Quality of life impact in patients with cutaneous toxicities caused by EGFR inhibitors and immunotherapy

BACKGROUND

novel oncologic therapies, including epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFR-Is) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), are associated with a new spectrum of adverse reactions, with prominent cutaneous toxicities. The impact of cutaneous adverse events (cAEs) on patients' quality of life (QoL) represents an unmet clinical need.

OBJECTIVES

1) to assess whether cutaneous toxicities directed therapies are effective in reducing the QoL burden via the submission of two patient reported outcome measures (PROMs); 2) to investigate whether class of oncologic therapy, type of cAE and toxicity severity differently impact on patients' QoL.

METHODS

a prospective observational study was conducted at the Dermatology department of the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy, from October 2018 to October 2019. Patients aged ≥ 18 years, under therapy with EGFR-Is or ICIs and experiencing a treatment-related cAE were eligible for the study. Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire- Core 30 version 3.0 (EORTC QLQ-C30) were administered to patients at first clinical visit (T0), at 1-month (T1), and at 3-month (T2) dermatological follow-up.

RESULTS

Sixty cAEs of 51 patients have been recorded. A significant difference in the mean score for both DLQI and EORTC QLQ-C30 was found along the 3-months dermatological follow-up (p <0.0001). A similar QoL improvement was reported for PROMs stratified by class of therapy and toxicity severity (p <0.0001). No difference was reported for patients with pyogenic granuloma-like lesions and psoriasiform eruption as per DLQI. Class of therapy and toxicity severity did not differently impact on patients' QoL at selected timepoints; we reported a higher EORTC QLQ-C30 score at T2 for patients developing psoriasiform eruption compared to other types of cAEs.

CONCLUSIONS

Early patients' referral to dermatologists and tailored management could result in better QoL.

Clinical, epidemiological, and therapeutic hallmarks of pyoderma gangrenosum: a case series of 35 patients

BACKGROUND

Over the past few decades, advances in medical research and diagnostic tools have shed light on some aspects of pyoderma gangrenosum (PG). Nevertheless, the multifactorial etiology, pathogenesis, and optimal management strategies for PG need to be further investigated. To address these knowledge gaps and contribute to a better understanding of this complex dermatological disorder, we collected epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of a case series of PG patients occurring in our department over the past 10 years.

METHODS

We performed a single-centered, retrospective, observational study analyzing all cases with a diagnosis of PG observed at the Dermatology clinic of the Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS Catholic University from January 1, 2013, to January 1, 2023. For each case, we retrieved demographic data, the presence of other skin and systemic conditions, and the histopathological and clinical characteristics of PG, such as clinical variant, number of lesions, disease localization, previous therapy, response to treatment, and occurrence of relapse.

RESULTS

We included 35 patients, 22 females and 13 males with a mean age of 40.0 years. Twenty patients (57.1%) had multiple localizations of disease, and the most commonly involved site was the lower limbs (85.7%). The lesions were mainly associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (51.4%) and hidradenitis suppurativa (37.1%). Clinical resolution with complete re-epithelialization was achieved in 25 patients (71.4%) with an average time of 20.8 months. On average, patients who underwent therapy with biological drugs had better outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

PG is a severe, rare, and pleomorphic disease associated with a broad spectrum of conditions. Corticosteroids remain the primary first-line approach for severe forms, but using biological immunosuppressants is promising.

The dynamics of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) during treatment reflects tumour response in advanced melanoma patients

Despite the introduction of targeted (BRAFi/MEKi) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has significantly reduced the recurrence rate and improved the overall survival (OS) of patients with Stage III and IV melanoma, only a percentage will benefit of durable disease control. The aim of this study was to examine whether the levels of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in plasma of advanced melanoma patients undergoing BRAFi/MEKi or ICIs vary according to the patients' survival outcomes (i.e. progression-free survival (PFS) and OS) and disease progression. Plasma samples of Stage III-IV melanoma patients were collected at baseline (treatment initiation) and thereafter every 3 months. Circulating BRAFV600E/K and NRASQ61R/K mutations were analysed through droplet digital PCR (ddPCR, Bio-Rad) in a total of 177 plasma samples from 48 melanoma patients (19 Stage III, 29 Stage IV). Baseline ctDNA concentration was significantly associated with OS (HR = 1.003, 95% CI = 1.000-1.006, p = 0.043) and PFS (HR = 1.004, 95% CI = 1.000-1.007, p = 0.029) independent of clinical-prognostic confounders. For each unit increase in the ∆ctDNA (concentration difference between the last follow-up and baseline) there was a 24% increased risk of disease progression, irrespective of treatment type and stage at diagnosis (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.03-1.49, p = 0.020, AUC = 0.93). Patients with reduction of ctDNA level from baseline to the last follow-up had longer OS (HR = 0.14; 95% CI = 0.05-0.44, p = 0.001) and PFS (HR = 0.08; 95% CI = 0.03-0.27, p < 0.0001) compared to patients with increased ctDNA, including adjustment for confounding factors. Our findings suggest that variation of ctDNA over time during melanoma treatment reflects the clinical outcome and tumour response to therapy and might be helpful in clinical monitoring.

Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4/6 Inhibitors and Dermatologic Adverse Events: Results from the EADV Task Force "Dermatology for Cancer Patients" International Study

BACKGROUND

The introduction of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDK4/6i) was a great advance in therapeutics for patients with estrogen receptor+/human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2) locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer. Despite the increasing use of these agents, their adverse drug-related events have not yet been fully characterized. We describe the spectrum of cutaneous adverse reactions occurring in advanced breast cancer patients treated with cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, analyzing types, severity, time to onset, and possible treatment outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a multicentric retrospective study including patients with advanced breast cancer who developed cutaneous lesions during treatment with CDK4/6i in the period from June 2020 to June 2021. Patients > 18 years were recruited at eleven onco-dermatology units located in Albania (1), Argentina (1), France (1), Greece (3), Italy (3), and Spain (2). We evaluated patients' epidemiological and clinical characteristics, types of cutaneous adverse events, their time to onset, and treatment outcomes. The severity of the skin reactions was assessed using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0 score.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine patients (median age: 62.3 years; range 39-83 years) were included in the study, and, collectively, we recorded a total of 165 cutaneous adverse events during follow-up visits. The most frequent cutaneous reactions were pruritus (49/79 patients), alopecia (25/79), and eczematous lesions (24/79). Cutaneous toxicities were usually mild in severity (>65%) and occurred after a median of 6.5 months. Only four patients (5%) required treatment discontinuation due to the severity of the skin lesions. The majority of the skin reactions were managed with topical treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, we present the largest case series of cutaneous adverse events developing in advanced breast cancer patients treated with CDK4/6i. We showed that cutaneous toxicities are usually mild in severity, and manageable with standard supportive care; however, in selected cases, they can lead to treatment discontinuation with possible implications for patients' clinical outcomes.

The preclinical discovery and development of deucravacitinib for the treatment of psoriasis

INTRODUCTION

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that most commonly presents as plaque psoriasis. The understanding of the pivotal pathogenetic role of the IL-23/IL-17 axis has dramatically changed the therapeutic approach to the disease. The identification of intracellular signaling pathways mediating IL-23 activity provided the rationale for targeting TYK2.

AREAS COVERED

This review assesses the underlying rationale that led to development of deucravacitinib, a novel oral TYK2 inhibitor, as a therapeutic option for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis, primarily focusing on pre-clinical and early phase clinical studies.

EXPERT OPINION

Innovative therapies used in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis include biologic agents and small molecules, which are associated with less adverse events than traditional systemic agents. Deucravacitinib, which selectively targets TYK2, has demonstrated to be effective in treating psoriasis, preserving a more favorable safety profile compared to other JAK inhibitors approved for the treatment of other immune diseases that block the ATP-binding site. Because of its oral administration, deucravacitinib represents an intriguing option in the therapeutic armamentarium of psoriasis, though the evaluation of long-term efficacy and safety is necessary to establish its place-in-therapy.

Clinical Characteristics of an Italian Patient Population with Advanced BCC and Real-Life Evaluation of Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitor Safety and Effectiveness

BACKGROUND

Advanced basal cell carcinoma (aBCC) represents a complex and clinically heterogeneous group of lesions for which curative surgery and/or radiotherapy is unlikely. Systemic therapy with hedgehog pathway inhibitors (HHIs) changed the treatment landscape for this complex patient population.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of the present study are to describe the clinical characteristics of a real-life Italian cohort diagnosed with aBCC and to investigate effectiveness and safety of HHI.

METHODS

A multicenter observational study was performed by twelve Italian centers in the period January 1, 2016 - October 15, 2022. Patients aged ≥18 years and diagnosed with aBCC (locally advanced [laBCC] and metastatic BCC [mBCC]) were eligible for the study. Methods for investigating tumor response to HHI included clinical and dermatoscopic evaluation, radiological imaging, and histopathology. For HHI safety assessment, therapy-related adverse events (AEs) were reported and graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0.

RESULTS

We enrolled 178 patients under treatment with HHI: 126 (70.8%) and 52 patients (29.2%) received sonidegib and vismodegib, respectively. Comprehensive data on HHI effectiveness and disease outcome were available for 132 (74.1%) of 178 patients: 129 patients had a diagnosis of laBCC (n = 84, sonidegib; n = 45, vismodegib) and 3 patients of mBCC (n = 2, vismodegib; n = 1, sonidegib, off-label). Objective response rate was 76.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 82.3-68.7) and 33.3% (95% CI: 88.2-1.7) for laBCC (complete response [CR]: 43/129; PR: 56/129) and mBCC (CR: 0/3; PR: 1/3), respectively. High-risk aBCC histopathological subtypes and occurrence of >2 therapy-related AEs were significantly associated with nonresponse to HHI therapy ([OR: 2.61; 95% CI: 1.09-6.05; p: 0.03] and [OR: 2.74; 95% CI: 1.03-7.9; p: 0.04]), respectively. Majority of our cohort (54.5%) developed at least 1 therapy-related AE, most of which were mild-moderate in severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate the effectiveness and safety profile of HHI and confirm the reproducibility of pivotal trial results in real-life clinical setting.

Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Italian Multicentric Retrospective Analysis of Patient Profiles and Therapeutic Approaches

BACKGROUND

Advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (aCSCC) represents an area of unmet clinical need, with no standardized treatments until the recent approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to describe clinical characteristics and therapeutic strategies of a real-life Italian cohort of aCSCC patients managed at the beginning of cemiplimab approval as compassionate use in Italy.

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective study was performed by 10 Italian centers in the period January 1, 2018-May 31, 2020. Patients aged ≥18 years and diagnosed with aCSCC (locally aCSCC and metastatic CSCC) were eligible for the study. Analysis of patients' characteristics and treatment strategies was performed.

RESULTS

239 patients were initially recruited in the study: 19 patients were excluded due to incomplete data collection, yielding a final cohort of 220 patients, of which 191 and 220 were included for patients' clinical characteristics and therapeutic intervention analysis, respectively. Median age at the time of diagnosis was 81 years (range: 72-86); nodal metastases were detected in 64/220 (29%) patients, and distant metastatic spread was reported in 33/220 (15%) patients. Most of our patients referred chronic occupational and/or recreational sun exposure, experienced ≥1 sunburn during their lifetime, never wore hats or used photoprotective filters, and presented with signs of cumulative sun damage (solar lentigines and/or actinic keratosis). Majority of our cohort received at least one intervention directed to the primary tumor (n = 212, 96.3%); surgery and radiotherapy were the most common therapeutic choices. Immunotherapy was administered to a small number of patients as compassionate use, especially in the metastatic setting.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study outlines the complex and heterogeneous clinical and therapeutic landscape of aCSCC patients at the beginning of ICI era, highlighting the need of a standardized care for this fragile and high-need patient population.

Investigational systemic drugs for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: What's new?

INTRODUCTION

The therapeutic armamentarium for the treatment of psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, is now reasonably broad and structured, with several therapeutic agents that demonstrated a successful long-term control of this condition. However, there are still unfulfilled gaps resulting from the inherent limitations of existing therapies, which have paved the way for the identification of new therapeutic strategies or the improvement of the existing ones.

AREAS COVERED

The aim of this review is to thoroughly explore new therapeutic strategies and novel drugs that are currently in the pipeline for the treatment of psoriasis, focusing primarily on agents that are currently in phase I/II of clinical development. Some of which retrace already existing therapeutic approaches, such as the IL23/Th17 pathway inhibition, while others unveil new and yet unexplored ones.

EXPERT OPINION

Since the therapeutic landscape of psoriasis is wide, it is not yet clear whether novel agents will fill the remaining gaps in the context of a broader and more diversified set of oral and biologic therapies. Nevertheless, with the development of precision medicine approaches, the development of innovative targeted drugs will still have a therapeutic rationale in psoriasis.

Novel Therapeutic Strategies in the Topical Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

Topical agents that are currently available for the treatment of atopic dermatitis may represent a valid approach in the management of mild or mild-moderate cases, whereas they are often supplemented with systemic therapies for handling more complex or unresponsive cases. The most used compounds include topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, although their use might be burdened by side effects, poor response, and low patient compliance. Consequently, new innovative drugs with higher efficacy and safety both in the short and long term need to be integrated into clinical practice. A deeper understanding of the complex pathogenesis of the disease has led to identifying new therapeutic targets and to the development of innovative therapeutics. This narrative review aims to collect data on selected promising topical drugs that are in an advanced stage of development.

Self-Assessment Questionnaire on Patient-Physician Concordance on Nevus Self-Count and Models Development to Predict High-Risk Phenotype >50 Nevi

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous melanoma accounts for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths. Readily identifiable phenotypic characteristics and total body nevus count (TBNC) >50 are among the most important risk factors for cutaneous melanoma. Implementation of nevus self-count procedures and self-assessment of phenotypic traits as part of skin self-examination could be an excellent screening tool for identifying an at-risk target population.

OBJECTIVES

Objectives of the study were to assess the skills of a central Italian and eastern Spanish population sample to recognize their skin lesions via the submission of a self-assessment questionnaire and to explore which self-assessment questionnaire item combination best predicts the high-risk condition of TBNC >50.

METHODS

Patients aged ≥18 years filled a self-assessment questionnaire, autonomously and prior to the dermatological visit. Subsequently, dermatologists performed total body skin examination and reported patients' skin lesions on a separate questionnaire.

RESULTS

We reported fair to moderate patient-dermatologist agreement for skin lesion self-assessment. The item number of nevi on the back was the single questionnaire item most accurately predicting TBNC >50. The high-sensitivity and high-specificity classification and regression tree models for the prediction of TBNC >50 displayed different items combinations; the item nevus on the back was always the first and most important predictor in both our models.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients were partially able to provide correct estimation of their whole-body nevus self-count. The item nevi on the back seems to be the first and most important predictor of TBNC >50 across our models. Delivery of high-sensitivity and high-specificity prediction models based on our questionnaire item combination may help defining a high-risk target population.

Advances in the drug management of basal cell carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer in humans. Recently, BCCs were suggested to be classified into 'easy to treat' and 'difficult to treat,' and different therapeutic options are suggested for their management.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, the authors discuss treatment options that are approved, recommended for, or are still in development for treatment of BCC. The review covers approved local therapies, such as imiquimod and 5-fluorouracil, and systemic therapies, such as hedgehog inhibitors. New medical agents, investigated in clinical trials, are reviewed. These include: targeted therapies, such as GLI antagonists or anti-VEGFR agents, immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors, recombinant cytokines or silencing RNA, as well as intralesional virotherapies with modified adeno- or herpes viruses.

EXPERT OPINION

The progress made in recent years has improved the management of patients with advanced BCC; however, neither tumor targeting nor immune system engaging agents provide a cure. New treatment approaches directed not only to known targets but also the tumor microenvironment are in development and are anticipated to improve the management of difficult to treat BCC.

Efficacy of topical beta-blockers in the management of EGFR-inhibitor induced paronychia and pyogenic granuloma-like lesions: case series and review of the literature

Nail toxicities, such as paronychia and pyogenic granuloma-like lesions, are well-recognized side effects of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor (EGFR-I) therapy that can significantly impair patient’s quality of life and compliance to anticancer treatment. Numerous therapeutic options are available, with variable rates of success. Recently, topical β-blockers have emerged as a novel, non-invasive treatment strategy. We tested the effectiveness of topical timolol 0.5% gel, twice daily, under occlusion for 30 days, on paronychia and periungual pyogenic granuloma-like lesions in 9 patients being treated with EGFR-I. We also reviewed the available literature on this topic, which is the use of topical β-blockers in the management of EGFR-I-induced nail toxicities. We assessed 25 lesions consistent with the diagnosis of EGFR-I-induced pyogenic granuloma-like lesions and paronychia (21 diagnosed as pyogenic granuloma-like, and four as paronychia). Thirteen of the 25 lesions achieved complete resolution, 9/25 reached at least improvement, and only 3/25 did not respond to the intervention. As for the review, four papers met the scope of our research. The results confirmed at least partial benefit in the majority of treated patients. Among current strategies, high-potency topical corticosteroids are a well-known treatment option especially for paronychia, targeting the inflammatory component of such lesions; nevertheless, the management of pyogenic granuloma-like lesion is often more complex and the success rate is variable. Nail plate avulsion and phenol chemical matricectomy are not highly effective and display some degree of invasiveness. Topical β-blockers seem to be promising alternatives, especially in fragile cancer patients who may be unsuitable candidates for an invasive procedure.

An extremely rare case of an oversized accessory spleen: case report and review of the literature

Background

The accessory spleen is a congenital defect characterized by a separated ectopic splenic parenchyma. The size is rarely more than 4 cm. The preoperative diagnosis is prohibitive preoperatively. The aims of the present manuscript were to present the case of a patient with a rare oversize accessory spleen and a review of the literature.

Case presentation

A 15-year-old boy was admitted to the emergency department following blunt abdominal trauma.

The computed tomographic scan showed a traumatic rupture of the spleen and a 7-cm mass at the left side of the retroperitoneal space. Conservative treatment started and aborted after 4 h due to the onset of haemodynamic instability. Splenectomy was performed. An accessory spleen was discovered. A second large mass in the retroperitoneum was diagnosed as a second large accessory spleen that was also left in place. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the 7th postoperative day. Seven months later, the CT scan showed viability of both accessory spleens.

Conclusion

An accessory spleen can be variously located and the retroperitoneal position is extremely uncommon. Preoperative diagnosis is still difficult, especially in emergency and as in our case, the literature shows the difficulty of reaching a diagnosis before surgery. The main misdiagnosis is neoplastic disease and for this reason accessory spleen can be wrongly removed.

An undiagnosed pre or intra operative retroperitoneal mass, closely to the spleen, have to be managed carefully. The diagnosis of accessory spleen needs to be ever considered as if found, represents a great possibility to conduct a normal life after splenectomy (of main spleen) for trauma.

Open conversion for laparoscopically difficult cholecystectomy is still a valid solution with unsolved aspects

The difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains a surgical challenge for surgeons who must decide between laparoscopic continuation and open conversion. The balance between the lack of open surgery training of young surgeons and the risk of maintaining the laparoscopic approach in difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy is still an unresolved problem. Furthermore, the time that must be spent in an attempt to complete laparoscopic surgery before conversion is still controversial. The authors in this letter discuss about these and other questions that still require an answer.

A new modified Mayo technique: should the surgeons need a new open technique for hernia repair in their armamentarium?

INTRODUCTION

The Mayo technique is one of the most common techniques used to repair incisional, umbilical, and epigastric hernias. A high percentage of recurrences, together with the use of particular expensive types of meshes, are some of the most relevant problems in this surgical field.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study is a clinical prospective observational and involves all the patients who underwent procedures using a new modified Mayo technique from 2006 through 2013. The general criteria analyzed were age, sex, obesity, smoke abuse, diabetes, chronic diseases, type of hernia, operative time, morbidity and mortality. All the patients involved in this study were followed-up from 6 to 120 months.

RESULTS

The types of hernia were 5 epigastic hernia (20,8%), 8 umbilical hernia (33,3%), 11 midline incision hernia (45,9%). Ten patients (41,7%) presented non-complicated hernias; 8 patients (33,3%) presented strangulated hernias and 6 patients (25,0%) presented obstructed hernias. No intestinal resection was necessary in any of the patients. The mean operative time was 55 minutes (range 30-180). The mean hospital stay of the patients' after-post operative procedure was 4.5 days (range, 2 to 8 days). No major complications have been reported. Only one patient present a recurrence.

CONCLUSION

These preliminary results suggest that this modified Mayo technique could be useful in the armamentarium of surgeon to repair incisional, umbilical, and epigastric hernias. More studies are needed to validate the technique.

REMOVED: Investigating misophonia: A review of the literature, clinical implications and research agenda reflecting current neuroscience and emotion research perspectives

This article has been removed: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been removed at the request of the authors due to errors in the author list.

Modified Mayo Technique for Ventral Hernia Repair: An Experimental Study

BACKGROUND

To reduce the rate of recurrence of incisional hernia repair associated with open anatomic techniques, we present an experimental study, focusing on two different sutures, with the aim to apply clinically in a revised version of the Mayo technique.

METHODS

Thirteen biological tissue samples from adult pig central brawn and upper and lower fasciae were measured using two techniques defined as "œunbroken suture thread" and "œseparated suture stitches" to test the breaking resistance of the two types of suture.

RESULTS

The t test results show that the two sets can be considered as different populations. The mean tensile stress ƒmax is greater (with reduced deviation) for the specimens of the set sutured with unbroken thread technique. Student'™s t-test performed on values obtained for each set of samples indicated that the unbroken thread suture technique corresponds to higher ultimate failure strength.

CONCLUSION

Considering these results, a modified Mayo technique with continuous closure could be suggested. Of course a valid clinical study is required to better clarify this experimental hypothesis.

Could the complications of megacolon be avoided by monitoring the risk patients? cases report

We report 2 cases of megacolon associated with cerebrovascular accident and neuropsychiatric drug consumption. Case report 1: a 75-year-old woman with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, tachycardia with atrial fibrillation, bilateral pleural effusions and previous cerebral hemorrhage was admitted in our hospital. She presented clouded sensorium and abdominal distension, with closed alvus. The CT scan showed a distension of the colon, with severe fecal impaction. A volvulus of the sigma was found at surgical intervention.Case report 2: a 59-year-old man with a medical history of oligophrenia was admitted to our hospital for acute abdomen.He presented stupor and closed alvus with abdominal distension. The abdominal CT scan showed a dolichosigma, with fecal impaction. The patient was submitted to a laparotomy and a two millimetres perforation of the sigma was found.The sigma had a diameter of 28 cm and a length of 75 cm.Even if a clear correlation has not been found yet, anomalies of the regulation of the gastro-intestinal motility can occur at different levels in patients with psychiatric or cerebrovascular diseases and drug consumption with anticholinergic properties,and they should be carefully monitored. The purpose is an early diagnosis of colon function anomalies in order to avoid potentially fatal complications.

Combined duodenal and pancreatic major trauma in high risk patients: can a partial reconstruction be safe?

Pancreatic trauma is an uncommon injury, occurring in only about 0.2% of blunt abdominal injuries, while duodenal injuries represent approximately 4% of all blunt abdominal injuries. When trauma of the pancreas and duodenum do not permit reparation, pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is mandatory. In the reconstructive phase, the use of ductal ligation as an alternative to standard pancreaticojejunostomy has been reported by some authors. We report a case of polytrauma with pancreatic and duodenal injury in which the initial diagnosis failed to recognize the catastrophic duodenal and pancreatic situation. The patient was submitted for PD and the pancreatic stump was abandoned in the abdominal cavity after main pancreatic ductal ligation. This technique can minimize the morbidity and mortality of PD in patients with other organs or apparatus involved severely and extensively in trauma.

Thigh emphysema as a first sign of abdominal disease

Thigh infection is a rare complication of intra-abdominal sepsis that can present with emphysema. We report a case of infection in the thigh resulting from colonic perforation. A 61-year-old woman with cirrhosis, grade Child B6 and diabetes treated with oral hypoglycemic drugs was referred to the emergency department because of a persistent pain in her left thigh and also for some abdominal discomforts during the preceding few days. Ultrasonography identified the presence of gas and fluid in the thigh. The patient received fluids and antibiotics but on the day after she reported an increase in pain. For this reason the patient was submitted to a CT scan that showed a thigh emphysema due to intestinal perforation. The patient was submitted to laparotomy. A Hartmann's procedure was performed, with resection of about 15 cm of affected sigmoid colon. The left thigh wound did not require any treatment.

Primary anastomosis vs Hartmann procedure in acute complicated diverticulitis. Evolution over the last twenty years

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Aim of this review is to assess the role and indications for primary sigmoidectomy with direct anastomosis for diverticulitis comparing it with the Hartmann's procedures.

METHODS

A literature search was performed using MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar and The Cochrane Library and the articles from January 1990 until June 2011 were analyzed. All patients were divided into three groups: primary anastomosis (PA), primary anastomosis and stoma protection (SP) and Hartmann's procedure (HP). Number of patients, overall mortality and morbidity, the rate of fistulization, the rate of reversal after SP (RSP) and after HP (RHP) and the Hinchey classification have been considered.

RESULTS

The mortality was of 38/1010 patients (3.8%) for PA, 11/153 patients (7.2%) for SP and 139/800 patients (17.4%) for HP. The morbidity was reported in 103/325 patients (31.7%) in PA, in 23/97 patients (23.7%) in SP and in 290/586 patients (49.5%) in HP. Fistula formation was recorded in 35/625 patients (5.6%) for PA, in 10/149 patients (16.4%) for RSP and 11/426 patients (6.4%) for RHP. The intestinal continuity was restored in 82/628 patients (56.9%) who underwent SP and in 315/581 patients (54.2%) undergoing HP. A total of 790 patients (54.5%) were classified in class I-II Hinchey and total of 659 patients (45.5%) was classified in class III-IV Hinchey.

CONCLUSION

The PA has a lower morbidity and mortality in relation to the HP and except some limited indications, should be used as treatment of choice in the case of diverticulitis.

Acute toxicity and 2-year adverse effects of 30 Gy in five fractions over 15 days to whole breast after local excision of early breast cancer

AIMS

A pilot study was undertaken with the aim of documenting acute skin reactions and 2-year late adverse effects of a five-fraction course of adjuvant whole breast radiotherapy delivered over 15 days after local tumour excision of early breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty women with early invasive breast cancer aged>or=50 years with a pathological tumour size<3 cm, complete microscopic resection, negative axillary node status and no requirement for cytotoxic therapy were prescribed 30 Gy in five fractions over 15 days to the whole breast using tangential 6-10 MV X-ray beams and three-dimensional dose compensation with written informed consent. Post-surgical baseline photographs of the breasts were taken, and acute skin erythema and moist desquamation were each scored weekly for 7 weeks using four-point graded scales (grade 0=none, 1=mild, 2=moderate, 3=severe). This was followed by an annual clinical assessment, including repeat photographs at 2 years.

RESULTS

Nine patients (30%, 95% confidence interval 14.7-49.4%) developed grade 2 erythema, with the remaining 21 patients developing milder degrees of reaction. Four (13.3%, 95% confidence interval 3.7-30.7) patients developed moist desquamation, grade 1 in three women and grade 2 in the fourth. At 2 years after treatment, 23/30 (77%) patients scored no change in photographic breast appearance compared with the pre-treatment baseline; seven (23%, 95% confidence interval 9.9-42.3) scored a mild change in breast appearance, and none developed a marked change. After a mean follow-up of 3.1 years (standard deviation 0.37, range 2.1-3.9 years) there have been no ipsilateral local tumour relapses.

CONCLUSIONS

Further evaluation of a five-fraction regimen of adjuvant whole breast radiotherapy in a phase III randomised trial is justified, including a regimen delivered in a total of 5 days.

Carcinoma of the tongue and bulbar-onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: unusual differential diagnosis

We present a 72-year-old woman with progressive dysphagia, dysarthria and tongue palsy who was initially diagnosed with bulbar-onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the absence of atrophy or fasciculations in the tongue, as in other voluntary muscles, and the lack of reproducible neurophysiological evidence of denervation, prompted a revision of the diagnostic work-up, which eventually led to the discovery of a carcinoma of the tongue. This case report describes a relatively rare type of oropharyngeal carcinoma that, in its early stage, resembled a bulbar-onset ALS. This differential diagnosis is unusual, and it was fostered by the persistent lack of atrophy of the tongue and the absence of spreading of signs and symptoms of motor neuron degeneration.

Telephone follow-up for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

The relentless evolution of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a severe neurodegenerative disorder of the upper and lower motoneurons, leads to an increasing level of disability. Most patients, during the course of the disease, become unable to attend the tertiary clinical care center and are thus prevented from enrolling in clinical trials or benefiting from specialized care and management. The main objective of this study was to verify whether the ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS) could be reliably administered by telephone to patients, when unable to attend the ALS clinic, or to their caregivers. ALSFRS is a validated instrument that assesses the functional status and the disease progression in ALS. We first administered the functional rating scale directly in the clinic to 30 patients, with definite or probable ALS, and to their respective caregivers, and found a very high agreement between the two groups for the total score and the majority of the rating items. Next, we showed, in both patients and caregivers, a high degree of correlation between the total score of the ALSFRS measured by telephone and that reported in the clinic. This indicates that ALSFRS is a reliable instrument for monitoring the disease progression in homebound patients, even when the person contacted by telephone is the caregiver. We also performed a telephone clinic, based on an unstructured interview, with 16 ALS patients at an advanced stage of the disease and unable to attend the ALS clinic. On some occasions, the person interviewed was the caregiver. The symptoms most frequently reported were a worsening of muscle strength, swallowing and breathing problems, constipation, and inability to clear lung secretions. Several patients asked for assistive and adaptive equipment. All patients and caregivers found the telephone clinic very useful and considered it a good complement to the management and care programme.

Prevalence of headache in patients with Behçet's disease without overt neurological involvement

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the prevalence of headache and the frequency of different headache syndromes in patients with Behçet's Disease (BD) without neurological involvement and to investigate the relationship with other clinical, and behavioural variables. Twenty-seven BD patients and 27 control subjects underwent a validated semistructured questionnaire based on the International Headache Society criteria. Levels of anxiety and depression, disease activity, and current medication were collected. Headache occurred in 88.9% of BD patients. There was no difference in the prevalence of the different headache syndromes between BD patients and controls. Only migraine without aura (MwA) was significantly more frequent in BD patients than controls (44.4% vs. 11.1%, respectively, P= 0.013). No relationship was found between MwA and clinical, and behavioural variables. Among headache syndromes, MwA showed the highest frequency in BD. A vascular or neuronal subclinical dysfunction could justify this association. A careful interview for migraine might be included in the diagnostic work-up of BD.

Effects of sulpiride on the orienting movement evoked By acoustic stimulation in the Rat

Drugs that selectively block D(2) receptors are known to provoke a rapid cell firing increase followed by A9 and A10 dopaminergic (DA) neuron inactivation (depolarization block). In this study, possible relationships between cell firing rapid increase and specific behavioral effects, linked to sensorimotor integration, were investigated in the rat. To this purpose, with the aid of a video camera apparatus and a frame-by-frame analysis, effects of sulpiride-induced blockade of DA D(2) receptors were analyzed on the orienting movement of the head induced by acoustic stimulation. In a control group of rats, during trials lasting 20 min, latency and duration of head turning (HT) were 186.15 +/- 51.66 ms and 266.87 +/- 47.49 ms, respectively. Sulpiride injection (20,40,100 mg/kg IP) provoked a dose-dependent increase of HT latency and duration; however, only latencies showed statistically significant variations. It is suggested that cell firing rapid increase, observed on A9 and A10 DA neurons, following sulpiride administration, may be correlated to rapid modifications of specific HT parameters linked to sensorimotor integration.

Effect of race in the response to metoprolol in patients with congestive heart failure secondary to idiopathic dilated or ischemic cardiomyopathy

We sought to determine the effect of race in response to metoprolol in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. We found no difference in exercise, hemodynamic, and neurohormonal responses to metoprolol based on race in patients with cardiomyopathy.

Combined alpha-beta blockade (doxazosin plus metoprolol) compared with beta blockade alone in chronic congestive heart failure

There has been growing evidence for the benefits of beta blockers, but alpha blockers have not shown sustained benefits in chronic congestive heart failure (CHF). Thirty patients with moderate to severe CHF (New York Heart Association class II to IV) were sequentially assigned to receive metoprolol 6.25 mg with the alpha-1 antagonist doxazosin 4 mg/day or metoprolol alone. The dose of metoprolol was gradually increased to a target dose of 50 mg orally twice daily. Hemodynamic measurements were obtained before drug therapy, 2 hours after the first dose of combined alpha-beta therapy or metoprolol alone, and after 3 months of continuous treatment. Nuclear ejection fraction, plasma norepinephrine, and submaximal and maximal exercise capacity were also measured before and after chronic therapy. With initial combined drug administration, mean arterial pressure, left ventricular filling pressure, and systemic vascular resistance decreased significantly compared with results after metoprolol alone. However, after 3 months of continuous therapy, both treatment groups showed similar and significant reductions in systemic vascular resistance and heart rate, with significant increases in cardiac index, stroke volume index, stroke work index, ejection fraction, and exercise capacity. Furthermore, the next dose of chronic combined medication no longer showed vasodilating effects. Chronic therapy with fixed-dose doxazosin and increasing doses of metoprolol produced identical effects as those seen in patients receiving metoprolol alone.

Ruptured pyogenic Baker's cyst

The authors present the case of a patient who developed a ruptured Baker's cyst. Methods of diagnosis and treatment are discussed.