Evaluation of erythrocytapheresis compared to phlebotomy in polycythaemia vera patients

INTRODUCTION

Polycythaemia vera patients can present with arterial or venous vascular occlusive events such as thrombosis or cardiovascular disease; disease-related symptoms may significantly impact on the quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of erythrocytapheresis compared to phlebotomy in the treatment of polycythaemia patients.

METHODS

This study reports the findings of a retrospective analysis of 40 polycythaemia vera patients diagnosed according to published guidelines and treated either with erythrocytapheresis or phlebotomy over a four-year period. The goal of treatment was to reduce blood volume and red blood cell count to near normal levels as both of which may attenuate the symptoms and complications associated with polycythaemia. Patients were treated by applying a mathematical model.

RESULTS

Using the model, 28 erythrocytapheresis procedures were performed. Blood laboratory values (red blood cell count, haemoglobin count and haematocrit level) were significantly reduced in patients treated with erythrocytapheresis. Moreover, among treated patients, erythrocytapheresis resulted in less work absenteeism and reduced costs due to lost production, with a lower overall procedure cost in comparison to phlebotomy.

CONCLUSION

This model can assist in selecting the proper treatment modality for individual patients. Especially for those with high blood volumes and high achievable haematocrit levels (delta), erythrocytapheresis offers a more efficient method in red blood cell depletion compared to phlebotomy thereby, potentially reducing the number of treatment procedures required for the induction of polycythaemia vera patients as well as the interval between procedures during the maintenance phase.

The Expander-Implant Breast Reconstruction in the COVID Era: Which is the "Unhappy" Tissue Expander Priority?

Breast surgeons seem to agree on the fact that a same-day surgery (mastectomy and breast reconstruction) protocol provides appropriate cancer treatment during times of unprecedented resource limitations, such as in the COVID era. In this scenario, pre-pectoral implant-based breast reconstruction can be definitively considered a sustainable technique. Nevertheless, the authors focus on the management of patients who had already undergone a same day procedure with two-stage breast reconstruction, implanting a breast tissue expander during the last two-year period and have been progressively delayed according to a surgical care based on priority. We coined the expression “unhappy tissue expander” to define all those symptomatic patients for which surgery should not be delayed even during an epidemic context.

Level of Evidence V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

LYMPHOVENOUS ANASTOMOSIS FOR THE TREATMENT OF LYMPHEDEMA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE AND META-ANALYSIS

Lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) has been described as an effective treatment for early stages of lymphedema (LE). The aim of this study was to deepen the evaluation of the effectiveness of LVA by performing a meta-analysis to provide information about its utility in specific anatomical sites, clinical stages, duration of lymphedema, and surgical technique. A systematic literature search using PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Database was performed in November 2019. Only original studies in which exclusively LVA was performed for primary and/or secondary lymphedema in humans were eligible for data extraction. A meta-analysis was performed on articles with a well-defined endpoint and a subgroup analysis was conducted in relation to surgical technique, duration of lymphedema, stage of pathology. Forty-eight studies, including 6 clinical trials and 42 low-risk bias observational studies were included in our meta-analysis. 1,281 subjects were included and the majority of articles reported a pre-post analysis. Lymphaticovenular anastomosis appears to result effectively in treatment of lymphedema with an odds ratio of 0.07 (CI: 0.04, 0.13, p<0.001). All subgroup meta-analyses were statistically significant for LVAs specifically with regard to anatomical site, clinical stage, duration of LE, or type of microsurgical procedure (p<0.05). Our meta-analysis confirmed the efficacy of LVAs for the treatment of lymphedema, even when subgroup analysis was performed for clinical stage, duration of pathology, anatomical site of lymphedema, or type of microsurgical procedure. Further prospective trials with a common clearly defined outcome measure are warranted for an unbiased evaluation.

[The management of nephropathic patients during the Covid-19 pandemic: the experience of Ragusa]

The public emergency caused by Covid-19 has forced health services to reorganize in order to separate positive patients from negative ones. In nephrology, this reorganization involves several levels of assistance concerning hospitalizations, ambulatory care and haemodialysis. Within the Complex Unit of Nephrology in Ragusa, the distribution of nephro-dialytic resources has involved four different hospitals, hence ensuring haemodialysis services for asymptomatic and pauci-symptomatic Covid-19 patients as well as for patients in Covid-Unit, Sub-Intensive Therapy and Intensive Care Unit. In this complex context, we had to create a common protocol involving all the professionals who provide assistance in our Unit, across the different structures. We also report some encouraging data that seem to indicate the effectiveness of the protocols put in place.

Lymphovenous anastomosis for the treatment of lymphedema: A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis

Lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) has been described as an effective treatment for early stages of lymphedema (LE). The aim of this study was to deepen the evaluation of the effectiveness of LVA by performing a metaanalysis to provide information about its utility in specific anatomical sites, clinical stages, duration of lymphedema, and surgical technique. A systematic literature search using PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Database was performed in November 2019. Only original studies in which exclusively LVA was performed for primary and/or secondary lymphedema in humans were eligible for data extraction. A meta-analysis was performed on articles with a well-defined endpoint and a subgroup analysis was conducted in relation to surgical technique, duration of lymphedema, stage of pathology. Forty-eight studies, including 6 clinical trials and 42 lowrisk bias observational studies were included in our meta-analysis. 1,281 subjects were included and the majority of articles reported a pre-post analysis. Lymphaticovenular anastomosis appears to result effectively in treatment of lymphedema with an odds ratio of 0.07 (CI: 0.04, 0.13, p<0.001). All subgroup metaanalyses were statistically significant for LVAs specifically with regard to anatomical site, clinical stage, duration of LE, or type of microsurgical procedure (p<0.05). Our meta-analysis confirmed the efficacy of LVAs for the treatment of lymphedema, even when subgroup analysis was performed for clinical stage, duration of pathology, anatomical site of lymphedema, or type of microsurgical procedure. Further prospective trials with a common clearly defined outcome measure are warranted for an unbiased evaluation.

Postmastectomy upper limb lymphedema: Combined vascularized lymph node transfer and scar release with fat graft expedites surgical and patients' related outcomes. A retrospective comparative study

INTRODUCTION

Lymphedema resulting from breast cancer treatment is a chronic condition that can significantly compromise quality of life. Several works have documented the efficacy of vascularized lymph node flap transfer (VLNT) for the treatment of advanced-stage lymphedema. Given that the axillary scar may contribute to the patient's existing lymphedema, the authors assumed that combining VLNT and scar release with fat graft could be an effective strategy of treatment. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy in the reduction of limb circumference and health-related quality of life between a combined strategy, namely, VLN transfer (VLNT) and axillary scar release with fat grafting, and only VLNT for patients affected by postmastectomy upper limb lymphedema. The idea.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients with stage II and III breast cancer-related lymphedema operated between January 2012 and January 2016 were retrospectively identified, and only those treated by combined VLNT and scar release (Group A) or only VLNT (Group B) were included. The outcomes were assessed clinically by limb circumference measurement and radiologically by lymphoscintigraphy. Lymphedema-related quality of life was evaluated preoperatively and at 1 year follow-up through the LYMQOL questionnaire.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients met inclusion criteria (Group A = 18; Group B = 21). Mean follow-up was 29 months for Group A and 32 months for Group B. Flap survival rate was 100%, with no donor site morbidity in all patients. A statistically significant difference between the circumference reduction rates (RR) at above elbow level was observed at 3 and 6 months of follow-up comparing the two groups (p<0.00001), with higher values in Group A than in Group B. No significant difference was detected comparing RR values at above and below elbow at 12 and 24 months postoperatively. LYMQOL metrics showed significantly better scores (p<0.0001) in all domains at all follow-up appointments in Group A.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with postmastectomy upper limb lymphedema can benefit from combined lymph node transfer and axillary scar release with fat graft, as this approach seems to fasten the onset of improvement and to have a positive impact on patients' quality of life.

Letter to editor: Surgical-site infection following lymph node excision indicates susceptibility for lymphedema: A retrospective cohort study of malignant melanoma patients

Following the reading of the original article "Surgical-site infection following lymph node excision indicates susceptibility for lymphedema: A retrospective cohort study of malignant melanoma patients", the authors reviewed the literature for the discussed therapeutic value of complete lymph node dissection (CLND), the major complications and the current treatment for lymphedema. The authors also share their experience and protocol for CLND, and treating lymphedema using lymph node flap transfer and multiple lymphatic-venous anastomoses.

Robotic inguinal lymph node dissection for melanoma: a novel approach to a complicated problem

Following the interesting reading of the article "Robotic inguinal lymph node dissection for melanoma: a novel approach to a complicated problem", the authors review the pros and cons of a minimally invasive technique for lymph node dissection, the consequences of complete lymph node dissection and the possible treatments for lymphedema, such as lymph node flap transfer and multiple lymphatic-venous anastomoses. The authors also review the possible benefits of applying the robotic technique to anatomical sites other than the inguinal one.

Why Choose the Septum-Supero-Medial (SSM)-Based Mammaplasty in Patients with Severe Breast Ptosis: An Anatomical Point of View

Nipple-areola complex (NAC) loss is one of the most devastating complications of mastopexy or breast reduction, and it requires revisional procedures with poor aesthetic outcome. In high-risk patients, a free nipple graft could be a choice, but it is associated with the same aesthetic concerns for both patients and surgeons. We report our experience with the septum-supero-medial-based mammaplasty to treat 22 patients with severe breast ptosis (nipple-to-sternal-notch distance > 40 cm). No NAC loss was observed. The study highlights surgical technical details and discusses anatomical considerations to justify the successful result. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Comparison of Reduced-Dose Prasugrel and Standard-Dose Clopidogrel in Elderly Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes Undergoing Early Percutaneous Revascularization

Background:

Elderly patients are at elevated risk of both ischemic and bleeding complications after an acute coronary syndrome and display higher on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity compared with younger patients. Prasugrel 5 mg provides more predictable platelet inhibition compared with clopidogrel in the elderly, suggesting the possibility of reducing ischemic events without increasing bleeding.

Methods:

In a multicenter, randomized, open-label, blinded end point trial, we compared a once-daily maintenance dose of prasugrel 5 mg with the standard clopidogrel 75 mg in patients >74 years of age with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary end point was the composite of mortality, myocardial infarction, disabling stroke, and rehospitalization for cardiovascular causes or bleeding within 1 year. The study was designed to demonstrate superiority of prasugrel 5 mg over clopidogrel 75 mg.

Results:

Enrollment was interrupted, according to prespecified criteria, after a planned interim analysis, when 1443 patients (40% women; mean age, 80 years) had been enrolled with a median follow-up of 12 months, because of futility for efficacy. The primary end point occurred in 121 patients (17%) with prasugrel and 121 (16.6%) with clopidogrel (hazard ratio, 1.007; 95% confidence interval, 0.78–1.30; P =0.955). Definite/probable stent thrombosis rates were 0.7% with prasugrel versus 1.9% with clopidogrel (odds ratio, 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.13–1.00; P =0.06). Bleeding Academic Research Consortium types 2 and greater rates were 4.1% with prasugrel versus 2.7% with clopidogrel (odds ratio, 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.85–3.16; P =0.18).

Conclusions:

The present study in elderly patients with acute coronary syndromes showed no difference in the primary end point between reduced-dose prasugrel and standard-dose clopidogrel. However, the study should be interpreted in light of the premature termination of the trial.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01777503.

Non-suicidal self-injury within the school context: Multilevel analysis of teachers' support and peer climate

BACKGROUND

Recent studies regarding non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents have focused primarily on individual characteristics (e.g., depressive symptoms) and background factors (e.g., parental relationship), whereas less emphasis has been given to the role of school-related factors in NSSI. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to explore the relationships between teachers' support, peer climate, and NSSI within the school context.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 594 high school students nested within 27 regular classes (54.4% boys; mean age 14.96, SD=1.33 years). The students were evaluated for NSSI behaviors, perception of teacher support, peer climate, relationships with mothers, and depressive symptoms using validated scales.

RESULTS

The primary analysis used hierarchical linear modeling (HLM), controlling for gender and age. The main findings indicated that teacher support was positively associated with NSSI at the classroom-level (OR=6.15, 95% CI=2.05-18.5) but negatively associated at the student-level (OR=0.66, 95% CI=0.49-0.89). There was a trend toward an association between positive peer climate and NSSI at the classroom-level (OR=0.43, 95% CI=0.18-1.05), while negative peer climate was associated with NSSI at the student-level (OR=1.37, 95% CI=1.00-1.87).

CONCLUSIONS

School-related factors are associated with NSSI behaviors among students. Teachers and educators should focus on both individual-level and classroom-level perceptions of school context. Students who feel supported by their teachers and who are exposed to a positive peer climate are less likely to engage in NSSI.

Effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the FIRST study

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes an impairment of respiratory function, well reflected by the progressive decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). The only interventions able to slow down the FEV1 decline are smoking cessation and drug treatment. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), is claimed to improve exercise tolerance, symptoms and quality of life, but its effects on lung function have been scantly investigated.

AIM

The aim of this paper was to evaluate, by the study named "FEV1 as an Index of Rehabilitation Success over Time" (FIRST), the effects of PR on lung function in patients with COPD, under drug treatment with inhaled corticosteroids or long-acting β2-agonists and/or tiotropium in various combinations, according to guidelines, during a 3-year period.

DESIGN

Observational, prospective, with two parallel groups study.

SETTING

PR setting in an urban hospital.

POPULATION

Two hundred fifty-seven COPD patients, 190 (103 males, mean age 71.1 ± 7.1 years range 57-86 years) underwent PR and 67 (49 males, mean age 67.9 ± 7.9 years, range 58-79 years) were treated only with drugs.

METHODS

Lung function was measured at baseline and at one-year intervals up to 3 years. The postbronchodilator FEV1 was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

In the PR group, FEV1 increased from 1240 mL (57.3% of predicted value) to 1252.4 mL (60.8%) after 3 years, whereas in the controls the values were 1367 mL (55% of predicted) at baseline and 1150 mL (51%) after 3 years. This difference was statistically significant (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

In patients with COPD on standard pharmacotherapy, PR significantly affected the decline of FEV1 over time.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

The ability to substantially stop the FEV1 decline seems exclusive of PR when added to drug treatment. This finding warrants confirmation from randomized trials.

The anti-IgE antibody omalizumab as a probe to investigate the role of IgE in pathology

The immunoglobulin E (IgE) are a key factor in the pathophysiology of allergic diseases and the important therapeutic role of an anti-IgE antibody was long envisioned. It took time and efforts to solve the safety problems related to the anaphylactogen capacity of anti-IgE, finally crowned by the introduction of the humanized, monoclonal anti-IgE antibody omalizumab. Currently, omalizumab is indicated, based on clear evidence of efficacy, only in severe allergic asthma not controlled by conventional treatment. However, a continuously increasing amount of literature shows that omalizumab is efficacious in a number of disorders concerning the upper and lower airway and the skin, and, most importantly, in anaphylaxis. The latter application was demonstrated successful in placebo-controlled trials and warrants for a new, life-saving, indication for omalizumab. Also, the systemic reactions precluding the performance of allergen immunotherapy, especially concerning Hymenoptera venom, were prevented by omalizumab treatment. The most surprising success of omalizumab regards clinical conditions thus far considered unrelated to IgE antibodies. This is true for intrinsic asthma and for idiopathic urticaria (demonstrated by a placebo-controlled trial), and angioedema, suggesting in these condition a pathophysiologic role of IgE. These observations support a off-label use of omalizumab in patients suffering from IgE-related pathologies other than asthma who are at risk of fatal events or are uncontrolled by the optimal standard treatment.

Short communication: Efficacy of parenteral ceftiofur for treatment of systemically mild clinical mastitis in dairy cattle

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of intramuscular (i.m.) ceftiofur (2.2 mg/kg) on important outcomes of systemically mild clinical mastitis episodes in lactating dairy cattle. Cows with clinical mastitis were randomly assigned to a treatment group: pirlimycin intramammary (i.m.m.) (n = 35), pirlimycin i.m.m. and ceftiofur i.m.m. (n = 36), cephapirin i.m.m. (n = 40), cephapirin i.m. and ceftiofur i.m. (n = 33). Sixty-nine, 22, and 9% of initial cultures were gram-negative, gram-positive, and mixed, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed no significant associations between treatment groups and loss of quarter, recurrence, or culling. Mixed infections, positive milk culture at 7 d after leaving hospital pen, decreased rumen motility, and absence of udder firmness were associated with increased odds of mastitis recurrence. The results suggest that i.m. ceftiofur treatment has no beneficial effects on the outcome of systemically mild clinical mastitis.

[Preoperative radiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer: risks and complications?]

Adjuvant radiotherapy in advanced rectal cancer is currently considered of interest: preoperative radiotherapy in particular seems to provide better results. However, doubts in its use arise from fear of technical difficulties at surgery and increase of complications. In Authors' opinion, though, preoperative radiotherapy associated with perineal omentoplasty represents a real progress in the management of rectal cancer. Preliminary experience supports this feeling.