Women in cardiology leadership of randomized clinical trials and participation of women in late-breaking clinical trials: has the COVID-19 pandemic changed a thing or not exactly?

Introduction

Despite considerable developments made in the representation of women in cardiology (WIC) recently, there still remain substantial disparities in the representation of women participants in clinical trials, as well as women physicians and scientists in clinical trial leadership. Under-representation of women in Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) remains the bane of the modern medicine, impeding the development of sex-specific guidelines in cardiovascular diseases. Female leadership in clinical trials has been shown to enhance the inclusion of women as trial participants. Furthermore, while the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted women in academia, there is no data thus far reporting the impact of the pandemic in terms of presenters and leadership of late-breaking clinical trials (LBCT) in cardiology during this period.

Purpose

We aimed to determine inclusion of WIC in LBCTs leadership and their correlation to inclusion of women in reported RCTs.

Methods

In our comprehensive analysis, we included all LBCTs presented at major international cardiovascular meetings reported over the period of January 2020 to February 2022. Data were derived from the original presentation at the meeting and/or simultaneous/ subsequent publication of manuscript. Sex of the presenter (woman or man), was assessed by either original videos of the presentation at the meeting, or based on pronoun use in the biographies derived from institutional profiles. The presence or absence of reporting of sex distribution of study participants were also recorded from original presentation at the meeting and/or published manuscript. Proportion of women included in each trial was sourced from either original publication or calculated from any similar data shown during the presentations.

Results

A total of 400 of RCTs from 19 meetings were included with a total of 400 presenters/principal investigators recorded – 32 (8%) women and 368 (92%) men. There were no significant differences between 2020 and 2021 [15 (7.2%) women in 2021 vs. 17 (19.3%) in 2020 (P=0.446)]. Proportions of women included in RCTs with WIC (37.3%) vs. non-WIC (38.7%) presenters were comparable (p=0.559), while 45% of RCTs didn't report sex distribution of participants. Except for 2 meetings (CRT 2020 and 2022), all others were virtual.

Conclusion

WIC representation as RCTs presenters was significantly low, despite the opportunity of virtual attendance afforded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Modest inclusion of women irrespective of sex of RCT leadership emphasizes multi-level problems that require more actionable solutions: i.e. implicit bias training started as early as medical school, continuing education on necessity for diversity, equity and inclusion, patient and public involvement, and comprehensive guidance on trial design, such that future RCT participants reflect the populations intended to treat.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Abstract P1-08-03: Withdrawn

This abstract was withdrawn by the authors.

Facial and limb angioedema with parotitis and Kikuchi-like necrotizing lymphadenitis preceding neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus in a young African American male

Angioedema has been observed in a few cases secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Herein, we report a rare case where a young healthy male initially presented with angioedema, lymphadenopathy and parotitis and later on developed neuropsychiatric manifestations at the very onset of his SLE disease. This case illustrates the importance of prompt clinical consideration of lupus with unusual and atypical preceding manifestations.

Selection of suitable reference genes for quantitative gene expression studies in milk somatic cells of lactating cows (Bos indicus)

We assessed the suitability of 9 internal control genes (ICG) in milk somatic cells of lactating cows to find suitable reference genes for use in quantitative PCR (qPCR). Eighteen multiparous lactating Sahiwal cows were used, 6 in each of 3 lactation stages: early (25 ± 5 d in milk), mid (160 ± 15 d in milk), and late (275 ± 25 d in milk) lactation. Nine candidate reference genes [glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 11 (PPP1R11), β-actin (ACTB), β-2 microglobulin (B2M), 40S ribosomal protein S15a (RPS15A), ubiquitously expressed transcript (UXT), mitochondrial GTPase 1 (MTG1), 18S rRNA (RN18S1), and ubiquitin (UBC)] were evaluated. Three genes, β-casein (CSN2), lactoferrin (LTF), and cathelicidin (CAMP) were chosen as target genes. Very high amplification was observed in 7 ICG and very low level amplification was observed in 2 ICG (UXT and MTG1). Thus, UXT and MTG1 were excluded from further analysis. The qPCR data were analyzed by 2 software packages, geNorm and NormFinder, to determine suitable reference genes, based on their stability and expression. Overall, PPP1R11, ACTB, UBC, and GAPDH were stably expressed among all candidate reference genes. Therefore, these genes could be used as ICG for normalization of qPCR data in milk somatic cells through lactation.

Anti-microbial resistance stratified by risk factor among Escherichia coli strains isolated from the urinary tract at a rural clinic in Central India

BACKGROUND

The failure of empirical therapy is frequently observed, even in community-acquired urinary tract infections. We, therefore, conducted a prospective, clinic-based study in 2004-2005 to document anti-microbial resistance rates and correlate them with possible risk factors to assist empirical decision-making.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Symptomatic patients with pyuria underwent urine culture. Isolates were identified using standard methods and anti-microbial resistance was determined by disk-diffusion. Ultrasonography was used to detect complicating factors. Patients were stratified by the presence of complicating factors and history of invasive procedures for comparison of resistance rates. STATISTICAL METHOD USED: Chi-square or Fisher exact tests, as appropriate.

RESULTS

There were 156 E. coli isolates, of which 105 were community-acquired. Twenty-three community-acquired isolates were from patients with complicating factors while 82 were from patients without any. Fifty-one isolates were from patients who had recently undergone invasive procedures on the urinary tract. Thirty-two community-acquired isolates from reproductive-age women without apparent complicating factors had resistance rates of 50% or above against tetracyclines, Co-trimoxazole, aminopenicillins, Nalidixic acid, Ciprofloxacin and 1 st generation cephalosporins. Resistance rates were significantly higher among isolates from patients subjected to invasive procedures, except against Co-trimoxazole, tetracyclines and Amikacin.

CONCLUSION

High rates of anti-microbial resistance in community-acquired uropathogens have made antimicrobial sensitivity testing necessary even in a rural, primary-care setting.

Neutropenic enterocolitis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Neutropenic enterocolitis is an acute, life-threatening inflammation of the small and large bowel, often seen in children with malignancies during periods of prolonged or severe neutropenia. During the period 1990-1995, 180 children were treated at the authors' center for acute lymphoblastic leukemia using a standard chemotherapy protocol. Among them, 11 children (6.1%) aged 4 to 12 years, were diagnosed clinically to have neutropenic enterocolitis. Eight had severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count < 10(8)/L and 5 had prolonged neutropenia (> 7 days duration). The symptoms included diffuse abdominal pain (10 children), oral mucositis (7), hematochezia (7), diarrhea (6), hematemesis (5), and right lower quadrant tenderness (4). Three children had radiological evidence of free intraperitoneal gas and an additional 3 children were found on surgical exploration to have cecal perforation. Laparotomy was performed on 8 children (73%), 4 of whom survived. Among the 3 children managed conservatively, 1 died awaiting surgical exploration, while the other 2 did well. The overall survival was 55%. The authors recommend an approach to management that respects the heterogeneity of the disease.

Prepubertal testicular teratomas

Testicular teratomas in prepubertal children are distinct from adult testicular teratomas as well as from teratomas located elsewhere in the body, both with respect to their pathologic features and biologic behavior. Over a period of 12 years, testicular teratomas comprised 25% (5 of 20) of all testicular tumors in prepubertal children, treated at our institution. Their clinical presentation and pathologic profile was analysed. Their mean age at presentation was 6.7 m (range 1 m to 18 m) with the mass having been noted at birth in 3 infants. The right testis was involved in all except one patient. Serum AFP was elevated preoperatively in only one case with an immature (grade II) teratoma containing fetal liver tissue. Immunohistochemical staining for AFP and alfa-1-antitrypsin were positive in these fetal liver cells. Serum AFP levels returned to normal after orchiectomy in this patient. While a high inguinal orchiectomy was the standard operative procedure, testicular-sparing surgery was planned in the last two patients. However the tumor had replaced the entire testis in one of these patients, while in the other, the mass was homogeneous, with no visible cystic areas or dermal elements on cut section. Hence both of these patients also underwent orchiectomy. Histologic examination and immunohistochemical staining for AFP were performed on the specimen. Peri-tumor testicular parenchyma was found to be unremarkable and did not stain for placental alkaline phosphatase, a marker for carcinoma in situ. All these children are doing well with no evidence of residual or recurrent disease at a mean follow-up of 4.7 years (range 4 m to 11 yrs).

Spectrum of cystic variants of Wilm's tumour: cystic nephroma (multilocular cyst) and cystic partially differentiated nephroma--a report of four cases

Two cases of cystic nephroma (multilocular cyst of the kidney), and one case each of cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma (CPDN) and rhabdomyomatous Wilms' tumour are described. All were male and in the pediatric age group. Grossly tumours were unilateral, unicentric and multiloculated. The need for proper designation of these lesions is highlighted because of difference in the treatment and prognosis of these tumours.

Gastric pneumatosis associated with preduodenal portal vein, duodenal atresia, and asplenia

An 8-day-old newborn presented with non-bilious vomiting, upper abdominal fullness, and failure to pass meconium. Plain radiographs revealed gastric pneumatosis (GP). At operation, he was found to have a non-obstructive preduodenal portal vein, preampullary duodenal atresia, asplenia, and malrotation. The baby was treated by duodeno-duodenostomy without mobilizing the portal vein and correction of the malrotation according to Ladd's procedure. He made an uneventful recovery and the GP resolved spontaneously. The malformative process was believed to have occurred at or soon after the 5th week of gestation, and the GP probably resulted from intramural air tracking through mucosal tears caused by high intragastric pressure.

Mediastinal lymphangiomyoma in a child: report of a case

Lymphangiomas and lymphangiomyomas are benign abnormal collections of lymphatic vessels which form a cystic mass. The mediastinum is an uncommon location for these hamartomas in children, but may be life-threatening. We report herein the case of a 23-month-old boy who presented with stridor and a history of recurrent respiratory tract infections. Soon after his admission he suddenly developed respiratory failure and was found to have a multiloculated, cystic mediastinal mass which was initially thought to be a lymphangioma. The mass was extensively infiltrative, and histological examination showed prominent smooth muscle proliferation in the walls of the cysts, confirming a diagnosis of lymphangiomyoma. The terminology and relevant literature on the topic are reviewed following the presentation of this case.

Gastrointestinal mucormycosis--an uncommon isolated mucormycosis

BACKGROUND

Isolated mucormycosis of the gastrointestinal tract is uncommon, with only two case reports from India.

OBJECTIVES

To study the clinicopathologic features of gastrointestinal mucormycosis in Indian patients.

METHODS

Eight cases of isolated gastrointestinal mucormycosis, seen over six years (1992-97) are reviewed.

RESULTS

Five of the patients were premature babies or infants, one was a 12-year-old boy, and two were middle aged. Symptomatology included vomiting, bloody diarrhea, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal lump and abdominal distention. All the neonates presented with intestinal perforation. The duration of symptoms was ten days or less in six cases. Mucormycosis was not suspected clinically in any patient. In six cases the diagnosis was established antemortem from resection or biopsy material. Only two patients received antifungal therapy and only one patient responded.

CONCLUSIONS

Isolated gastrointestinal mucormycosis is not uncommon in India. Early diagnosis may be helpful in reducing the high mortality.

Clinical course and management of pancreatoblastoma in children

Pancreatoblastoma is a rare malignant tumour. Two children with this tumour were managed in the last 2 years. Both presented with progressively increasing abdominal mass. The diagnosis was established only after laparotomy. In the first child, an 8 year old girl, the mass was arising from the body of the pancreas and only incomplete resection was feasible. She received postoperative chemotherapy and went into remission for a few months before presenting with jaundice and abdominal pain due to recurrent, metastatic disease in the liver and porta hepatitis. Further therapy was refused by the patient because of anorexia and social problems. The second patient, a 5-year-old girl, underwent distal pancreatectomy for complete removal of a large mass arising from the tail of the pancreas. Chemotherapy was begun postoperatively but discontinued by the patient. However, she has remained disease free 1 year after diagnosis. Histologic, histochemical and ultrastructural features of the tumour are detailed and the management discussed.

Intra-pancreatic splenic artery pseudoaneurysm. A rare complication of chronic calcific pancreatitis

The authors present the case of a 12-year-old boy with a history of chronic upper abdominal pain. Based on ultrasonography, endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography, and computerized tomography, a diagnosis of chronic calcific pancreatitis with dilation of the main pancreatic duct and a pseudocyst of the proximal pancreas was made. At surgery, in addition to confirmation of the above findings, a pseudoaneurysm arising from the splenic artery was found in the head and body of the pancreas. Pancreaticoduodenal resection including the pseudoaneurysm was performed. Postoperatively the child developed diabetes, which is easily managed with small doses of insulin.

Management of hydrocephalus

The present study is an analysis of 747 patients with hydrocephalus, treated and followed up in the Hydrocephalus Clinic run by the department of Paediatric Surgery at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. The distribution of patients was: congenital-46%, post-meningomyelocoele excision-28%, post-meningitic-21% and others-5% (including post haemorrhagic and post encephalocoele excision hydrocephalus. The average age was 7 months in the shunted group and 10 months in the medical group with overall male to female ratio of 2.3:1. The data were analysed to study the effect of treatment on ventriculomegaly and mental development with special reference to the type of treatment (shunt versus medical) and age at starting treatment. The probability of shunt failure was also studied. A comparison of ventricular size in US/CAT scans between the time of starting treatment and last follow-up revealed improvement in ventriculomegaly in 60% of the shunted patients but only 30% of the medically treated patients. A significant difference was particularly noted in patients with severe hydrocephalus, 72% and 22%, respectively. Comparison of the mean Mental Performance Quotient (MPQ) scores in the shunted & medically treated patients also revealed significantly better MPQ scores in the shunted group (p = < 0.001). Probability of shunt survival, as depicted by the Kaplan-Meier survival curve, revealed that there is a high rate of shunt failure in the first 12 months, followed by a dramatic slowing down. Our observations support the contention that CSF shunt surgery offers better outcome than medical management even when ventriculomegaly is severe at the time of presentation.

Occult spinal dysraphism

When spina bifida is associated with skin abnormalities such as dimples, sinus tracts hypertrichosis, or capillary hemangiomas, there is a high incidence of an occult intraspinal lesion such as epidermoid and dermoid tumours, lipomas, diastematomyelia, dural bands and tethered spinal cord. The present study consists of 50 patients with occult spinal dysraphism treated with the diagnosis of lipomeningomyelocoele (20), lumbosacral lipoma (15) and diastematomyelia (15). The clinical presentation varied from lipoma in the lumbosacral region, dermal sinus, cutaneous hemangioma and hypertrichosis. The age range varied from 2 months to 7 years with an average of 2 years. 40% patients had neurological deficit at the time of presentation which varied from lower limb weakness to bladder & bowel involvement. All patients underwent laminectomy of the lumbar and lumbo-sacral spine with excision of intraspinal lipoma, excision of bony or cartilaginous spur in diastematomyelia and detethering of the conus medullaris & cauda equina. No patient developed late neurological deficit.

Neurogenic bladder: urodynamic and surgical aspects

Children with spina bifida often have vesico-urethral dysfunction manifesting either as upper urinary tract deterioration or voiding dysfunction, chiefly incontinence. Surgery of the back and presence of or increase in hydrocephalus may contribute to neuro-urologic worsening; secondary cord tethering and syrinx or hydromyelia may be additional factors coming into play later in life. Urodynamic assessment using simple modalities like uroflowmetry, external sphincter EMG, residual urine volume and cystometry provide data useful to classify patients according to detrusor and sphincter activity. Besides diagnosis, urodynamic studies are useful in guiding therapy of children with vesico-urethral dysfunction, and for their follow-up to detect sub-clinical deterioration. They also help to prognosticate risk of upper tract deterioration and the possible success of measures to contain incontinence. Urodynamic data in thirty one patients with spinal dysraphism who presented to us with urologic symptoms were analysed. Twenty-three children had hyper-reflexic bladders while in the other 8 the bladder was areflexic. 13 children showed upper tract dilatation. The leak point volume was significantly lower in this group of patients compared to those who did not show upper tract dilatation. Our results are comparable to earlier similar studies.

Gastric transposition for esophageal replacement in children--an Indian experience

Most pediatric surgeons are wary of gastric transposition as a means for esophageal replacement in children, especially during infancy. We present our initial experience of this technique in five children followed up for an average 1.7 years postoperatively. Four of them were infants (age range 5 m to 10 m at the time of transposition) with wide-gap esophageal atresia, while one was operated upon for an extensive corrosive esophageal stricture at 4 years age. The stomach was placed transhiatally in 3 patients and through the retrosternal route in 2 patients. A gastric outlet drainage procedure was performed in all cases. The average age at transposition in the 4 infants with esophageal atresia was 8.5 months and the mean weight was 7.4 kg. Three of the four infants required postoperative ventilation (mean duration 40 hours) and the average duration of hospital stay was 24 days. Our first transposition in a chubby infant resulted in death (20% mortality for this series) due to difficult ventilation. Other complications included anastomotic leak and subsequent stricture (one patient), adhesive obstruction (one patient), transient Horner's syndrome and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (one patient), and poor weight gain (one patient). Postoperatively, while the pattern of liquid gastric emptying was variable, no duodenogastric reflux was demonstrable. Thus gastric transposition is a safe, relatively simple and physiologic procedure in infancy and childhood and has given good functional results.

Solid cystic tumour of the pancreas-clinico-pathological study of three cases

During a period of four years three cases of solid and cystic (papillary) tumour of the pancreas were encountered. The patients presented predominantly with chief complaints of lump abdomen associated with dull aching pain in right hypochondrium. Radiologically diagnosis was suspected in two cases. Excessive bleeding during surgery was observed in two cases. In two survivors no recurrence or distant metastasis was noted after surgical excision (follow up 6 months to 3.5 years), third patient died after eight hours of operation.

Mesenteric neurofibroma in von Recklinghausen's disease

The authors report the case of a 6-year-old boy admitted for surgical removal of a 5- x 4-cm neurofibroma over the left wrist. On routine clinical examination a mobile firm, nodular, central abdominal mass was discovered. At laparotomy a tumor (measuring 7 x 5 x 3 cm) arising from the ileal mesentery was found. Complete excision of the mass together with a segment of ileum, followed by end-to-end bowel anastomosis was performed. Histological examination showed that the main elements of the mass consisted of wavy, long-spindled cells that crossed irregularly (pallisading negative). Special stains and immunocytochemistry for S-100 protein confirmed the mass to be a neurofibroma of the mesentery. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and no signs of recurrence or fresh tumor have been recognized in the 4 years since his operation.

Role of extramucosal seromuscular biopsy during preliminary fecal diversion in the management of Hirschsprung's disease

The routine use of frozen section biopsy to identify distal ganglionic bowel in Hirschsprung's disease is the accepted norm in well developed centers. With the aim of overcoming non-availability of frozen section biopsy and reducing the duration of definitive surgery, an alternative algorithm, based on extramucosal seromuscular biopsy at the time of preliminary fecal diversion and its examination by routine paraffin sections and staining, was developed and used in 100 patients at our centre. This technique accurately marked the ganglionic colon for pull-through operation in 96.2% of cases with rectosigmoid transition zone and in 91.7% of those with transition zone in the descending colon, thus obviating the need for frozen section biopsy and saving nearly one hour during the pull-through surgery. However, in the more proximal varieties of Hirschsprung's disease frozen section biopsy was still considered to be indispensable.

Spectrum of congenital anomalies associated with biliary atresia

Several congenital anomalies have been reported in association with biliary atresia. We have analysed the type and frequency of anomalies observed over a 10-year period in consecutive patients operated for extrahepatic biliary atresia at our institution. Of the 107 infants who underwent a laparotomy and surgical correction of biliary atresia, 9 (8.4%) showed significant associated anomalies. Among them, 5 (55.5%) had splenic malformations, 6 (66.6%) had digestive anomalies in the form of malrotation, Meckel's diverticulum and jejunal atresia. One patient had the classical polysplenia syndrome. Our follow-up period was limited (i.e. 5 months) during which time 3 of the 9 (33.3%) patients with associated anomalies became jaundice-free. A higher incidence of malformations found in association with biliary atresia supports the congenital theory and a more thorough search for these anomalies is recommended.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia with ipsilateral eventration: a report of two cases

We report herein the cases of two patients in whom the unusual association of a diaphragmatic hernia with eventration of the diaphragm on the same side were confirmed. Although various recognized patterns of malformations have been described in children with diaphragmatic defects or eventration, to the best of our knowledge, this association has never been reported before. Following our case reports, the literature on this unusual topic is reviewed and a discussion on the possible pathogenesis is presented.

Primary hyperparathyroidism in children

Primary hyperparathyroidism is an uncommon condition in childhood that is easily amenable to surgical treatment with excellent results. Pathologically, the parathyroid glands may show generalized hyperplasia or, more commonly, adenoma formation, the latter frequently being seen in adolescence. Two girls with solitary parathyroid adenomas and predominantly skeletal manifestations resembling rickets are reported, underlining the need to suspect and appropriately investigate these children. The literature on the subject is reviewed.

Complete pelviureteric junction obstruction following a diuretic renal scan

A 13-day-old neonate with a single functioning, hydronephrotic kidney developed complete pelviureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction and anuria following a diuretic radionuclide renal scan. Urgent pyeloplasty resulted in a favourable outcome. Possible dynamics of the obstruction are discussed. Monitoring urine output after diuretic renal scans, especially in infants with a single functioning kidney and PUJ obstruction, is of paramount importance.

Biliary peritonitis secondary to perforation of common bile duct: an unusual presentation of chronic calcific pancreatitis

Common bile duct perforation causing biliary peritonitis is an unusual entity and a pancreatic calculus causing this perforation is all the more rare, and to our knowledge has not been reported previously. Such an unusual presentation of chronic calcific pancreatitis is herein reported.