Single-center Retrospective Study Research Articles

Comparison of intraoperative hemodynamics in classical and single-port adrenalectomy

BACKGROUND: Pheochromocytoma (PCC) is a tumor from the chromaffin tissue of the adrenal medulla, capable of hyperproduction of catecholamines. An important feature of pheochromocytoma, due to its hormonal activity, is the threat of sudden changes in hemodynamic parameters during surgical treatment. Retroperitoneoscopic access is currently becoming increasingly popular in the surgical treatment of chromaffin tumors of the adrenal glands. In clinical practice, two variants of the mentioned access are used: classic (three-port) and single-port. In this study, the influence of these options of retroperitoneoscopic access on intraoperative hemodynamic control was evaluated.AIM: Comparison of treatment results and intraoperative hemodynamic parameters of patients with adrenal pheochromocytomas operated with single-port and three-port retroperitonescopic access options.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective single-center cohort study was conducted on a sample of patients initially operated for pheochromocytoma at the Pirogov St. Petersburg State University High Medical Technology Clinic from October 2015 to February 2020 with intraoperative invasive hemodynamic control using PiCCO+ systems.RESULTS: 47 patients were examined, 24 of whom underwent single–port adrenalectomy (included in the first group), 23 — three-port (second group). The average tumor size in the second group was larger (40.12±9.3 and 56.7±21.5, p<0.05), presumably, in this regard, the average duration of surgery was statistically significantly higher (73±21.5 and 111.7±36.1, p<0.05). The body mass index (BMI) of patients in the two groups did not differ statistically significantly. Intraoperatively measured values of maximum and minimum mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, the number of episodes of increased diastolic blood pressure above 120 mmHg and their duration did not differ statistically in both groups (p>0.05). Episodes of increased systolic blood pressure above 180 mm Hg were more frequent in the second group (p=0.03), but their total duration in the two groups was without significant differences (p>0.05). Intraoperative consumption of antihypertensive drugs during the release of the adrenal gland and vasopressor drugs after compression of the central vein of the adrenal gland were similar. Blood pressure after compression of the central vein in the first and second groups did not differ significantly (p>0.05). No deaths and postoperative complications were registered in both groups.CONCLUSION: Single-port modification of retroperitoneoscopic access with sufficient experience of the anesthesiological team and the operating surgeon does not lead to deterioration of hemodynamic control and operation results, being safe and effective in the surgical treatment of pheochromocytoma.

Performance of pan-enteroscopy in children with intestinal failure due to short bowel syndrome: A single-center retrospective study.

In pediatric patients with intestinal failure (IF) due to short bowel syndrome, we hypothesized that young children, those with shorter residual small bowel and those with congenital malrotation of the bowel would be more likely to undergo pan-enteroscopy. We aimed to determine the feasibility and diagnostic yield of pan-enteroscopy in this cohort. We performed a single-center, retrospective study of pediatric patients with IF due to short bowel syndrome (SBS) who had undergone at least one GI endoscopic evaluation between January 1, 2018 and January 1, 2023. A pan-enteroscopy might have been possible in 381 of the 431 procedures (206 patients) reviewed. 44 (21%) patients underwent 54 pan-enteroscopies. Children with a residual bowel length <35 cm had higher odds of undergoing pan-enteroscopy (odds ratio [OR] 3.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.32, 10.48], p = 0.01), as did patients with periprocedural glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) analog use (OR 4.30, 95% CI [1.24, 14.95], p = 0.02). Patients with diagnoses other than necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) tended to be more likely to achieve a pan-enteroscopy (OR 2.73, 95% CI [0.95,7.88], p = 0.06). Evidence of gross and histopathologic abnormalities were found in 77.8% and 78% of the procedures, respectively. No complications were identified. In a large cohort of children with SBS, pan-enteroscopy was successfully performed in 14.2% of the procedures and microscopic abnormalities were common. Shorter residual bowel length, underlying diagnoses of non-NEC, and GLP-2 analog use were generally associated with successful pan-enteroscopy, independent of age and several other factors. These data suggest that pan-enteroscopy is feasible and of high-yield in a subset of patients with SBS.

Prognostic value of platelet levels in patients with aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Pathophysiological processes following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) include upregulated underlying systemic inflammation, which is reflected by changes in different peripheral blood cells and their sub-populations. As inflammation is a crucial process that contributes to post-aSAH complications and clincal outcome, blood cell numbers and ratios in systemic circulation may predict the outcome and provide rapid and easy to quantify point of care biomarkers for these critically ill patients. To identify blood-derived cellular inflammatory parameters which allow a precise prediction of patient outcome after aSAH. In this single-center retrospective study, 19 whole blood-derived cellular inflammatory markers and clinical and demographic parameters for 101 aSAH patients were recorded within 24 h after aSAH. Clinical outcome was quantified with modified Rankin scale (mRS) on discharge. Proportional odds logistic regression (POLR) was used to model the patient outcome as the function of clinical parameters and inflammatory markers. The results were validated on a separate hold-out dataset (220 patients). The on-admission platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV) and mean platelet volume to platelet ratio (MPR) were found to be significant and predictive of patient outcome on discharge. Mean platelet volume (MPV) and mean platelet volume to platelet ratio (MPR) predicted clinical outcome and may serve as easy to quantify point of care biomarker. The findings are potentially relevant for the management of aSAH.

Assessing Left Ventricular Pathology in Patients with Ebstein Anomaly Using Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance: Looking Past the Right Heart.

Ebstein Anomaly (EA) is a malformation of the right heart, but there is data to suggest that the left ventricle (LV) can suffer from intrinsic structural and functional abnormalities which affect surgical outcomes. The LV in patients with EA is hypertrabeculated with abnormalities in LV function and strain. In this retrospective single-center study, patients with EA who underwent pre-operative cardiac MRI (CMR) between the periods of 2014-2024 were included along with a group of healthy-age-matched controls. Left ventricular and right ventricular volume, function and strain analyses were performed on standard SSFP imaging. LV noncompacted: compacted (NC/C) ratio and the displacement index of the tricuspid valve were measured. Forty-seven EA patients were included with mean age of 21.0 ± 17.6years. Seventeen EA patients (36%) had mild pre-operative LV dysfunction on CMR and 1 (2.1%) had moderate LV dysfunction. Out of these 18 patients with LV dysfunction, only 2 were detected to have dysfunction on Echocardiogram. The global circumferential and longitudinal strain were significantly lower in the reduced LVEF group compared to those with preserved LVEF (-14.8% vs. -17%, p = 0.02 and - 11.9% vs. - 15.0%; p = 0.05; respectively) on CMR. A single EA patient met criteria for LVNC with a maximal NC/C ratio > 2.3. There was no statistically significant difference in NC/C ratio in the EA population (1.4 ± 0.6) vs. controls (1.1 ± 0.2), p = 0.17. There was an inverse correlation of LV ejection fraction with right ventricular end-diastolic volume and displacement index. All patients underwent the Da Silva Cone procedure at our center. Patients with preoperative LV dysfunction had longer duration of epinephrine use in the immediate postoperative period (33.7 ± 21.4 vs 10.2 ± 25.6h, p = 0.02) and longer length of hospital stay (6.3 ± 3.2 vs 4.4 ± 1.2days, p = 0.01). This is the largest study to date to evaluate preoperative LV structure and function in EA patients by CMR. In this cohort of 47 patients, preoperative LV dysfunction is fairly common and CMR has high sensitivity in detecting LV dysfunction as compared to Echo. True LV non-compaction was rare in this cohort. The presence of LV dysfunction is relevant to perioperative management and further study with larger cohorts and longer follow up are necessary.

Comparison of stroke process measures and clinical outcomes between English and Non-English preferring patients

BackgroundIn the United States, limited English proficiency may reduce the quality of care and worsen outcomes after stroke. The aim was to compare stroke process measures and clinical outcomes between English preferring and non-English preferring stroke patients. Methods/MaterialsThis single-center retrospective cohort study evaluated patients from one United States hospital with acute ischemic stroke between July 2013 and June 2022. The primary outcomes were defect-free care, a composite of 7 stroke process measures, and independent ambulation at hospital discharge. Multivariate logistic regression models quantified the association between language preference and outcomes. Secondary outcomes included individual components of defect-free care, discharge modified Rankin scale, and discharge disposition. ResultsThere were 4,030 patients with acute ischemic stroke identified, of which 2,965 were matched with language data from the electronic medical record. There were 373 non-English preferring patients, among which 76.9% preferred Spanish and 23.1% were non-English, non-Spanish preferring. In the multivariable model, there was no significant association between non-English preference and defect-free care (OR=0.64, 95% CI=0.26-1.59) or independent ambulation at discharge (OR=0.89, 95% CI=0.67-1.17). When compared to Spanish preferring patients, non-English, non-Spanish preferring patients had more severe strokes (P<0.001) but there was no difference in defect-free care or independent ambulation after adjustment. ConclusionOur results suggest that process and clinical outcomes are similar regardless of language preference; although, our data are limited by small numbers of non-English, non-Spanish preferring patients. Additional research is needed among this population.

Redefining CAV surveillance strategies: Benefits of CCTA vs. ICA

BackgroundCardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) assessment post-heart transplantation (HT) typically relies on invasive coronary angiography (ICA). However, cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is emerging as a promising alternative due to its potential benefits in economic, safety, and logistical aspects. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a CCTA program on these aspects in CAV surveillance post-HT. MethodsA retrospective single-center study was conducted between March 2021 and February 2023, involving HT patients who underwent either CCTA or ICA. ResultsAmong 260 patients undergoing CAV surveillance, 115 (44.2%) patients underwent CCTA, and 145 (55.8%) patients underwent ICA. The CCTA group showed incurred lower overall costs (p ​< ​0.0001) and shorter hospitalization times (p ​< ​0.0001) compared to the ICA group. In terms of safety, CCTA surveillance required significantly lower contrast volumes (p ​< ​0.0001) and lower effective doses (p ​= ​0.03). ConclusionCCTA emerges as a safe and cost-effective non-invasive alternative for CAV surveillance post-HT, outperforming ICA in terms of safety, logistical aspects, and economic burden.

Acceleration of skeletal maturation in Central Europe over the last two decades: insights from two cohorts of healthy children.

Deviations between the determination of bone age (BA) according to Greulich and Pyle (G&P) and chronological age (CA) are common in Caucasians. Assessing these discrepancies in a population over time requires analysis of large samples and low intra-observer variability in BA estimation, both can be achieved with artificial intelligence-based software. The latest software-based reference curve contrasting the BA determined by G&P to the CA of Central European children dates back over two decades. To examine whether the reference curve from a historical cohort from the Netherlands (Rotterdam cohort) between BA determined by G&P and CA still applies to a current Central European cohort and derive a current reference curve. This retrospective single-center study included 1,653 children and adolescents (aged 3-17years) who had received a radiograph of the hand following trauma. The G&P BA estimated using artificial intelligence-based software was contrasted with the CA, and the deviations were compared with the Rotterdam cohort. Among the participants, the mean absolute error between BA and CA was 0.92years for girls and 0.97years for boys. For the ages of 8years (boys) and 11years (girls) and upward, the mean deviation was significantly greater in the current cohort than in the Rotterdam cohort. The reference curves of both cohorts also differed significantly from each other (P < 0.001 for both boys and girls). The BA of the current Central European population and that of the curve from theRotterdam cohort from over two decades ago differ. Whether this effect can be attributed to accelerated bone maturation needs further evaluation.

Microsurgical anatomy and approaches to thalamic gliomas. Part 2: Maximal safe resection of thalamic gliomas improves outcomes. A single-center experience.

As presented in Part 1 of this series, thalamic gliomas (TGs) are deep-seated, difficult-to-access tumors surrounded by vital neurovascular structures. Given their high operative morbidity, TGs have historically been considered inoperable lesions. Although maximal safe resection (MSR) has become the treatment standard for lobar and even deep-seated mediobasal temporal and insular gliomas, the eloquent location of TGs has precluded this management strategy, with biopsy and adjuvant treatment being the mainstay. The authors hypothesized that MSR can be achieved with low morbidity and mortality for TGs, thus resulting in improved outcomes. A retrospective single-center study was performed on all TG patients from 2006 to 2020. Clinical, imaging, and pathology reports were obtained. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine prognostic variables. Case examples illustrate various approaches and the rationale for staging resections of more complex TGs. A total of 42 patients (26 males, 16 females), among them 12 pediatric (29%) cases, were included. Their mean age was 36.0 ± 21.4 (median 30, range 3-73) years. The median maximal tumor diameter was 45 (range 19-70) mm. Eighteen patients (43%) had a prior stereotactic needle tumor biopsy, with the ultimate diagnosis changed for 7 patients (39%) following microsurgical resection. The most common surgical approaches were transtemporal (29%), anterior interhemispheric transcallosal (29%), and superior parietal lobule (25%). Overall, the combined subtotal and gross-total resection rate was 95% (n = 40). Low-grade gliomas (LGGs; grades I and II) comprised one-third of the group, whereas half of the patients had glioblastoma multiforme. There were no operative mortalities. Although temporary postoperative motor deficits were observed in 12 patients (28.6%), all improved during the early postoperative period except 1 (2.4%), who had mild residual hemiparesis. Two patients required CSF diversion for hydrocephalus. The 2-year overall survival rate was 90% for LGG patients and 15% for high-grade glioma (HGG) patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that histological grade, age, and extent of resection were independent prognostic factors associated with survival. Management of TGs is challenging, with resection avoided by many, if not most, neurosurgeons, especially for HGGs. The results reported here demonstrate improved outcomes with resection, particularly in younger LGG patients. The authors therefore advocate for MSR for a select cohort of TG patients using carefully planned surgical approaches, contemporary intraoperative adjuncts, and meticulous microsurgical techniques.

Deep learning-based 3D quantitative total tumor burden predicts early recurrence of BCLC A and B HCC after resection.

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of deep learning (DL)-assisted automated three-dimensional quantitative tumor burden at MRI to predict postoperative early recurrence (ER) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This was a single-center retrospective study enrolling patients who underwent resection for BCLC A and B HCC and preoperative contrast-enhanced MRI. Quantitative total tumor volume (cm3) and total tumor burden (TTB, %) were obtained using a DL automated segmentation tool. Radiologists' visual assessment was used to ensure the quality control of automated segmentation. The prognostic value of clinicopathological variables and tumor burden-related parameters for ER was determined by Cox regression analyses. A total of 592 patients were included, with 525 and 67 patients assigned to BCLC A and B, respectively (2-year ER rate: 30.0% vs. 45.3%; hazard ratio (HR) = 1.8; p = 0.007). TTB was the most important predictor of ER (HR = 2.2; p < 0.001). Using 6.84% as the threshold of TTB, two ER risk strata were obtained in overall (p < 0.001), BCLC A (p < 0.001), and BCLC B (p = 0.027) patients, respectively. The BCLC B low-TTB patients had a similar risk for ER to BCLC A patients and thus were reassigned to a BCLC An stage; whilst the BCLC B high-TTB patients remained in a BCLC Bn stage. The 2-year ER rate was 30.5% for BCLC An patients vs. 58.1% for BCLC Bn patients (HR = 2.8; p < 0.001). TTB determined by DL-based automated segmentation at MRI was a predictive biomarker for postoperative ER and facilitated refined subcategorization of patients within BCLC stages A and B. Total tumor burden derived by deep learning-based automated segmentation at MRI may serve as an imaging biomarker for predicting early recurrence, thereby improving subclassification of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer A and B hepatocellular carcinoma patients after hepatectomy. Total tumor burden (TTB) is important for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging, but is heterogenous. TTB derived by deep learning-based automated segmentation was predictive of postoperative early recurrence. Incorporating TTB into the BCLC algorithm resulted in successful subcategorization of BCLC A and B patients.

Utilization of Texture Analysis in Differentiating Benign and Malignant Breast Masses: Comparison of Grayscale Ultrasound, Shear Wave Elastography, and Radiomic Features.

This study aims to determine which qualitative and quantitative US features are independently associated with malignancy, including those derived from grayscale imaging morphology, shear wave elastography (SWE), and texture analysis. This single-center retrospective study was approved by the institutional research ethics board. Consecutive breast US studies performed between January and December 2020 were included. Images were acquired using a Canon Aplio i800 US unit (Canon Medical Systems, Inc., CA) and i18LX5 wideband linear matrix transducer. Grayscale US features, SWE mean, and median elasticity were obtained. Single representative grayscale images were analyzed using dedicated software (LIFEx, version 6.30). First-order and gray-level co-occurrence matrix second-order texture features were extracted. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess for predictors of malignancy (STATA v16.1). One hundred forty-seven cases with complete SWE data were selected for analysis (mean age 54.3, range 21-92). The following variables were found to be independently associated with malignancy: age (P <.001), family history (P = .013), irregular mass shape (P = .024), and stiffness on SWE (mean SWE ≥40 kPa; P <.001). Remaining variables (including texture features) were not found to be independently associated with malignancy (P >.05). US texture analysis features were not associated with malignancy independent of other qualitative and quantitative US characteristics currently utilized in clinical practice. This suggests texture analysis may not be warranted when differentiating benign and malignant breast masses on US. In contrast, irregular mass shape on grayscale imaging and increased stiffness on SWE were found to be independent predictors of malignancy.

Prognosis and characteristics of Corynebacterium exit site infection: a single-center retrospective study

BackgroundCorynebacterium is a rare but important cause of peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated infection. A previous study reported that continued antibiotic use at the exit site is associated with increased Corynebacterium exit site infection (ESI), although the latest International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis guideline recommends its use. This study aims to verify the prognosis of Corynebacterium-associated PD-related infections, focusing on ESI.MethodsWe conducted a single-center, retrospective study about ESI, tunnel infection (TI), and PD-associated peritonitis due to Corynebacterium between April 2018 and January 2023. We primarily examined the prognosis and characteristics of Corynebacterium ESI.ResultsIn this study, we included 125 patients with PD (mean age at PD onset: 69.4 ± 13.7 years, 71.2% male, 48% diabetic, mean estimated glomerular filtration rate at the introduction of PD 7.4 ± 2.6 ml/min/1.73 m2, total follow-up 179.6 patient dialysis year). Between April 2018 and January 2023, 191 cases of ESI, 62 cases of Corynebacterium ESI in 24 patients, 10 cases of TI, and 32 cases of PD-associated peritonitis were detected. In total, 16 of 24 patients with Corynebacterium-associated ESI tested positive for Corynebacterium multiple times in cultures against the exit site, with a maximum of eight times. The estimated glomerular filtration rate during PD introduction was relatively lower in patients with Corynebacterium-associated ESI than in patients without ESI (6.4 versus 7.9 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively; P = 0.052). Although three of the Corynebacterium ESI cases progressed to TI, there were no cases that progressed directly to PD-associated peritonitis.ConclusionsCorynebacterium-associated ESI progresses to TI with a certain probability; however, it is thought that it rarely progresses to PD-associated peritonitis directly.

Antibiotics and beyond: Unraveling the dynamics of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very preterm infants.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains a significant challenge in neonatal care. Prenatal inflammation and neonatal sepsis contribute to the multifactorial nature of BPD. A potential association between empirical antibiotic therapy and BPD risk has been proposed due to microbiota dysbiosis in very low birth weight premature infants. A single centered retrospective cohort study of preterm infants (24-32 weeks gestation) from 2014 to 2021. The study compared groups that received empirical antibiotics in the first days of life and those that did not receive any antibiotic in the first days of life. The primary outcomes studied were BPD, death, and the combined outcome of BPD/death. Statistical analysis employed t-tests, Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, and logistic regression. Of 454 preterm infants, 61.5% received antibiotics. This group had lower gestational age, birth weight, and Apgar scores. Antibiotic use was associated with higher incidence of BPD (35.5% vs. 10.3%), death (21.5% vs. 8.6%), and combined outcomes (54.5% vs. 18.3%). In multivariate analysis, antibiotic use independently associated with BPD (OR 2.58, p < 0.001) and combined outcome BPD/death (OR 2.06, p < 0.02). Antenatal corticosteroids provided protection against BPD, but not mortality. This study suggests an association between early empirical antibiotic use and BPD in preterm infants, emphasizing the need for judicious antibiotic practices in neonatal care.

Bone consolidation under septic condition and hardware retention: about 69 patients

IntroductionManagement of infection on internal fixation hardware is particularly complex.The main aim of the present study was to assess bone consolidation rates under septic conditions in patients treated for bone and joint infection (BJI) with hardware retention. Secondary objectives were to determine a time limit beyond which it is unreasonable to retain hardware, and to assess risk factors for non-consolidation and functional results. The study hypothesis was that bone consolidation is possible under septic conditions without hardware exchange. Material and methodA single-center retrospective observational study was conducted on 69 patients for the period January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2019. We included all patients aged over 15 years with infection after internal fixation or fusion whose files had been discussed in the multidisciplinary team meeting during the study period. Bone healing was screened for on X-ray or CT. Study data comprised type of fracture, smoking status, time to treatment for open fracture, initial surgery time, type of hardware, interval between fixation and revision, and type of irrigation. Functional results were assessed at follow-up: walking, pain, return to work and SF12 and QuickDASH scores. ResultsThe bone healing rate was 73.5% (50/68 patients) at a mean 24 weeks (range, 6–68 weeks).Time to revision did not significantly impact consolidation: 60% for 2 weeks (6/10 cases), 80% for 2−10 weeks (35/40 cases), and 64% for >10 weeks (9/14 cases) (p = 0.28). Smoking, longer initial surgery time and Gustilo type IIIb or IIIc were significant risks factors for non-consolidation. DiscussionBone consolidation under septic conditions with hardware retention adhering to an established medical and surgical protocol was reliable and straightforward, without extra morbidity. These findings are encouraging, and in line with the literature. We were unable to determine a time limit beyond which hardware prevented healing. Level of evidenceIV; descriptive epidemiological study.

Long-term follow-up in outpatients with mildly elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure on echocardiography: a single-centre retrospective cohort study in Shanghai, China

ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between mildly elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) on echocardiography and mortality, as well as long-term changes in PASP.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingShanghai, China, a single centre.ParticipantsA total...

Impact of COVID-19 on anti-HLA antibodies in kidney transplantation

The effects of COVID-19 on the immune profile of kidney transplant recipients are unknown. Immunosuppression adjustment during the illness can increase the risk for de novo donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies (DSA) and acute rejection episodes. This single-center retrospective study includes adult kidney transplant recipients diagnosed with COVID-19 between March 2020 and December 2022, screened for anti-HLA antibodies (AbHLA) pre-transplant and after COVID-19. Analyzed data comprised demographics, immunosuppressive therapy before and during the illness, hospitalization rate, and AbHLA specificity. Two hundred sixty-seven transplant recipients were included and divided according to the pre-transplant AbHLA profile: absent [PRA- (n = 206, 77%)], non-DSA (N = 46, 17%), and DSA+ (n = 15, 6%). The DSA+ group was younger (40.5 ± 16.5; PRA- 50.3 ± 13.4; non-DSA 49.3 ± 11.7 years; p = 0.02). The hospitalization rate was higher in groups with preformed AbHLA (DSA+ n = 8, 53%; non-DSA = 24, 52%; PRA- n = 54, 26%; p < 0.01). Immunosuppression was maintained in 222 (83%), withdrawn in 33 (12%), and reduced in 11 (4%) cases without difference among groups. Twenty-two (8%) cases of de novo DSA were observed after COVID-19 [PRA-, n = 16 (73%) and non-DSA, n = 6 (27%)]. In the DSA+ group, the AbHLA profile remained stable. There were 6 (2%) cases of post-COVID-19 antibody-mediated rejection (DSA+ n = 4, 66%; non-DSA n = 1, 17%, PRA- n = 1, 17%) without T cell-mediated rejection cases. Post-COVID-19 de novo DSA was more frequent in groups without pre-transplant AbHLA, not having association with changes in immunosuppressive therapy.

A Comparison of the Effects of Alcohol Abstinence and Drinking Habit on the Survival of Patients with Alcohol-related Cirrhosis: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Objective Abstaining from alcohol improves the outcome of alcohol-related cirrhosis. This study evaluated the effect of alcohol abstinence on the outcomes of patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis recruited from a core hospital in Boso Peninsula, Japan. Methods This single-center retrospective study recruited 116 patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis who were admitted to our department between April 2014 and October 2022. Taking the day of discharge as day 0, the patients were divided into two groups based on their subsequent behavior (abstinence/non-abstinence from alcohol). The study analysis included 98 patients after excluding 13 who died during hospitalization and 5 for whom follow-up at our hospital ended after discharge. We evaluated differences in the patient survival between the abstaining and drinking groups. Results The abstaining and drinking groups comprised 57 and 41 patients, respectively. We excluded from the analysis 10 and 6 patients with viable hepatocellular carcinoma in the abstaining and drinking groups, respectively. The findings revealed that the survival rate plateaued in the abstaining group from the third year onward, whereas the survival rate in the drinking group gradually decreased with time. Conclusion Our findings suggest that at least two years of alcohol abstinence is required to sustain the survival of patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis. The data collected by our hospital retrospectively demonstrated the importance of abstinence on a timescale of years of sustained abstinence.

Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy: 20-year experience from an Italian tertiary referral center.

Data on acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy (AHEI) are derived from small case series or case reports. We report a 20-year experience at a national referral center. We performed a single-center retrospective study including patients who were diagnosed with AHEI from January 1, 2004, to June 30, 2023. We identified 21 patients (57.1% females) with a median age of 18 months (range 7-33 months). Thirteen (61.9%) patients were admitted to the pediatric ward, the remaining eight (38.1%) presented to the emergency department and were discharged for outpatient management. The median length of hospitalization was 5 days (range 3-9 days). Twenty patients (95.2%) had prodromal symptoms. The most common cutaneous findings were targetoid purpuric plaques. The lesions were most localized on the face (13, 61.9%) and on the upper limbs (18 patients, 85.7%). Sixteen (76%) patients presented with nonpitting and tender edema, localized on the feet (9/16, 56%) and hands (6/16, 37.5%). Systemic involvement was rare, and no patients experienced complications or sequelae. Twelve (57.1%) patients underwent infectious disease investigations, with positive results in only four (33.3%). None of the patients diagnosed after the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak (March 2020) had positive nasopharyngeal swabs for the virus. For the 13 patients who were admitted to the pediatric ward, the median length of hospitalization was five days (3-9 days). The 21-patient single-center cohort of children affected by AHEI confirmed a generally benign course of AHEI, despite a 62% rate of hospitalization.

Evaluation of junctional zone differential and ratio as possible markers of clinical efficacy in uterine artery embolisation of adenomyosis

BackgroundUterine artery embolisation is a recommended method of adenomyosis treatment with good clinical results. Changes in uterine volume and maximal junctional zone thickness (JZmax) after embolisation are thoroughly analyzed in the literature. In contrast changes in other suggested morphological diagnostic markers of adenomyosis (junctional zone differential / JZdiff—and junctional zone ratio / JZratio) are rarely evaluated. This single-centre retrospective study aimed to analyse the changes in morphological parameters used for the MR imaging diagnosis of adenomyosis (including JZdiff and JZratio) after UAE. Clinical effectiveness and safety were also analysed.Materials and methodsPatients who underwent UAE for pure adenomyosis from Jan 2008 to Dec 2021 were evaluated. Adenomyosis was diagnosed based on JZmax, JZdiff, and JZratio measured on MR imaging. To assess clinical efficacy, the numerical-analog-quality-of-life (QoL) score was routinely obtained from patients at our centre. MRI morphological data were analysed. Statistical analysis was conducted using Wilcoxon signed-rank test, uni- and multivariate regression models, Pearson product-moment correlation, and Kruskal–Wallis tests.ResultsFrom our database of 801 patients who underwent UAE between Jan 2008 to Dec 2021, preprocedural MR images were available in 577 cases and, 15 patients had pure adenomyosis (15/577, 2.6%). Uterine volume, JZmax, and JZdiff decreased significantly after UAE; QoL score increased significantly. A significant correlation was found between QoL change vs. JZmax and JZdiff change. Permanent amenorrhoea and elective hysterectomy 5 years after UAE were both 7.1%.ConclusionChange of JZdiff after UAE in adenomyosis is a potential marker of clinical success. UAE is a clinically safe and effective treatment for adenomyosis.Graphical

Impact of Leaflet-to-Annulus Index on Residual Regurgitation Following Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair of the Tricuspid Valve.

Background: The mismatch between tricuspid valve (TV) leaflet length and annulus dilation, assessed with the septal-lateral leaflet-to-annulus index (SL-LAI), predicts residual tricuspid regurgitation (TR) following tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge-repair (T-TEER). When posterior leaflet grasping is required, the anterior-posterior leaflet-to-annulus index (AP-LAI) may offer additional information. Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study included all patients referred for T-TEER with severe and symptomatic TR with high surgical risk from April 2021 to March 2024. Patients were categorized into 'optimal result' (<moderate TR) or 'suboptimal result' (≥moderate TR) groups. The SL-LAI and AP-LAI were calculated using pre-procedural transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) measurements. Results: Of the 25 patients, 12 had suboptimal post-procedural results, while 13 showed optimal outcomes. The optimal result group showed a higher prevalence of type IIIA-IIIB TV morphology (85% vs. 45%, p < 0.05), a wider SL annulus diameter (42.5 ± 5 vs. 37 ± 5 mm, p < 0.05), and a longer posterior leaflet length (28 ± 4 vs. 22 ± 5 mm, p < 0.01). The SL-LAI was lower in the optimal group (1 ± 0.2 vs. 1.2 ± 0.32, p < 0.05), while the AP-LAI was higher (0.7 ± 0.1 vs. 0.5 ± 0.2, p < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC for the AP-LAI was 0.769 (95% CI 0.51-0.93, p < 0.05) and Youden test identified the best cut-off value <0.5 (sensitivity 50% and specificity 100%) for a suboptimal result. The SL-LAI showed a very low AUC in predicting suboptimal results (0.245, 95% CI 0.08-0.47). Comparing the two ROC curves, we showed that AUC difference is significant with the AP-LAI showing the best association with the outcome (p = 0.01). Conclusions: The AP-LAI and SL-LAI can help in predicting post T-TEER results, ameliorating patients' outcomes and avoiding futile procedures.

Association between protein intake and functional capacity in critically ill patients: A retrospective cohort study.

Intensive care unit (ICU) protein benchmarks are based on mortality and morbidity; whether these targets also support functional recovery is unknown. We assessed whether different protein doses influenced patients' functional capacity, measured by the Chelsea Physical Assessment score (CPAx). Single-center retrospective cohort study on ICU survivors with length of stay ≥7 days admitted between October 2014 and September 2020. Eligible patients were divided according to protein intake (g/kg/day): low (<0.8), medium (0.8-1.19), high (1.2-1.5), and very high (>1.5). Protein dose effect on CPAx was assessed at ICU discharge with analysis of covariance adjusting for age, illness severity, hospital length of stay before ICU admission, time to start nutrition support, and mechanical ventilation duration. We also investigated effect modification by energy intake and nutrition status. Enrolled patients (n = 531) were similar for age, nutrition status, and illness severity across groups. CPAxs were nonlinearly associated with protein doses and similar among low, medium, and very high groups. The CPAx for the high group was statistically different (P = 0.014), indicating that the data of three groups could be pooled. Mean CPAx difference remained statistically significant after adjusting for confounding variables (3.9 ± 1.8, P = 0.029 in the four-group model, and 2.7 ± 0.9, P = 0.003 in the pooled two-group model). Energy intake was equivalent between groups and did not modify CPAx. The high group had superior CPAx in both well-nourished and malnourished patients, indicating nutrition status was not an effect modifier. Protein dose 1.2-1.5 g/kg/day was associated with superior functional capacity at ICU discharge compared with other doses. Neither energy intake nor nutrition status modified functional capacity across groups; therefore, the results appear to be influenced by 1.2-1.5 g/kg/day.