Statistical Difference In Outcome Research Articles

Clinical Efficacy of Therapy with Recombinant Human Interferon α1b in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease with Enterovirus 71 Infection.

A rapid expansion of HFMD with enterovirus 71 infection outbreaks has occurred and caused deaths in recent years in China, but no vaccine or antiviral drug is currently available for EV71 infection. This study aims to provide treatment programs for HFMD patients. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial and evaluated clinical efficacy of therapy with rHuIFN-α1b in HFMD patients with EV71 infection. There were statistical differences in outcomes including the fever clearance time, healing time of typical skin or oral mucosa lesions, and EV71 viral load of the HFMD patients among ultrasonic aerosol inhalation group, intramuscular injection group and control group. rHuIFN-α1b therapy reduced the fever clearance time, healing time of typical skin or oral mucosa lesions, and EV71 viral load in children with HFMD.Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-TRC-14005153

IHC-breast cancer subtypes of invasive ductal carcinoma with predominant intraductal component as an insignificant prognostic factor: A register-based study from Korea

Abstract Background Invasive ductal carcinoma with predominant intraductal component (DCIS-IDC) has a favorable survival outcome. However, whether subtypes of DCIS-IDC have prognostic significance remains unknown. We assessed the prognostic value of immunohistochemical subtypes in DCIS-IDC compared with DCIS or IDC without predominant intraductal component. Methods We retrospectively studied 37,049 early breast cancer patients enrolled in the Korean Breast Cancer Registry between January 1993 and February 2011. We categorized DCIS, DCIS-IDC and IDC by estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expressions, such as luminal A, B, HER2 and Triple negative breast cancer(TNBC). Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to estimate associations between subtypes and survival. Results In total, 8346 patients (26.3%) had DCIS, 20,427 (64.4%) had IDC and 2938 (9.3%) had DCIS-IDC. Luminal A type was the most predominant type in all three groups (DCIS=66.5%, IDC=64.7%, DCIS-IDC=46.9%). HER2 subtype was more frequent in DCIS-IDC (27.0%) than in IDC (8.3%) and DCIS (13.3%) ( p p Conclusions Different distribution of subtypes and indistinct prognostic effects in DCIS-IDC indicates that DCIS-IDC is a distinct clinical and biological entity from pure IDC or pure DCIS. MicroAbstract Through a large-sized, registery-based study, we reported differences of IHC-breast cancer subtypes or outcomes in pure IDC, pure DCIS and mixed DCIS-IDC cases with a predominant DCIS component (more than 80% of tumor was DCIS). IHC-breast cancer subtypes of invasive ductal carcinoma with predominant intraductal component were not significant prognostic factor unlike either pure IDC or DCIS. Clinical Practice points We subdivide breast cancer into pure IDC (64%), pure DCIS (26%) and mixed DCIS-IDC cases (9%) with a predominant DCIS component (more than 80% of tumor was DCIS). Within IDC, they observed differences in outcome that correlated with phenotype, among approximately 37,000 cases entered into the Korean cancer registry. They did not observe statistical differences in outcome with phenotypes for the DCIS-IDC group. This study supports that there is a biologic difference between DCIS-IDC cases compared to pure DCIS or pure IDC.

Is it safe to omit neoadjuvant chemo-radiation in mucinous rectal carcinoma?

BackgroundPurpose was to compare the oncologic outcome of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCXRT) versus postoperative chemoradiotherapy (pCXRT) for locally advanced mucinous rectal carcinoma (MRC) having curative total mesorectal excision (TME). MethodsOne hundred and two patients with MRC (T3-4 and/or N1-2) of middle and lower third rectum were included. Patients were non-randomly divided into 2 groups: Group A (N = 61) had nCXRT followed by total mesorectal excision (TME) after 8–11 weeks and Group B (N = 41) had TME followed by pCXRT. Primary end points were disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints were tumor regression grade (TRG) and morbidity. ResultsIn group A, 29 patients had partial response after nCXRT, 26 patients showed no change and 6 patients had progression. TME was done in 55 patients in group A and 41 patients in group B. Six patients in group A turned to be unresectable after nCXRT due to progressive disease. Mean follow-up was 53 months. In patients received TME, Four-year DFS was higher in group A compared to group B yet not statistically significant (DFS 0.69 [95% CI 0.54–0.85] vs. 0.67 [95% CI 0.47–0.87]; P = 0.39). However, actuarial 4 years OS was comparable in both groups (0.72 [95% CI 0.59–0.91] vs. 0.70 [95% CI 0.55–0.88]; P = 0.46 in groups A and B respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that age <40, and N2 were risk factors of recurrence. ConclusionWhilst accepting that the numbers are small, there was no statistical difference in outcome (DFS and OS) between patients receiving pre- or post-operative chemo-radiotherapy. In most MRC patients, tumor regression is not significant after nCXRT and there is considerable possibility of tumor progression during nCXRT treatment. So, nCXRT should be used with close follow-up in MRC for early detection of possible tumor progression. If the patient cannot tolerate nCXRT, it is possibly safe to do surgery followed by pCXRT. Prospective study is needed to study the value of nCXRT in MRC.

Association of Adolescent Depressive Symptoms With Health Care Utilization and Payer-Incurred Expenditures

ObjectiveScreening adolescents for depression is recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force. We sought to evaluate the impact of positive depression screens in an adolescent population on health care utilization and costs from a payer perspective. MethodsWe conducted depression screening among 13- to 17-year-old adolescents enrolled in a large integrated care system using the 2- and 9-item Patient Health Questionnaires (PHQ). Health care utilization and cost data were obtained from administrative records. Chi-square, Wilcoxon rank sum, and t tests were used to test for statistical differences in outcomes between adolescents on the basis of screening status. ResultsOf the 4010 adolescents who completed depression screening, 3707 (92.4%) screened negative (PHQ-2 <2 or PHQ-9 <10), 186 (3.9%) screened positive for mild depression (PHQ-9 10–14), and 95 (2.4%) screened positive for moderate to severe depression (PHQ-9 ≥15). In the 12 months after screening, screen-positive adolescents were more likely than screen-negative adolescents to receive any emergency department visit or inpatient hospitalization, and they had significantly higher utilization of outpatient medical (mean ± SD, 8.3 ± 1.5 vs 3.5 ± 5.1) and mental health (3.8 ± 9.3 vs 0.7 ± 3.5) visits. Total health care system costs for screen-positive adolescents ($5083 ± $10,489) were more than twice as high as those of screen-negative adolescents ($2357 ± $7621). ConclusionsAdolescent depressive symptoms, even when mild, are associated with increased health care utilization and costs. Only a minority of the increased costs is attributable to mental health care. Implementing depression screening and evidence-based mental health services may help to better control health care costs among screen-positive adolescents.

In-depth molecular profiling of the biphasic components of uterine carcinosarcomas.

Uterine carcinosarcoma is a clinically aggressive malignancy composed of a mix of carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements. We performed targeted next‐generation sequencing of 27 uterine cancer and sarcoma genes together with immunohistochemical analyses of selected proteins in 30 uterine carcinosarcomas. This included 13 cases in which the distinct carcinoma and sarcoma components were sequenced separately and 10 cases where the metastatic tumours were analysed in addition to the primary tumours. We identified non‐synonymous somatic mutations in 90% of the cases, with 27 of 30 cases (90%) harbouring TP53 alterations. The PI3K pathway was the most commonly mutated signalling pathway with mutations identified in PIK3CA, PTEN, PIK3R1, and/or PIK3R2 in two‐thirds of the cases. Mutations in FBXW7, PPP2R1A, ARID1A and KRAS were demonstrated in a minority of cases. In cases where the carcinomatous and sarcomatous components were separately analysed, most of the mutations identified were present in both components, indicating a common origin for the two components. Furthermore, the same TP53 alterations and/or PI3K pathway mutations seen in the primary tumours were also identified in the metastatic sites. Overall, carcinosarcomas exhibited heterogeneous molecular features that resemble the heterogeneity seen in endometrial carcinomas, with some showing endometrioid carcinoma‐like and others showing serous carcinoma‐like mutation profiles. While patients with serous‐like tumours presented more frequently with advanced‐stage disease compared to patients with endometrioid‐like tumours, there was no statistical difference in outcome between the two groups. Our results provide insights into the oncogenesis of uterine carcinosarcoma and identify targetable mutations that represent early oncogenic events. The findings of the different molecular types of uterine carcinosarcoma that parallel the different molecular types in endometrial carcinoma may have future treatment implications with targeted therapies.

5:36 PM, Abstract No. 93 - Pain outcomes in patients undergoing CT-guided celiac plexus neurolysis

To assess outcomes in patients who have undergone celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN) as treatment for malignant abdominal visceral pain at a tertiary care medical center. There is limited data on CPN outcomes using modern techniques with CT guidance. All patients who had undergone CT-guided CPN over a 7-year period were identified using the Montage data and analytics system. The electronic medical record for each case was thoroughly examined and consolidated into a case summary. All statements related to the patient’s visceral pain and CPN procedure (including from clinicians, patients, and/or discharge summaries) were considered relevant for incorporation into the case summary. Cases were then categorized into one of 3 groups. Group 1: No relief or temporary but unsustained relief (defined as patients getting at least moderate improvement in pain, but with improvements subsiding within 2 days); Group 2: Moderate relief (patient with some sustained pain relief but still requiring heavy doses of narcotics); Group 3: Major relief (patient with major or complete sustained reduction in pain and significant reduction in narcotic burden); Complications potentially related to the CPN were also documented. 138 cases were identified, 51 of which had no or insufficient follow-up, leaving 87 cases for analysis. This included 49 inpatient cases and 38 outpatient cases. Of the 87 cases, 31 (36%) were categorized as Group 1, 21 (24%) as Group 2, and 35 (40%) as Group 3. There were no statistical differences in outcomes based on patient age, gender, time since diagnosis, or type of cancer. Documented post-operative complications were diarrhea (11 cases) and one case each of obtundation, hypotension, and pre-syncopal event. Patients undergoing CT-guided CPN for abdominal visceral pain achieve moderate or major short-term pain relief in a majority of cases. The procedure is safe with minimal complications.

Grade 1 spondylolisthesis and interspinous device placement: removal in six patients and analysis of current data.

Background:In the treatment of patients with Grade 1 spondylolisthesis, the use of interspinous devices has been controversial for nearly a decade. Several authors have suggested that Grade 1 spondylolisthesis be considered a contraindication for interspinous device placement.Methods:We removed interspinous devices in six symptomatic Grade 1 spondylolisthesis patients and analyzed pertinent literature.Results:All six patients reported an improvement in symptoms following device removal and subsequent instrumented fusion. One patient who had not been able to walk due to pain regained the ability to walk. Several articles were identified related to spondylolisthesis and interspinous devices.Conclusions:Regarding patients receiving interspinous devices for symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis, several high-quality studies have failed to demonstrate a statistical difference in outcomes between patients with or without Grade 1 spondylolisthesis. Nevertheless, surgeons should have a high degree of suspicion when considering use of interspinous devices in this patient population.

Consolidative Radioimmunotherapy after Chemoimmunotherapy in Patients with Histologic Transformation of Indolent Lymphoma

Abstract Introduction:Histologic transformation (HT) has been well characterized in follicular lymphoma (FL), and has historically carried a poor prognosis with median overall survival (OS) of 1.2-1.8 years (yrs) in the pre-rituximab era (Montoto et al, 2007; Al-Tourah et al 2008). Despite improved outcomes in the rituximab era (Link et al, 2013), HT still represents a major source of mortality and morbidity in these patients (pts). While there is emerging evidence that autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) confers a survival advantage compared to chemotherapy with rituximab alone (Ban-Hoefen et al, 2013; Villa et al, 2013), many of these patients have contraindications such as advanced age and frailty precluding ASCT as an option. We report a strategy of radioimmunotherapy (RIT) consolidation after chemoimmunotherapy to address this unmet need. Methods: Consecutive pts ≥ 18 yrs old, who received RIT as consolidation after chemoimmunotherapy for HT at the Wilmot Cancer Institute were identified who had been deemed ineligible for ASCT. Inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) clinical, composite or pathologic diagnosis of HT, and 2) receipt of RIT after response to rituximab and chemotherapy. HT was defined as biopsy confirmed diffuse large B cell or Burkitt-like lymphoma by the WHO classification ≥6 months following a biopsy establishing indolent lymphoma diagnosis (pathologic HT), or clinical evidence of transformation as defined in previous cohorts (Al-Tourah et al, 2008; Link et al, 2013) in the absence of biopsy confirmation (clinical HT). Composite diagnosis of HT was defined as concurrent indolent and large cell lymphoma. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Progression free survival (PFS) was a secondary outcome. Kaplan-Meier survival estimation curves were generated using SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA), and p values were generated using the log rank test. Results: 21 consecutive pts who had a clinical, composite, or pathologic HT diagnosis were included in this analysis. All of these pts responded to rituximab and chemotherapy (CHOP like n=18, other n=3), and were treated with RIT for consolidation. The median age at the time of HT was 66 yrs (44-90). Nine pts received I-131 tositumomab and 12 received Y-90 ibritumomab tiuxetan. The median OS from HT was 6.9 yrs in the entire cohort with a median follow up of 3.5 yrs (Figure). There were no statistical differences in outcomes between the pathologic (n=11) and clinical/composite (n=10) HT pts (p=0.33). There was also no difference between those who received rituximab prior to HT (n=13), and those who did not (n=8; p=0.88). Twelve pts experienced grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia, which was the most common adverse event (AE). Nine deaths occurred. Disease-related death was the most common cause (n=4), followed by death unrelated to disease or treatment (n=3) and treatment-related death (n=2). Figure: Kaplan-Meier estimate of OS after HT in pts receiving RIT after chemoimmunotherapy (n=21) Figure:. Kaplan-Meier estimate of OS after HT in pts receiving RIT after chemoimmunotherapy (n=21) Conclusions: We report the use of RIT as consolidation of response to chemoimmunotherapy in pts with HT. This represents one of the largest series focused on pts with HT who were deemed unfit for ASCT. The RIT was well tolerated in this analysis with only 2 treatment related deaths, one of which was secondary to therapy related acute myeloid leukemia. Our observed median OS compares favorably to published reports of pts with HT who are younger and able to tolerate more aggressive therapeutic options. Consolidative RIT should be considered as a treatment approach in this vulnerable population of pts, and can serve as a platform for the incorporation of novel agents into prospective clinical trials. Disclosures Barr: Pharmacyclics: Research Funding.

Abstract 17459: Drug Eluting Balloon Angioplasty is a Safe Treatment Option for In-stent Restenosis: Meta-analysis of Current Evidence

Introduction: Drug eluting balloons (DEB) were recently approved by FDA for peripheral artery interventions only. For coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR), the ACC/AHA/SCAI 2011 PCI guidelines have no recommendations on role for DEB. While ESC/EACTS 2010 PCI guidelines, have level IIa recommendation for DEB for ISR after a bare metal stent. The drug delivery kinetics with DEB allows shorter duration of dual anti-platelet therapy and has a potential role in ballooning side branches of a bifurcating lesion after stenting. Aim: To compare safety and efficacy of DEB angioplasty vs. plain old balloon angioplasty (BA) or drug eluting stent (DES) for treating coronary ISR. Methods and Results: A thorough search was performed on Pubmed, Embace and Google scholar databases for randomized control trials (RCT) comparing DEB vs. BA or DES for ISR. We compared target lesion revascularization (TLR) and MACE events for these groups. We also pooled data from registries and observation studies on DEB for outcome analysis. Total number of patients with DEB’s in our study was 3465, with 693 DEB’s in 8 RCT’s. Mean follow up period was 11 months. Pooled analysis showed significant benefit for DEB compared to plain old BA, for events of target lesion revascularization (OR= 0.25, p&lt;0.0001), and death (OR=0.31, p&lt;0.0001). Comparing DEB to DES, there was no statistical difference in outcomes comparing TLR (OR=1.4, p=0.14), MI or death (OR=0.65, p=0.39). Cumulative incidence of target lesion revascularization (TLR) with DEB was 6.7%. Conclusions: For coronary ISR, drug eluting balloon angioplasty is superior to plain old balloon angioplasty in terms of safety and outcomes. However, comparing drug eluting balloons vs. drug eluting stents in ISR, the outcomes are comparable and will need larger studies powered to make definitive recommendation.

Guideline Watch (August 2012): Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Eating Disorders, 3rd Edition

This guideline watch reviews new evidence and highlights salient developments since the 2006 publication of APA’s Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Eating Disorders, 3rd Edition. The authors of this watch constituted the work group that developed the 2006 guideline. We find the guideline to remain substantially correct and current in its recommendations. The sole exception is a recommendation (with moderate-level confidence) for sibutramine for binge-eating disorder. In 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) withdrew approval for sibutramine because clinical trials showed increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and the manufacturer, Abbott Laboratories, subsequently withdrew this medication from the U.S. market. Noteworthy recent publications about the treatment of eating disorders include systematic reviews by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (Berkman et al. 2006; Bulik et al. 2007); practice guidelines from international groups, including the Catalan Agency for Health Information, Assessment and Quality (Working Group of the Clinical Practice Guideline for Eating Disorders 2009), the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (Aigner et al. 2011), and the German Society of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy and the German College for Psychosomatic Medicine (Herpertz et al. 2011); and a 2011 guidance statement by the Academy for Eating Disorders, which was written by some of the authors of this

Reconstruction of Pediatric Brachial Plexus Injuries With Nerve Grafts and Nerve Transfers

To review the demographics and injury patterns in consecutive pediatric patients with traumatic brachial plexus injury presenting to a single center over a 16-year period and to review the outcomes of nerve grafting and nerve transfers for reconstruction of shoulder abduction and elbow flexion in these patients. Forty-five pediatric patients presented for treatment of traumatic Brachial plexus injury from 1996 to 2012. Subgroup analysis of patients who had nerve grafting or nerve transfers for restoration of shoulder abduction and elbow flexion was carried out to compare outcomes of Medical Research Council (MRC) motor grading. The mean age of patients was 13.8 years (range, 3-17 y). Panplexal injuries (62%) and upper plexus injuries (16%) were particularly common. There was a very high proportion of preganglionic injuries (91%). Six of the 10 of patients who underwent intraplexal nerve grafting only for restoration of shoulder abduction achieved grade 3 or better power compared with 42% (5/12) of patients who had nerve transfers. When contralateral C7 was used as a donor for nerve transfer in restoration of shoulder abduction, 1 of the 5 patients achieved grade 3 or better shoulder abduction. All 4 patients who had nerve grafts for restoration of elbow flexion achieved grade 3 or better power, compared with 11 of 12 patients who had nerve transfers. There was no statistical difference in outcome (MRC grade 3 or 4) between patients who had nerve grafts and those who had nerve transfers. This study shows that nerve grafts can result in similar outcomes (MRC grading) to nerve transfers for restoration of shoulder abduction and elbow flexion in traumatic pediatric BPI. The findings of this study do not support the use of contralateral C7 as a donor for nerve transfer in reconstruction of shoulder abduction in this age group. Therapeutic IV.

Upfront Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation after Reduced-Intensity/Nonmyeloablative Conditioning for Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome: A Study by the Société Française de Greffe de Moelle et de Thérapie Cellulaire

Cytoreduction before allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes remains a debatable issue. After excluding patients who had received preconditioning induction chemotherapy, we analyzed 128 consecutive patients with myelodysplastic syndrome who received reduced-intensity or nonmyeloablative conditioning (RIC/NMA) allo-SCT. Among them, 40 received azacitidine (AZA) before transplant (AZA group) and 88 were transplanted up front (best supportive care [BSC] group). At diagnosis, 55 patients had intermediate 2 or high-risk scores per the International Prognostic Scoring System and 33 had a high cytogenetic risk score. Progression to a more advanced disease before allo-SCT was recorded in 22 patients. Source of stem cells were blood (n = 112) or marrow (n = 16) from sibling (n = 78) or HLA-matched unrelated (n = 50) donors. With a median follow-up of 60 months, 3-year overall survival, relapse-free survival, cumulative incidence of relapse, and nonrelapse mortality were, respectively, 53% versus 53% (P = .69), 37% versus 42% (P = .78), 35% versus 36% (P = .99), and 20% versus 23% (P = .74), for the AZA group and BSC group, respectively. Multivariate analysis confirmed the absence of statistical differences in outcome between the AZA and BSC groups, after adjusting for potential confounders using the propensity score approach. The absence of cytoreduction before RIC/NMA allo-SCT did not seem to alter the outcome. However, our results emphasize the need to perform prospective protocols to delineate the role of debulking strategy and to identify subsets of patients who may benefit from this approach.

Perinatal- and procedure-related outcomes following radiofrequency ablation in monochorionic pregnancy

We sought to assess the efficacy, complication rates, and outcomes for complex monochorionic pregnancies undergoing selective fetal reduction using radiofrequency ablation (RFA). In this prospective observational study, 100 consecutive cases of selective fetal reduction using RFA were analyzed. All cases were managed at the Centre for Fetal Care at Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital in London. Indications for offering RFA, details of the procedure, and pregnancy outcomes were collected and analyzed. The main indications for RFA were discordant fetal anomaly and twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Overall live birth rate was 78% and the median gestation at delivery was 35.15 weeks. Delivery <32 weeks' gestation occurred in 17.9% of cases. Postprocedure abnormal antenatal magnetic resonance imaging occurred in 3% of cases. There was no statistical difference in outcomes with regard to gestation when the procedure was performed or the indication for the RFA. RFA appears to be a reasonable option for selective fetal reduction in complex monochorionic pregnancies with an overall survival rate of 78%.

Impact of antithrombotic strategy in patients with atrial fibrillation and acute coronary syndrome

Introduction: Recent guidelines for antithrombotic strategy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were recently published. Purpose: To evaluate the impact of antithrombotic strategy in real-world AF patients with ACS, in the occurrence of adverse events at one-year follow-up (all-cause mortality, bleeding and thrombotic events). Methods: Analysis of consecutive patients admitted with ACS included in a single centre registry. We identified patients with AF. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to antithrombotic therapy strategy: group 1 - oral anticoagulation and dual antiplatelet therapy, Group 2 - dual antiplatelet therapy; group 3: oral anticoagulation and single antiplatelet therapy; group 4: single antiplatelet therapy. Baseline patients characteristics of the 4 groups were compared and Kaplan-Meier curves were performed to analysis the occurrence of events over a one-year follow-up. Results: We analysed 2216 patients with ACS, between 2005 and 2011, of which 140 had AF (mean age 72.7±10.6 years, 60.7% male). The in-hospital mortality was 5.8% (5.4% vs 12.1% in patients with AF, p = 0.002). In AF patients coronary angioplasty was performed in 54% patients, 38.2% with drug-eluting stent and 55.3% with bare-metal stent. The proportion of patients enrolled in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 was 17%, 56%, 13% and 14%, respectively. Mortality was 28.6%, and there were 7.1% of haemorrhagic complications and 17.1% of thrombotic events, during one-year follow-up. There were no significant differences in baseline patient characteristics or in risk scores (GRACE, CRUSADE, CHADS2 and HAS-BLED). In groups 1 and 2 the presence of ST elevation myocardial infarction and stent implantation were more frequent. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in group 2 (p = 0.021), with no significant differences regarding mortality, thromboembolic and haemorrhagic complications, over a period of one year. Although there was no statistical difference in outcome of groups over time (log-rank, p = 0.474), group 1 showed a trend toward lower mortality. Conclusions: Patients with AF have a substantially higher mortality compared to the global populations of ACS. Antithrombotic therapy strategy had no significant influence on the occurrence of adverse events during one-year follow-up. However, a study in a larger population is needed to confirm these results.

Preoperative estimation of seizure control after resective surgery for the treatment of epilepsy

PurposePredicting seizure control after epilepsy surgery is difficult. The objectives of this work are: (a) to estimate the value of surgical procedure, presence of neuroimaging abnormalities, need for intracranial recordings, resection lobe, pathology, durations of epilepsy and follow-up period to predict postsurgical seizure control after epilepsy surgery and (b) to provide empirical estimates of successful outcome after different combinations of the above factors in order to aid clinicians in advising patients presurgically about the likelihood of success under their patients’ individual circumstances. MethodsWe report postsurgical seizure control from all 243 patients who underwent resective surgery for epilepsy at King's College Hospital between 1999 and 2011. Among the 243 patients, 233 had lobar or sub-lobar resections, 8 had multilobar resections and 2 had excision of a hypothalamic hamartoma. We examined the relation between postsurgical seizure control and type of surgical procedure, presence of neuroimaging abnormalities, pathology, resection lobe and the need of intra-cranial electrodes to identify seizure onset. ResultsAmong the 243 patients, 126 (52%) enjoyed outcome grade I, 40 (16%) had grade II, 51 (21%) had grade III and 26 (11%) had grade IV (mean follow-up 41.1 months). Normal neuroimaging or need for intracranial recordings was not associated with poorer outcome. Patients undergoing temporal resections showed better outcome than those with frontal resections, due to the poor outcome seen in frontal patients with normal neuroimaging. Among temporal resections, there was no difference in outcome between patients with and without neuroimaging abnormalities. Among patients with lesions on imaging, temporal and frontal resections showed similar outcomes. Likelihood of favourable outcome under the patient's individual circumstances was estimated by the tables provided. There was an 8–9% decrease in the percentage of grade I between follow-up at 12 and >36 months. ConclusionOverall, nearly 70% of patients undergoing resective surgery enjoy favourable post-surgical seizure control. Normal neuroimaging should not discourage surgery in temporal patients but is a negative prognostic sign in normal MRI frontal patients. There were no statistical differences in outcome between patients with neuroimaging lesions in frontal or temporal lobes.

Iris Melanoma Management with Iodine-125 Plaque Radiotherapy in 144 Patients: Impact of Melanoma-Related Glaucoma on Outcomes

To evaluate the outcomes of iris melanoma managed with plaque radiotherapy on the basis of the initial presence or absence of glaucoma. Retrospective, comparative case series. A total of 144 patients. Custom-designed iodine-125 plaque radiotherapy delivering planned 8000 cGy to melanoma apex using transcorneal application. Tumor control and treatment-related complications. Of 144 patients with iris melanoma, glaucoma was present at the initial visit in 58 (40%). Causes of elevated intraocular pressure included angle infiltration by melanoma in 50 patients (86%), angle neovascularization in 4 patients (7%), and hyphema in 4 patients (7%). At presentation, the eyes displaying iris melanoma with glaucoma (vs. without glaucoma) were statistically more likely to display angle tumor (66% vs. 43%), with minimal thickness (1.9 vs. 2.9 mm), and melanoma seeding in iris stroma (7 vs. 3 clock hours) and angle (5 vs. 2 clock hours). Plaque radiotherapy was performed in all cases. Kaplan-Meier estimates at 7 years post-treatment revealed no statistical differences in outcomes of local recurrence (14% vs. 15%), enucleation (14% vs. 11%), or metastasis (2% vs. 0%) comparing eyes with and without glaucoma. Of the entire group, multivariate analysis for factors predictive of recurrence included partial (vs. complete) anterior segment irradiation and postradiotherapy glaucoma. Factors related to enucleation included diabetes mellitus, poor initial visual acuity, higher radiation dose to tumor apex, and tumor recurrence. There were no factors predictive of metastasis. Iodine-125 plaque radiotherapy provides adequate tumor control for iris melanoma with a low metastatic potential of 1% at 7 years. Iris melanoma with secondary glaucoma showed a statistically significant greater likelihood of flat tumor with iris and angle seeding and no difference in outcomes compared with eyes without glaucoma. The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Mobile Instant Messaging used to Provide Support and Advice to South African Youth

Drug Advice Support (DAS), via mobile instant messaging originated in RLabs, South Africa. The question in this research was could DAS be scaled up in different geographical and ethnic areas in Cape Town? An investigation using mixed methods and triangulation of data sources compared performance and outcomes over five areas. Results showed that calls were classified into relationship, sex information and drug advice, There are statistical differences in outcomes across the five areas. It was discovered that some calls required intervention by statutory agencies. The research demonstrated that DAS can be used beyond RLabs if proper pre-requisites and training are put in place.

Is routine postoperative enteral feeding after oesophagectomy worthwhile?

A best evidence topic in surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether, in patients undergoing an oesophagectomy for cancer, immediate postoperative enteral feeding (via percutaneous jejunostomy or nasojejunostomy) provides better patient outcomes as compared to waiting until oral feeding can be instituted. Four randomized controlled trials represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The first study randomized 25 patients into enteral feeding via jejunostomy (n = 13) versus a routine diet without jejunostomy (n = 12). The authors found no statistical difference in outcomes including length of stay, anastomotic complications and mortality. They did not report any catheter-related complications. A second study included patients undergoing an oesophagectomy or a pancreatodudenectomy, randomized to immediate postoperative jejunostomy feeding (n = 13) or remaining unfed for 6 days (n = 15). They reported one incident of detachment of the catheter from the abdominal wall. They also noted a statistically significant decrease in vital capacity and FEV1 in enterally fed patients. There was no difference in length of stay or anastomotic complications. They concluded that there was no indication for routine use of immediate postoperative enteral feeding in those patients without significant preoperative malnutrition. A third report randomized their post-oesophagectomy patients into enteral feeding via jejunostomy (n = 20) versus crystalloid only (n = 20). The also found no difference in length of stay, anastomotic leak rate or mortality. One catheter was removed due to concerns over respiratory function. They also concluded that there was no measurable benefit in early enteral feeding. The last of these 4 studies randomized patients into naso-duodenal feeding (n = 71) and jejunostomy feeding groups (n = 79). As in previous trials, they found no statistically significant difference between length of stay or anastomotic leak rates. Mortality was higher in the jejunostomy group, although the team did not attribute the deaths to the catheter. They found both methods equally effective in providing postoperative nutrition. In summary, all the trials concluded that routine postoperative enteral nutrition was feasible, but there was no evidence suggesting that it conferred any clinical benefits.

Betwixt Scylla and Charybdis

Betwixt Scylla and Charybdis

Periapical Tissue Response After Use of Intermediate Restorative Material, Gutta-Percha, Reinforced Zinc Oxide Cement, and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate as Retrograde Root-End Filling Materials: A Histologic Study in Dogs

To investigate the periapical tissue response of 4 different retrograde root-filling materials, ie, intermediate restorative material, thermoplasticized gutta-percha, reinforced zinc oxide cement (Super-EBA), and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), in conjunction with an ultrasonic root-end preparation technique in an animal model. Vital roots of the third and fourth right mandibular premolars in 6 healthy mongrel dogs were apicectomized and sealed with 1 of the materials using a standardized surgical procedure. After 120 days, the animals were sacrificed and the specimens were analyzed radiologically, histologically, and scanning electron microscopically. The Fisher exact test was performed on the 2 outcome values. Twenty-three sections were analyzed histologically. Evaluation showed better re-establishment of the periapical tissues and generally lower inflammatory infiltration in the sections from teeth treated with the intermediate restorative material and the MTA. New root cement on the resected dentin surfaces was seen on all sections regardless of the used material. New hard tissue formation, directly on the surface of the material, was seen only in the MTA sections. There was no statistical difference in outcome among the tested materials. The results from this dog model favor the intermediate restorative material and MTA as retrograde fillings when evaluating the bone defect regeneration. MTA has the most favorable periapical tissue response when comparing the biocompatibility of the materials tested.