Impact of Adjuvant Treatment in pN3 Penile Cancer

AIMS

Due to the lack of high-quality evidence and consensus on adjuvant treatment for locoregionally advanced penile cancer, we reviewed the outcomes of pN3 patients to determine the suitable adjuvant treatment options.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All consecutive pN3 penile cancer patients treated at our institution between January 2010 and December 2018 were reviewed to assess the impact of demographical, pathological and treatment factors on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival. The DFS and overall survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and association was tested using the Cox regression model (two-sided test with P < 0.05 considered significant).

RESULTS

Of 128 patients, 31 (24%) had pelvic nodal involvement. Twenty-six patients (20.3%) received no adjuvant treatment, 40 (31.3%) received single modality adjuvant treatment and 62 (48.4%) received multimodality adjuvant treatment (a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy). At a median follow-up of 22 months, the DFS and overall survival were 55.4 and 62%, respectively. The best DFS and overall survival was noted with chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiation (C-CTRT; 93% each). On multivariate analysis, both DFS and overall survival were worse with pelvic node involvement (2.2 [1.3-4], P = 0.027 and 2.2 [1.3-4], P = 0.027, respectively) and better with any adjuvant treatment (single modality: 3 [1.5-5.5], P < 0.001; multimodality: 3.1 [1.6-6], P < 0.001). C-CTRT was associated with improved DFS over chemotherapy alone (0.17 [0.4-0.78], P = 0.02) but not over radiotherapy alone (0.35 [0.07-1.6], P = 0.19). In patients with no pelvic nodes involved, chemotherapy and radiotherapy as single modalities were associated with similar DFS and overall survival. In patients with pelvic nodes, multimodality treatment was associated with better DFS than single modality treatment (0.3 [0.1-1], P = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

pN3 penile cancer is a diverse prognostic group with poorer outcomes associated with pelvic nodes. Single modality adjuvant treatment may be adequate in inguinal nodes with extranodal extension, but multimodality treatment should be given in patients with pelvic nodal involvement.

The impact of psychiatric diagnoses on two-year outcomes in patients with ventricular assist devices

Background

A multi-specialty approach is required during patient selection for left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. In addition to a comprehensive medical evaluation, patients undergo an extensive psychiatric work up to ensure their candidacy when pursuing durable support devices. We aim to analyze the impact of psychiatric illnesses on 2-year outcomes after VAD implantation.

Methods

This study was a single center, retrospective analysis of 263 patients who underwent durable LVAD implantation between 2015 and 2017. All patients were evaluated by a single specialist during their work up for LVAD implantation. Patients who had a pre-existing diagnosis defined by criteria outlined in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) were assigned to the History of Psychiatric Diagnosis group. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-Square and Student's t-tests, wherein p&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Of the 263 patients, 68 patients were found to have a history of psychiatric illness compared to 195 who had no previous diagnosis. Of those with a psychiatric history, 30.8% had Depression, 1.5% had Bipolar disorder, 22.1% had Anxiety, 1.5% had PTSD, and 16.2% had more than one diagnosis. 19.5% of patients with no history went on to be transplanted compared to 22.1% of patients with a psychiatric history (p=0.65). No significant difference was found between length of stay, days to readmission, 30-day survival, and 2-year survival. Patients without a psychiatric history were found to have fewer number of readmissions over 2 years (p&lt;0.01) (See Table). No significant difference was seen in complications including driveline infections, bacteremia, cerebrovascular accidents, pump thromboses, pump hemolysis, or major bleeding events (See Table).

Conclusion

Psychosocial characteristics play a significant role in determining a patient's candidacy for LVAD implantation. Although patients with a history of psychiatric illness were found to have a greater number of readmissions, this did not correlate to poorer outcomes or increased morbidity and mortality over 2 years. This study highlights the importance of taking a multi-faceted approach when determining patient eligibility for mechanical support devices. Future studies with larger population models should be conducted.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Mortality and long-term outcomes of palliative inotropes in ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy

Background

Palliative inotropes are frequently utilized for symptom management in patients with end stage heart failure who are unable to undergo durable advanced heart failure therapies. With the advent of improved medical management and early intervention, palliative inotropes may allow for improved patient outcomes than seen previously. In this study, we aim to investigate the survival and outcomes of palliative inotrope therapy and its impacts on ischemic versus non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 220 patients with American Heart Association Stage D heart failure who were discharged with palliative inotrope therapy after January 1, 2010. Patients who underwent mechanical circulatory support (MCS) or those who underwent heart transplant were excluded. Those with a history of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, history of percutaneous intervention, or coronary artery bypass grafting were assigned to ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), while patients without these findings were assigned to non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM). Statistical analysis was completed using Chi-Square and Student's t-tests, wherein p&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Of the 220 patients, 87 had NICM as opposed to 133 with ICM. Mean age was found to be higher among patients with ICM (70 [62–79]) compared to NICM (65 [55–72], p-value &lt;0.01). No significant difference was seen in total days on inotrope therapy (p=0.6). While more patients in both groups were placed on milrinone as opposed to dobutamine, there was no difference between patients with ischemic and NICM (p=0.66 and 0.51 respectively). Although a greater number of patients with NICM had been lost to follow up, admitted to hospice, or expired at 2 years (p&lt;0.01), survival at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years showed no difference between both groups. No difference was seen in number of hospitalizations or clinic visits in one year. Both groups had similar complication rates with intravenous-access related PICC line infections and new arrhythmias. (See Table).

Conclusion

Despite more frequent use of durable mechanical support devices, many patients who are deemed unsuitable for invasive measures are treated with palliative inotrope therapy. We have found that there is no significant difference in survival, complications, and outcomes of patients on palliative inotropes among ischemic and NICM. These findings show the versatility of palliative inotrope therapy in end stage heart failure. Further studies with larger populations need to be evaluated.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Cerebrovascular accidents in patients supported with veno-arterial extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation- is duration of support important?

Purpose of study

Veno-Arterial Extra-corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is indicated for refractory cardiac and/or respiratory failure. Adverse events remain considerable despite best practices. We specifically aimed to understand risk factors associated with cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) in patients who underwent VA-ECMO support.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed all VA-ECMO patients from 2007 to 2019 at our institution. We identified those who experienced a CVA while supported by VA-ECMO. Patients with the primary event (CVA) were matched to controls (no CVA) based on age and sex. Comparisons were made between groups using McNemar's, Mantel-Haenszel, and Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests where appropriate.

Results

Of the 278 VA-ECMO patients in the registry, 32 patients who experienced a CVA were identified; 24 (8.6%) ischemic and 8 (2.9%) hemorrhagic. Median age was 59.5 years (inter-quartile range: 49–65 years) and 75% of patients were males. Hypertension, diabetes, CAD and CHF were common co-morbidities (Table 1). Cardiogenic shock was the most common indication for VA-ECMO support in both cohorts, 75% in cases and 71.9% in controls. Cannulation strategies were identified as central or peripheral. There was a significant association of duration of VA-ECMO support with incidence of CVA, with a p-value of 0.03. Regression analysis showed a trend of increased risk of CVA by 4% for each additional day on VA-ECMO, however, this was not statistically significant (Odds ratio: 1.04; confidence interval 1.00–1.08). Most common outcome was death followed by decannulation to recovery and bridge to LVAD.

Conclusion

Ischemic and hemorrhagic CVAs are not uncommon during VA-ECMO support. Our case control study shows an association of duration of VA-ECMO support with incidence of CVA. This underscores the importance of timely assessment and weaning or bridging of VA-ECMO patients to their next management step.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

71 The Use of Sternocleidomastoid Rotational and Cervicofacial Advancement Flap for Closure of a Persistent Mastoid Cutaneous Fistula

Introduction

Postauricular mastoid fistula is a rare occurrence, typically following repeated soft tissue injury, commonly caused by chronic suppurative otitis media and repeated surgical treatments. Management is challenging with a limited number of reported, successful surgical techniques, which often have limited applicability.

Case report

We present a case of a 55-year-old male patient with a persistent right post-auricular cutaneous mastoid fistula as a result of two previous mastoidectomies. Although the patient underwent two simple primary closures, the fistula recurred. This was successfully treated with a new technique utilising a Sternocleidomastoid Rotational and Cervicofascial Advancement Flap which was completely healed at the 1-year follow-up without a recurrence of the fistula.

Conclusions

This novel technique provided a definitive obliteration of a persistent cutaneous mastoid fistula. By utilising a double layered flap, via a facelift incision, the flap results in an excellent functional and cosmetic result.

70 Availability of Personal Protective Equipment in NHS Hospitals During COVID-19: A National Survey

Introduction

The continuous supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the National Health Service (NHS) is paramount in order to sustain a safe level of staffing and to reduce transmission of COVID-19 to patients, public and staff.

Method

A 16-question survey was created to assess the availability and personal thoughts of healthcare professionals regarding PPE supply in England. The survey was distributed via social media (Facebook © and Twitter ©) to all UK COVID-19 healthcare professional groups, with responses collected over 3 weeks in March 2020 during the beginning of the pandemic.

Results

A total of 121 responses from physicians in 35 different hospitals were collected (105 inpatient wards, 16 from intensive care units). In inpatient wards, eye and face protection were unavailable to 19.1% of respondents. Masks were available to 97.7% of respondents and gloves in all respondents (100%). Body protection was available primarily as a plastic apron (83.8%). All of respondents working in intensive care had access to full-body PPE, except FFP3 respirator masks (available in 87.5%). PPE is ‘Always’ available for 29.8% of all respondents, and ‘Never’ or ‘Almost Never’ in 11.6%. There was a statistically significant difference between London and non-London responders that ‘Always’ had PPE available (43.9% versus 19.0%, p = 0.003).

Conclusions

This is the first survey to evaluate PPE supply in England during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our survey demonstrated an overall lack of PPE volume supply in the UK, with preferential distribution in London. Eye and full body protection are in most lack of supply.

Observational study to compare the effect of altitude on cardiopulmonary reserves of different individuals staying more than 6 weeks at 10,000 ft and 15,000 ft

Background

The variation in heights beyond high altitude has different effects on the cardiorespiratory profile of individuals because of variation in oxygen density with every thousand feet. This study was planned to analyze and compare the effects of difference in altitudes on cardiorespiratory profile from anesthesiologist's point of view.

Methods

A multicenter observational study was done involving two different groups of 600 patients at 10,000 ft (Group A) and 15,000 ft (Group B). Observation and comparison of oxygen saturation, 6-min walk test, and breath holding time was carried out.

Results

Fifty-five percent of subjects in Group A had oxygen saturation of more than 93% in comparison to 5.5% in Group B. This was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Two percent of subjects in Group A in comparison to 63.5% of Group B had oxygen saturation of less than 88% (P < 0.001). Percentage increase of more than 15% of heart rate was found to be statistically significant in all the age groups. Overall, 3.8% of individuals in Group A had breath holding time less than 15 s in comparison to 16.6% of individuals in Group B (P value < 0.001).

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that there is a significant fall in oxygen saturation, significant rise in the heart rate in 6-min walk test, and significant fall in the breath holding time in the group located at 15,000 ft. Heights beyond 10,000 ft should be restricted to life and limb saving surgeries, and logistics should be focused more on "scoop and run" than "stay and play" policy.

Intracerebral schwannoma of the angular gyrus: case report

We report an intracerebral schwannoma originating in the angular gyrus of a 20-year-old female that was incidentally diagnosed after she presented with a post-traumatic seizure. After comprehensive investigations, including functional magnetic resonance imaging, she underwent a computed tomography-guided stereotactic resection of the lesion. Pathological examination confirmed features of a schwannoma. After six years of follow-up, she remains well, without any evidence of recurrence. Intracerebral schwannomas are extremely uncommon: fewer than 90 cases have been reported. We present a comprehensive summary of the literature and a discussion of novel theories on the pathogenesis of intracerebral schwannomas.

Habitual Exposure to Trigeminal Stimuli and Its Effects on the Processing of Chemosensory Stimuli

Our objective was to compare brain responses to trigeminal and olfactory stimuli in frequent and non-frequent gum chewers in order to explore whether habitual exposure to trigeminal stimuli affects their central-nervous processing. In healthy subjects, fMRI brain scans were obtained for 20 frequent gum chewers (GC) and 20 non-frequent gum chewers (N'GC), in response to four odorous stimuli; 2 'trigeminal' (peppermint and spearmint) and 2 non-trigeminal or 'olfactory' (cherry and strawberry). During measurements, subjects reported intensity and pleasantness ratings for all stimuli. In addition, a test for general trigeminal sensitivity test (lateralization test) and an odor threshold test was performed. Brain activations in response to individual odors were investigated for the total study population followed by group wise (GC and N'GC) analysis separately for responses to trigeminal (peppermint + spearmint) and olfactory (cherry + strawberry) odors. (1) The GC group exhibited higher trigeminal sensitivity compared to the N'GC group. (2) Olfactory odors activated bilateral insular cortex and amygdala. Apart from olfactory areas (amygdala, insular cortex), trigeminal odors also produced activations in right thalamus and right substantia nigra. (3) In the GC group, olfactory odors produced higher bilateral insular cortex activation than in N'GC group, but no such differences were observed for trigeminal odors. GC subjects appeared to be more responsive to trigeminal chemosensory stimuli. However, this did not directly translate into differences in central-nervous activations to trigeminal stimuli; instead, the use of chewing gum was associated with stronger brain activation towards olfactory stimuli.

OP0005 DIETARY HYPERINSULINEMIC POTENTIAL AND RISK OF INCIDENT GOUT: 3 PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDIES OF US MEN AND WOMEN

Background:

Gout and the metabolic (insulin resistance) syndrome frequently coexist. Intravenous insulin has been shown to raise serum urate (SU) levels in physiologic studies and a Mendelian Randomization study also showed a causal role of insulin on the risk of gout. However, it is unknown whether habitual hyperinsulinemic dietary intake confers gout risk.

Objectives:

Prospectively examine the relation between two distinct insulin-related dietary indices and risk of incident gout in three large cohorts of US women and men over 30 years.

Methods:

We studied 164,090 women from Nurses Health Study I (1986-2016) and II (1989-2017) and 40,598 men from Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1986-2016), who were free of gout at baseline. Dietary intake and covariates were assessed by validated questionnaires every 4 years. Insulinemic potential of diet was evaluated using 1) food-based empirical dietary index for hyperinsulinemia (EDIH) score that was pre-defined based on circulating C-peptide levels1 and reflects insulin resistance;2 and 2) dietary insulin index (DII), which reflects transient, postprandial insulin secretion.2 We assigned EDIH and DII scores for each participant, adjusted for total energy intake, and prospectively examined the association between scores and incident gout (using ACR survey criteria for gout3), adjusting for potential confounders.

Results:

We ascertained 2,874 incident gout cases over 5,124,490 person-years of follow-up. In pooled multivariable-adjusted analyses, those in the highest EDIH quintile had 1.76-times (95% CI: 1.56 to 1.99) higher gout risk, compared with the lowest (Table 1). This attenuated with further adjustment for BMI (a likely causal intermediate) but remained positive (RR 1.30, 1.15 to 1.48). DII scores were inversely associated with gout risk (RR 0.66, 0.58 to 0.74) (Table 1).

Table 1.

Risk Ratio (95% CI) of Gout According to Quintiles of Insulin-Related Dietary Index

EDIH (measure of insulin resistance)Q1:lowest circulating insulin levelsQ2Q3Q4Q5:highest circulating insulin levelsP for trendN cases430482598631733Person-years1,025,1291,025,2851,025,5741,025,3011,023,651Age-adjusted RR1.00 (Ref)1.13 (1.00-1.29)1.43 (1.26-1.61)1.53 (1.36-1.73)1.85 (1.64-2.09)<.0001MV-Adjusted*RR1.00 (Ref)1.11 (0.98-1.27)1.39 (1.22-1.57)1.47 (1.30-1.67)1.76 (1.56-1.99)<.0001MV-Adjusted**RR (+ BMI)1.00 (Ref)1.03 (0.90-1.17)1.21 (1.06-1.37)1.21 (1.07-1.37)1.30 (1.15-1.48)<.0001Dietary Insulin Index (measure of transient, post-prandial secretion and sensitivity)Q1:lowest insulin sensitivityQ2Q3Q4Q5:greatest insulin sensitivityP for trendN cases783611527498455Person-years1,024,7631,025,7301,025,0751,025,5381,023,834Age-adjusted RR1.00 (Ref)0.79 (0.71-0.88)0.69 (0.62-0.77)0.65 (0.58-0.73)0.59 (0.53-0.66)<.0001MV-Adjusted*RR1.00 (Ref)0.79 (0.71-0.88)0.69 (0.62-0.77)0.66 (0.59-0.74)0.60 (0.53-0.67)<.0001MV-Adjusted**RR (+ BMI)1.00 (Ref)0.78 (0.70-0.87)0.69 (0.62-0.77)0.67 (0.60-0.75)0.66 (0.58-0.74)<.0001

*Multivariable (MV) models adjusted for age (month), White race, smoking, menopause (women only), hormone use (women only), physical activity, history of hypertension, and diuretic use **MV + BMI models further adjusted for BMI (a likely causal intermediate)

Conclusion:

EDIH scores, reflecting chronic hyperinsulinemia (i.e., greater insulin resistance with reduced clearance), were positively associated with the risk of incident gout, even beyond the pathway through adiposity. Conversely, higher DII scores, which reflect short-term, postprandial elevations in insulin levels (and also greater insulin clearance and sensitivity) conferred a lower risk. This corroborates human physiologic experiments and Mendelian Randomization studies showing insulin resistance can increase SU levels by decreasing renal excretion of urate, and supports lowering insulinemic potential of diet as a strategy to reduce gout risk.

References:

[1]Tabung et al. PMID 27821188

[2]Lee et al. PMID 32618519

[3]Wallace et al. PMID 856219

Disclosure of Interests:

Natalie McCormick: None declared, Chio Yokose: None declared, Leo Lu: None declared, Amit Joshi: None declared, Hyon Choi Consultant of: Ironwood, Selecta, Horizon, Takeda, Kowa, Vaxart, Grant/research support from: Ironwood, Horizon

OP0202 DOES EXCESS WEIGHT AFFECT GOUT RISK DIFFERENTLY AMONG GENETICALLY PREDISPOSED INDIVIDUALS? – SEX-SPECIFIC PROSPECTIVE COHORT FINDINGS OVER >26 YEARS

Background:

Global burden of gout has increased substantially, particularly among women.1,2 Addressing obesity, a major modifiable risk factor for gout, may alleviate this burden; however, there is also a significant genetic contribution to gout risk according to the genome-wide association studies (GWAS).3,4 Genetic predisposition may modify the excess weight effect on gout risk.

Objectives:

To investigate the potential role of genetic predisposition on the association between excess weight (i.e., BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) and gout risk in two US prospective longitudinal cohorts over >26 years, stratified by sex.

Methods:

We examined the association between excess weight and risk of incident gout meeting the ACR survey criteria,5 according to genetic risk, in 18,512 women from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) over 32 years, and 10,917 men from Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS) over 26 years. We derived a genetic risk score (GRS) using 114 serum urate single nucleotide polymorphisms from the latest GWAS.3 We also calculated the population attributable risk (PAR) for excess weight according to GRS stratum.

Results:

We ascertained 530 incident gout cases in NHS and 983 in HPFS. While the relative risks (RRs) due to excess weight (overweight or obesity) appeared larger among women above the mean than below the mean, the RRs among men appeared similar according to genetic predisposition (Table 1). The RRs among women for excess weight compared to normal were 1.66 (95% CI, 1.17 to 2.37) and 2.55 (1.95 to 3.34) below and above the mean GRS, respectively (P for multiplicative interaction = 0.06), whereas corresponding RRs among men were 1.68 (95% CI, 1.31 to 2.16) and 1.76 (1.47 to 2.10) (P for multiplicative interaction = 0.8). The risk differences (RD) among women for excess weight were 0.69 and 2.38 with GRS below and above the mean, respectively, resulting in the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) of 1.69 (95% CI, 1.03 to 2.35, P for additive interaction = 5.4x10-7); for men, the corresponding RDs were 0.70 and 1.46, with RERI = 0.76 (0.26, 1.25; P for additive interaction = 2.6x10-3). Excess weight accounted for a larger proportion of incident gout cases among women with GRS above the mean (PAR, 48.5% [95% CI, 38.8 to 55.9]) compared to those with GRS below the mean (PAR, 29.0% [95% CI, 10.5 to 42.1]), whereas the PARs among men were similar (31.6% vs 29.7%, respectively).

Table 1.

Relative Risk of Gout by Body Mass Index, Stratified by Mean Genetic Score

HPFS (men)Below MeanAbove MeanBMIOverall<2525-30>30Overall<2525-30>30No. Cases3338817273650172349129Person-Years10405543314492531148898634419944609610544Age-Adjusted RR-1.0 (ref)1.71 (1.32, 2.22)3.00 (2.18, 4.12)-1.0 (ref)1.80 (1.50, 2.16)2.87 (2.27, 3.62)MV Adjusted* RR-1.0 (ref)1.53 (1.18, 1.99)2.31 (1.66, 2.21)-1.0 (ref)1.63 (1.35, 1.96)2.38 (1.87, 3.03)NHS (women)Below MeanAbove MeanBMIOverall<2525-30>30Overall<2525-30>30No. Cases17347408635772120165Person-Years24439212384976414441292392591202297612342907Age-Adjusted RR-1.0 (ref)1.23 (0.81, 1.88)4.46 (3.10, 6.41)-1.0 (ref)2.41 (1.79, 3.23)5.68 (4.82, 7.52)MV Adjusted* RR-1.0 (ref)1.00 (0.65, 1.53)2.84 (1.92, 4.20)-1.0 (ref)1.97 (1.46, 2.65)3.61 (2.68, 4.87)

*Adjusted for age (continuous), menopause, use of hormone therapy (never, past or current), history of hypertension, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, alcohol, total energy intake and intake of meat, seafood and dairy foods (all continuous).

Conclusion:

These large scale longitudinal prospective cohorts suggest maintaining healthy weight is an important gout prevention strategy, regardless of underlying genetic risk. In genetically predisposed individuals, addressing excess weight may prevent a large proportion of gout cases, especially among women.

References:

[1]Safiri et al., PMID 32755051

[2]Xia et al., PMID 31624843

[3]Tin et al., PMID 31578528

[4]Tai et al., PMID: 32017447

[5]Wallace et al., PMID: 856219

Acknowledgements:

The authors thank the participants of the NHS and HPFS.

CY is supported by the Rheumatology Research Foundation Scientist Development Award and NIH T32 AR007258. HC is supported by NIH P50AR060772 and R01AR065944.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

OP0235 PRO-INFLAMMATORY DIET AND RISK OF INCIDENT GOUT: 3 PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDIES OF US MEN AND WOMEN

Background:

Emerging evidence suggests inflammation may drive progression from hyperuricemia to clinical gout, but the role of extrinsic, modifiable sources of chronic inflammation, such as diet, on gout risk is unknown. Notably, greater dietary inflammatory potential has been independently associated with increased risk of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD)1 and type 2 diabetes (T2D).2

Objectives:

Prospectively examine the relation between dietary inflammatory potential and risk of gout in three large cohorts of US women and men over 30 years.

Methods:

Ascertaining the ACR survey criteria for gout for several decades,3 we studied gout risk among 164,090 women from Nurses Health Study I (1986-2016) and II (1989-2017) and 40,598 men from Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1986-2016), free of gout at baseline. Dietary intake and covariates were assessed by validated questionnaires every 4 years. Inflammatory potential of diet was evaluated using a food-based empirical dietary index of inflammatory potential score (EDIP) pre-defined based on circulating levels of IL-6, C-reactive protein, adiponectin, and TNFαR2.4

We assigned an EDIP score for each participant, adjusted for total energy take, and prospectively examined the association between quintiles of EDIP score and incident gout, adjusting for potential confounders. We also stratified by alcohol intake, as alcohol has anti-inflammatory properties,4 but is associated with a higher gout risk, particularly beer.5

Results:

We documented 2,874 incident gout cases over 5,124,940 person-years of follow-up. In pooled multivariable-adjusted analyses, those in the highest EDIP quintile had 59% higher gout risk (multivariable RR 1.59; 95% CI 1.41–1.79), compared with the lowest (Table 1). This remained positive with further adjustment for BMI, a likely causal intermediate (RR 1.27, 1.12 to 1.42), and was stronger among non-drinkers (RR 2.37, 1.58 to 2.56) than drinkers (RR 1.57, 1.38 to 1.78) (Table 1).

Table 1.

Risk Ratio (95% CI) of Gout According to Quintiles of Inflammatory Diet Score, Overall and by Alcohol Use

Q1:lowestQ2Q3Q4Q5:highestP for trendOverallN cases473493530623755Person-years1,024,5711,025,6181,025,2841,024,7791,024,688Age-adjusted RR1.00 (Ref)1.05 (0.92, 1.19)1.13 (0.99, 1.27)1.33 (1.18, 1.50)1.64 (1.46, 1.84)<0.001MV-Adjusted* RR1.00 (Ref)1.04 (0.92, 1.18)1.12 (0.98, 1.26)1.31 (1.16, 1.48)1.59 (1.41, 1.79)<0.001MV-Adjusted** RR (+ BMI)1.00 (Ref)1.00 (0.88, 1.13)1.03 (0.91, 1.17)1.16 (1.02, 1.31)1.27 (1.12, 1.42)<0.001No Alcohol UseN cases265884143251Person-years118,301189,938249,389313,511396,080MV-Adjusted* RR1.00 (Ref)1.31 (0.82, 2.08)1.37 (0.88, 2.13)1.80 (1.18, 2.74)2.37 (1.58, 2.56)<0.001MV-Adjusted**RR (+ BMI)1.00 (Ref)1.28 (0.80, 2.03)1.32 (0.85, 2.05)1.61 (1.06, 2.45)1.85 (1.23, 2.79)<0.001Alcohol UseN cases447435446480504Person-years906,271835,680775,895711,267628,609MV-Adjusted* RR1.00 (Ref)1.04 (0.91, 1.19)1.13 (0.99, 1.29)1.31 (1.15, 1.50)1.57 (1.38, 1.78)<0.001MV-Adjusted** RR (+ BMI)1.00 (Ref)1.00 (0.88, 1.14)1.05 (0.92, 1.20)1.17 (1.03, 1.33)1.28 (1.12, 1.46)<0.001

*Multivariable (MV) models adjusted for age (month), White race, smoking, menopause (women only), hormone use (women only), physical activity, history of hypertension, and diuretic use. **MV + BMI models additionally adjusted for BMI (a likely causal intermediate)

Conclusion:

Habitual pro-inflammatory dietary pattern was independently associated with higher risk of incident gout in these prospective cohorts, even beyond the pathway through adiposity. Our findings support a role for chronic inflammation in development of gout, similar to CVD1 and T2D.2 Adhering to a diet with lower inflammatory potential may modulate systemic inflammation, potentially reducing gout risk and these life-threatening comorbidities.

References:

[1]Li et al. J Amer Coll Cardiology (2020) PMID 33153576

[2]Lee et al. Diabetes Care (2020) PMID 32873589

[3]Wallace et al. PMID 856219

[4]Tabung et al. PMID 27358416

[5]Choi et al. PMID 15094272

Disclosure of Interests:

Natalie McCormick: None declared, Chio Yokose: None declared, Leo Lu: None declared, Amit Joshi: None declared, Hyon Choi Consultant of: Ironwood, Selecta, Horizon, Takeda, Kowa, Vaxart, Grant/research support from: Ironwood, Horizon

OP0203 GENE-DIET INTERACTION ON THE RISK OF INCIDENT GOUT AMONG WOMEN – PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY OVER 32 YEARS

Background:

Although gout is conventionally known as a male condition, the recent Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study found disproportionate worsening among women.1 We have found Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is independently associated with a lower risk of incident gout, while Western diet is associated with increased risk.2 Whether these risks vary according to genetic risk remains unknown.

Objectives:

To investigate the influence of genetic predisposition on the relation between diets (one protective and another hazardous) and gout risk in a large prospective US cohort of women over 32 years.

Methods:

We examined the role of genes on the association between two dietary patterns (DASH and Western) on the risk of incident gout in 18,512 women from the Nurses’ Health Study. Using validated food frequency questionnaires, for each participant we derived: 1) DASH score emphasizing fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and reduced intake of saturated fat and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and 2) Western diet score characterized by high intake of red and processed meats, SSBs, desserts, French fries, and refined grains. A genetic risk score (GRS) was derived using 114 serum urate single nucleotide polymorphisms from the latest GWAS consortium.3

Results:

There were 523 incident gout cases meeting ACR survey criteria4 (170 vs. 353 in GRS below and above the mean, respectively) (Table 1). Among women with GRS below and above the mean, the multivariable relative risks (RRs) of gout were 1.0, 1.56. 1.32, 0.89, and 0.61 (0.34 to 1.09) and 1.0, 1.0, 0.85, 0.51, and 0.68 (0.49 to 0.96), for quintiles (Q) 1 through 5 of DASH score, respectively (p for interaction = 0.69) (Table 1). For the Western diet, RRs for Q1 through 5 were 1, 1.34, 1.07, 1.33, and 1.63 (0.91 to 2.93) for those with GRS below the mean and 1.0, 1.17, 0.93, 1.27, and 1.77 (1.19 to 2.61) among those with GRS above the mean, respectively (p for multiplicative interaction = 0.64).

Table 1.

Relative Risk of Gout by Quintiles of DASH and Western Diet Score, Stratified by Mean GRS

DASHBelow MeanAbove MeanQ1Q2Q3Q4Q5Q1Q2Q3Q4Q5P InteractionNo. Cases27495121227589903465Person-Years39208472475722734953587643981545853554013473356521Age-Adjusted RR1.0 (ref)1.43 (0.89, 2.29)1.22 (0.76, 1.96)0.8 (0.45, 1.42)0.5 (0.28, 0.88)1.0 (ref)0.97 (0.72, 1.33)0.79 (0.58, 1.07)0.47 (0.31, 0.70)0.54 (0.39, 0.76)0.73MV-Adjusted* RR1.0 (ref)1.56 (0.97, 2.51)1.32 (0.82, 2.12)0.89 (0.50, 1.59)0.61 (0.34, 1.09)1.0 (ref)1.0 (0.73, 1.37)0.85 (0.63, 1.17)0.51 (0.33, 0.76)0.68 (0.49, 0.96)0.69WesternBelow MeanAbove MeanQ1Q2Q3Q4Q5Q1Q2Q3Q4Q5P InteractionNo. Cases21362839465270567699Person-Years47397493484783747589452834552947913473574644785Age-Adjusted RR1.0 (ref)1.49 (0.86, 2.56)1.26 (0.71, 2.23)1.71 (1.00, 2.93)2.22 (1.31, 3.74)1.0 (ref)1.21 (0.85, 1.74)0.98 (0.67, 1.43)1.35 (0.94, 1.93)1.88 (1.34, 2.65)0.72MV-Adjusted* RR1.0 (ref)1.34 (0.78, 2.32)1.07 (0.60, 1.90)1.33 (0.76, 2.34)1.63 (0.91, 2.93)1.0 (ref)1.17 (0.81, 1.68)0.93 (0.63, 1.38)1.27 (0.87, 1.84)1.77 (1.19, 2.61)0.64

*Adjusted for age (continuous), menopause, use of hormone therapy (never, past or current), history of hypertension, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (continuous), alcohol (continuous), total energy intake (continuous), and intake of meat, seafood, and dairy foods (continuous).

Conclusion:

In this prospective female cohort that ascertained gout with standardized criteria over 32 years, regardless of genetic predisposition, DASH diet was similarly associated with lower risk of incident gout while Western diet was associated with a higher risk. The anticipated absolute impact of diet among genetically predisposed females was larger with greater absolute risk difference. These data agree with the recent GBD Study’s recommendation for intensive dietary and anti-obesity measures for gout prevention, especially in females.1

References:

[1]Xia et al., PMID 31624843

[2]Keller et al., PMID: 28487277

[3]Tin et al., PMID 31578528

[4]Wallace et al., PMID: 856219

Acknowledgements:

The authors thank the participants of the NHS.

CY is supported by the Rheumatology Research Foundation Scientist Development Award and NIH T32 AR007258. HC is supported by NIH P50AR060772 and R01AR065944.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Online Learning in the Face of COVID-19 Pandemic: Assessment of Students' Satisfaction at Chitwan Medical College of Nepal

Background Online learning can play a vital role in the process of teaching and learning during Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, learners' satisfaction is extremely important in effective implementation of the online learning, especially at institutions where it is newly adopted. Objective To assess satisfaction towards online learning and its predictors among students at Chitwan Medical College, Bharatpur. Method A web-based cross-sectional survey was undertaken among 434 undergraduate and postgraduate students from various academic programs who had participated in the online classes started during this COVID-19 pandemic. A structured questionnaire consisting of 31 items (5-point Likert scale) covering four major student satisfaction domains (learners' dimensions, technological characteristics, instructors' characteristics and course management and coordination) was distributed to the students using Google Form. Result More than half (53.5%) of the students were satisfied with the online learning, while 29.7% gave neutral views. Bivariate analyses found that all four domains scores were positively correlated with each other as well as with the students' overall satisfaction towards learning. In multivariate analysis, female gender [aOR: 2.72, p = 0.013], WiFi as internet modality for learning [aOR: 3.36, p = 0.001) and learners' dimension score [aOR: 1.27, p<0.001] were the significant predictors of students' satisfaction. Conclusion Although recently adopted, the satisfaction of the students towards online classes appears good, and prioritizing the identified predictors and working on the weak links could assist in enhancing students' satisfaction and better outcomes.

Blended programmatic assessment for competency based curricula

The uncertainty in all spheres of higher education due to the COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on teaching-learning and assessments in medical colleges across the globe. The conventional ways of assessment are now neither possible nor practical for certifying medical graduates. This has necessitated thoughtful considerations in making adjustments to the assessment system, with most institutions transitioning to online assessments that so far have remained underutilized. Programmatic assessment encourages the deliberate and longitudinal use of diverse assessment methods to maximize learning and assessment and at present can be utilized optimally as it ensures the collection of multiple low-stake assessment data which can be aggregated for high-stake pass/fail decisions by making use of every opportunity for formative feedback to improve performance. Though efforts have been made to introduce programmatic assessment in the competency-based undergraduate curriculum, transitioning to online assessment can be a potential opportunity if the basic tenets of programmatic assessment, choice of online assessment tools, strategies, good practices of online assessments and challenges are understood and explored explicitly for designing and implementing online assessments. This paper explores the possibility of introducing online assessment with face-to-face assessment and structuring a blended programmatic assessment in competency-based medical education.

Radiotherapy for Post-Chemotherapy Residual Mass in Advanced Seminoma: A Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography-Based Risk-adapted Approach

AIMS

There is a lack of consensus regarding the management of post-chemotherapy residual mass in classical seminoma. The use of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG PET-CT) may aid the detection of residual masses harbouring viable disease and help to tailor therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate if PET-CT could identify patients who will benefit from locoregional radiotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This ethics-approved study included patients with advanced classical seminoma primarily treated with standard platinum-based first-line chemotherapy. Patients were either observed or given adjuvant radiotherapy based on the clinician's preference and followed up. For this study, patients were stratified into two groups based on FDG PET-CT residual nodal maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax): low risk (SUVmax <3) and high risk (SUVmax ≥3). Further subgroup analysis was carried out for patients with residual nodal size ≥3 cm and SUVmax ≥3, and this was considered as the very high risk group. The diagnostic accuracy of FDG PET-CT was assessed and survival was compared between the different groups.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine patients were included in the study: 48 patients were observed and 21 received radiotherapy. The low and high risk groups contained 50.7% and 49.3% of the patients, respectively. The very high risk subgroup had 24 patients. At a median follow-up of 44 months, locoregional failures in the radiotherapy and observation cohorts were 0% and 30% (P = 0.059) in the very high risk subgroup and 5.8% and 29.4% (P = 0.078) in the high risk group. The positive predictive value for the very high risk and high risk groups was 30% and 17.1%, respectively. The benefit of locoregional control failed to translate into overall survival benefit.

CONCLUSION

A tailored, FDG PET-based risk-adapted treatment approach can refine the management of post-chemotherapy residual masses in seminoma. In this study, with the largest cohort of advanced seminoma patients treated with radiotherapy reported to date, radiotherapy seems to benefit patients with post-chemotherapy residual mass SUVmax ≥3.

Optimal symptom combinations to aid COVID-19 case identification: Analysis from a community-based, prospective, observational cohort

Objectives

Diagnostic work-up following any COVID-19 associated symptom will lead to extensive testing, potentially overwhelming laboratory capacity whilst primarily yielding negative results. We aimed to identify optimal symptom combinations to capture most cases using fewer tests with implications for COVID-19 vaccine developers across different resource settings and public health.

Methods

UK and US users of the COVID-19 Symptom Study app who reported new-onset symptoms and an RT-PCR test within seven days of symptom onset were included. Sensitivity, specificity, and number of RT-PCR tests needed to identify one case (test per case [TPC]) were calculated for different symptom combinations. A multi-objective evolutionary algorithm was applied to generate combinations with optimal trade-offs between sensitivity and specificity.

Findings

UK and US cohorts included 122,305 (1,202 positives) and 3,162 (79 positive) individuals. Within three days of symptom onset, the COVID-19 specific symptom combination (cough, dyspnoea, fever, anosmia/ageusia) identified 69% of cases requiring 47 TPC. The combination with highest sensitivity (fatigue, anosmia/ageusia, cough, diarrhoea, headache, sore throat) identified 96% cases requiring 96 TPC.

Interpretation

We confirmed the significance of COVID-19 specific symptoms for triggering RT-PCR and identified additional symptom combinations with optimal trade-offs between sensitivity and specificity that maximize case capture given different resource settings.

Optimal symptom combinations to aid COVID-19 case identification: analysis from a community-based, prospective, observational cohort

OBJECTIVES

Diagnostic work-up following any COVID-19 associated symptom will lead to extensive testing, potentially overwhelming laboratory capacity whilst primarily yielding negative results. We aimed to identify optimal symptom combinations to capture most cases using fewer tests with implications for COVID-19 vaccine developers across different resource settings and public health.

METHODS

UK and US users of the COVID-19 Symptom Study app who reported new-onset symptoms and an RT-PCR test within seven days of symptom onset were included. Sensitivity, specificity, and number of RT-PCR tests needed to identify one case (test per case [TPC]) were calculated for different symptom combinations. A multi-objective evolutionary algorithm was applied to generate combinations with optimal trade-offs between sensitivity and specificity.

FINDINGS

UK and US cohorts included 122,305 (1,202 positives) and 3,162 (79 positive) individuals. Within three days of symptom onset, the COVID-19 specific symptom combination (cough, dyspnoea, fever, anosmia/ageusia) identified 69% of cases requiring 47 TPC. The combination with highest sensitivity (fatigue, anosmia/ageusia, cough, diarrhoea, headache, sore throat) identified 96% cases requiring 96 TPC.

INTERPRETATION

We confirmed the significance of COVID-19 specific symptoms for triggering RT-PCR and identified additional symptom combinations with optimal trade-offs between sensitivity and specificity that maximize case capture given different resource settings.