Multiple myeloma: Autologous stem cell transplantation versus conventional chemotherapy—A retrospective age and stage matched analysis

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Background: We retrospectively analyzed results of MM patients who underwent high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation (ASCT). In age and stage matched analysis, we compared with those patients who received conventional chemotherapy. Methods: Between January 1995 and June 2007, 95 patients underwent ASCT (Tx Group). 149 age and stage matched patients received conventional chemotherapy (CC Group). High-dose melphalan (200 mg/m2) was used for conditioning in Tx group. Baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups: median age was 50 years (range, 26 to 68 years) in Tx group versus 52 years (range 24 to 68 years) in CC group, p < 0.05; M:F = Tx Group -68:27 versus CC Group 98:51, p = 0.34; stage 3A/3B = 76.8%/23.2% in Tx Group versus 62.4%/37.6%, p = 0.02; mean Hb (Gm/dl) 9.1(range, 3.3–14.3) versus 8.6 (3.3–14.8), p = 0.21; median serum albumin (Gm/dl) 3.5 (range, 1.8–5.2) versus 3.4 (1.6–6.2), p = 0.7, respectively in two groups. Results: Following treatment, the response rates (CR + VGPR + PR = 81%) were significantly higher in Tx group compared to CC group (55%), p = 0.001. CR rate was higher in Tx group, 34.7% versus 12.8%, p < 0.001. The median overall survival was significantly higher in Tx group (75 months, 95%CI [72–106 months]) versus (24 months, 95%CI [19–36months]), p = 0.001. The median progression free survival was 30 months in Tx group (95%CI [21–48 months]) compared to 6 months in CC group (95% CI 3–9 months), p < 0.0001. Estimated overall survival at 5 years in Tx group is 66.6% (95% CI [54.8%-75.9%]) compared to 20.7% (95% CI [13.5%-29%]) in CC group. Conclusions: High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation results in higher overall and complete response rates in multiple myeloma patients. This is associated with improved progression free and overall survival. Low-dose maintenance therapy to sustain the survival benefit of transplant would be possible areas of research in future studies.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Comparison of pleural effusion between fenestrated and nonfenestrated extracardiac Fontan: A prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND

Fenestration of the baffle/conduit is believed to reduce pleural effusion following the Fontan operation. However, equivocal results have been observed with or without fenestration. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of fenestration on the amount and duration of pleural effusion following the Fontan operation.

METHODS

About 40 patients undergoing extracardiac Fontan (ECF) were randomized into two groups: one with fenestration (ECF-F; n = 20) or without fenestration (ECF-NF; n = 20). Primary outcome was the amount and duration of pleural effusions. Secondary outcomes were time to removal of the chest tubes, hospital stay, and readmission to the hospital because of recurrent pleural within 30 days of the operation.

RESULTS

Mean age was 11.5 ± 5.07 (range, 8.7-13.5) years in the ECF-F group and 13.6 ± 0.4 years (range, 10.5-15.5) in the (ECF-NF) group. The total drain output was 7.89 mL/kg/d in ECF-NF compared with 6.9 mL/kg/d in the ECF-group (P = .14). Time for removal of pleural tubes was 14.6 ± 0.95 days in the ECF-NF group compared with 11.6 ± days in the ECF-F group. Total duration of hospital stay was higher but not significant in the ECF-NF group compared with the ECF-F group. Two patients in ECF-NF required readmission to the hospital within 30 days following discharge, while there were no readmissions in the ECF-F group.

CONCLUSION

Contrary to the literature, the creation of a fenestration in the ECF circuit was not clearly associated with a reduction in the amount and duration of pleural effusion compared with a non-fenestrated Fontan. These findings may be debatable in high risks versus low risk candidates. However in the present study, in a low risk canditates undergoing the Fontan operation, the daily amount of pleural drainage was no different. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Awareness Regarding Medicolegal Aspects of Medical Services Among Reproductive Age Women: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

The government has implemented various laws to regulate medical practice and improve the quality of health care services. This study evaluated the general population's awareness of various medicolegal aspects related to the medical profession.   Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Knowledge of laws and ethics related to medical practice was assessed based on a well-structured questionnaire including 25 items. Women were categorized based on their score into low (below 50th percentile), medium (50th -75th percentile), and high (above 75th percentile) awareness.    Results: A total of 334 women were recruited. The mean age of the women in the study was 30.29±6.58 SD years; most women were between 20-30 (56.28%). Most women were graduates (33.23%), followed by postgraduates (29.04%). The majority of women were unemployed (housewives: 64.67%, students: 4.49%), followed by skilled workers (22.75%), semi-professional, and professionals (8.08%). High awareness about the various medicolegal aspects was seen in 25.1% of women, while 29.04% had medium awareness and 45.80% had low awareness. It was also seen that the women with higher education(p=0.002) and those employed (0.001) had better knowledge. Further, graduate housewives had better awareness than non-graduate housewives.   Conclusion: Education and self-independence significantly affected awareness of medicolegal issues among our women. Assuring the right to education and empowering women with self-independence will go a long way in ensuring active participation in medical decision-making.