Single-institution Cohort Study Research Articles

Obesity Impacts the Likelihood of Symptom Resolution in Patients with Esophagogastric Junction Outflow Obstruction.

Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) is an esophageal motility disorder characterised by an elevated integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) with preserved peristalsis. Most functional EGJOO symptoms are self-limiting. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors associated with non-resolution of symptoms for functional EGJOO. A retrospective single institution cohort study was performed on patients diagnosed with functional EGJOO on high-resolution manometry (HRM). Clinical, demographic, endoscopic and imaging parameters were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with reduced likelihood of symptom resolution. Time to symptom resolution was then plotted on a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Over a 5-year period, 53 patients (41.5% male, 58.5% female) were diagnosed with functional EGJOO. The median age, body mass index and IRP at 4s were 47.0years (interquartile range (IQR): 36.0-58.0), 23.3kg/m2 (IQR: 20.9-26.5) and 39.9mmHg (IQR: 28.6-52.3) respectively. Dysphagia and atypical chest pain accounted for 36.5% and 21.2% of symptoms respectively. On the univariate analysis, obesity (p = 0.002), heartburn (p = 0.098) and lack of epigastric pain (p = 0.090) were potentially correlated with failure of symptom resolution. In the multivariate analysis, only obesity (OR 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02-0.77; p = 0.026) was significantly associated with reduced likelihood of symptom resolution for EGJOO. On the survival analysis, 87.2% of non-obese patients, in contrast 37.5% of obese patients reported symptom resolution at up to 41-month follow-up period (p = 0.039). Patients with obesity are at an increased likelihood of having persistent symptoms. This association appeared to persist for patients with both manometric and clinically relevant EGJOO.

Outcomes of internal fixation with Femoral Neck System (FNS) for intracapsular femoral neck fractures

Abstract Background: Internal fixation of hip fractures is associated with high reoperation rates. This study investigated the reoperation rates after internal fixation with the femoral neck system (FNS). Materials and Methods: A single-institution cohort study was conducted on patients aged 18 years or older who sustained intracapsular femoral neck fractures and underwent internal fixation with a fixed-angle implant. Surgeons, patients, and investigators were not blinded. The primary outcome was any hip reoperation at the final follow-up. Secondary outcomes were to characterize a cohort of patients regarding demographics, fracture classification, intraoperative findings, postoperative fracture complications and union rates, and postoperative pain. Results: This study found that internal fixation with FNS for intracapsular femoral neck fractures was associated with a 23% rate of revision surgery. Of the initial 94 patients who received FNS internal fixation, 44 patients were included for analysis; of those, 10 patients underwent revision surgery. Patients had a 22% rate of in-hospital medical adverse events with a 30-day readmission rate of 9%. Increasing body mass index was associated with increased revision rates (P = 0.037). Patients who sustained displaced femoral neck fractures had a significant decrease in SF-12 Mental Health Composite, SF-12 Physical Health Composite, and quality-of-life subscale scores. Conclusions: The FNS is a viable alternative for internal fixation of intracapsular femoral neck fractures. The observed rate of revision after internal fixation was comparable with previously published outcomes following fixation with cannulated screws and sliding hip screws. Level of Evidence: Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

Hip Arthroscopy for Labral Tears and FAI is Associated with a High Rate of Return to Play for Professional American Football Athletes, A Literature Review.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) with labral tear is an increasingly recognized source of hip pain and lost playing time in elite athletes, yet data pertaining to professional American football athletes remains scarce. Prognostic recommendations are largely limited to single-institution cohort studies. To date, no large-scale literature review of surgical treatment of FAI in elite American football athletes has been performed. This review article reports the prevalence, return to play, performance outcomes, and career longevity following hip arthroscopy in professional American football athletes across all orthopedic literature between 2004-2024. We hypothesize high rates of return to sport (> 85%) to the same competition level and no differences in career longevity or postoperative performance. In the last 20years, 8 studies have reported outcomes following hip arthroscopy in NFL athletes; no outcomes have been reported since the 2017 season. Return to play ranged from 79-93% and time to return ranged between 6.0-7.4months. Offensive lineman returned at the lowest rate among all position groups. There were no differences in postoperative performance or career length compared to age-matched controls. There is high rate of return to professional American football after hip arthroscopy for labral tear and/or FAI with no differences in performance or career longevity compared to control groups. Offensive lineman undergoing hip arthroscopy return to same-level competition at a lower rate compared to other football positions.

Evaluation and Treatment of Acute Laryngeal Injury at Time of Tracheostomy for Prolonged Intubation.

The primary objective was to assess incidence and severity of acute laryngeal injury (ALgI) following intubation at time of tracheostomy using a proposed grading scale. The secondary objective was to evaluate what factors influence the rate of decannulation. Single institution cohort study with review of prospectively maintained database including patients from October 2021 to October 2022 who underwent tracheostomy for prolonged intubation/critical illness. Severity of ALgI was graded as mild, moderate, or severe based on intraoperative endoscopic findings (laryngeal mucosal ulceration and/or granulation tissue). Rates of tracheostomy decannulation were collected as the secondary outcome measure. Twenty-eight patients met criteria for inclusion. About 60.7% (n = 17) patients were female. Average age was 59.0 ± 13.2 years old. Average body mass index was 32.3 ± 14.0 kg/m2. The most common endotracheal tube size was 7.5 (range = 6.0-8.0) inner diameter (ID) for men and 7.0 (range = 5.5-8.0) ID for women. Average Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was 4.8 ± 2.4. Length of intubation was 15.7 ± 6.5 days (range = 5-30). Direct laryngoscopy at the time of tracheostomy demonstrated ALgI in 92.8% (n = 26) of patients. This was graded as mild (25.0%, n = 7), moderate (42.9%, n = 12), or severe (25.0%, n = 7). Severe ALgI was correlated with a reduced rate of tracheostomy decannulation compared to no/mild/moderate ALgI (28.5% vs 81.2%, P = .04). ALgI is highly prevalent in patients undergoing tracheostomy for prolonged intubation. Severe injury is associated with reduced rates of decannulation. Direct laryngoscopy at time of tracheostomy is warranted to diagnose ALgI and guide interventions. Determining the extent of laryngeal injury is prognostic and could help tailor follow-up and management strategies. 4.

Implementation of structured radiology reporting and its associated accuracy in comparison to pancreas multi-disciplinary clinic expert radiology review.

To evaluate the feasibility of implementation of structured reporting in the setting of a high-volume pancreatic multidisciplinary clinic (PMDC) and to assess its value by comparing the accuracy of structured reports with expert imaging reviews. A single institutional prospective cohort study was conducted during March 2022 to May 2024 to understand the feasibility of implementation of structured reporting (SR) for all patients who were seen in our weekly PMDC. Descriptive and regression analyses were performed to find an association between SR and difference in vascular involvement of the primary pancreatic tumor between the radiology report and expert radiologist review (gold standard) during PMDC. Among 466 patients seen in the PMDC, 426 (91.4%) had reports generated prior to PMDC. Of this, 294 reports met the inclusion criteria. The usage of SR increased from 58.3% in Mar 2022 to 87.8% in June 2024. Majority of the reports that used SR (n = 226, 76.9%), were performed for initial staging (n = 197, 67.0%) of PC. The median years of experience of reading radiologists that used non-SR was 14 (IQR: 8-27) years, while it was 9 (IQR -9-15) years for those who used SR (p = 0.030). Of note, as compared to the radiology report, increased vascular involvement was noted in PMDC review 62.5% (20 out of 32) of the time with non-SRs, whereas increased vascular involvement during PMDC review was noted in only 36.6% (48 out of 132) of the time with SRs. On multivariable analysis, using SR lowered the odds of increase in vascular involvement during PMDC review by 0.29 times (95CIs 0.11-0.79; p = 0.015). SR is feasible and superior to the free-text reporting with respect to the accuracy of peri-pancreatic vascular involvement. While its use cannot replace the PMDC radiology review, it can nonetheless be an indispensable tool in clinical management, particularly in a non-PMDC setting.

Use and Disuse of Catheterizable Channels as the Primary Method of Emptying the Neuropathic Bladder: A Single Institutional Cohort Study.

We aimed to assess long-term use of continent catheterizable urinary channels (CCCs) and explore potential risk factors of disuse. People undergoing appendicovesicostomy and Monti procedures at our institution were retrospectively reviewed (1991-2023). The main outcome was CCC disuse (not intermittently catheterizing channels as the primary method of bladder emptying). Cox regression was used. Five hundred sixty-one people (46% male, 57% shunted, 72% spina bifida) met inclusion criteria (244 appendicovesicostomy, 317 Monti; 69% right lower quadrant [RLQ]). Channels were created at a median age of 8 years (median follow-up: 11 years, 78% self-catheterized). Overall, 76 people disused their channels. The most common reasons for disuse were nonmechanical (64%). After disuse, 46% underwent incontinent diversion. After correcting for differential follow-up, 89% of people still used their channels at 10 years and 81% at 20 years. When analyzing all disused channels in patients reaching adulthood on multivariable analysis, channels catheterized by others had 3.78 times the risk of disuse compared with self-catheterized channels (P < .001); RLQ channels were 1.06 times more likely to be disused than umbilical channels (P = .02). For channels disused for nonmechanical reasons, catheterization by others, not attending transition clinic, and RLQ stoma were independently associated with disuse (P ≤ .04). No variables were associated with disuse for mechanical reasons (P ≥ .22). Most people with CCCs use them on long-term follow-up. One percent stopped using them annually. People who never self-catheterized, never attended transition clinic, or never had RLQ stomas were at higher risk of channel disuse, particularly because of nonmechanical reasons.

Cancer cachexia and weight loss before CAR T-cell therapy for lymphoma are independently associated with poor outcomes

AbstractChimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has transformed the care of lymphoma, yet many patients relapse. Several prognostic markers have been associated with CAR T-cell outcomes, such as tumor burden, response to bridging chemotherapy, and laboratory parameters at the time of lymphodepletion or infusion. The effect of cancer cachexia and weight loss before CAR T cells on toxicity and outcomes is not well understood. Here, we present a retrospective single-institution cohort study of 259 patients with lymphoma treated with CAR T cells between 2017 and 2023. We observed that patients with >5% decrease in their body mass index in the 3 months preceding CAR T-cell treatment (weight loss group; all meeting one of the commonly accepted definitions of cancer cachexia) had higher disease burden and inflammatory parameters (C-reactive protein, ferritin, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor α) at the time of lymphodepletion and CAR T-cell infusion. Patients with weight loss experienced higher rates of grade 3+ neurotoxicity and early hematotoxicity, but those effects were not seen upon multivariable adjustment. However, in both univariate and multivariable analysis, patients with weight loss had worse response rates, overall survival, and event-free survival, indicating that weight loss is an independent poor prognostic factor. Our data suggest that weight loss in the 3 months preceding CAR T-cell therapy represents a worrisome “alarm signal” and a potentially modifiable factor, alongside tumor burden and inflammation, and warrants further investigation in patients treated with CAR T-cell therapy.

Can Ki-67 serve as a suitable marker to indicate the necessity of staging diagnostics in cases of low-risk breast cancer?

For many years, staging tests have not been routinely employed for low-risk early breast cancer (EBC). However, the role of Ki-67 in determining the need for staging tests in low-risk EBC remains unclear. Our study aimed to assess the number and types of staging diagnostics, additional imaging, false-positive results, and rate of distant metastases in low-risk EBC with low and high Ki-67 (< / ≥ 25%). This is a retrospective, single institution cohort study. All patients with newly diagnosed low-risk breast cancer at the University Medical Center in Freiburg in 2017 and 2021 were included. Low-risk was defined as clinical tumor stage T1/2, node negative (N0), hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative, asymptomatic EBC. Information on demographics, clinical and pathological characteristics, as well as number and type of performed staging diagnostics was obtained. Rate and type of additional imaging or follow-up diagnostics due to suspicious findings was analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups (Ki-67 < and ≥ 25%) and rates of distant metastases, performed staging diagnostics and false positive rates were compared. A total of 189 patients with low-risk EBC were identified, with 54% (n = 102) having Ki-67 < 25% and 46% (n = 87) having Ki-67 ≥ 25%. Risk for distant metastases was 0% in Ki-67 < 25% and 1.1% in patients with Ki-67 ≥ 25% (p = 0.46). Due to suspicious findings in the initial staging diagnostic, additional imaging was required for 11.8% (n = 12) of patients with Ki-67 < 25% compared to 19.5% (n = 17) of patients with Ki-67 ≥ 25% (p = 0.16). False positive rates did not differ significantly between the two groups (7.6% in Ki-67 < 25% vs. 9.8% in Ki-67 ≥ 25%; p = 0.55). Distant metastases are rare in low-risk EBC. All in all, staging diagnostics should not be routinely employed in this patient population. Only patients with high Ki-67 developed distant metastases. In these cases, staging diagnostics may be discussed with the patient.

Real-World Assessment of the Efficacy of Computer-Assisted Diagnosis in Colonoscopy: A Single Institution Cohort Study in Singapore

ObjectiveTo review the efficacy and accuracy of the GI Genius Intelligent Endoscopy Module Computer-Assisted Diagnosis (CADx) program in colonic adenoma detection and real-time polyp characterization. Patients and MethodsColonoscopy remains the gold standard in colonic screening and evaluation. The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) technology therefore allows for optimized endoscopic performance. However, validation of most CADx programs with real-world data remains scarce. This prospective cohort study was conducted within a single Singaporean institution between April 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023. Videos of all AI-enabled colonoscopies were reviewed with polyp-by-polyp analysis performed. Real-time polyp characterization predictions after sustained polyp detection were compared against final histology results to assess the accuracy of the CADx system at colonic adenoma identification. ResultsA total of 808 videos of CADx colonoscopies were reviewed. Out of the 781 polypectomies performed, 543 (69.5%) and 222 (28.4%) were adenomas and non-adenomas on final histology, respectively. Overall, GI Genius correctly characterized adenomas with 89.4% sensitivity, 61.7% specificity, a positive predictive value of 85.4%, a negative predictive value of 69.8%, and 81.5% accuracy. The negative predictive value for rectosigmoid lesions (80.3%) was notably higher than for colonic lesions (54.2%), attributed to the increased prevalence of hyperplastic rectosigmoid polyps (11.4%) vs other colonic regions (5.4%). ConclusionComputer-Assisted Diagnosis is therefore a promising adjunct in colonoscopy with substantial clinical implications. Accurate identification of low-risk non-adenomatous polyps encourages the adoption of “resect-and-discard” strategies. However, further calibration of AI systems is needed before the acceptance of such strategies as the new standard of care.

Single- Versus Triple-Agent Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy for Retinoblastoma

To compare the ocular and systemic outcomes of single- (melphalan) versus triple-agent (melphalan, topotecan, carboplatin) intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) for retinoblastoma (RB) eye salvage. Retrospective single-institutional clinical cohort study. Children <18 years with RB who underwent one or more IAC procedures between 2016 and 2024 with minimum 6-month follow-up were reviewed. Data included clinical features, IAC procedural details, additional eye-saving treatments, complications, and follow-up. Primary outcomes included ocular and systemic complications of IAC, intraocular recurrence, extraocular extension, metastasis, and death. Secondary outcomes were tumor response, ocular survival, and recurrence-free ocular survival. Comparative analysis was performed for single- versus triple-agent groups. A SWIMMERrb plot graphically illustrated additional treatments following IAC. Thirty-eight eyes of 37 children (24 unilateral RB) were reviewed. Two eyes (2 children) had single- followed by multi-agent IAC and were excluded. Of 35 included children, one had bilateral triple-agent IAC. IAC (median, 3 doses; range, 1-4) was employed as primary (n=21 eyes) or secondary (n=15 eyes) treatment. Chemotherapy was single-agent in 13 eyes and triple-agent in 23 eyes. Following IAC, 25 eyes required additional eye-saving treatments (69% single- v 70% triple-agent, p=0.983). At final follow-up, the triple-agent group was more likely to achieve very good partial or complete tumor response (91% v 62%, p=0.030). Two-year recurrence-free ocular survival was 63.3% (95% CI 45.7-80.9), similar for both groups (p=0.700). Globe salvage was 72%. Two-year ocular survival was 72.2% (95% CI 57.2-87.2), higher for the triple-agent group (82.6% v 53.8%; p=0.059). Ocular complications occurred in 31% of eyes in the single- and 52% of eyes in the triple-agent group (p=0.215). The rate of systemic complications was 38% v 74% in the single- versus triple-agent groups, respectively (p=0.036). No extraocular extension, metastasis, or death were observed at median 34.2 months (range, 14.5-87.0) follow-up. Triple-agent IAC was associated with improved RB tumor response and ocular survival, though similar recurrence-free ocular survival compared to single-agent. While there were more complications with triple-agent IAC, most were mild or transient.

Medical education during the COVID-19 pandemic: An online-only course can achieve good to medium psychomotor skill level of basic head and neck examination

Background/ObjectivesNew teaching methods are warranted to meet the demand for increased flexibility in medical education while making optimal use of the limited resources of educators. The COVID-19 pandemic forced universities to resort to online-only teaching, even for training of psychomotor skills. The objectives of this study were: (I) to investigate the performance of students without previous experience in ear, nose and throat (ENT) examination after completing an asynchronous online teaching course in an objective standardized clinical examination (OSCE) and (II) to evaluate the degree of over- and underestimation of their abilities. MethodsThe study was designed as a prospective, single-institution medical education cohort study. Medical students (n = 54; 3rd/4th year, no previous head and neck examination skills) completed a comprehensive online training for basic head and neck examination skills 1–14 days before undergoing an OSCE on 5 different examination items (cervical lymph node examination, oral/oropharyngeal examination, otoscopy, Weber/Rinne hearing test, anterior rhinoscopy). Expert-evaluated theoretical knowledge and practical abilities were measured using Likert scales (1 = high proficiency to 5 = low proficiency). Participants self-evaluated their own skills before and after the OSCE (5-point Likert scales). ResultsStudents achieved an overall good to medium skill level in basic head and neck examination after online training. Increased psychomotor complexity of tasks contributed to worse performance. Expert evaluation of practical skills was better in male participants and those who rated their preparation as thorough. Low/no misjudgment (discrepancy between self- and expert-evaluation) was observed in most participants, while high discrepancy levels (strong misjudgment) were mainly attributable to the students’ underestimation of their own abilities. ConclusionsOnline training of head and neck examination skills is a cost- and resource-efficient introduction to skill training and was inevitable during the pandemic. However, it cannot replace practical hands-on training, especially in tasks with high psychomotor requirements. Refresher-courses could compensate for cancelled skill training during the pandemic.

Parameters to assess the necessity of adjuvant therapy for early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma.

One-third of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas are early-stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas (OCSCC). Despite a high curative rate, 20% of early-stage OCSCC patients do not achieve long-term survival. This study evaluates the role of adjuvant therapy (ADJ) in delaying disease progression and prolonging survival. This single-institute retrospective cohort study enrolled 481 early-stage OCSCC patients, 16% (78/481) of whom received ADJ. It was reported according to the STROBE guidelines. Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were employed to identify suitable candidates for ADJ. The 5-year locoregional recurrence-free survival (LR-RFS) and overall survival rates were 73.2% and 84.9%, respectively. Positive margins and advanced depth of invasion (DOI) were independent predictors of LR-RFS. For patients with positive margins, adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) was superior to adjuvant radiotherapy alone in improving LR-RFS (hazard ratios for adjuvant CRT vs. none, 0.042; adjuvant radiotherapy alone vs. none, 0.702). Excluding positive margins, advanced DOI was the most critical factor in assessing the need for ADJ. Positive margins and advanced DOI were more appropriate criteria than EORTC 22931/RTOG 9501 for evaluating adjuvant CRT. Adjuvant CRT was indicated for patients with positive margins and advanced DOI to improve survival outcomes.

Impact of slit compared with nonslit mesh in laparoscopic groin hernia repairs—A comprehensive propensity score analysis of a cohort of 611 hernias

BackgroundThe slit-mesh technique for laparoscopic groin hernia repair remains controversial. We present the largest cohort of patients to date that have undergone laparoscopic hernia repair with this technique and aim to evaluate the impact of both techniques on postoperative recurrence and other secondary outcomes. MethodsA retrospective, single-institution cohort study of patients who underwent a laparoscopic groin hernia repair over a 5.5-year period was performed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with recurrence, chronic pain, complications, length of stay, and operative time. A propensity score analysis also was performed. Time to recurrence was then subsequently plotted on a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. ResultsIn total, 611 laparoscopic groin hernia repairs (nonslit: n = 353; slit: n = 258) were reviewed. Mean follow-up duration was 6.6 months. On the multivariate analysis, body mass index was inversely correlated with recurrence (odds ratio, 0.792; 95% confidence interval, 0.656–0.956), whereas a slit mesh had lower recurrence (odds ratio, 0.228; 95% confidence interval, 0.064–0.809). In the propensity score–adjusted analysis, slit mesh remained significantly associated with reduced recurrence (adjusted odds ratio, 0.251; 95% confidence interval, 0.070–0.900), with no differences in chronic pain (adjusted odds ratio, 1.297; 95% confidence interval, 0.275–6.128) or postoperative complications (adjusted odds ratio, 1.808; 95% confidence interval, 0.429–7.620). Operative time also was reduced in the slit-mesh group (P = .009). ConclusionsThe slit-mesh technique was associated with a reduced likelihood of postoperative recurrence and shorter operative time, with no impact on postoperative chronic pain or complications. A lower body mass index was also correlated with increased likelihood of postoperative recurrence.

The U-shaped association between age at diagnosis and recurrence in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma: A retrospective single-institution cohort study

PurposeAge is a significant predictor of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). At present, the available evidence shows that age at diagnosis has an important impact on the recurrence of PTC. The objective of our investigation was to examine the relationship between age at diagnosis and recurrence in patients with PTC. MethodsThe medical records of patients with PTC who were treated between January 2010 and December 2018 at a single institute in a cancer referral center in China were retrospectively reviewed. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for recurrence-free survival (RFS), locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were assessed using Cox proportional hazard models and restricted cubic splines (RCSs). ResultsA total of 13758 patients were included in the study. With a median follow-up of 60 months (range 12–277), a total of 687 patients experienced recurrence, and 90 patients died. The 5-year RFS, LRRFS and DMFS rates were 95.0 % (95 % CI 94.6%–95.4 %), 95.8 % (95 % CI 95.4%–96.2 %) and 98.8 % (95 % CI 98.6%–99.0 %), respectively. The adjusted smooth RCS curves revealed a U-shaped association between age at diagnosis and RFS, LRRFS, and DMFS. After adjusting for potential confounding variables, both younger (≤30 years) and older (≥55 years) patients exhibited significantly lower RFS and LRRFS rates than did middle-aged patients (31–54 years). Older patients had significantly lower DMFS rates. ConclusionsThis study confirmed a U-shaped association between age at diagnosis and the risk of both locoregional recurrence and distant metastasis.

Association of human papillomavirus genotype andphylogenic clade with oropharyngeal cancer outcomes.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)+ oropharynx cancer (OPC) has a more favorable prognosis than HPV-negative disease, but the impact of specific HPV genotype and phylogenic clade on patient outcomes is not well understood and has profound implications for treatment de-intensification. The objective of this single-institution cohort study was to investigate the association of HPV genotype (16 vs high-risk non-16) and clade (A9 vs A7) with OPC outcomes. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) in patients with M0 disease treated with curative intent. The cohort included 598 patients (87% HPV16, 98% A9). Compared to those with HPV16 OPC, individuals with non-HPV16 OPC had a higher age, comorbidity index, and proportion of non-whites, HIV+ patients, T4 tumors, and stage IV disease (AJCC 7th edition). Non-HPV16 genotype was associated with worse OS in univariate (HR = 2.17, 95% CI, 1.24-3.80, P = .0066), but not in multivariate analysis (HRadj = 0.84, 95% CI, 0.43-1.62, P = .5921). A7 clade was associated with worse OS in univariate (HR = 4.42, 95% CI, 1.60-12.30, P = .0041), but not in multivariate analysis (HRadj = 2.39, 95% CI, 0.57-9.99, P = .2325). Neither HPV genotype (HR = 1.60, 95% CI, 0.99-2.60, P = .0566) nor phylogenic clade (HR = 2.47, 95% CI, 0.91-6.72, P = .0761) was associated with EFS. Non-HPV16 genotype and A7 clade were associated with worse OS and trended toward worse EFS in univariate analyses. The survival differences were more pronounced by phylogenic clade than by HPV16 status, suggesting that the former may be a more useful classification for future studies. However, neither HPV16 status nor phylogenic clade was prognostic when adjusting for patient and tumor covariates, raising the question as to whether possible differences in outcomes are related to distinct clinical profiles rather than inherent viral properties.

Adherence to national Lynch syndrome testing guidelines for colorectal cancer in an Aotearoa New Zealand hospital-based population.

Lynch syndrome (LS) is estimated to affect 1-3.9% of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Testing for LS is important in determining management and establishing surveillance for "Lynch families". Previous studies have identified poor rates of testing for LS in CRC patients. This study aimed to describe adherence to guidelines for testing of newly diagnosed CRC for LS. A single institution cohort study of patients over 18 years with colorectal adenocarcinoma from 2018-2022 in Te Tai Tokerau, Aotearoa New Zealand was conducted. Rates of baseline immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing for mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency, further testing for MLH1-deficient cases and rates of germline mutational analysis were audited to determine adherence to national guidelines. The rate of LS in newly diagnosed CRC was estimated. Six hundred and sixty patients were eligible for universal testing for LS, of which 84% (n=553) completed initial IHC testing. MMR deficiency was reported in 20% (n=114) cases. Eighty-nine percent (n=101) was attributable to MLH1 deficiency, of which 99% (n=100) were appropriately tested for BRAF-V600E mutation. Sixty-four percent (4/11) patients indicated for hypermethylation testing were appropriately tested. Seventeen patients had an indication for germline mutational analysis, of which only 29% (n=5) were tested. The estimated incidence of LS in newly diagnosed CRC was 0.7-3.8%. Compliance with initial IHC testing was good. However, there is a need to improve rates of confirmation genetic testing. The incidence of confirmed LS in this study is 0.7%, however this may be as high as 3.9%.

Differences at Index Surgery in Operative Complexity and Residual Disease for Earlier and Later Repeat Lumbar Surgery.

Retrospective review, single-institution cohort studies. To compare patients with earlier (i.e. <1.5y) and later (i.e. >1.5y) repeat lumbar surgery to patients with no repeat surgery according to clinical characteristics at index surgery. Grouping patients as earlier or later repeat surgery may reveal different associations when compared to patients with no repeat surgery. Patients undergoing index surgery for diverse conditions reported preoperative demographic/clinical variables, including comorbidity and depressive symptoms. Extent (i.e. complexity) of surgery was assigned based on a valid index that included decompression, fusion and instrumentation. Co-existing disease at non-operated levels was ascertained from imaging reports. Postoperative records of all medical visits up to the time of this study (12y) were reviewed for repeat surgery. Patients were grouped as earlier (<1.5y) or later surgery (≥1.5y) and compared to patients with no repeat surgery in separate multivariable analyses. Among 1,334 patients (51% men, mean age 59), 82% did not have repeat surgery, 7% had earlier and 11% had later repeat surgery. Compared to no surgery, earlier surgery was associated with more comorbidity (OR 1.7, CI 1.1-2.6, P=0.02), positive depression screen (OR 1.9, CI 1.2-2.9, P=0.006), opioid use (OR 1.8, CI 1.2-2.8, P=0.008), and greater extent of index surgery (OR 1.1, CI 1.0-1.1, P=0.0009). Compared to no surgery, later surgery was associated with pre-index lumbar surgery (OR 1.9, CI 1.3-2.8, P=0.0005) and disease at non-operated levels at index surgery (OR 1.6, CI 1.0-2.4, P=0.05). Earlier surgeries were more likely to involve only the same vertebra as index surgery (51% vs. 16%) and later surgeries were more likely to involve only other levels (5% vs. 36%, P=0.01). Earlier and later repeat lumbar surgeries differed in complexity and residual disease compared to no repeat surgery. These findings have implications for patient counseling regarding short and long-term postoperative spine health.

Serial Range of Motion and Grip Strength Measurements, Patient-Reported Outcomes, and Radiographic Thresholds Associated With Less Satisfactory Outcomes After Low-Energy Distal Radius Fracture in Women Aged 50 Years and Older

To document the change of clinical (wrist motion and grip strength) measurements and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) scores at 9 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months after distal radius fracture (DRF) in women 50 years and older with exclusively isolated, displaced, and low-energy DRFs treated by either closed and/or open reduction and to relate these outcomes to their radiographic results. In this retrospective single-institution cohort study, patients' post-DRF clinical measurements and PRWE scores were prospectively collected from December 2007 through September 2018 and stratified according to their final radiographic values of volar/dorsal tilt, ulnar variance, and radial inclination. Of the 1,319 women identified, 1,126 (85%) were treated nonsurgically, and 193 (15%) were treated operatively. At 12 months, patients averaged restoration (ratio of injured and uninjured sides' values) of 96% pronation, 95% extension, 91% supination, 81% flexion, and 80% (77% nondominant, 85% dominant) grip strength. The mean PRWE score was 39.5 at week 9 and 14.4 at 12 months with 54% of patients scoring <10 and 13% scoring zero. The mean volar/dorsal tilt, ulnar variance, and radial inclination values in those treated nonsurgically were 1.4° dorsal,+3.9 mm, and 18.0°, respectively. Analogous values in patients treated surgically were 6° volar,+2.6 mm, and 22°, respectively. Volar tilt ≥25°, dorsal tilt >10°, ulnar variance >+7.5 mm, and radial inclination ≤13° were thresholds beyond which motion and grip strength were reduced and/or PRWE scores increased. In general, older patients experienced more residual deformity and were less likely to have undergone surgery. Generally, outcomes were satisfactory for patients with radiographic results within identified thresholds for acceptable fracture reduction. Outcomes were significantly less favorable for patients with radiographic results beyond these thresholds; for these patients, early surgical intervention should be considered. Low-energy DRFs should prompt bone density investigation. Therapeutic 2b.

Higher incidence of venous thromboembolism associated with increasing lines of treatment in heavily treated ovarian cancer patients

ObjectiveOvarian cancer is associated with a high rate of venous thromboembolism. Our objective is to report the incidence of venous thromboembolism in recurrent ovarian cancer, assess the impact on morbidity...

Low-Dose Enteric-Coated and Chewable Aspirin Are Not Equally Effective in Preventing Venous Thromboembolism in Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundLow-dose aspirin is an effective venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylactic medication in primary total joint arthroplasty, but the efficacy and safety of the formulations of chewable and enteric-coated aspirin have not been compared. The purpose of this study was to investigate the VTE and gastrointestinal (GI) complication rates of chewable and enteric-coated 81 mg aspirin bis in die for VTE prophylaxis in primary total joint arthroplasty. MethodsA retrospective, single-institution cohort study was performed on patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) from 2017 to 2021. Comparisons were made between 4,844 patients who received chewable, noncoated aspirin 81 mg and 4,388 patients who received enteric-coated 81 mg aspirin. Power analysis demonstrated 1,978 and 3,686 patients were needed per group to achieve a power of 80% for 90-day VTE rates (using inferiority testing) and GI complications (using superiority testing), respectively. Patients had similar baseline characteristics. Statistical analyses were done using t-tests and Chi-squared tests, with statistical significance defined as a P value < .05. ResultsThere were no significant differences in the incidences of postoperative VTE (0.31% versus 0.55%; P = .111) or GI complications (0.14% versus 0.14%; P = 1.000) between patients who received either chewable or enteric-coated 81 mg aspirin bis in die in the overall comparison that included both THA and TKA patients combined, or THA patients alone. However, the VTE incidence for TKA patients alone was significantly lower with chewable than enteric-coated aspirin (0.22% versus 0.62%; P = .037), with no difference in GI complications (0.13% versus 0.19%; P = .277). ConclusionsLow-dose aspirin in enteric-coated formulation is inferior to chewable aspirin for VTE prophylaxis in primary TKA, but not inferior in THA patients. Both formulations have a similar GI complication rate. Therefore, it is reasonable to consider a transition from enteric-coated to uncoated chewable low-dose aspirin.