Comparison of postural ergonomics between laparoscopic and robotic sacrocolpopexy: a pilot study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To compare resident, fellow, and attending urologic and gynecologic surgeons' musculoskeletal and mental strain during laparoscopic and robotic sacrocolpopexy.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

SETTING

Academic medical center.

PATIENTS

Patients who underwent robotic or laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy from October 2009 to January 2011.

INTERVENTIONS

The Body Part Discomfort (BPD) survey was completed before cases, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index and BPD survey were completed after cases. Higher scores on BPD and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index indicate greater musculoskeletal discomfort and mental strain. BPD scores were averaged over the following body regions: head/neck, back, hand/wrist, arms, and knees/ankles/feet. Changes in body region-specific discomfort scores were the primary outcomes.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Multivariable analysis was performed using mixed-effects linear regression with surgeon as a random effect. Sixteen surgeons participated (53% fellows, 34% residents, and 13% attendings). Thirty-three robotic and 53 laparoscopic cases were analyzed, with a median surgical time of 231 minutes (interquartile range, 204-293 minutes) versus 227 minutes (interquartile range, 203-272 minutes; p = .31), a median estimated blood loss of 100 mL (interquartile range, 50-175 mL) versus 150 mL (interquartile range, 50-200 mL; p = .22), and a mean patient body mass index of 27 ± 4 versus 26 ± 4 kg/m(2) (p = .26), respectively. Robotic surgeries were associated with lower neck/shoulder (-0.19 [interquartile range, -0.32 to -0.01], T = -2.49) and back discomfort scores (-0.35 [interquartile range, -0.58 to 0], T = -2.38) than laparoscopic surgeries. Knee/ankle/foot and arm discomfort increased with case length (0.18 [interquartile range, 0.02-0.3], T = 2.81) and (0.07 [interquartile range, 0.01-0.14], p = .03), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Surgeons performing minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy experienced less neck, shoulder, and back discomfort when surgery was performed robotically.

What women want: lead considerations for current and future applications of noninvasive prenatal testing in prenatal care

BACKGROUND

Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) will change the delivery of prenatal care for all women, including those considered low risk for fetal chromosomal abnormalities. This study investigated pregnant women's attitudes, informational needs, and decision-making preferences with respect to current and future applications of NIPT.

METHODS

A survey instrument was used to identify aspects of the decision-making process for NIPT among low-risk and high-risk populations.

RESULTS

Both low-risk and high-risk women (n = 334) expressed interest in incorporating NIPT as a screening test into their prenatal care. Information specific to NIPT's detection rate (86%), indications (77%), and performance in comparison with conventional screens and diagnostic tests (63%) were identified as lead factors when considering its use. The future availability of NIPT as a diagnostic test increased women's willingness to undergo testing for fetal aneuploidy, cancer susceptibility, and childhood-onset and adult-onset diseases. Despite its noninvasive aspects, participants expressed the need for a formal informed consent process (71%) to take place before testing.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that NIPT will introduce new challenges for pregnant women and their health care practitioners who will be charged with supporting informed decision making about its use. It is critical that obstetric professionals are prepared to facilitate a patient-centered decision-making process as its clinical application rapidly changes.

Association between immune-associated disorders and adverse outcomes of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

OBJECTIVES

Autoimmune disorders (ADs) frequently coexist with inflammatory bowel disease. The aim of the study was to determine whether coexisting AD in patients with ileal pouches increases the risk for chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis (CARP) and other inflammatory conditions of the pouch.

METHODS

A total of 622 patients seen in our Pouchitis Clinic were enrolled. We compared the prevalence of adverse outcomes of the pouch (including CARP, Crohn's disease of the pouch, and pouch failure) in patients with or without concurrent AD and assessed the factors for these adverse outcomes.

RESULTS

There were seven pouch disease categories: normal (N=60), irritable pouch syndrome (N=112), active pouchitis (N=131), CARP (N=67), Crohn's disease (N=131), cuffitis (N=83), surgical complications (N=36), and anismus (N=2). The prevalence of AD in these pouch disease categories was 4.5%, 12.5%, 9.2%, 13.4%, 10.7%, 3.8%, 1.5%, and 0%, respectively. The presence of at least one AD at time of pouch surgery was shown to be associated with a twofold increase in the risk for CARP (hazard ratio=2.29; 95% CI: 1.52, 3.46; P<0.001) and for pouch-associated hospitalization (hazard ratio=2.39; 95% CI: 1.59, 3.58; P<0.001). The presence of AD was not associated with increased risk for irritable pouch syndrome, active pouchitis, Crohn's disease, cuffitis, surgical complications, or pouch failure. Patients with Crohn's disease of the pouch had a 2.42 times higher risk for pouch failure (P=0.042) than these without. Active smoking or a history of smoking was shown to be associated with an increased risk for pouch-associated hospitalization and pouch failure.

CONCLUSIONS

AD appears to be associated with an increased risk for CARP, and the presence of the association between these AD and pouch disorders may stimulate further research on the link of these organ systems on an immunological basis.

Diagnostic characteristics of late-night salivary cortisol using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to describe the diagnostic performance of a commercially available late-night salivary cortisol (NSC) assay using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified 90 patients who had one or more NSC determinations: 52 patients in whom Cushing syndrome (CS) was excluded or could not be confirmed [group 1 (G1)] and 38 patients in whom CS was confirmed [group 2 (G2)]. Eighteen healthy volunteers served as controls.

RESULTS

Baseline demographics in all groups were similar with regards to age, ethnicity, gender, and body mass index. NSC levels [median (range)] were higher in G2, 381 (64-13,500) ng/dl [10.51 (1.77-372.46) nmol/liter], compared with controls, 19.3 (2.1-416) ng/dl [0.53 (0.06-11.48) nmol/liter], and G1, 26 (4-176) ng/dl [0.72 (0.11-4.86) nmol/liter, P < 0.001]. The highest combined sensitivity (92%) and specificity (92%) was achieved at a cut point of 107 ng/dl (2.95 nmol/liter). Two or more NSCs were done in 32 of 52 G1 and 31 of 38 G2 patients. In G1 eight of 32 (25%) had at least one elevated [>100 ng/dl (2.76 nmol/liter)] NSC including two in whom both NSCs were elevated. In contrast, four of 31 (13%) in G2 had at least one normal NSC including one with four of five normal NSC values. None of the patients with CS had a NSC less than 60 ng/dl (<1.66 nmol/liter). Comparing G1 and G2, obtaining more than one saliva sample did not improve the diagnostic accuracy of NSC measurement (P = 0.64).

CONCLUSION

The liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry assay to measure NSC is a simple and reliable test to screen patients suspected to have CS. Clinicians should be aware of appropriate cutoff values for proper interpretation of NSC and use additional tests when necessary.

A phase II trial of paclitaxel, carboplatin, and bevacizumab in advanced and recurrent endometrial carcinoma (EMCA)

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of adding bevacizumab to adjuvant paclitaxel and carboplatin and as maintenance on progression-free survival (PFS) in advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma (EMCA).

METHODS

A phase II trial was conducted in patients with measurable disease. Paclitaxel (175mg/m(2)/3h), carboplatin (AUC 5) and bevacizumab (15mg/kg) were administered q 21 days. Patients with a complete response after 6-8cycles received maintenance therapy with bevacizumab 15mg/kg q 21 days for 16cycles. Based on GOG 177 which had a 6-month PFS rate of 59%, an increase in 6-month PFS to 72% with the treatment regimen was considered of clinical interest.

RESULTS

15 patients were enrolled on protocol when accrual to the study was discontinued due to the initiation of a national randomized phase II trial. A total of 127 courses (median 8, range 1-20) of carboplatin, paclitaxel, and bevacizumab combination therapy were administered. One patient suffered a bowel perforation after her first course of therapy and was inevaluable for response. Fourteen of the 15 patients (93%, 95% CI: 82-100) were progression free at 6months. The median follow-up was 36months (7-58+). The median PFS was 18months (CI: 11-25). Five complete responses and 6 partial responses were seen for an overall response rate of 73% (CI: 45-91). The median overall survival was 58months (CI: 48-68).

CONCLUSIONS

The bevacizumab, paclitaxel, and carboplatin regimen is active and tolerable in advanced and recurrent EMCA. Its impact awaits results of the recently completed randomized phase II trial.

Rasagiline for the symptomatic treatment of fatigue in Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

Fatigue affects 40% to 50% of all PD patients and is a leading cause of disability, with no clearly established or efficacious established treatments.

METHODS

In this double-blinded, placebo-controlled, pilot trial, we investigated whether rasagiline improved fatigue among PD patients. Subjects were randomized to 1 mg daily of rasagiline or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was a change in the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale from baseline to week 12.

RESULTS

Thirty PD subjects (16 men), with Modified Fatigue Impact Scale baseline score of 67 ± 15, were randomized (16 to rasagiline vs. 14 to placebo). Significant improvement was noted in the mean Modified Fatigue Impact Scale score of the rasagiline group (12 points) as compared to placebo (8.5 points) from baseline to week 12 (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

In this pilot study, rasagiline at a dose of 1 mg per day improved fatigue. Larger randomized studies are needed to confirm this finding.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's): impact of maintenance therapy duration

To determine outcomes in relation to duration of maintenance therapy in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) (GPA), we conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with GPA seen at a single vasculitis center from 1992 to 2010. All patients achieved remission defined by a Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score for Wegener Granulomatosis (BVAS/WG) of 0 with either cyclophosphamide or methotrexate. After achieving remission all patients were started on maintenance therapy with either methotrexate or azathioprine.The study comprised 157 patients with a median follow-up of 3.1 years. Using a univariate model, the continuation of maintenance medications for >18 months showed a 29% reduction in hazard ratio (HR) for relapse (HR, 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42-1.19; p = 0.19). Treatment for >36 months showed a 66% reduction in hazard ratio for relapse (HR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.15-0.76; p = 0.008). When length of treatment was considered as a continuous factor, longer courses had an inverse relationship with the risk of relapse (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.58-0.84; p < 0.001), which remained significant after adjusting for prednisone dose (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.42-0.83; p = 0.003). Fifty-two percent of relapses occurred while the patients were off maintenance therapy. Among all patients who relapsed on therapy, 52% of those receiving methotrexate were on <15 mg/week, and 67% of those receiving azathioprine were on ≤ 50 mg/d. There were no differences between the short- and long-term maintenance therapy groups in overall adverse events or GPA-related morbidity.Discontinuation or use of low doses of maintenance therapy is associated with a higher relapse rate.

Comparison of Long-Term Fertility and Bleeding Outcomes after Robotic-Assisted, Laparoscopic, and Abdominal Myomectomy

Background/Aims. To compare long-term fertility and bleeding outcomes of women who underwent robotic-assisted, laparoscopic, and abdominal myomectomy at our institution over a 15-year period. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study of myomectomy patients 18-39 years old that had surgery between January 1995 and December 2009 at our institution. Long-term follow-up on fertility and bleeding outcomes was collected from the patient directly. The uterine fibroid symptom and quality of life survey was also administered to assess current bleeding patterns. Baseline characteristics were compared across groups. Univariable comparisons of fertility and bleeding outcomes based on surgical approach were made using analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis analysis of ranks, and Chi-square tests as appropriate. Results. 134/374 (36%) subjects agreed to participate in the study. 81 subjects underwent an open procedure versus 28 and 25 subjects in the laparoscopic and robotic groups, respectively. Median follow-up after surgery was 8 years. 50% of patients desired pregnancy following surgery and, of those, 60% achieved spontaneous pregnancy; the spontaneous pregnancy rate did not differ between groups. Additionally, UFS-QOL scores and/or subscores did not differ between groups. Conclusion. There is no significant difference in long-term bleeding or fertility outcomes in robotic-assisted, laparoscopic, or abdominal myomectomy.

Oxidative cell injury as a predictor of endometriosis progression

BACKGROUND

There is increasing evidence that oxidative stress is one of the key factors for progression of endometriosis. In this prospective controlled trial, we measured 6 different biomarkers of oxidative stress targeting protein, lipid, and DNA to quantify the severity and progression of endometriosis and establish a diagnostic marker for the disease.

METHODS

A total of 62 consecutive patients were identified and enrolled in this study. After exclusion criteria, 44 patients were allocated to 3 groups: stage I/II (n = 14), stage III/IV (n = 16), and a control group (n = 14). The levels of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (OGG1), protein carbonyl (PC), lipid peroxidation (LPO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were accessed in peritoneal fluid and tissue.

RESULTS

Significantly higher levels of 8-OHdG and PC were seen in patients with endometriosis, in addition OGG1 expression was found to be significantly lower in patients with endometriosis (P < .001, P = .001, P = .033, respectively); ROS, TAC, and LPO were similar in stages I/II, stages III/IV, and control group. A predictive model was built using multivariable analyses and receiver-operating characteristics curves. The ability to predict and distinguish between patients without endometriosis, stage I/II endometriosis, and stage III/IV was very high. This model was highly discriminatory and had a concordance index of 0.87.

CONCLUSION

In this cohort, higher DNA damage and lower DNA repair activity was related to endometriosis progression. Our results indicate that oxidative stress as a biomarker of cell injury can be used as a reliable quantitative test of endometriosis severity.

Myocardial scar burden predicts survival benefit with implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation in patients with severe ischaemic cardiomyopathy: influence of gender

Objective

We sought to assess the impact of myocardial scar burden (MSB) on the association between implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation and mortality in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and left ventricular EF ≤40%. In addition, we sought to determine the impact of gender on survival benefit with ICD implantation.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

Single US tertiary care centre.

Patients

Consecutive patients with significant ICM who underwent delayed hyperenhancement-MRI between 2002 and 2006.

Interventions

ICD implantation.

Main outcome measures

All-cause mortality and cardiac transplantation.

Results

Follow-up of 450 consecutive patients, over a mean of 5.8 years, identified 186 deaths. Cox proportional hazard modelling was used to evaluate associations among MSB, gender and ICD with respect to all-cause death as the primary endpoint. ICDs were implanted in 163 (36%) patients. On multivariable analysis, Scar% (χ² 28.21, p<0.001), Gender (χ² 12.39, p=0.015) and ICD (χ² 9.57, p=0.022) were independent predictors of mortality after adjusting for multiple parameters. An interaction between MSB×ICD (χ² 9.47, p=0.009) demonstrated significant differential survival with ICD based on MSB severity. Additionally, Scar%×ICD×Gender (χ² 6.18, p=0.048) suggested that men with larger MSB had significant survival benefit with ICD, but men with smaller MSB derived limited benefit with ICD implantation. However, the inverse relationship was found in women.

Conclusions

MSB is a powerful independent predictor of mortality in patients with and without ICD implantation. In addition, MSB may predict gender-based significant differences in survival benefit from ICDs in patients with severe ICM.

Clinical characteristics and prediction of pulmonary hypertension in severe emphysema

BACKGROUND

We explored the prevalence, clinical and physiologic correlates of pulmonary hypertension (PH), and screening strategies in patients with severe emphysema evaluated for the National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT).

METHODS

Patients undergoing Doppler echocardiography (DE) and right heart catheterization were included. Patients with mean pulmonary arterial pressure ≥ 25 mmHg (PH Group) were compared to the remainder (non-PH Group).

RESULTS

Of 797 patients, 302 (38%) had PH and 18 (2.2%) had severe PH. Compared to the non-PH Group, patients with PH had lower % predicted FEV1 (p < 0.001), % predicted diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (p = 0.006), and resting room air PaO2 (p < 0.001). By multivariate analysis, elevated right ventricular systolic pressure, reduced resting room air PaO2, reduced post-bronchodilator % predicted FEV1, and enlarged pulmonary arteries on computed tomographic scan were the best predictors of PH. A strategy using % predicted FEV1, % predicted DLCO, PaO2, and RVSP was predictive of the presence of pre-capillary PH and was highly predictive of its absence.

CONCLUSIONS

Mildly elevated pulmonary artery pressures are found in a significant proportion of patients with severe emphysema. However, severe PH is uncommon in the absence of co-morbidities. Simple non-invasive tests may be helpful in screening patients for pre-capillary PH in severe emphysema but none is reliably predictive of its presence.

Meeting patients' education and decision-making needs for first trimester prenatal aneuploidy screening

OBJECTIVE

First trimester aneuploidy screening introduces unique challenges to patient education and informed decision-making. Our study assessed the decision-making process among those pregnant patients presenting for this new form of aneuploidy screening.

METHOD

A survey instrument was used to assess components of decision-making among women who presented for first trimester aneuploidy screening. Knowledge and leading factors in the decision-making process were measured.

RESULTS

Participants (n = 139) demonstrated understanding of the etiology of Down syndrome, but less understanding of its cognitive (65.2%) and physical manifestations (58.7%). Few were able to determine risk from first trimester screen results (36.7%). Participants were more familiar with amniocentesis (84.2%) than chorionic villus sampling (73.4%), though less familiar with procedural risks (29.5% and 28.1%, respectively). The majority of participants ranked the following as key information in their decision: knowledge of their intentions about the outcome of the pregnancy based on the test results (92.4%), knowledge of chorionic villus sampling to evaluate an abnormal result (92.0%), and values and beliefs about termination (89.1%).

CONCLUSION

First trimester aneuploidy screening generates education and decision-making benchmarks for patients and providers. It is important to address these barriers as this new screen becomes a growing part of current prenatal genetic testing offerings.

Bowel Preparations Administered the Morning of Colonoscopy Provide Similar Efficacy to a Split Dose Regimen: A Meta Analysis

BACKGROUND

Comparative efficacy of same-day bowel preparations for colonoscopy remains unclear.

AIMS

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy of same-day versus split dose bowel preparations for colonoscopy.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, clinicaltrials.gov, Cochrane Registry, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Web of Science and CINAHL. Studies were gathered using keywords: "morning preparation", "morning bowel preparation", "same day bowel preparation", and "colonoscopy." Pooled estimates of bowel preparation quality were analyzed among studies with categorical and continuous outcomes according to relative risk (RR) or mean difference (MD). A random effects model was chosen a priori for all analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 1216 studies were retrieved with 15 trials meeting inclusion criteria. The categorical outcome of high quality bowel preparation for any same-day bowel preparation versus any split preparation was no different with a RR 0.95 [0.90;1.00] (P=0.62). Adenoma detection rate (ADR) was not different between groups, RR 0.97 [0.79;1.20] (P=0.81). Willingness to repeat and tolerability did not differ (RR 1.14 [0.96,1.36] (P=0.14) and RR 1.00 [0.96;1.04] (P=0.98), respectively. Adverse events were similar except for bloating, which was less frequent among the same-day preparation group, RR 0.68 [0.40;0.94] (P=0.02).

CONCLUSION

No clinically significant differences were noted among recipients of same day or split dose regimens. Adenoma detection rate, willingness to repeat and tolerability were similar, but bloating and interference with sleep favored the same-day preparations. Given lack of clinical differences, patient preference should dictate timing of colonoscopy preparation.

Predicting Risk Versus Predicting Potential Survival Benefit Using 123I-mIBG Imaging in Patients With Systolic Dysfunction Eligible for Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator Implantation: Analysis of Data From the Prospective ADMIRE-HF Study

BACKGROUND

Cardiac (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine ((123)I-mIBG) imaging improves prognostication in patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Whether (123)I-mIBG can identify optimal candidates for implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) placement is unclear. We examined whether (123)I-mIBG enhances risk assessment and identifies patients with enhanced survival with ICD in a patient cohort with reduced LV function who were candidates for ICD implantation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We identified 777 patients (66 sites, 12 countries) without ICD at the time of enrollment in Adreview Myocardial Imaging for Risk Evaluation in Heart Failure (ADMIRE-HF) and index (123)I-mIBG study. Patients completed prescribed study protocol and follow-up. Heart-to-mediastinum (H/M) ratio was determined from (123)I-mIBG results. Survival modeling used a Cox proportional hazards mixed-effects model, including a propensity score, to adjust for nonrandomized ICD implantation after (123)I-mIBG. All-cause death occurred in 75 patients (9.6%), and 196 (25%) patients had ICD implantation on follow-up. After adjusting for multiple factors, although the H/M ratio added incremental prognostic value and enhanced reclassification, neither H/M results, BNP levels, nor left ventricular ejection fraction interacted with ICD use in the survival model, indicating that these variables did not identify patients with enhanced survival with ICD implantation. Nonetheless, H/M results did identify the number of lives saved by ICD use per 100 treated.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that although (123)I-mIBG imaging enhances the risk stratification of patients with left ventricular dysfunction who are ICD candidates, it does not identify which patients may have improved survival with ICD placement. However, (123)I-mIBG identifies the absolute benefit gained with ICD use, thus may play a role in optimizing the cost-effectiveness of this intervention.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifiers: NCT00126425 and NCT00126438.

The risk of overall mortality in patients with Type 2 diabetes receiving different combinations of sulfonylureas and metformin: a retrospective analysis

AIMS

Sulfonylureas have been shown to increase mortality when used in combination with metformin. This may not be a class effect of sulfonylureas, but rather secondary to differences in properties inherent to the individual sulfonylureas (hypoglycaemic risk, sulfonylurea receptor selectivity and effects on myocardial ischemic preconditioning). The purpose of this study was to assess the risk of overall mortality in patients with Type 2 diabetes treated with different combinations of sulfonylureas and metformin.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using an academic health center enterprise-wide electronic health record system to identify 7320 patients with Type 2 diabetes (3768 initiators of glyburide (glibenclamide) and metformin, 2277 initiators of glipizide and metformin and 1275 initiators of glimepiride and metformin), ≥ 18 years of age and not on insulin or a non-insulin injectable at baseline. The patients were followed for mortality by documentation in the electronic health record and Social Security Death Index. Multivariable Cox models with propensity analysis were used to compare cohorts.

RESULTS

No statistically significant difference in overall mortality risk was observed among the different combinations of sulfonylureas and metformin: glimepiride and metformin vs. glipizide and metformin (HR 1.03; 95% CI 0.89-1.20), glimepiride and metformin vs. glyburide (glibenclamide) and metformin (HR 1.08; 95% CI 0.90-1.30), or with glipizide and metformin vs. glyburide (glibenclamide) and metformin (HR 1.05; 95% CI 0.95-1.15).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results did not identify an increased mortality risk among the different combinations of sulfonylureas and metformin, suggesting that overall mortality is not substantially influenced by the choice of sulfonylurea.

The Impact of Percent Reduction in CA-125 Levels on Prediction of the Extent of Interval Cytoreduction and Outcome in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer of Müllerian Origin Treated With Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of CA-125 percent reduction after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in predicting the extent of the interval debulking surgery (IDS) and outcomes in patients with advanced-stage müllerian carcinoma.

METHODS

Patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy for advanced-stage müllerian carcinoma from 2000 to 2013 were identified. Percent reduction in CA-125 was categorized into 2 groups: ≥ 90% (CA ≥ 90%) and <90% (CA < 90%) reduction from prechemotherapy to preoperative CA-125.

RESULTS

Of the 115 patients identified, 73% had CA ≥ 90% and 27% had CA < 90%. Optimal and complete IDS were achieved in 87% and 38%, respectively. Compared with the CA < 90% group, the CA ≥ 90% group was more likely to have complete IDS (P = 0.035), less likely to have a bowel resection (P < 0.001), and more likely to have no viable tumor/microscopic disease with treatment effect (P < 0.001). No difference in overall survival (OS; P = 0.81) and progression-free survival (PFS; P = 0.60) was noted between the groups. In multivariable analysis, CA ≥ 90% was not a predictor of PFS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65-1.79; P = 0.77) or OS (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 0.73-2.9; P = 0.29). Patients with preoperative CA-125 < 20 had significantly longer OS (P = 0.05) and PFS (P = 0.005) than did those with preoperative CA-125 ≥ 20. In multivariable analysis, preoperative CA-125 < 20 was a predictor of PFS (HR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.20-0.66; P < 0.001) but not OS (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.34-1.21; P = 0.17).

CONCLUSIONS

A reduction in CA-125 of at least 90% is associated with complete IDS, favorable pathologic response, and fewer bowel resections. A preoperative CA-125 < 20 suggests improved outcome. These findings are helpful for treatment planning and patient counseling.

Lymph node metastasis and pattern of recurrence in clinically early stage endometrial cancer with positive lymphovascular space invasion

Objective

To investigate the rate, predictors of lymph node metastasis (LNM) and pattern of recurrence in clinically early stage endometrial cancer (EC) with positive lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI).

Methods

Women with clinically early stage EC and positive LVSI 2005 to 2012 were identified. Kaplan-Meier curves and logistic regression models were used.

Results

One hundred forty-eight women were identified. Of them, 25.7% had LNM (21.7% pelvic LNM, 18.5% para-aortic LNM). Among patients with LNM who had both pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy, isolated pelvic, para-aortic and both LNM were noted in 51.4%, 17.1%, and 31.4% respectively. Age and depth of myometrial invasion were significant predictors of LNM in LVSI positive EC. Node positive patients had high recurrence rate (47% vs. 11.8%, p<0.05) especially distant (60.9% vs. 7.9%, p<0.001) and para-aortic (13.2% vs. 1.8%, p=0.017) recurrences compared to node negative EC. LNM was associated with lower progression-free survival (p=0.002) but not overall survival (p=0.73).

Conclusion

EC with positive LVSI is associated with high risk of LNM. LNM is associated with high recurrence rate especially distant and para-aortic recurrences. Adjuvant treatments should target prevention of recurrences in these areas.

Scleral thickness following fluocinolone acetonide implant (Retisert)

PURPOSE

To evaluate whether intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide (FA) implantation (Retisert) leads to scleral thinning.

METHODS

Scleral thickness was measured at the pars plana region (4 quadrants) with anterior segment OCT (Visante) in FA implanted eyes (18) with noninfectious posterior uveitis in comparison to eyes with prior vitrectomy (8), and normal eyes without prior surgery (30).

RESULTS

Mean scleral thickness in normal (nonsurgical) eyes was 0.99/0.93/0.88/0.86, and 0.92 mm in the inferonasal/inferotemporal/superotemporal/superonasal quadrants, and overall, respectively. Sclera was thinner in each quadrant of the FA implanted eyes compared to the fellow or nonsurgical eyes, although none reached statistical significance, as the differences were small. However, a few FA implanted eyes demonstrated more dramatic scleral thinning than others.

CONCLUSIONS

FA implant appears to lead to statistically nonsignificant scleral thinning overall with few exceptions. Clinicians should be aware of potential scleral thinning in select cases, important for reimplantation and long-term follow-up.

Desktop telemedicine in vascular surgery: some preliminary findings

OBJECTIVE

Surgical specialists have generally underutilized telemedicine technologies. This report describes the use of real-time interactive-video telemedicine to augment the care of vascular surgical patients in underserved rural areas within our region.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The telemedicine system at Fletcher-Allen Health Care (FAHC) and the University of Vermont in Burlington utilizes desktop video conferencing technology with terrestrial transmission at 384 kbps. The current system was initiated in January 1996, and there are at present 18 external sites and multiple locations at FAHC, including the vascular laboratory, angiography suites, operating rooms, and the home of one vascular surgeon. During the first 12 months of operation, the vascular surgeons were asked to complete a questionnaire to evaluate the technology and its usefulness in clinical care. The use of the telemedicine system by the vascular surgeons was monitored by the questionnaires, phone bills, and a special "no charge" billing code. Telemedicine events were classified as clinical or educational.

RESULTS

In the 26 months since implementation, 107 events have taken place, including both clinical and educational uses. There were 103 clinical uses by three vascular surgeons, including five emergency uses. A joint Vermont-Maine vascular educational conference has taken place four times. Overall, use by vascular surgery represented 14.2% of all telemedicine events in the first year or 30.9% of all clinical events during that time period. Use of telemedicine was reported to have improved patient care in 96% of the cases. Eighty percent of the telemedicine uses in the first year saved patient travel. There were no diagnostic errors, as determined by in-person clinical follow-up, attributable to the telemedicine system use.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of a real-time video telemedicine has great potential for vascular surgeons, but cost-effectiveness studies may be needed prior to its widespread adoption.