 48 (8%) had night cough. Children with asthma had significantly higher relative eosinophil count and serum IgE levels than the control group. In terms of CCR3-T51C genotypes analysis, the TT genotype was the most prevalent in both patient and control groups, with 63.3% and 64%, respectively, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Also, there were no significant associations between CCR3-T51C genotypes and laboratory biomarkers among cough, wheezy, and cough and wheezy groups, except for the CT genotype in the cough group that had a lower eosinophil count than the wheezy group (P = 0.04).ConclusionAsthma affects 12% of the school-aged children. The CCR3-T51C genotype or allelic polymorphism frequency did not differ between asthmatics and controls; however, the TT genotype was more frequent in asthmatic children. Eosinophil count, serum IgE and gene polymorphism of CCR3-T51C appeared similar among different asthmatic phenotypes.

The Mediating Effects of Symptom Experiences on the Relationship between Body Image and Quality of Life among Hemodialysis Patients in a Single Center.

This study aimed to confirm the mediating effects of symptom experiences on the relationship between the body image and quality of life of hemodialysis patients. Data were collected from 153 patients who were diagnosed with ESRD at a tertiary general hospital and receiving regular hemodialysis in Korea. The data were collected between 20 July and 11 August 2023. The following statistical analyses were conducted: t-test, ANOVA, Scheffé test, Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis, and Hayes' Process Macro Model 4 (to test the mediating effect). The factors influencing quality of life were body image (β = 0.46, p < 0.001), monthly family income (over KRW 3 million) (β = 0.22, p = 0.002), and symptom experiences (β = -0.20, p = 0.001). The mediation analysis indicated that the symptom experiences mediated the relationship between body image and quality of life. Based on the results, education, counseling, and symptom management programs that can improve body image and reduce symptom experience should be developed, and customized programs that reflect the characteristics of a target population, such as economic level, should be developed and provided.