Unrelated Complications Research Articles

Milestones in Surgical Complication Reporting: Clavien-Dindo Classification 20 Years and Comprehensive Complication Index 10 Years.

To provide improved guidance for the consistent application of the Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC) and Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI ® ) in challenging clinical scenarios. Standardized outcome reporting is key for the proper assessment of surgical procedures. A recent consensus conference recommended the CDC and the CCI ® for assessing postoperative morbidity. Several challenging scenarios for grading complications still require evidence-based guidance, and the use of the 2 metrics in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) remains unexplored. We assessed the use of the CDC and CCI ® as an outcome measure in a systematic literature search. In addition, we asked 163 international surgeons to critically evaluate and independently grade complications in 20 complex clinical scenarios. Finally, a Core Group of 5 experts used this information to develop consistent recommendations. Until July 2023, 1327 RCTs selected the CDC and/or CCI ® to assess morbidity. Annual use was steadily increasing with now over 200 new RCTs per year. However, only a third (n = 335) of published RCTs provided the complete range of CDC grades, including all subgrades. Eighty-nine out of 163 surgeons (response rate: 55%) completed the questionnaire that served as a basis for the recommendations: repetitive interventions that are required to treat one complication, complications followed by further complications, complications occurring before referral, and expected and unrelated complications to the original procedure should all be counted separately and included in the CCI ® . Invasive blank diagnostic interventions should not be considered a complication. The increasing use of the CDC and CCI ® in RCTs highlights the importance of their standardized application. The current consensus on various difficult scenarios may offer novel guidance for the consistent use of the CDC and CCI ® , aiming to improve complication reporting and better quality control, ultimately benefiting all health care stakeholders and, first and foremost, all patients.

Fluorescence-guided laparoscopic lymph node biopsy for lymphoma: the FLABILY study.

To date, no reports have indicated laparoscopic lymph node biopsies using Indocyanine green (ICG) in cases of lymphoproliferative disease. Preliminary data of patients undergoing fluorescence-guided laparoscopic lymph node biopsy (FGLLB) using ICG was retrospectively analysed from the multicentre registry FLABILY study. Between June 2022 and February 2024, 50 patients underwent FGLLB. The surgical biopsy aimed to re-stage lymphoproliferative disease for 25 patients and to establish a diagnosis in 25 patients. The median duration of the procedure was 65 ± 26.5min. All the procedures were performed laparoscopically. One surgical conversion occurred due to bleeding. Median length of hospitalization was 1 ± 1.7days. Two unrelated complications occurred in the immediate postoperative course. ICG was administrated preoperatively by means of an inguinal, perilesional, or intravenous injection according to the anatomical sites of the biopsy. Fluorescence was obtained in 43/50 (86%) of patients. A significant difference was highlighted in the appearance of fluorescence in sub-mesocolic lymph nodes compared to supra-mesocolic and mesenteric lymph nodes (41/49 (83.6%) vs. 13/22 (59%), p = 0,012). In 98% of cases, FGLLB provided the information necessary for the correct diagnosis. Fluorescence with ICG offers a simple and safe method for detecting pathological lymph nodes. FGLLB in suspected intra-abdominal lymphoma can largely benefit from this new opportunity which, to date, has not yet been tested. Further studies with a larger case series are needed to confirm its efficacy.

Milestones in Surgical Complication Reporting – Twenty years of Clavien-Dindo Classification & ten years of Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI®)

Abstract Background Standardized outcome reporting is key for proper assessment of surgical procedures. A recent consensus conference recommended the Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC) and the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI®) for assessing postoperative morbidity. However, their use in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has not been assessed, and several challenging scenarios for grading complications require consensus-based guidance. Aims The aim of this study was to assess the use of the CDC and CCI® in RCTs and to provide guidance on their standardized and consistent application. Methods We identified all RCTs that used the CDC or CCI® as a primary or secondary outcome. In addition, we asked 163 international surgeons to independently grade complications of 20 clinical cases covering seven challenging scenarios. Finally, a core group of five experts used this information do develop consistent recommendations. Results Up to July 2023, 1424 RCTs used the CDC or CCI® to assess postoperative morbidity. Annual use was steadily increasing with now over 200 new RCTs per year. Eighty-nine (55%) surgeons completed the survey. Complications requiring multiple interventions, complications of complications, complications occurring prior to referral, and expected and unrelated complications should all be counted as separate complications and included in the CCI®. Invasive diagnostics without findings should not be considered as a complication since purely diagnostic. Conclusion We observed an extensive and steadily increasing use of CDC and CCI® in RCTs, highlighting the importance of their consistent application. Provided by the original developers of the CDC and CCI® and based on an international survey of their frequent users, the current consensus offers much-needed guidance for challenging scenarios. This will further improve the consistency and accuracy of complication reporting, leading to higher quality RCTs, improved cost estimations, and better quality control, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders.

Clinical characteristics, imaging findings, management, and outcomes of patients with scimitar syndrome at a tertiary referral healthcare center in Colombia

Scimitar Syndrome is part of a complex spectrum of congenital cardiovascular anomalies related to anomalous pulmonary venous return. Depending on the extent of involvement, treatment can be either expectant or surgical. Prognosis and survival have been controversial, with some results supporting early surgical management. This research aims to disclose the outcomes and describe the management, clinical and imaging characteristics of patients diagnosed with Scimitar Syndrome treated in a tertiary referral healthcare center. Longitudinal descriptive observational study. The study included all patients diagnosed with scimitar syndrome in our institution between January/2011 and December/2022. A description of the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, diagnostic tools used, treatment features, and patient outcomes is provided. Eleven patients were included, with a mean age at diagnosis of five years (CI 0–17), six of which were female (54.55%). Nine (81.82%) patients had evidence of a scimitar vein on the chest radiograph, six (54.55%) cardiac dextroposition, six (54.55%) pulmonary hypoplasia, five (45.45%) right pulmonary artery hypoplasia, and three (27.27%) had aortopulmonary collaterals. Four (36.36%) patients had horseshoe lungs, and four (36.36%) had bronchopulmonary sequestration. In the associations, two (18.18%) patients were found to have an atrial septal defect, three (27.27%) ventricular septal defect, and one (9%) had Tetralogy of Fallot. Pulmonary hypertension was demonstrated in two (18.18%) patients. Seven (63.64%) required surgical management to correct the scimitar vein, and two patients died due to unrelated complications. Scimitar syndrome presents diagnostic and treatment challenges, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach for timely care. Chest radiography and CT scans are primary diagnostic tools, with surgical intervention often warranted alongside other heart defects or significant hemodynamic repercussions. Medical management is effective for mild to moderate cases. Long-term patient outcomes remain uncertain due to study limitations, but improved life expectancy is anticipated with ongoing care.

Abstract 3626: Day 21 early bone marrow response does not offer high concordance with response bone marrow in the induction chemotherapy setting of FLT3 mutant acute myeloid leukemia

Abstract Purpose: Day 14 early bone marrow biopsies are routinely initiated to determine need for reinduction chemotherapy, but poorly predict true response and risk overtreatment. Day 21 (D21) bone marrow biopsies have been performed in the context of trials utilizing FLT3-targeted therapies in combination with induction chemotherapy (Stone et al. NEJM 2017). However, the utility of D21 bone marrow responses is not well defined. Methods: We retrospectively identified 26 newly diagnosed FLT3 mutant AML patients who underwent induction chemotherapy with midostaurin and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) of bone marrow aspirate within a week of diagnosis. Results: 19/26 (73%) of patients had both D21 and response bone marrow biopsy. Of the remaining 7 patients, 4 patients did not have D21 bone marrow, 2 died of unrelated complications prior to response bone marrow, and 1 did not have recovery marrow available for assessment. Our cohort included 13 (50%) men with a median age of 57 years (range, 21 - 73 years). All patients had ECOG of 0 - 1. 96% of cases were de novo AML and 81% had normal cytogenetics. FLT3 ITD mutations were detected in 17 (65%) patients with a median FLT3 ITD ratio of 0.305 (range, 0.03 - 1) and median FLT3 VAF of 23.8% (range, 3.2 - 80.6%). 7 patients (26.9%) underwent additional allogeneic stem cell transplant. In the 19 patients evaluable for analysis, 13/13 (100%) patients with blast % ≤ 5 at D21 achieved a complete response (CR) based on recovery marrow. 4/6 (67%) patients with blast % > 5 at D21 which were considered to have residual disease based on pathology review (median blast % 11 (range, 6 - 17%) ultimately achieved a CR. The 2 patients that did not achieve a CR has a blast % of 29% and 9% on D21 marrow. Thus, the positive predictive value of D21 early bone marrow response corresponding with the response bone marrow was only 33% in our patient cohort. Of the 4 patients that did not have D21 marrow but had recovery marrows available for review, the CR rate was 100%. No other significant differences in initial disease characteristics were seen. There were no differences proportion of co-mutations in NPM1, DNMT3A, TP53, IDH2, and IDH1, and higher FLT3 ITD ratio nor FLT3 VAF corresponded with ability to clear D21 bone marrow. Additionally, there were no differences in minimal residual disease (MRD) and overall survival (OS) between the groups. Conclusions: Our study suggests early bone marrow response in the context of FLT3-mutant disease is not dependent on inherent disease characteristics and does not correspond to overall response to targeted induction chemotherapy. The utility of these marrows in is this population needs to be studied further in a larger cohort to better understand the clinical necessity to avoid unnecessary cost/procedures to patients and even more importantly unnecessary reinductions. Citation Format: Vincent Lok, Su Bin Hahn, Nikesh N. Shah, Daniel A. Kerr, Ivan M. Borrello, Eduardo M. Sotomayor, David M. Swoboda. Day 21 early bone marrow response does not offer high concordance with response bone marrow in the induction chemotherapy setting of FLT3 mutant acute myeloid leukemia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3626.

Use of Fibrinogen and D-Dimer to Predict Platelet Recovery in Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia

Introduction Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) occurs in approximately 0.5-1.0% of patients treated with unfractionated heparin, though true incidence is hard to quantify due to difficulties in recognition and diagnosis. The mainstay of treatment is the initiation of non-heparin anticoagulants until platelet recovery and for one to three months thereafter. There is no available model to predict platelet recovery. A predictive model may help identify (1) patients who are improving even if not reflected in platelet count, particularly in refractory cases; and (2) those who may require adjunctive therapies for treatment. It has been previously proposed that in a distinct subset of HIT, termed “autoimmune HIT,” the fibrinogen and d-dimer may be helpful markers to assess treatment response. Anecdotally, in complex HIT cases at our institution, we have observed improvements in fibrinogen and d-dimer preceding the resolution of thrombocytopenia. In this study, our aim was to establish a correlation between the fibrinogen, d-dimer, and the platelet count. Fibrinogen and d-dimer assay accessibility make them alluring for widespread use, if informative. We hypothesized that the fibrinogen and d-dimer trends would correlate with improvements in platelets. Methods This study design was reviewed and approved by the Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) Institutional Review Board. All inpatients admitted to VUMC between August 2022 and March 2023 with a positive HIT immunoassay (ELISA) were identified. Venous blood aliquots in sodium citrate used for anticoagulation management were collected daily. Patients with confirmed HIT based on a positive serotonin release assay were included in the analysis. Samples were collected until resolution of HIT, discharge, and/or death. Fibrinogen and d-dimer were measured on stored samples and compared to the daily platelet counts for each patient. Statistical Analysis To determine how baseline platelet count, time, fibrinogen and d-dimer relate to longitudinal measurements of platelet counts (assessed between 1- and 22-days post-baseline) we used a generalized least squares model with an AR1 within-patient correlation pattern, determined using AIC and variograms assessing fit with the data. Results In total, samples from 10 patients with HIT were collected. Baseline characteristics are presented in Table 1. Longitudinal regression analysis presented in the ANOVA plot in Figure 1 suggested that d-dimer ( X2 3.72, p=0.71) and fibrinogen ( X2 9.29, p=0.16) had no statistically significant correlation with platelet recovery, and the only strong variable was time ( X2 30.46, p=0.0002), indicating non-flat trajectories. Baseline platelet count showed signal for positive effect ( X2 3.34, p=0.07). Other effects were assessed, but not significant. Discussion The results of our exploratory laboratory correlation study suggest that fibrinogen and d-dimer values were not reliably correlated with platelet counts in patients with HIT, despite anecdotal experience suggesting benefit in monitoring fibrinogen and d-dimer in difficult HIT cases. The best correlation and strongest association with the improvement in platelet counts was time. Our study has several limitations. First is our small patient sample size. In addition, 4 patients (40%) died due to unrelated complications, therefore limiting the number of data points available for interpretation. Lastly, mean and median fibrinogen values are within the normal range in our data set; d-dimer mean and median are only mildly abnormal. Future prospective studies should be considered to further explore the relationship between fibrinogen and d-dimer with platelet trajectory when markedly abnormal at time of HIT diagnosis, as we have observed in severe HIT cases.

Epidemiology of distal radius fractures: Elucidating mechanisms, comorbidities, and fracture classification using the national trauma data bank

BackgroundAn update on the epidemiology of distal radius fractures in the United States is necessary, particularly as the elderly population grows. Additionally, age and frailty have been associated with complications following surgical fixation of DRFs. Herein, we utilize the National Trauma Data Bank, a robust nationwide resource, to investigate the relationship between demographics, comorbidities, injury and fracture characteristics, and admission details. MethodsPatients with isolated distal radius fractures were identified from the National Trauma Data Bank (2016–2019) according to ICD-10 codes. Univariate and multivariate regressions were conducted to determine independent risk factors for bilateral fractures, displaced fractures, open fractures, as well as length of hospital stay and adverse discharge disposition for patients undergoing inpatient surgical fixation. ResultsThe incidence of DRFs was 3.6/1,000 trauma-related emergency department visits and 10.8/1,000 upper extremity traumas. Trauma mechanism was significantly associated with displaced and open fractures. Age (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.01–1.01), BMI (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.02), smoking (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.15–1.57), and alcohol level (trace: OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.41–3.29; intoxicated: OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.63–2.95) were significantly associated with open fractures. Machinery (β=2.04, 95% CI 1.00–3.08) and MVT (β=0.39, 95% CI 0.08–0.69) mechanisms were independent risk factors for longer length of stay. mFI-5 was an independent risk factor, in a stepwise fashion, for both length of stay and adverse discharge disposition. ConclusionsHigh-energy mechanisms and risk factors for poor skin quality were significantly associated with open fractures. mFI-5 was an independent risk factor for longer length of stay and non-routine discharges in patients of all ages, despite controlling for other comorbidities, unrelated complications, and mechanism of injury. Trauma mechanism was an independent risk factor for prolonged length of stay only, particularly in patients younger than 65 years of age.

Biopsy-proven acute interstitial nephritis after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination-adverse vaccine side effect or unrelated complication from self-medication? Lessons for the clinical nephrologist.

Biopsy-proven acute interstitial nephritis after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination-adverse vaccine side effect or unrelated complication from self-medication? Lessons for the clinical nephrologist.

Prediction of Influenza Complications: Development and Validation of a Machine Learning Prediction Model to Improve and Expand the Identification of Vaccine-Hesitant Patients at Risk of Severe Influenza Complications.

Influenza vaccinations are recommended for high-risk individuals, but few population-based strategies exist to identify individual risks. Patient-level data from unvaccinated individuals, stratified into retrospective cases (n = 111,022) and controls (n = 2,207,714), informed a machine learning model designed to create an influenza risk score; the model was called the Geisinger Flu-Complications Flag (GFlu-CxFlag). The flag was created and validated on a cohort of 604,389 unique individuals. Risk scores were generated for influenza cases; the complication rate for individuals without influenza was estimated to adjust for unrelated complications. Shapley values were used to examine the model’s correctness and demonstrate its dependence on different features. Bias was assessed for race and sex. Inverse propensity weighting was used in the derivation stage to correct for biases. The GFlu-CxFlag model was compared to the pre-existing Medial EarlySign Flu Algomarker and existing risk guidelines that describe high-risk patients who would benefit from influenza vaccination. The GFlu-CxFlag outperformed other traditional risk-based models; the area under curve (AUC) was 0.786 [0.783–0.789], compared with 0.694 [0.690–0.698] (p-value < 0.00001). The presence of acute and chronic respiratory diseases, age, and previous emergency department visits contributed most to the GFlu-CxFlag model’s prediction. When higher numerical scores were assigned to more severe complications, the GFlu-CxFlag AUC increased to 0.828 [0.823–0.833], with excellent discrimination in the final model used to perform the risk stratification of the population. The GFlu-CxFlag can better identify high-risk individuals than existing models based on vaccination guidelines, thus creating a population-based risk stratification for individual risk assessment and deployment in vaccine hesitancy reduction programs in our health system.

A119 ACUTE DIVERTICULITIS &amp; CONCURRENT DIVERTICULAR BLEED: A RARE CLINICAL ENTITY

AimsColonic diverticula are mostly asymptomatic incidental findings on cross sectional imaging or colonoscopy. In the setting of known diverticulosis, complications like diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding occur in only 4% and 1% of patients respectively. It is unusual to see both complications expressed in the same patient and moreover, rare to see them expressed concurrently. We report a case of concurrent diverticulitis with diverticular bleed and expand on the clinical course.MethodsCase reportResultsA 73-year old was diagnosed with sigmoid diverticulitis based on her clinical presentation and an abdominal CT scan. She was discharged home on oral antibiotics but presented a week later with painless rectal bleeding. In view of the ongoing diverticulitis, a colonoscopy was not pursued although it is the typical procedure of choice to manage active gastrointestinal bleeding. A CT scan was recommended as the alternate initial investigation, which revealed active colonic bleeding in the region of the hepatic flexure immediately adjacent to a diverticulum. A subsequent CT angiogram identified the middle colic artery to be the responsible blood supply to the region and embolization coils were deployed within this vessel in an attempt to achieve hemostasis.Despite vascular intervention the patient continued to bleed and resuscitation with blood products was insufficient. A repeat CT scan ruled out any areas of colonic ischemia as well as any further active areas of extravasation. A decision was made to proceed with a total colectomy to provide definitive treatment of the diverticular disease and manage the bleeding. An urgent intraoperative colonoscopy was attempted but quickly abandoned due to suboptimal preparation and ongoing bleeding obscuring the view. The patient underwent a total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis. On pathology there was extensive diverticulosis of the ascending and the sigmoid colon with diverticulitis and diverticular abscess cavities within the sigmoid colon.ConclusionsDiverticulitis and diverticular bleed are thought to be unrelated complications of diverticulosis involving distinct physiologic pathways (Figure 1). Although diverticular bleed may occur in patients with a history of prior diverticulitis, concurrent presentation of these two entities is extremely rare. In addition, diverticular bleed is mostly self-limiting. While endoscopic and vascular embolization are established treatment options, colectomy is rare for the management of diverticular bleeding.We report a rare case of concurrent diverticulitis and lower GI bleeding. The presence of the sigmoid diverticulitis made interventional radiology a relatively safer option over endoscopy, which is the typical first line diagnostic and interventional procedure. Ongoing bleeding led to total colectomy and provided the patient with a definitive cure for her diverticular disease. Funding AgenciesNone

Tracheostomy Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion With Plating in Trauma Patients: Is It Safe?

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and necessity of tracheostomy after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with plating, despite the close proximity of the two surgical skin incisions. Sixty-three patients with traumatic cervical fractures or spinal cord injury (SCI) who underwent single-level ACDF and plating between January 2014 and June 2019 were included in this study. The patients included 45 men and 18 women, with a mean age of 48.5 years. A retrospective analysis of the patients' demographic data, level of injury, radiological findings, and neurological status was performed based on the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA), open tracheostomy, and decannulation rate. Additionally, risk factors necessitating tracheostomy were statistically analyzed. Eighteen patients (28.5%) required subsequent open tracheostomy. Among them, 11 patients were successfully decannulated, four patients could not be decannulated during the follow-up period, and three patients died of unrelated complications. The median interval from ACDF with plating to open tracheostomy was 9.6 days (range, 5-23 days). On the basis of neurological status, ASIA A and B patients (p<0.001), high signal intensity on T2-weighted-magnetic resonance (MR) images (p=0.001), and major cervical fracture and dislocation were significant risk factors for tracheostomy (p=0.02). No patient showed evidence of significant soft tissue, bony infection, or nonunion during the follow-up period. Independent tracheostomy did not increase the risk of infection or nonunion despite the close proximity of the two surgical skin incisions.

1439 A Change in The Use of Post-Operative Drains in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)

Abstract Aim Closed suction drains (CSD) are routinely used to reduce the risk of haematoma formation and wound infections in TKA. Our study aims to determine if the use of drains has any impact on estimated blood loss, transfusion rates and length of stay in hospital. Method Elective TKA cases performed under a single consultant between February 2018-March 2020 were identified. Electronic medical records were reviewed, and data collected on relevant variables. Estimated blood loss was calculated using Ward’s formula. Mann-Whitney U test was applied to assess for statistical significance. Results A total of 86 elective TKA cases were included in the study. In 41 cases patients had a CSD insitu post-operatively (group 1), in the other 45 cases a drain was not used (group 2). Both groups had similar distributions of age, BMI, and sex. We found no statistically significant differences in mean change (+/-SD) in haemoglobin post-operatively between group 1 (21.3 (+/- 9.4)) and group 2 (19 (+/- 10)), (p = 0.34). Mean estimated blood loss was 915mls (+/-365) for group 1 and 871mls (+/-455) for group 2, (p = 0.45). Group 1 had a higher rate of transfusion (4.8% vs 2.2%); however, this was not statistically significant (p = 0.51). After accounting for unrelated medical complications or social barriers to discharge, the length of hospital stay was 4.7 (+/- 2.27) and 4.9 (+/- 3.14) for group 1 and 2 respectively, (p = 0.84). There were no reported cases of wound infection in both groups. Conclusions We found the use of drains in TKA confers no benefits in the outcomes evaluated.

S3030 Safety and Efficacy of Teduglutide Therapy for Management of Short Bowel Syndrome After Intestinal Transplantation

Introduction: Intestinal transplantation is a rare surgical procedure performed on patients with severe short bowel syndrome, characterized by inadequate intestinal absorption. Teduglutide, an intestinotrophic drug, increases patients’ intestinal absorption. This case study examines treatment courses of three short bowel syndrome patients beginning teduglutide treatment after intestinal transplantation. Case Description/Methods: 28 data points were collected regarding three intestinal allograft recipients’ teduglutide therapy treatment course. Two patients underwent solitary small intestine transplant, one underwent multivisceral transplant. Biopsy of two patients showed acute and chronic rejection of intestinal allograft; one patient had flattened intestinal villi. Teduglutide aimed to mitigate intestinal insufficiency secondary to rejection or explant-caused short bowel syndrome. All patients were on total parenteral nutrition. Total parenteral nutrition reduction began after a mean of 6.1 (range: 1.4–14.7) months on teduglutide. All patients’ diarrhea improved. Two patients were hospitalized on teduglutide: one for unrelated complications, the other for nausea and vomiting managed by inpatient total parenteral nutrition and ceasing teduglutide. Two patients experienced fluid overload, managed by total parenteral nutrition reduction. No other teduglutide-related complications were reported. Two patients had colonoscopies performed before and after treatment began. No patient was diagnosed with colon polyps, intestinal obstruction, or acute rejection during treatment. One patient developed chronic kidney disease secondary to immunosuppression; teduglutide was stopped upon dialysis initiation and resumed following stabilization. All patients are alive for a mean of 42.6 (range: 4.3–81.0) months since beginning teduglutide. Discussion: Teduglutide was safe and effective in managing our cohort’s short bowel syndrome post-intestine transplant. Teduglutide-linked complications were limited to fluid overload. No evidence of additional complications was found.

Revisiting Prognosis After Liver Transplant in Patients Positive for Hepatitis C Virus: Focus on Hepatitis C Recurrence-Unrelated Complications.

In this study, we revisited the reasons for poorer prognosis afterlivertransplantin patients with hepatitis C virus, whose main causes of death were generally known to be recurrent disease. Between April 2003 and March 2017, among 132 patients who underwent liver transplantbecause ofliver cirrhosis at ourinstitution, 40 patients (30.3%) were positive for hepatis C virus. We retrospectively compared the overall survival afterliver transplantin patients with and without hepatitis C virus infection. Furthermore, we investigated the causes of death in transplant recipients with hepatitis C virus infections. In patients with hepatitis C virus infection, overall survivalwas 82.2%, 75.2%, and50.8% at 1, 5, and 10 years,respectively, afterlivertransplant;these results were lower than those in patients without infection (94.5%, 87.0%, and 87.0% at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively; P = .001). Among 40 patients with positive infection, 14 patients died after liver transplant. A main reason for death was hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence (3 patients). Surprisingly, only 1 patient died from hepatitis C virus-related complication (fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis); the remaining 10 patients died from reasons other than hepatitis C virus disease progression. Our results suggest that clinicians should not only be aware of hepatitis C virus recurrence but should also be aware of other unrelated complications in transplant recipients who are positive for this virus.

True, True, and Unrelated—Complications and Survival After Hybrid Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy

True, True, and Unrelated—Complications and Survival After Hybrid Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy

Pro- and Anti-Angiogenic Markers as Clinical Tools for Suspected Preeclampsia with and without FGR near Delivery—A Secondary Analysis

Objective—the objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble Fms-like Tyrosine Kinase 1 (sFlt-1), and endoglin (sEng) in the diagnosis of suspected preeclampsia (PE) with and without fetal growth restriction (FGR) near delivery. Methods—this is a secondary analysis of a dataset of 125 pregnant women presenting at the high risk pregnancy clinic with suspected PE, FGR or PE + FGR in the University Medical Center of Slovenia. The dataset included 31 PE cases, 16 FGR cases, 42 PE + FGR cases, 15 cases who developed with unrelated complications before 37 weeks (wks) (PTD), and 21 unaffected controls who delivered a healthy baby at term. We also analyzed a sub-group of women who delivered early (&lt;34 wks) including 10 PE, 12 FGR, 28 PE + FGR, and six PTD. Clinical management adhered to hospital guidelines. Marker levels were extracted from the dataset and were used to develop Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and to calculate the area under the curve (AUC), the detection rates (DRs), and the false positive rates (FPRs). Previously published marker cutoffs for yes/no admission to hospital wards were extracted from the literature. Negative and positive predictive values (NPVs and PPVs) were evaluated for their value in determining whether hospital admission was required. Non-parametric tests were applied for statistical analysis; p &lt; 0.05 was considered significant. Results—near delivery, all the pro-and anti-angiogenic markers provided diagnostic (ROC = 1.00) accuracy for the early (&lt;34 wks) group of FGR. Diagnostic or near diagnostic (ROC = 0.95) accuracy was achieved by all marker for early PE + FGR but lower accuracy was achieved for early PE. For all cases, all markers, especially PlGF reached diagnostic or near diagnostic accuracy for FGR and PE + FGR. At this accuracy level, they can contribute to the clinical management of FGR, and PE + FGR. All the markers were less accurate for all PE cases. The use of published cutoffs was adequate for clinical management of FGR, whether early or for all cases, using an NPV &gt; 90%. For PE + FGR, the PPV value approached 100%, especially for early cases, and can thus be implemented in clinical management. Neither NPV nor PPV were high enough for managing all cases of PE. There was no added value in measuring the PlGF/(sFlt-1 + sEng) ratio. Conclusion—This is the first study on a Slovenian population. It shows that near-delivery angiogenic biomarkers tests may be useful for confirming the diseases in cases where there is a diagnostic doubt. However, the clinical use of the biomarkers needs to be weighed against resources available and degree of certainty of the diagnosis made with and without them for managing suspected FGR and PE + FGR requiring delivery &lt;34 wks, where they are very accurate, and furthermore in the management of all cases of FGR and FGR+PE. The markers were less accurate for the clinical diagnosis of PE.

First clinical multicenter experience with the new Scepter Mini microballoon catheter

BackgroundBalloon-assisted techniques can improve the endovascular treatment of cerebrospinal vascular malformations. The aim of this study was to report the first clinical multicenter experience with the new Scepter Mini dual-lumen...

Evaluation of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap at tertiary care hospital: retrospective study of 60 cases

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Reconstruction following advanced oral cancer is a formidable task in developing country, with poor infrastructure and heavy chunk of advanced stage (T3-T4) oral malignancy. Options available for reconstructions are regional pedicle flaps and microvascular free flaps. Pedicle flaps particularly the pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC) flap have an easy learning curve for most of surgeons. Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is regarded as the workhorse for reconstruction in many head and neck surgeries.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; A study was undertaken on patients of soft tissue defects of head and neck region after resection of tumor of oral cavity (squamous cell carcinoma). Total 60 patients, who were managed in ENT department, Sir T hospital, Bhavnagar from 2016-19 were included in this study. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Gingivo-buccal complex was the most common site observed for oral malignancy and majority of patients were in TNM stage-I, II, III in this study. Apart from total flap necrosis observed in 1 patient, in rest all the patients PMMC flap very well survived with some major/minor, flap related and unrelated complications.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; The PMMC flap is effective in reconstruction of defect after excision of oral cavity cancers in developing country with heavy chunk of oral cavity cancer patients. In spite of several minor flap related and flap unrelated complications, PMMC flap survival rate is high and total flap necrosis rate is very low.&lt;/p&gt;

P1298 A conservative strategy for an uncommon complication of endocarditis

Abstract A 64-year-old man was admitted for aortic valve prosthesis endocarditis. He had relevant personal medical history of mechanical aortic valve implantation 6 years before, coronary arterial disease with bypass graft surgery, chronic kidney disease on haemodialysis (with a need to implantation of long-duration haemodialysis catheter due to arteriovenous fistula thrombosis), Diabetes mellitus type 2 for 20 years, peripheral artery disease and ischemic stroke 2 years before. He presented with a medical history of fever without evident clinical origin. From the diagnostic workup there were 4 blood cultures positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis. The bacteraemia was considered to be originated from the haemodialysis catheter and a new one was implanted. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) at admission showed aortic anterior annulus dissection with an extensive dehiscence area (figure top-left). Subsequent evaluations showed fistulisation of the pseudoaneurysm to the right ventricle outflow tract (RVOT) (figure top-right and bottom-left) and the pulmonary trunk (PT) (figure bottom-right), as well as images compatible with vegetations at the septal cuspid of the pulmonary valve (figure yellow arrow). Furthermore, there was compromised right ventricle longitudinal systolic function and moderate tricuspid regurgitation with an estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure of 80mmHg. Left ventricle systolic function was preserved and prothesis had no obstruction. Case was discussed with cardiothoracic surgery from 2 centres and both considered that the surgical risk was too high. Patient was treated in a conservative way with rifampicin and gentamicin for 15 days and also with vancomycin ad eternum (after haemodialysis sessions). Blood cultures at discharge were negative. He remained hemodynamically stable and with no evidence of heart failure during admission. Subsequent ambulatory clinical and echocardiographic monitoring was unremarkable in regarding to endocarditis, with no evidence of progression of endocarditis as well as no signs or symptoms of heart failure. Patient died 10 months later due to sepsis originated on a lower limb infection of irreversibly ischemic tissue (patient had refused amputation before). Discussion Infective endocarditis of mechanical prosthesis has different presentations depending on the involvement of prosthesis and periprosthetic structures, and it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Pseudoaneurysm of the intervalvular fibrosa is an uncommon complication, furthermore when complicating with dissection to near structures such as RVOT and the PT in this case. Treatment is mainly surgical, however, in this case the surgical risk was too high due to comorbidities and a conservative strategy was adopted. It seems that it was a reasonable strategy as the patient evolution was unremarkable when regarding endocarditis. Unfortunately, he ended up dying from probably unrelated complications. Abstract P1298 Figure. Pseudoaneurysm with fistulization

Successful management of post-transplant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis with therapeutic plasma exchange and rituximab.

Post-transplant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is associated with renal allograft loss. Currently, optimal treatment remains controversial. The aim of our study was to examine the efficacy and safety of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), and rituximab (RTX), in the management of post-transplant FSGS. The treatment protocol consisted of RTX and monthly cycles of 5 plasma exchanges for 6 months. We treated 10 transplant recipients with biopsy-proven post-transplant FSGS. Lastly, we compared the studied group to a historic control group of nine patients with post-transplant FSGS. 9 out of 10 patients achieved remission after the conclusion of treatment (4 complete and 5 partial), while 1 patient did not respond to treatment. During the follow-up period, there was one graft loss and one patient died while in remission from unrelated complications. There was a significant reduction in mean uPCR between diagnosis (517.4 ± 524.2mg/mmol) and last follow-up (87 ± 121.6mg/mmol) in the patients with sustained remission (p = 0.026). There was no significant decline in eGFR in the eight relapse-free responders at the end of follow-up. (54.4 ± 16.7 from 49.8 ± 20.4ml/min) (p = 0.6) An increased response rate to the combined TPE and RTX treatment was demonstrated, when compared to a historic control group of nine patients with post-transplant FSGS, as only five out of nine patients achieved remission (two complete and three partial) in that group. In this study, treatment with TPE and RTX appears to be safe, well tolerated and effective in the management of patients with post-transplant FSGS.