Duration Of Symptoms Research Articles

P228. Association of prolonged preoperative symptom duration with poor outcomes following percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy

P228. Association of prolonged preoperative symptom duration with poor outcomes following percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy

Identifying and exploring the favorable factors that help to slow the progression of disease in patients with mild cervical spondylotic myelopathy

To explore the favorable factors that help slow the progression of disease in patients with mild Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (CSM). A retrospective analysis was conducted, involving the enrollment of 115 CSM patients. The categorization of patients into two groups was based on the duration of symptoms, assessments using the mJOA scale and Health Transition (HT) scores: mild-slow group and severe-rapid group. We found that the patients in both groups had similar degrees of spinal cord compression, but mild-slow group were older and had smaller C2–C7 cobb angle (Flexion) (CL(F)), C2–C7 cobb angle (Range of motion) (CL(ROM)), Transverse area (TA), Normal-TA, Compressive spinal canal area (CSCA), Normal-Spinal canal area (Normal-SCA) and lower Spinal cord increased signal intensity (ISI) Grade than the severe-rapid group. A binary logistic regression analysis showed that CL(ROM) and Normal-TA are favorable factors to help slow the progression of disease patients with mild CSM. Through ROC curves, we found that when CL(ROM) < 39.1° and Normal-TA < 80.5mm2, the progression of disease in CSM patients may be slower. Meanwhile, we obtained a prediction formula by introducing joint prediction factor: L = CL(ROM) + 2.175 * Normal-TA. And found that when L < 213.0, the disease progression of patients may be slower which was superior to calculate CL(ROM) and Normal-TA separately.

Cyanoacrylate glue: An emerging alternative for sealing of corneal perforation

Maintaining corneal wound integrity is an important goal in corneal perforations resulting from either traumatic or non- traumatic etiology. Tissue adhesives (TA’s) are group of synthetic or naturally occurring compounds, which helps in wound reconstruction and have emerged as alternatives to conventional sutures. Our study aims to evaluate the efficacy N- butyl cyanoacrylate TA in corneal perforations following infectious keratitis by assessment of its morphological and functional outcome. A prospective observational study conducted over a period of 6 months on 42 eyes of 42 patients with perforated corneal ulcer, fulfilling the inclusion criteria, presenting to our outpatient department. A standard technique was used to apply TA to the site of perforation under topical anaesthesia in all patients and they were followed-up for a period of 6 weeks. Data analysis was done using SPSS software (Version 22) and P value calculated by Pearson Chi-square test (Fisher exact test). P- value &amp;#60; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Morphological outcome in this study showed statistically significant relationship with causative organism and size of the perforations (p&amp;#60;0.05). The functional outcome showed statistically significant relationship with location of perforation, duration of symptoms and duration of stay of glue (p&amp;#60;0.05). TA’s works well when the corneal perforation is &amp;#60;1.5 mm in diameter. The morphological outcome of TA depends upon etiology, size of perforations and complications significantly. Functional outcome of tissue adhesive shows significant association with location of perforation, duration of symptoms and stay of glue.

Serum IgE levels and absolute eosinophil counts with treatment response in patients with allergic rhinitis: A prospective study

: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a highly prevalent, chronic disease, with variable incidence rates. Clinically manifests as nasal discharge, congestion, nasal itching, sneezing and watery eyes. Treatment approach is based on duration and severity of symptoms. Second generation antihistamines are the drug of choice. Serum Ig E and Absolute Eosinophil Counts (AEC) have the potential to be the viable prognostic markers. The present study aims to assess the relationship of Serum IgE and AEC with treatment response in patients with allergic rhinitis.40 patients of allergic rhinitis were included in the study and were categorized into mild, moderate and severe allergic rhinitis according to ARIA guidelines. Pre-treatment sample for serum IgE and AEC was taken followed by 4 weeks of medical management according to categories. Post- treatment sample was taken and improvement assessed on the basis of fall in serum IgE and AEC levels.A total 40 patients were enrolled ranging from 14-60 years of age (mean age 28.75±11.23years) with female preponderance (52.5%). Most common presenting symptom being sneezing. Significant decline in pre-treatment AEC and serum IgE levels was observed.The findings of the study indicates that treatment response had an association with AEC and Serum IgE levels.

Ewing sarcoma among children 5years of age or younger: Is it a different disease?

Children ≤5years of age with Ewing's sarcoma (ES) possibly have a distinct disease biology, data on which are scarce. We evaluated clinical features, outcomes, and prognostic factors of ES among children with age ≤5years. Children with ES registered between 2003 and 2019 were included. Baseline clinical and treatment details were retrieved from medical records. Prognostic factors were identified using multivariable Cox regression. Clinical features and outcomes of children ≤5years were compared with those greater than 5years by chi-square and log-rank tests. Propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis was done to evaluate the impact of age on survival in the metastatic and localized subgroups. Out of the 859 patients, 86 (10%) were ≤5years of age (median age 4years, 60 males [69.8%]). The most common location was the extremities (37.2%), followed by thorax (27.9%) and head and neck (H&N) (22.1%); baseline metastases were seen in 25 patients (29.8%). The median event-free-survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were 25.6 and 68.7months, respectively. Metastatic disease predicted inferior OS (hazard ratio [HR]=2.54, p=.018) and EFS (HR=2.47, p=.007], symptom duration ≤3months predicted an inferior OS (HR=2.17, p=.048). Compared to age greater than 5years, younger children had more H&N and less pelvic primaries (p<.001) and lesser baseline metastases (p=.037). PSM analysis did not reveal any significant impact of age on OS in the metastatic (HR=1.59, p=.29) or localized cohort (HR=1.77, p=.09). Children with ES ≤5years of age have a distinct favorable clinical presentation. However, age is not an independent prognostic factor for survival outcomes when adjusted for confounders.

Factors influencing the tendency of residual symptoms in patients with depressive disorders: a longitudinal study

BackgroundResidual symptoms of depressive disorders are serious health problems. However, the progression process is hardly predictable due to high heterogeneity of the disease. This study aims to: (1) classify the patterns of changes in residual symptoms based on homogeneous data, and (2) identify potential predictors for these patterns.MethodsIn this study, we conducted a data-driven Latent Class Growth Analysis (LCGA) to identify distinct tendencies of changes in residual symptoms, which were longitudinally quantified using the QIDS-SR16 at baseline and 1/3/6 months post-baseline for depressed patients. The association between baseline characteristics (e.g. clinical features and cognitive functions) and different progression tendencies were also identified.ResultsThe tendency of changes in residual symptoms was categorized into four classes: “light residual symptom decline (15.4%)”, “residual symptom disappears (39.3%)”, “steady residual symptom (6.3%)” and “severe residual symptom decline (39.0%)”. We observed that the second class displayed more favorable recuperation outcomes than the rest of patients. The severity, recurrence, polypharmacy, and medication adherence of symptoms are intricately linked to the duration of residual symptoms’ persistence. Additionally, clinical characteristics including sleep disturbances, depressive moods, alterations in appetite or weight, and difficulties with concentration have been identified as significant factors in the recovery process.ConclusionsOur research findings indicate that certain clinical characteristics in patients with depressive disorders are associated with poor recovery from residual symptoms following acute treatment. This revelation holds significant value in the targeted attention to specific patients and the development of early intervention strategies for residual symptoms accordingly.

Treatment Outcomes of Intralesional Steroid Injection for Refractory Vocal Process Granuloma.

Vocal process granuloma (VPG) is a chronic condition resulting from a mucoperichondrial injury of vocal process. Initial conservative treatment typically involves vocal hygiene education and antireflux medication. Treatment challenges arise with refractory cases. Outcomes of second-line treatments such as surgical excision and botulinum toxin injections remain inconsistent. Thus, we propose this study to investigate the effectiveness of intralesional steroid injections for refractory VPG. We conducted a retrospective review of 23 patients with VPG who showed no improvement after 3 months of proton pump inhibitors. These patients underwent one to three courses of monthly in-office intralesional steroid injections as a second-line therapy. Treatment outcomes were evaluated by measuring the size of the VPG relative to the length of the vocal folds before and after the final injection procedure. Results showed a significant reduction in VPG size from baseline of 27.74 ± 15.06 to 5.48 ± 8.95 (p < .001). 15 out of 23 patients were responsive (size reduction ≥ 75%) to intralesional steroid injection. Alcohol consumption and longer symptom duration were associated with a poor response (size reduction <75%), whereas prior intubation was associated with better response. For refractory VPG not responding to conservative treatment, intralesional steroid injection appears to be a promising alternative option without significant adverse effects.

Genotype is associated with left ventricular reverse remodelling and early events in recent-onset dilated cardiomyopathy.

Recent-onset dilated cardiomyopathy (RODCM) is characterized by heterogeneous aetiology and diverse clinical outcomes, with scarce data on genotype-phenotype correlates. Our aim was to correlate individual RODCM genotypes with left ventricular reverse remodelling (LVRR) and clinical outcomes. In this prospective study, a total of 386 Czech RODCM patients with symptom duration ≤6months underwent genetic counselling and whole-exome sequencing (WES). The presence of pathogenic (class 5) or likely pathogenic (class 4) variants in a set of 72 cardiomyopathy-related genes was correlated with the occurrence of all-cause death, heart transplantation, or implantation of a ventricular assist device (primary outcome) and/or ventricular arrhythmia event (secondary outcome). LVRR was defined as an improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction to >50% or ≥10% absolute increase, with a left ventricular end-diastolic diameter ≤33mm/m2 or ≥10% relative decrease. Median follow-up was 41months. RODCM was familial in 98 (25%) individuals. Class 4-5 variants of interest (VOIs) were identified in 125 (32%) cases, with 69 (18%) having a single titin-truncating variant (TTNtv) and 56 (14%) having non-titin (non-TTN) VOIs. The presence of class 4-5 non-TTN VOIs, but not of TTNtv, heralded a lower probability of 12-month LVRR and proved to be an independent baseline predictor both of the primary and the secondary outcome. The negative result of genetic testing was a strong protective baseline variable against occurrence of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Detection of class 4-5 VOIs in genes coding nuclear envelope proteins was another independent predictor of both study outcomes at baseline and also of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias after 12months. Class 4-5 VOIs of genes coding cytoskeleton were associated with an increased risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias after baseline assessment. A positive family history of dilated cardiomyopathy alone only related to a lower probability of LVRR at 12months and at the final follow-up. RODCM patients harbouring class 4-5 non-TTN VOIs are at higher risk of progressive heart failure and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Genotyping may improve their early risk stratification at baseline assessment.

Patterns of clinical and imaging presentations in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension due to spinal cerebrospinal fluid venous fistula: A single-center retrospective cross-sectional study.

To identify distinct clinical or imaging subtypes of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) due to spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) venous fistula (CVF). Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is classically understood to present clinically with an orthostatic headache and stereotyped brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings; however, most prior literature examining clinical and brain MRI features of SIH has focused on all types of spinal CSF leaks concurrently. This study aimed to evaluate whether data support the possibility of internally consistent subtypes based on brain imaging features and clinical symptoms analogous to those seen in primary headache syndromes. This retrospective cross-sectional single-institution study included 48 consecutive patients meeting the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition criteria for SIH due to CVF. Clinical symptoms, pre-treatment brain MRI, and symptom duration were analyzed. Clinical and MRI data were analyzed to identify patterns and associations between symptoms and imaging findings. A total of 20 males and 28 females were evaluated, with a mean (standard deviation) age of 61 (10) years. In all, 44/48 (92%) patients experienced headaches, though 18/48 (40%) did not endorse relief when flat, including six of the 48 (13%) with worsening symptoms when flat. In all, 19/48 (40%) patients reported at least one migraine symptom, and six of the 48 (13%) presented with at least one migraine symptom and had no relief when flat. Clinical symptoms clustered primarily into a "classic" presentation consisting of relief when flat, occipital head pain, comorbid neck pain, a pressure/throbbing headache quality, and an "atypical" presentation that was characterized by having several differences: less relief when flat (nine of 22 (41%) vs. 20/23 (87.0%), p = 0.002; odds ratio [OR] 0.110, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.016-0.53), more frontal head pain (14/22 (64%) vs. one of 23 (4%), p < 0.001; OR 35.0, 95% CI 4.2-1681.0), less neck pain (two of 21 (4.5%) vs. nine of 13 (69.6%), p < 0.001; OR 0.023, 95% CI 0.0005-0.196), and more stabbing/sharp headache quality (nine of 22 (41%) vs. two of 23 (9%), p = 0.017; OR 7.0, 95% CI 1.18-75.9). Brain MRI findings clustered into three groups: those presenting with most imaging findings of SIH concurrently, those with brain sag but less pachymeningeal/venous engorgement, and those with pachymeningeal/venous engorgement but less brain sag. This study highlights the clinical and imaging diversity among patients with SIH due to CVF, challenging the reliance on classic orthostatic headache alone for diagnosis. The findings suggest the existence of distinct SIH subtypes based on clinical and imaging presentations, underscoring the need for comprehensive evaluation in patients with suspected CVF. Future research should further elucidate the relationship between clinical symptoms and imaging findings, aiming to refine diagnostic criteria and enhance understanding of SIH's pathophysiology.

Practice patterns and clinical outcomes in acute appendicitis differ in the elderly patient.

Appendicitis is the most frequent global abdominal surgical emergency. An ageing population, who often exhibit atypical symptoms and delayed presentations, challenge conventional diagnostic and treatment paradigms. This study aims to delineate disparities in presentation, management, and outcomes between elderly patients and younger adults suffering from acute appendicitis. This subgroup analysis forms part of ESTES SnapAppy, a time-bound multi-center prospective, observational cohort study. It includes patients aged 15years and above who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy during a defined 90-day observational period across multiple centers. Statistical comparisons were performed using appropriate tests with significance set at p < 0.05. The study cohort comprised 521 elderly patients (≥65years) and 4,092 younger adults (18-64years). Elderly patients presented later (mean duration of symptoms: 7.88 vs. 3.56days; p < 0.001) and frequently required computed tomography (CT) scans for diagnosis (86.1% vs. 54.0%; p < 0.001). The incidence of complicated appendicitis was higher in the elderly (46.7% vs. 20.7%; p < 0.001). Delays in surgical intervention were notable in the elderly (85.0% operated within 24h vs. 88.7%; p = 0.018), with longer operative times (71.1 vs. 60.3min; p < 0.001). Postoperative complications were significantly higher in the elderly (27.9% vs. 12.9%; p < 0.001), including severe complications (6.9% vs. 2.4%; p < 0.001) and prolonged hospital stays (7.9 vs. 3.6days; p < 0.001). Our findings highlight significant differences in the clinical course and outcomes of acute appendicitis in the elderly compared to younger patients, suggesting a need for age-adapted diagnostic pathways and treatment strategies to improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.

A predictive model for progression to clinical arthritis in at-risk individuals with arthralgia based on lymphocyte subsets and ACPA.

The presence of autoantibodies against citrullinated proteins (ACPA) significantly increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Dysregulation of lymphocyte subpopulations was previously described in RA. To propose the predictive model for progression to clinical arthritis based on peripheral lymphocyte subsets and ACPA in individuals who are at risk of RA. Our study included 207 at-risk individuals defined by the presence of arthralgias and either additional ACPA positivity or meeting the EULAR definition for clinically suspect arthralgia. For the construction of predictive models, 153 individuals with symptom duration ≥12 months who have not yet progressed to arthritis were included. The lymphocyte subsets were evaluated using flow cytometry and anti-CCP using ELISA. Out of all individuals with arthralgia, 41 progressed to arthritis. A logistic regression model with baseline peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations and ACPA as predictors was constructed. The resulting predictive model showed that high anti-CCP IgG, higher percentage of CD4+ T cells, and lower percentage of T and NK cells increased the probability of arthritis development. Moreover, the proposed classification decision tree showed, that individuals having both high anti-CCP IgG and low NK cells have the highest risk of developing arthritis. We propose a predictive model based on baseline levels of lymphocyte subpopulations and ACPA to identify individuals with arthralgia with the highest risk of progression to clinical arthritis. The final model includes T cells and NK cells, which are involved in the pathogenesis of RA. This preliminary model requires further validation in larger at-risk cohorts.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the benefits of a standardized Nigella sativa oil containing 5% thymoquinone in reducing the symptoms of seasonal allergy.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) or seasonal allergy characterized by sneezing, nasal congestion, nasal itching, and nasal discharge, triggered by immune reactions to environmental allergens. Present day customers also monitor the personal improvements in the area of Evidence-Based natural medicines/supplements. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 65 participants aged 18 to 60 years having 2 or more allergic symptoms like sneezing, rhinorrhoea, nasal obstruction, and nasal itching for a cumulative period greater than 1 hour per day. The study participants received a capsule of NSO (250 mg) with 2.5 mg piperine (BioPerine) as a bioavailability enhancer or a placebo, twice a day, after food for 15 days. The primary objectives were evaluated by mean change in Total Nasal Symptom Score and the duration of AR symptoms per day from baseline to Day 15. Secondary endpoints were changes in Total Ocular Symptoms Score, AR symptom frequency and severity, serum Immunoglobulin E levels, and Patient Global Impression of Change scale. Adverse events were monitored throughout the study. Sixty-five patients were enrolled and all of them completed the study, N = 33 in NSO and N = 32 in placebo. A significant reduction in Total Nasal Symptom Score and Total Ocular Symptoms Score was observed in the NSO group compared to the placebo, highlighting the potential of NSO in alleviating AR symptoms. The episodes of AR symptoms per day and the frequency of symptoms in 24 hours reduced significantly in 15 days in both groups, but the extent of improvement was significantly higher in NSO compared to placebo. Improvement in Patient Global Impression of Change was also significantly better in NSO compared to the placebo. Serum Immunoglobulin E levels decreased in NSO but were not significantly different from placebo. No clinically significant changes were observed in vital signs, liver and renal function, lipid profile, hematology, fasting blood sugar, or urine analysis at the end of the study. The result of the study demonstrates that NSO 250 mg with 2.5 mg piperine is an effective and well-tolerated supplement for the management of AR symptoms.

Calvarial Tuberculosis: Shifting Paradigm from Surgical to Conservative Approach

Abstract Background Tuberculosis (TB) is an endemic disease in developing countries like India. However, incidence of calvarial TB is very low and it presents in varied forms posing a diagnostic dilemma and delay in management. Objectives This article reports a case series of 15 patients with varied presentations of calvarial TB from a tertiary care superspeciality center of Haryana state in India. Material and Methods Study is a retrospective analysis of 15 patients with calvarial TB treated between 2018 and 2021 in a tertiary care hospital. Clinical features, radiological findings, surgical and medical management, and outcomes were reviewed. Results Of the 15 patients, 9 were males and age ranged between 12 and 45 years. Mean duration of symptoms was 2.9 months (range 1–5 months). The most common presenting symptoms were scalp swelling, discharging sinus, and pain. Four patients were treatment defaulters of pulmonary TB and two patients were found human immunodeficiency virus positive. Brain imaging showed peripherally enhancing extradural collection with bone erosions in most cases. Eleven patients were managed conservatively with fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) or local debridement/sinus excision. Four patients were managed surgically with drainage of collection, excision of necrotic bone, followed by antitubercular therapy. One patient needed cerebrospinal fluid diversion for associated hydrocephalous with tubercular meningitis which could not recover and succumbed. Conclusion Calvarial TB is a rare occurrence of common prevalent diseases. Conservative management with FNAC and sinus excision followed by antitubercular treatment are the mainstay of treatment. Surgery should be reserved for extensive lesion or lesion with mass effect.

Radiological evolution of pituitary hyperplasia in primary hypothyroidism and its differentiation from nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma coexisting with primary hypothyroidism.

In a patient with elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH, >50 µIU/ml) with sellar mass, it is crucial to differentiate isolated pituitary hyperplasia (IPH) from primary hypothyroidism coexisting with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (PHCNFPA) pre-operatively to avoid unwarranted surgery in the former condition. Here, we describe patients having pituitary mass/enlargement with markedly elevated TSH (>50 µIU/ml) and attempt to find the differentiating features between IPH and PHCNFPA. This is a retrospective study conducted at a tertiary care center. Case records of patients presenting between January 2020 and December 2022 with elevated TSH (>50 µIU/ml) for whom magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sella was available were reviewed. Demographic details, symptomatology, clinical examination findings, thyroid function tests, data on pituitary hormonal excess and deficiencies, MRI findings, and details regarding levothyroxine supplementation were noted. Based on the final diagnosis, the patients were categorized into two groups: PHCNFPA and IPH. Five and 11 patients were diagnosed with PHCNFPA and IPH, respectively. The median (IQR) age at presentation of patients with PHCNFPA was significantly higher than that of IPH patients [37 (28-60.5) vs. 21 (10-21.5) years, p: 0.002]. A longer duration of hypothyroid symptoms was noted in the IPH group whereas visual field defects and corticotropin deficiency were more frequent and the pituitary lesion size was greater in PHCNFPA. Thyroid function tests were not different between the two groups. The pituitary enlargement in IPH was initially an increase in pituitary height that progressed to symmetrical nipple-, dome- or tent-shaped enlargement. Besides this characteristic enlargement pattern, isointense appearance on T1-weighted and T2-weighted images, homogeneous contrast enhancement, and prompt regression of pituitary lesion with levothyroxine replacement were characteristic of IPH whereas heterogeneous enhancement, cystic/hemorrhagic change, and ≥Knosp III invasion were characteristic of PHCNFPA. Peripheral rim enhancement and Knosp I-II parasellar extension were not uncommon in patients with IPH and did not distinguish it from PHCNFPA. The present study reports the radiological evolution of IPH and a unique series of PHCNFPA along with the distinguishing characteristics between them.

Predictive parameters for anatomical surgical success in full-thickness macular holes : Aretrospective evaluation of 391eyes

Full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) is arare disease. Not all FTMHs can be closed by primary surgical intervention. This work aims to characterize alarge patient population with FTMHs and to detect possible predictive factors for anatomical treatment success. The study comprises aretrospective analysis of all consecutive idiopathic macular holes between March 2008 and June 2019 at the University Eye Hospital Cologne. Epidemiologic data, preoperative parameters (size of the FTMH), and surgical technique were examined in relation to the closure rate following primary surgery. The anatomical closure rate for idiopathic FTMH after primary surgery was 83.6%. No association between age, gender, and lens status and closure rate could be shown. Regarding anatomical surgical success, the favorable prognostic factors identified were asmall FTMH size, short symptom duration, performance of transconjunctival 23-gauge vitrectomy, and application of the inverted flap technique of the internal limiting membrane (ILM). Surgical treatment represents avaluable treatment option for patients with macular holes due to good prospects of success. Prompt intervention after diagnosis using 23-gauge vitrectomy and an ILM flap with gas tamponade seems to result in the most favorable outcomes.

Design and Validation of Endophthalmitis Infectivity Measurement Algorithm in Post Cataract Acute Endophthalmitis: EMS Report No. 6.

We constructed a clinical clue-based algorithm to identify the microbiology-positive post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis. The Endophthalmitis Infectivity Measurement Algorithm (EIMA) was constructed using presenting Snellen vision (Letter score [LS]) and Inflammation Score (IS, from the cornea, anterior chamber, iris, and vitreous). Retrospective data (70% for training; 30% for testing) was fitted into CHAID (Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detection). EIMA was validated with prospective data. EIMA-categorized disease severity was weighed against the symptom duration to detect infecting micro-organisms. EIMA was constructed from 1444 retrospective data. The average LS was 6.03 ± 12.11, median IS was 14 (8-24), and culture positivity was 38%. The accuracy and area under the curve of CHAID were 66.36% and 0.642, respectively. EIMA was validated with 175 prospectively collected data. Microbiology positivity (culture + sequencing) was 58.9%. EIMA sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy against microbiology-positive endophthalmitis were 73.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 64.19-81.96), 81.9 (95% CI, 71.1-90.02), 77.1 (95% CI, 70.20-83.14), respectively. The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 4.08 (95% CI, 2.46-6.67) and 0.32 (95% CI, 0.22-0.45), respectively. There was higher microbial growth in two days or less than in three- to six-day symptom duration (69.9% vs. 28.2%; P = 0.018) endophthalmitis. Gram-negative infection was higher in two days or less (55.6% vs. 20.2%; P = 0.014), and gram-positive infection was higher in three- to six-day endophthalmitis (62.1% vs. 27.7%; P = 0.027). EIMA identified microbiology-positive endophthalmitis three-quarters of the time. EIMA suggested infectivity and the class of microbial infection could help targeted management of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery.

Doctor shopping trend of patients before undergoing rotator cuff repair in Korea: a multicenter study.

This study aims to investigate the trend of doctor shopping among patients with rotator cuff tear (RCT) before undergoing surgery and to examine the relevance of these findings to the public. A survey was conducted of 326 patients from 10 hospitals (male, 176; female, 150) who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) for symptomatic RCT between September 2019 and February 2020. A questionnaire was used to obtain data regarding the type of medical care service, medical institutions visited before surgery, number of treatments received, and cost of treatment. A total of 326 patients (87%) received treatment at least once at another medical institution before visiting the hospital where the surgery was performed. Patients visited an average of 9.4 health providers or physicians for shoulder pain before visiting the hospital where surgery was performed. Among the 326 patients, 148 (45%) visited more than two medical institutions and spent an average of 641,983 Korean won (KRW; $466, 50,000-5,000,000 KRW) before surgery. Medical expenses before surgery were proportional to the number of medical institutions visited (P=0.002), symptom duration (P=0.002), and initial visual analog scale (VAS) pain score (P=0.007) but were not associated with sex, age, VAS pain score immediately before surgery, or RCT size. Medical expense before ARCR was associated with the severity of preoperative pain and duration of symptoms. After onset of shoulder symptoms, patients should visit as soon as possible a hospital that has surgeons who specialize in shoulder repair to prevent unnecessary medical expense and proper treatment. Level of evidence: IV.

Surgical management of pancreatic cancer in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a 5 years retrospective descriptive study

IntroductionThe incidence of Pancreatic cancer is different in different parts of the world. It is a cancer with the worst prognosis of all malignancies. Pancreatic cancer is predominantly a disease of an older population. There are different environmental (modifiable) and non-modifiable risk factors associated with the development of pancreatic cancer. At present, surgical resection is the only potential cure for pancreatic cancer. However, as only 10–20% of the patients have resectable disease at the time of diagnosis. The morbidities associated with surgeries for pancreatic cancers remain high though the post-operative mortality has shown significant reduction in the past few decades. So far, no study has been conducted to investigate pancreatic cancer in Ethiopia.ObjectivesTo assess the clinico-pathologic profile, associated factors, surgical management and short-term outcome of patients with pancreatic cancer in Tikur Anbessa Specialized hospital.MethodsA 5 years retrospective hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 52 patients operated with the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer with either curative or palliative intents. The study period was from April 2016 to July 2021. The data collected includes demographic profile, associated risk factors and comorbidities, clinical presentations, biochemical parameters, pathologic features of the tumors as well as type of treatment offered and short term treatment outcome. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.ResultThe mean and median age of patients was 54.1 and 54.5% respectively. Males constitute about 52% the patients. 21% of the patients have potential risk factors; whereas only 10 (19.2%) of the patients had medical comorbidities. Median duration of symptoms at diagnosis was 12 weeks. Abdominal pain (88.5%) was the most common presenting symptom followed by anorexia (80.8%) and significant weight loss (78.8%), while 71.2% of the patients have jaundice. On clinical evaluation, 69.2% were jaundiced, while 34.6% had a palpable gallbladder. More than two third of patients presented with advanced disease. 76.9% of the tumors are located in the head of pancreas. More than three quarters (77%) of the surgeries performed were palliative. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were 19.2% and 3.8% respectively.ConclusionAge at first diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is relatively earlier in our setup. Most patients present with advanced condition, only amenable for palliative measures. The post-operative morbidity and mortality are more or less comparable with similar studies. The need for adjuvant therapy in pancreatic cancer should be emphasized.

Celiac plexus block: A diagnostic tool for neurogenic median arcuate ligament syndrome.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of outpatient celiac plexus block on acute pain reduction in patients with suspected median arcuate ligament syndrome. This is an Institutional Review Board approved, retrospective chart review. Data were collected and analyzed from patients who received celiac plexus blocks from November 1, 2021 through April 6, 2023. The primary outcome was pain reduction, determined by the change in numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) from pre-procedure to post-procedure. Additional data collected include patient demographics, comorbidities, preoperative symptoms and duration of symptoms. There were 33 patients identified in this study. Thirty-one patients were included in the data analysis. The median age of the cohort was 29 years, and the median BMI was 20.4. 94% of the cohort was female. These patients were referred as part of an evaluation for symptomatic vascular compression disorders. For many patients, positive response to celiac plexus block was used as an indication to proceed with surgical MALS resection. We provide a diagnostic algorithm for MALs. All patients endorsed preoperative symptoms. Patients experienced a median pain reduction of -4 from baseline to immediately post-procedure. Celiac plexus blocks continue to be a tool for ruling out neurogenic median arcuate ligament syndrome in patients who have undergone extensive previous imaging and assessments for vascular compression disorders. Our data suggest that patients with suspected MALS may experience substantial immediate pain relief from temporary blocks of the celiac ganglion as guided by fluoroscopy in an outpatient setting.

Prioritising Appointments by Telephone Interview: Duration from Symptom Onset to Appointment Request Predicts Likelihood of Inflammatory Rheumatic Disease.

Background: This study aims to determine the rate of inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) in a cohort of initial referrals and the efficacy of prioritising appointments to the early arthritis clinic (EAC) based on symptom duration. Methods: In the present study, we used algorithm-based telephone triage to assign routine care appointments according to the time between symptom onset and request for an appointment (cut-off criterion: 6 months). This retrospective, monocentric analysis evaluated the effectiveness of our triage in identifying patients with IRDs as a function of the assigned appointment category (elective, EAC, or emergency appointment). Results: A total of 1407 patients were included in the study (34.7% male; 65.3% female). Of the 1407 patients evaluated, 361 (25.7%) presented with IRD. There were significant differences in the frequency of inflammatory diagnoses between appointment categories (p < 0.001): elective 13.8%, EAC 32.9%, and emergency 45.9%. The sample without the emergency category included a total of 1222 patients. The classification into "inflammatory" or "non-inflammatory" in this subsample was as follows: Sensitivity was 37.7%, and specificity was 92.6%. The positive predictive value (PPV) was 59.8%, and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 83.6%. Overall, 80.2% of patients were correctly assigned using the appointment category and C-reactive protein (CRP). Conclusions: The algorithm-based triage system presented here, which focuses on the time between symptom onset and request for an appointment, allows for the prioritisation of appointments in favour of patients with IRDs and thus earlier initiation of therapy.