P-596 Comparative efficacy of Letrozole (5 mg) versus Clomiphene citrate (100 mg) for ovulation induction among infertile women

Study question

Does Letrozole have better offerings while being compared to Clomiphene citrate as an Ovulation inducing agent in infertile women?

Summary answer

Compared to clomiphene, Letrozole - an aromatase inhibitor, is associated with higher live-birth and ovulation rates among infertile women.

What is known already

Anovulatory dysfunction is a common problem and is responsible for about 40% of female infertility and among causes; PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is the leading cause.

Clomiphene citrate has been traditionally used as the drug of choice for treatment of women with anovulatory infertility. In the last decade, an aromatase inhibitor, letrozole, has emerged as an alternative ovulation induction agent among anovulatory women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Letrozole has a definitive role in anovulatory women who have not responded to clomiphene citrate therapy, as confirmed by literature.

Study design, size, duration

Randomized double-blind study. Total 100 women were randomly assigned and divided into 2 groups of 50 patients each. The 2 groups were well matched at baseline. Study participants are of age 20 to 39 years. Study began in October 2019 and was completed in October 2021.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Group 1: Clomiphene citrate (100 mg daily) and group 2: letrozole (5 mg daily), started from any day between 3-5 of the menstrual cycle and continued up to 5 consecutive days. Both groups have received Estradiol Valerate 4 mg on the 12th day of menstruation until 16th day of menstruation.

All patients had USG monitoring of follicular and endometrium size with perifollicular flow and uterine scoring system for reproduction (USSR) score with timed intercourse.

Main results and the role of chance

Women who received letrozole as compared to those who received clomiphene citrate had more cumulative live births (36 of 50 [72%] vs. 28 of 50 [56%]). Number of women ovulated in Letrozole group was – 42 (84%) while in Clomiphene citrate (CC) Group it was 39 (78%). The ovulation rate was significantly higher with letrozole than with clomiphene citrate. Among the study participants who ovulated, there was a significantly greater chance of singleton pregnancy with letrozole compared to clomiphene citrate.

The mean number of dominant follicles (18 mm) was 1.40 ± 0.58 for letrozole and 1.10 ± 0.86 for clomiphene citrate (P-value = <0.05). The size of follicular development by day 14 was 17.6 ± 2.92 mm in Letrozole group while in Clomiphene citrate group it was 15.8 ± 3.84 mm (P-value = <0.05). The mean endometrial thickness by day 14 was 7.2 ± 0.77 mm for Letrozole and 6.8 ± 0.92 mm for clomiphene citrate (P-value = <0.05).

Limitations, reasons for caution

In our study, we have not considered lifestyle intervention before enrolment; although such interventions are recommended by experts, but there is currently no evidence from high quality clinical trials that they improve pregnancy outcomes in obese women.

Wider implications of the findings

Although Letrozole has still not gained universal acceptance as an ovulating agent for a variety of reasons, emerging evidences suggests that Letrozole could be an effective option and is non inferior to clomiphene citrate as an ovulating agent especially, in patients with non- responders to Clomiphene citrate and PCOS women.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

P-059 Effect of outcome of microfluidic sperm sorter and conventional swim-up technique on DNA integrity of the sperm

Study question

Does the approach of sperm preparation technique plays any role in sperm DNA Integrity

Summary answer

Outcome of the semen sample is directly proportional to the choice of preparation technique. Microfluidics improves sperm selection and results in better sperm DNA integrity

What is known already

Microfluidic systems are promising tools for fluid manipulation that can noninvasively separate motile sperm with higher hydrodynamics profile from the lower ones. It also enables to manipulate micro swimmers as compared to the traditional methods that to without centrifugation .As it is already known that Semen analysis and preparation is one of the most important aspects in andrology and microfluidics can improve sperm analysis and selection, therefore increasing the ART success rates

Study design, size, duration

Comparative study from July 2019 to Dec 2021 in IVF unit of IKDRC Hospital .A total number of 900 patients were enrolled in the study and were randomized by using computer generated list then divided into two groups, Group A contains 460 samples and Group B having 440 samples.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Group A (n = 460) sample was prepared by using Microfluidic sperm Sorting technique and Group B (n = 440) sample was prepared by conventional Swim up technique. Samples were analyzed according to WHO 2010 laboratory manual for examination and processing of human sperm, including all normozoospermic samples. Primary outcomes of the study was DNA Fragmentation index (DFI) and it was evaluated by using sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test and secondary outcomes was Progressive motility .

Main results and the role of chance

DNA fragmentation index is significantly lower in group A where Microfluidic Sperm Sorting technique (MFSS )is used than in group B where conventional swim up technique is use (10.06% vs 34.2%, p<0.0001) significant values implies that DNA integrity is better in group A than in group B and progressive motility was also found to be significantly higher in group A as compared to group B (57.6%vs16.9%, p <0.001).

Limitations, reasons for caution

As sample size was smaller, larger randomized control studies are needed to strengthen these results and all normal samples were used for the analysis and preparation , abnormal parameters were not involved .

Wider implications of the findings

According to our study the samples prepared by Microfluidic technique have higher DNA integrity than samples prepared by Swim up technique. Lower DNA Fragmentation index in microfluidics outcome indicates lower DNA damage. Choice of technique for the preparation of semen sample also plays a key role in better sperm selection.

Trial registration number

N/A

A Case of Foix-Chavany-Marie Syndrome With Asynchronous Bilateral Opercular Infarcts and Chronic Bilateral Cerebellar Infarcts

Foix-Chavany-Marie syndrome (FCMS) is characterized by bilateral facio-glosso-pharyngo-masticatory paralysis of voluntary muscles due to bilateral infarction in the anterior opercular region of the brain. Here, we report a case of a 52-year-old female who presented with FCMS due to an acute left anterior opercular stroke in the setting of a chronic asymptomatic right opercular infarct and asymptomatic bilateral cerebellar infarcts. She also had a concurrent acute-on-chronic episode of congestive heart failure exacerbation. She made a significant recovery by the time of hospital discharge.

Efficacy and safety of intensified versus standard prophylactic anticoagulation therapy in patients with Covid-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have reported inconsistent effects from intensified anticoagulation on clinical outcomes in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We performed an aggregate data meta-analysis from available trials to quantify effect on nonfatal and fatal outcomes and identify subgroups who may benefit.

Methods

We searched multiple databases for RCTs comparing intensified (intermediate or therapeutic dose) vs prophylactic anticoagulation in adults with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 through 19 January 2022. We used random-effects meta-analysis to estimate pooled risk ratios for mortality, thrombotic, and bleeding events (at end of follow-up or discharge) and performed subgroup analysis for clinical setting and dose of intensified anticoagulation.

Results

Eleven RCTs were included (N = 5873). Intensified vs prophylactic anticoagulation was not associated with a mortality reduction up to 45 days (risk ratio [RR], 0.93 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .79–1.10]). There was a possible signal of mortality reduction for non–intensive care unit (ICU) patients, although with low precision and high heterogeneity (5 studies; RR, 0.84 [95% CI, .49–1.44]; I² = 75%). Risk of venous thromboembolism was reduced (RR, 0.53 [95% CI, .41–.69]; I² = 0%), with effect driven by therapeutic rather than intermediate dosing (interaction P = .04). Major bleeding was increased with intensified anticoagulation (RR, 1.73 [95% CI, 1.17–2.56]) with no interaction for dosing and clinical setting.

Conclusions

Intensified anticoagulation has no effect on mortality among hospitalized adults with COVID-19 and is associated with increased bleeding risk. The observed reduction in venous thromboembolism risk and trend toward reduced mortality in non-ICU settings requires exploration in additional RCTs.

Clinical Trials Registration. CRD42021273449 (PROSPERO).

Ultramini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy versus retrograde intrarenal surgery in the treatment of 10-30 mm calculi: a randomized controlled trial

The surgical management of renal stones 10-30 mm is usually performed with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). Standard form of percutaneous nephrolithotomy has paved the way for miniaturized PCNL in many centres. We wanted to evaluate the efficacy, safety and the cost-effectiveness of ultramini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (UMP) versus RIRS in the treatment of renal stones with stone burden 10-30 mm. Patients with renal stone burden 10-30 mm were prospectively randomized into either UMP or RIRS. The demographic data, stone characteristic, operative time and cost of the equipment were recorded. The stone free status, analgesic requirement, deterioration of the renal function and hemoglobin and the postoperative complications as per Clavein-Dindo grade were recorded. One hundred and fifty patients met inclusion criteria. Out of these 98 underwent UMP and 46 RIRS. Six withdrew the consent before the procedure. Mean stone size was comparable in either of the groups. Mean laser time and stone extraction time was significantly less for UMP compared to RIRS (41.17 min versus 73.58 min p < 0.0001). Mean consumable costs in the UMP group were considerably less at US$45.73 compared to the RIRS group at $423.11 (p < 0.0001). The stone free rates at 1 month of follow-up were 100% for UMP group and 73% for RIRS group. There were insignificant changes to mean hemoglobin and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in all patients and the average length of the stay was similar in both the groups. The postoperative complications revealed Grade I and II rate of 10% in the UMP group and 35% in the RIRS group, respectively. We concluded that UMP to be safe, effective and more economical to the RIRS for renal stones up to 3 cm in size.Trial registered with ISRCTN registry ID ISRCTN20935105, Retrospective.

Hallux valgus surgery in children with cerebral palsy: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Children with cerebral palsy are highly likely to develop foot deformities, some of which may require surgical intervention. Hallux valgus is a common forefoot deformity which can cause issues with pain, footwear, orthotic splints and soft tissues. It remains unclear what the optimal surgical treatment is for children with cerebral palsy and hallux valgus deformity.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review studies reporting the clinical and radiological outcomes of surgical correction of hallux valgus deformity in children with cerebral palsy.

METHODS

A systematic review of studies published in electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Pubmed and Cochrane library) from inception until January 2021. Keywords related to hallux valgus and cerebral palsy were included.

RESULTS

58 studies were identified of which 7 met the criteria for inclusion. 200 feet in 134 patients with a mean age of 13.5 years were included, with a mean follow up period of 43 months. A range of clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed. A treatment framework for the assessment and management of hallux valgus in children with cerebral palsy based on the published evidence is presented.

CONCLUSION

Non-ambulant children with cerebral palsy with symptomatic hallux valgus should primarily undergo first MTPJ arthrodesis whilst those who are ambulant should undergo first metatarsal osteotomy± soft tissue correction.

Bariatric surgery reduces ventricular repolarisation gradients in obese patients - results from an electrocardiographic imaging study

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) British Heart Foundation

Background

Obesity confers higher risks of atrial arrhythmias and is associated with abnormal ventricular repolarisation. Despite this, the proarrhythmic substrate in obesity and its reversibility with weight loss has not been studied in-depth.

Purpose

To characterise the proarrhythmic substrate in obese patients, and its reversibility with bariatric surgery, using electrocardiographic imaging (ECGi).

Methods

ECGi was performed in 8 obese patients before (PreOb) and after (PostOb) bariatric surgery (mean age 39+/-11years, 7 female), and in 8 age- and sex-matched non-obese controls (NOb) (40+/-11 years). ECGi recordings were made at rest, on exercise, and during recovery from exercise. For ECGi analysis, &gt;2000 atrial and ventricular epicardial electrograms were calculated from body surface potential recordings from 256 sites and information from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, by solving the inverse problem. Local atrial and ventricular epicardial activation times (AT) were calculated as the steepest downslope of their respective activation complexes, and local ventricular repolarisation times (RT) as the steepest upslope of the T-wave. Atrial activation gradients (ATG) and ventricular repolarisation gradients (RTG) were calculated as the maximum difference within 10mm radius divided by the corresponding Euclidean distance.

Results

BMI was greater in PreOb vs NOb (46.6+/-4.8 vs 23.8+/-2.6kg/m2, p&lt;0.0001) and decreased with surgery (PostOb 35.3+/-4.2kg/m2, p&lt;0.0001). Total atrial AT was prolonged in PreOb vs NOb (68+/-12 vs 45+/-10ms, p=0.016) and did not change post-surgery (PreOb vs PostOb: 68+/-12 vs 67+/-16ms, p=0.81). Atrial ATG were also greater in PreOb vs NOb: max 254+/-111 vs 106+/-58ms, p=0.035; mean 24+/-6 vs 12+/-6ms, p=0.0087) and did not change with weight loss (PreOb vs PostOb: max 254+/-111 vs 222+/-69ms/mm, p=0.61; mean 24+/-6 vs 21+/-7ms/mm, p=0.52). Ventricular RTG were greater in PreOb vs NOb (max: 287+/-73 vs 131+/-89ms/mm, p=0.012; mean: 33+/-10 vs 17+/-9ms/mm, p=0.0052). Ventricular RTG decreased with weight loss (PreOb vs PostOb: max 287+/-73 vs 151+/-54ms/mm, p=0.0070; mean: 33+/-10 vs 21+/-8ms/mm, p=0.018), and were similar between PostOb and NOb (max, p=0.81; mean p=0.58). Ventricular AT and RT were non-different in NOb, PreOb and PostOb.

Conclusion

Obesity is associated with pro-arrhythmic electrophysiological remodelling, including steeper ventricular repolarisation gradients and slower atrial activation. At 6 months post-bariatric surgery, there was a reduction in ventricular repolarisation gradients though atrial conduction abnormalities persisted. These findings provide a mechanistic insight into obesity-related arrhythmic risks and its potential reversibility with weight loss surgery.

Textbook outcome following oesophagectomy for cancer: international cohort study

Background

Textbook outcome has been proposed as a tool for the assessment of oncological surgical care. However, an international assessment in patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer has not been reported. This study aimed to assess textbook outcome in an international setting.

Methods

Patients undergoing curative resection for oesophageal cancer were identified from the international Oesophagogastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA) from April 2018 to December 2018. Textbook outcome was defined as the percentage of patients who underwent a complete tumour resection with at least 15 lymph nodes in the resected specimen and an uneventful postoperative course, without hospital readmission. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors independently associated with textbook outcome, and results are presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95 per cent confidence intervals (95 per cent c.i.).

Results

Of 2159 patients with oesophageal cancer, 39.7 per cent achieved a textbook outcome. The outcome parameter ‘no major postoperative complication’ had the greatest negative impact on a textbook outcome for patients with oesophageal cancer, compared to other textbook outcome parameters. Multivariable analysis identified male gender and increasing Charlson comorbidity index with a significantly lower likelihood of textbook outcome. Presence of 24-hour on-call rota for oesophageal surgeons (OR 2.05, 95 per cent c.i. 1.30 to 3.22; P = 0.002) and radiology (OR 1.54, 95 per cent c.i. 1.05 to 2.24; P = 0.027), total minimally invasive oesophagectomies (OR 1.63, 95 per cent c.i. 1.27 to 2.08; P &lt; 0.001), and chest anastomosis above azygous (OR 2.17, 95 per cent c.i. 1.58 to 2.98; P &lt; 0.001) were independently associated with a significantly increased likelihood of textbook outcome.

Conclusion

Textbook outcome is achieved in less than 40 per cent of patients having oesophagectomy for cancer. Improvements in centralization, hospital resources, access to minimal access surgery, and adoption of newer techniques for improving lymph node yield could improve textbook outcome.

Textbook outcome following oesophagectomy for cancer: international cohort study

BACKGROUND

Textbook outcome has been proposed as a tool for the assessment of oncological surgical care. However, an international assessment in patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer has not been reported. This study aimed to assess textbook outcome in an international setting.

METHODS

Patients undergoing curative resection for oesophageal cancer were identified from the international Oesophagogastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA) from April 2018 to December 2018. Textbook outcome was defined as the percentage of patients who underwent a complete tumour resection with at least 15 lymph nodes in the resected specimen and an uneventful postoperative course, without hospital readmission. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors independently associated with textbook outcome, and results are presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95 per cent confidence intervals (95 per cent c.i.).

RESULTS

Of 2159 patients with oesophageal cancer, 39.7 per cent achieved a textbook outcome. The outcome parameter 'no major postoperative complication' had the greatest negative impact on a textbook outcome for patients with oesophageal cancer, compared to other textbook outcome parameters. Multivariable analysis identified male gender and increasing Charlson comorbidity index with a significantly lower likelihood of textbook outcome. Presence of 24-hour on-call rota for oesophageal surgeons (OR 2.05, 95 per cent c.i. 1.30 to 3.22; P = 0.002) and radiology (OR 1.54, 95 per cent c.i. 1.05 to 2.24; P = 0.027), total minimally invasive oesophagectomies (OR 1.63, 95 per cent c.i. 1.27 to 2.08; P < 0.001), and chest anastomosis above azygous (OR 2.17, 95 per cent c.i. 1.58 to 2.98; P < 0.001) were independently associated with a significantly increased likelihood of textbook outcome.

CONCLUSION

Textbook outcome is achieved in less than 40 per cent of patients having oesophagectomy for cancer. Improvements in centralization, hospital resources, access to minimal access surgery, and adoption of newer techniques for improving lymph node yield could improve textbook outcome.

Considerations to increase rates of breast cancer screening across populations

OBJECTIVES

COVID-19 has caused considerable drops in utilization of breast cancer screening services during the pandemic, especially among certain racial and ethnic groups. Members of the Community Oncology Alliance (COA)-including the COA president, South Carolina oncologist Kashyap Patel, MD-have reported increases in patients, particularly those of color, presenting with stage III and IV cancer at diagnosis. According to data released by the Biden administration, more than 9.5 million recommended cancer screenings had been missed in the United States as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as of February 2022. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, EdD, aim to address this in the 2022 revitalized Cancer Moonshot Initiative. The findings made by COA as well as by Avalere also suggest that the pandemic has exacerbated existing health care disparities.

METHODS

Using a multipayer database, we analyzed breast cancer screening rates for 2 periods-March 1 to September 30, 2019, and March 1 to September 30, 2020-among Medicare fee-for-service (FFS), managed Medicaid, and commercial insurance beneficiaries to understand the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adherence to the US Preventive Services Task Force breast cancer screening recommendations, which are currently undergoing review. Screening rates were evaluated across 5 racial/ethnic groups and by payer type.

RESULTS

Mean monthly mammogram screening rates among eligible White Medicare FFS beneficiaries dropped to 0.6% in April 2020, but these screening rates recovered to 6.5% by June 2020. Screening rates for eligible Black Medicare FFS beneficiaries recovered on a pace slightly slower than that of White beneficiaries, but more rapidly than that of other groups. By comparison, American Indian/Alaska Native beneficiaries had a mean monthly screening rate of 0.5% in April 2020, which recovered to 3.1% in June 2020; these were below 2019 screening rates of 4.2% for April and 3.9% for June. Differences in screening rates by payer type were also observed. Patients with commercial insurance had higher screening rates compared with those covered by Medicare FFS and managed Medicaid.

CONCLUSIONS

Our principal finding shows that mean breast cancer screening rates decreased in April 2020 across all payers, but recovery to prepandemic screening levels has occurred more slowly among certain racial and ethnic minority groups. Differences in recovery rates by payer type highlight a strong relationship between income level and screening utilization.

Characterization of Lung Transplant COVID19+ Patients and Mortality Outcomes

Purpose

The aim of this study is to report the characteristic and mortality outcomes of lung transplant patients that contracted COVID19.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted of lung transplant recipients who tested positive for COVID19 from 6/1/2020 to 9/1/2021.

Results

Forty-five patients were included for mortality incidence review with 2 patients who were admitted to outside facilities during their COVID diagnosis with limited treatment data. Mortality incidence was 15.5% with cohort mean age of 62 (±11.7). Median time from transplant to infection was 1281 days (223-5800). Five patients required O2 and n=5 were intubated with 80% mortality (n=4) among those intubated. Baseline demographics of age, gender, indication for transplant or race were not statistically different among patients that died vs those that survived. Vaccinations (2 doses) prior to infection were evident in n=35 (77.8%) of the patients. Maintenance immunosuppressants and covid therapies (table 1) did not have an associated difference in survival from infection. A significant association with mortality was found from the time of reported symptoms to triage or hospitalization in those that survived vs died, 3.3 vs 9.4 days (p=0.003).

Conclusion

This is one of the largest cohorts reporting lung transplant recipients who contracted COVID19, and despite lungs being the organ directly affected by COVID19, mortality rates are comparable to rates reported in other solid organ transplants. Time to triage from symptom onset to clinic management or hospital admission for COVID appears to be associated with improved mortality rates.

Syncope: Diagnostic Yield of Various Clinical Investigations

Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the clinical profile of patients with syncope and the usefulness of various tests to reach a diagnosis of syncope and its etiology.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional, observational study that enrolled 90 consecutive patients (aged ≥ 12 years) who presented with syncope. Detailed information was obtained from each enrolled patient on history and physical examination. All patients underwent electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiographic examination. Other specific tests were also performed based on the findings from medical history, physical examination, ECG, and echocardiography findings.

Results: Among 90 patients with syncope, 45% were males, and age distribution showed a bimodal distribution with two peaks. A total of 67% and 5% of patients had past history of syncope and injury due to syncope, respectively. Of the patients, 38% underwent Holter monitoring, 79 (87%) underwent head-up tilt table test (HUTT) test, 8% underwent treadmill test, 36% underwent CT/MRI of the brain, 25% underwent electroencephalography, 40% underwent carotid sinus massage, 7% underwent coronary angiography, 3% underwent electrophysiological study, and 3% of patients underwent carotid Doppler ultrasound. The commonly noted syncope was vasovagal/neutrally mediated syncope (68%). However, the etiology of syncope could not be determined in six (7%) patients.

Conclusion: This study concluded that the initial evaluation of patients with syncope should focus on history, physical examination, and ECG examination. Information obtained from such basic evaluations should be used to guide the selection of further high yield tests to reduce the cost of evaluation and for appropriate workup for the diagnosis of syncope.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Ambient Concentrations of Aromatic Volatile Organic Compounds in a Metropolitan City of Western India

The real-time Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylenes (BTEX) concentrations were measured in a metropolitan city of India during January to May of 2020 and 2014-2015-2018 to assess the impact of emission reduction during the COVID-19 lockdown. The total BTEX (∑BTEX) concentrations were 11.5 ± 9.0, 15.7 ± 16, 5.3 ± 5.0, 2.9 ± 2.0, and 0.93 ± 1.2 ppbv in January-May 2020, respectively. The evening rush hour peaks of BTEX during lockdown decreased by 4-5 times from the same period of years 2014-2015-2018. A significant decline in background concentrations suggests a regional-scale reduction in anthropogenic emissions. The contributions of ∑TEX compounds to ∑BTEX increased from 42% to 59% in winter to 64%-75% during the lockdown under hot summer conditions. While emission reductions dominated during the lockdown period, the meteorological and photochemical factors may also have contributed. Meteorological influence on actual observed BTEX data was removed by normalizing with ventilation coefficient (VC). The actual ambient air reductions of 85%-90% and VC-normalized reductions of 54%-88% of the BTEX concentrations during lockdown were estimated compared to those during the same period of 2014-2015-2018. The estimated changes using nighttime data, which take into account BTEX photooxidation removal, are ∼8% lower than the VC-normalized estimates using all data. These significant reductions in BTEX concentrations are consistent with the change in people's movement as inferred from mobility data during the lockdown. Although enforced, the significant decline in ambient BTEX levels during lockdown was a good change for the air quality. The study suggests a need for more effective science-based policies that consider local and regional factors.