The advent of RNA-based therapeutics for metabolic syndrome and associated conditions: a comprehensive review of the literature

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a prevalent and intricate health condition affecting a significant global population, characterized by a cluster of metabolic and hormonal disorders disrupting lipid and glucose metabolism pathways. Clinical manifestations encompass obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and hypertension, contributing to heightened risks of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Existing medications often fall short in addressing the syndrome's multifaceted nature, leading to suboptimal treatment outcomes and potential long-term health risks. This scenario underscores the pressing need for innovative therapeutic approaches in MetS management. RNA-based treatments, employing small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), emerge as promising strategies to target underlying biological abnormalities. However, a summary of research available on the role of RNA-based therapeutics in MetS and related co-morbidities is limited. Murine models and human studies have been separately interrogated to determine whether there have been recent advancements in RNA-based therapeutics to offer a comprehensive understanding of treatment available for MetS. In a narrative fashion, we searched for relevant articles pertaining to MetS co-morbidities such as cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, dementia, colorectal cancer, and endocrine abnormalities. We emphasize the urgency of exploring novel therapeutic avenues to address the intricate pathophysiology of MetS and underscore the potential of RNA-based treatments, coupled with advanced delivery systems, as a transformative approach for achieving more comprehensive and efficacious outcomes in MetS patients.

Assessment of Babesia spp. prevalence in various domestic animals across Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Parasitic diseases, notably babesiosis, exert a substantial impact on the global cattle industry, posing challenges to commerce, economies, and human health. This study, conducted in Southern Punjab, Pakistan, aimed to assess the prevalence of Babesia spp. across various livestock species using microscopic and PCR methods. A total of 180 blood samples (60 from each district) were systematically collected from apparently healthy animals, with 36 samples obtained from each domestic animal species, including camel, cattle, buffalo, goat, and sheep, noting that 12 samples were collected from each district for each animal species. Overall prevalence was determined to be 32.8% (59/180), with varying rates among species: 25.0% in cattle, 41.66% in buffalo, 30.55% in goats, 33.3% in sheep, and 33.3% in camels. Microscopic examination revealed slightly varied infection rates among large and small domestic animals (22.2%), while PCR results indicated a 32.8% overall infection rate in both large and small domestic animals, with no statistical significance. District-wise analysis showed regional variations, with Muzaffargarh recording a prevalence rate of 23.33% through microscopic examination, while Lodhran and Bahawalpur recorded 21.67%. PCR results revealed higher rates (38.33%, 26.67%, and 33.33%, respectively), underlining the importance of employing PCR for accurate detection. Examining ruminant types, large ruminants exhibited a 32.4% infection rate, while small domestic animals showed 33.3%, with no significant difference (p=0.897). District-wise prevalence showcased significant variation, with Muzaffargarh demonstrating a 25% prevalence, Lodhran 22%, and Bahawalpur 22%, through microscopic examination. PCR results displayed 38.33%, 27%, and 33.3%, respectively, with no statistical significance. Detailed analysis of individual districts highlighted variations in infection rates among camels, cattle, buffalo, goats, and sheep. The binomial test indicated significant differences through microscopic analysis (P=0.011) but non-significant variations through PCR (P=0.065), emphasizing the precision of PCR. Regional variations in prevalence, notably with Punjab exhibiting the highest frequency (33.87%) and KPK the lowest (13.24%), suggest potential influences from varying veterinary practices and environmental factors. This study underscores the pivotal role of PCR alongside microscopy for accurate babesiosis diagnosis. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of babesiosis prevalence, emphasizing the necessity of advanced molecular techniques for informed control measures.

Mutations in the bone morphogenetic protein 15 gene causing defective protein secretion in Cholistani infertile sheep

Abstract Naturally occurring mutations in morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) are associated with decreased ovulation rate (OR), litter size (LS), and sterility. It is of a great interest to elucidate BMP15 gene in Cholistani sheep breed to uplift socio-economic status and the knowledge of Cholistani sheep breeding in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. In our study, a total of 50 infertile Cholistani sheep aged between 2-6 years and having no blood relation were screened for BMP15 mutations. For this purpose, a high-quality DNA was extracted from the blood of sheep followed by primer designing, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification, DNA sequencing, and in silico analyses. Out of total 50 samples, 9 samples including case 1 (T3), case 2 (T8), case 3 (T17), case 4 (T22), case 5 (T25), case 6 (T33), case 7 (T40), case 8 (T44), and case 9 (T47) were found positive for a variety of already reported and novel BMP15 mutations. Further in silico analyses of the observed mutations have shown the functional impact of these mutations on different characteristics (molecular weight, theoretical PI, estimated half-life, instability index, sub-cellular localization, and 3D confirmation) of the encoded proteins, possibly altering the normal functionality. In a nutshell, findings of this study have confirmed the possible essential role of the BMP15 mutations in the infertility of the Cholistani sheep.

Morpho-physiological and phytohormonal changes during the induction of adventitious root development stimulated by exogenous IBA application in Magnolia biondii Pamp

Abstract Magnolia biondii Pamp is an important ornamental tree species widely grown and used as a rootstock in the propagation of different Magnolia varieties. In the current studies, anatomical, physiological and endogenous hormones were studied to check the effect of IBA 750 mg/L on the adventitious rooting and to provide theoretical and technical support for the propagation of Magnolia biondii Pamp through stem cuttings. Two thousand stem cuttings were prepared and divided into two groups i.e., IBA treated cuttings and water control. For the evaluation of antioxidant enzyme activities, and endogenous hormones levels, samples were collected on the day of planting and each 5th day and further steps were carried out in the laboratory according to the protocols and proper precautions. For the anatomical observations, samples were collected on the 13th, 15th, and 17th day for IBA treated cuttings while 21st, 23rd, and 25th day for control. Collected samples were preserved in the FAA solution and further observations were carried out in the laboratory. Anatomical observations showed that it took 13 days for the differentiation of root primordia to the appearance of young adventitious roots in IBA treated cuttings, while it took 21 days to develop primordia in the control. Antioxidant enzyme activities involved in ROS were significantly higher in the IBA treated cuttings compared to control. POD showed a peak on the 13th day before the emergence of roots in IBA treated cuttings while it showed a peak on the 21st day in the control. PPO showed a peak on the 21st day in the IBA treated cuttings while it showed a peak on the 29th day in the control. SOD showed a peak on the 17th day in IBA treated cuttings, while it showed a peak on the 25th day in the control. Exogenous application of IBA enhanced the endogenous IAA and GA3 levels compared to CK, while it reduced the levels of ABA continuously at the time of rooting and then increased gradually. Inclusively, our study suggests that IBA 750 mg/L is efficient for the rooting of Magnolia biondii Pamp cuttings, as it enhanced the process of antioxidant enzyme activities, endogenous hormones levels and reduced the time of root formation which is evident from the anatomical observations.

Isolation, identification, and screening of biosurfactant-producing and hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria from oil and gas industrial waste

Qatar is one of the biggest oil and gas producers in the world, coupled with it is challenging environmental conditions (high average temperature: >40 °C, low annual rainfall: 46.71 mm, and high annual evaporation rate: 2200 mm) harbors diverse microbial communities that are novel and robust, with the potential to biodegrade hydrocarbons. In this study, we collected hydrocarbon contaminated sludge, wastewater and soil samples from oil and gas industries in Qatar. Twenty-six bacterial strains were isolated in the laboratory from these samples using high saline conditions and crude oil as the sole carbon source. A total of 15 different bacterial genera were identified in our study that have not been widely reported in the literature or studied for their usage in the biodegradation of hydrocarbons. Interestingly, some of the bacteria that were identified belonged to the same genus however, demonstrated variable growth rates and biosurfactant production. This indicates the possibility of niche specialization and specific evolution to acquire competitive traits for better survival. The most potent strain EXS14, identified as Marinobacter sp., showed the highest growth rate in the oil-containing medium as well as the highest biosurfactant production. When this strain was further tested for biodegradation of hydrocarbons, the results showed that it was able to degrade 90 to 100% of low and medium molecular weight hydrocarbons and 60 to 80% of high molecular weight (C35 to C50) hydrocarbons. This study offers many promising leads for future studies of microbial species and their application for the treatment of hydrocarbon contaminated wastewater and soil in the region and in other areas with similar environmental conditions.

Enhancing Radiation Safety Culture: Investigating the Mediating Role of Awareness Among Orthopedic Doctors and Operation Theatre Assistants

INTRODUCTION

The increasing use of minimally invasive orthopedic procedures has led to a greater reliance on fluoroscopy, resulting in elevated radiation exposure for surgeons. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, and daily practices of orthopedic surgeons regarding radiation safety in an academic hospital. Understanding radiation safety is crucial to minimize patient exposure and prevent adverse effects on surgeons.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedics of different tertiary care hospitals in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Data were collected prospectively for two years, and a total of 505 participants, including residents, consultants, and operation theatre assistants, completed a questionnaire. The questionnaire was validated by experts and covered information on fluoroscopy usage, frequency of surgeries, awareness of radiation safety, and protective measures. Ethical approval was obtained, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0.

RESULTS

The majority of participants were male (74.1%), and the sample included various ranks of orthopedic surgeons. Only 56.2% of participants were aware of the usage of fluoroscopy, and 40.2% had read some research on the topic. While 44.6% used lead aprons for radiation protection, the usage of other protective measures and dosimeters was limited. The mediation analysis showed an insignificant indirect association between the rank of orthopedic surgeons, number of surgeries performed, and fluoroscopy usage as a mediator. Awareness and reading research on fluoroscopy were significantly associated with radiation protection.

CONCLUSION

The knowledge, awareness, and daily practices of orthopedic surgeons regarding radiation safety in fluoroscopy use need improvement. The findings emphasize the importance of implementing training programs, providing radiation protection devices, and ensuring compliance with safety guidelines.

Safety and Efficacy of Zavegepant in Treating Migraine: A Systematic Review

Drugs that act on the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathway herald the dawn of a new era in the management of migraine headaches. The blockade of CGRP alleviates neural inflammation and has been associated with reduced pain sensitization. Zavegepant is a third-generation drug and is the first intranasal CGRP antagonist to be developed. This systematic review aims to assess the safety, efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and tolerability of Zavegepant as an abortive treatment for migraine. Studies that assessed the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of Zavegepant for migraine were identified through a systematic literature review of PubMed, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Cochrane databases in April 2023. Our systematic review yielded a total of six studies that fit our inclusion criteria. Of these, data from only two randomized control trials (RCTs) was homogenous; hence, forest plots of results pooled from the included studies were not reported. The included studies showed that Zavegepant is an efficacious and well-tolerated abortive treatment modality for episodic migraine in adult patients. Zavegepant showed safety and efficacy in migraine treatment according to various parameters throughout the six included studies. These parameters include adverse events, pharmacokinetic properties, CGRP inhibition, effect on blood pressure/electrocardiogram, pain freedom, and freedom from most bothersome symptoms.

Coexistence of ipsilateral acute-on-chronic subdural hematoma and acute extradural hematoma: A case report

Chronic subdural hematomas are typically observed in elderly patients receiving antithrombotic and/or anticoagulant therapy. In contrast, acute subdural and extradural hematomas are often observed in young people with traumatic brain injury. The coexistence of ipsilateral chronic subdural and extradural hematomas is rare. Depending on the Glasgow Coma Scale and neuroimaging findings, early surgical intervention is mandatory, as seen in our patient. Early surgical evacuation of a traumatic extradural and chronic subdural hematoma should be done. Also, antithrombotic drug use can lead to chronic subdural hematoma.

The Effect of Dexamethasone on Postoperative Pain Management in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of dexamethasone in treating postoperative pain in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methodology This randomized controlled trial (RCT) was completed over the course of two years (September 7, 2015, to September 6, 2017). In the course of their treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee, all of the patients who had primary unilateral total knee replacement (TKR) participated in the research. Under spinal anesthesia, each patient had medial para-patellar approach medial orthopedic surgery. Patients were assigned to group A or group B based on a random selection. Each of the groups consisted of 79 individuals. Group A was given dexamethasone through intravenous administration at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg before the operation. During the subsequent period of 24 hours, no more treatment was administered (control group). On a predesigned questionnaire, postoperative pain was measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Functional results, duration of hospital stay, and complications were all recorded on the questionnaire (VAS). Analysis of data was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY, USA). Results There were 158 patients in total in the study, out of which 98 were females and 60 were males in the group. The patients' average body mass index (BMI) was 26.94 ± 3.14 kg/m². Patients in group A had lower postoperative analgesic and antiemetic needs and higher VAS scores and spent less time in the hospital than patients in group B. There were no postoperative problems in either group. Conclusion In patients undergoing TKA, the use of dexamethasone during and after surgery decreases pain, the need for analgesics, and the duration of hospital stay.

Total Body Irradiation Versus Chemotherapy Conditioning in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is indicated in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who have relapsed or are at a very high risk of relapse during first complete remission. Two types of myeloablative conditioning are employed before allogeneic HSCT: total body irradiation (TBI)-based regimens and chemotherapy (CHT) alone. This study compares the efficacy and safety of TBI-based regimens and CHT-based conditioning in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients with ALL (0-24 years old). TBI-based and CHT-conditioning regimens were evaluated in 4262 and 1367 patients, respectively, from 15 studies. Compared to CHT alone, TBI-based regimens were associated with better overall survival (OS), relative risk (RR) 1.21, better event-free survival (RR 1.34), and a reduced risk of relapse (RR 0.69). Both approaches had comparable risk of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), grades 3 to 4 acute GVHD, chronic GVHD, and nonrelapse mortality (NRM). In the subgroup analysis for patients in first complete remission, TBI-based regimens and CHT alone had comparable OS and NRM. Our results demonstrate the superiority of TBI-based regimens compared to CHT alone in pediatric patients with ALL.

Psychosocial Impact of Electrical Burn in Children: A Follow-Up Study Conducted at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction Electrical burn injuries are very common in the pediatric population and are usually accidental and sometimes occupational. The objective of our study was to evaluate the epidemiology of electrical burn injuries and prospectively evaluate the long-term psychosocial impact of electrical burn injuries in children. Materials and methods A qualitative interview study was conducted prospectively among sixty patients presented to Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Demographic details, mode of presentation, detail of injury, total body surface area, initial condition, and surgical interventions were noted during their stay at the hospital. Their physical and psychological outcomes were evaluated by administering the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire (BDDQ) via telephonic interviews after six weeks of discharge from the hospital. The study was conducted over a span of 1 year from January 2021 to January 2022. Results There were 60 patients who presented to the department of pediatric surgery during the span of the study. The mean age was 9.9 years ± 3.133 years (SD) and 80% of the patients were above 8 years of age with a male-to-female percentage of 86.67% to 13.33%, respectively. Forty-two (70%) patients incurred high-voltage electrical burns while 18 (30%) suffered low-voltage electrical burns. Mortality was 13.33% (n=8). Out of 52 patients who survived, 35 (67.30%) were labeled as having Body Dysmorphic Disorder upon administration of BDDQ through a six-week follow-up. The majority of the patients had abnormal or borderline results in different scales of SDQ. Conclusion The long-term psychological stress and the varied spectrum of psychiatric disorders in electrical burn patients are profound. The prevention of burn injuries can be effectively achieved by educating parents about safety measures and improving health infrastructure. Implementation of a dedicated national program for psychological support of burn patients should be made accessible to all patients.

Placenta percreta invading left broad ligament in a woman with twin pregnancy: A case report

Introduction

and importance: Placenta percreta is an abnormal of placentation disorder that causes firm and deep attachment of placenta into myometrium due to absent decidua basalis and leads to significant morbidity and mortality due to severe hemorrhage.

Presentation of case

A 28-year, old women gravida 2 para 1 + 0 with previous one Lower segment caesarean section (LSCS), presented to emergency department of HFH with complaint of per vaginal bleeding. It was a twin pregnancy and was a rare case of complex placenta percreta with invasion into left broad ligament and urinary bladder in a woman having twin pregnancy. Placental invasion into bladder was diagnosed pre-operatively on USG scan, however; the broad ligament involvement was diagnosed intraoperatively. Patient underwent hysterectomy and internal iliac artery ligation to control hemorrhage soon after delivery of twins with T2 being IUD and patient shifted to ventilatory support but unfortunately due to massive hemorrhage and hemodynamic instability patient did not survive.

Discussion

Placenta percreta is a subtype of placenta accreta spectrum disorder that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality depending upon nature and extent of placental invasion. Preoperative diagnosis and management can be of significant value in preventing obstetrics related morbidity. A multidisciplinary approach is required in management of such cases and due to involvement of surrounding structures including urinary bladder.

Conclusion

Placenta percreta is a rare disorder of placentation that poses significant life-threatening risk of bleeding and maternal mortality and multidisciplinary approach can be of benefit in such cases.

Pattern of neurosurgical cases and procedures in Gilgit Baltistan: two-year experience at a newly established neurosurgical department

BACKGROUND

In Pakistan, there are a total of 160 neurosurgeons that constitute a ratio of one neurosurgeon for a 5.5 million population. Gilgit Baltistan being a backward region does not have a single tertiary care facility. A new department of neurosurgery was established at Regional Headquarter City Hospital (RHQ) Gilgit with only one neurosurgeon. This study aimed to determine which neurosurgical diagnoses are common and which surgical interventions were performed at RHQ.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at Regional Headquarter Hospital (RHQ) Gilgit in which data of patients operated for neurosurgical diseases between January 2020 and January 2022 was collected from patient record books.

RESULTS

Of total of 223 patients, 148 (66.3%) were males and 75 (33.6%) were females. 92(41.2%) belonged to the pediatric age group. The top most diagnosis included Neurotrauma (46.6%), NTDs (13.9%) and CSDH (10.3%) while the most routinely performed procedures were craniotomy & hematoma evacuation (22.9%), debridement & elevation of DSF (20.6%), and burrhole evacuation (13.9%). In the pediatric age group, the top diagnosis was Neurotrauma (43.5%), NTDs (32.6%), and Hydrocephalus (19.6%) while in adults, neurotrauma (48.9%) was the leading diagnosis followed by CSDH (17.6%). In the pediatric age group, repair of NTDs (32.6%) was the most frequently performed procedure.

CONCLUSION

This study shows different kinds of neurosurgical cases but because of a lack of diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, very limited operations were performed and many cases were referred to metropolitan cities. The hospitals in the region need further up-gradation to cater to the presenting burden.

Monkeypox: Potentially another pandemic or a mere hoax?

Monkeypox is a vesicular, pustular illness caused by an orthopox virus. It has remained endemic to the Central and West African regions for the past four decades, with only a few outbreaks outside these regions. It is mainly transmitted by direct skin to skin with an infected individual who has developed pustules. Recently there have been major outbreaks in about fourteen countries of the world, and over nine hundred people have been infected. This short summary gives a review about the epidemiology, history, virulence, symptoms and prevention of Monkeypox, while addressing a major question that the general public has right now: “Will Monkeypox turn into the next global pandemic?”.

Poliomyelitis in Pakistan: Challenges to polio eradication and future prospects

Poliomyelitis is a viral disease that causes acute paralysis, muscle weakness and autonomic dysfunction. It primarily affects children under the age of five. It is mainly transmitted via the feco-oral route, through contaminated water. As of the year 2022, Pakistan remains one of the two countries where polio is still endemic, the other being Afghanistan. Numerous myths and misconceptions regarding the polio vaccine, lack of awareness and proper governance, terrorism and difficult access to remote areas due to poor infrastructure are just some of the reasons why polio remains endemic in Pakistan to this day. Therefore, the government should take measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of health care workers, as well as spread awareness regarding the importance of polio vaccines, while addressing the myths and misconception regarding said vaccines.

Efficacy and Safety of Regimens Used for the Treatment of Multicentric Castleman Disease: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

Treatment options for multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) remain limited. The only FDA-approved drug is siltuximab for idiopathic MCD (iMCD), but the response rate with siltuximab is less than 50%. We performed a systematic review to examine the efficacy and safety of various regimens used for the treatment of MCD.

METHODS

A database search on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Clinicaltrials.gov using the terms "Castleman disease," "treatment outcome" and "patient safety" was done.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Results from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and an extension study highlighted the efficacy and long-term safety of siltuximab for iMCD; other trials showed tocilizumab to be a suitable alternative. A recent trial reported high response rates with thalidomide in iMCD patients. Promising results were reported for bortezomib in relapsed/ refractory MCD. For human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) associated MCD, rituximab along with doxorubicin therapy followed by maintenance with zidovudine and valganciclovir is the most effective therapy. A single-arm trial has highlighted the potential role of tocilizumab in HHV-8 MCD. Data for these regimens are limited and mostly comprise non-randomized trials. Further research on emerging agents could have a major impact on the treatment of this rare disease.

OP0246 TO SCAN OR NOT TO SCAN (BOTH HIPS) – A BRISTOL EXPERIENCE

Background

The current International Society of Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) recommendation for bone densitometry practice is that single hip measurement is sufficient in clinical practice, as there is overall a good correlation between the two hip bone mineral densities (BMD) (1) (2). However, discordance in individual T- scores and BMD between the 2 hips due to increasing age and osteoarthritis (3)-(5) is well recognised.

Objectives

We aimed to identify whether discordant hip BMD values would lead to differences in the FRAX risk assessment score between the two hips, and thereby impact treatment decisions in clinical practice.

Methods

We looked at all DXA scans performed at our centre for 2 months between 23/7/21 and 23/9/21. Cases in which both hips were scanned and anti-resorptive treatment was advised were included in our study. The femoral neck with the lower BMD is used to calculate the FRAX score and this was referred to as the ‘reported’ hip. The FRAX score for ‘reported’ and ‘unreported’ hip were calculated and the T-score of the spine was also noted. Our local treatment threshold is set at 20% for a major osteoporotic fracture and 5% for hip fracture. Cases of difference in scores crossing the 20%/5% FRAX threshold were highlighted and reviewed in more detail.

Results

DXA scans were performed in 328 patients over the 2 month period, of which 201 patients had both of their hips scanned. Of these, 50 patients were advised to start anti-resorptive treatment. The majority of the treatment decisions (60%; 30/50 cases) were based on the hip/femoral neck BMD value, while 40% (20/50 cases) were based on the spine T-score.

Where the treatment decision was based on hip/femoral neck BMD, 20% (6/30 cases) were found to have a FRAX risk above the treatment threshold at one hip only, meaning that treatment may not have been offered if both hips had not been scanned. Similarly, where treatment was advised based on spinal T-scores, 20% (4/20 cases) had a FRAX risk above treatment threshold at one hip only.

Mean age across these 10 cases with a discordant FRAX risk between the two hips was 72 years (range 59 – 83); 80% (8/10) were female. Steroid use and chronic inflammatory co-morbidities were the predominant indications for these DXA Scans.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of patients in our cohort (20%; 10/50) may not have been offered treatment if only one hip was scanned. Scanning both hips does not require much additional time and can help mitigate the risk of undertreating patients. The recommendation for best practice for DXA BMD measurements should be reviewed to consider lumbar spine and dual hip BMD as standard of care.

References

[1]E. Michael Lewiecki, Nelson B. Watts, Michael R. McClung, Steven M. Petak, Laura K. Bachrach, John A. Shepherd, Robert W. Downs, Jr., Official Positions of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 89, Issue 8, 1 August 2004, Pages 3651–3655, https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2004-0124

[2]Rao AD, Reddy S, Rao DS. Is there a difference between right and left femoral bone density? J Clin Densitom. 2000 Spring;3(1):57-61. doi: 10.1385/jcd:3:1:057. PMID: 10745302.

[3]Chen W, Khan Z, Freund J, Pocock N. Dual Hip DXA. Is it Time to Change Standard Protocol? J Clin Densitom. 2021 Jul 24:S1094-6950(21)00060-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jocd.2021.07.006. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34391641.

[4]Mounach A, Rezqi A, Ghozlani I, Achemlal L, Bezza A, El Maghraoui A. Prevalence and Risk Factors of Discordance between Left- and Right-Hip Bone Mineral Density Using DXA. ISRN Rheumatol. 2012;2012:617535. doi: 10.5402/2012/617535. Epub 2012 Jun 17. PMID: 22778990; PMCID: PMC3384949.

[5]Nishizawa K, Harato K, Morishige Y, Kobayashi S, Niki Y, Nagura T. Correlation between weight-bearing asymmetry and bone mineral density in patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis. J Orthop Surg Res. 2021;16(1):102. Published 2021 Feb 2. doi:10.1186/s13018-021-02252-5.

Disclosure of Interests

Aishwarya Anilkumar: None declared, Sadaf Saeed: None declared, Ehsan Elsayed: None declared, Chandrin N. R. Jayatilleke: None declared, Stuart Webber: None declared, Mathew A. Roy Consultant of: Worked as a paid consultant for Kyowa Kirin.

Total body irradiation versus chemotherapy conditioning in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant: A systematic review and meta-analysis

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Background: Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is indicated in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients who have relapsed or are at a very high risk of relapse during first complete remission. Two types of myeloablative conditioning have been employed before HSCT: total body irradiation (TBI) based regimens and chemotherapy alone (CHT). The use of TBI is favorable in adults with ALL, and it has also demonstrated excellent efficacy in the pediatric population. However, the lifelong adverse events of TBI are a substantial concern in younger patients. This study compares the efficacy and safety of TBI and CHT conditioning in pediatric, adolescent and young adult ALL patients (0-24 years old). Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Clinicaltrials.gov from inception to November 25, 2021, using MeSH terms and keywords for ‘acute lymphoblastic leukemia’, ‘whole body irradiation’, ‘child’, ‘adolescent’ and ‘young adult’. Efficacy outcomes considered were overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), and relapse. Safety outcomes were acute (a) and chronic (c) graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and non-relapse mortality/transplant-related mortality (NRM/TRM). Estimates of risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous variables and hazard ratios (HR) for OS and EFS were pooled using a random-effects model in Revman v5.4. Results: The initial search revealed 1544 articles. After excluding reviews, duplicates, and non-relevant articles, we included data from 16 studies (2 randomized controlled trials, 1 non-randomized prospective study and 13 retrospective studies). TBI based and CHT conditioning were evaluated in 4656 and 1500 patients, respectively. The most common TBI and CHT regimens were TBI + cyclophosphamide (Cy) + etoposide (3 studies) and busulfan + Cy (6 studies), respectively. The TBI dose utilised ranged from 8-12 Gy, with 12 Gy being the most common (8 studies). The median age ranged from 4 months to 13.3 years; and the median follow up was 1.2-9.7 years. In comparison with TBI conditioning, CHT alone was associated with significantly worse OS (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.06-2.44; p = 0.03; I2 = 79%), EFS (HR 2.01, 95% CI 1.26-3.20; p = 0.003; I2 = 60%) and risk of relapse (RR 1.44, 95% CI 1.23-1.68; p = 0.00001; I2 = 37%). There was reduced risk of aGVHD with CHT (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.66-0.93; p = 0.006; I2 = 51%), but the difference was not significant when only grade 3-4 aGVHD was considered (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.80-1.27; p = 0.95; I2 = 0%). The two regimens were comparable in terms of risk of cGVHD (RR 0.87, 95%CI 0.64-1.18; p = 0.38; I2 = 43%) and NRM/TRM (RR 1.24, 95% CI 0.99-1.55; p = 0.06; I2 = 66.8%). Conclusions: In pediatric and young adult ALL patients undergoing HSCT, TBI conditioning has better efficacy and similar safety compared to CHT alone.

Impact of COVID-19 on palliative care of cancer patients: Perspectives from Pakistan

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the survival rate and palliative care of cancer patients all over the globe. In Pakistan, there are only a few institutions and organizations which provide specialized facilities for palliative care. During the pandemic, these specialized facilities were further limited. As only less than one percent of people had access to palliative care across Pakistan in the pandemic, the situation can be improved by establishing more such departments, providing telemedicine, increasing social media campaigns, and highlighting the importance of palliative care among cancer patients.

Mucormycosis in hematopoetic stem cell transplant recipients: A systematic review

e19043

Background: Mucormycosis is a life-threatening infection caused by opportunistic fungi belonging to the order Mucorales. High mortality is reported in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients who develop mucormycosis in the post-transplant immunosuppressed state. This study reviews the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of mucormycosis in HSCT recipients. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed and Embase from inception to 5 Jan, 2022 using MeSH terms for 'mucormycosis' and 'hematopoietic stem cell transplantation'. We included case reports, case series and observational studies reporting individual patient data. Summary statistics were calculated for patient characteristics by tabulation and percentages. Hazard ratios were calculated using unconditional Cox proportional hazard models. Data analysis was done using SPSS. Results: The initial search revealed 405 articles. After exclusion of duplicates, reviews and non-relevant articles, data was included from 122 articles (183 patients). The most common sites of infection were lung (36.6%) and rhinocerebrum (7.1%). Disseminated infection occurred in 34 (18.6%) cases. Diagnosis was confirmed using histology, culture or both in 27%, 13% and 34% of cases, respectively. Seven genera of zygomycetes were identified, of which Rhizopus was most common (37.2%). The most common antifungals used were liposomal amphotericin B (LAMB) (74%) and posaconazole (27%). Surgical debridement was employed in 64 (35%) cases. Overall survival was 32% with LAMB and 34% with surgical debridement. Sixteen patients did not receive any therapy; none survived. Mortality was reported in 121 patients (68.4%). Death was attributed to mucormycosis in 84 cases (45.9%). Death attributed to mucormycosis was more frequent in Rhizopus infections (56%) compared to other species (40%, HR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.13-3.15, p < 0.05). Patients who underwent HSCT due to chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) had greater mortality due to mucormycosis (72%) compared to those with other underlying diseases (43%, HR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.26-4.21, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Mucormycosis has high mortality in HSCT recipients. Surgery and LAMB therapy can significantly improve survival. Prospective studies need to be undertaken to identify risk factors for mortality and appropriate treatment strategies. [Table: see text]

Perceived Stress Among Students of Private and Public Sector Medical Colleges of Pakistan: A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction

Medical-education is associated with high overall stress and it is important to identify relevant factors.

Objectives

The study was aimed to discern the differences in perceived stress among the students of public and private medical colleges of Pakistan and to identify factors subservient to any hypothesized difference.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted at different private and public medical colleges of Pakistan using validated tools: PSS-14 (Perceived Stress Scale) to find out the levels of stress faced by each sector and MSSQ (Medical Student Stressor Questionnaire) to determine the factors associated with increased stress.

Results

Total of 424 medical students from various public and private medical colleges of Pakistan (212 each) filled the questionnaires. The mean score +/- SD of PSS-14 was 36.17 ± 6.096 for the public sector and 36.29 ±5.732 for the private sector. Hence, there was no difference between the two comparative means of PSS score, t(422)=-0.213,p=0.831.The results for both sectors were classified as high perceived stress (27-40 score is high perceived stress). Out of 40 individual stress-causing factors in MSSQ, the students from private-sector scored higher as compared to public-sector: Quota System in examination t(422)=-3.951,p=0.000, stress caused by lack of time for friends and family t(422)=-3.225,p=0.001, stress caused by Tests/Examination t(422)=-2.131,p=0.034, stress caused by the parental wish for them to study medicine t(422)=-2.346,p=0.019 and stress caused by fear of getting poor marks t(422)=-2.183,p=0.030.

Conclusions

There exists no overall difference in the perceived-stress among the medical students of public and private medical colleges despite private-sectors having significantly more operational financial resources.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Drinking water quality of various sources in Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat and Swat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan

Abstract The present study involves the chemical and bacteriological analysis of water from different sources i.e., bore, wells, bottle, and tap, from Peshawar, Mardan, Swat and Kohat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, Pakistan. From each district, 50 water samples (10 samples from each source), regardless of urban and rural status, were collected from these sources and analysed for sulphates, nitrates, nitrites, chlorides, total soluble solids and coliforms (E. coli). Results indicated that majority of the water sources had unacceptable E. coli count i.e.> 34 CFU/100mL. E. coli positive samples were high in Mardan District, followed by Kohat, Swat and Peshawar district. Besides this, the some water sources were also chemically contaminated by different inorganic fertilizers (nitrates/nitrites of sodium, potassium) but under safe levels whereas agricultural and industrial wastes (chloride and sulphate compounds) were in unsafe range. Among all districts, the water quality was found comparatively more deteriorated in Kohat and Mardan districts than Peshawar and Swat districts. Such chemically and bacteriologically unfit water sources for drinking and can cause human health problems.

Antibacterial activity of Ricinus communis plant extract against antibiotic resistant Helicobacter pylori and Gluconobacter oxydans isolated from fresh apple juices samples

Bacteria were isolated from samples of Fresh Apple juices from shops of three different localities of Lahore. Analysis of samples from Liberty, Anarkali and Yateem khana Markets show different levels of contamination. There were pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria in all samples and were identified by the morphological and biochemical tests. Most of the plasmids of pathogenic bacteria were 4kb in their molecular size. Ribotyping of 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was done to confirm Helicobacter pylori strain and Gluconobacter oxydans. The highest sensitivity of 210mm was shown by Enterobacter sp. against Aztheromysine disk (15µg) while Micrococcus sp. was highly resistant against all of the Antibiotics applied. The antibiotic resistance of pathogenic bacteria was also checked against Ricinus communis plant's extracts, all isolated bacterial pathogens were resistant but only, E.coli was inhibited at 300µl of the extracts. Presence of pathogenic bacteria in Apple juice samples was due to contamination of sewage water in drinking water while some of these pathogenic bacteria came from Apple's tree and other from store houses of fruits.

Does number of volumes affect regional deformation measurements when using volume stitched 3D speckle tracking?

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Optimal 3D speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) requires volume stitching, a technique prone to errors, such as patient movements, respiration and arrhythmias. With different resolution at different depths (Figure 1A), such errors may cause stitching artefacts that affect STE derived deformation measurements at different levels of the left ventricle.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 62 patients with variable degree of aortic stenosis participated. 3D images were recorded using 3 different methods (2-, 4- and 6-beat volume stitching at 22 ± 2, 29 ± 4 and 36 ± 6 volumes per second, respectively). Strain, rotation and torsion were analyzed at 3 different levels (basal, mid and apical) (Figure 1B). Results were compared using one-way analysis of variance between methods. Inter-segmental variation was estimated using the coefficient of variation (CV) of the segments involved for each level. Results were interpreted as more accurate if low values of inter-segmental variation between segments in a level was present.

Results

Neither longitudinal strain (LS) nor circumferential strain (CS) showed any difference between methods in the basal level (Table 1). LS was higher in mid and apical level for 2-beat, while CS was higher only in apical level for 2-beat.

Inter-segmental CV showed no significant difference between methods for LS and CS. Between levels, both had higher CV in basal than apical level, but CS had much higher values, indicating lower accuracy in basal level.

Rotation measurements showed negative values in basal level and positive in apical level. None of the methods differed significantly. Torsion showed higher values for 2 beat images only.

Conclusion

3D STE from both 4- and 6 beat images have insignificant differences for strain, as well as low inter-segmental variability. LS is accurate in all levels while CS has high accuracy in apical, and poor in basal level. Both rotation and torsion differ insignificantly when using 4- and 6-beat images.

Table 1 Level Mean ± SD ANOVA P CV 2-beat 4-beat 6-beat 2-beat 4-beat 6-beat Longitudinal strain (%) Basal -17.82 ± 4.83 -16.81 ± 4.48 -17.05 ± 3.56 0.402 34.5 34.9 31.5 Mid -16.34 ± 4.30 -14.91 ± 3.62 -14.46 ± 3.53 0.019 31.4 29.9 29.9 Apical -16.80 ± 4.33 -15.06 ± 3.12 -15.09 ± 3.02 0.008 30.6 28.5 24.9 Circumferential strain (%) Basal -12.93 ± 4.42 -14.16 ± 4.21 -13.05 ± 3.24 0.168 106.7 71.7 74.4 Mid -17.59 ± 3.86 -16.73 ± 3.56 -16.98 ± 3.51 0.406 43.0 36.9 30.3 Apical -22.14 ± 6.20 -19.04 ± 4.81 -20.32 ± 5.40 0.008 26.8 29.4 23.4 Abstract Figure 1

Demographic characteristics, aortic valve intervention rates and all-cause mortality in 4 flow-gradient sub-types of severe aortic stenosis

Introduction

Severe aortic stenosis (AS), defined as aortic valve area (AVA) &lt;1.0 cm2, can be divided into 4 categories based on flow status and mean gradient. Stroke volume index &lt;35 ml/m2 has classically been used to define low flow, but recent data suggest that flow rate (FR) &lt;200ml/sec may be a more accurate and robust marker of low flow.

Methods

We prospectively collected demographic, echocardiographic, aortic valve intervention (AVI) and all-cause mortality data on 1562 patients with symptomatic severe AS from 2010 to 2017 with a mean follow up period of 35±22 months. Patients were divided into 4 flow-gradient sub-groups based on a FR threshold of 200ml/s and mean pressure gradient of 40mmHg. Comparative analyses were performed among the 4 groups using analysis of variance.

Results

The prevalence of normal flow high gradient (NFHG) severe AS was 30%, NF low gradient (NFLG) 21%, low flow HG (LFHG) 18% and LFLG 31% (Table). Across these 4 sub-groups, there was a graded reduction in LVEF and FR, and an increase in age and all–cause mortality.

Conclusions

Classification of aortic stenosis based on flow-gradient patterns, shows important differences in the demographic profile and clinical outcome among the 4 groups. Classical NFHG AS was associated with the highest rate of AVI and lowest all-cause mortality compared to the 3 discordant flow-gradient subtypes. The LFLG group had the lowest AVI rates and worst outcome.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

The tricuspid annular peak systolic excursion to systolic pulmonary artery pressure index: association with all-cause mortality in patients with moderate or severe tricuspid regurgitation

Background

In patients with significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) the conventional markers for the assessment of right ventricular (RV) systolic function may be less accurate. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) indexed to systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) (TAPSE/SPAP) may be prognostically useful in pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction.

Objective

Our aim was to explore the prognostic value of TAPSE/SPAP index in patients with moderate or severe TR.

Methods

A total of 209 patients (72±14 years, 56% women) with moderate (n=123) or severe (n=86) TR (primary in 6% and secondary in 94%) were followed up for a median of 80 months (mean 70±33 months). The clinical correlates of TAPSE/SPAP ratio and association with all-cause mortality were assessed.

Results

The TAPSE/SPAP index was inversely correlated with all-cause mortality with an optimal threshold of 0.49 mm/mmHg. A low index was found in 139 (68%) patients and was associated with reduced survival (Figure). In a multivariate Cox regression analysis adjusted for age, smoking, coronary artery disease, left ventricular ejection fraction, right atrium area and mitral valve replacement, low TAPSE/SPAP index was associated with significantly higher hazard ratio of all-cause mortality (HR: 2.0; 95% CI 1.27–3.14, p=0.003). Age, coronary artery disease, left ventricular ejection fraction and right atrium area were other independent predictors of all-cause mortality.

Conclusions

The TAPSE/SPAP index, reflecting RV systolic function in the longitudinal axis corrected for force generating by the RV is a powerful predictor of all-cause mortality in patients with moderate or severe TR.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

The Prevalence of Incidentally Detected Urolithiasis in Subjects Undergoing Computerized Tomography

Background and objective

Urolithiasis is defined as the presence of calculi in the urinary tract. Multiple studies have shown that urinary tract stones are one of the most common incidental findings in medical imaging. These stones are potentially dangerous and can cause severe impairment to renal function if they remain undiagnosed for a long time. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of incidentally detected urolithiasis in patients undergoing abdominopelvic CT scans.

Materials and methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted, which involved 721 patients selected by consecutive non-randomized sampling. The study population included patients who underwent an abdominopelvic CT scan in the radiology department of a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Patients aged below 10 years and those above 90 years were excluded from the study. Patients undergoing kidney, ureter, and bladder (KUB) scan for urolithiasis-associated symptoms and those with already known urolithiasis were also excluded. The data were recorded in a predesigned pro forma and analyzed with SPSS Statistics version 20.00 (IBM, Armonk, NY).

Results

A total of 721 patients underwent an abdominopelvic CT scan during the six months from July to December in the radiology department of the hospital. Out of these, 336 (46.6%) were males, and 385 (53.4%) were females. Incidental stones were found in 20 of these patients. Among these 20 stone formers, 11 were males, and nine were females. Out of them, six had stones in the right kidney, eight in the left kidney, and four patients had bilateral stones. The remaining two patients had stones in their ureters. In most cases, stones were found in lower poles as compared to the mid pole and upper pole of the kidneys.

Conclusion

The prevalence of incidentally detected urolithiasis was found to be 2.8% in this study. Its frequency was much higher in males (3.27%) compared to females (2.33%). Most of the stones were found in the kidneys whereas no stone was detected in the urinary bladder.

AB0736 SEVERITY OF NAIL PSORIASIS SCORE (SNAPS) IS SENSITIVE TO CHANGE IN A COHORT OF PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS TREATED WITH ETANERCEPT

Background:

The Severity of Nail Psoriasis Score (SNAPS; range 0-40: scored one point each for the presence of pitting, onycholysis, hyperkeratosis and/or severe nail disease#in each fingernail) has been utilised to collect data regarding psoriatic nail dystrophy in the Bath Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) Longitudinal cohort for many years. SNAPS has construct validity in PsA with the modified Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (mNAPSI) as a comparator instrument and appears to be more feasible than mNAPSI with excellent reliability1.

Objectives:

We aimed to determine if SNAPS could demonstrate longitudinal sensitivity to change in a cohort of patients treated with biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and therefore be utilized prospectively in observational and clinical trial settings.

Methods:

Patients enrolled in the Bath PsA longitudinal cohort routinely undergo clinical assessments including a 66/68 Swollen and Tender Joint Count (SJC/TJC), Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), Patient Global Assessment (PtGA) and Physician Global Assessment (PhGA), as well as complete patient-reported outcome measures such as the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and Dermatology Quality of Life (Derm-QoL). All patients who commenced treatment with Etanercept and had available outcome data at baseline, 3 months and 6 months were included in this retrospective analysis. Baseline demographics were recorded and paired t-tests were utilized to assess the change in SNAPS at 3 and 6 months. The effect size and measurement error of SNAPS in this cohort were measured. Correlations between SNAPS and other outcome measures were assessed using Pearson’s r.

Results:

Fifty-seven patients (32 male and 25 female) with available data were retrospectively analysed. The mean (±SD) age of the cohort and duration of disease was 61.3 (±11.55) and 13.3 (±10.82) years respectively. The mean SNAPS at baseline was 3.7 (±6.13) and improved to 2.0 (3.74, p=0.018) at 3 months and 1.2 (2.40) at 6 months (p=0.001 for change from baseline and p=0.039 for change from month 3). The smallest detectable difference at 3 months for SNAPS in this cohort was 1.35, representing 3.37% of the range of the score (Table 2). The standardised response mean (SRM) was 0.32 at 3 months and 0.44 at 6 months. There was a modest correlation between the improvement in the SNAPS score and the improvement in PASI and Derm QOL at 3 months (r = 0.511 and 0.558 respectively, p=0.001) and 6 months (r= 0.672, p<0.001 and r=0.510, p=0.003 respectively).

Conclusion:

SNAPS demonstrates sensitivity to change in response to treatment with a bDMARD and could be a potential outcome measure for the assessment of treatment efficacy in prospective studies.

References:

[1]Antony A, Hart D, Cavill C, Korendowych E, McHugh N, Lovell C, Tillett W. The ‘Severity of Nail Psoriasis Score’ (SNAPS) Is Feasible, Reliable and Demonstrates Construct Validity Against the mNAPSI in an Observational Cohort of Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis [abstract].Arthritis Rheumatol.2019; 71 (suppl 10).

Table 1.

Outcomes at Baseline, 3 months and 6 months

Mean (SD) or Median [IQR]Baseline3 Months(p for change from baseline)6 Months(p for change from baseline)PASI (0-72)3.0 (4.80)1.6 (2.12) p=0.011.3 (1.6) p=0.002SNAPS (0-40)3.7 (6.13)2.0 (3.73) p=0.0181.2 (2.39) p=0.001Derm-QoL (0-30)5.7 (7.07)1.95 (3.23) p=0.001 (n=33)1.9(4.72) p=0.037 (n=31)Table 2.

Measurement Error for SNAPS in an Etanercept Cohort

TimeframeStandardised Response MeanStandard Error of MeanSmallest Detectable ChangeSmallest Detectable Change (% of total score)Smallest Detectable DifferenceSmallest Detectable Difference (% of total score)0-3 months0.320.691.914.771.353.370-6 months0.440.742.065.151.463.64

Disclosure of Interests:

Anna Antony: None declared, Sadaf Saeed: None declared, Darren Hart: None declared, Preeti Nair: None declared, Charlotte Cavill: None declared, Eleanor Korendowych: None declared, Neil McHugh: None declared, Christopher Lovell: None declared, William Tillett Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, MSD, Pfizer Inc, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, UCB

AB0735 SEVERITY OF NAIL PSORIASIS SCORE (SNAPS) DEMONSTRATES LONGITUDINAL CONSTRUCT VALIDITY AGAINST THE MODIFIED NAIL PSORIASIS SEVERITY INDEX (mNAPSI) IN AN OBSERVATIONAL COHORT OF PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS

Background:

Longitudinal observational data on psoriatic nail dystrophy is scarce, in part due to the lack of a validated outcome measure that is feasible in routine care. The Severity of Nail Psoriasis Score (SNAPS; range 0-40: scored one point each for the presence of pitting, onycholysis, hyperkeratosis and/or severe nail disease#in each fingernail) has face validity and has recently demonstrated feasibility, reliability and cross-sectional construct validity against the modified Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (mNAPSI; range 0-130)1.

Objectives:

We aimed to assess the longitudinal construct validity of SNAPS against the mNAPSI and physician nail VAS (PhNVAS), and to determine the effect size and measurement error of these tools.

Methods:

Consenting consecutive patients enrolled in the Bath Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) longitudinal cohort underwent photography of their fingernails at baseline1and 6 months alongside routine clinical assessments. Dorsal images of individual fingernails were acquired using a tripod mounted DSLR camera. An angled mirror positioned distally aided identification of hyperkeratosis. Photograps were scored using SNAPS, mNAPSI and PhNVAS1. Paired statistical analyses were conducted to assess for change in scores from baseline to follow-up. Pairwise correlations between change in SNAPS and change in mNAPSI and PhyNVAS were assessed using Spearman’s rho. Effect sizes and measurement error were calculated.

Results:

Fifteen patients with a mean (±SD) age of 54.5 (±10.59) were assessed at 6 months. There was a significant reduction in both the mNAPSI and SNAPS scores (p<0.005), with improvements in the most frequently-observed manifestations1i.e. pitting, onycholysis, hyperkeratosis and crumbling (Table 1). No other feature specific to mNAPSI improved over time. There was no significant change using the PhyNVAS. There was a strong correlation between changes in SNAPS and the mNAPSI (Figure 1; rho = 0.838, p<0.001). The correlation between change in SNAPS and PhyNVAS was not statistically significant (rho =0.45, p=0.095) (Figure 1). The change in mNAPSI correlated moderately with the PhNVAS (rho = 0.540, p=0.038). mNAPSI was superior to SNAPS in most parameters of measurement error (Table 2). The mNAPSI and SNAPS had similar effect sizes as measured by the SRM (Table 2).

Conclusion:

SNAPS demonstrates longitudinal construct validity against the mNAPSI in a small observational cohort of PsA patients as evidenced by a strong correlation between the measures, comparable effect sizes and sensitivity to change over time. Whilst measurement error parameters favored the mNAPSI, SNAPS may be a more feasible measure for studying nail disease in cohort studies.

References:

[1]Antony A, Hart D, Cavill C, Korendowych E, McHugh N, Lovell C, Tillett W. The ‘Severity of Nail Psoriasis Score’ (SNAPS) Is Feasible, Reliable and Demonstrates Construct Validity Against the mNAPSI in an Observational Cohort of Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis [abstract].Arthritis Rheumatol.2019; 71 (suppl 10).

Table 1.

Outcomes at Baseline and at Follow-Up:

OutcomeMean (SD) or Median (IQR) N=15t-test or Wilcoxon Sign Rank test (p-value)BaselineFollow-upSNAPS13.0 [8.00-21.00]5.0 [2.00-11.00]0.002*mNAPSI22.0 [12.00-35.00]6.0 [4.00-15.00]0.001*Physician Nail VAS23.3 (22.90)15.8 (15.22)0.147Physician Global VAS18.0 [10.75-32.75]15.0 [10.00-30.00]0.455Table 2.

Measurement error of SNAPS, mNAPSI, PtNVAS and PhyNVAS

SRMSEMSDCSDC % (% of total score)SDDSDD% (% of total score)SNAPS1.151.716.7216.793.368.40mNAPSI1.153.5113.7410.576.875.29Physician Nail VAS0.404.7118.4714.219.237.10Figure 1.

Correlation between changes in SNAPS and changes in mNAPSI

Disclosure of Interests:

Anna Antony: None declared, Sadaf Saeed: None declared, Darren Hart: None declared, Preeti Nair: None declared, Charlotte Cavill: None declared, Eleanor Korendowych: None declared, Neil McHugh: None declared, Christopher Lovell: None declared, William Tillett Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, MSD, Pfizer Inc, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, UCB

1250 Agrypnia Excitata in a Patient with Paraneoplastic Autoimmune Encephalitis

Introduction

Agrypnia Excitata (AE) is a syndrome characterized by loss of sleep with permanent motor and autonomic hyper activation. This case describes this peculiar syndrome in a patient with paraneoplastic autoimmune encephalitis.

Report of Case

DG is a 35 yr old male with a history of anti-Ma2 limbic encephalitis secondary to cystic teratoma of the left testis diagnosed 6 months prior to presenting in Sleep Clinic. His parents described significant sleep disturbances including short sleep and wake periods throughout the day and night with no apparent pattern, acting out dreams, motor activity during sleep including pulling at his clothes or using his hands to manipulate invisible objects. Additionally they described low-grade fevers, and severe hyperphagia. Polysomnogram showed absence of slow-wave sleep and what appeared to be an admixture of stage 1 non-rapid eye movement (NREM) with rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep. Multiple sleep-latency testing (MSLT) demonstrated a mean sleep latency of 5.2 minutes and four sleep-onset REM periods (SOREMPs). Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed persistent inflammation of the mesial temporal lobes and hippocampal region. Cerebral spinal fluid testing showed persistent anti-Ma2 antibodies. Based on this clinical presentation we made a diagnosis of Agrypnia Excitata.

Conclusion

Agrypnia Excitata is a syndrome characterized by loss of the normal sleep-wake rhythm. Sleep consists of the disappearance of spindle-delta activities, and persistent stage 1 NREM sleep mixed with recurrent episodes of REM sleep. The second hallmark of AE is persistent motor and autonomic hyperactivity observed during wake and sleep. AE has been described in three distinct clinical syndromes: Morvan Syndrome (autoimmune encephalitis), Fatal Familial Insomnia, and Delirium tremens. The pathogenesis of AE consists of intra-limbic disconnection releasing the hypothalamus and brainstem reticular formation from cortico-limbic inhibitory control. In autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies that act on voltage-gated potassium channels within the limbic system have been implicated in the pathophysiology.

Phlebotomy resulting in controlled hypovolaemia to prevent blood loss in major hepatic resections (PRICE-1): a pilot randomized clinical trial for feasibility

BACKGROUND

Major liver resection is associated with blood loss and transfusion. Observational data suggest that hypovolaemic phlebotomy can reduce these risks. This feasibility RCT compared hypovolaemic phlebotomy with the standard of care, to inform a future multicentre trial.

METHODS

Patients undergoing major liver resections were enrolled between June 2016 and January 2018. Randomization was done during surgery and the surgeons were blinded to the group allocation. For hypovolaemic phlebotomy, 7-10 ml per kg whole blood was removed, without intravenous fluid replacement. Co-primary outcomes were feasibility and estimated blood loss (EBL).

RESULTS

A total of 62 patients were randomized to hypovolaemic phlebotomy (31) or standard care (31), at a rate of 3·1 patients per month, thus meeting the co-primary feasibility endpoint. The median EBL difference was -111 ml (P = 0·456). Among patients at high risk of transfusion, the median EBL difference was -448 ml (P = 0·069). Secondary feasibility endpoints were met: enrolment, blinding and target phlebotomy (mean(s.d.) 7·6(1·9) ml per kg). Blinded surgeons perceived that parenchymal resection was easier with hypovolaemic phlebotomy than standard care (16 of 31 versus 10 of 31 respectively), and guessed that hypovolaemic phlebotomy was being used with an accuracy of 65 per cent (20 of 31). There was no significant difference in overall complications (10 of 31 versus 15 of 31 patients), major complications or transfusion. Among those at high risk, transfusion was required in two of 15 versus three of nine patients (P = 0·326).

CONCLUSION

Endpoints were met successfully, but no difference in EBL was found in this feasibility study. A multicentre trial (PRICE-2) powered to identify a difference in perioperative blood transfusion is justified. Registration number: NCT02548910 ( http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

P2650Antihypertensive treatment with calcium channel blockers in patients with moderate or severe aortic stenosis: relationship with all-cause mortality

Background

Hypertension is prevalent in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and optimal blood pressure (BP) control is advised to reduce arterial load and avoid cardiovascular events. Whether calcium channel blockers (CCB) are safe is not known.

Methods

A total of 314 patients (age 65±12 y, 68% men) with moderate or severe asymptomatic AS were included.

Results

The prevalence of hypertension was 73.6%, and 65% took antihypertensive treatment. Patients who used a CCB (25%) (CCB+) were older, had higher clinic systolic BP, were more likely to have hypercholesterolemia and coronary artery disease (CAD), and to use a diuretic or alpha blocker compared to CCB- patients (all p<0.05) (Table). During the baseline ETT, patients who used a CCB achieved a lower peak heart rate, a shorter exercise time and were more likely to have a blunted BP response compared to those who did not use a CCB (all p<0.05) (Table). Event-free survival was significantly lower in CCB+ than CCB- patients (Fig) (all-cause mortality 16 [20.3%] versus 13 (5.6%); p<0.001). In a multivariable Cox regression model, CCB+ was associated with a 6.8-fold increased hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality (HR 6.77 95% CI 1.66–27.54, p=0.008), independent of age, gender, systolic BP, hypertension, diabetes, CAD, hypercholesterolemia and aortic valve area.

Table 1. Baseline characteristics of patients CCB− (n=234) CCB+ (n=80) p Age, y 64±12 70±10 <0.001 CAD, % 45 66 0.006 Hypercholesterolemia, % 62 78 0.015 Clinic systolic BP, mmHg 139±19 150±17 <0.001 Left atrial diameter, cm 3.7±0.7 3.9±0.6 0.007 LV end-diastolic diameter, cm 4.5±0.7 4.8±0.6 0.002 LV mass index, g/m2.7 50±17 57±17 0.007 Aortic valve area, cm2 0.94±0.22 0.93±0.22 0.716 LV stroke work, g-m/bmp 155±46 175±69 0.046 Peak HR at baseline ETT, bmp 138±24 120±25 <0.001 Blunted BP response, % 33 49 0.013 Exercise duration, min 10.1±4.5 8.3±3.7 0.001 Double Product, mmHg·bmp 1.85±0.43 2.08±0.54 <0.001

Figure 1

Conclusion

The use of calcium channel blockers was associated with an adverse effect on treadmill exercise and reduced survival in apparently asymptomatic patients with moderate or severe AS.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

P1497Reversible exercise-induced left ventricular dysfunction in symptomatic patients with previous Takotsubo syndrome - Insights from exercise echocardiography

Introduction

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute heart failure syndrome usually associated with rapid and spontaneous recovery of left ventricular (LV) function. However, approximately 10% of patients have persistent symptoms and seek further medical advice.

Purpose

To determine the cardiovascular haemodynamic and LV contractile response to exercise in these TTS survivors with ongoing symptoms.

Methods

This was a case-control study of 20 symptomatic patients with previous TTS referred for treadmill exercise echocardiography (EE), and 20 age-, sex- and ethnicity-matched control subjects with normal treadmill EE. Among the TTS group, EE was performed at a median of 8 months (mean 17±21 months) following the index event. Demographic characteristics, resting and EE data were collected. LV ejection fraction (EF) was measured at rest and peak stress. Global longitudinal and circumferential strain (GLS, GCS) were measured at rest.

Results

All 20 TTS patients were Caucasian postmenopausal females (mean age 63.5±6.6 years). There were no significant differences in body mass index (BMI), resting heart rate (HR) and the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors compared to controls. Resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) were higher in TTS patients (144±17 mmHg versus 128±18 mmHg, and 81±10 mmHg versus 74±9 mmHg, respectively). A comparative analysis of the resting and stress echo data is given in Table 1. The stress echo data showed similar exercise time and peak HR, but higher peak SBP in TTS patients. TTS patients had blunted contractile response to exercise with lower peak LVEF, ΔLVEF (exercise minus resting EF) and peak wall motion score index (WMSI) compared to controls. Among the 20 TTS patients, 12 had exercise-induced wall motion abnormalities: 6 involved the apical segments and 6 developed global dysfunction. In these 12 patients, the mean ΔLVEF was reduced (4%). In the other 8 patients, the ΔLVEF was 16% and pooled the TTS cohort had blunted contractile response with exercise compared to controls (ΔLVEF 8% vs. 19% in the control group, p=0.001).

Table 1

Conclusions

Our study shows that symptomatic patients with previous TTS have a blunted contractile response to exercise manifest as reversible apical or global LV dysfunction. These findings might indicate the need for treatment. Further systematic investigation of the therapeutic and prognostic implications of this reversible exercise-induced myocardial dysfunction is needed.

Effect of fitness on cardiac structure and function in overweight and obesity (the FATCOR study)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Obesity is associated with reduced left ventricular (LV) systolic myocardial function. We aimed to explore by means of a cross-sectional study whether this effect is offset in the presence of good fitness.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied clinical and echocardiographic data from 469 overweight (body mass index [BMI] >27 kg/m²) and obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) women and men without known cardiovascular (CV) disease in the FAT associated CardiOvasculaR dysfunction (FATCOR) study. The participants were grouped according to obesity and sex- and age adjusted peak oxygen uptake, obtained by ergospirometry. LV systolic myocardial function was assessed by peak systolic global longitudinal strain (GLS) measured by speckle tracking echocardiography. The association of fitness with GLS was tested in logistic regression analyses and reported as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). In the total study population, participants were 47 years old, 60% were women, and mean BMI was 32.0 kg/m². GLS did not differ between fit and unfit subjects within the overweight and obese groups (both p > 0.05), but the overweight fit group had higher GLS (more negative value) compared to the obese unfit group (-20.1 ± 2.6 vs. -19.0 ± 3.0, p < 0.05). In obese subjects, fitness was associated with higher GLS (OR 0.88 [95% CI 0.79-0.99, p < 0.05) in multivariable logistic regression analysis, independent of significant associations with higher arterial stiffness and lower fat percentage (all p < 0.05). In the overweight group, fitness was not significantly associated with GLS.

CONCLUSION

In obesity, fitness was independently associated with higher GLS, while no association was found in overweight.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.govNCT02805478.

P41 Endoscopy in cerebellopontine angle lesions: feasibility and technical considerations

Objectives

To define selection criteria and describe technique nuances for the use of endoscopy in surgery for cerebello-pontine angle (CPA) lesions.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Subjects

Patients undergoing CPA lesion resection were selected for endoscope-assisted and/or endoscope-guided lesion resection.

Methods

CPA interventions without mass lesions were excluded. 10 CPA lesions were identified pre-operatively for intra-operative endoscopic use across two neurosurgical centres. We describe equipment and technique selection.

Results

10 cases were selected over a one year period. Histology revealed 3 vestibular schwannomas (VS) (30%), 1 cyst (10%), 3 epidermoids (30%), 3 meningiomata (30%). Three cases were planned and carried out fully endoscopically (including two VS and the cyst) based on patient factors and favourable anatomy. Four cases were carried out with endoscopic assistance. The endoscope was used in three cases for anatomical orientation ‘around the corner’ only. Techniques and equipment vary depending on surgical aims, surgical anatomy and working area. Tips and pitfalls are identified and described.

Conclusions

Endoscopy can be applied safely in CPA pathologies, as an alternative to the operating microscope for highly selected cases, or as an adjunct for specific surgical steps, especially when microscope optics do not allow angled visualisation. It is particularly useful in identifying lesion residuum and ‘working around the corner’. High level training is required before applying endoscopy to the CPA.

Abstract P3-03-10: Pre-operative lymphoscintigraphy for sentinel lymph node localisation: Is it necessary?

Introduction

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has replaced lymph node clearance for staging of the axilla in patients with early invasive breast cancer and no evidence of lymph node involvement on ultrasound or needle biopsy. It is recommended that a dual technique, using isotope and blue dye, is used to locate the sentinel lymph node (SLN) intra-operatively. Often, at the time of radioisotope injection, a lymphoscintigram (nuclear medicine scan) is obtained to demonstrate the 'hot' sentinel lymph node with or without skin marking of its anatomical position.

Performing a lymphoscintigram adds time and cost to the localisation process. In our centre, this investigation costs £899-999 (˜US $1180-1300).

Aims

The aim of this study is to find out whether obtaining a pre-operative lymphoscintigram aids the surgeon in the localisation of the SLN or affects the number of sentinel lymph nodes biopsied in the axillary staging of patients with early invasive breast cancer.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective study of patients who underwent SLNB for breast cancer in our hospital Trust between March 2012 and November 2017. We identified those patients who had a lymphoscintigram performed pre-operatively for SLN localisation. We recorded the number of SLNs identified on imaging and compared this with the number of SLNs biopsied during the operation.

Results

349 patients underwent 354 SLNBs during the study period. One patient was male, the remainders were female. The mean age of patients was 57.2 years (range 25 to 98 years).

In 295 (83.3%) cases, a lymphoscintigram was obtained prior to SLNB for node localisation, and 268 (90.8%) of these scans were able to identify one or more SLNs. In 173 (58.6%) scans, a single SLN was identified. In 27 (9.1%) scans it was either unclear how many SLNs were demonstrated or no SLNs were seen (16/295 no SLN identified, 11/295 unclear how many SLNs).

In 102 (34.6%) cases, the number of SLNs biopsied matched the number of SLNs identified on imaging. Of those that did not match, 76.2% had more and 15.0% fewer SLNs excised than shown on imaging. In 8.8% it was unknown if the number of SLNs matched that seen on imaging due to lack of histopathology results.

Conclusion

Lymphoscintigraphy for SLN localisation is costly and time consuming. In a high proportion of cases, number of SLNs identified on imaging does not match the number biopsied and thus, we suggest, that it is not required prior to SLNB and should be removed from practice.

Citation Format: Clark SL, Yilmaz D, Arun K, Javadzadeh S, Saeed S, Ullah MZ. Pre-operative lymphoscintigraphy for sentinel lymph node localisation: Is it necessary? [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-03-10.

Sex differences in subclinical cardiac disease in overweight and obesity (the FATCOR study)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Subclinical cardiac disease, like abnormal left ventricular (LV) geometry or left atrial (LA) dilatation, is common in obesity. Less is known about sex differences in the prevalence and type of subclinical cardiac disease in obesity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Clinical and echocardiographic data from 581 women and men without established cardiovascular disease and body mass index (BMI) > 27.0 kg/m² participating in the FAT associated CardiOvasculaR dysfunction (FATCOR) study was analyzed. LA dilatation was recognized as LA volume indexed for height² ≥16.5 ml/m² in women and ≥18.5 ml/m² in men, and abnormal LV geometry as LV hypertrophy and/or increased relative wall thickness. On average, the participants were 48 years old, 60% women and mean BMI was 32.1 kg/m². Overall, the prevalence of subclinical cardiac disease was higher in women than men (77% vs. 62%, p < 0.001). Women had a higher prevalence of LA dilatation than men (74% vs. 56%, p < 0.001), while men had a higher prevalence of abnormal LV geometry (30% vs. 21%, p = 0.011). After adjusting for confounders in multivariable logistic regression analysis, female sex was associated with a 2-fold higher risk of subclinical cardiac disease, in particular LA dilatation (confidence interval [CI] 1.67-3.49, p < 0.001), while male sex was associated with a 2-fold higher risk of abnormal LV geometry (CI 1.30-3.01, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The majority of overweight and obese participants in the FATCOR study had subclinical cardiac disease, which may contribute to the impaired prognosis observed in obesity. Women had a higher prevalence of subclinical cardiac disease than men.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.govNCT02805478.