An Interdisciplinary Protocol for Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Patient Selection in Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

BACKGROUND

Normal pressure hydrocephalus can be treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement, but no broadly implemented indication for VPS exists.

METHODS

Our protocol consists of physical therapy and occupational therapy practitioners administering validated tests of gait, balance, and cognition before and after lumbar drain placement. Specific tests include: Timed "Up & Go", Tinetti Gait and Balance Assessment, Berg Balance Scale, Mini Mental Status Exam, Trail Making Test Part B, and the Rey Auditory and Visual Learning Test. Minimal clinically important difference values for each test were determined from literature review. A retrospective review of patients treated under this protocol was performed. The primary outcomes were candidacy for VPS based on the protocol and patient-reported symptomatic improvement after VPS placement.

RESULTS

A total of 48/75 (64%) patients received VPS. A total of 43/48 (89.6%) of those shunted reported improved symptoms at 6-week follow-up. However, 10/22 (45.5%) reported worsening symptoms at 1-year follow-up. The mean Tinetti score significantly increased after lumbar drain in patients who improved with VPS compared to the no shunt group (4.27 vs. -0.48, P < 0.001). A total of 6/33 (18%) patients with postoperative imaging had a subdural fluid collection identified and 3/49 (6%) had other complications, including 1 seizure, 1 intracerebral hemorrhage, and 1 stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

Standardized assessment of gait, balance, and cognition before and after temporary cerebrospinal fluid diversion identifies patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus likely to benefit from VPS placement with a low complication rate. One year after VPS, approximately one half of patients had symptoms recurrence.

Cannabis Use is Associated With Higher Rates of Pseudarthrosis Following TLIF: A Multi-Institutional Matched-Cohort Study

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the rates of pseudarthrosis in patients undergoing 1 to 3 level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) procedures between cannabis users and noncannabis users.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Recreational use of cannabis is common, though it remains poorly studied and legally ambiguous in the United States. Patients with back pain may turn to adjunctive use of cannabis to manage their pain. However, the implications of cannabis use on the achievement of bony fusion are not well-characterized.

METHODS

Patients who underwent 1 to 3 level TLIF for degenerative disc disease or degenerative spondylolisthesis between 2010 and 2022 were identified using the PearlDiver Mariner all-claims insurance database. Cannabis users were identified with ICD 10 code F12.90. Patients undergoing surgery for nondegenerative pathologies such as tumors, trauma, or infection were excluded. 1:1 exact matching was performed using demographic factors, medical comorbidities, and surgical factors which were significantly associated with pseudarthrosis in a linear regression model. The primary outcome measure was development of pseudarthrosis within 24 months after 1 to 3 level TLIF. The secondary outcomes were the development of all-cause surgical complications as well as all-cause medical complications.

RESULTS

A 1:1 exact matching resulted in two equal groups of 1593 patients who did or did not use cannabis and underwent 1 to 3 level TLIF. Patients who used cannabis were 80% more likely to experience pseudarthrosis compared with patients who do not [relative risk (RR): 1.816, 95% CI: 1.291-2.556, P <0.001]. Similarly, cannabis use was associated with significantly higher rates of all-cause surgical complications (RR: 2.350, 95% CI: 1.399-3.947, P =0.001) and all-cause medical complications (RR: 1.934, 95% CI: 1.516-2.467, P <0.001).

CONCLUSION

After 1:1 exact matching to control for confounding variables, the findings of this study suggest that cannabis use is associated with higher rates of pseudarthrosis, as well as higher rates of all-cause surgical and all-cause medical complications. Further studies are needed to corroborate our findings.

Identification and tentative removal of collagen glue in Palaeolithic worked bone objects: implications for ZooMS and radiocarbon dating

Collagen glue has been used for nearly two centuries to consolidate bone material, although its prevalence in museum collections is only now becoming visible. Identifying and removing collagen glue is crucial before the execution of any geochemical or molecular analyses. Palaeolithic bone objects from old excavations intended for radiocarbon dating were first analysed using ZooMS (Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry) to identify the animal species, however peaks characteristic of both cattle and whale were discovered. Two extraction methods for ZooMS were tested to identify the authentic animal species of these objects, which revealed that these were originally whale bone objects that had been consolidated with cattle collagen glue. This is the first time animal collagen glue has been identified in archaeological remains with ZooMS, illustrating again the incredible versatility of this technique. Another technique, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy in Attenuated Total Reflectance mode (FTIR-ATR), was also tested if it could rapidly identify the presence of collagen glue in archaeological bone material, which was not the case. Two other cleaning methods were tested to remove bone glue contamination prior to radiocarbon dating, along with two modified collagen extraction methods for ZooMS. These methods were applied to bone blank samples (FmC = 0.0031 ± 0.0002, (n = 219), 47 336 ± 277 yr BP) that were experimentally consolidated with collagen glue and to the Palaeolithic bone material (ca. 15 000 and 12 000 yr BP). The experimental bone blanks produced excellent 14C ages, suggesting the cleaning methods were successful, however the 14C ages for some of the Palaeolithic material remained too young considering their contextual age, suggesting that the collagen glue contamination had most likely cross-linked to the authentic collagen molecule. More research is needed in order to gain a deeper understanding of the occurrence and elimination of cross-linked collagen-based glues in material from museum collections.

TLIF is Associated With Lower Rates of Adjacent Segment Disease and Complications Compared to ALIF: A Matched-Cohort Analysis

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the rate of adjacent segment disease (ASD) in patients undergoing anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) versus transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for the treatment of degenerative stenosis and spondylolisthesis.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

ALIF and TLIF are frequently used to treat Lumbar stenosis and spondylolisthesis. While both approaches have distinct advantages, it is unclear whether there are any differences in rates of ASD and postoperative complications.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent index 1-3 levels ALIF or TLIF between 2010 and 2022, using the PearlDiver Mariner Database, an all-claims insurance database (120 million patients). Patients with a history of prior lumbar surgery and those undergoing surgery for cancer, trauma, or infection were excluded. Exact 1:1 matching was performed using demographic factors, medical comorbidities, and surgical factors found to be significantly associated with ASD in a linear regression model. The primary outcome was a new diagnosis of ASD within 36 months of index surgery, and secondary outcomes were all-cause medical and surgical complications.

RESULTS

Exact 1:1 matching resulted in 2 equal groups of 106,451 patients undergoing TLIF and ALIF. The TLIF approach was associated with a lower risk of ASD (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.56-0.59, P < 0.001) and all-cause medical complications (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.98, P =0.002). All-cause surgical complications were not significantly different between both groups.

CONCLUSION

After 1:1 exact matching to control for confounding variables, this study suggests that for patients with symptomatic degenerative stenosis and spondylolisthesis, a TLIF procedure (compared to ALIF) is associated with a decreased risk of developing ASD within 36 months of index surgery. Future prospective studies are needed to corroborate these findings.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level-3.

Lumbar Arthroplasty is Associated with a Lower Incidence of Adjacent Segment Disease Compared to ALIF: A Propensity Matched Analysis

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the rate of ASD between lumbar disc arthroplasty (LDA) and anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Lumbar disc arthroplasty (LDA) and anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) are alternative surgical approaches used to treat lumbar degenerative disc disease. However, there is a paucity of studies comparing the risk of adjacent segment disease (ASD) following these procedures.

METHODS

Patients who underwent 1-2 level LDA or ALIF between 2010 and 2022 were identified in the PearlDiver Mariner insurance all-claims database. Exclusion criteria included history of prior lumbar spine surgery, or surgery for tumors, trauma, or infection. 1:1 propensity matching was performed using demographic factors, medical comorbidities, and surgical factors which were significantly associated with ASD.

RESULTS

1:1 Propensity matching created two equal groups of 1,625 patients without baseline differences who underwent LDA or ALIF. LDA was significantly associated with a lower risk of ASD (RR 0.932, 95% CI 0.899-0.967, P<0.001), and need for revision within 30 days (RR 0.235, 95% CI 0.079-0.698, P=0.007). There were no differences in all-cause surgical and medical complications between both groups.

CONCLUSION

After risk adjustment for demographic and clinical characteristics, the results suggest that LDA is associated with a lower risk of adjacent segment disease compared to ALIF. LDA was also associated with lower hospital cost and shorter length of stay.

Examining degenerative disease adjacent to lumbosacral transitional vertebrae: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Bertolotti syndrome is a clinical diagnosis given to patients with low-back pain arising from a lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV). While biomechanical studies have demonstrated abnormal torques and range of motion occurring at and above this type of LSTV, the long-term effects of these biomechanical changes on the LSTV adjacent segments are not well understood. This study examined degenerative changes at segments superjacent to the LSTV in patients with Bertolotti syndrome.

METHODS

This study involved a retrospective comparison of patients between 2010 and 2020 with an LSTV and chronic back pain (Bertolotti syndrome) and control patients with chronic back pain with no LSTV. The presence of an LSTV was confirmed on imaging, and the caudal-most mobile segment above the LSTV was assessed for degenerative changes. Degenerative changes were assessed by grading the intervertebral disc, facets, degree of spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis using well documented grading systems. All computations were performed in R, version 4.1.0. All tests were two-sided, and p values < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Separate logistic regression analyses were run with the associated dependent variables for each aim, with age at MRI and sex included as covariates. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were computed.

RESULTS

A total of 172 patients were included, 101 with Bertolotti syndrome and 71 controls. Control patients consisted of patients with low-back pain but no diagnosis of Bertolotti syndrome or an LSTV. Fifty-six Bertolotti (55.4%) and 27 control (38.0%) patients were female, (p = 0.03). After adjusting for age at MRI and sex, Bertolotti patients had pelvic incidence (PI) that was 9.83° greater than control patients (95% CI 5.15°-14.50°, p < 0.001). Sacral slope was not significantly different between the Bertolotti and control groups (beta estimate 3.10°, 95% CI -1.07° to 7.27°; p = 0.14). Bertolotti patients had 2.69 times higher odds of having a high disc grade at L4-5 (3-4 vs 0-2), compared with control patients (OR 2.69, 95% CI 1.28-5.90; p = 0.01). There were no significant differences between Bertolotti patients and controls for spondylolisthesis, facet grade, or spinal stenosis grade.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with Bertolotti syndrome had a significantly higher PI and were more likely to have adjacent-segment disease (ASD; L4-5) compared with control patients. However, after controlling for age and sex, PI and ASD did not appear to have a significant association within the cohort of Bertolotti patients. The altered biomechanics and kinematics in this condition may be a causative factor in this degeneration, although proof of causation is not possible in this study. This association may warrant closer follow-up protocols for patients being treated for Bertolotti syndrome, but further prospective studies are needed to establish if radiographic parameters can serve as an indicator for biomechanical alterations in vivo.

The Use of Shape-Memory Alloy Staples (Nitinol) in the Treatment of Pubic Symphyseal Disruptions: Clinical Results and Radiographic Outcomes

Nitinol is a shape-memory alloy that has many diverse applications in the field of orthopedics. There have been no previous investigations reporting clinical or radiographic outcomes of the use of nitinol staples in the definitive stabilization of the pubic symphysis. A retrospective chart review was completed on 42 patients who underwent operative stabilization of pubic symphyseal disruption at an urban level-1 trauma center. Patients treated with pelvic staples alone, or in conjunction with traditional plates and screws, were compared with those treated without the use of a shape memory alloys. Thirty-four patients were included for final analysis (8 staples and 26 controls) in this investigation. Three of eight patients in the pelvic staple group had implant failures, with two having a loss of reduction (25%); this was not significantly different from the seven hardware failures (P = 0.61) seen in the control group without any loss of reduction (P = 0.17). Failures in the nitinol staple group occurred earlier at 17.3 days compared with the control group at 101.7 days (P = 0.003). There were no significant differences between groups with regards to any of the other pre- or postoperative variables investigated. The use of nitinol staples vs. traditional plate and screw constructs for stabilizing the pubic symphysis did not result in more clinical failures. The hardware failures identified in the nitinol staple group occurred significantly earlier in the postoperative period, and were associated with a loss of reduction of the pubic symphysis.

The trial effect in patients with glioblastoma: effect of clinical trial enrollment on overall survival

PURPOSE

To determine whether participation in a clinical trial was associated with improved survival in patients with glioblastoma (GBM).

METHODS

Following IRB approval, patients were identified using CPT and ICD codes. Data was collected using retrospective review of electronic medical records. When necessary, death data was obtained from online obituaries. Inverse propensity score matching was utilized to transform the two cohorts to comparable sets. Survival was compared using Kaplan-Meyer curves and Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test.

RESULTS

In this cohort of 365 patients, 89 were enrolled in a clinical trial and 276 were not. Patients enrolled in clinical trials had a significantly higher mean baseline KPS score, higher proportion of surgical resections, and were more likely to receive temozolomide treatment than patients not enrolled in a clinical trial. After inverse propensity score matching, patients enrolled in a clinical trial lived significantly longer than those not enrolled (28.8 vs 22.2 months, p = 0.005). A potential confounder of this study is that patients not in a clinical trial had significantly fewer visits with neuro-oncologists than patients enrolled in a clinical trial (7 ± 8 vs 12 ± 9, p < 0. 0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical trials enroll patients with the most favorable prognostic features. Even when correcting for this bias, clinical trial enrollment is an independent predictor of increased survival regardless of treatment arm.

Epigenetics of Neurotrauma

Epigenetic changes have been linked to a host of disease states. Besides the physiological function of epigenetic changes in regulating cellular function, recent data indicates that key changes in epigenetic activity also play an important pathophysiologic role following neurotrauma specifically. Such manifestations occur through the activation or silencing of different genes. Histone methylation has emerged as a critical component of this process and can be selectively modulated after injury. Pre-clinical studies have resulted in key discoveries regarding specific methylation sites of interest. This focused review highlights some of these early findings and their relationship to clinical outcomes. These findings suggest areas of future investigation and discovery in the quest to develop ideal biomarkers and methods to utilize them in developing therapeutic interventions.

32 SIMULATION-BASED EDUCATION FOR ACUTE STROKE

Background

Acute stroke requires efficient multi-disciplinary collaboration to deliver time-sensitive treatment in a prompt and effective manner. The European Stroke Organization (ESO) recommends simulation-based education (SBE) for stroke care. Studies have shown SBE improves door-to-needle times, which predict better patient outcomes.

SimStars was a competition, run by the National Doctors Training and Planning leads for the South-SouthWest Hospitals Group, to develop in-situ SBE scenarios.

We developed a SBE program for acute stroke in an Irish teaching hospital.

Methods

Medical doctors and nursing staff are included in the SBE scenario as candidates/target learners. Patients are played by role-players. Anonymised data and neuroimaging from real patients is utilized to maximize fidelity to real life. Other participants, such as paramedics, can be included to facilitate scenarios as required.

Candidates are briefed before each scenario. Clear learning objectives are set. All participants are provided with a script outlining their roles. Candidates are appraised using standard evaluation forms. A de-brief is undertaken to reinforce learning objectives.

Results

We qualified for the final of SimStars by establishing a SBE program for acute stroke, including a video of a simulated scenario that can be utilized for demonstration purposes. 100% of candidates who have participated in the SBE program so far have stated that it made a valuable contribution to their learning in the field of stroke care.

Conclusion

Stroke has been described as an exemplar of how SBE may benefit training along an entire clinical pathway. Scenarios can be adapted to cover an endless variety of stroke-related situations. SBE has been shown to improve hyper-acute clinical pathway performance and outcomes.

Clinical assessment and management of Bertolotti Syndrome: a review of the literature

Bertolotti Syndrome is a diagnosis given to patients experiencing pain caused by the presence of a lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV), which is characterized by enlargement of the L5 transverse process(es), with potential pseudoarticulation or fusion with the sacrum. The Castellvi classification system is commonly utilized to grade LSTVs based on the degree of contact between the L5 transverse process(es) and the sacrum. LSTVs present a diagnostic dilemma to the treating clinician, as they may remain unidentified on plain x-rays and even advanced imaging; additionally, even if the malformation is identified, patients with a LSTV may be asymptomatic or have nonspecific symptoms, such as low back pain with or without radicular symptoms. With low back pain being extremely prevalent in the general population; it can be difficult to implicate the LSTV as the source of this pain. Care should be taken however, to exclude Bertolotti Syndrome in patients under 30 years old presenting with persisting low back pain given its congenital origin. If a LSTV is identified, typically with acquisition of a MRI or CT scan of the lumbosacral spine, and there is an absence of a more compelling or obvious source for the patient's symptoms, a conservative, step-wise management plan is recommended. This may include assessing for improvement in symptoms with injections prior to proceeding with surgical intervention. Additional concerns arise from the biomechanical alterations that a LSTV induces in adjacent spinal levels, predisposing this patient population to a more rapid-onset of adjacent segment disease, raising the question as to the most appropriate surgery (resection of LSTV pseudoarticulation with or without fusion). Postoperative outcome data for patients undergoing surgical treatment is limited in the literature with promising, but variable, results. More large-scale, controlled studies must be performed to gain further insight into the ideal work-up and management of this pathology.

Peritraumatic plasma Omega-3 fatty acid concentration predicts chronic pain severity following thermal burn injury

Chronic pain is a significant co-morbidity of burn injury affecting up to 60% of survivors. Currently, no treatments are available to prevent chronic pain after burn injury. Accumulating evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids (O3FA) improve symptoms across a range of painful conditions. In this study, we evaluated whether low peritraumatic levels of O3FA predicts greater pain severity during the year after burn injury. Burn survivors undergoing skin autograft were recruited from three participating burn centers. Plasma O3FA (n=77) levels were assessed in the early aftermath of burn injury using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and pain severity was assessed via the 0-10 numeric rating scale for 1 year following burn injury. Repeated-measures linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between peritraumatic O3FA concentrations and pain severity during the year following burn injury. Peritraumatic O3FA concentration and chronic pain severity were inversely related; lower levels of peritraumatic O3FA predicted worse pain outcomes (β=-.002, p=.020). Future studies are needed to evaluate biological mechanisms mediating this association and to assess the ability of O3FA to prevent chronic pain following burn injury.

Combining Oncolytic Viruses with Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has revolutionized the treatment of hematological malignancies, but solid tumors continue to pose significant challenges. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) have generated significant excitement in the field of cancer treatment recently. In particular, OVs can help CAR T cells overcome some of the immunosuppressive mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment through OV intrinsic effects or delivery of immunostimulatory agents. Numerous preclinical studies demonstrate that combining CAR T cells with OVs can increase CAR T cell trafficking, antitumor activity, and elimination of antigen-negative tumor cells. Despite promising preclinical results, only one clinical trial (NCT03740256) investigating CAR T and OV combination therapy is underway, highlighting the challenges of translating this approach to the clinic. Antiviral immunity and the route of OV administration, in addition to concerns about cost and safety, limit the clinical application of this approach. Strategies to reduce the production cost of both CAR T cells and OVs, as well as molecularly modifying OVs to enhance their bioavailability, will likely encourage further exploration of this combination therapy in clinical trials.

Emerging Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells in Preeclampsia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Preeclampsia is a dangerous pregnancy condition affecting both the mother and offspring. It is a multifactorial disease with poorly understood pathogenesis, lacking effective treatments. Maternal immune response, inflammation and oxidative stress leading to endothelial dysfunction are the most prominent pathogenic processes implicated in preeclampsia development. Here, we give a detailed overview of the therapeutic applications and mechanisms of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) as a potential new treatment for preeclampsia.

RECENT FINDINGS

MSCs have gained growing attention due to low immunogenicity, easy cultivation and expansion in vitro. Accumulating evidence now suggests that MSCs act primarily through their secretomes facilitating paracrine signalling that leads to potent immunomodulatory, pro-angiogenic and regenerative therapeutic effects. MSCs have been studied in different animal models of preeclampsia demonstrating promising result, which support further investigations into the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of MSC-based therapies in preeclampsia, steering these therapies into clinical trials.

Endoscopic gastric submucosal transplantation of islets (ENDO-STI): technique and initial results in diabetic pigs

The results of transplantation of human donor islets into the portal vein (PV) in patients with diabetes are encouraging. However, there are complications, for example, hemorrhage, thrombosis and an immediate loss of islets through the 'instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction' (IBMIR). The gastric submucosal space (GSMS) offers potential advantages. Islets were isolated from adult pigs. Recipient pigs were made diabetic by streptozotocin. Donor islets were injected into the GSMS through a laparotomy (Group 1A, n = 4) or endoscopically (Group 1B, n = 8) or into the PV through a laparotomy (Group 2, n = 3). The pigs were followed for a maximum of 28 days. Monitoring of C-peptide in Group 1 indicated that there was minimal immediate loss of islets whereas in Group 2 there was considerable loss from IBMIR. In Group 1, there were significant reductions in mean blood glucose and mean exogenous insulin requirement between pretransplantation and 20 days posttransplantation. In Group 2, there was no significant reduction in either parameter. Insulin-positive cells were seen in the GSMS in Group 1, but not in the liver in Group 2. Endoscopic gastric submucosal transplantation of islets (ENDO-STI) offers a minimally invasive and quick approach to islet transplantation, avoids IBMIR and warrants further exploration.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration for diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas: a multicenter experience

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas are rare, low-grade, epithelial neoplasms that are usually discovered incidentally in young women. Distinguishing solid pseudopapillary tumors from other pancreatic tumors, especially pancreatic endocrine tumors, can be challenging. The role of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in this context remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to describe the endoscopic ultrasound features of solid pseudopapillary tumors and the role of EUS-FNA in the preoperative diagnosis of these tumors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients from five tertiary referral centers with surgically confirmed solid pseudopapillary tumors who had undergone preoperative EUS-FNA were included. The endoscopic ultrasound findings, cytologic descriptions, immunostaining results, operative records, surgical pathology, and results of the most recent clinical follow-up were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 28 patients were identified (four men [14 %], 24 women [86 %], mean age +/- standard deviation [SD] 35 +/- 10 years). Solid pseudopapillary tumors had been found as incidental findings on cross-sectional imaging in 50 % of cases. The mean tumor size +/- SD was 42 +/- 19.5 mm and the majority were located in the pancreatic body and tail. The endoscopic ultrasound report described a well-defined, echo-poor mass in 86 %; the tumors were solid in 14 patients (50 %), mixed solid and cystic in 11 patients (39 %), and cystic in three patients (11 %). A preoperative diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary tumor was made in 21 patients (75 %) on the basis of EUS-FNA cytology. Surgical resection was performed in all cases. Laparoscopic resection was performed in eight of these patients (29 %).

CONCLUSIONS

A solid pseudopapillary tumor should be included in the differential diagnosis of any well-demarcated, echo-poor, solid or mixed solid/cystic pancreatic lesion seen during endoscopic ultrasound, particularly in young women. The diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNA for solid pseudopapillary tumors was 75 % in this study. A definitive preoperative diagnosis can guide the surgical approach in selected cases.

Yield of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of bile duct lesions

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

It is still difficult to differentiate reliably between benign and malignant biliary tract lesions. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) has added to the diagnostic power of EUS for other gastrointestinal tumors. A retrospective analysis of experience with FNA sampling of bile duct lesions was therefore carried out.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All EUS-FNA procedures for bile duct masses or strictures were analyzed at our tertiary referral center from May 2000 through October 2002. Data for EUS findings, the results of EUS-FNA, and tissue sampling at surgery were included. EUS-FNA procedures were carried out using a 22-gauge needle. An experienced cytopathologist was present during FNA in all but three cases. Clinical follow-up details were recorded when available for patients in whom a suitable diagnostic gold standard was not available for comparison.

RESULTS

A total of 35 patients underwent EUS-FNA of bile duct lesions during the study period. There were no complications. Data for EUS-FNA of bile duct masses or strictures and tissue obtained at surgery were available for 23 patients. If positive cytology at surgical pathology is taken as the gold standard, EUS-FNA has a diagnostic yield for cancer of 100 % (if atypia/inconclusive findings in the FNA sample are regarded as benign). Eleven patients had a definite malignancy on surgical pathology. Of these 11 patients, five had a finding of malignancy on EUS-FNA, giving a sensitivity of 45 % (if FNA cytology reported as atypia/inconclusive is regarded as benign). Twelve patients had findings of no malignancy from tissue obtained at surgery. Of these 12 patients, nine had benign pathology and three had atypia/inconclusive findings in the EUS-FNA sample (specificity of 100 % if atypia/inconclusive findings are considered benign). A further 12 patients did not have surgical specimens for comparison with EUS-FNA results. Four patients had definite findings of malignancy on EUS-FNA alone, and one patient had FNA findings suspicious for malignancy. Seven patients had negative or equivocal EUS-FNA results. These 12 patients are described but excluded from further analysis, as a gold standard was not available for comparison. However, clinical follow-up data were available for eight of these 12 patients, and in each case the follow-up findings were compatible with previous benign or malignant EUS-FNA findings.

CONCLUSIONS

The practice of EUS-FNA has improved the diagnostic yield of EUS. These results suggest that it is a safe and useful procedure for investigating biliary masses or strictures that have hitherto caused considerable diagnostic confusion, especially in patients with negative brush cytology findings. The possibility of false-negative findings remains, but core biopsy needles may improve the situation. The results of further studies are awaited.

Complete response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation for rectal cancer does not influence survival

BACKGROUND

Up to 30% of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer have a complete clinical or pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation. This study analyzes complete clinical and pathologic responders among a large group of rectal cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation.

METHODS

From 1987 to 2000, 141 consecutive patients with biopsy-proven, locally advanced rectal cancer were treated with preoperative 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy and radiation. Clinical restaging after treatment consisted of proctoscopic examination and often computed tomography scan. One hundred forty patients then underwent operative resection, with results tracked in a database. Standard statistical methods were used to examine the outcomes of those patients with complete clinical or pathologic responses.

RESULTS

No demographic differences were detected between either clinical complete and clinical partial responders or pathologic complete and pathologic partial responders. The positive predictive value of clinical restaging was 60%, and accuracy was 82%. By use of the Kaplan-Meier life table analysis, clinical complete responders had no advantage in local recurrence, disease-free survival, or overall survival rates when compared with clinical partial responders. Pathologic complete responders also had no recurrence or survival advantage when compared with pathologic partial responders. Of the 34 pathologic T0 tumors, 4 (13%) had lymph node metastases.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical assessment of complete response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation is unreliable. Micrometastatic disease persists in a proportion of patients despite pathologic complete response. Observation or local excision for patients thought to be complete responders should be undertaken with caution.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation for rectal cancer: analysis of clinical outcomes from a 13-year institutional experience

OBJECTIVE

To examine clinical outcomes in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Preoperative radiation therapy, either alone or in combination with 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy, has proven both safe and effective in the treatment of rectal cancer. However, data are lacking regarding which subgroups of patients benefit from the therapy in terms of decreased local recurrence and increased survival rates.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on 141 consecutive patients who received neoadjuvant chemoradiation (5-fluorouracil +/- cisplatin and 4,500-5,040 cGy) for biopsy-proven locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the rectum. Surgery was performed 4 to 8 weeks after completion of chemoradiation. Standard statistical methods were used to analyze recurrence and survival.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 27 months, and mean age was 59 years (range 28-81). Mean tumor distance from the anal verge was 6 cm (range 1-15). Of those staged before surgery with endorectal ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging, 57% of stage II patients and 82% of stage III patients were downstaged. The chemotherapeutic regimens were well tolerated, and resections were performed on 140 patients. The percentage of sphincter-sparing procedures increased from 20% before 1996 to 76% after 1996. On pathologic analysis, 24% of specimens were T0. However, postoperative pathologic T stage had no effect on either recurrence or survival. Positive lymph node status predicted increased local recurrence and decreased survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation is safe, effective, and well tolerated. Postoperative lymph node status is the only independent predictor of recurrence and survival.

Primary lymphoma of the esophagus in a chronically immunosuppressed patient with hepatitis C infection: case report and review of the literature

Adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma account for the vast majority of esophageal malignancies. Other malignancies that can involve the esophagus include melanoma, sarcoma, and lymphoma. Gastrointestinal involvement with lymphoma has a variable incidence, as reported in the literature. However, primary involvement, as defined by Dawson, is extremely rare. Lymphoma has been linked to immunosuppressive conditions (such as AIDS), medications, and transplantation. We present what we believe to be the first case of primary esophageal lymphoma in a patient on long-term immunosuppression with azathioprine who was also infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV has been postulated to have a relationship with B cell lymphomas.

Benchmarking pathology services: implementing a longitudinal study

This paper details the benchmarking process and its application to the activities of pathology laboratories participating in a benchmark pilot study [the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasian (RCPA) Benchmarking Project]. The discussion highlights the primary issues confronted in collecting, processing, analysing and comparing benchmark data. The paper outlines the benefits of engaging in a benchmarking exercise and provides a framework which can be applied across a range of public health settings. This information is then applied to a review of the development of the RCPA Benchmarking Project. Consideration is also given to the nature of the preliminary results of the project and the implications of these results to the on-going conduct of the study.

Endoscopic band ligation of Dieulafoy's lesion: report of two cases and review of the literature

Two cases of endoscopic band ligation as lone therapy for Dieulafoy's lesions are presented. Neither patient has experienced further gastrointestinal bleeding; one patient has been followed for 27 months. Endoscopic band ligation is an alternative and attractive treatment modality for Dieulafoy's lesions.

Pediatric idiopathic anaphylaxis: experience with 22 patients

Idiopathic anaphylaxis in the pediatric population is being increasingly recognized, with symptoms (and therefore classifications) the same as those described in adults. We present a series of 22 patients with special attention to considerations relatively unique to the pediatric population. Prednisone, hydroxyzine, and albuterol were used to control symptoms and induce remission. No deaths occurred during treatment. One adolescent who presented with corticosteroid-dependent idiopathic anaphylaxis was diagnosed with undifferentiated somatoform-idiopathic anaphylaxis. Local physician reluctance to participate in management complicated care for some patients.

Maternal immunization to Gov system alloantigens on human platelets

BACKGROUND

Immunization to platelet alloantigens can occur during pregnancy or after the transfusion of blood components. Platelet alloantibodies can cause neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia and posttransfusion purpura. Transfusion-induced alloimmunization to a novel platelet alloantigen system, Gov, expressed on the 175-kDa glycosyl phosphatidylinositol-anchored platelet glycoprotein, CD109, was previously described. This report describes three unrelated patients who were alloimmunized to Gov(a) or Gov(b) during pregnancy.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Platelets were typed by using radioimmunoprecipitation for HPA-1a, -3a, -5a, -5b, Gov(a), and Gov(b) and by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism for HPA-1a, -1b, -3a, and -3b. Maternal sera were screened for platelet antibodies by using radioimmunoprecipitation and the antigen capture assay.

RESULTS

Patients 1 and 2 were investigated after the diagnosis of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia in their children, and alloantibodies specific for Gov(b) and Gov(a), respectively, were detected in maternal serum. Serum from patient 3, who had mild idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura with no detectable autoantibody, was found to contain alloantibodies to Gov(b) and to HPA-5b, presumably as a result of immunization during pregnancy. Platelet typings confirmed that the patients were at risk for alloimmunization to the respective antigen.

CONCLUSION

This report of three cases of maternal alloimmunization to antigens in the Gov system indicates that immunization can occur via placental transfer of antigen and that Gov system alloantibodies may be associated with neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia.

Left ventricular hypertrophy and QT dispersion in hypertension

The interlead variation in QT length on a standard electrocardiograph reflects regional repolarization differences in the heart. To investigate the association between this interlead variation (QT dispersion) and left ventricular hypertrophy, we subjected 100 untreated subjects to 12-lead electrocardiography and echocardiography. Additionally, 24 previously untreated subjects underwent a 6-month treatment study with ramipril and felodipine. In the cross-sectional part of the study, QT dispersion corrected for heart rate (QTc dispersion) was significantly correlated with left ventricular mass index (r = .30, P < .01), systolic pressure (r = .30, P < .01), the ratio of peak flow velocity of the early filling wave to peak flow velocity of the atrial wave (E/A ratio) (r = -.22, P = .02), isovolumic relaxation time (r = .31, P < .01), and age (r = .21, P < .04). In the treatment part of the study, lead-adjusted QTc dispersion decreased from 24 to 19 milliseconds after treatment, and after a subsequent 2 weeks of drug washout remained at 19 milliseconds (P < .01). The changes in left ventricular mass index at these stages were 144, 121, and 124 g/m2 (P < .01). Systolic pressure decreased from 175 to 144 mm Hg and increased again to 164 mm Hg after drug washout (P < .01). The E/A ratio (0.97, 1.02, and 1.02; P = 69) and isovolumic relaxation time (111, 112, and 112; P = .97) remained unchanged through the three assessment points. In conclusion, QT dispersion is increased in association with an increased left ventricular mass index in hypertensive individuals. Antihypertensive therapy with ramipril and felodipine reduced both parameters. If an increased QT dispersion is a predictor of sudden death in this group of individuals, then the importance of its reduction is evident.

Hereditary pancreatitis is caused by a mutation in the cationic trypsinogen gene

Hereditary pancreatitis (HP) is a rare, early-onset genetic disorder characterized by epigastric pain and often more serious complications. We now report that an Arg-His substitution at residue 117 of the cationic trypsinogen gene is associated with the HP phenotype. This mutation was observed in all HP affected individuals and obligate carriers from five kindreds, but not in individuals who married into the families nor in 140 unrelated individuals. X-ray crystal structure analysis, molecular modelling, and protein digest data indicate that the Arg 117 residue is a trypsin-sensitive site. Cleavage at this site is probably part of a fail-safe mechanism by which trypsin, which is activated within the pancreas, may be inactivated; loss of this cleavage site would permit autodigestion resulting in pancreatitis.

Neutralising antibodies after streptokinase treatment for myocardial infarction: a persisting puzzle

OBJECTIVE

To determine the development of titres of streptokinase (SK) neutralising antibodies after a single dose of SK, to establish when titres decrease to levels at which a second dose might be effective.

DESIGN

Analyses of blood samples taken from patients at intervals after SK administration.

SETTING

Australian public hospital.

PATIENTS

104 patients with acute myocardial infarction who were treated with SK and 27 controls who were not.

OUTCOME MEASURE

SK neutralising antibodies were measured once in each of the 27 controls and on 166 occasions in the 104 treated patients.

RESULTS

Titres of SK neutralising antibodies rose after SK administration but returned to control levels by 2 years.

CONCLUSIONS

SK might be effective again as a thrombolytic agent as early as 2 years after a single dose. These results are at variance with most previously published data and the reasons for this are not clear. Data evaluating patency rates after standard doses of streptokinase in patients with increased titres of neutralising antibodies are necessary before re-exposure to streptokinase can be recommended.