Tertiary Care Center Research Articles

Role of Azathioprine in the Management of ITP in the TPO-RA Era: A Single Centre Retrospective Study

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disease associated with low platelets and risk of bleeding. Standard-of-care treatment now includes the novel thrombopoietin-receptor agonists (TPO-RA). However, access to these modern therapeutics remains a challenge, limiting clinicians’ options. We investigated azathioprine in relapsed/refractory ITP to determine its efficacy and safety, focusing on evaluating its utility in post-TPO-RA patients.We retrospectively reviewed all adult patients, age 18 years and older, who were worked up for thrombocytopenia between 2009 and 2022 at a tertiary care centre in Ontario, Canada. Only ITP patients treated with azathioprine were included.We identified 92 ITP patients who received azathioprine, mean age 55.6 ± 22.3 years, 53 females and 39 males, with 64 having primary ITP. The overall response rate (ORR) was 47.8% (44/92), with a sustained response rate of 77.3% (34/44) at 6 months. Median time to response was 6 weeks. Fourteen patients (31.8%) relapsed with a median duration of response of 10 weeks. Most patients (73.9%) had documented side effects, with nausea/vomiting, infections and myelosuppression being the most common. The majority of patients received azathioprine as third-line; 6 patients were post-TPO-RA and 27 post-splenectomy. ORR was 50.0% (3/6) and 40.7% (11/27) in each group respectively.This is the largest retrospective study demonstrating benefit with azathioprine in relapsed/refractory ITP. Its efficacy remains consistent both post-TPO-RA (p=0.948) and post-splenectomy (p=0.259), offering clinicians a comparable drug response irrespective of prior TPO-RA exposure or splenectomy. We propose that azathioprine remains a viable option for relapsed/refractory ITP in the TPO-RA era.

Musculoskeletal melioidosis- a retrospective review of 22 cases from a tertiary care centre in South Tamilnadu

A retrospective review of culture confirmed musculoskeletal melioidosis reported between December 2014 and February 2024 was conducted. 22 of 100 patients with culture proven melioidosis infection had musculoskeletal involvement. Median age was 47 years with 95.4% being males. Osteomyelitis, septic arthritis and septic arthritis along with adjacent osteomyelitis were observed in 12, 9 and 4 cases respectively. All isolates were susceptible to meropenem and susceptible increased exposure to ceftazidime, doxycycline and cotrimoxazole. Twelve patients underwent surgical procedures. Four patients who died due to septicemia had multisystem involvement with positive blood cultures.

Endoluminal Approaches for Colorectal Neoplasia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, A Viable Alternative for Colectomy?

IntroductionEndoscopic resection of visible dysplastic lesions in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) provides an alternative to colectomy for management. Endoscopic techniques that can be used include endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), and a combined hybrid approach of ESD and EMR. These endoscopic treatments may allow organ preservation in patients with IBD. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of endoscopic resection, including EMR, ESD and hybrid ESD/EMR, for the treatment of colorectal dysplasia in patients with IBD. MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of IBD patients who underwent endoscopic resection for colorectal dysplasia at our tertiary care center between 2014 to 2023. Patients were identified through a search of our endoscopy database. Medical records were reviewed to collect data on patient demographics, IBD history, details of endoscopic technique, procedural factors, final pathology results, and outcomes including recurrence of dysplasia. ResultsA total of 50 IBD patients underwent endoscopic resection, including 38 ESD, 11 hybrid ESD/EMR, and 1 EMR. Median age was 62 (IQR: 54-68) years and 34 (68%) were male. Median BMI was 27.6 (IQR: 24.8-31.7). Underlying diagnosis was ulcerative colitis in 33 (66%) and Crohn's disease in 17 (33%). Median disease duration was 27.5 years (IQR 8-30). Polyp locations were distributed as follows: right colon, rectum, left colon, transverse colon, and cecum, with 9 (18%) in each area. Median procedure time was 47.5minutes (IQR: 31.2-73.7). En bloc resection was achieved in 34 (68%) and piecemeal resection in 16 (32%). On pathology, median lesion size was 23.5 (IQR: 20.2-40) mm. High-grade dysplasia was found in 7 (14%) and low-grade dysplasia in 15 (30%). During a median follow-up period of 7.2 years, 18% of patients experienced recurrence. No significant difference in recurrence rates was observed between the ESD and ESD/EMR groups. ConclusionEndoscopic resection, including EMR, ESD and hybrid techniques, enables effective treatment of visible dysplastic lesions as an alternative to colectomy in patients with IBD. In this cohort, favorable short-term outcomes were demonstrated after endoscopic resection.

Exploring sleep-related disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis: A questionnaire-based approach

ABSTRACT Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered the most prevalent neurological disorder in young adults with many patients manifesting sleep-related disorders (SRD) due to its pathomechanisms. This is subsequently reflected in patients’ quality of life and physical activities. Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study at a tertiary care center. Patients diagnosed with MS were enrolled, and assessment of their sleep patterns and related disorders were measured using pre-validated scales. A questionnaire consisting of 38 items was used, and the obtained data were analyzed using RStudio software. Results: A total of 260 patients participated in the study. Most participants were aged 31–40 (n = 112) with a mean age of 36.49 ± 8.41 (age range: 18–56 years). The most used medications were rituximab (27%) and ocrelizumab (25%). Shapiro–Wilk Test was significant (P = 0.04) and just below the significance level of α = 0.05, suggesting potential significant deviation in the distribution of age. Logistic regression model was applied, and the female probability of sleeping more than six hours was 3.60 times the probability of sleeping six hours or less. Conclusion: Sleep quality is multifaceted and requires intensive investigation in patients with chronic disorders including MS. In this study, several novel data have been presented in a population that has very little literature data.

Transperineal Ultrasound In Clinically Diagnosed FistulaIn Ano Cases - A Cross-Sectional Study In A Tertiary Care Center

Fistula-in-ano (FIA) is a chronic and often recurrent anorectal condition characterized by an abnormal communication between the rectum or anal canal and the perianal skin. Accurate diagnosis and management of FIA remain challenging due to the complexity of fistula tracts and potential complications. Traditional diagnostic methods like clinical examination and fistulography are commonly employed, but these methods often lack detailed visualization of the fistulous tracts. In recent years, transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) has emerged as a non-invasive, radiation-free, and cost-effective tool in the assessment of FIA. This study aims to review the role of transperineal ultrasonography in the assessment of fistula-in-ano, with respect to its current techniques, advantages, clinical applications, and future directions.

Neuromelioidosis – A retrospective review of thirteen cases from a tertiary care centre from South India

Neurologic melioidosis warrants attention in view of its rarity and lethal consequences. We performed a retrospective review of culture confirmed neurologic melioidosis reported between 2017 and 2023. Thirteen patients were identified with median age 43 years and all but three were males. Brain parenchyma was involved in 57% cases (7/13) as cerebritis, encephalitis and macro abscess or micro abscess. Three patients had myelitis with spinal cord micro abscess and cerebral venous thrombosis in three other patients. Five patients died during hospitalization. Two were discharged against medical advice due to financial constraints. Six survivors were followed between one and eight months.

Unmet educational needs and expectations among tracheostomy recipients

ObjectiveThis study seeks to better understand unmet educational needs and treatment expectations in individuals with a tracheostomy. Study designRetrospective, cross-sectional survey. MethodsA survey was distributed to individuals who received a tracheostomy at a tertiary care center in the last five years as well as in Facebook support groups for tracheostomy and head and neck cancer patients. The survey focused on tracheostomy education, satisfaction with care, and gaps in treatment plan understanding. Primary outcome was rate of tracheostomy peri-operative experience being on-par with expectations. ResultsAmong 83 respondents, only report of pre-operative speech (p = 0.024) and swallow (p = 0.019) discussions were associated with peri-operative experience being on-par with expectations. Respondents were more likely to report importance of counseling regarding psychological well-being (p < 0.001) and post-operative social integration/interaction (p < 0.001) than they were to report receiving focused counseling about these topics. Qualitative analysis demonstrated the most frequently missing components of understanding of treatment plans included post-operative care and the post-operative experience (n = 19, 40.4 % each). Reasons for treatment not meeting expectations included lack of communication/education (n = 15, 39.5 %) and experience being worse than expected (n = 8, 21.1 %). Individuals frequently wanted more details of the experience of living with a tracheostomy (n = 25, 42.6 %) and details about tracheostomy care (n = 10, 16.4 %). ConclusionThis study demonstrates significant gaps in informational needs for individuals receiving a tracheostomy, emphasizing the importance of guideline-directed tracheostomy counseling. Specifically, more information is needed regarding expected post-surgical experience, tracheostomy care and maintenance, psychosocial wellbeing, and communication support.

Unveiling Macrosomia Risks of Non-Diabetic Women: Insights from Second Trimester Maternal Lipid Profiles.

Macrosomia, characterized by excessive fetal growth, is common in infants born to women with pre-gestational diabetes and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, macrosomia, which leads to birth-related maternal and fetal complications and metabolic complications in the adolescence of the affected fetuses, also occurs in the pregnancies of non-diabetic women. This study aims to identify the association between second-trimester lipid profiles and macrosomia in non-diabetic pregnant women to aid in early diagnosis. This retrospective cohort study included 8,956 patients who delivered at a tertiary care center between 2017 and 2019. Exclusion criteria encompassed pre-existing diabetes, GDM, preeclampsia (PE), intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, obesity, fetal chromosomal or genetic abnormalities, tobacco, alcohol, or drug use affecting lipid metabolism. Participants were divided into two groups: 621 with macrosomia and 873 controls. Second trimester maternal lipid profiles and demographic variables such as age, pregnancy week, and gender were assessed. In the study cohort, maternal age (P=0.002), gestational week (P=0.003), and cesarean section rate (P<0.001) were higher in the macrosomic group. High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly lower, while total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly higher in the macrosomic group (P<0.001). Univariate analysis revealed positive associations between second-trimester TG (OR 1.023, 95% CI: 1.020‒1.033, P<0.001), TC (OR 1.023, 95% CI: 1.016‒1.030, P<0.001) and LDL-C (OR 1.036, 95% CI: 1.018-1.054, P<0.001) with macrosomia and a negative association with HDL-C (OR 0.954, 95% CI: 0.923‒0.976, P<0.001). However, after adjusted multivariable logistic analysis, only TG remained statistically significantly associated with macrosomia (OR 1.054, 95% CI: 1.033‒1.076, P<0.001). Our study emphasizes the importance of early recognition and prevention of macrosomia. Structured prospective studies are needed to enhance macrosomia prediction and implement preventive measures, such as dietary modifications. These strategies will be crucial in preventing birth-related complications and long-term health risks, including diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases, associated with macrosomia.

Maternal body mass index, maneuvers, and neonatal morbidity associated with shoulder dystocia

BackgroundShoulder dystocia is associated with neonatal morbidity. Higher maternal prepregnancy body mass index is an established risk factor for shoulder dystocia, yet the relationship between maternal prepregnancy body mass index and resulting neonatal morbidity after shoulder dystocia is not well studied. ObjectivesWe assessed the association between body mass index and neonatal adverse outcomes following shoulder dystocia. The frequency and type of maneuvers used to resolve shoulder dystocia by maternal body mass index was compared. Study DesignWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of pregnant individuals who experienced a shoulder dystocia at delivery from June 2012-July 2021 at a tertiary care center. We included singleton non-anomalous livebirths ≥36 weeks’ gestation at a single academic medical center in the Midwestern US. The primary exposure was prepregnancy body mass index categorized as: <30 kg/m2 [referent], 30-34.9 kg/m2, and ≥35 kg/m2. The primary outcome was a composite neonatal morbidity including birth injury (brachial plexus injury or fracture), seizures, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, and 5-minute Apgar < 7. Secondary outcomes were neonatal intensive care unit admission and neonatal acidemia (cord arterial pH < 7.10). Shoulder dystocia duration and the number and types of maneuvers were compared by body mass index group. Multivariable logistic regression was used and adjusted for nulliparity, diabetes, operative vaginal delivery, and gestational age. ResultsAmong 872 individuals who experienced a shoulder dystocia at delivery, 602 (69.0%) had a body mass index <30 kg/m2, 160 (18.3%) had a body mass index between 30-34.9 kg/m2, and 110 (12.6%) had a body mass index ≥35 kg/m2. The median duration of shoulder dystocia was 40 seconds (interquartile range 30, 60 seconds) and did not vary by maternal body mass index. Deliveries complicated by body mass index ≥35 kg/m2 required a greater number of maneuvers compared to those with lower maternal body mass index (p<0.01). McRoberts (96.0%), suprapubic pressure (90.2%) and delivery of the posterior arm (41.1%) were the most frequent maneuvers in all body mass index groups. Rubin’s maneuver was more frequently used with body mass index ≥35 kg/m2 compared with body mass index <30 kg/m2 (34.6% versus 22.4%, p = 0.02, adjusted odds ratio 1.63, 95% CI 1.04-2.57). Composite neonatal morbidity did not differ by body mass index. Neonatal injury was more frequent with body mass index ≥35 kg/m2 compared with body mass index <30 kg/m2 (adjusted odds ratio 1.97, 95% CI 1.06-3.68). Interaction between body mass index and number of maneuvers was not statistically significant (p=0.94). ConclusionsAmong pregnant individuals who experienced a shoulder dystocia, increased prepregnancy body mass index was associated with an increased number of maneuvers performed during a shoulder dystocia, but not longer duration. Risk of neonatal injury following shoulder dystocia, but not the composite neonatal adverse outcome, was increased with body mass index ≥35 kg/m2.

Point-of-care lung ultrasound in the diagnosis of childhood pneumonia.

Lung ultrasound is emerging as a rapid, simple and safe alternative for diagnosing pneumonia since it has a higher sensitivity than X-rays and lower radiation exposure than computerized tomography. This is a prospective observational study done at a tertiary care centre in Chennai to study the diagnostic utility of lung ultrasound in pneumonia. Children aged 1 month to 12 years who were admitted to the hospital with complaints of cough, fever and/or breathing difficulty and on examination had tachypnea and/or chest indrawing were included in the study. All children underwent chest X-rays which was a standard hospital protocol. At admission, an independent investigator who was blinded to the clinical and radiological features of the child performed lung ultrasound. In all children, the final diagnosis of pneumonia was made by another independent expert paediatrician on the basis of the clinical features and chest X-ray. The test characteristics of ultrasound and chest X-ray were compared against this gold standard of physician-diagnosed pneumonia. Out of the 252 children studied, 225 (89.3%) had pneumonia while the rest 27 (10.7%) had other diagnoses. Among the 225 children with pneumonia, 223 (99.1%) were detected by ultrasound while 157 (69.8%) were detected by chest X-ray. All the test characteristics such as sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of ultrasound were higher than those of chest X-ray. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound to diagnose pneumonia were 99.11% and 81.48%, respectively, while the sensitivity and specificity of X-ray for the same were 69.77% and 74.07%, respectively. Overall diagnostic accuracy for chest ultrasonography was 97.22% (94.36% to 98.88%), whereas for chest radiography, it was found to be 70.24% (64.18% to 75.81%).While both modalities were able to diagnose pneumonia significantly, ultrasound had better strength of association (Cramer's V value = 0.849) than X-ray to the final diagnosis. Lung ultrasound can be employed as a point-of-care investigation to diagnose pneumonia in suspected cases and can even replace chest X-ray in such circumstances.

Mortality association with extremity trauma and transferring patients for higher level of care.

Rising healthcare costs and reduced Medicaid reimbursements pose lasting challenges for trauma centers. Various studies have highlighted the adverse effect of these cost-related circumstances on trauma center survival and the need for local hospitals to transfer patients to tertiary and quaternary care centers. Our study seeks to assess the relationship between patient transfer status to a higher-level health center and its association with mortality. A total of 19417 patients were identified, of which 15317 patients presented directly to the higher level health center, and 3830 patients who transferred from 49 different outside hospitals within a 500-mile radius. Data collection was collected from the receiving higher level of care hospital trauma registry. IBM SPSS version 23 was used to analyze the data. A 1:1 propensity-matched analysis based on age, sex, and injury severity score yielded 3566 patients that presented directly to ARMC and 3566 patients who were transferred to ARMC for a higher level of care. Amongst various factors we considered mechanism of injury, response levels, arrival methods, and transfusion of blood products. The univariate analysis of the propensity-matched analysis demonstrated 88% blunt injury in the nontransferred group and 82% in the transferred group (P<0.001). Overall, hospital mortality was 3% in nontransferred patients versus 4% in the transferred group (P<0.001). A multivariate logistic regression demonstrated mortality is more likely in patients with higher injury severity scores [odd ratio (OD) 2.351 (1.029-1.082), P<0.001] and lack of packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions received within first 4h [OD 6.852 (3.525-13.318), P=0.001]. The transfer of trauma patients with extremity injuries to level 1 trauma centers has significant implications on patient outcomes. In our retrospective observational cohort study, the authors noted increased mortality among patients with higher injury severity scores, penetrating injuries, pRBC administration within the first 4h of hospitalization, and among patient transfers.

Assessment of appropriate utilization of out-of-office diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of hypertension

ABSTRACT Background: Out-of-office blood pressure (BP) measurement devices, such as ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) and home BP monitoring (HBPM), enhance the accuracy and reliability of BP readings, detecting white-coat and masked hypertension. The American Heart Association (AHA) advises confirming hypertension diagnoses with ABPM to prevent overdiagnosis, emphasizing the importance of precise out-of-office diagnostic tools. This study aimed to 1) explore the prevalence of ABPM and HBPM use prior to hypertension diagnosis; 2) assess the adherence to AHA recommendations regarding ABPM utilization; and 3) investigate the association between patient characteristics and out-of-office BP monitoring practices. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed a random sample of adult patients newly diagnosed with essential hypertension at a tertiary hospital primary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between 2016 and 2022. Results: This study evaluated the use of ABPM and HBPM in a sample of 268 newly diagnosed hypertensive patients, with a mean age of 49.17 ± 12.69 years. Although ABPM orders were placed for 57.8% of patients, only 48.5% completed the procedure. Notably, 42.2% of hypertension diagnoses were solely based on ABPM, while 7.1% and 1.1% utilized HBPM alone or in combination with ABPM, respectively. This analysis revealed a lower utilization of ABPM among older adults, individuals with diabetes or chronic kidney disease, and married patients (P &lt; 0.05). However, this association with marital status, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease was no longer statistically significant in a fully adjusted model (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: Out-of-office BP monitoring, particularly ABPM, was underutilized in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients, especially in older age groups and patients with specific comorbidities, who may benefit the most from this method. These results underscore the need for increasing physician knowledge and compliance with the existing guidelines.

Prediction of perinatal mortality in early-onset fetal growth restriction: A post hoc analysis of the Dutch STRIDER trial to predict perinatal mortality in early-onset fetal growth restriction

ObjectiveEarly-onset fetal growth restriction affects about 0.3% of pregnancies, posing high perinatal risks due to placental insufficiency. Early-onset fetal growth restriction often coincides with early-onset pre-eclampsia, associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Clinical management varies among clinicians, with emphasis on intensive monitoring and timely delivery. Our objective was to improve clinical prediction of perinatal mortality in early-onset fetal growth restriction for parental counseling. Study designThis was a secondary analysis of prospective cohort data from the Dutch STRIDER trial. The study included 215 pregnant women diagnosed with severe early-onset fetal growth restriction between 20 + 0 and 29 + 6 weeks of gestation, from tertiary and secondary antenatal care centers in The Netherlands. Maternal and fetal characteristics were collected at inclusion, including sonographic and laboratory measurements. Analysis was performed using univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression to create a prediction model for perinatal mortality. The main outcome measures were fetal demise and neonatal mortality up to discharge. Results215 Participants were included for this analysis. Perinatal mortality occurred in 84 (39 %) cases; 51 (24 %) were fetal and 33 (15 %) neonatal. Fetal abdominal circumference, gestational age at diagnosis, estimated fetal weight Multiple of Median, absent or reversed end-diastolic flow of the umbilical artery, umbilical artery pulsatility index Multiple of Median, non-Caucasian ethnicity, male sex, placental growth factor level and uterine artery pulsatility index were independent predictors of perinatal mortality. Randomization allocation (sildenafil or placebo) had no predictive value for mortality. The prediction model including gestational age at diagnosis, estimated fetal weight Multiple of Median and umbilical artery pulsatility index Multiple of Median showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.840 (P < 0.01). Placental growth factor was measured in a subset of patients and was an independent prognostic factor and performed significantly better within the predictive model, however it did not improve the predictive value of the model. ConclusionsPrediction of perinatal mortality in early-onset fetal growth restriction is feasible with commonly available tests and measurements and could support decision making in management of pregnancy. However, implementation in practice requires further studies.

Management considerations in grease versus non-grease scald burns in adults: A retrospective cohort study at a tertiary burn care facility

IntroductionScald burns are challenging to manage due to their evolutionary nature and nuanced injury pattern. Different mediums, such as hot water, steam, or grease, each have unique physical properties that may inflict more damage and incite a different inflammatory response. While pediatric patients are often the focus of scald burn research, a significant number of adults still suffer from scald burns, especially while cooking with hot grease. Our study aimed to analyze differences in injury pattern and management between grease versus non-grease scald burns. Materials and MethodsA retrospective chart review was done on all scald burn patients at a tertiary burn care center from January 2020 to December 2022. The primary outcomes were admission and length of stay with the primary exposure being grease versus non-grease scald burns. Secondary outcomes included rates of surgical excision and changes in surgical management plans. Multivariate regressions were employed to control for sex, age, total body surface area (TBSA), and burn thickness. ResultsOf 165 patients with scald burns, 41 out of 91 (45.1 %) with grease burns and 43 out of 74 (58.1 %) with non-grease burns were admitted. No statistically significant difference in length of hospital stay existed between admitted grease and non-grease burns (p = 0.45). Additionally, no differences were observed for surgical excision (p = 0.63) and changes in surgical management plans (p = 0.47) ConclusionThe mechanism of scald burn caused by either a grease or non-grease source is not associated with any differences in admission, length of hospital stay, or surgical management. Scald burn management should still focus on patient age, TBSA, and burn thickness regardless of the causative agent.

Clinical progression of Parkinson’s disease in the early 21st century: Insights from the Accelerating Medicine Partnership (AMP-PD) data

BackgroundParkinson’s disease (PD) therapeutic strategies have evolved since levodopa introduction in mid 1900s. To understand their impact and research gaps, this study delineated the clinical progression of PD in recent years. MethodsUsing Accelerating Medicine Partnership-PD (AMP-PD) data harmonized from seven biomarker discovery studies (2010-2020), we extracted: overall [Schwab and England (S&E), PD Questionnaire (PDQ-39)]; motor [Movement Disorders Society Unified PD Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS)-II and -III and Hoehn & Yahr (HY)]; and non-motor [MDS-UPDRS-I, University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)] scores. Age at diagnosis was set as 0 years, and data were tracked for 15 subsequent years. ResultsAmong 3,001 PD cases identified to be suitable for this study, 2,838 are white, 1,843 are males, with a mean age at diagnosis was 60.2±10.3 years. At baseline evaluation, the disease duration was 9.9±6.0 years overall, 1915 within 0-5, 541 with 6-10, 254 within 11-15, and 163 greater than 15 years. Participants largely reported independence (S&E, 5y: 86.6±12.3; 10y: 78.9±19.3; 15y: 78.5±17.0) and good quality of life (PDQ-39, 5y: 15.5±12.3; 10y: 22.1±15.8; 15y: 24.3±14.4). Motor scores displayed a linear progression, whereas non-motor scores plateaued ∼10-15 years. Younger onset age and female correlated with slower progression. ConclusionsTwenty-first century PD patients remain largely independent in the first decade of disease at tertiary subspecialty care and research centers. There are data gaps for those who are non-whites or longer PD duration, and sensible metrics that can gauge non-motor progression when PD is beyond 10 years.

Ten-Year Outcome After Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy in cT3M0 Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma-A STROBE Analysis.

The aim of this study was to document 10-year outcomes after supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) in selected cT3M0 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients. This real-life retrospective observational study analyzed an inception cohort of 168 patients with isolated, untreated, selected cT3M0 laryngeal SCC, that were consecutively managed by SCPL during the period 1973-2013, and followed up until death or for a minimum of 10 years in 92% of cases at a single French academic and tertiary referral care center. Prior induction chemotherapy, arytenoid cartilage removal, level II-IV neck dissection, and postoperative radiation therapy were performed on 148, 77, 136, and 27 patients, respectively. The main objective was to determine 10-year actuarial local control and laryngeal preservation estimates. Secondary objectives included 10-year actuarial survival and cause-of-death analysis, and assessment of correlations between endpoints and clinical variables. The significance threshold was set at p < 0.005. Ten-year actuarial local control, laryngeal preservation, and survival estimates were 90%, 85%, and 52%, respectively. Salvage treatment resulted in an overall 99% local control rate. Metachronous second primary cancer, intercurrent disease without evidence of SCC, SCPL-related death, and uncontrolled local recurrence accounted for 31%, 26%, 7%, and 2% of causes of death. On univariate analysis, overall local recurrence and laryngeal preservation rates varied significantly, from 5% to 54% and 90% to 46% when resection margins were R0 and R1, respectively. The present study highlighted successful 10-year outcomes after SCPL, providing further evidence in favor of its integration into the conservative armamentarium for endolaryngeal cT3 SCC. 4 Laryngoscope, 134:4557-4563, 2024.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in Patients with Ruptured Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms: A Multicenter Study in Northern China.

The long-term prognosis of ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms (MCAAs) in northern China remains unclear. The aim of this study is to analyze the epidemiological characteristics and long-term outcomes of ruptured MCAAs in northern China. We included patients who were consecutively admitted for ruptured MCAAs to 12 tertiary care centers in northern China from January 2017 to December 2020. Kaplan‒Meier curves were used to compare survival in hazard strata. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze risk factors and mortality risk, whereas logistic regression was used to identify factors influencing 2-year survival. Subgroup analyses were performed to verify the robustness of the results. Data on 959 patients with ruptured MCAAs were analyzed; 16.4% of these patients had ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RIAs) and were registered in the Chinese cerebral aneurysm database. The mean follow-up duration was 3.0years (range 0-6.2years). The 3-month and 2-year mortality rates were 15.5% and 18.2%, respectively. The risk factors for mortality were identified via Cox regression and were as follows: age > 70years, previous stroke, combined intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)/intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), poor Hunt and Hess grade, multiple aneurysms, and conservative treatment (CT). The positive association between the risk of death and CT was consistent across subgroups. According to logistic regression, hypertension, previous stroke, combined ICH/IVH, Hunt and Hess grade, and WFNS (World Federation of Neurological Surgeons) score were identified as factors negatively influencing 2-year survival. We detail the epidemiologic characteristics and long-term outcomes of MCAAs. The risk factors for mortality included age > 70years, previous stroke, combined ICH/IVH, poor Hunt and Hess grade, and multiple aneurysms. Compared with microsurgical treatment (MST), CT is associated with an increased risk of mortality, while the risk of mortality associated with endovascular treatment (EVT) is not significantly different. Two-year survival was associated with hypertension, previous stroke, ICH/IVH, and poor grades at admission.

Which antidiabetic drugs do patients of T2DM prefer in India and why? A discrete choice experiment

ABSTRACT Background: Uncontrolled diabetes persists despite guideline-based treatment, partly attributed to inadequate patient involvement. This research addresses shared decision-making by eliciting patient preferences in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) treatment based on certain key attributes and explores their correlation with socio-demographic-clinical profiles. Methods: A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted among T2DM outpatients in an Indian tertiary care center. A choice card was developed using the contextual choice framework, having six second-line antidiabetic drugs (ADs) from different classes incorporating seven attributes. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with patients, and elicited preferences were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square analysis, and multinomial logistic regression. Results: Out of the 87 evaluated participant choices, the most preferred drug was Glimepiride (51.7%), followed by Dapagliflozin (22.9%) and Teneligliptin (17.2%). Overall, the most important attributes were the effect on weight (29%), followed by route of administration (24%), and additional benefits offered by the drug (18%). Significant associations were found between participants’ drug preferences and their age (P = 0.002), socioeconomic status (P = 0.04), occupation (P = 0.004), and monthly income (P = 0.03). Age was not a significant predictor of drug choice for any of the drugs. Multinomial logistic regression showed that the overall model was statistically significant (P = 0.025), and it correctly predicted drug choice for 58.6% of the participants. Conclusion: Glimepiride was the most preferred option overall while the effect on weight was the most important attribute for patients in determining their preference. The study highlighted the importance of shared decisions and can guide practitioners in considering patient preferences when prescribing antidiabetic drugs.

Analysis of clinical characteristics and factors affecting treatment responses in patients with pyoderma gangrenosum: a multicenter study of 239 patients☆

BackgroundPyoderma Gangrenosum (PG) is a chronic disease characterized by recalcitrant skin ulcers. ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the demographic, clinical characteristics, treatments and factors affecting the treatment responses of patients with PG. MethodsWe performed a multicenter study of 12 tertiary care centers. We analyzed the data of the patients who were followed up with a diagnosis of PG between the years 2012‒2022 retrospectively. ResultsWe included a total of 239 patients of whom 143 were female and 96 were male, with an average age of 54.2 ± 17.4 years. The most common treatment was systemic steroids (n = 181, 75.7%). Among these patients, 50.8% (n = 92) used systemic steroids as the sole systemic agent, while 49.2% (n = 89) used at least one adjuvant immunosuppressive agent. The independent factors determined in regression analysis to influence response to systemic steroids positively were disease onset age ≥ 30-years, negative pathergy, absence of leukocytosis, negative wound culture, presence of a single lesion, and absence of upper extremity involvement. Biological agents were used in 18.4% (n = 44) of the patients in the present study. We also analyzed pathergy positive PG and early onset (onset age < 30) PG separately due to their distinct clinical features which were revealed during statistical analysis. Study limitationsRetrospective nature of the present study. ConclusionsAnalyses of the factors influencing treatment responses are addressed in this study. Also, we concluded that investigation for accompanying autoinflammatory diseases of pathergy positive PG and early onset PG is necessary and the patients in these two groups are more resistant to treatment, necessitating more complicated treatments.

Prevalence of economic violence among the geriatric population and their knowledge and utilization of social security schemes in Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu

ABSTRACT Context: Economic independence is an important factor in the prevention of violence among the elderly. Optimal utilization of various social security schemes in India helps them in achieving financial independence and proper utilization of health care services. However, there is a knowledge and service utilization gap among the elderly in our population. Aim and Objectives: To assess the prevalence of economic violence and awareness and utilization of social security schemes among the geriatric population. Settings and Design: Community-based cross-sectional study conducted in rural and urban field practice areas of the tertiary care center. Methods and Material: A simple random sampling method was adopted. The data were collected using a pilot-tested semistructured questionnaire among 406 participants from three selected villages and wards of Venmalagaram and Maduranthakam during January to July 2023. Statistical Analysis Used: Frequencies and proportions were used for categorical variables, and Chi-square test was applied to test the level of significance. P &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of economic violence was found to be 12.1%. Among them, neglect was seen in a major proportion (61.2%). Awareness about the old age pension was seen in 70.7%, followed by Annapurna scheme (17%) and PMVVY (4.9%). The utilization of these schemes was found to be 34.0%, 11.6%, and 2.7%, respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence of economic violence among the geriatric population was in the form of neglect and property misuse. The knowledge and utilization of social security schemes were poor among the elderly.