Real-world Single-center Experience Research Articles

Revisional endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty versus semaglutide and tirzepatide for weight recidivism after sleeve gastrectomy.

Weight recidivism following sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is common. Adjuvant treatments include new glucagon-like peptide 1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide receptor agonists (GLP1/GIP-RA) or revisional endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (R-ESG). We here compare the outcomes of these treatments. A retrospective study of patients ≥18 years with prior SG treated with semaglutide, tirzepatide or R-ESG for weight recidivism between January 2019 and 2023 at large academic centre. Primary outcomes were total body weight loss (TBWL) and adverse events (AEs). Secondary outcomes were changes in metabolic parameters. Tertiary outcome was to compare GLP1/GIP-RA outcomes in SG patients to matched patients with intact stomach. Our study included 68 (prior SG + GLP1/GIP-RA) and 22 (prior SG + R-ESG). R-ESG offered higher TBWL% than GLP1/GIP-RA at 3 (11.2% vs. 4.3%, p < .001), 6 (13.5% vs. 6.8%, p < .001) and 12 months (13.4% vs. 9.2%, p = .07) with no significant difference in AEs or change in metabolic parameters. On subgroup analysis, tirzepatide achieved similar 12-months TBWL% as R-ESG (13.2% vs. 13.4%, p = .9) and significantly more than semaglutide (13.2% vs. 8.1%, p = .04). Compared to patients with intact stomach (n = 87), GLP1/GIP-RA achieved significantly lower TBWL% in patients with prior SG at 3 (4.3% vs. 5.7%, p = .02), 6 (6.8% vs. 9.2%, p = .02) and 12 months (9.2% vs. 12.7%, p = .03). Medication refills were difficult in 41.3% of patients. In a single-centre real-world experience study, R-ESG and tirzepatide appear to offer more weight loss than semaglutide in SG patients with weight recidivism although GLP1/GIP-RA were underdosed. GLP1/GIP-RA achieved higher weight loss in patients with intact stomach than those with prior SG.

Real-world single-center preliminary experience of radiofrequency balloon pulmonary vein ablation for atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) by percutaneous transcatheter ablation is its pivotal treatment. Nowadays, several techniques using different energy sources are used, such as radiofrequency (RF), cryoablation and laser ablation. A new technology that combines the strengths of different techniques has been developed, in particular having both the speed of one-shot techniques and the selectivity and precision of point-by-point RF: the RF balloon (RFB). Recent clinical studies1-3 have demonstrated its efficacy and safety, with good results in terms of first pass isolation, procedural duration and fluoroscopy time. However, real-world data regarding RFB ablation is scarce, therefore with this study we aimed to describe the experience of our center with this technology (one of the first adopting it in our country). We prospectively enrolled in a single-center a total of 20 consecutive patients who underwent AF ablation with RFB. The primary endpoint, i.e. PVI defined as stable absence of any electrical conduction from and into the veins, was met by 18 patient (90%). Mean procedural and fluoroscopy times were 79±30.68 min and and 15.36±6.57 min, respectively, dwelling time was 30.3±8.09 min. The only complication reported was a single case mild pericardial effusion 24 h after the procedure, likely of inflammatory nature, which was treated conservatively and resolved before discharge. With this study we demonstrated that PVI with RFB appears to be an effective and safe technique in a real world setting, with many upsides and a reduced atrial dwelling time that theoretically could reduce the risk of thromboembolic complications. Further studies on larger number of patients are needed to confirm the results we obtained.

A Study of Tenecteplase in Acute Ischaemic Stroke: A Descriptive Real World Single Centre Experience from a Public Tertiary Care Hospital in Western India

Background This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of tenecteplase, a newer thrombolytic agent, in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) at a tertiary public care centre in Western India. Methods This retrospective study analysed 30 patients with AIS treated with tenecteplase, presenting within 4.5 hours from onset and receiving 0.25 mg/kg of tenecteplase. Primary outcomes were patients achieving a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-1 at 90 days and those showing an improvement of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) by 4 after 24 hours of thrombolysis. The secondary outcome was patients showing an improvement of NIHSS by 2 after 24 hours of thrombolysis and the number of patients showing an mRS score of 0-2 at 90 days. Safety outcomes were symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), all intracranial bleeding occurring within 24 hours, and in-hospital mortality. The impact of age and sex on outcomes was assessed. Results The mean age was 55.86 years. The mean symptom onset-to-hospital arrival time was 111.4 minutes and the mean door-to-needle time was 64.66 minutes. Out of all patients, 22 were male, and 8 were female. The mean NIHSS was 11.86 at presentation and 7.97 at 24 hours. The primary outcome of mRS 0-1 at 3 months was achieved in 19 patients; change in NIHSS ≥4 at 24 hours was in 7 patients. For secondary outcome, NIHSS change of 2 at 24 hours occurred in 13 patients, while 25 patients achieved mRS 0-2 at 3 months. Symptomatic ICH occurred in 1 patient, any ICH occurred in 7, while 2 patients had in-hospital mortality. Conclusion Tenecteplase is a safe and effective option for patients with AIS presenting within 4.5 hours.

P1191 Early Clinical, Biological, and Sonographic Response in Ileal Crohn’s Disease Patients Treated with Upadacitinib: A Single-Centre Real-World Experience

Abstract Background Upadacitinib (UPA), a selective JAK1 inhibitor, has shown efficacy in moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease (CD), even in patients refractory to advanced therapies. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and durability of UPA in refractory CD in real-world settings, with a focus on early objective assessment using biological markers and intestinal ultrasound (IUS). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 41 CD patients (61% male, median age 40 years [SD: 33–53], mean disease duration 11 years [SD: 6–17]). Disease characteristics and prior treatments, including anti-TNF (100%), ustekinumab (70.7%), vedolizumab (19.5%), and risankizumab (9.8%), were recorded. Clinical (Harvey-Bradshaw Index [HBI]), biological (C-reactive protein [CRP], fecal calprotectin [FCP]), and IUS parameters (wall thickness, affected segment length, Limberg score) were assessed at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months. Median follow-up was 8.2 months (SD: 4.8–12.3). Treatment patterns included standard induction (46.3%), extended induction (29.3%), and sustained high-dose (24.4%). Results Clinical response (≥2-point HBI reduction) was significant from week 4 and sustained throughout follow-up. Baseline CRP was 0.60 mg/dL (SD: 0.28–1.30), decreasing to 0.30 (SD: 0.05–0.80) at 1 month, 0.14 (SD: 0.04–0.64) at 3 months, and 0.10 (SD: 0.04–0.42) at 12 months, showing a non-significant downward trend. FCP dropped from 860 µg/g (SD: 270–1700) to 506 (SD: 186–2343) at 1 month, 260 (SD: 121–1200) at 3 months, and 205 (SD: 120–382) at 12 months, with a similar non-significant trend. Of 31 patients with baseline IUS, 55.6% showed radiological improvement in at least two IUS parameters at 12 months, though not statistically significant. Nine patients (22%) discontinued UPA due to adverse events (7.3%) or lack of response (17%). Non-severe adverse effects were reported in 53.7%, predominantly dermatological, without requiring dose adjustments or discontinuation. No severe infections, thromboembolic events, or cardiovascular complications were observed. Conclusion UPA demonstrated rapid, effective, and safe treatment for refractory CD in clinical practice. Trends toward early clinical, biological, and sonographic improvements were observed, highlighting its potential in real-world management of refractory CD.

Diagnosis of hereditary ataxias: a real-world single center experience.

This study aims to evaluate our experience in the diagnosis of hereditary ataxias (HAs), to analyze data from a real-world scenario. This is a retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted at a single Italian adult neurogenetic outpatient clinic, in 147 patients affected by ataxia with a suspicion of hereditary forms, recruited from November 1999 to February 2024. A stepwise approach for molecular diagnostics was applied: targeted gene panel (TP) next-generation sequencing (NGS) and/or clinical exome sequencing (CES) were performed in the case of inconclusive first-line genetic testing, such as short tandem repeat expansions (TREs) testing for most common spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA1-3, 6-8,12,17, DRPLA), other forms [Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) and mitochondrial DNA-related ataxia, RFC1-related ataxia/CANVAS] or inconclusive phenotype-guided specific single gene sequencing. A definitive diagnosis was reached in 36.7% of the cases. TREs testing was diagnostic in 30.4% of patients. The three most common TREs ataxias were FRDA (36.1%), SCA2 (27.8%), and RFC1-related ataxia/CANVAS (11.1%). In five patients, the molecular diagnosis was achieved by single gene sequencing and causative mutations were identified in POLG (2), SACS (1), DARS2 (1), MT-ATP6 (1). Of 94 patients with a suspicion of HAs of indeterminate genetic origin, 68 underwent new molecular evaluation using the NGS approach. In 28 of these cases, CES was performed after the TP sequencing resulted negative. In 13 patients, the diagnosis was achieved by NGS approach. In 7 of these 13 patients, the diagnosis was made by CES. Genes mutations identified as causative of HAs were found in SPG7 (4), SACS (1), CACNA1A (1), CACNA1G (1), EEF2 (1), PRKCG (1), KCNC3 (1), ADCK3 (1), SYNE1 (1), ITPR1 (1). A positive family history of ataxia and early onset of symptoms were associated with a higher likelihood of obtaining a definite diagnosis. The molecular diagnosis of HAs remains a significant challenge for neurologists. Our data indicate that, in most cases, a diagnosis of HA can be established through first line genetic testing, particularly TREs testing. However, for patients with a clinical diagnosis of HA who do not achieve a molecular diagnosis through initial genetic tests, the use of NGS proves to be a valuable tool, providing a definitive diagnosis in approximately 20% of cases. Therefore, when feasible in clinical practice, integrating NGS testing, especially exome sequencing, into the diagnostic decision-making process for unsolved cases is crucial.

Single Center Real World Experience of Talquetamab in Patients with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Single Center Real World Experience of Talquetamab in Patients with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Bridging Radiotherapy to Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (axi-cel) Is Associated with Favourable Outcomes for Large B-Cell Lymphoma (LBCL) in Third-Line and Beyond: An Australian Single-Centre Real-World Experience

Bridging Radiotherapy to Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (axi-cel) Is Associated with Favourable Outcomes for Large B-Cell Lymphoma (LBCL) in Third-Line and Beyond: An Australian Single-Centre Real-World Experience

Eculizumab in refractory myasthenia gravis: a real-world single-center experience.

Immunosuppressive treatment is effective in most Myasthenia gravis patients, but 10-15% of patients areconsidered refractory due to inadequate response or intolerance to therapy. Eculizumab, a humanized monoclonalantibody directed against C5 complement protein, was approved in Italy to treat Ab-AchR generalized refractoryMG (rMG) in October 2022. We aim to describe a real-world Italian experience in a population of refractory myasthenia gravis patients with oneyear follow up. A retrospective data analysis was conducted on patients with refractory generalized MG treated with eculizumabbetween November 2022 and May 2024. Clinical assessment through specific scales (MG ADL - QMG - MGFA -PIS), rescue, and background therapy was recorded after one, three, six, and twelve months. 21 rMG patients were treated with eculizumab with a medium follow up of 10.4 months and 14 patients had at leastone year follow up. A clinically meaningful reduction in total MG-ADL and QMG scores was achieved in the firstmonth. It was maintained throughout the first, third, sixth, and twelfth month along with concomitant reduction ofimmunosuppressive treatments. A drastic reduction of myasthenic exacerbations and crisis was observed duringfollow up and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment was discontinued in all patients except one. The total dailydose of prednisone was significantly reduced. This single-center real-world study confirmes safety and effectiveness of eculizumab. Eculizumab improved rapidlyall clinical outcome measures, leading to discontinuation of intravenous immunoglobulin treatment and remarkable immunosuppressant-sparing benefits.

Treatment of steroid-refractory acute/chronic graft versus host disease: A single-center real-world experience of ruxolitinib in combination with extracorporeal photopheresis in a high-risk population

Steroid-refractory acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (SR-a/cGvHD) represents a potential life-threatening complication following allogeneic stem-cell transplantation (allo-SCT). The JAK1/2-inhibitor ruxolitinib and the extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) have been shown to significantly improve the overall response rate (ORR) in this setting. However, about 30–40 % of high-risk patients do not respond to monotherapy and/or experience side effects. Considering the potential synergic mechanism of action of ruxolitinib and ECP and the good safety profile, we decided to investigate the role of a treatment strategy of ruxolitinib in combination with ECP in frail patients with high-risk SR-a/cGvHD. We conducted a retrospective single-center study comprising 47 patients who underwent allo-SCT from November 2018 to October 2023 and received treatment for SR-aGvHD (n=20) or SR-cGvHD (n=27) with ruxolitinib and ECP. In the SR-aGvHD group, 95 % of patients had a lower GI-tract involvement, with 80 % presenting with a grade III-IV SR-aGvHD. The ORR at day +28 was 65 %, with a 30 % CR rate. The 1-year overall survival (OS) for responders (PR and CR) was 33 % (95 % CI, 10 %-59 %). In the SR-cGvHD group, 55.6 % and 44.4 % had moderate and severe SR-cGvHD, respectively. The majority of patients (66.7 %) had a GI-involvement. The ORR at week 24 was 88 %, including 12 % CR and 76 % PR. The 1-year OS for responders was 76 % (95 % CI, 47 %-90 %). Our retrospective analysis shows that the treatment of ruxolitinib in combination with ECP has potential efficacy in patients with SR-a/cGvHD with a high-risk for transplantation-associated mortality.

Percutaneous decannulation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation using MANTA device: A real-world single-center experience.

The MANTA vascular closure device (VCD) represents a novel approach to achieving hemostasis after large-bore femoral access procedures. Numerous clinical studies have evaluated the efficacy of the MANTA device across a range of patient populations undergoing different procedures. However, there is still a paucity of data available concerning the use of MANTA devices in aiding the decannulation of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). To present our single-center experience of utilizing the MANTA VCD in patients undergoing this procedure. This single-center study included all patients undergoing percutaneous decannulation of femoral VA-ECMO using the MANTA plug-based VCD between January 2021 and October 2023 at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. Inclusion criteria were adult patients who required prolonged (> 24 hours) hemodynamic support with VA-ECMO. Outcomes included all-cause mortality, hemostasis, bleeding, limb ischemia, and site infection. This is a retrospective cohort study of 19 patients with a mean age of 56.8 years. Twelve of them were males with a mean body mass index of 29. The most common extracorporeal membrane oxygenation indication was acute coronary syndrome complicated by cardiogenic shock at 36.8%. The mean length of intensive care unit stay for these patients was 18.8 ± 8.42 days. Seventeen out of 19 patients survived to discharge. The MANTA device was successfully deployed in 19 patients, with 10 procedures conducted at the bedside and 9 in an operating room setting. Complete hemostasis was achieved within 5 minutes of MANTA deployment in 17 out of 19 patients. In 2 patients manual compression after Manta deployment was required to achieve adequate hemostasis. Additionally, acute lower extremity ischemia was noted in two patients, necessitating endovascular interventions. No infections were reported at the site of MANTA deployment. Overall, based on our experience and that of other centers, the MANTA VCD has proven to be a simple, safe, and effective percutaneous technique for facilitating in the OR, but most of all it opens the opportunity for bedside VA-ECMO decannulation. Post-decannulation ischemic complications are higher in this series of sick patients when compared with elective procedures like transcatheter aortic valve replacement and endovascular aneurysm repair. Additionally, operators should be mindful of the incidence of ischemic complications. Distal Doppler pulse signals should always be checked, to indicate bailout options when this occurs.

Silk vista baby flow diversion beyond the circle of Willis: A single-center experience with long-term outcomes.

There is a lack of evidence of flow diversion (FD) safety for aneurysms treatment beyond the circle of Willis. Therefore, we provide a single-center real-world experience with the Silk Vista Baby (SVB). A single-center database was retrospectively reviewed for aneurysms treated with SVB flow diverters. Demographic information, clinical presentation, radiographic characteristics, procedural complications, and outcomes were assessed. About 57 patients (66.7% female, mean age 54.3 ± 13.2) encompassing 57 aneurysms were included. Overall, 40.4% were ruptured: 68.4% saccular, 17.5% blister, 8.7% fusiform, and 5.3% dissecting. The majority were in the anterior circulation (68.4%), and in 48.2% of cases, the distal vessel diameter was inferior to 2 mm. The symptomatic ischemic rate was 5.2%, with one case due to in-stent thrombosis (1.8%). There were no hemorrhagic complications. Complication rates did not differ between ruptured and unruptured lesions (p = 0.356). There were no cases of delayed aneurysm rupture, and overall mortality was 1.8%. The median follow-up time was 18 ± 12 months. In-stent stenosis rate was 10.5% (6/57), all of which were asymptomatic. At the last follow-up, 70.2% of cases had an adequate occlusion (OKM C and D), and 96.5% had an mRS of 0-2. In our series, SVB was shown to be a safe device in the treatment of not only distal anterior circulation aneurysms but also in the management of complex posterior fossa and ruptured blister aneurysms. Multicenter studies are needed to confirm and generalize these results.

49533 308-nm excimer light is effective for palmoplantar pustulosis regardless of the presence or absence of focal infection: Single-center real-world experience of treatment for palmoplantar pustulosis

49533 308-nm excimer light is effective for palmoplantar pustulosis regardless of the presence or absence of focal infection: Single-center real-world experience of treatment for palmoplantar pustulosis

2105: Pregnancy in BRCA-carrier patients after breast cancer therapy: single-centre real-world experience

2105: Pregnancy in BRCA-carrier patients after breast cancer therapy: single-centre real-world experience

Aortic versus axillary artery cannulation for hemiarch replacement: single-centre real-world experience

BackgroundAortic arch disease is a major cause of acute dissections. Surgical replacement is the current curative treatment for aortic arch disease. While traditional aortic cannulation ensures lower body perfusion, axillary cannulation offers optimum cerebral perfusion.AimTo evaluate the outcomes of aortic and axillary cannulation methods in hemiarch replacements, focusing on postoperative perfusion and survival.Materials and methodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 91 patients who underwent hemiarch replacement surgery between February 2007 and October 2016. Patients were divided into two groups based on the cannulation method: aortic cannulation (54 patients) and axillary cannulation (37 patients). Data regarding preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters were analyzed, including demographics, surgical outcomes, and complications.ResultsDemographic analysis showed comparable characteristics between the two groups, with notable differences in aortic disease severity and classification. Patients in the axillary group had a larger ascending aorta diameter (57.7 ± 10.8 mm vs. 51.8 ± 5.7 mm, p = 0.002) and a higher prevalence of acute dissections (27.0% (n = 10) vs. 3.7% (n = 2), p = 0.001). Cerebral protection methods varied significantly between the two groups (p < 0.001). Antegrade cerebral perfusion was used in 37.8% (n = 14) of the axillary group compared to 3.7% (n = 2) of the central group. The central cannulation group had a higher proportion of patients with temperatures under 20 °C (98.1% (n = 53) vs. 21.6% (n = 8), p < 0.001), whereas the axillary group maintained higher temperatures (24 –28 °C) in 68.6% (n = 23) of cases. AV repair/replacement was more frequent in the aortic cannulation group (48.2% (n = 26) vs. 18.9% (n = 7), p = 0.013). No significant disparities were observed in operative mortality or intraoperative complications. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences between the two groups in the in-hospital outcomes, but renal complications were more prevalent in the axillary cannulation group with 21.6% (n = 8) experiencing acute kidney injury compared to 9.3% (n = 5) in the central group (p = 0.098). The overall survival rate was slightly higher in the aortic cannulation group at various follow-up periods, yet no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups.ConclusionWe found no significant differences in safety and efficacy between axillary cannulation and aortic cannulation in hemiarch replacement procedures.

Incidence of Cytogenetic Abnormalities in Myelodysplastic Syndrome in the African American Population: A Decade-Long Single-Center Real-World Experience

Incidence of Cytogenetic Abnormalities in Myelodysplastic Syndrome in the African American Population: A Decade-Long Single-Center Real-World Experience

The fate of nonscalp hair in alopecia areata universalis under baricitinib treatment: A real-world single-center experience

The fate of nonscalp hair in alopecia areata universalis under baricitinib treatment: A real-world single-center experience

Clinical utility of plasma percent donor-derived cell-free DNA for lung allograft surveillance: A real-world single-center experience

BackgroundPlasma percent donor-derived cell-free DNA (%dd-cfDNA) has been investigated as a biomarker of allograft injury after lung transplantation (LT). We sought to determine the clinical utility of plasma percent donor-derived cell-free DNA (%dd-cfDNA) as a screening tool for acute cellular rejection (ACR) and respiratory infections (RIs) among LT recipients (LTRs). MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed %dd-cfDNA results from 95 plasma samples collected from 81 bilateral LTRs at our center with a paired transbronchial biopsy within 24 hours after sample collection. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV) of %dd-cfDNA to detect ACR and RIs and used a generalized estimating equation model to compare %dd-cfDNA between groups. ResultsA dd-cfDNA threshold of 0.5% had low sensitivity to detect ACR among LTRs >45 days after LT (41.67%), as did a 70% increase in %dd-cfDNA (50.00%). The NPV was high (88.89% and 87.50%, respectively) but driven by the low prevalence of ACR (12/95 [12.6%]). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.499 (95%CI [0.326-0.672]) and 0.360 (95%CI [0.132-0.588]) for the detection of ACR and ACR grade ≥A2, respectively. The adjusted mean %dd-cfDNA trended higher in LTRs with a definite or possible RI (1.218, 95%CI [0.671-2.212]) than in LTRs without microbial isolation (0.731, 95%CI [0.525-1.017], p=0.059), but was not significantly different from those with microbial colonization (0.873, 95%CI [0.538-1.415], p=0.390). There was no significant difference in the adjusted mean %dd-cfDNA between patients with microbial colonization and those without microbial isolation (p=0.464). %dd-cfDNA testing had an AUC of 0.573 (95%CI [0.431-0.716]) for the detection of lung allograft dysfunction due to ACR and/or infection. Conclusions%dd-cfDNA may have limited utility as a screening tool to detect ACR among LTRs.

Analysis of apheresis outcomes in a cohort of Chilean patients treated with autologous stem cell transplantation: A single center real-world experience

Adequate stem cell harvesting is required for autologous hematopoietic transplantation. In deficient mobilizer patients, the collection of stem cells can be challenging because of the impossibility of achieving satisfactory CD34 cell counts with GCSF + - chemotherapy. Plerixafor is a potent and expensive drug that promotes the release of stem cells from the medullary niche to the peripheral blood and allows satisfactory harvests. We performed a retrospective analysis of 370 patients with myeloma and lymphoma harvested at our institution. 99 % of patients achieved satisfactory apheresis using Plerixafor in 45 %. Satisfactory harvests were obtained in patients mobilized with GCSF or plerixafor. In patients who used plerixafor, it was necessary to perform fewer apheresis procedures (P = 0.05). In multivariate analysis, the only factor that predicted the need for plerixafor was the presence of less than 30,000 CD34 / ul on the day of apheresis (OR 0.3. p < 0.001). Since we adopted the plerixafor protocol guided by CD34 counts, the number of patients with harvest failure has decreased. In conclusion, the rational and standardized use of plerixafor favors satisfactory harvest in patients who require autologous transplantation in South-American patients.

Real-world single center experience with the wearable cardioverter defibrillator: sex differences in risk stratification for sudden cardiac death

Abstract Background Wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) demonstrated an important role for prevention of sudden cardiac death in patients with advanced heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Although in randomized trial there are no gender difference in WCD use and defibrillator (ICD) implantation rate, real world data in female patients is lacking. Purposes: We aimed to describe the sex differences in WCD use, the rate of cardiac events detected with WCD and the rate of ICD implantation after WCD use in women in a real-world single center experience. nd reduced left ventricular ejection fraction or prior ventricular tachyarrhythmia. Methods and results According with the current guidelines indications, between August 2017 and June 2023 ninety-six consecutive patients (mean age 66.0±11.1 years) received a WCD at Piacenza Hospitals and were retrospectively included in this analysis. There were no differences in clinical characteristics between female (18 patients, 18,8%) and male: in particular baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LV EF) were similar between the two groups (29.5±5.2 vs 27.9±7.9, p=0.23) and no differences were found in the rate of ischaemic cardiopathy (66,6% vs 69,2% p=0.51). After 3-months follow up with WCD use, a similar rate of ventricular arrhythmias were found in the two groups (5.5% vs 3.8%, p=0.48) and no ventricular fibrillation was detected. The WCD usage period and median daily wear time were not different between female and male (55.2±50.6 vs 56.2±34.8 days p=0.53, 21.0±6.4 vs 23.1±1.5 hours p=0.48, respectively). However women presented a better LV EF improvement (12.2±9.7 vs 7.2±6.8, p=0.01), with a significant lower ICD implantation rate at the end of WCD use (55.5% vs 43.8%; p&amp;lt; 0.01) Conclusions In this real word analysis women presented a nice compliance using WCD. In spite of a similar burden of ventricular arrhythmic events, women presented a better LV EF improvement with a significant lower ICD implantation rate.

The clinical effectiveness of Fidaxomicin compared to Vancomycin in the treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection, a single center real-world experience.

The use of fidaxomicin is recommended as first line therapy for all patients with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). However, real-world studies have shown conflicting evidence of superiority. We conducted a retrospective single center study of patients diagnosed with CDI between 2011-2021. A primary composite outcome of clinical failure, 30-day relapse or CDI-related death was used. A multivariable cause specific Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate fidaxomicin compared to vancomycin in preventing the composite outcome. A separate model was fit on a subset of patients with C. difficile ribotypes adjusting for ribotype. There were 598 patients included, of whom 84 received fidaxomicin. The primary outcome occurred in 8 (9.5%) in the fidaxomicin group compared to 111 (21.6%) in the vancomycin group. The adjusted multivariable model showed fidaxomicin was associated with 63% reduction in the risk of the composite outcome compared to vancomycin (HR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.17-0.80). In the 337 patients with ribotype data after adjusting for ribotype 027, the results showing superiority of fidaxomicin were maintained (HR = 0.19, 95% CI 0.05-0.77). In the treatment of CDI, we showed that real-world use of fidaxomicin is associated with lower risk of a composite endpoint of treatment failure.