Outcomes after tissue expander exchange to implant in two-stage prepectoral breast reconstruction with and without acellular dermal matrix: A retrospective cohort study

As prepectoral implant placement becomes widely adopted, recent studies investigating the use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) during tissue expander placement have demonstrated no major benefit with regard to postoperative outcomes. We sought to evaluate second-stage outcomes 1 year after tissue expander exchange to implant with and without ADM. Consecutive patients who underwent prepectoral tissue expander-based breast reconstruction with and without ADM were identified. Patients were followed up for 1 year after tissue expander exchange to implant. Second-stage outcomes of interest including implant rippling, capsular contracture, implant explantation, additional revision surgeries, and patient-reported outcomes were collected and compared. Sixty-eight breasts in the ADM cohort and sixty-one breasts in the no ADM cohort underwent tissue expander exchange to implant. Second-stage outcomes of interest were similar between the ADM and no ADM cohorts with no statistically significant differences identified regarding incidences of implant rippling (24.6% vs. 12.1%, p = 0.08), capsular contracture (4.5% vs. 3.3%, p = 1.00), and explantation (6.6% vs. 1.7%, p = 0.67) between the two cohorts. BREAST-Q scores were similar between the two cohorts with the exception of physical wellbeing and satisfaction in terms of implant rippling, as can be seen, which improved in the no ADM cohort (p = 0.04). Our study reports no major benefit for the inclusion of ADM with respect to implant rippling, capsular contracture, explantation, need for additional revision surgeries, and patient-reported satisfaction in prepectoral second-stage implant-based breast reconstruction.

An Evaluation of Early Complications after Prepectoral Tissue Expander Placement in First-Stage Breast Reconstruction with and without Acellular Dermal Matrix

PURPOSE

Prepectoral breast reconstruction has become popularized with the concurrent use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM). We sought to compare three-month postoperative complication rates and explantation rates for first stage, tissue expander based prepectoral breast reconstruction with and without the use of ADM.

METHODS

A single institution retrospective chart review was performed to identify consecutive patients undergoing prepectoral tissue-expander based breast reconstruction from August 2020 to January 2022. Chi-squared tests were used to compare demographic categorical variables and multiple variable regression models were used to identify variables associated with three-month postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

We enrolled 124 consecutive patients. Fifty-five patients (98 breasts) were included in the no-ADM cohort and 69 patients (98 breasts) were included in the ADM cohort. There were no statistically significant differences between ADM and no-ADM cohort in regard to 90-day postoperative outcomes. On multivariable analysis, there were no independent associations between seroma, hematoma, wound dehiscence, mastectomy skin flap necrosis, infection, unplanned return to the OR, or explanation in the ADM or no ADM groups after controlling for age, BMI, history of diabetes, tobacco use, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and postoperative radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Our results reveal no significant differences in odds of postoperative complications, unplanned return to the OR, or explantation between ADM and no-ADM cohorts. More studies are needed to evaluate the safety of prepectoral, tissue expander placement without ADM.

AB0581 TRACHEAL STENOSIS; AN IMPORTANT INVOLVEMENT IN GRANULOMATOSIS WITH POLYANGIITIS

Background

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a granulomatous systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology that can affect many organs. Approximately 90% of patients with GPA have upper respiratory tract involvement, including the nasal cavity, sinuses, ear and trachea. Subglottic stenosis (SGS) may develop in some patients due to tracheal involvement.

Objectives

It is aimed to evaluate the general characteristics, treatments and disease prognosis of our GPA cases with tracheal stenosis as it is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.

Methods

The data of 48 patients diagnosed with GPA between 2000-2021 were analyzed retrospectively and the data of 6 patients with tracheal stenosis (TS) were evaluated.

Results

TS was present in 13% of the patients. All patients with TS were female. The mean age of the patients with TS was 46.5±6.5 years, the mean age of disease onset was 35.5 ±13.4 years, and the mean disease duration was 10.8±10.2 years. Constitutional symptoms were in 17% of patients, and 17% had mastoiditis, sinusitis, otitis, bloody nasal discharge and renal involvement. None of the patients had hearing loss, skin, eye and neurological involvement. 83% of patients had limited disease. While all patients had SGS, one patient also had glottic and bronchial stenosis. The most common symptoms in patients were hoarseness and shortness of breath. All patients received systemic treatment according to their organ involvement, local treatment (dilatation, steroid injection) was also applied to two patients. All patients had anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) positivity. When patients with and without tracheal stenosis were compared, there was a difference in terms of gender, lung and kidney involvement, presence of anemia, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, pANCA, cANCA and PR3-ANCA positivity, and myalgia. In addition, our patients with tracheal stenosis had a younger age of onset and a longer delay in diagnosis.

Conclusion

The incidence of SGS in large series has been reported as 8-23% of GPA patients.1,2 Although the number of cases in our study was small, this rate was 13%. Symptoms range from cough and shortness of breath to progressively life-threatening severe stridor. Early diagnosis and treatment are important. For this reason, TS is strongly emphasized.

References

[1]Girard C, Charles P, Terrier B, Bussonne G, Cohen P, Pagnoux C, et al. Tracheobronchial stenoses in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s). Medicine. 2015;34:1-6.

[2]Costantino CL, Niles JL, Wright CD, Mathisen DJ, Muniappan A. Subglottic stenosis in granulomatosis with polyangiitis: therole of laryngotracheal resection. Ann Thorac Surg 2018;105:249-53.

Table 1.

Comparison of data from GPA patients with and without tracheal stenosis

N(%)Tracheal Stenosis +GPA(n=6)Tracheal Stenosis - GPA (n=42)PGender Female6 (100)21(51)0.031  Male020(49)Mean Age46.5±6.555.6±13.20.095Symptom Onset Age35.5±13.449.3±14.50.041Delay in Diagnosis (months)44.2±6.59.98±14.80.023Myalgia2(33)33(81)0.030Fever1(17)21(51)0.194High ESR1(17)31(78)0.007High CRP5(50)32(80)0.138Anemia1(17)28(70)0.020Upper Respiratory Involvement6(100)24(59)0.074Lung Involvement3(50)36(90)0.037GIS involvement1(17)6(15)1Eye Involvement-11(27)NASkin Involvement-12(29)NAUrogenital Involvement-1(2)NANeurological Involvement-13(32)NARenal Involvement1(17)29(71)0.018ANCA positivity6(100)38(93)1  MPO-ANCA2(33)4(10)0.162  PR3-ANCA1(17)33(81)0.004  p-ANCA5(83)6(15)0.000  c-ANCA1(17)31(78)0.001

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB1526-HPR AWARENESS ASSESSMENT IN PATIENTS USING SUBCUTANEOUSLY ADMINISTERED BIOLOGICAL AGENTS ABOUT DRUG UTILIZATION

Background

Subcutaneous biological agents (SCBA) are commonly used in rheumatologic disorders, their storage in appropriate conditions and correct administration have importance. Informing the patient adequately and correctly is essential. Storing the drug in inappropriate conditions reduces its effectiveness, and affects the response to treatment (1).

When these treatments are initiated, information on all the mentioned topics is provided to the patients, and they undergo hands-on training. Finally, the patients is requestioned in outpatient follow-up about whether a problem has occurred or not (2).

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the awareness of patients using SCBA about the drug’s utilization and storage conditions.

Methods

Demographic data of 100 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, using SCBA who presented to our outpatient clinic between January 2021 and June 2021,were recorded, and survey questions were asked.

Results

One hundred patients (46 females-54 males) were included in the study. Sixty-one patients were diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and 19 with psoriatic arthritis. The patients’ mean age was 44.6±11.07 years. The mean duration of SCBA use was 74.5 (2-222) months.

The patients’ replies to the survey questions are summarized in Table 1. Most patients performed the injection themselves in both genders, whereas some women received help from paramedics (p=0.041). Forty percent of the patients with education level of high school or higher had a concern regarding drug use, whereas this rate was 21% in patients with education level of primary school. It was determined that the anxiety level decreased with decreasing level of education (p=0.032).

Table 1.

The patients’ replies to the survey questions

N=100n (%)Rate of patients who read the patient consent form before starting the drug88 (88)Concern regarding drug use23 (23)Malignancy7 (7)Increase in infection7 (7)Tuberculosis70 (70)Not worriedThe person who informing patients on drug use88 (88)Nurse18 (18)Doctor7 (7)NurseanddoctorPatients who were informed about when to interrupt drug use86 (86)Situations where drug use is suspended84 (95,3)Flu and febril infection68 (79,1)Use of antibiotics39 (45,3)Herpes simplex virus infectionDrug storage65 (65)Refrigerator shelf31 (31)Refrigerator door4 (4)PharmacyState of waiting before administering the drug17 (17)Don’t wait71 (71)20-30 minutes at room temperature6 (6)>30 minutes at room temperature5 (5)Hand warming and then administration1 (1)Soak in hot waterRate of controlling the expiration date before administering the drug64 (64)Rate of patients who control the clarity of the drug75 (75)Rate of hand washing before administering the drug83 (83)Injection site cleaning6 (6)Don’t clean66 (66)With the swab from the drug box24 (24)With alcohol3 (3)With a wet wipe1 (1)With soapThe person performing the injection84 (84)The person11 (11)Person’s relative5 (5)Health personelThe patients who carry their medication in accordance with the cold chain rules during travel71 (100)

It was observed that in patients who used multiple SCBA for a long time, taking the drug out of the refrigerator and applying it after waiting for the optimum time, controlling the expiration date of the drug and hand washing before the application decreased over time.

Conclusion

Evaluating the patient’s SCBA treatment background is essential for correct treatment practice. Our study revealed that in forming patients on drug use not only initially but also at certain intervals is essential.

References

[1]From therapeutic patient education principles to educative attitude: the perceptions of health care professionals – a pragmatic approach for defining competencies and resources. Patient Preference and Adherence 2017:11 603–617.

[2]Adherence to Subcutaneous Anti-TNF Treatment in Chronic Inflammatory Rheumatism and Therapeutic Patient Education. Patient Preference and Adherence 2020:14 363–369.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Risk factors of avascular necrosis in Takayasu arteritis: a cross sectional study

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a large-cell vasculitis, and is not usually associated with avascular necrosis (AVN). The objective of the study was to investigate any association between TA and AVN, including the possible pathogenic effect of glucocorticoid (GCs) use. The study design was retrospective and cross sectional. TA patients were enrolled in the study. Demographic variables, disease activity, treatments, physician global assessment, Indian Takayasu Clinical activity score 2010, and Kerr criteria were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of AVN. A total of 29 patients were assessed. AVN was observed in four (13.8%) patients with TA. Male gender and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) were found to be significantly associated with AVN (p = 0.001 and p = 0.006, respectively). While type IIb TA was more common in patients with AVN (n = 2, 50%), type V was more likely in the absence of AVN (n = 13, 52%). Descending aorta and thoracic aorta were usually involved in patients with AVN (both, n = 3, 75%). In multivariate logistic regression, increased CRP levels were the only predictor for AVN (OR = 1.183, 95% Cl = 1.025-1.364, p = 0.021). No association was identified between AVN in TA patients and either duration or cumulative dose of GCs. The present study found that higher CRP levels and male gender were associated with AVN in patients with TA.

AB0562 SLEEP HYGIENE: COULD IT BE A CONFOUNDING FACTOR FOR SLEEP QUALITY IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS?

Background:

Sleep disturbances have been described in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). Confounding factors related to sleep quality are also investigated. Although sleep hygiene plays an important role in sleep quality, as far as we know, there are not enough data to show the effect of sleep hygiene on sleep quality of SSc.

Objectives:

To investigate sleep hygiene, its impact on sleep quality, and its association with demographic-clinical factors in patients with SSc, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and healthy controls.

Methods:

The study was designed as cross-sectional. Forty-nine patients with SSc who fulfilled the 2013 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for SSc, 66 patients with RA who fulfilled 1987 revised classification criteria, and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. All participants were female. Demographic and clinical variables were documented. Disease activity index of both SSc and RA was calculated. SSc patients were assessed by questionnaires including Short Form 36 (SF-36), The Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), Beck Anxiety and Beck Depression Inventory, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI). Additionally, RA patients and healthy controls were estimated by HAQ-DI, Beck Anxiety and Beck Depression Inventory, PSQI, and SHI. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of sleep quality.

Results:

Preliminary results of the study were given. The baseline demographics were similar among groups. When comparing groups according to HAQ-DI, Beck Anxiety and Beck Depression Inventory, PSQI, and SHI, we found higher scores in SSc and RA rather than healthy controls (p<0.001, p=0.001, p=0.001, p<0.001, p=0.003; respectively). While depression and sleep hygiene were determined as the risk factors of sleep quality in SSc in univariate analysis, depression (OR=1.380, 95%CI: 1.065−1.784, p=0.015) and sleep hygiene (OR=1.201, 95%CI: 1.003−1.439, p=0.046) were also found in multivariate logistic model. In RA patients, while health status, depression, and anxiety were found as risk factors according to the univariate analysis, depression (OR=1.120, 95%CI: 1.006−1.245, p=0.038) was the only factor according to multivariate logistic model (Table).

Conclusion:

Although depression is a well-known clinical variable impacting on sleep quality, sleep hygiene should also be kept in mind as a confounding factor.

References:

[1]Milette K, Hudson M, Körner A, et al. Sleep disturbances in systemic sclerosis: evidence for the role of gastrointestinal symptoms, pain and pruritus. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2013 Sep;52(9):1715-20.

[2]Sariyildiz MA, Batmaz I, Budulgan M, et al. Sleep quality in patients with systemic sclerosis: relationship between the clinical variables, depressive symptoms, functional status, and the quality of life. Rheumatol Int. 2013 Aug;33(8):1973-9.

Table

Univariate logistic regression analysis of clinical variables to assess predictors of sleep quality

Systemic sclerosisRheumatoid arthritisOR (95% CI)pOR (95% CI)pHAQ-DI1.019 (0.882−1.177)0.8011.089 (1.011−1.173)0.025BDI score1.293 (1.082−1.547)0.0051.129 (1.036−1.230)0.006BAI score1.080 (0.997−1.169)0.0591.122 (1.038−1.214)0.004SHI1.200 (1.060−1.357)0.0041.048 (0.965−1.137)0.264Disease activitya0.707 (0.439−1.138)0.1531.446 (0.839−2.492)0.185

aDisease activity was calculated by Valentini disease activity index for SSc and DAS28-CRP for RA.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared