Coracoclavicular stabilization using a suture button device for Neer type IIB lateral clavicle fractures

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiologic and clinical outcomes of coracoclavicular (CC) stabilization using a suture button device for Neer type IIB lateral clavicle fractures.

METHODS

Eighteen consecutive patients with Neer type IIB fractures were treated with CC stabilization using a TightRope device (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA). The mean follow-up period was 46.6 months (range, 24-75 months). Radiologic outcomes were assessed using serial plain radiographs. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the visual analog scale pain score; University of California, Los Angeles score; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score; and subjective shoulder value. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 18 cases, 17 (94.4%) showed complete bony union. The mean final visual analog scale pain score was 1.1; University of California, Los Angeles score, 31.3; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, 88.6; and subjective shoulder value, 88.5%. Four complications were observed: (1) intraoperative coracoid process fracture, (2) nonunion, (3) delayed union, and (4) shoulder stiffness. The case with a coracoid process fracture during coracoid tunnel generation was converted to the K-wire tension band technique.

CONCLUSION

CC stabilization using a suture button device for Neer type IIB lateral clavicle fractures yielded satisfactory radiologic and clinical outcomes. The major advantage of this technique is that implant removal is not required.

Minimal Clinically Important Differences for American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Score in Hallux Valgus Surgery

BACKGROUND

The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score is one of the most common and adapted outcome scales in hallux valgus surgery. However, AOFAS is predominantly physician based and not patient based. Although it may be straightforward to derive statistical significance, it may not equate to the true subjective benefit of the patient's experience. There is a paucity of literature defining MCID for AOFAS in hallux valgus surgery although it could have a great impact on the accuracy of analyzing surgical outcomes. Hence, the primary aim of this study was to define the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) for the AOFAS score in these patients, and the secondary aim was to correlate patients' demographics to the MCID.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study. A total of 446 patients were reviewed preoperatively and followed up for 2 years. An anchor question was asked 2 years postoperation: "How would you rate the overall results of your treatment for your foot and ankle condition?" (excellent, very good, good, fair, poor, terrible). The MCID was derived using 4 methods, 3 from an anchor-based approach and 1 from a distribution-based approach. Anchor-based approaches were (1) mean difference in 2-year AOFAS scores of patients who answered "good" versus "fair" based on the anchor question; (2) mean change of AOFAS score preoperatively and at 2-year follow-up in patients who answered good; (3) receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves method, where the area under the curve (AUC) represented the likelihood that the scoring system would accurately discriminate these 2 groups of patients. The distribution-based approach used to calculate MCID was the effect size method. There were 405 (90.8%) females and 41 (9.2%) males. Mean age was 51.2 (standard deviation [SD] = 13) years, mean preoperative BMI was 24.2 (SD = 4.1).

RESULTS

Mean preoperative AOFAS score was 55.6 (SD = 16.8), with significant improvement to 85.7 (SD = 14.4) in 2 years ( P value < .001). There were no statistical differences between demographics or preoperative AOFAS scores of patients with good versus fair satisfaction levels. At 2 years, patients who had good satisfaction had higher AOFAS scores than fair satisfaction (83.9 vs 78.1, P < .001) and higher mean change (30.2 vs 22.3, P = .015). Mean change in AOFAS score in patients with good satisfaction was 30.2 (SD = 19.8). Mean difference in good versus fair satisfaction was 7.9. Using ROC analysis, the cut-off point is 29.0, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.62. Effect size method derived an MCID of 8.4 with a moderate effect size of 0.5. Multiple linear regression demonstrated increasing age (β = -0.129, CI = -0.245, -0.013, P = .030) and higher preoperative AOFAS score (β = -0.874, CI = -0.644, -0.081, P < .001) to significantly decrease the amount of change in the AOFAS score.

CONCLUSION

The MCID of AOFAS score in hallux valgus surgery was 7.9 to 30.2. The MCID can ensure clinical improvement from a patient's perspective and also aid in interpreting results from clinical trials and other studies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Randomized Clinical Trials on Deep Carious Lesions: 5-Year Follow-up

Deep caries presents a dilemma in terms of which treatment that will render an optimal prognosis by maintaining pulp vitality with absence of apical pathology. Previously, 2 randomized clinical trials were performed testing the short-term effects of stepwise carious tissue removal versus nonselective carious removal to hard dentin with or without pulp exposure. The aim of this article was to report the 5-y outcome on these previously treated patients having radiographically well-defined carious lesions extending into the pulpal quarter of the dentin but with a well-defined radiodense zone between the carious lesion and the pulp. In this long-term study, 239 of 314 (76.2%) patients were analyzed. The stepwise removal group had a significantly higher proportion of success (60.2%) at 5-y follow-up compared with the nonselective carious removal to hard dentin group (46.3%) ( P = 0.031) when pulp exposures per se were included as failures. Pulp exposure rate was significantly lower in the stepwise carious removal group (21.2% vs. 35.5%; P = 0.014). Irrespective of pulp exposure status, the difference (13.3%) was still significant when sustained pulp vitality without apical radiolucency and unbearable pain was considered (95% confidence interval, 3.1-26.3, P = 0.045). After pulp exposure, only 9% ( n = 4) of the analyzed patients were assessed as successful, indicating that the prognosis is highly dubious following conventional pulp-capping procedures (direct pulp capping or partial pulpotomy) in deep carious lesions in adults. In conclusion, the stepwise carious removal group had a significantly higher proportion of pulps with sustained vitality without apical radiolucency versus nonselective carious removal of deep carious lesions in adult teeth at 5-y follow-up ( ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00187837 and NCT00187850).

Treatment Patterns and Patient Reported Outcomes in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Patients with Overactive Bladder Symptoms

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to examine the treatment patterns, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.

METHODS

Seven hundred and forty seven patients were included in this prospective observational study. The primary endpoint was to describe the medical treatment patterns for BPH patients with OAB symptoms. The secondary endpoint was to determine the PROs of these patients. Clinical outcome was assessed using International prostate symptom score (IPSS), and PROs were measured using BPH-Related QoL Questionnaire Korea 1 (BPH QoL K1) and Euroqol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D).

RESULTS

When starting the study, 391 patients (52.3%) received α-blocker monotherapy, whereas 356 (47.7%) received combination therapy with anticholinergics. Of the 369 patients who completed the 6-month treatment, 139 patients (37.7%) still received α-blocker monotherapy, 122 (33.1%) still received combination therapy with anticholinergics, and 108 (29.3%) received subsequent anticholinergics in addition to α-blocker. When the patients were stratified, storage subscore was higher (9.5 vs. 8.8, P = 0.034) and voiding subscore (9.7 vs. 11.6, P = 0.001) was lower in patients with anticholinergics than those without it. Although all treatment groups reported a significant improvement from baseline, no significant between-group differences in changes in IPSS, EQ-5D and BPH QoL K1 was found.

CONCLUSIONS

About one-third of patients received α-blocker monotherapy, one-third received combination therapy with anticholinergics, and another one-third received subsequent anticholinergics in addition to α-blocker. Storage subscore was higher in patients with anticholinergics than those without it, but vice-versa for voiding subscore. Similar improvement on clinical outcomes and PROs was observed in all treatment groups.

Viral reactivations and associated outcomes in the context of immune reconstitution after pediatric hematopoietic cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

Viral reactivations (VRs) after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) contribute to significant morbidity and mortality. Timely immune reconstitution (IR) is suggested to prevent VR.

OBJECTIVES

We studied the relation between IR (as a continuous predictor over time) and VR (as a time-varying predictor) and the relation between VR and other clinical outcomes.

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis all patients receiving a first HCT between January 2004 and September 2014 were included. IR (CD3/CD4/CD8 T, natural killer, and B cells) was measured biweekly until 12 weeks and monthly thereafter. Main outcomes of interest were VR of adenovirus, EBV, human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and BK virus screened weekly. Clinical outcomes included overall survival (OS), event-free-survival, nonrelapse mortality (NRM), and graft-versus-host disease. Cox proportional hazard and Fine and Gray competing risk models were used.

RESULTS

Two hundred seventy-three patients (age, 0.1-22.7 years; median follow-up, 58 months) were included. Delayed CD4 reconstitution predicted reactivation of adenovirus (hazard ratio [HR], 0.995; P = .022), EBV (HR, 0.994; P = .029), and HHV6 (HR, 0.991; P = .012) but not CMV (P = .31) and BK virus (P = .27). Duration of adenovirus reactivation was shorter with timely CD4 reconstitution, which was defined as 50 × 10⁶ cells/L or greater within 100 days. Adenovirus reactivation predicted lower OS (HR, 2.17; P = .0039) and higher NRM (HR, 2.96; P = .0008). Concomitant CD4 reconstitution abolished this negative effect of adenovirus reactivation (OS, P = .67; NRM, P = .64). EBV and HHV6 reactivations were predictors for the occurrence of graft-versus-host disease, whereas CMV and BK virus reactivation did not predict clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSION

These results stress the importance of timely CD4 reconstitution. Strategies to improve CD4 reconstitution can improve HCT outcomes, including survival, and reduce the need for toxic antiviral therapies.

Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery: The Prognostic Value of Central Nervous System Comorbidities in Patients and their Families

Central nervous system comorbidities have been identified in patients with epilepsy. Several of these comorbidities have been correlated with poor surgery outcomes in patient cohorts. The authors sought to determine if prevalence of comorbidities in pediatric epilepsy surgery patients and their families correlate with long-term seizure outcome in a cross-sectional analysis. Three-generation pedigrees were elicited to compare family history of epilepsy, ADHD, anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder, cognitive disability, depression, migraine, and motor disability to surgery outcomes in 52 patients. Proportions of affected patients and relatives were compared to general population comorbidity rates and the patients' most recent seizure outcome classification. Patients and families had significantly higher rates of comorbidities than the general population. Poorer long-term seizure outcomes following resective surgery were associated with autism or cognitive disability in patients. Together these data support evidence for a common pathophysiological mechanism between epilepsy and central nervous system comorbidities.

Prevalence and Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Reintubation After Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery: Results From the AOSpine North America Multicenter Study on 8887 Patients

STUDY DESIGN

A multicenter, retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate clinical outcomes in patients with reintubation after anterior cervical spine surgery.

METHODS

A total of 8887 patients undergoing anterior cervical spine surgery were enrolled in the AOSpine North America Rare Complications of Cervical Spine Surgery study. Patients with or without complications after surgery were included. Demographic and surgical information were collected for patients with reintubation. Patients were evaluated using a variety of assessment tools, including the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale, Nurick score, Neck Disability Index, and Short Form-36 Health Survey.

RESULTS

Nine cases of postoperative reintubation were identified. The total prevalence of this complication was 0.10% and ranged from 0% to 0.59% across participating institutions. The time to development of airway symptoms after surgery was within 24 hours in 6 patients and between 5 and 7 days in 3 patients. Although 8 patients recovered, 1 patient died. At final follow-up, patients with reintubation did not exhibit significant and meaningful improvements in pain, functional status, or quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the prevalence of reintubation was very low, this complication was associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Clinicians should identify their high-risk patients and carefully observe them for up to 2 weeks after surgery.

Multicenter Clinical and Molecular Epidemiological Analysis of Bacteremia Due to Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in the CRE Epicenter of the United States

Although the New York/New Jersey (NY/NJ) area is an epicenter for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), there are few multicenter studies of CRE from this region. We characterized patients with CRE bacteremia in 2013 at eight NY/NJ medical centers and determined the prevalence of carbapenem resistance among Enterobacteriaceae bloodstream isolates and CRE resistance mechanisms, genetic backgrounds, capsular types (cps), and antimicrobial susceptibilities. Of 121 patients with CRE bacteremia, 50% had cancer or had undergone transplantation. The prevalences of carbapenem resistance among Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter spp., and Escherichia coli bacteremias were 9.7%, 2.2%, and 0.1%, respectively. Ninety percent of CRE were K. pneumoniae and 92% produced K. pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC-3, 48%; KPC-2, 44%). Two CRE produced NDM-1 and OXA-48 carbapenemases. Sequence type 258 (ST258) predominated among KPC-producing K. pneumoniae (KPC-Kp). The wzi154 allele, corresponding to cps-2, was present in 93% of KPC-3-Kp, whereas KPC-2-Kp had greater cps diversity. Ninety-nine percent of CRE were ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ-AVI)-susceptible, although 42% of KPC-3-Kp had an CAZ-AVI MIC of ≥4/4 μg/ml. There was a median of 47 h from bacteremia onset until active antimicrobial therapy, 38% of patients had septic shock, and 49% died within 30 days. KPC-3-Kp bacteremia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.58; P = 0.045), cancer (aOR, 3.61, P = 0.01), and bacteremia onset in the intensive care unit (aOR, 3.79; P = 0.03) were independently associated with mortality. Active empirical therapy and combination therapy were not associated with survival. Despite a decade of experience with CRE, patients with CRE bacteremia have protracted delays in appropriate therapies and high mortality rates, highlighting the need for rapid diagnostics and evaluation of new therapeutics.

Body mass index and prognosis in patients with head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND

Body mass index (BMI) has been associated variably with head and neck cancer outcomes. We evaluated the association between BMI at either diagnosis or at early adulthood head and neck cancer outcomes.

METHODS

Patients with invasive head and neck squamous cell cancer at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Canada, were surveyed on tobacco and alcohol exposure, performance status, comorbidities, and BMI at diagnosis. A subset also had data collected for BMI at early adulthood.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 2.5 years, in 1279 analyzed patients, being overweight (hazard ratio [HR], 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.4-0.8; p = .001) at diagnosis was associated with improved survival when compared with individuals with normal weight. In contrast, underweight patients at diagnosis were associated with a worse outcome (HR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.2-3.1; p < .01).

CONCLUSION

Being underweight at diagnosis was an independent, adverse prognostic factor, whereas being overweight conferred better prognosis. BMI in early adulthood was not associated strongly with head and neck cancer outcomes. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 1226-1233, 2017.

Timing of Dialysis Initiation: What Has Changed Since IDEAL?

The optimal timing of initiation of maintenance dialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease currently is unknown. This transition period is one of exceptionally high vulnerability for patients; annual mortality rates in stage 5 chronic kidney disease through the first year of maintenance dialysis exceed 20%. The results of the Initiating Dialysis Early and Late (IDEAL) study, a randomized trial that tested the impact of dialysis initiation at two different levels of kidney function on outcomes, showed no significant difference in survival or other patient-centered outcomes between treatment groups. These data have challenged the established paradigm of using estimates of glomerular filtration as the primary guide for initiation of maintenance dialysis and illustrate the compelling need for research to optimize the high-risk transition period from chronic kidney disease to end-stage renal disease. This article reviews the findings of the IDEAL study and summarizes the evolution of research findings, updated clinical practice guidelines, and trends in dialysis initiation practices in the United States in the 6 years since the publication of the results from IDEAL. Complementary strategies to the use of estimated glomerular filtration rate to optimally time the initiation of maintenance dialysis and potentially improve patient-centered outcomes also are considered.

The influence of different growth hormone addition protocols to poor ovarian responders on clinical outcomes in controlled ovary stimulation cycles: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Growth hormone (GH) is used as an adjuvant therapy in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) for poor ovarian responders, but findings for its effects on outcomes of IVF have been conflicting. The aim of the study was to compare IVF-ET outcomes among women with poor ovarian responders, and find which subgroup can benefit from the GH addition.

METHODS

We searched the databases, using the terms "growth hormone," "GH," "IVF," "in vitro fertilization." Randomized controlled trials (RCT) were included if they assessed pregnancy rate, live birth rate, collected oocytes, fertilization rate, and implantation rate. Extracted the data from the corresponding articles, Mantel-Haenszel random-effects model, or fixed-effects model was used. Eleven studies were included.

RESULTS

Clinical pregnancy rate (RR 1.65, 95% CI 1.23-2.22), live birth rate (RR1.73, 1.25-2.40), collected oocytes number (SMD 1.09, 95% CI 0.54-1.64), MII oocytes number (SMD 1.48, 0.84-2.13), and E2 on human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) day (SMD 1.03, 0.18-1.89) were significantly increased in the GH group. The cancelled cycles rate (RR 0.65, 0.45-0.94) and the dose of gonadotropin (Gn) (SMD -0.83, -1.47, -0.19) were significantly lower in patients who received GH. Subgroup analysis indicated that the GH addition with Gn significantly increased the clinical pregnancy rate (RR 1.76, 1.25-2.48) and the live birth rate (RR 1.91, 1.29-2.83).

CONCLUSION

The GH addition can significantly improve the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate. Furthermore, the GH addition time and collocation of medications may affect the pregnancy outcome.

The Clinical Effect of a Rotator Cuff Retear: A Meta-analysis of Arthroscopic Single-Row and Double-Row Repairs

BACKGROUND

The clinical effect of a retear after rotator cuff repair remains unclear. While some studies have indicated clinical deficits due to a retear, others have stated that a retear does not detrimentally affect outcomes.

PURPOSE

To conduct a meta-analysis comparing clinical outcomes between intact and retorn rotator cuffs after arthroscopic repair.

STUDY DESIGN

Meta-analysis.

METHODS

A literature search using the terms "arthroscopic," "rotator cuff," "repair," "retear," "re-tear," "defect," "single-row," "double-row," "clinical outcomes," and "functional outcomes" was conducted. Article inclusion criteria were an adequate description of the surgical technique, stratification of outcomes by intact rotator cuff versus retear with a minimum of 1 year of follow-up, and documentation of the presence/absence of a full-thickness retear using imaging. Exclusion criteria were isolated subscapularis tears/repairs, labral repairs, infections, postoperative fractures, insufficient data or statistical indications, and postoperative data not stratified by retear versus intact rotator cuff. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model on variables that had comparisons from at least 3 studies. Single-row (SR) and double-row (DR) studies were analyzed both separately and together in an "all arthroscopic repairs" (AAR) comparison. The calculated effect was considered significant at a P value <.05.

RESULTS

Within the SR group, patients with a rotator cuff retear had a significantly lower Constant score (mean difference [95% CI], -6.79 [-8.94 to -4.65]; P < .001) and lower University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score (-3.21 [-5.27 to -1.15]; P = .002) but not higher pain (0.071 [-0.34 to 0.49]; P = .739). Within the DR group, patients with a rotator cuff retear had a significantly lower Constant score (mean difference [95% CI], -9.35 [-12.2 to -6.50]; P < .001), lower American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score (-12.1 [-17.1 to -7.26]; P < .001), lower UCLA score (-3.07 [-4.85 to -1.29]; P < .001), higher pain (0.622 [0.19 to 1.05]; P = .005), and lower abduction strength ( P < .001). In the AAR comparison, patients with a retear had a significantly lower Constant score (mean difference [95% CI], -7.56 [-9.55 to -5.57]; P < .001), lower ASES score (-10.1 [-15.5 to -4.64]; P < .001), lower UCLA score (-3.00 [-4.47 to -1.53]; P < .001), and lower abduction strength (in kg·f) (-3.32 [-4.53 to -2.12]; P < .001) but not higher pain (0.332 [-0.014 to 0.680]; P = .060).

CONCLUSION

Patients with a full-thickness rotator cuff retear exhibited significantly lower clinical outcome scores and strength compared with patients with an intact or partially torn rotator cuff.

Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of the Knee: Analysis of Failures at 5 Years

BACKGROUND

Osteochondral allograft transplantation (OAT) is being performed with increasing frequency, and the need for reoperations is not uncommon.

PURPOSE

To quantify survival for OAT and report findings at reoperations.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A review of prospectively collected data of 224 consecutive patients who underwent OAT by a single surgeon with a minimum follow-up of 2 years was conducted. The reoperation rate, timing of reoperation, procedure performed, and findings at surgery were reviewed. Failure was defined by revision OAT, conversion to knee arthroplasty, or gross appearance of graft failure at second-look arthroscopic surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 180 patients (mean [±SD] age, 32.7 ± 10.4 years; 52% male) who underwent OAT with a mean follow-up of 5.0 ± 2.7 years met the inclusion criteria (80% follow-up). Of these, 172 patients (96%) underwent a mean of 2.5 ± 1.7 prior surgical procedures on the ipsilateral knee before OAT. Forty-eight percent of OAT procedures were isolated, while 52% were performed with concomitant procedures including meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT) in 65 (36%). Sixty-six patients (37%) underwent a reoperation at a mean of 2.5 ± 2.5 years, with 32% (21/66) undergoing additional reoperations (range, 1-3). Arthroscopic debridement was performed in 91% of patients with initial reoperations, with 83% showing evidence of an intact graft; of these, 9 ultimately progressed to failure at a mean of 4.1 ± 1.9 years. A total of 24 patients (13%) were considered failures at a mean of 3.6 ± 2.6 years after the index OAT procedure because of revision OAT (n = 7), conversion to arthroplasty (n= 12), or appearance of a poorly incorporated allograft at arthroscopic surgery (n = 5). The number of previous surgical procedures was independently predictive of reoperations and failure; body mass index was independently predictive of failure. Excluding the failed patients, statistically and clinically significant improvements were found in the Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and Short Form-12 physical component summary at final follow-up ( P < .001 for all), with inferior outcomes (albeit overall improved) in patients who underwent a reoperation.

CONCLUSION

In this series, there was a 37% reoperation rate and an 87% allograft survival rate at a mean of 5 years after OAT. The number of previous ipsilateral knee surgical procedures was predictive of reoperations and failure. Of the patients who underwent arthroscopic debridement with an intact graft at the time of arthroscopic surgery, 82% experienced significantly improved outcomes, while 18% ultimately progressed to failure. This information can be used to counsel patients on the implications of a reoperation after OAT.

Long-term statin use before primary percutaneous coronary intervention improves treatment outcomes of acute myocardial infarction

Numerous studies have reported that high-dose statin loading therapy prior to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) improves the clinical outcomes of patients following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, little is known about the effects of long-term statin use prior to PPCI on such outcomes. Therefore, the aim of the present analysis was to clarify the effects of long-term statin use before PPCI on the treatment outcomes of patients following AMI. The records of 213 patients who had AMI and met the inclusion criteria were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: A control group (n=178) who had received no statin pretreatment before AMI onset, and a statin group (n=35) who had received statin treatment for ≥1 month before AMI onset. All patients received a standard treatment regimen for the secondary prevention of coronary artery disease after PPCI. Baseline clinical variables, details of the PPCI procedure and clinical outcomes within 3 months after treatment were reviewed. Patients in the statin group were significantly older than those in the control group (P=0.003). Compared with the control group, there was a greater proportion of patients with hyperlipidemia and previous angina pectoris in the statin group. There were no differences in the use of other drugs (aspirin, β-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) prior to PPCI between the two groups. The corrected TIMI frame count (cTFC) was significantly lower in the statin group than in the control group (24.1±12.8 vs. 29.4±14.3, respectively; P=0.043). Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that long-term statin use before AMI was a significant predictor of cTFC after PPCI (P=0.012). Furthermore, the incidence of major adverse cardiac events within 3 months after PPCI was higher in the control group than in the statin group (16.8 vs. 2.9%, respectively; P=0.032). Logistic regression analysis showed that previous statin use was associated with the incidence of major adverse cardiac events within 3 months after treatment (P=0.012). The results of the present study demonstrate that long-term statin use prior to PPCI improved treatment outcomes after AMI in actual clinical practice.

Significant Prognostic Features and Patterns of Somatic TP53 Mutations in Human Cancers

TP53 is the most frequently altered gene in human cancers. Numerous retrospective studies have related its mutation and abnormal p53 protein expression to poor patient survival. Nonetheless, the clinical significance of TP53 (p53) status has been a controversial issue. In this work, we aimed to characterize TP53 somatic mutations in tumor cells across multiple cancer types, primarily focusing on several less investigated features of the mutation spectra, and determine their prognostic implications. We performed an integrative study on the clinically annotated genomic data released by The Cancer Genome Atlas. Standard statistical methods, such as the Cox proportional hazards model and logistic regression, were used. This study resulted in several novel findings. They include the following: (1) similar to previously reported cases in breast cancer, the mutations in exons 1 to 4 of TP53 were more lethal than those in exons 5 to 9 for the patients with lung adenocarcinomas; (2) TP53 mutants tended to be negatively selected in mammalian evolution, but the evolutionary conservation had various clinical implications for different cancers; (3) conserved correlation patterns (ie, consistent co-occurrence or consistent mutual exclusivity) between TP53 mutations and the alterations in several other cancer genes (ie, PIK3CA, PTEN, KRAS, APC, CDKN2A, and ATM) were present in several cancers in which prognosis was associated with TP53 status and/or the mutational characteristics; (4) among TP53-mutated tumors, the total mutation burden in other driver genes was a predictive signature (P < .05, false discovery rate <0.11) for better patient survival outcome in several cancer types, including glioblastoma multiforme. Among these findings, the fourth is of special significance as it suggested the potential existence of epistatic interaction effects among the mutations in different cancer driver genes on clinical outcomes.

Association between VEGF-460T/C gene polymorphism and clinical outcomes of nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic factor that plays a critical role in the development, metastasis, and recurrence of tumors. This study aims to determine the correlation of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the VEGF gene with the prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The VEGF -460T/C gene polymorphisms in the genomic DNA of the blood samples of 338 patients with NPC were investigated through polymerase chain reaction and direct DNA sequencing. Results showed a significant association between the -460C-allele carriers and the aggressive forms of NPC as defined by stages N2-3 (odds ratio =1.820, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.118-2.962, P=0.015). Furthermore, the VEGF -460T/C polymorphism was significantly associated with 3-year overall survival (OS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and progression-free survival (PFS) (T/C + C/C vs T/T: 3-year OS 78.8% vs 95.1%, P=0.003; 3-year DMFS 80.2% vs 90.6%, P=0.036; 3-year PFS 73.9% vs 86.7%, P=0.042) but was not associated with the local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) of the patients. The multivariate analysis indicated that the VEGF -460C-allele carrier was an independent significant prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio [HR] 4.096, 95% CI: 1.333-12.591, P=0.014). N classification was an independent significant prognostic factor for DMFS in patients with locoregionally advanced NPC (HR 3.674, 95% CI: 1.144-11.792, P=0.029). However, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) was not superior to CCRT alone in terms of the 3-year OS, LRFS, DMFS, and PFS of patients with VEGF -460T/C polymorphism. In conclusion, the VEGF -460T/C gene polymorphism may negatively affect the clinical outcomes of patients with NPC and may be considered a potential prognostic factor for this disease.

Gender differences in long-term survival post-transplant: A single-institution analysis in the lung allocation score era

The purpose of this study was to clarify the significance of recipient gender status on lung transplant outcomes in a large single-institution experience spanning three decades, we analyzed data from all lung transplants performed in our institution since 1986. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the effect of recipient characteristics on survival and BOS score ≥1-free survival. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association of gender with short-term graft function. About 876 lung transplants were performed between 1986 and 2016. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates at 5 years post-transplant for females vs males in the LAS era were 71% vs 58%. In the LAS era, females showed greater unadjusted BOS≥1-free survival than males (35% vs 25%, P=.02) over 5 years. Female gender was the only factor in the LAS era significantly associated with improved adjusted 5-year survival [HR 0.56 (95% CI 0.33, 0.95) P=.03]. Conversely, in the pre-LAS era female gender was not associated with improved survival. Female recipients showed significantly improved survival over 5 years compared to males in the LAS era. A prospective analysis of biologic and immunologic differences is warranted.

Specific immunotherapy in hepatocellular cancer: A systematic review

BACKGROUND AND AIM

In recent years, several novel immunotherapeutic approaches were developed and investigated in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We designed this systematic review, to evaluate clinical efficacy of specific immunotherapy in patients with HCC, according to the guidelines of Border of Immune Tolerance Education and Research Network (BITERN) and Cochrane collaboration.

METHODS

We searched Medline, Scopus, CENTRAL, TRIP, DART, OpenGrey, and ProQuest through the 9th of December 2015. One author reviewed and retrieved citations from these seven databases for irrelevant and duplicate studies, and two other authors independently extracted data from the studies and rated their quality. We collated study findings and calculated a weighted treatment effect across studies using Review Manager.

RESULTS

We found 12144 references in seven databases of which 21 controlled studies with 1885 HCC patients in different stages were included in this systematic review after the primary and secondary screenings. Overall, patients undergoing specific immunotherapy had significantly higher overall survival than those in control group (HR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.47-0.76, P < 0.0001). There was a significant difference in recurrence-free survival between patients undergoing specific immunotherapy and patients in control groups and patients in immunotherapy groups overall had less recurrence than control group (HR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.46-0.63, P < 0.00001).

CONCLUSIONS

Results of this systematic review based on the available literature suggest that overall specific immunotherapeutic approaches could be beneficiary for the treatment of patients with HCC. This further supports the current and ongoing evaluations of specific immunotherapies in the field.

Minimum absolute lymphocyte counts during radiation are associated with a worse prognosis in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Peripheral blood lymphocytes play an important role in antitumour immunity. We examined the relationship between the minimum absolute lymphocyte counts (Min ALCs) during radiotherapy (RT) and clinical outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

Data from a total of 69 HCC patients who had received RT were retrospectively analysed. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were measured before RT, weekly during RT and after RT. Regression and mixed-effect models were used to assess the relationships with and potential predictors of overall survival (OS). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to define optimal cut-off points of continuous variables for outcomes.

RESULTS

The median follow up was 30 months (range, 4-68 months). The median survival time (MST), 1-year OS rate and 2-year OS rate of the whole group were 25 months, 51% and 39%, respectively. The average circulating lymphocyte counts declined during RT (1493.19 versus 503.48 cells/µl, p < 0.001). A lower Min ALC was associated with worse OS (p = 0.001), with a cut-off value of 450 cells/µl (sensitivity and specificity, 50% and 70.6%, respectively). The MSTs, 1-year OS rates and 2-year OS rates were 15 months versus 47 months, 27% versus 78% and 4% versus 71% for patients with relatively lower (⩽450 cells/µl) and higher Min ALCs (>450 cells/µl), respectively (p < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that Min ALC independently predicted patients' OS (HR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.15-0.69).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower Min ALCs during RT may act as a worse prognostic factor for HCC after RT.

Protein and Calorie Requirements Associated With the Presence of Obesity

Obesity compounds the metabolic response to critical illness and increases the risk for overfeeding complications due to its comorbidities. Hypocaloric, high-protein nutrition therapy affords the hospitalized patient with obesity the opportunity to achieve net protein anabolism with a reduced risk of overfeeding complications. The intent of this review is to provide the theoretical framework for development of a hypocaloric high-protein regimen, scientific evidence to support this mode of therapy, and unique considerations for its use in specialized subpopulations. Macronutrient goals and practical suggestions for patient monitoring are given.

Autologous Tenocyte Injection for the Treatment of Chronic Recalcitrant Gluteal Tendinopathy: A Prospective Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Gluteal tendinopathy is a common cause of lateral hip pain, and existing conservative treatment modalities demonstrate high symptom recurrence rates. Autologous tenocyte injection (ATI) is a promising cell therapy that may be useful for the treatment of gluteal tendinopathy.

PURPOSE

To investigate the safety and effectiveness of ATI, specifically in patients with chronic recalcitrant gluteal tendinopathy.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Twelve female patients with a clinical and radiological diagnosis of gluteal tendinopathy were recruited. Patients demonstrated a mean duration of symptoms of 33 months (range, 6-144 months), had undergone a mean 3.2 prior corticosteroid injections (range, 2-5), and had failed to respond to existing conservative treatments including physiotherapy and injections. In an initial procedure, tendon cells were harvested from a needle biopsy of the patella tendon and propagated in a certified Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) laboratory. In a secondary procedure, a single injection of 2 mL autologous tenocytes (2-5 × 106 cells/mL) suspended in patient serum was injected into the site of the pathological gluteal tendons under ultrasound guidance. Patients were assessed pre- and postinjection (3, 6, 12, and 24 months) using the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), a visual analog pain scale (VAS), the Short Form-36 (SF-36), and a satisfaction scale. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was undertaken at 8.7 months (range, 6-12 months) postinjection.

RESULTS

Molecular characterization of autologous tendon cells showed a profile of growth factor production in all cases, including platelet-derived growth factor α, fibroblast growth factor β, and transforming growth factor β. The OHS (mean, 24.0 preinjection to 38.9 at 12 months [14.9-point improvement]; 95% CI, 10.6-19.2; P < .001), VAS (mean, 7.2 preinjection to 3.1 at 12 months [4.1-point improvement]; 95% CI, 2.6-5.6; P < .001), and SF-36 (mean, 28.1 preinjection to 43.3 at 12 months [15.2-point improvement]; 95% CI, 9.8-20.5; P < .001) significantly improved to 12 months postinjection, sustained to 24 months. Eight patients were satisfied with their outcomes. Significant MRI-based improvement could not be demonstrated in the majority of cases.

CONCLUSION

ATI for gluteal tendinopathy is safe, with improved and sustained clinical outcomes to 24 months.

Preoperative gait mechanics predict clinical response to total hip arthroplasty

Some patients do not have an adequate clinical response to total hip arthroplasty (THA) for reasons that are not fully understood. Identifying modifiable factors that are associated with nonresponse could lead to new ways to identify and treat potential nonresponders. This study investigated whether any preoperative gait characteristics were associated with THA clinical response, and whether or not there were corresponding postoperative gait differences in THA nonresponders compared to responders. A secondary analysis was conducted of 124 subjects (age 61 ± 10 years; 64 female/60 male), evaluated before and 1 year after primary unilateral THA, using quantitative gait analysis and Harris Hip Scores (HHS). Responders and nonresponders were identified using the OMERACT-OARSI responder criteria, modified for use with the HHS. Pre- and postoperative dynamic sagittal plane range of motion (ROM) and 3D peak external moments were compared, for responders and nonresponders, using t-tests and logistic regression. 11.3% of subjects were nonresponders. Before surgery, the ROM was 26% higher for nonresponders than responders, but the peak external rotation moment was 30% lower (p = 0.003-0.043). Preoperative gait and HHS predicted response with a sensitivity of 71.4% and a specificity of 99.1%. There were persistent postoperative deficits in the peak external rotation moment in nonresponders compared to responders (p = 0.028). This study showed that gait analysis, where available, can augment clinical scores in predicting THA response. Moreover, it suggests that further analysis of the subtle role of transverse plane hip mechanics could lead to interventions to promote better THA response. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:366-376, 2017.

Permanent His Bundle Pacing: The Past, Present, and Future

Long-term right ventricular (RV) apical pacing has been associated with an increased risk of death, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation (AF). Alternative sites for RV pacing have not proven to be superior to RV apical pacing. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) using a biventricular (BiV) lead system is indicated for patients with a low left ventricular ejection fraction and QRS prolongation, but there remains about a 25-30% nonresponse rate. CRT has been less effective for nonleft bundle branch block conduction delay and with normal/low normal left ventricular function. Over the past decade, there have been more data on the feasibility and advantages of pacing at the His Bundle (HB) region. We review the anatomy and physiology of the HB, the available data on permanent HB pacing, its current and potential future applications.

Impact of Hospital Design on Acutely Unwell Patients with Dementia

Increasing emphasis on patient privacy and satisfaction has seen more 100% single-room hospitals opened across the UK. Few studies have addressed the impact of these new hospital designs (single rooms) on clinical outcomes specifically for acutely unwell frail patients with dementia. The objective of this study was to profile and compare the clinical outcomes of acutely unwell patients with dementia admitted to two different hospital environments. This prospective observation study was conducted for 100 dementia patients admitted at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr (hospital with 100% single rooms) and Royal Gwent Hospital (traditional multi-bed wards) under the same University Health Board. The length of stay (LoS) was significantly longer for patients admitted to single rooms. The clinical profile of the patients was similar in both hospitals and has no association with LoS. There was no significant difference in terms of incidence of inpatient falls, fall-related injury, discharge to a new care home, 30-day readmission, or mortality. The single room environment appears to influence LoS, as previously reported; however, following the introduction of quality improvement initiatives to prevent inpatient falls, single rooms do not appear to be associated with higher inpatient fall incidence. We propose more research to understand the relationship between single rooms and LoS.

Comparison of characteristics and outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention in military and non-military men

OBJECTIVES

Living in a military environment, as a unique job and lifestyle, may affect the physical and mental status of military personnel. Coronary artery disease (CAD) status and outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in military personnel as a unique part of each society are less investigated.

METHOD

In a registry-based study, data of 338 military men and 1954 non-military men who underwent successful PCI from March 2012 to March 2013 were analysed. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) after hospital discharge during 1-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Military men were significantly younger and had a higher frequency of hypertension, familial history of CAD and cigarette smoking. Other risk factors were more prevalent in non-military men. PCI for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and lower left ventricular ejection fraction were also more prevalent in soldiers. After mean follow-up duration of 12.3 months, MACE that was defined as the composite endpoint of all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction or target vessel revascularisation was similar in both groups (HR=1.01 (95% CI 0.88 to 1.16); p=0.872). By adjustment for confounding factors, results were unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there are a number of differences in basic and procedural characteristics between military and non-military men who underwent PCI, 1-year clinical outcomes of this procedure are not different in these patient groups.

Calcium chloride in neonatal parenteral nutrition: A 15 year experience

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine if outcomes at our neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) since we began using calcium chloride (CaCl2) as our preferred calcium additive in order to reduce aluminum (Al) exposure are within expected outcome ranges for NICUs in the U.S. where calcium gluconate in glass vials (CaGlu-Gl) has been the preferred additive.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective study of very low birth weight infants born between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2014. Outcomes in two intensive care units (NICUs) using CaCl2 were compared to all U.S. NICUs in the Vermont Oxford Network. Primary outcomes were chronic lung disease (CLD), percent requiring supplemental oxygen at 28 days, and mortality excluding early deaths (MEED). The incidence of IV infiltrates of all admissions to the study NICUs in 2013-2014 was compared to the literature.

RESULTS

The incidence of CLD and those requiring oxygen at 28 days were 24.0% vs 28.6% and 46.2% vs 51.8% for the study NICUs compared to all U.S. NICUs, respectively (both p < 0.0001). The MEED was 8.7% vs 10.3% (p < 0.002). All major morbidities were lower at the study NICUs. The incidence of infiltrates was lower than that in the literature.

CONCLUSION

The use of CaCl2 was not associated with any detectable adverse effects. Calcium chloride appears to be a safe alternative to the use of CaGlu-Gl based upon studies of clinical outcomes.

A Prospective Clinical and Radiological Evaluation at 5 Years After Arthroscopic Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation

BACKGROUND

While midterm outcomes after matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) are encouraging, the procedure permits an arthroscopic approach that may reduce the morbidity of arthrotomy and permit accelerated rehabilitation.

HYPOTHESIS

A significant improvement in clinical and radiological outcomes after arthroscopic MACI will exist through to 5 years after surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated the first 31 patients (15 male, 16 female) who underwent MACI via arthroscopic surgery to address symptomatic tibiofemoral chondral lesions. MACI was followed by a structured rehabilitation program in all patients. Clinical scores were administered preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months as well as 1, 2, and 5 years after surgery. These included the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm knee scale (LKS), Tegner activity scale (TAS), visual analog scale for pain, Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36), active knee motion, and 6-minute walk test. Isokinetic dynamometry was used to assess peak knee extension and flexion strength and limb symmetry indices (LSIs) between the operated and nonoperated limbs. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at 3 months and at 1, 2, and 5 years postoperatively to evaluate graft repair as well as calculate the MRI composite score.

RESULTS

There was a significant improvement ( P < .05) in all KOOS subscale scores, LKS and TAS scores, the SF-36 physical component score, pain frequency and severity, active knee flexion and extension, and 6-minute walk distance. Isokinetic knee extension strength significantly improved, and all knee extension and flexion LSIs were above 90% (apart from peak knee extension strength at 1 year). At 5 years, 93% of patients were satisfied with MACI to relieve their pain, 90% were satisfied with improving their ability to undertake daily activities, and 80% were satisfied with the improvement in participating in sport. Graft infill ( P = .033) and the MRI composite score ( P = .028) significantly improved over time, with 90% of patients demonstrating good to excellent tissue infill at 5 years. There were 2 graft failures at 5 years after surgery.

CONCLUSION

The arthroscopically performed MACI technique demonstrated good clinical and radiological outcomes up to 5 years, with high levels of patient satisfaction.

Prognostic significance of nonprotein respiratory quotient in patients with liver cirrhosis

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of nonprotein respiratory quotient (npRQ), as assessed using indirect calorimetry, on clinical outcomes in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). A total of 244 LC patients were evaluated in this study. For the univariate analysis, for each continuous variable, the optimal cutoff value that maximized the sum of sensitivity and specificity was selected using receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis for survival. There were 137 men and 107 women with the median (range) age of 67 (25-90) years. Indirect calorimetry indicated that 54 patients (22.1%) had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on radiological findings and 59 patients (24.2%) had protein energy malnutrition, as defined by npRQ <0.85 and serum albumin level <3.5 g/dL. In ROC analysis of npRQ for survival, the optimal cutoff point of npRQ was 0.849 for all cases (area under the ROC = 0.61272; sensitivity, 66.22%; and specificity, 57.06%). The median follow-up periods after indirect calorimetry were 4.35 years (range, 1.01-9.66 years) in patients with npRQ ≥0.85 (n = 122) and 3.71 years (range, 0.19-9.51 years) in patients with npRQ <0.85 (n = 122). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative OS rates in patients with npRQ ≥0.85 were 100%, 87.79%, and 77.24%, respectively, whereas those in patients with npRQ <0.85 were 94.26%, 73.65% and 57.78%, respectively (P = 0.0004). In the multivariate analysis, presence of HCC (P = 0.0045), body mass index (P < 0.0001), serum albumin (P = 0.0441), prothrombin time (P = 0.0463), npRQ (P = 0.0024), estimated glomerular filtration rate (P = 0.0086), and des-γ-carboxy prothrombin (P = 0.0268) were found to be significant predictors associated with OS. For all cases, risk stratification for survival was well performed using these significant variables. In conclusion, npRQ value, as assessed by indirect calorimetry, can be helpful for predicting clinical outcomes for LC patients.

The Incidence and Short-term Outcomes of Acute Respiratory Illness with Cough in Children from a Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Urban Community in Australia: A Community-Based Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Acute respiratory illnesses with cough (ARIwC) are predominant causes of morbidity in Australian Indigenous children; however, data on disease burden in urban communities are scarce. This study aimed to determine the incidence of ARIwC, the predictors of recurrent (≥4 episodes) ARIwC, and development of chronic cough following an ARIwC in urban, predominantly Indigenous, children aged <5 years from northern Brisbane, Australia.

METHODS

Prospective cohort study of children aged <5 years registered with a primary healthcare center. ARIwC episodes and outcomes were collected for 12 months. Recurrent ARIwC was defined as ≥4 episodes in 12 months. Chronic cough was defined as cough lasting >4 weeks. Children who developed chronic cough were reviewed by a pediatric pulmonologist. Incidence densities per child-month of observation were calculated and predictors of recurrent ARIwC and chronic cough were evaluated in logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Between February 2013 and November 2015, 200 children were enrolled; median age of 18.1 months, range (0.7-59.7 months) and 90% identified as Indigenous. A total of 1,722 child-months of observation were analyzed (mean/child = 8.58, 95% CI 8.18-9.0). The incidence of ARIwC was 24.8/100 child-months at risk (95% CI 22.3-27.5). Twenty-one children (10.5%) experienced recurrent ARIwC. Chronic cough was identified in 70/272 (25.7%) episodes of ARIwC. Predictors of recurrent ARIwC were presence of eczema, mold in the house, parent/carer employment status, and having an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mother/non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander father (compared to both parents being Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander). Predictors of chronic cough included being aged <12 months, eczema, childcare attendance, previous history of cough of >4 weeks duration, having an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mother/non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander father (compared to both parents being Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander), and a low income. Of those with chronic cough reviewed by a pediatric pulmonologist, a significant underlying disorder was found in 14 children (obstructive sleep apnea = 1, bronchiectasis = 2, pneumonia = 2, asthma = 3, tracheomalacia = 6).

DISCUSSION

This community of predominantly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and socially disadvantaged children bear a considerable burden of ARIwC. One in 10 children will experience more than three episodes over a 12-month period and 1 in five children will develop chronic cough post ARIwC, some with a serious underlying disorder. Further larger studies that include a broader population base are needed.

Impact of Paradoxical Decrease in High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels After Statin Therapy on Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Stable Angina Pectoris

PURPOSE

Statin therapy usually increases HDL-C levels. However, a paradoxical decrease in HDL-C levels after statin therapy is often seen in clinical settings. The relationship between a paradoxical decrease in HDL-C levels after statin therapy and adverse cardiovascular events in patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between paradoxical HDL-C decreases after statin therapy and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for SAP.

METHODS

Between January 2006 and March 2015, 867 patients underwent PCI for SAP. Of them, we enrolled 209 patients who were newly started on statin therapy before PCI. We excluded patients who had started statin therapy earlier than 6 months before PCI, patients who had not started statin therapy after PCI, and patients who were diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome. They were divided into 2 groups according to the change in their HDL-C levels between baseline and 6 to 9 months after the index PCI: decreased HDL group after statin treatment (80 patients) and increased HDL group (129 patients). The primary end points were MACEs defined as a composite of all-cause death, nonfatal acute myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization (TVR).

FINDINGS

Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, the 7-year event rate for composite MACEs in the decreased HDL group was found to be higher than that for the increased HDL group (38% versus 24%, log-rank P = 0.02). TVR occurred more frequently in the decreased HDL group than in the increased HDL group (32% versus 12%, log-rank P = 0.01). With the use of multivariate analysis, changes in HDL-C levels after statin therapy indicated a significant inverse association with the increased risk of MACEs, (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.92-0.97; P < 0.01). The incidence of MACEs was more strongly associated with ΔHDL than with ΔLDL. Moreover, BMS usage also independently predicted MACEs (HR = 2.18; 95% CI, 1.14-4.17; P < 0.01).

IMPLICATIONS

A paradoxical decrease in HDL-C levels after statin therapy might be a risk factor for MACEs, especially TVR, in patients with SAP.

Specific immunotherapy in renal cancer: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Renal cell cancer (RCC) is the tenth most common malignancy in adults. In recent years, several approaches of active and passive immunotherapy have been studied extensively in clinical trials of patients with RCC. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the clinical efficacy of various approaches of specific immunotherapy in patients with RCC.

METHODS

We searched Medline, Scopus, CENTRAL, TRIP, DART, OpenGrey and ProQuest without any language filter through to 9 October 2015. One author reviewed search results for irrelevant and duplicate studies and two other authors independently extracted data from the studies. We collated study findings and calculated a weighted treatment effect across studies using Review Manager (version 5.3. Copenhagen: The Nordic Cochrane Centre, the Cochrane Collaboration).

RESULTS

We identified 14 controlled studies with 4013 RCC patients after excluding irrelevant and duplicate studies from 11,319 references retrieved from a literature search. Overall, five autologous tumor cell vaccines, one peptide-based vaccine, one virus-based vaccine and one dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccine were studied in nine controlled studies of active specific immunotherapies. A total of three passive immunotherapies including autologous cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells, auto lymphocyte therapy (ALT) and autologous lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells were studied in four controlled studies. The clinical efficacy of tumor lysate-pulsed DCs, with CIK cells was studied in one controlled trial concurrently. The overall quality of studies was fair. Meta-analysis of seven studies showed that patients undergoing specific immunotherapy had significantly higher overall survival (OS) than those in the control group [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.72; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.58-0.89, p = 0.003]. In addition, a meta-analysis of four studies showed that there was a significant difference in progression-free survival (PFS) between patients undergoing specific immunotherapy and patients in control groups (HR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.73-1, p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Results of this systematic review suggest that some specific immunotherapies such as Reniale, ACHN-IL-2, Newcastle disease virus (NDV) virus-infected autologous tumor cells, ALT and CIK treatment could be beneficiary for the treatment of patients with RCC.

The Associations of Blood Kidney Injury Molecule-1 and Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin with Progression from CKD to ESRD

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Elevated levels of urinary kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin are associated with negative outcomes in CKD. Our study aimed to explore the prognostic accuracy of blood levels of kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin for progression to ESRD, major adverse cardiovascular events, and death in a large cohort of adult patients with all-cause nondialysis-dependent CKD stages 3-5. We considered whether these factors improve prediction in relation to traditional biomarkers and clinical parameters.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

Kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin were measured on baseline plasma samples from 1982 patients who were recruited to the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Standards Implementation Study between the start of June of 2002 and the start of June of 2013. Associations with study end points were assessed using Cox regression models, receiver operator characteristic curve analyses, and reclassification statistics.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up of 29.5 months (interquartile range, 14.9-53.5), 21.6% of patients progressed to ESRD, 27% died, and 6.6% suffered a major adverse cardiovascular event. Higher blood levels of kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin were independently associated with a greater risk for ESRD (hazard ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.10 to 1.43; P<0.001 and hazard ratio, 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.14 to 1.59; P≤0.001, respectively, per 1 SD higher biomarker concentration). There was no association with risk for cardiovascular events or death. The addition of biomarkers to our baseline risk model of traditional clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters did not significantly improve model discrimination or risk reclassification.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with moderate to severe CKD, kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin blood levels are independent risk factors for progression to ESRD. Additional studies are needed to establish the utility and cost-effectiveness of these novel biomarkers in the clinical setting.

Anatomic Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction Improves Postoperative Clinical Outcomes Combined with Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

A significant cohort of patients is plagued by postoperative rotational instability after the anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. Anatomic anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction was performed in this study with the aim to assess the clinical role of ALL in knee's stability and joint functions. Sixty patients were recruited and divided into three groups to perform the operations of anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction, anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction, and anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction + anterolateral ligament reconstruction, respectively. And then postoperative knee's stability and joint functions were evaluated to compare the clinical outcomes among the three different kind of operations. The postoperative knee's stability and joint functions of the anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction group and the anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction + ALL reconstruction group were better than the anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction group. No significant difference was observed between the anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction group and the anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction + ALL reconstruction group. The anatomic anterolateral ligament reconstruction could improve the clinical outcomes after patients performed the anatomic single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. This indicates that the anterolateral ligament plays a crucial role in knee's stability and joint function, especially the rotational stability.

Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty in Patients Older Than 75 Results in Better Clinical Outcomes and Similar Survivorship Compared to Total Knee Arthroplasty. A Matched Controlled Study

BACKGROUND

Due to the potential reduction of morbidity and mortality, unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) may represent an interesting solution for older patients with unicompartmental arthritis. It was our hypothesis that UKA can represent an alternative to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for patients older than 75. We, thus, aimed to compare in those patients (1) functional results, (2) rates of forgotten joint, and (3) survivorships of UKA vs TKA.

METHODS

In this retrospective matched-pair study, 101 patients who underwent UKA in our institution were included and then matched one-to-one with TKA group based on age, gender, body mass index, preoperative Knee Society Score (KSS). Inclusion criteria were age between 75 and 90 years on the day of surgery, knee arthroplasty performed for primary osteoarthritis or osteonecrosis of the knee. All patients were evaluated clinically (using KSS, Knee Injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS], and Forgotten Joint Score) at 1, 2, and every 5 years, thereafter. Survivorships of UKA and TKA implants were also compared.

RESULTS

At last follow-up, patients from UKA group had better KSS than in TKA group, (respectively, KSS function 82.8 ± 12.2 vs 79.2 ± 13.1 [P = .0448] and KSS knee 88.2 ± 8.9 vs 82.3 ± 12.5 [P = .0005]). Knee Injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores were also higher in UKA group (all P < .001) as well as the rate of forgotten knees (42% vs 25% P = .01). Sixteen-year survivorships free from revision for any reason were similar in the 2 groups (91.8% vs 94.6% P = .66).

CONCLUSION

The results of our study showed that UKA provide higher function and better forgotten joint scores with similar survivorship, compared to TKA, for patients older than 75.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion versus anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion in multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Both anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) are used to treat multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (mCSM); however, which one is better treatment for mCSM remains considerable controversy. A meta-analysis was performed to compare clinical outcomes, radiographic outcomes, and surgical outcomes between ACDF and ACCF in treatment for mCSM.

METHODS

An extensive search of literature was performed in Pubmed/MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane library, CNKI, and WANFANG databases on ACDF versus ACCF treatment for mCSM from January 2011 to August 2016. The following variables were extracted: length of hospital stay, blood loss, operation time, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, Neck Disability Index (NDI) score, fusion rate, Cobb angles of C2 to C7, dysphagia, hoarseness, C5 palsy, infection, cerebral fluid leakage, donor site pain, epidural hematoma, graft subsidence, graft dislodgment, pseudoarthrosis, and total complications. Data analysis was conducted with RevMan 5.3 and STATA 12.0.

RESULTS

A total of 8 studies containing 878 patients were included in our study. The results showed that ACDF is better than ACCF in the angle of C2 to C7 at the final follow-up (P < 0.00001, standardized mean difference = 4.76 [3.48, 6.03]; heterogeneity: P = 0.17, I = 43%), C5 plasy (P = 0.02, odds ratio [OR] 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21, 0.86; heterogeneity: P = 0.52, I = 0%), blood loss (P < 0.00001, standardized mean difference = -53.12, 95% CI -64.61, -41.64; heterogeneity: P = 0.29, I = 20%), fusion rate (P = 0.04, OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.05, 6.11; heterogeneity: P = 0.29, I = 20%), graft subsidence (P = 0.004, OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.02, 0.48; heterogeneity: P = 0.94, I = 0%), and total complications (P = 0.0009, OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.40, 0.79; heterogeneity: P = 0.29, I = 18%).However, there are no significant differences in length of hospital stay, operation time, JOA scores, NDI scores, preoperative angle of C2 to C7, dysphagia, hoarseness, infection, cerebral fluid leakage, donor site pain, epidural hematoma, graft dislodgment, and pseudoarthrosis (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our meta-analysis, our results suggest that both ACDF and ACCF are good plans in clinical outcomes; however, ACDF is a better choice in radiographic outcomes and total complications for the treatment of multilevel CSM.

Preoperative Risk Factors Associated With Poor Outcomes of Revision Surgery for "Pseudotumors" in Patients With Metal-on-Metal Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Revision surgery of failed metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip arthroplasty (THA) for adverse tissue reaction (pseudotumor) can be challenging as a consequence of soft tissue and muscle necrosis. The aims of this study were to (1) report the revision outcomes of patients who underwent revision surgery for failed MoM hip arthroplasty due to symptomatic pseudotumor and (2) identify preoperative risk factors associated with revision outcomes.

METHODS

Between January 2011 and January 2013, a total of 102 consecutive large head MoM hip arthroplasties in 97 patients (male: 62, female: 35), who underwent revision surgery were identified from the database of a multidisciplinary referral center.

RESULTS

At minimum follow-up of 2 years (range: 26-52 months), at least one complication had occurred in 14 of 102 revisions (14%). Prerevision radiographic loosening (P = .01), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of solid lesions with abductor deficiency on MRI (P < .001), and intraoperative grading of adverse tissue reactions (P = .05) were correlated with post-revision complications. The reoperation rate of revised MoM THA was 7% (7 of 102 hips). Implant survivorship was 88% at 3 years. Metal ion levels declined in most patients after removal of MoM articulation.

CONCLUSION

Revision outcomes of revision surgery for failed MoM THA due to symptomatic pseudotumor demonstrated 14% complication rate and 7% re-revision rate at 30-month follow-up. Our study identified prerevision radiographic loosening, solid lesions/abductor deficiency on MRI, and high grade intraoperative tissue damage as risk factors associated with poorer revision outcomes. This provides clinically useful information for preoperative planning and perioperative counseling of MoM THA patients undergoing revision surgery.

Mid-childhood outcomes of infant siblings at familial high-risk of autism spectrum disorder

Almost 20% of infants with an older sibling with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit ASD themselves by age 3 years. The longer‐term outcomes of high‐risk infants are less clear. We examined symptoms of ASD, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety, language, IQ, and adaptive behaviour at age 7 years in high‐ and low‐risk children prospectively studied since the first year of life. Clinical outcomes were compared between high‐risk children who met diagnostic criteria for ASD at age 7 (HR‐ASD‐7 group, n = 15), high‐risk children without ASD (HR‐Non‐ASD‐7 group, n = 24), and low‐risk control children (LR group, n = 37). Diagnostic stability between age 3 and 7 years was moderate, with five children who did not meet diagnostic criteria for ASD at age 3 years being assigned the diagnosis at age 7, and three children showing the opposite pattern. The HR‐ASD‐7 group showed elevated ADHD and anxiety symptoms and had lower adaptive behaviour scores than LR controls. The HR‐Non‐ASD‐7 group had higher repetitive behaviour, lower adaptive functioning and elevated scores on one anxiety subscale (Separation Anxiety) compared to LR controls, but evidence for subclinical ASD symptoms (the broader autism phenotype, BAP) was limited in the group as a whole, although we identified a subgroup with elevated ASD traits. The difficulties experienced by high‐risk siblings at school‐age extend beyond ASD symptoms. The pattern of difficulties exhibited by the HR‐ASD‐7 group may inform our understanding of developmental trajectories of co‐occurring psychopathology in ASD. Autism Res2017, 10: 546–557. © The Authors Autism Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Autism Research

Adherence to combination antiretroviral treatment and clinical outcomes in a Medicaid sample of older HIV-infected adults

The adherence threshold for combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has historically been set at 95% or greater. We examined whether different levels of cART adherence (≥95% [optimal adherence], 90-94%, 80-89%, and <80%) were associated with different clinical outcomes (emergency department visits [ED visits] and duration of hospital admission) in a sample of older (50-64 years) persons living with HIV (PLWH). Medicaid data from 29 US states (n = 5177) were used for this study. cART adherence was measured and data regarding relevant covariates, such as race, sex, age, urbanicity, and comorbidity were obtained. Descriptive statistics were conducted to characterize study participants. We conducted univariate and multivariable regression analyses to evaluate the association between cART adherence and ED visits and duration of hospital admission while adjusting for covariates (race, sex, age, urbanicity, and comorbidity). Approximately 32% of all participants (n = 5177) reported optimal cART adherence (≥95%). After adjusting for covariates, only participants who reported <80% adherence were more likely to have an ED visit (adjusted odds ratio = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.08-1.48, p < .0001) and a longer duration of hospital admission (regression coefficient = 1.24, 95% CI = 0.53-1.96, p = .0007) when compared to participants who reported ≥95% adherence. There were no significant differences in likelihood of having an ED visit and longer duration of hospital admission between participants who reported ≥95% adherence and participants who reported 90-94% adherence and 80-89% adherence. Significant differences by covariates were observed. Adverse clinical outcomes were associated with low cART adherence (<80%) among older PLWH, though they did not differ between optimal and moderate cART adherence (90-94% and 80-89%). Although optimal cART adherence is an important goal, clinical outcomes in older PLWH may not differ between moderate and optimal cART adherence.

Trends in Usage and Outcomes for Expanded Criteria Donor Kidney Transplantation in the United States Characterized by Kidney Donor Profile Index

There has been increasing concern in the kidney transplant community about the declining use of expanded criteria donors (ECD) despite improvement in survival and quality of life. The recent introduction of the Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI), which provides a more granular characterization of donor quality, was expected to increase utilization of marginal kidneys and decrease the discard rates. However, trends and practice patterns of ECD kidney utilization on a national level based on donor organ quality as per KDPI are not well known. We, therefore, performed a trend analysis of all ECD recipients in the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) registry between 2002 and 2012, after calculating the corresponding KDPI, to enable understanding the trends of usage and outcomes based on the KDPI characterization. High-risk recipient characteristics (diabetes, body mass index ≥30 kg/m², hypertension, and age ≥60 years) increased over the period of the study (trend test p<0.001 for all). The proportion of ECD transplants increased from 18% in 2003 to a peak of 20.4% in 2008 and then declined thereafter to 17.3% in 2012. Using the KDPI >85% definition, the proportion increased from 9.4% in 2003 to a peak of 12.1% in 2008 and declined to 9.7% in 2012. Overall, although this represents a significant utilization of kidneys with KDPI >85% over time (p<0.001), recent years have seen a decline in usage, probably related to regulations imposed by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

When comparing the hazards of graft failure by KDPI, ECD kidneys with KDPI >85% have a slightly lower risk of graft failure compared to standard criteria donor (SCD) kidneys with KDPI >85%, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.95, a confidence interval (CI) of 0.94-0.96, and statistical significance of p<0.001. This indicates that some SCD kidneys may actually have a lower estimated quality, with a higher Kidney Donor Risk Index (KDRI), than some ECDs. The incidence of delayed graft function (DGF) in ECD recipients has significantly decreased over time from 35.2% in 2003 to 29.6% in 2011 (p=0.007), probably related to better understanding of the donor risk profile along with increased use of hypothermic machine perfusion and pretransplant biopsy to aid in optimal allograft selection.

The recent decline in transplantation of KDPI >85% kidneys probably reflects risk-averse transplant center behavior. Whether discard of discordant SCD kidneys with KDPI >85% has contributed to this decline remains to be studied.

Total and free cortisol responses and their relation to outcomes after cardiopulmonary bypass in infants

BACKGROUND

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction may be partially responsible for the hemodynamic instability experienced by infants after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). We report the full spectrum of the HPA response surrounding CPB for infant congenital cardiac surgery.

METHODS

We enrolled 84 infants who received 1 mg/kg of dexamethasone before initiation of CPB. Total cortisol (TC), free cortisol (FC), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) were measured at 3 time points: immediately before CPB (TP1), on intensive care unit arrival (TP2), and at 24 hours after surgery (TP3). A 1-μg ACTH stimulation test was performed at each time point to evaluate adrenal responsiveness.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight infants completed all study procedures. Levels of TC, FC, CBG, and ACTH decreased significantly between the preoperative and 24-hour postoperative measurements. There were no significant associations between preoperative FC responses and clinical outcomes after adjusting for weight and Risk-Adjusted Scores for Congenital Heart Surgery. Infants with subnormal TC responses to ACTH stimulation (<9 μg/dL) at TP2 had greater fluid requirements (P < .001) and greater chest tube output (P < .001) during the first 24 hours, as well as longer length of stay (LOS) (P = .007). Except for LOS, these differences persisted for infants with subnormal stimulation tests at TP3.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a significant decline in all aspects of the HPA axis throughout the first 24 hours after infant CPB. TC and FC levels were not associated with clinical outcomes. Subnormal (Δ <9 μg/dL) TC response to cosyntropin stimulation during the postoperative period was associated with increased fluid resuscitation and greater LOS.

Relationship Between β-Blocker Therapy at Discharge and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND

The evidence supporting the use of β-blockers in patients with acute coronary syndrome after successful percutaneous coronary intervention has been inconsistent and scarce.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Between March 1, 2009, and December 30, 2014, a total of 3180 eligible patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention were consecutively enrolled. The primary end point was all-cause death and the secondary end point was a composite of all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, heart failure readmission, and cardiogenic hospitalization. Patients were compared according to the use of β-blockers at discharge. Compared with the no β-blocker group, the risk of all-cause death was significantly lower in the β-blocker group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.33; 95% CI, 0.17-0.65 [P=0.001]). A consistent result was obtained in multiple adjusted model and propensity score-matched analysis. The use of β-blockers was also associated with decreased risk of composite of adverse cardiovascular events (HR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.28-0.81 [P=0.006]), although statistical significance disappeared after multivariable adjustment and propensity score matching. Furthermore, we performed post hoc analysis for the subsets of patients and the results revealed that patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction benefited the most from β-blocker therapy at discharge (HR, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.00-0.27 [P=0.001]), and the use of <50% of target dose was significantly associated with better outcome compared with no β-blocker use, rather than ≥50% of target dose.

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of relatively low β-blocker dose is associated with improved clinical outcomes among patients with acute coronary syndrome after successful percutaneous coronary intervention, especially for patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Clinical predictors and outcome implications of early readmission in lung transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors and outcome implications for 30-day hospital readmission in lung transplant recipients.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of lung transplant cases from a single, high-volume lung transplant program between January 2000 and March 2012. Demographic and health data were reviewed for all patients. Risk factors for 30-day readmission (defined as readmission within 30 days of discharge from index lung transplant hospitalization) were modeled using logistic regression, with selection of parameters by backward elimination.

RESULTS

The sample comprised 795 patients after excluding scheduled readmissions and in-hospital deaths. Overall 30-day readmission rate was 45.4% (n = 361). Readmission rates were similar across different diagnosis categories and procedure types. By univariate analysis, post-operative complications that predisposed to 30-day readmission included pneumonia, any infection, and atrial fibrillation (all p < 0.05). In the final multivariate model, occurrence of any post-transplant complication was the most significant risk factor for 30-day readmission (odds ratio = 1.764; 95% confidence interval, 1.259-2.470). Even for patients with no documented perioperative complication, readmission rates were still >35%. Kaplan-Meier analysis and multi-variate regression modeling to assess readmission as a predictor of long-term outcomes showed that 30-day readmission was not a significant predictor of worse survival in lung recipients.

CONCLUSIONS

Occurrence of at least 1 post-transplant complication increases risk for 30-day readmission in lung transplant recipients. In this patient population, 30-day readmission does not predispose to adverse long-term survival. Quality indicators other than 30-day readmission may be needed to assess hospitals that perform lung transplantation.

Effects of three pro-nuclei (3PN) proportion incidence on clinical outcomes of patients with lower retrieved oocytes in the fresh cleavage-stage embryo transfer (ET) cycles

PURPOSE

To analyze the three pro-nuclei (3PN) incidence on clinical outcomes of patients with lower retrieved oocytes in the fresh cleavage-stage embryo transfer (ET) cycles.

METHODS

This study included 1200 fresh cleavage-stage ET cycles from January 2013 to June 2015. The patients were divided into 3PN = 0% (773 cycles) and 3PN > 0% (427 cycles) group. Main outcomes compared were fertilization, cleavage, normal fertilization, good quality embryo, implantation, clinical pregnancy, and early abortion rate.

RESULTS

We observed that there was no significant difference in female's age, the number of retrieved oocytes, the number of transferred embryos, the number of good quality embryos, endometrial thickness, infertile time, basal serum follicle-stimulating hormone, and E2 value between two groups (p > 0.05). The fertilization (89.43 versus 83.90%, p < 0.001) and cleavage (98.34 versus 97.19%, p = 0.048) rates were significantly higher in 3PN > 0% than 3PN = 0% group. However, the normal fertilization (70.05 versus 50.67%, p < 0.001), good quality embryos (37.11 versus 26.47%, p < 0.001), and clinical pregnancy (49.81 versus 43.79%, p = 0.046) rates were significantly higher in 3PN = 0% than 3PN > 0% group. The implantation (35.88 versus 33.78%, p = 0.333) and early abortion (8.83 versus 10.70%, p = 0.474) rates were not significantly different between two groups.

CONCLUSION

3PN incidence might make a negative effect on clinical outcomes for patients with lower retrieved oocytes in the fresh cleavage-stage ET cycles.

Toward a comprehensive assessment of functional outcomes in pediatric patients with brain arteriovenous malformations: the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory

OBJECTIVE Brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) are rare in pediatric patients but represent the most common cause of hemorrhagic stroke in this population. Pediatric patients demonstrate superior outcomes in comparison with adult patients with similar lesions and presentations. Most studies of clinical outcomes of pediatric bAVMs use the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), despite a lack of validation in pediatric patients. METHODS The authors interviewed the parents of 26 pediatric patients who underwent multimodality bAVM treatment and administered the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL)-a well-validated tool for pediatric outcomes that quantifies performance in a physical, emotional, social, and school domains. They also reviewed clinical information from the patients' medical charts. Statistical analysis was performed using a log-transformed t-test, the Mann-Whitney exact test, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman correlation. In addition, the literature was reviewed for prior reports of clinical outcome of pediatric cases of bAVM. RESULTS The average PedsQL health-related quality of life score was 71 ± 24, with an average age at diagnosis of 12.5 years and an average follow-up period of 6.8 years. Seventeen patients (65%) presented with hemorrhage and 4 (15%) with seizures. PedsQL scores correlated strongly and at a statistically significant level (p < 0.001) with mRS, Pediatric Overall Performance Category (POPC), Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category (PCPC), and Glasgow Outcome Scale scores. Multivariate modeling validated special education, corrective devices, and cure status as significant predictors of PedsQL scores. Statistically significant risk factors for undergoing placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt included lower Glasgow Coma Scale motor scores on admission (p = 0.042), cerebellar location (p = 0.046), and nidus volume (p = 0.017). Neither treatment modality nor location statistically affected clinical outcomes at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS There have been few studies of long-term clinical outcomes of bAVM in pediatric patients, and previously published studies have used conventional metrics that have been validated in the adult population, such as the mRS. Although these metrics can serve as reasonable surrogates, an accurate understanding of overall health-related quality of life is contingent on utilizing validated toolsets, such as the PedsQL.

Effects of Specialty Pharmacy Care on Health Outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Increasingly, third-party payers are requiring patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) to participate in specialty pharmacy management programs to improve their adherence to their prescribed medications. The effects of specialty pharmacy care on MS clinical outcomes have not yet been comprehensively examined in the literature.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of specialty pharmacy care and usual community pharmacy care MS outcomes.

METHODS

Inpatient, outpatient, and pharmacy claims for patients with MS were extracted from a major national pharmacy benefit management company's databases for this retrospective cohort study. Enrollees with continuous medical and pharmacy benefits were followed for 3 years. MS relapse status was defined by a specific algorithm and was compared in patients who had specialty pharmacy care and those with usual community pharmacy care. The outcome measures included time to the first and second disease relapses and the number of relapses. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed on the time to first and second relapses, and generalized linear regression models were performed on the number of disease relapses.

RESULTS

The study cohort included 1731 eligible patients with MS, of whom 1427 received specialty pharmacy care. During the study period, between 2006 and 2009, 1634 relapses were identified, with a mean annual relapse rate of 0.3 among the specialty pharmacy care group versus 0.4 among the usual pharmacy care group. Specialty pharmacy care was associated with a lower risk for disease relapse, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.73 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.607-0.871) for the first relapse and HR of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.610-1.002) for the second relapse. When controlling for demographics, comorbidities, and index medications, specialty pharmacy care was associated with a lower risk for disease relapse with HR of 0.82 (95% CI, 0.680-0.985) for first relapse versus usual pharmacy care. The time to second relapse was not significantly different between the 2 groups in the unadjusted and adjusted Cox regression models. In addition, a generalized linear regression model showed that specialty pharmacy care, index age, geographic North region, 3-year Chronic Disease Score, and Elixhauser comorbidity measure were significantly associated with the number of disease relapses.

CONCLUSION

These results show that specialty pharmacy care is associated with a significantly lower risk for disease relapse in patients with MS (specifically the first relapse) and fewer relapses compared with usual community pharmacy care.

Trochleoplasty as a Solitary Treatment for Recurrent Patellar Dislocation Results in Good Clinical Outcome in Adolescents

BACKGROUND

The essential static patellar stabilizer is a normal-shaped trochlear groove. A dysplastic groove destabilizes the patella. Trochleoplasty approaches this underlying condition and reshapes the trochlea. However, studies have reported on trochleoplasty for revision cases or as accompanied by other interventions. The effect of trochleoplasty alone remains unexplained.

PURPOSE

To introduce trochleoplasty as a stand-alone treatment for recurrent patellar dislocation and to compare its pre- to postoperative functional and clinical variables.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A trochleoplasty was performed in 50 knees (27 right) in 44 patients (30 females; mean ± SD age, 15.6 ± 2.0 years). The indication for surgery was recurrent patellar dislocation not responding to nonoperative treatment (>6 months), with types B through D dysplasia and closed or closing physes in adolescents aged 10 to 20 years. Assessment included J-sign and apprehension test, Kujala and Lysholm scores, patients' subjective assessment and activity level according to the International Knee Documentation Committee questionnaire, and patients' overall satisfaction. The Caton-Deschamps ratio and the lateral condyle index were measured. Pre- versus postoperative values were compared with a paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The minimum follow-up was 24 months (33 ± 10.6 months).

RESULTS

The Kujala score improved from 71 preoperatively to 92 postoperatively (P < .001) and the Lysholm score from 71 to 95 (P < .001). Patients' subjective assessment improved at the final follow-up as compared with that preoperatively (P < .001). Most patients enhanced their activity (P < .001), and their overall satisfaction increased postoperatively (P < .001). Preoperatively, there was a positive J-sign in 45 knees and a positive apprehension test in 41 knees. Both markers disappeared postoperatively in 39 and 33 knees, respectively, leaving 6 knees with a positive J-sign and 8 knees with a positive apprehension test (P < .001). One patella redislocated postoperatively after 38 months. Four patients required a single arthroscopic debridement.

CONCLUSION

In this study, trochleoplasty as a solitary treatment for recurrent patellofemoral dislocations in patients with trochlear dysplasia resulted in good clinical outcomes if severe torsional and axial malalignment was excluded. Kujala and Lysholm scores increased postoperatively, as well as subjective International Knee Documentation Committee assessment of outcomes, activity level, and overall satisfaction.

AIB1 Genomic Amplification Predicts Poor Clinical Outcomes in Female Glioma Patients

Amplified in breast cancer 1 (AIB1) gene, a coactivator for steroid receptor, is frequently amplified in diverse cancers and is considered as an oncogene in tumorigenesis. However, the prognostic significance of AIB1 amplification in gliomas remains totally unclear. In this study, 115 gliomas and 16 benign meningiomas as control subjects were enrolled, and the copy number of AIB1 was analyzed in these samples. In addition, we explored potential correlation of AIB1 amplification with clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcomes of glioma patients. Our data showed that glioma samples exhibited a significantly higher AIB1 copy number than control subjects as determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) approach. Moreover, univariate analysis showed that AIB1 amplification (≥3.5 copies) was strongly correlated with cancer-related death (P =0.03). Interestingly, our data revealed a significant association of AIB1 amplification with WHO grade (P =0.03), tumor recurrence (P =0.03) and survival status (P =0.03) in female patients but not in male patients. Multivariate analysis further demonstrated that AIB1 amplification was independent factor for cancer-related death in female patients. Importantly, AIB1 amplification was closely relevant to worse survival in female patients (P =0.001), but not in male patients (P =1.00). In addition, the patients with AIB1 amplification were resistant to radiotherapy. Altogether, our data demonstrate that AIB1 amplification is a common genetic event in glioma tumorigenesis, and suggest that AIB1 amplification is not only a prognostic factor for poor clinical outcomes in glioma patients, but also a predictor of radiotherapy resistance in gliomas.

Impact of obesity on complications and outcomes: a comparison of fusion and nonfusion lumbar spine surgery

OBJECTIVE Prior studies have shown obesity to be associated with higher complication rates but equivalent clinical outcomes following lumbar spine surgery. These findings have been reproducible across lumbar spine surgery in general and for lumbar fusion specifically. Nevertheless, surgeons seem inclined to limit the extent of surgery, perhaps opting for decompression alone rather than decompression plus fusion, in obese patients. The purpose of this study was to ascertain any difference in clinical improvement or complication rates between obese and nonobese patients following decompression alone compared with decompression plus fusion for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). METHODS The Quality Outcomes Database (QOD), formerly known as the National Neurosurgery Quality and Outcomes Database (N²QOD), was queried for patients who had undergone decompression plus fusion (D+F group) versus decompression alone (D+0 group) for LSS and were stratified by a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m² (obese) or < 30 kg/m² (nonobese). Demographic, surgical, and health-related quality of life data were compared. RESULTS In the nonobese cohort, 947 patients underwent decompression alone and 319 underwent decompression plus fusion. In the obese cohort, 844 patients had decompression alone and 337 had decompression plus fusion. There were no significant differences in the Oswestry Disability Index score or in leg pain improvement at 12 months when comparing decompression with fusion to decompression without fusion in either obese or nonobese cohorts. However, absolute improvement in back pain was less in the obese group when decompression alone had been performed. Blood loss and operative time were lowest in the nonobese D+0 cohort and were higher in obese patients with or without fusion. Obese patients had a longer hospital stay (4.1 days) than the nonobese patients (3.3 days) when fusion had been performed. In-hospital stay was similar in both obese and nonobese D+0 cohorts. No significant differences were seen in 30-day readmission rates among the 4 cohorts. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with the prior literature, equivalent clinical outcomes were found among obese and non-obese patients treated for LSS. In addition, no difference in clinical outcomes as related to the extent of the surgical procedure was observed between obese and nonobese patients. Within the D+0 group, the nonobese patients had slightly better back pain scores at 2 years postoperatively. There may be a higher blood product requirement in obese patients following spine surgery, as well as an extended hospital stay, when fusion is performed. While obesity may influence the decision for or against surgery, the data suggest that obesity should not necessarily alter the appropriate procedure for well-selected surgical candidates.

Intraoperative management and early postoperative outcomes of pediatric renal transplants

INTRODUCTION

Smaller children are presenting for renal transplantation as the treatment of choice for end-stage renal disease. Adult donor organs are more successful than pediatric deceased donor organs. An adult kidney may sequester ~75% of the circulating volume of a 5 year-old child and requires significantly increased cardiac output to maintain renal perfusion. Treatment includes volume, inotropic or vasopressor agents, or central neuroaxial blockade for sympatholysis. We describe the perioperative anesthestic management as a guide to clinical outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of renal transplant patients between 2006 and 2014 was performed. We recorded patient demographics, surgical and anesthetic factors and postoperative outcome.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty-six children underwent renal transplantation, of which 38% were from living donors. There were 99/156 (63.5%) males. Median age was 10 years (range 1-17 years) and the mean weight was 36.2 kg (sd 20.6 kg; range 7.6-109.6 kg). There were 36 children ≤5 years of age and 14 children ≤2 years of age. One hundred and nineteen (77%) were dialysis dependent. Pharmacological support to increase renal perfusion included mannitol in 95%, and dopamine in 83%. Furosemide was used in 82% of cases. Inotropic therapy continued into the postoperative period in 34%. Radiological pulmonary edema was diagnosed in 33% and clinical pulmonary edema in 7%. Intraoperative use of dopamine delayed the time to creatinine nadir in all grafts (9.5 days vs 6.5 days, P = 0.04) and in deceased donor grafts (12.9 vs 7.4 days, P = 0.007). Patients who received dopamine had no significant difference in central venous pressure (CVP) preclamp removal, 14 mmHg vs 11.5 mmHg (P = 0.12) but a higher CVP after clamp removal, 14.3 mmHg vs 11.8 mmHg (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Dopamine use was common and was an independent risk factor for delayed time to creatinine nadir. Many different agents were used to enhance renal perfusion. The 'supra-physiological' hemodynamics resulted in pulmonary edema in 33% of patients.

THE CLINICAL, FUNCTIONAL AND BIOMECHANICAL PRESENTATION OF PATIENTS WITH SYMPTOMATIC HIP ABDUCTOR TENDON TEARS

BACKGROUND

Hip abductor tendon (HAT) tearing is commonly implicated in greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), though limited information exists on the disability associated with this condition and specific presentation of these patients.

PURPOSE

To describe the clinical, functional and biomechanical presentation of patients with symptomatic HAT tears. Secondary purposes were to investigate the association between these clinical and functional measures, and to compare the pain and disability reported by HAT tear patients to those with end-stage hip osteoarthritis (OA).

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective case series.

METHODS

One hundred forty-nine consecutive patients with symptomatic HAT tears were evaluated using the Harris (HHS) and Oxford (OHS) Hip Scores, SF-12, an additional series of 10 questions more pertinent to those with lateral hip pain, active hip range of motion (ROM), maximal isometric hip abduction strength, six-minute walk capacity and 30-second single limb stance (SLS) test. The presence of a Trendelenburg sign and pelvis-on-femur (POF) angle were determined via 2D video analysis. An age matched comparative sample of patients with end-stage hip OA was recruited for comparison of all patient-reported outcome scores. Independent t-tests investigated group and limb differences, while analysis of variance evaluated pain changes during the functional tests. Pearson's correlation coefficients investigated the correlation between clinical measures in the HAT tear group.

RESULTS

No differences existed in patient demographics and patient-reported outcome scores between HAT tear and hip OA cohorts, apart from significantly worse SF-12 mental subscale scores (p = 0.032) in the HAT tear group. Patients with HAT tears demonstrated significantly lower (p < 0.05) hip abduction strength and active ROM in all planes of motion on their affected limb. Pain significantly increased throughout the 30-second SLS test for the HAT tear group, with 57% of HAT tear patients demonstrating a positive Trendelenburg sign. POF angle during the test was not significantly associated with pain.

CONCLUSION

Patients with symptomatic HAT tears demonstrate poor function, and report pain and disability similar to or worse than those with end-stage hip OA. This information better defines and differentiates the presentation of these patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3 case-controlled study, with matched comparison.