Trends in glaucoma procedures and surgeries at the eye foundation hospital group, Nigeria

Aims

To review the trends in glaucoma procedural treatments from January 2009 to December 2017.

Methodology

A retrospective search was carried out from the operating theater and laser room records of the Eye Foundation Hospitals in Lagos, Abuja, and Ijebu-Imushin. Consecutive glaucoma procedures for each year from January 2009 to December 2017 were recorded in the data sheet prepared for the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.

Results

From 2009 to 2017, trabeculectomy had been decreasing in frequency from 117 to 65 (44%), except for 2015. The frequency of use of glaucoma drainage device (GDD) has been steadily increasing from 1 in 2013 to 26 in 2017, but this is not statistically significant. The frequency of cataract extraction with trabeculectomy reduced drastically from 20 in 2009 to 3 (566%) in 2014. Bleb review (BR) increased from 2 in 2009 to 18 (800%) in 2015, however, it dropped to 6 in 2017 (66%). Among the laser procedures, transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (g-probe) is commonly done. It increased from 40 procedures in 2009 to 98 in 2014 (145%). There has been an increase in laser trabeculoplasty from 15 in 2009 to 44 in 2013 (193%). Laser iridotomy increased from 12 in 2009 to 26 in 2015 (116%). From 2009 to 2015, there was an increase in glaucoma procedures and surgeries - 206 to 325 (58%) but this declined by 27% from 2015 to 2017.

Conclusion

Trabeculectomy is the most performed procedure at our centers. This is followed by g-probe and laser trabeculoplasty. The rate of trabeculectomy is on the decrease, while the rate of GDD is increasing. The laser procedures are also on the increase.

P2853Contemporary reporting of acute complications from implantable cardioverter defibrillator surgery

Background

Defibrillator placement carries an inherent risk to the patient. Traditionally, major adverse events defined as cardiac arrest, tamponnade, pneumothorax, infection requiring re-operation, MI and CVA within 30 days are reported to occur between 3 and 4%. Minor complications such as heamatomae or lead dislodgement are reported between 8 and 13%. Novel lead technologies, protocolised programming and reduced use of Heparin bridging have been reported to reduce adverse outcomes. However, patients are still typically monitored in hospital for 24 hours to mitigate these risks. There is little evidence that discharge delay is effective yet incurs significant additional costs.

Purpose

We sought to evaluate the frequency and timing of adverse events relating to defibrillator surgery (ICD and CRT-D) at a large Canadian tertiary care center (UOHI).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all patients who received a defibrillator placed from 1st April 2013 to 31st March 2018 inclusive. Patient comorbidities were extracted from the hospital electronic medical record (EMR) system. Device related information and complications were extracted from UOHI PaceartTM system and EMR and cross referenced with physician remuneration databases.

Results

A total of 2221 procedures were performed on 2153 patients (78% male, mean age 65 years). The majority (60%) of defibrillator implants were de novo, with 884 (40%) pulse generator replacements/ upgrades and 868 (39%) defibrillators had CRT capability. Patients were routinely discharged within 24 hours of ICD surgery. Post-operative follow up ≥30 days was complete in 97% patients. Major adverse events occurred within 30 days in 9 patients (0.4%); 9 (100%) were infection requiring re-operation. An additional 32 patients (1.5%) required repeat interventions or readmission within 30 days of implant, most commonly due to lead dislodgement. Only 2 patients required readmission within 24 hours of surgery (0.1%). All procedure-related adverse events during clinical follow up (≤5 years) were 131 (5.9%) occurring in 122 patients. There were no apparent predictors of adverse events in this cohort.

Conclusion(s)

Contemporary risks to patients undergoing defibrillator surgery are considerably lower than that reported in 2010. The risk of infection appears constant despite increased antibiosis. Patients receiving an ICD or CRT-D can safely be discharged within 24 hours if no complications are apparent.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

Downregulation of Salmonella Virulence Gene Expression During Invasion of Epithelial Cells Treated with Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris JFR1 Requires OppA

Invasion of Salmonella into host intestinal epithelial cells requires the expression of virulence genes. In this study, cell culture models of human intestinal cells (mucus-producing HT29-MTX cells, absorptive Caco-2 cells, and combined cocultures of the two) were used to determine the effects of Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris treatments (exopolysaccharide producing and nonproducing strains) on the virulence gene expression of Salmonella Typhimurium and its mutant lacking the oligopeptide permease subunit A (ΔoppA). During the course of epithelial cell (HT29-MTX, Caco-2, and combined) infection by Salmonella Typhimurium DT104, improved barrier function was reflected by increased transepithelial electrical resistance in cells treated with both strains of L. lactis subsp. cremoris. In addition, virulence gene expression was downregulated, accompanied with lower numbers of invasive bacteria into epithelial cells in the presence of L. lactis subsp. cremoris treatments. Similarly, virulence gene expression of Salmonella was also suppressed when coincubated with overnight cultures of both L. lactis subsp. cremoris strains in the absence of epithelial cells. However, in medium or in the presence of cell cultures, Salmonella lacking the OppA permease function remained virulent. HT29-MTX cells and combined cultures stimulated by Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 showed significantly lower secretion levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8 after treatment with L. lactis subsp. cremoris cell suspensions. Contrarily, these responses were not observed during infection with S. Typhimurium ΔoppA. Both the exopolysaccharide producing and nonproducing strains of L. lactis subsp. cremoris JFR1 exhibited an antivirulence effect against S. Typhimurium DT104 although no significant difference between the two strains was observed. Our results show that an intact peptide transporter is essential for the suppression of Salmonella virulence genes which leads to the protection of the barrier function in the cell culture models studied.

Effect of fermented milk from Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris strain JFR1 on Salmonella invasion of intestinal epithelial cells

The process of fermentation contributes to the organoleptic properties, preservation, and nutritional benefits of food. Fermented food may interfere with pathogen infections through a variety of mechanisms, including competitive exclusion or improving intestinal barrier integrity. In this study, the effect of milk fermented with Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris JFR1 on Salmonella invasion of intestinal epithelial cell cultures was investigated. Epithelial cells (HT29-MTX, Caco-2, and cocultures of the 2) were treated for 1 h with Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris JFR1 fermented milk before infection with Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica Typhimurium. Treatment with fermented milk resulted in increased transepithelial electrical resistance, which remained constant for the duration of infection (up to 3 h), illustrating a protective effect. After gentamicin treatment to remove adhered bacterial cells, enumeration revealed a reduction in numbers of intracellular Salmonella. Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR data indicated a downregulation of Salmonella virulence genes hilA, invA, and sopD after treatment with fermented milk. Fermented milk treatment of epithelial cells also exhibited an immunomodulatory effect reducing the production of proinflammatory IL-8. In contrast, chemically acidified milk (glucono delta-lactone) failed to show the same effect on monolayer integrity, Salmonella Typhimurium invasion, and gene expression as well as immune modulation. Furthermore, an oppA knockout mutant of Salmonella Typhimurium infecting treated epithelial cells did not show suppressed virulence gene expression. Collectively, these results suggest that milk fermented with Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris JFR1 is effective in vitro in the reduction of Salmonella invasion into intestinal epithelial cells. A functional OppA permease in Salmonella is required to obtain the antivirulence effect of fermented milk.

Burden and Correlates of Anaemia among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in a Tertiary Health Facility in Northwestern Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Anaemia is a common disorder occurring in about 33% of the global population. It is an important cardiovascular risk factor and a key indicator of some chronic complications of Diabetes Mellitus (DM). This study aimed to determine the burden of anaemia and its correlation with some clinical and biochemical parameters among patients with DM attending a tertiary health facility in Zaria, Northwestern Nigeria.

SUBJECTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a case-control study in which 168 participants were enrolled (84 DM patients, 84 controls). It was conducted in the Endocrinology and Metabolic clinics of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria. Consenting DM patients were enrolled consecutively and subsequently, sex- and age-matched with non-diabetic controls. Data on age, gender and Haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations were collated for all study participants. Additional data on type of DM, duration of DM once diagnosis, treatment, type of treatment, history of hypertension, chronic kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy, and Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) were collated for all cases. Data were collated and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Level of significance was set at <0.05. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Institutional Health Research Ethics Committee and informed consent was obtained from the all the participants.

RESULTS

Females constituted 39/84(46.4%) of each arm of the study. The mean ± SD of age for both cases and controls was 53.7 ± 8.9 years. The mean ± SD duration of DM, treatment for DM and FBS were 8.4 ± 5.7 years, 5.0 ± 3.6 years and 6.1 ± 2.5mmol/L respectively. Cases had significantly lower Hb concentration compared to controls (12.1±2.2g/dl vs. 13.1 ± 1.4g/dl, t= -3.446, p = 0.001). Overall prevalence of anaemia among cases and controls was 36/84(42.9%) vs. 26/84(31.0%) Z = 1.6, p = 0.110. Among cases, haemoglobin concentration had very weak, inverse and non-statistically significant relationships with age, duration of DM diagnosis, duration of therapy and FBS levels. There was a significant relationship between anaemia on one hand and type of DM and treatment on the other. The odds of DM patients with history of CKD or uncontrolled FBS having anaemia were OR= 0.600 (95% CI 0.196, 1.836) and OR=1.755 (95% CI 0.737, 4.181) respectively.

CONCLUSION

The burden of anaemia amongst patients with DM is high in Zaria, Northwestern Nigeria, and it is associated with poor glycaemic control. Hence, the need to include haematological assessment as part of routine care of patients with DM.

Abstract OT3-06-01: Phase Ib clinical trial of coPANlisib in combination with Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in pre-treated unresectable locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive breAst cancer (BC) “PANTHERA”-CTRIAL-IE 17-13

Background:The phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K) pathway is important in the oncogenic function of HER2. Aberrant activation of PI3K is implicated in resistance to trastuzumab and other HER2-targeted therapies and is frequent, with up to 22% of HER2 positive breast cancer having a PIK3CA mutation. Copanlisib is a pan-class 1 PI3K inhibitor administered i.v. with low nanomolar activity against both PI3Kα and PI3Kβ. Copanlisib has been shown to re-sensitise trastuzumab resistant cell lines to trastuzumab with synergism seen in some cell lines between copanlisib and HER2 targeted therapy.

Trial design: This is a phase Ib open label, single arm adaptive, multi-centre trial of copanlisib in combination with T-DM1. Eligible patients will receive T-DM1 at 3.6mg/kg i.v. on day 1 of a 21-day cycle plus copanlisib. Copanlisib will be administered i.v. according to the dose escalation scheme (dose level 1 is 45mg on days 1 and 8, dose level 2 is 60mg on days 1 and 8, dose level 3 is 60mg on days 1, 8, and 15). Dose level -1 will be 45 mg on day 1 in case dose de-escalation is needed. We will enrol 3 to 6 patients per dose level. All patients in each level must have completed at least the first cycle of therapy before enrolment in the next dose level. Patients not completing the first cycle for a reason other than toxicity will be replaced. Dose escalation and determination of the Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD) will be based on the occurrence of Dose Limiting Toxicities (DLT).

Eligibility criteria:Eligible patients are those with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive BC who previously received trastuzumab and a taxane, separately or in combination. Participants must have adequate organ function and ECOG PS ≤ 2

Objectives:The primary objective is to determine the MTD for copanlisib in combination with T-DM1 in patients with pre-treated unresectable locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive BC. Secondary objectives include evaluating the safety, efficacy and cardiotoxicity in patients treated with this regimen. Exploratory objectives include examining for predictive biomarkers in tumour tissue and blood or plasma and to examine molecular tumour adaptation to clinical trial therapy.

Statistical methods: Patients will be accrued in cohorts of 3 patients according to a standard 3+3 algorithm, with dose escalation and determination of MTD based on the occurrence of DLT, using the usual threshold probability of 33%. The final dose level will be expanded to include a total of 6 additional patients (expansion cohort).

Present accrual and target accrual:The trial will start accrual in October 2018. Maximum of 24 patients will be enrolled.

Citation Format: Hassan A, Gullo G, O'Reilly S, Ruiz-Borrego M, Toomey S, Grogan L, Breathnach O, Morris PG, Walshe JM, Crown J, O'Mahony D, Falcon A, Egan K, Hernando A, Teiserskiene A, Kelly CM, Coate L, Hennessy BT. Phase Ib clinical trial of coPANlisib in combination with Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in pre-treated unresectable locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive breAst cancer (BC) “PANTHERA”-CTRIAL-IE 17-13 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT3-06-01.

Are dental professionals more likely to consume sweet snacks, over savoury snacks in the workplace?

Introduction

It has been speculated, but never been formally researched that dental professionals are the most experienced workforce in consuming sweet snacks. This is despite many undergraduate dental courses reinforcing the traditional theory that patients should be advised to avoid snacking on foods which are likely to contain sticky sugars that cause tooth decay.

Design

This was a prospective study, where several dental clinics across England were provided with sweet and savoury snacks during a normal working day. Staff members were then covertly observed, and their snacking patterns assessed.

Results

The average time it took for a sweet snack to be opened and consumed in a dental environment was 3.6 minutes, compared to 7.2 minutes for savoury snacks. Dentists were more likely to be seen eating sweet snacks, as opposed to savoury snacks. Of the dentists, 36.7% were observed eating savoury snacks, compared to 44.1% eating sweet snacks. Other staff members, including administration and cleaning staff, were the most likely representative group to be seen eating any snacks under observation.

Discussion and conclusions

The rate at which sweet snacks were opened and consumed was at olympic level among dental staff. The recommendations are that the dental team revisit the Prevention toolkit for delivering better oral health and book into their local practice for a dental check-up.

Malaysian Northern Region Cancer Support Effort: Education and Empowerment - Building Hope, Strengthening Lives

Background: The agenda of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) calls for unanimous actions to end poverty, battle against inequalities, protect the earth and to promote inclusive well-being. Today, the impact of cancer on societies threatens the ambitions of the SDGs. In developing nations, public awareness campaigns often focus on controlling the spread of communicable diseases, overlooking the rise of cancer afflictions. As a nation of multiethnic populations with different cultural and educational backgrounds, the views pertaining cancer treatment in Malaysia are often hampered by cultural beliefs. Cancer is often linked to bad luck or black magic, particularly among rural communities. The lack of knowledge in diagnostics and cancer therapeutics, in addition to many firm believers in alternative medicine may contribute to late detection and treatment only at the advanced stages of cancer. Aim: This project aims to tap into the pool of skills and expertise of the staff at the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) to help educate and raise public awareness on cancer causes, diagnosis and treatment among cancer survivors and the general public. Methods: My role as a scientist is to ensure that my research addresses the key problems faced in cancer therapies and that this information trickles down to the less informed traditional societies who have very different perceptions toward modern medicine. Workshops on cancer awareness highlighting cancer causes and treatment options, cancer diagnosis and holistic approaches while living with cancer were organized in partnership with MAKNA National Cancer Council Malaysia between the years 2015-2017. Support groups led by MAKNA, were also organized in a bid to educate cancer survivors who may lack important knowledge which could impinge on daily informed decisions concerning cancer diagnosis and treatment. Results: Through working hand in hand with MAKNA, a nonprofit organization with a duty 'to pool and use every effort, expertise and welfare from every faction of society to fight cancer', this project has successfully drawn knowledge and expertise from USM staff to come together as one to raise awareness and support cancer survivors. Members have also traveled to remote regions of Malaysia for home visits and cancer group meetings to support the cancer survivors and to raise awareness. Cancer survivors have been able to obtain personal advice from the university's cancer pathologist on their diagnosis, and have their queries answered pertaining to western medicine vs alternative medicine from academic research point of view. Conclusion: Working together with MAKNA has enabled cancer researchers and university staff to relate to real-life adversities so that we can continue to translate our research and knowledge to benefit the society.

Effectiveness of Breast Care Nurse Led Video Orientation Programme on Information and Navigation for Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patients at University Malaya Medical Center, Malaysia

Background: Advancement in medical treatment with wider treatment options have made breast cancer (BC) care more complex. Short consultation time with physicians, treatment complexities, patients' fears and poor coping skills at the time of diagnosis may affect patient´s decision that cause treatment delays and nonadherence. Main reasons for advance BC presentation in Malaysia are delay in taking treatment decision and poor breast health literacy on disease and treatment outcomes may contribute to nonadherence to treatments. To address this knowledge gap, a breast care nurse (BCN) led orientation video for new patients to navigate them through complex multimodal treatment processes. This audio-visual educational tool address multimodal treatments and its side effects and in addition navigating admission, discharge and follow-up, advice on diet and exercise to maintain a healthy life style during survivorship period was developed in layperson language in Malay, Mandarin and English. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of BCN led video orientation on the improvement of patient knowledge and satisfaction. Methods: A pilot study was carried out in 50 patients to assess the effectiveness of the video, and found that patients needed a face to face interaction to watch the video. Hence, a BCN led orientation was developed to use the video. A self-administered pre- and postsurvey on 246 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in University Malaya Medical Center (UMMC) was performed to evaluate expectations, satisfactions and knowledge (a Likert scale response using items 4 number scale was used, 0 means “no knowledge” and 4 means “a great degree of knowledge”). The scoring was done before and after the video orientation was done. A Wilcoxon matched-paired signed-rank test was perform to analyze the changes in the scoring. Results: Among 247 patients, who received the BCN led video orientation program, 79.3% (n= 197) found that the video met or exceeded their expectations. 23.9% (n=59) and 56.3% (139) consecutively found the video very effective and effective in broadening their perspective on BC treatments. And 171 (69.2%) of them overall rated the video highly met their expectations. There were significant improvement in knowledge for treatment options for BC, mean scores (M=0.93 versus M=2.97) before and after watching the video ( P < 0.001). Similar findings were found in different types of operation for BC; procedure for admission in UMMC, information on chemotherapy; radiotherapy; hormone therapy and alternative medicine for BC. It also showed improved knowledge scores for healthy diet; physical activity after treatments and care of the arm after operation ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: Video-based information on treatments and navigating care through a BCN led service had effectively improved patients' knowledge and satisfaction. This approach can be used to educate cancer patients in a middle resource setting.

Long-term clinical impact of serum albumin in coronary artery disease patients with preserved renal function

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Low serum albumin level is reportedly associated with worse clinical outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, associations between decreased serum albumin level and outcomes in non-CKD patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of serum albumin concentrations in stable CAD patients with preserved renal function.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied 1316 patients with CAD and preserved renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m²) who underwent their first PCI between 2000 and 2011 and had data available for pre-procedural serum albumin. Patients were assigned to quartiles based on pre-procedural albumin concentrations. The incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including all-cause death and non-fatal myocardial infarction, was evaluated. Mean albumin concentration was 4.1 ± 0.4 g/dL. During the median follow-up of 7.5 years, 181 events occurred (13.8%). Kaplan-Meier curves revealed that patients with decreased serum albumin concentrations showed a higher event rate for MACE (log-rank, p < 0.0001). Using the highest tertiles (>4.3 g/dL) as reference, adjusted hazard ratios were 1.97 (95% CI, 1.12-3.55), 1.77 (95% CI, 0.99-3.25), and 1.19 (95% CI, 0.68-2.15) for serum albumin concentrations of <3.9, 3.9-4.0, and 4.1-4.3 g/dL, respectively. Decreased serum albumin concentration was associated with MACE even after adjusting for other independent variables (HR, 2.21 per 1-g/dL decrease; 95% CI, 1.37-3.56, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Decreased serum albumin concentration independently predicted worse long-term prognosis in non-CKD patients after PCI. Pre-procedural serum albumin concentration could offer a useful predictor for patients with CAD and preserved renal function.

Erythropoietic Response to Anaemia of Dialysis Naïve Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease in Zaria, North-West Nigeria

Introduction

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health problem with an increasing prevalence worldwide. Anemia is one of its consistent and severe hematological complications although its mechanism is not fully elucidated. The primary defect could manifest as serum erythropoietin (sEPO) deficiency or EPO resistance. We set out to determine the erythropoietic response to anemia of patients with CKD and its relationship with their iron status in a cross-sectional descriptive study of 91 patients in various stages of CKD. Materials and Methods: Soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), sEpo, and serum ferritin levels were determined using ELISA method (Diagnostic Automation Inc and WKEA med supplies corp.). Data generated were analyzed using Epi Info version 3.5.3 and level of statistical significance was set at ≤0.05. Results: Participants comprised of 50 females (54.9%) and 41 (45.1%) males with an overall mean age of 47 ± 15 years. The major causes of CKD were hypertension (HTN) (50.54%), diabetes mellitus (DM) (6.59%), and HTN + DM (19.78%). The mean hemoglobin (Hb) concentration of the participants was 10.97 ± 2.28 g/dl; the red cell indices were within normal ranges except for Red cell distribution width-Coefficient of variation (%) which was elevated (16.29%). The mean serum ferritin, sTfR, and sEpo were 70.58 ± 46.44 ng/ml (interquartile range [IQR] 82.00), 22.9 ± 49.7 ng/ml (IQR 15.00), and 12.49 ± 33.47 IU/L (IQR 6.00), respectively, with a high variance. Serum ferritin and sTfR are consistently low across the stages of CKD (range between 54.54 ng/ml and 88.64 ng/ml), but sEPO for stage 3 and 4 showed a 2-fold increase when compared to normal level at Hb 10.97 g/dl (29.54 IU/L and 38.83 IU/L, respectively). Correlation between sTfR and sEpo (r² = 0.96, P = 0.001), while between sEpo and serum ferritin (r² = 0.02, P = 0.185), and between Hb and stage of CKD undulating (r² = 0.41, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

In contrast to some existing literature, this study has demonstrated that EPO resistance and iron deficiency contributes to anemia in CKD and serum ferritin can be used to assess the iron level of dialysis naïve CKD patients at every stage of the disease.

Abstract P6-08-17: Pregnancy associated breast cancer: Evaluating maternal outcomes. A multicentre study

Background

Pregnancy associated breast cancer (PABC) is defined as breast cancer (BC) diagnosed during the gestational period (GP) or in the first year postpartum (PP). Despite its infrequent occurrence, the incidence of PABC appears to be rising due to the increasing propensity for women to delay childbirth. We have established the first combined prospective and retrospective registry study of PABC in Ireland to examine specific clinicopathological characteristics, treatments and maternal outcomes. We present the retrospective findings to date.

Methods

We performed a retrospective multicentre observational study of patients (pts) with PABC treated in the eight Irish cancer centres from August 2001 to March 2017. Data extracted included information on pt demographics, tumour biology, staging, treatment administered and maternal outcomes. Standard biostatistical methods were used for analysis.

Results

111 PABC patients were identified. Sixty pts (54%) were diagnosed during the GP and 51 (46%) within 1 year PP. Median age at diagnosis was 36 years (yrs). Table 1 illustrates baseline characteristics. Two thirds of pts were node positive and a similar proportion had grade 3 pathology. Seventy pts (63%) were estrogen receptor (ER) positive, 36 (32%) HER2 positive, 25 (22%) triple negative. Twenty-two pts (20%) were metastatic at presentation. Seven pts (6%) had a known BRCA 1/2 mutation. The median OS (overall survival) and DFS (disease free survival) for the entire cohort was 107.4 and 94.2 months respectively (resp). There was no survival difference between those diagnosed during the GP versus PP. 5 yr DFS and OS was 68.6% and 69.2% resp. This compares unfavourably to results reported by the National Cancer Registry of Ireland in a similar age-matched BC population between 2000-2012 where the 5 yr OS was 86.5%. Variables in our study associated with poorer outcomes included younger age, tumour size, node positivity and lack of estrogen expression.

Baseline characteristics PABC patients (n=11) %(n)Diagnosed in GP (n=60) %(n)Diagnosed 1yr PP (n=51) %(n)p valueDemographic    Age at diagnosis3636(25-49)36(21-44)0.31Stage    I-II54(60)55(33)53(27)0.85III23(26)23(14)23(12)1IV20(22)18(11)22(11)0.81Unknown3(3)3(2)2(1)1Pathology    Grade 366(74)70(42)63(32)0.43Node positive66(73)68(41)63(32)0.55ER+/HER2-41(45)38(23)43(22)0.69ER+/HER2+23(25)28(17)16(8)0.17ER-/HER2+14(16)17(10)12(6)0.59Triple negative22(25)17(10)29(15)0.11Surgery    Breast conservation23(26)25(15)21(11)0.82Mastectomy56(63)57(34)59(30)0.84Adjuavnt/Neoadjuvant treatment    Chemotherapy73(81)77(46)69(35)0.39Anthracycline68(55)78(36)54(19)0.03Taxane89(72)93(43)83(29)0.16Anti HER2 agent21(23)18(11)24(12)0.63Endocrine therapy64(52)63(29)66(23)0.84Radiotherapy79(64)74(34)86(30)0.85Relapse in Stage I-III    Local relapse15(13)12(6)18(7)0.55Distant relapse24(21)22(11)25(10)0.80

Conclusions

PABC patients may have a poorer outcome. Our study reported higher rates of triple negative and HER2 positive breast cancer which are associated with more aggressive biology. Prospective evaluation of clinicopathological features, pharmacokinetics of treatments selected and maternal and fetal outcomes is imperative in this distinct pt group.

Citation Format: Prior L, Teo M, Greally M, Ward C, O'Leary C, Aslam R, Darwish W, Ahmed N, Watson G, Kelly D, Kiely L, Hassan A, Gleeson J, Featherstone H, Lim M, Murray H, Gallagher D, Westrup J, Hennessy B, Leonard G, Grogan L, Breathnach O, Horgan A, Coate L, O'Mahony D, Coate L, O'Reilly S, Gupta R, Keane M, Duffy K, O'Connor M, Kennedy J, McCaffrey J, Higgins M, Kelly C, Carney D, Gullo G, Crown J, Walshe J. Pregnancy associated breast cancer: Evaluating maternal outcomes. A multicentre study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-08-17.

Assessment of biochemical liver function tests in relation to age among steady state sickle cell anemia patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Multiorgan failure including liver dysfunction is a common finding in sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients, the cause of which is multifactorial with advancing age said to be a major determinant. There is a paucity of data on liver function among SCA patients in relation to age in northern Nigerian hospitals, including Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria. This study was to assess the biochemical liver function tests (LFTs) as they relate to age among SCA patients in steady state, with a view to improving the overall monitoring of these patients.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This study was carried out in ABUTH, Zaria, Northern Nigeria. LFTs were carried out in 100 SCA and 100 apparently healthy participants (controls). The SCA group was made up of fifty adults and fifty children diagnosed of SCA, whereas the control group was made up of fifty adults and fifty children who were apparently healthy and had hemoglobin AA. Paired two-tailed Student's t-test for matched samples and Pearson's linear correlation statistical methods were employed for the data analysis using Microsoft Office Excel 2007. A P ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS

The serum concentrations of total bilirubin (TB), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and AST/ALT ratio were significantly higher in SCA patients compared to the controls (P = 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.05, P = 0.05 and P = 0.001, respectively). Serum total protein (TP) and ALB were significantly lower (P = 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively) in SCA patients compared with the controls. The levels of TB, ALT, AST, ALP, and AST/ALT were significantly lower in SCA adults compared to SCA children, whereas TP and ALB were higher in SCA adults compared to the SCA children. There were significant negative correlations between age and each of TB, ALT, AST, ALP, and AST/ALT, and significant positive correlations between age and each of TP and ALB in SCA patients.

CONCLUSION

There are mild LFTs derangements in SCA patients even in steady state with the extent of the abnormalities decreasing with advancing age of the patients.

[Management of NSTEMI in a hospital without interventional cardiology and without use of GRACE score: Does the clinician appreciation match the GRACE score calculated retrospectively for the coronarography delay?]

PURPOSE

The management of non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTEACS) remains an issue for mobidity, mortality, and an economic stake. The first aim of the study was to evaluate the additional value of the GRACE score for the compliance with the recommended times to coronary angiography in an hospital without interventional cardiology. We also analysed the in-hospital and 6-month mortality and the predictive factors of compliance for the coronarography delays.

METHODS

Retrospective monocenter cross-sectional study including consecutive patients with chest pain suggestive of a NSTEACS during 1 year. Data of the delay to coronarography were collected and GRACE score was calculated a posteriori.

RESULTS

The time to perform coronary angiography was non-compliant in 49% of cases (27 patients out of 55). The calculation of the GRACE score would have allowed correcting the delay for two patients of our cohort. Clinical appreciation, troponin elevation, ECG modifications were associated with the delay compliance. Age <75 years predisposed to recommended delays. Renal failure and history of coronaropathy were significantly associated with non compliant delays. A non-compliant delay was significantly associated with higher mortality.

CONCLUSION

In our experience, the knowledge of the GRACE score had little impact on the timing of coronary angiography. However, as a predictor of mid and long term mortality, GRACE score remains SCA ST+ useful to intensify surveillance of high-risk patients.

Protein C and antithrombin levels in patients with sickle cell anemia in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Alterations in the components of hemostasis, namely platelet function, the procoagulant, anticoagulant, and the fibrinolytic systems, are observed in sickle cell anemia (SCA) and are in favor of a procoagulant phenotype. Therefore, study of protein C and antithrombin (AT) levels in patients with SCA in steady state may be used in the treatment and/or prevention of SCA-related thrombotic complications. We studied the changes of these naturally occurring anticoagulants in patients with SCA attending the sickle cell clinic in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria.

METHODS

We conducted a case-control study involving 50 SCA (HbSS) patients in the steady state as cases and 25 healthy volunteers with normal hemoglobin (HbAA) as controls. Protein C and AT levels were estimated by semi-automation using Diagnostica Stago hematology coagulation analyzer. Frequencies, proportions, and independent t test were performed using SPSS version 20.

RESULTS

The mean ages of both the patients and controls were 23.80 ± 7.46 and 24.28 ± 3.48 years, respectively, and study participants comprised 40 (53.0%) women between the ages of 15-50 years and 15-34 years (P = 0.76). The mean values of protein C and AT levels in patients with SCA in the steady state and the control group were 60.26 ± 20.58% versus 81.30 ± 19.74%, 95% CI 11.13-30.96, and 42.11 ± 5.01% versus 61.88 ± 11.27%, 95% CI 16.03-23.51 with P values (P < 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that there was a significant decrease in the levels of protein C and AT between the SCA patients in the steady state and the controls. We recommend baseline investigations of these naturally occurring anticoagulants in patients with SCA, especially in those with frequent vaso-occlusive crises. This will give us an insight into the additional pathophysiologic mechanism in SCA-related thrombotic complications for better patient management and outcome.