5th Generation Cellular Networks and Neurosurgery: A Narrative Review.
Penn JW World neurosurgery 2021;:No page numbers.
Connectivity is a driving force for productivity across a wide variety of sectors in the 21st Century with healthcare being no exception. 5th generation cellular technology (5G) is frequently alluded to in the mainstream media but understanding of the technology and its potential impact is not widespread in clinical communities. It promises unprecedented improvement in speed, bandwidth, reliability and latency, all of which have significant implications for the way we use wireless data. 5G can be subdivided into three parallel technological architectures: extended mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine type communication (mMTC). These domains each present different and exciting prospects for the future of healthcare. This narrative review aims to elucidate the nature of 5G, its context within the development of telecommunications, and describe some of the notable opportunities it presents to the neurosurgical community. In many cases the requisite hardware has already been developed, but use has been limited by the requirements of a fast, reliable and omnipresent network connection. Examples include telesurgical robots, remote supervision of procedures, integrated smart operating theatres and clinician telepresence. The events of 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic have brought the world's attention to digital transformation. The mechanics of 5G connectivity creates the capacity for these changes to be applied practically. An understanding of this technology is essential to appreciate the development and opportunities which will be part of our professional future.
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A case report of breast cancer and membranous nephropathy with positive anti phospholipase A2 receptor antibodies.
Mathew D. BMC nephrology 2021;22(1):324.
BACKGROUND: Testing for antibodies against podocyte phospholipase A2 receptor-1 (PLA2R) allows clinicians to accurately identify primary membranous nephropathy (MN). Secondary MN is associated with a spectrum of pathology including solid organ malignancy. PLA2R positivity in these patients occurs, although no case of PLA2R-positive MN has been definitively linked to cancer. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case of biopsy-proven PLA2R-positive MN, in whom invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast was discovered. The patient underwent surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy (including cyclophosphamide) and went into a sustained complete remission of her nephrotic syndrome. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Case series have reported PLA2R positivity in patients with solid organ malignancy associated MN. Our case is unusual as it is a breast malignancy, and the patients nephrotic syndrome and anti-PLA2Rab titres improved with treatment of the cancer. Here we report, to the best of our knowledge, the first case of oestrogen receptor-2 positive breast cancer associated with PLA2R positive MN in a young lady that was treated successfully by treating the malignancy.
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A prospective cohort study evaluating subjective and objective neurosensory changes following LeFort I osteotomy.
Din AR American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics : official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics 2021;160(3):410-422.
INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the incidence and recovery of neurosensory deficit (NSD) after LeFort I osteotomy over 12 months and identify any association between age, gender, and extent of surgical movement on recovery. Furthermore, the study explored the relationship between objective and subjective outcome measures. METHODS: A prospective cohort study consisting of 31 patients. Subjects were assessed at baseline, 1 week (T1), 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months (T5) after LeFort I osteotomy. Objective assessment measures included pinprick (PP), static light touch (SLT), static 2-point discrimination (STPD), and electric pulp testing (EPT). Subjective reporting was undertaken using a visual analog scale. Patients rated the impact of NSD on intraoral and extraoral sites at the same time points as for objective measures. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (16 females and 12 males) with a mean age of 24.5 years (standard deviation, 7.4) completed the study. There was a notable reduction in NSD from T1 (85.7%) to T5 (17.9%). No significant differences were found with respect to the influence of gender; PP (P = 0.06), SLT (P = 0.10), STPD (P = 0.65) and EPT (P = 0.19) or extent of surgical movement; PP (P = 0.50), SLT (P = 0.72), STPD (P = 0.06) and EPT (P = 0.74) on NSD. Age is a significant factor for intraoral NSD in the immediate postoperative period; PP (P < 0.0001) and SLT (P < 0.0001). Subjectively, patients reported a high degree of concern associated with NSD immediately after surgery with a gradual reduction from T1 to T5. There is a significant difference in subjective reporting between those with intraoral NSD than those with no intraoral NSD at 12 months (P = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: NSD is high after LeFort I surgery, particularly intraorally in the palate. At 12 months, the incidence of NSD is 17.9%. Recovery of NSD to a nonsignificant value from baseline takes up to 3 months for extraoral sites and between 3 and 6 months for intraoral soft tissues. The maxillary dentition continues to recover from NSD up to 12 months postsurgery. Age, gender, and extent of the surgical movement do not influence the extent of NSD at 12 months. Increasing age is associated with increased NSD at intraoral sites immediately after surgery. Intraoral NSD is more of a concern to patients than extraoral NSD. Patients' concerns associated with NSD reduced over time, demonstrating a degree of adaptation in the longer term.
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Addendum: The mutational constraint spectrum quantified from variation in 141,456 humans.
Gudmundsson S. Nature 2021;597(7874):E3-E4.
Admission serum myoglobin and the development of acute kidney injury after major trauma.
Tarazona V. Annals of intensive care 2021;11(1):140.
BACKGROUND: Myoglobin and creatine kinase (CK) are both established markers of muscle injury but their hospital admission values have never been compared to predict post-traumatic acute kidney injury (AKI). METHODS: An observational registry study of consecutive trauma patients admitted to a major regional trauma centre. The primary outcome was stage 1 or more AKI in the first 7 days after trauma. We assessed the association of hospital admission myoglobin or CK with development of AKI both alone and when added to two existing risk prediction models for post traumatic AKI. RESULTS: Of the 857 trauma patients (median age 36 [25-52], 96% blunt trauma, median ISS of 20 [12-47]) included, 102 (12%) developed AKI. Admission myoglobin performed better than CK to predict AKI any stage with an AUC-ROC of 0.74 (95% CI 0.68-0.79) and 0.63 (95% CI 0.57-0.69), respectively (p < 0.001). Admission myoglobin also performed better than CK to predict AKI stage 2 or 3 [AUC-ROC of 0.79 (95% CI 0.74-0.84) and 0.74 (95% CI 0.69-0.79), respectively (p < 0.001)] with a best cutoff value of 1217 µg/L (sensitivity 74%, specificity 77%). Admission myoglobin added predictive value to two established models of AKI prediction and showed significant ability to reclassify subjects regarding AKI status, while admission CK did not. Decision curve analysis also revealed that myoglobin added net benefit to established predictive models. Admission myoglobin was better than CK at predicting development of significant rhabdomyolysis. CONCLUSIONS: Admission myoglobin better predicts the development of AKI and severe rhabdomyolysis after major trauma. Admission myoglobin should be added in established predictive models of post-traumatic AKI to early identify high-risk patients.
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Adult North Star Network (ANSN): Consensus Guideline For The Standard Of Care Of Adults With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Quinlivan R. Journal of neuromuscular diseases 2021;:No page numbers.
There are growing numbers of adults with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy living well into their fourth decade. These patients have complex medical needs that to date have not been addressed in the International standards of care. We sought to create a consensus based standard of care through a series of multi-disciplinary workshops with specialists from a wide range of clinical areas: Neurology, Cardiology, Respiratory Medicine, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Palliative Care Medicine, Rehabilitation, Renal, Anaesthetics and Clinical Psychology. Detailed reports of evidence reviewed and the consensus building process were produced following each workshop and condensed into this final document which was approved by all members of the Adult North Star Network including service users. The aim of this document is to provide a framework to improve clinical services and multi-disciplinary care for adults living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Advanced deep learning methodology for accurate, real-time segmentation of high-resolution intravascular ultrasound images.
Bajaj R. International journal of cardiology 2021;339:185-191.
AIMS: The aim of this study is to develop and validate a deep learning (DL) methodology capable of automated and accurate segmentation of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) image sequences in real-time. METHODS AND RESULTS: IVUS segmentation was performed by two experts who manually annotated the external elastic membrane (EEM) and lumen borders in the end-diastolic frames of 197 IVUS sequences portraying the native coronary arteries of 65 patients. The IVUS sequences of 177 randomly-selected vessels were used to train and optimise a novel DL model for the segmentation of IVUS images. Validation of the developed methodology was performed in 20 vessels using the estimations of two expert analysts as the reference standard. The mean difference for the EEM, lumen and plaque area between the DL-methodology and the analysts was ≤0.23mm2 (standard deviation ≤0.85mm2), while the Hausdorff and mean distance differences for the EEM and lumen borders was ≤0.19 mm (standard deviation≤0.17 mm). The agreement between DL and experts was similar to experts' agreement (Williams Index ranges: 0.754-1.061) with similar results in frames portraying calcific plaques or side branches. CONCLUSIONS: The developed DL-methodology appears accurate and capable of segmenting high-resolution real-world IVUS datasets. These features are expected to facilitate its broad adoption and enhance the applications of IVUS in clinical practice and research.
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Allograft Versus Autograft Osteochondral Transplant for Chondral Defects of the Talus: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Migliorini F. The American journal of sports medicine 2021;:3635465211037349.
BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether the results of osteochondral transplant using autografts or allografts for talar osteochondral defect are equivalent. PURPOSE: A systematic review of the literature was conducted to compare allografts and autografts in terms of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), MRI findings, and complications. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: This study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The literature search was conducted in February 2021. All studies investigating the outcomes of allograft and/or autograft osteochondral transplant as management for osteochondral defects of the talus were accessed. The outcomes of interest were visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score. Data concerning the rates of failure and revision surgery were also collected. Continuous data were analyzed using the mean difference (MD), whereas binary data were evaluated with the odds ratio (OR) effect measure. RESULTS: Data from 40 studies (1174 procedures) with a mean follow-up of 46.5 ± 25 months were retrieved. There was comparability concerning the length of follow-up, male to female ratio, mean age, body mass index, defect size, VAS score, and AOFAS score (P > .1) between the groups at baseline. At the last follow-up, the MOCART (MD, 10.5; P = .04) and AOFAS (MD, 4.8; P = .04) scores were better in the autograft group. The VAS score was similar between the 2 groups (P = .4). At the last follow-up, autografts demonstrated lower rate of revision surgery (OR, 7.2; P < .0001) and failure (OR, 5.1; P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Based on the main findings of the present systematic review, talar osteochondral transplant using allografts was associated with higher rates of failure and revision compared with autografts at midterm follow-up.
An SGLT-2 inhibitor prioritization tool for diabetic patients at high risk of developing or with established cardiovascular disease
Yun G. JACCP Journal of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy 2021;4(9):1242-1243.
Service or Program: With new data regarding SGLT-2 inhibitors benefits for patients living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease, St. Bartholomew's Hospital (Barts) in London, England developed a prioritization tool. This tool was created through the collaboration of Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) students from Purdue University College of Pharmacy and cardiology specialists at Barts. To date, the most prescribed diabetes medications in the National Health Service (NHS) were metformin, followed by DPP-4 inhibitors, sulfonylureas, SGLT-2 inhibitors, and thiazolidinediones. This tool provides clinicians guidance to determine which patients should begin SGLT-2 inhibitor therapy in order to increase health outcomes and prevent hospitalizations. Justification/Documentation: Current European guidelines, new cardiovascular outcome trials data, and yearly NHS medication costs were analyzed to develop a decision-making tool aimed at helping providers switch patients to an SGLT-2. Patients at high risk of developing or with established cardiovascular or chronic kidney disease were prioritized highest for receiving an SGLT-2 inhibitor. Barts' pharmacists and cardiologists can use this tool to identify key patients and apply these changes. Adaptability: This SGLT-2 inhibitor prioritization tool is adaptable to any practice setting. The prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease around the world is increasing, and the benefits of this medication class have been demonstrated in both disease states. Although this tool was created with the SGLT-2 inhibitors available within the NHS and using European guidelines, the data and information can be extrapolated to other countries. Significance: Through the collaboration between international preceptors and APPE students they impacted the practice of clinical pharmacy in another country. Using existing guidelines, a clear and simplified tool was created that pharmacists at Barts can use to improve clinical outcomes for their patients.
An unusual case of concurrent Kounis syndrome and prolonged QT in a young patient.
Erdogan E. Cardiology in the young 2021;:1-3.
Allergic reactions related to drug use is a common entity presenting often from minor urticaria to life-threatening anaphylactoid reactions. A common but easily overlooked diagnosis, Kounis syndrome, is an established hypersensitivity coronary disorder induced by drugs, foods, environmental factors, and coronary stents that can present in the same way as non-allergy-induced acute coronary syndrome. Here within, we present a unique case of dual presentation of Kounis syndrome and prolonged QTc in a young patient after a single dose of Domperidone and Lansoprazole.
Antithrombotic treatment management in low stroke risk patients undergoing cardioversion of atrial fibrillation <48 h="" duration:="" results="" of="" an="" ehra="" survey.="">
Migliore F. Europace : European pacing, arrhythmias, and cardiac electrophysiology : journal of the working groups on cardiac pacing, arrhythmias, and cardiac cellular electrophysiology of the European Society of Cardiology 2021;23(9):1502-1507.
<48 h="" duration:="" results="" of="" an="" ehra="" survey.="">Data supporting the safety of cardioversion (CV) of atrial fibrillation (AF) without anticoagulation in patients with AF duration <48 h are scarce. Observational studies suggest that the risk of stroke in these patients is very low when the definite duration of the AF episode is of <48 h and the clinical risk profile as estimated through the CHA2DS2VASc score is low (a score of 0 for men and 1 for women). As the recent 2020 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines indication for this clinical scenario is based mainly on consensus, we sent out a survey to assess the current clinical practice on anticoagulation prior to and post-CV in patients with AF <24-48 h duration and low stroke risk across centres in Europe. Of the 136 respondents, half were affiliated to university hospitals (68/136; 50%). Non-university hospitals (50/136; 36%) and private hospitals (2/136; 1.4%) accounted over a third of respondents. The main findings of our survey were (i) heterogeneity in the anticoagulation management both before and post-CV in low stroke-risk patients with AF <48 h, (ii) higher utilization of periprocedural low-molecular-weight heparin than of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant, (iii) higher utilization of pre-CV transoesophageal echocardiography for electrical CV than for pharmacological CV regardless of the duration of AF, (iv) high adherence to a 4-week post-CV oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy, mainly for electrical CV, and finally, (v) perceived higher acceptance of lack of post-CV OAC therapy in patients with <24 h than 24-48 h episode duration. The results obtained in this survey highlight the need for more research providing definitive clarification on the safety of CV without anticoagulation in patients with short duration AF.
Aortic proximalization-Zone 0 versus Zone 2: A concept or true challenge?
Tan SZCP Journal of cardiac surgery 2021;36(9):3319-3325.
BACKGROUND: The use of the Frozen Elephant Trunk (FET) device to manage complex surgical pathologies of the aorta (such as acute type A aortic dissection) has gained popularity since its introduction in the early 2000s. Though the distal anastomosis was traditionally performed at aortic Zone 3 (Z-3-FET), preference gradually shifted towards Zone 2 (Z-2-FET) in favor of improved surgical access and clinical outcomes. This review seeks to elucidate whether proximalization of arch repair to Zone 0 (Z-0-FET) would further improve postoperative outcomes. METHODS: We performed a review of available literature to evaluate the comparative efficacies of Z-2-FET versus Z-0-FET, in terms of surgical technique, clinical outcomes, and incidence of adverse events. RESULTS: Z-0-FET seems to be associated with a more accessible surgical approach, and shorter cardiopulmonary bypass, antegrade cerebral perfusion, and cardioplegia durations than Z-2-FET. Further, Z-0-FET is could potentially be associated with a lower incidence of neurological, renal, and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, as well as mortality and reintervention rates than Z-2-FET. This said, Z-0-FET is itself associated with significant challenges, and efficacy in terms of postoperative true lumen integrity and false lumen thrombosis is mixed. CONCLUSION: Current literature seems to suggest that Z-0-FET procedures are more straightforward and associated with lower rates of certain adverse events, however, the majority of data reviewed is retrospective. This review, therefore, recommends prospective research into the comparative strengths and limitations of Z-0-FET and Z-2-FET to better substantiate whether proximalization of arch repair represents a concept, or a true challenge to advance surgical intervention for arch pathologies.
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Are Landing Patterns in Jumping Athletes Associated with Patellar Tendinopathy? A Systematic Review with Evidence Gap Map and Meta-analysis.
Tayfur A. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) 2021;:No page numbers.
BACKGROUND: Patellar tendinopathy (PT) is common and debilitating for jumping athletes. Intriguingly, despite its high prevalence and many research studies, a causal explanation for PT presence remains elusive. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to investigate whether landing biomechanics among jumping athletes are associated with PT and can predict onset. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review with evidence gap map and meta-analysis. We searched three databases from inception to May 2021 for observational studies or trials evaluating landing biomechanics in jumping athletes with PT (JPTs). We assessed quality with a modified Downs and Black checklist, risk of bias with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool, and evidence levels with van Tulder's criteria and provided an evidence gap map. RESULTS: One prospective cohort (moderate quality), one cross-sectional cohort (moderate quality), and 14 case-control (four high-, seven moderate-, and three low-quality) studies, including 104 JPTs, 14 with previous PT, 45 with asymptomatic patellar tendon abnormality (PTA), and 190 controls were retained. All studies had a high risk of bias. Meta-analysis showed an association between lower ankle dorsiflexion and the presence of tendinopathy during drop and spike landings, and JPTs had reduced knee joint power and work during volleyball approach or drop landings (moderate evidence). Limited evidence suggested that JPTs had lower patellar tendon loads during drop landings. Strong or moderate evidence showed no relation between PT and sagittal plane peak knee and hip angles or range of motion; hip, knee, or ankle angles at initial contact (IC); knee angular velocities, peak trunk kinematics, or trunk angles at IC; sagittal plane hip, knee, or ankle moments; and peak vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) and vGRF impulse. Identified gaps were that no study simultaneously investigated athletes with previous PT, current PT, and PTA, and studies of joint angular velocities at IC, ankle and hip angular velocities after touchdown, leg stiffness, loading rate of forces, and muscle activation are lacking. CONCLUSION: Despite the voluminous literature, large number of participants, multitude of investigated parameters, and consistent research focus on landing biomechanics, only a few associations can be identified, such as reduced ankle dorsiflexion-plantarflexion range. Further, the quality of the existing literature is inadequate to draw strong conclusions, with only four high-quality papers being found. We were unable to determine biomechanical factors that predicted PT onset, as longitudinal/prospective studies enabling causal inference are absent. The identified gaps indicate useful areas in which to explore causal relationships to inform intervention development. Therefore, high-quality prospective studies are essential to definitively determine whether landing biomechanics play a part in the development, recurrence, or management of PT and represent a potential therapeutic or preventive target alongside non-biomechanical factors.
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Assessing left ventricular systolic function by emergency physician using point of care echocardiography compared to expert: systematic review and meta-analysis.
Albaroudi B. European journal of emergency medicine : official journal of the European Society for Emergency Medicine 2021;:No page numbers.
Assessing left ventricular systolic function (LVSF) by echocardiography assists in the diagnosis and management of a diverse range of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). We evaluated the agreement between ED-based clinician sonographers and apriori-defined expert sonographers. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. We searched Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane, ClinicalTrials.gov, TRIP and Google Scholar for eligible studies from inception to February 2021. Risk of bias was evaluated using Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. The level of agreement between clinician and expert sonographers was measured using kappa, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio statistics using random-effects models. Twelve studies were included (1131 patients, 1229 scans and 159 clinician sonographers). Significant heterogeneity was identified in patient selection, methods of assessment of LVSF, reference standards and statistical methods for assessing agreement. The overall quality of studies was low, with most being small, single centre convenience samples. A meta-analysis including seven studies (786 scans) where visual estimation method was used by clinician sonographers demonstrated simple Kappa of 0.68 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.57-0.79], and sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio of 89% (95% CI, 80-94%), 85% (95% CI, 80-89%), 5.98 (95% CI, 4.13-8.68) and 0.13 (95% CI, 0.06-0.24), respectively, between clinician sonographer and expert sonographer for normal/abnormal LVSF. The weighted kappa for five studies (429 scans) was 0.70 (95% CI, 0.61-0.80) for normal/reduced/severely reduced LVSF. There is substantial agreement between ED-based clinician sonographers and expert sonographers for assessing LVSF using visual estimation and ranking it as normal/reduced, or normal/reduced/severely reduced, in patients presenting to ED.
Association of hysterectomy and invasive epithelial ovarian and tubal cancer: A cohort study within UKCTOCS.
Taylor JA BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology 2021;:No page numbers.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between hysterectomy with conservation of one or both adnexa and ovarian and tubal cancer. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: 13 NHS Trusts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. POPULATION: 202,506 postmenopausal women recruited between 2001-2005 to the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS) and followed up until 31 December 2014. METHODS: Multiple sources (questionnaires, hospital notes, Hospital Episodes Statistics, national cancer/death registries, ultrasound reports) were used to obtain accurate data on hysterectomy (with conservation of one or both adnexa) and outcomes censored at bilateral oophorectomy, death, ovarian/tubal cancer diagnosis, loss to follow-up or 31 December 2014. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the association. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Invasive epithelial ovarian and tubal cancer (WHO 2014) on independent outcome review. RESULTS: Hysterectomy with conservation of one or both adnexa was reported in 41,912 (20.7%; 41,912/202,506) women. Median follow up was 11.1years (IQR 9.96-12.04), totalling >2.17million women-years. Among women who had undergone hysterectomy, 0.55% (231/41912) were diagnosed with ovarian/tubal cancer, compared with 0.59% (945/160594) of those with intact uterus. Multivariable analysis showed no evidence of an association between hysterectomy and invasive epithelial ovarian/tubal cancer (RR=0.98, 95%CI 0.85-1.13, p=0.765). CONCLUSIONS: This large cohort study provides further independent validation that hysterectomy is not associated with alteration of invasive epithelial ovarian and tubal cancer risk. This data is important both for clinical counselling and for refining risk prediction models.
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‘This is not part of my life plan’: A qualitative study on the psychosocial experiences and practical challenges in young adults with cancer age 25 to 39 years at diagnosis
Lidington Emma European Journal of Cancer Care 2021;30(5):No page numbers.
ObjectiveAdolescents and young adults with cancer face unique psychosocial and practical issues. However, patients across this group encounter different life experiences, cancer diagnoses and treatment settings given the tailored services for patients ages 15 to 24. Here, we qualitatively explore the psychosocial experiences and practical challenges of young adults (YAs) with cancer diagnosed between ages 25 and 39 in the United Kingdom.MethodsWe invited YAs diagnosed with cancer in the 5 years prior to enrolment at participating sites to take part in semi-structured interviews or focus groups. Transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Two YA patients reviewed the results to ensure robustness.ResultsSixty-five YAs with varied diagnoses participated. Participants struggled to balance work, childcare and financial solvency with treatment. The halt in family and work life as well as changes in image and ability threatened participants’ identity and perceived ‘normality’ as a YA, however, these also stimulated positive changes. YAs experienced social isolation from friends and family, including children. Many struggled to cope with uncertainty around treatment outcomes and disease recurrence.ConclusionThe disruption of family and work life can lead to age-specific issues in YAs diagnosed with cancer. Age-tailored psychological and practical services must be considered.
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Ball heading and subclinical concussion in soccer as a risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Kakavas G. Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research 2021;16(1):566.
Soccer players have a high risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, a potentially career-ending event. ACL rupture has been linked with abnormal neuromuscular control in the lower limb. Additionally, heading the ball with the unprotected head during game play is increasingly recognized as a major source of exposure to concussive and sub-concussive repetitive head impacts. This article provides a hypothesis of potential connection of ACL injury with ball heading in soccer players. The study reviews literature sources regarding the impact of neurocognitive alterations after ball headings in ACL injuries. Poor baseline neurocognitive performance or impairments in neurocognitive performance via sleep deprivation, psychological stress, or concussion can increase the risk for subsequent musculoskeletal injury.
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BSHI/BTS guidance on crossmatching before deceased donor kidney transplantation.
Peacock S. International journal of immunogenetics 2021;:No page numbers.
All UK H&I laboratories and transplant units operate under a single national kidney offering policy, but there have been variations in approach regarding when to undertake the pre-transplant crossmatch test. In order to minimize cold ischaemia times for deceased donor kidney transplantation we sought to find ways to be able to report a crossmatch result as early as possible in the donation process. A panel of experts in transplant surgery, nephrology, specialist nursing in organ donation and H&I (all relevant UK laboratories represented) assessed evidence and opinion concerning five factors that relate to the effectiveness of the crossmatch process, as follows: when the result should be ready for reporting; what level of donor HLA typing is needed; crossmatch sample type and availability; fairness and equity; risks and patient safety. Guidelines aimed at improving practice based on these issues are presented, and we expect that following these will allow H&I laboratories to contribute to reducing CIT in deceased donor kidney transplantation.
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Capacity building for the provision of rheumatological services in sub-Saharan Africa.
Eastin J. Clinical rheumatology 2021;40(9):3439-3443.
INTRODUCTION: A project aimed to develop and deliver a clinical training course in Accra, Ghana, to increase patient access to physicians trained in the diagnosis, treatment and management of rheumatological conditions. METHODS: We started with a scoping exercise followed by collaborative course curriculum development, co-delivered training course facilitated by both locally based rheumatologists and international faculty members. Evaluation data gathered from application forms, participant feedback forms and multiple-choice tests completed at the beginning and end of training and the test scores compared to evaluate a change in knowledge. RESULTS: A 4-day clinical training course developed and delivered to twenty medical professionals based across Ghana. Test scores suggest a 15.83% increase in clinical knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: The training model with the curriculum design and delivery teams drawing expertise from both locally based rheumatologists and internationally based faculty has guaranteed both world-class approach and content while ensuring contextual relevance. The inclusion of leadership and Training of Trainer (ToT) elements into the model of training has maximised reach and increased teaching capacity. The programme has been well-received by participating medical professionals and faculty and has been demonstrated to be effective within this multinational programme and the methodology may be applicable to similar needs in other countries. Key Points • The growing burden of musculoskeletal disease in West Africa means that strengthening capacity in the specialty of rheumatology is more important than ever. • A pilot workshop to strengthen capacity in rheumatology care in Ghana with the curriculum design and delivery teams drawing expertise from both the UK and West Africa has guaranteed both world-class approach and content while ensuring contextual relevance. • The programme has been well-received by participating medical professionals and faculty and may be applicable to similar needs in other countries across sub-Saharan Africa.
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Capsular repair vs capsulectomy in total hip arthroplasty.
Miranda L. British medical bulletin 2021;139(1):36-47.
BACKGROUND: A major complication of total hip arthroplasty is dislocation. The hip joint capsule can be incised and repaired, or can be excised. SOURCES OF DATA: We performed a systematic review of the literature following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines focusing on capsular repair and capsulectomy. AREAS OF AGREEMENT: We identified 31 articles (17 272 patients). Capsular repair produced a lower blood loss (465.2 vs 709.2 ml), and the procedure lasted 102.5 vs 96.08 min in patients who underwent capsulectomy. The patients undergoing capsulectomy experienced a dislocation rate of 3.06%, whereas in the patients undergoing capsular repair, the dislocation rate was 0.65%. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: Most studies are retrospective observational studies, with no prospective randomized trials. GROWING POINTS: Capsular preservation is association with a lower dislocation rate and a lower blood loss. Capsular excision does take statistically less time, but it is uncertain how a 6 min difference is clinically relevant. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH: Appropriately powered randomized clinical trials should be conducted to better define the association between the chosen implants, approach and outcome.
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Case report: Hereditary angioedema in pregnancy
Jakes Adam D. Obstetric Medicine 2021;14(3):177.
Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic condition associated with episodic swelling due to dysfunction of bradykinin regulation pathways. This is most frequently caused by low level and/or function of the C1-esterase inhibitor protein (C1INH) which is known as hereditary angioedema with C1 inhibitor deficiency (C1INH-HAE). Pregnancy and labour can precipitate an attack, but the majority of women have an uncomplicated, spontaneous vaginal delivery. Intravenous C1INH is the first-line therapy in pregnancy and breastfeeding. It should be given if any obstetric intervention is planned. Routine prophylactic administration for uncomplicated vaginal birth is not mandatory but may be appropriate if symptoms recur frequently during the third trimester. Pregnant women with C1INH-HAE should deliver in a hospital with C1INH replacement, fiberoptic intubation and front-of-neck access equipment readily available. A documented treatment plan should be developed within a multi-disciplinary team to pre-empt complications. We describe a case of C1INH-HAE diagnosed in pregnancy.
Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a European observational multicentre study.
Creta A. Europace : European pacing, arrhythmias, and cardiac electrophysiology : journal of the working groups on cardiac pacing, arrhythmias, and cardiac cellular electrophysiology of the European Society of Cardiology 2021;23(9):1409-1417.
AIMS: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Data on the efficacy of catheter ablation of AF in HCM patients are sparse. METHODS AND RESULTS: Observational multicentre study in 137 HCM patients (mean age 55.0 ± 13.4, 29.1% female; 225 ablation procedures). We investigated (i) the efficacy of catheter ablation for AF beyond the initial 12 months; (ii) the available risk scores, stratification schemes and genotype as potential predictors of arrhythmia relapse, and (iii) the impact of cryoballoon vs. radiofrequency in procedural outcomes. Mean follow-up was 43.8 ± 37.0 months. Recurrences after the initial 12-month period post-ablation were frequent, and 24 months after the index procedure, nearly all patients with persistent AF had relapsed, and only 40% of those with paroxysmal AF remained free from arrhythmia recurrence. The APPLE score demonstrated a modest discriminative capacity for AF relapse post-ablation (c-statistic 0.63, 95% CI 0.52-0.75; P = 0.022), while the risk stratification schemes for sudden death did not. On multivariable analysis, left atrium diameter and LV apical aneurysm were independent predictors of recurrence. Fifty-eight patients were genotyped; arrhythmia-free survival was similar among subjects with different gene mutations. Rate of procedural complications was high (9.3%), although reducing over time. Outcome for cryoballoon and radiofrequency ablation was comparable. CONCLUSION: Very late AF relapses post-ablation is common in HCM patients, especially in those with persistent AF. Left atrium size, LV apical aneurysm, and the APPLE score might contribute to identify subjects at higher risk of arrhythmia recurrence. First-time cryoballoon is comparable with radiofrequency ablation.
Central sensitisation in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia; a case control study.
Bourke JH Journal of psychosomatic research 2021;150:110624.
INTRODUCTION: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM) are both complex conditions that are challenging to treat. This may be related to an incomplete understanding of their pathophysiology, itself obfuscated by their heterogeneity. The symptomatic overlap between them and their common comorbidity suggests a shared vulnerability, which might be explained by central sensitisation. METHODS: 19 CFS cases, 19 FM cases and 20 age and sex matched healthy controls (HC) were recruited primarily from secondary care clinics in London. Those with other pain disorders, psychiatric diagnoses and those taking centrally acting or opiate medications were excluded. Participants were asked to abstain from alcohol and over the counter analgaesia 48 h prior to assessment by static and dynamic quantitative sensory tests, including measures of temporal summation (TS) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM). RESULTS: CS, as defined by the presence of both enhanced TS and inefficient CPM, was present in 16 (84%) CFS cases, 18 (95%) FM cases, and none of the HC (p < 0.001). Pressure pain thresholds were lower in CFS (Median222kPaIQR 146-311; p = 0.04) and FM cases (Median 189 kPa; IQR 129-272; p = 0.003) compared to HC (Median 311 kPa; IQR 245-377). FM cases differed from HC in cold-induced (FM = 22.6 °C (15.3-27.7) vs HC = 14.2 °C (9.0-20.5); p = 0.01) and heat-induced (FM = 38.0 °C (35.2-44.0) vs HC = 45.3 °C (40.1-46.8); p = 0.03) pain thresholds, where CFS cases did not. CONCLUSION: Central sensitisation may be a common endophenotype in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Further research should address whether central sensitisation is a cause or effect of these disorders.
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Clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of women diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 in London’s most ethnically diverse borough: A cross-sectional study
Milln Jack Obstetric Medicine 2021;14(3):164.
Introduction It is unclear whether pregnant women from ethnic minority groups and with metabolic disorders are disproportionately affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection within deprived areas. No previous studies have compared pregnancy outcomes with an appropriate comparator group. Methods Cross-sectional study of 32 women with SARS-CoV-2 compared to background departmental figures from the three months prior to the outbreak. Clinical characteristics were compared to the UK Obstetric Surveillance System report. Results Estimated incidence was 10 times the national average (50.3 vs 4.9 per 1000 maternities). Women from Black (OR, 95% CI: 3.01, 1.08–7.38) and Asian (OR, 95% CI: 2.68, 1.23–6.05) ethnic groups were over-represented; however, there was no association with metabolic disorders. Babies born to women diagnosed with coronavirus were more likely to be born premature, or by caesarean delivery, however there was no difference in birthweight centile for gestational age. Conclusion Women from Black and Asian backgrounds are disproportionately affected, even within an area of high ethnic diversity. Mothers do not appear more severely affected than women nationally; however, babies are more likely to be born preterm, or by caesarean delivery, compared to usual departmental figures. It is unclear whether this is due to increased intervention or a direct result of coronavirus infection.
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Clinical impact of NPM1-mutant molecular persistence after chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia.
Tiong IS Blood advances 2021;:No page numbers.
Monitoring of NPM1 mutant (mut) measurable residual disease (MRD) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has an established role in patients treated with intensive chemotherapy. The European LeukemiaNet has defined molecular persistence at low copy number (MP-LCN) as MRD transcript level <1-2% with <1-log change between any 2 positive samples collected after the end of treatment (EOT). As the clinical impact of MP-LCN is unknown, we sought to characterize outcomes in patients with persistent NPM1mut MRD after EOT and identify factors associated with disease progression. Consecutive patients with newly diagnosed NPM1mut AML who received at least 2 cycles of intensive chemotherapy were included if NPM1mut MRD positive in the bone marrow at the EOT and not transplanted in first complete remission. One hundred patients were followed for a median of 23.5 months; 42% remained free of progression at 1 year: either spontaneously achieving complete molecular remission (30%) or retaining low-level NPM1mut transcript (12% for ≥12 months and 9% at last follow up). Forty percent met the criteria for MP-LCN. Pre-emptive salvage therapy was found to significantly prolong relapse-free survival. Risk factors associated with disease progression were concurrent FLT3-ITD at diagnosis and suboptimal MRD response (NPM1mut reduction <4.4-log) at EOT.
Clinical outcomes and the impact of prior oral anticoagulant use in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 admitted to hospitals in the UK - a multicentre observational study.
Arachchillage DJ British journal of haematology 2021;:No page numbers.
Coagulation dysfunction and thrombosis are major complications in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Patients on oral anticoagulants (OAC) prior to diagnosis of COVID-19 may therefore have better outcomes. In this multicentre observational study of 5 883 patients (≥18 years) admitted to 26 UK hospitals between 1 April 2020 and 31 July 2020, overall mortality was 29·2%. Incidences of thrombosis, major bleeding (MB) and multiorgan failure (MOF) were 5·4%, 1·7% and 3·3% respectively. The presence of thrombosis, MB, or MOF was associated with a 1·8, 4·5 or 5·9-fold increased risk of dying, respectively. Of the 5 883 patients studied, 83·6% (n = 4 920) were not on OAC and 16·4% (n = 963) were taking OAC at the time of admission. There was no difference in mortality between patients on OAC vs no OAC prior to admission when compared in an adjusted multivariate analysis [hazard ratio (HR) 1·05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·93-1·19; P = 0·15] or in an adjusted propensity score analysis (HR 0·92 95% CI 0·58-1·450; P = 0·18). In multivariate and adjusted propensity score analyses, the only significant association of no anticoagulation prior to diagnosis of COVID-19 was admission to the Intensive-Care Unit (ICU) (HR 1·98, 95% CI 1·37-2·85). Thrombosis, MB, and MOF were associated with higher mortality. Our results indicate that patients may have benefit from prior OAC use, especially reduced admission to ICU, without any increase in bleeding.
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Clinical outcomes of patients with and without HIV hospitalized with COVID-19 in England during the early stages of the pandemic: a matched retrospective multi-centre analysis (RECEDE-C19 study).
Lee MJ HIV medicine 2021;:No page numbers.
BACKGROUND: The contribution of HIV to COVID-19 outcomes in hospitalized inpatients remains unclear. We conducted a multi-centre, retrospective matched cohort study of SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive hospital inpatients analysed by HIV status. METHODS: HIV-negative patients were matched to people living with HIV (PLWH) admitted from 1 February 2020 to 31 May 2020 up to a 3:1 ratio by the following: hospital site, SARS-CoV-2 test date ± 7 days, age ± 5 years, gender, and index of multiple deprivation decile ± 1. The primary objective was clinical improvement (two-point improvement or better on a seven-point ordinal scale) or hospital discharge by day 28, whichever was earlier. RESULTS: A total of 68 PLWH and 181 HIV-negative comparators were included. In unadjusted analyses, PLWH had a reduced hazard of achieving clinical improvement or discharge [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.39-0.85, p = 0.005], but this association was ameliorated (aHR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.43-1.17, p = 0.18) after additional adjustment for ethnicity, frailty, baseline hypoxaemia, duration of symptoms prior to baseline, body mass index (BMI) categories and comorbidities. Baseline frailty (aHR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.65-0.95, p = 0.011), malignancy (aHR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.17, 0.82, p = 0.014) remained associated with poorer outcomes. The PLWH were more likely to be of black, Asian and minority ethnic background (75.0% vs 48.6%, p = 0.0002), higher median clinical frailty score [3 × interquartile range (IQR): 2-5 vs, 2 × IQR: 1-4, p = 0.0069), and to have a non-significantly higher proportion of active malignancy (14.4% vs 9.9%, p = 0.29). CONCLUSIONS: Adjusting for confounding comorbidities and demographics in a matched cohort ameliorated differences in outcomes of PLWH hospitalized with COVID-19, highlighting the importance of an appropriate comparison group when assessing outcomes of PLWH hospitalized with COVID-19.
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Commentary on "Development of a novel fully functional coagulation factor VIII with reduced immunogenicity utilizing an in silico prediction and deimmunization approach" - Will we ever be able to avoid inhibitor formation in hemophilia A?
Hart DP Journal of thrombosis and haemostasis : JTH 2021;19(9):2125-2126.
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Community emergency medicine throughout the UK and Ireland: a comparison of current national activity.
Hanks A. Emergency medicine journal : EMJ 2021;:No page numbers.
BACKGROUND: Community emergency medicine (CEM) aims to bring highly skilled, expert medical care to the patient outside of the traditional ED setting. Currently, there are several different CEM models in existence within the UK and Ireland which confer multiple benefits including provision of a senior clinical decision-maker early in the patient's journey, frontloading of time-critical interventions, easing pressure on busy EDs and reducing inpatient bed days. This is achieved through increased community-based management supplemented by utilisation of alternative care pathways. This study aimed to undertake a national comparison of CEM services currently in operation. METHOD: A data collection tool was distributed to CEM services by the Pre-Hospital trainee Operated Research Network in October 2020 which aimed to establish current practice among services in the UK and Ireland. It focused on six key sections: service aims; staffing and training; job tasking and patient selection; funding and vehicles used; equipment and medication; data collection, governance and research activity. RESULTS: Seven services responded from across England, Wales and Ireland. Similarities were found with the aims of each service, staffing structures and operational times. There were large differences in equipment carried, categories of patient targeted and with governance and research activity. CONCLUSION: While some national variations in services are explained by funding and geographical location, this review process revealed several differences in practice under the umbrella term of CEM. A national definition of CEM and its aim, with guidance on scope of practice and measurable outcomes, should be generated to ensure high standard and cost-effective emergency care is delivered in the community.
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Comparison of cardiothoracic surgical training before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
Abdel Shafi AM JTCVS open 2021;7:394-410.
Background: Cardiothoracic training during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic witnessed a dramatic change in the United Kingdom, resulting in changes in surgical provisions, centralization of services, and reduced surgical case volume. The aim of this study was to assess the impact COVID-19 on surgical training and seek opinions regarding the future role of surgical simulation in cardiothoracic training. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was designed and distributed to 200 cardiothoracic national and non-national trainees in the United Kingdom. The survey consisted of 31 questions in 4 sections: Demographics, Service Provision, Training, and Simulation Training. Results: Eighty-three of the 200 trainees (41.5%) completed the survey, including 44 of 129 national trainees (34.1%) and 39 of 71 non-national trainees (54.9%). Sixty-seven respondents (80.7%) agreed that cardiothoracic training had been negatively impacted as a result of COVID-19 (P < .001). In addition, 12% agreed that adequate resources were available for learning/practicing technical skills, 87% agreed that simulation had a role in cardiothoracic training, 81% recognized simulations is an important tool in improving their surgical skills, and 79.5% agreed that simulation should be used to meet the increasing need in training/education moving forward. Conclusions: COVID-19 has had a significant impact on surgical training, with concerns that these effects could have further implications downstream. Simulation training has been underused thus far, and trainees face an uphill challenge to enhance their skills and technical abilities in the operating room. Simulation is recommended by trainees and may represent a solution to the challenges of safe and effective cardiothoracic surgical training.
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Complex ruptures of the quadriceps tendon: a systematic review of surgical procedures and outcomes.
Oliva F. Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research 2021;16(1):547.
BACKGROUND: Chronic ruptures, ruptures following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and re-ruptures of the quadriceps tendon (QT) are rare. A systematic review of the current literature was conducted on their treatment and outcome to provide evidence-based indications for their management. METHODS: We searched published articles in English on chronic ruptures of QT, QT ruptures that occurred after TKA, and re-ruptures in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar up to January 2021. Twenty-five articles were included following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. RESULTS: Data from 25 articles (97 patients) with a mean age of 57 were retrieved. Patients were classified into three groups depending on the type of rupture: 16 patients suffered chronic QTR, 78 a QTR after a TKA, and 9 patients reported a re-rupture. The most frequent surgical approaches were different for each group: Codivilla's Y-V technique and end-to-end sutures were the most commonly used in the chronic tears group (62.5%), synthetic MESH was the most frequent choice in QTR after a TKA group (38 patients, 53%), while end-to-end sutures were the first choice in the re-rupture group (4 patients, 44%). CONCLUSIONS: Complex ruptures of the QT can be chronic ruptures, re-ruptures, or ruptures occurring after TKA. The choice of the best surgical technique depends on the macroscopic quality of the tendon stumps rather than the timing of intervention. Evidence-based preventive and therapeutic strategies should be developed.
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Correction to: Effect of lumbopelvic control on landing mechanics and lower extremity muscles' activities in female professional athletes: implications for injury prevention.
Fadaei Dehcheshmeh P. BMC sports science, medicine & rehabilitation 2021;13(1):108.
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Corrigendum to "Corrigendum to Hydroxyethyl starch and acute kidney injury in high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery: A prospective multicenter study" [J Clin Anesth 2021 Oct;73:110367].
Nagore D. Journal of clinical anesthesia 2021;75:110436.
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Delivery of AAV-based gene therapy through haemophilia centres-A need for re-evaluation of infrastructure and comprehensive care: A Joint publication of EAHAD and EHC.
Miesbach W. Haemophilia : the official journal of the World Federation of Hemophilia 2021;:No page numbers.
INTRODUCTION: Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy for haemophilia presents a challenge to the existing structure of haemophilia centres and requires a rethink of current collaboration and information exchange with the aim of ensuring a system that is fit-for-purpose for advanced therapies to maximise benefits and minimise risks. In Europe, a certification process based on the number of patients and facilities is offered to the haemophilia centres by European Haemophilia Network (EUHANET). AIM AND METHODS: This joint European Association for Haemophilia and Allied Disorders (EAHAD) and European Haemophilia Consortium (EHC) publication describes criteria for centres participating in gene therapy care that require a reassessment of the infrastructure of comprehensive care and provides an outlook on how these criteria can be implemented in the future work of haemophilia centres. RESULTS: The core definition of a haemophilia treatment centre remains, but additional roles could be implemented. A modifiable 'hub-and-spoke' model addresses all aspects associated with gene therapy, including preparation and administration of the gene therapy product, determination of coagulation and immunological parameters, joint score and function, and liver health. This will also include the strategy on how to follow-up patients for a long-term safety and efficacy surveillance. CONCLUSION: We propose a modifiable, networked 'hub and spoke' model with a long term safety and efficacy surveillance system. This approach will be progressively developed with the goal of making haemophilia centres better qualified to deliver gene therapy and to make gene therapy accessible to all persons with haemophilia, irrespective of their country or centre of origin.
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Diagnosis and epidemiology of winged scapula in breast cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Plaza Meza MP British medical bulletin 2021;:No page numbers.
BACKGROUND: Winged scapula (WS) is a critical complication of axillary surgery in patients treated for breast cancer, and is associated with pain, impairment of the upper extremity's function and poor performance in daily activities. SOURCES OF DATA: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed following the PRISMA guidelines. Two independent reviewers searched PubMed, Embase and Virtual Health Library databases from January 1, 2000 to December 1, 2020. Clinical studies evaluating the diagnosis and epidemiology of WS among breast cancer surgery (BCS) patients were included. AREAS OF AGREEMENT: The diagnosis of WS relies almost entirely on physical assessment. Studies have suggested a high variability in the report of the incidence of WS given the subjectivity of its diagnosis, and the different criteria used during clinical assessment. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: The diagnosis of WS in BCS patients remains a challenge given the lack of standardized diagnostic protocols. Physical examination cannot rely on one manoeuvre only, as it may overlook patients with subtle injuries or overweight and contributing to the underreporting of its incidence. GROWING POINTS: BCS patients undergoing axillary lymph node dissection experience a significantly higher incidence of WS than those undergoing sentinel lymph node dissection. The global incidence of WS after BCS is 16.79%. Additionally, the anterior flexion test and the push-up test are the most commonly performed diagnostic manoeuvers. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH: Further studies should aim for objective diagnostic tests, especially when the condition is not evident.
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DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF FEC-PET/CT, FDG-PET/CT AND DIFFUSION-WEIGHTED MRI IN DETECTION OF NODAL METASTASES IN SURGICALLY TREATED ENDOMETRIAL AND CERVICAL CARCINOMA.
Rockall AG Clinical cancer research : an official journal of the American Association for Cancer Research 2021;:No page numbers.
PURPOSE: Pre-operative nodal staging is important for planning treatment in cervical cancer (CC) and endometrial cancer (EC) but remains challenging. We compare nodal staging accuracy of 18F-ethyl-choline-(FEC)-PET/CT, 18F-Fluoro-deoxy-glucose-(FDG)-PET/CT and diffusion-weighted-MRI (DW-MRI) with conventional morphological MRI. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: A prospective, multicentre observational study of diagnostic accuracy for nodal metastases was undertaken in 5 gyne-oncology centres. FEC-PET/CT, FDG-PET/CT and DW-MRI were compared to nodal size and morphology on MRI. Reference standard was strictly correlated nodal histology. Eligibility included operable CC stage=>1B1 or EC (grade 3 any stage with myometrial invasion or grade 1-2 stage=>II). RESULTS: Among 162 consenting participants, 136 underwent study DW-MRI and FDG-PET/CT, and 60 underwent FEC-PET/CT. 267 nodal regions in 118 women were strictly correlated at histology (nodal positivity rate 25%). Sensitivity per-patient (n=118) for nodal size, morphology, DW-MRI, FDG- and FEC-PET/CT were 40%*, 53%, 53%, 63%* and 67% for all cases (*p=0.016); 10%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 25% in CC (n=40); 65%, 75%, 70%, 80% and 88% in EC (n=78). FDG-PET/CT outperformed nodal size (p=0.006) and size ratio (p=0.04) for per-region sensitivity. False positive rates were all <10%. CONCLUSIONS: All imaging techniques had low sensitivity for detection of nodal metastases and cannot replace surgical nodal staging. The performance of FEC-PET/CT was not statistically different to other techniques that are more widely available. FDG-PET/CT had higher sensitivity than size in detecting nodal metastases. False positive rates were low across all methods. The low false positive rate demonstrated by FDG-PET/CT may be helpful in arbitration of challenging surgical planning decisions.
Dynamic Myocardial Perfusion CT for the Detection of Hemodynamically Significant Coronary Artery Disease.
Nous FMA JACC. Cardiovascular imaging 2021;:No page numbers.
OBJECTIVES: In this international, multicenter study, using third-generation dual-source computed tomography (CT), we investigated the diagnostic performance of dynamic stress CT myocardial perfusion imaging (CT-MPI) in addition to coronary CT angiography (CTA) compared to invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR). BACKGROUND: CT-MPI combined with coronary CTA integrates coronary artery anatomy with inducible myocardial ischemia, showing promising results for the diagnosis of hemodynamically significant coronary artery disease in single-center studies. METHODS: At 9 centers in Europe, Japan, and the United States, 132 patients scheduled for ICA were enrolled; 114 patients successfully completed coronary CTA, adenosine-stress dynamic CT-MPI, and ICA. Invasive FFR was performed in vessels with 25% to 90% stenosis. Data were analyzed by independent core laboratories. For the primary analysis, for each coronary artery the presence of hemodynamically significant obstruction was interpreted by coronary CTA with CT-MPI compared to coronary CTA alone, using an FFR of ≤0.80 and angiographic severity as reference. Territorial absolute myocardial blood flow (MBF) and relative MBF were compared using C-statistics. RESULTS: ICA and FFR identified hemodynamically significant stenoses in 74 of 289 coronary vessels (26%). Coronary CTA with ≥50% stenosis demonstrated a per-vessel sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the detection of hemodynamically significant stenosis of 96% (95% CI: 91-100), 72% (95% CI: 66-78), and 78% (95% CI: 73-83), respectively. Coronary CTA with CT-MPI showed a lower sensitivity (84%; 95% CI: 75-92) but higher specificity (89%; 95% CI: 85-93) and accuracy (88%; 95% CI: 84-92). The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of absolute MBF and relative MBF were 0.79 (95% CI: 0.71-0.86) and 0.82 (95% CI: 0.74-0.88), respectively. The median dose-length product of CT-MPI and coronary CTA were 313 mGy·cm and 138 mGy·cm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic CT-MPI offers incremental diagnostic value over coronary CTA alone for the identification of hemodynamically significant coronary artery disease. Generalized results from this multicenter study encourage broader consideration of dynamic CT-MPI in clinical practice. (Dynamic Stress Perfusion CT for Detection of Inducible Myocardial Ischemia [SPECIFIC]; NCT02810795).
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Effect of Demineralized Bone Matrix, Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells, and Platelet-Rich Plasma on Bone Tunnel Healing After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Comparative Micro-Computed Tomography Study in a Tendon Allograft Sheep Model.
Hexter AT Orthopaedic journal of sports medicine 2021;9(9):23259671211034166.
Background: The effect of demineralized bone matrix (DBM), bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on bone tunnel healing in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has not been comparatively assessed. Hypothesis: These orthobiologics would reduce tunnel widening, and the effects on tunnel diameter would be correlated with tunnel wall sclerosis. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 20 sheep underwent unilateral ACLR using tendon allograft and outside-in interference screw fixation. The animals were randomized into 4 groups (n = 5 per group): Group 1 received 4mL of DBM paste, group 2 received 10 million BMSCs in fibrin sealant, group 3 received 12 mL of activated leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma, and group 4 (control) received no treatment. The sheep were euthanized after 12 weeks, and micro-computed tomography scans were performed. The femoral and tibial tunnels were divided into thirds (aperture, midportion, and exit), and the trabecular bone structure, bone mineral density (BMD), and tunnel diameter were measured. Tunnel sclerosis was defined by a higher bone volume in a 250-µm volume of interest compared with a 4-mm volume of interest surrounding the tunnel. Results: Compared with the controls, the DBM group had a significantly higher bone volume fraction (bone volume/total volume [BV/TV]) (52.7% vs 31.8%; P = .020) and BMD (0.55 vs 0.47 g/cm3; P = .008) at the femoral aperture and significantly higher BV/TV at femoral midportion (44.2% vs 32.9%; P = .038). There were no significant differences between the PRP and BMSC groups versus controls in terms of trabecular bone analysis or BMD. In the controls, widening at the femoral tunnel aperture was significantly greater than at the midportion (46.7 vs 41.7 mm2; P = .034). Sclerosis of the tunnel was common and most often seen at the femoral aperture. In the midportion of the femoral tunnel, BV/TV (r = 0.52; P = .019) and trabecular number (rS = 0.50; P = .024) were positively correlated with tunnel widening. Conclusion: Only DBM led to a significant increase in bone volume, which was seen in the femoral tunnel aperture and midportion. No treatment significantly reduced bone tunnel widening. Tunnel sclerosis in the femoral tunnel midportion was correlated significantly with tunnel widening. Clinical Relevance: DBM might have potential clinical use to enhance healing in the femoral tunnel after ACLR.
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Effects of fasting on solid organ transplant recipients during Ramadan -- a practical guide for healthcare professionals.
Malik Clinical Medicine 2021;21(5):No page numbers.
Fasting in the month of Ramadan is an obligatory act for healthy adult Muslims. It requires abstinence from food and drink from dawn to sunset. Although there are exemptions from fasting, many patients are keen to fulfil what they see as a religious obligation, even if this may be against medical advice in some cases. Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients often ask healthcare professionals for advice on fasting. Studies on the effect of fasting in transplant patients have all been done in the Middle East and North Africa where the average fasting duration is between 12 and 14 hours. In comparison, in temperate regions in the summer, fasting duration can be as long as 20 hours. Fasting when patients have to take immunosuppression 12 hours apart with little time variation poses unique challenges. In this review, current literature is reviewed, and a decision-making tool has been developed to assist clinicians in discussing the risks of fasting in transplant recipients, with consideration also given to circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Our review highlights that SOT recipients wishing to fast should undergo a thorough risk assessment, ideally 3 months before Ramadan. They may require medication changes and a plan for regular monitoring of graft function and electrolytes in order to fast safely. Recommendations have been based on risk tiers (very high risk, high risk and low/moderate risk) established by the International Diabetes Federation and the Diabetes and Ramadan International Alliance. Patients in the 'very high risk' and 'high risk' categories should be encouraged to explore alternative options to fasting such as winter fasting Authors: Aconsultant transplant nephrologist, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, UK, and honorary clinical lecturer, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK; Bconsultant nephrologist, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, UK; Cconsultant in kidney medicine and kidney transplantation, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK; Dconsultant nephrologist, The Royal London Hospital, London, UK; Econsultant transplant surgeon, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK; Fgeneral practioner and Islamic scholar, Al Balagh Academy, UK; Gacademic research fellow, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Hhonorary clinical senior lecturer, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK, and consultant physician in diabetes, endocrinology and general medicine, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK or Fidyah. Those in the 'low/moderate' category may be able to cautiously fast with guidance from their clinician. Prior to the commencement of Ramadan, all patients must receive up-to-date education on sick-day rules, instructions on when to terminate their fast or abstain from fasting.
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Efficacy and Safety of Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide in Females Living With HIV: An Integrated Analysis of 5 Trials.
Orkin C. Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes (1999) 2021;:No page numbers.
BACKGROUND: We characterized the efficacy and safety of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (B/F/TAF) in a broad population of pediatric/adolescent/adult/elderly females living with HIV (FWH). SETTING: Integrated analysis. METHODS: Available data from 5 trials were integrated. Week 48 virologic suppression (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL), resistance, adverse events (AEs), and laboratory parameters were assessed. RESULTS: 373 FWH (304 virologically suppressed; 69 antiretroviral therapy [ART]-naive) received B/F/TAF (data from comparator regimens available for 306 [236 virologically suppressed; 70 ART-naive]). Virologic suppression rates with B/F/TAF at week 48 were high regardless of age, in participants virologically suppressed at baseline (≥95%) and in ART-naive participants (≥87%). Virologic suppression rates were similar between B/F/TAF and comparator regimens (both virologically suppressed/ART-naive). Treatment-emergent resistance was not detected in the B/F/TAF group. AEs considered related to study drugs were experienced by 9.2% (B/F/TAF) and 5.5% (comparator regimens) of virologically suppressed participants and 15.9% (B/F/TAF) and 31.4% (comparator regimens) of ART-naive participants. For virologically suppressed and ART-naive FWH combined, only 1/373 B/F/TAF-treated and 2/306 comparator-regimen participants discontinued due to AEs (none were bone/renal/hepatic AEs); grade 3/4 AEs were experienced by 5.1% (B/F/TAF) and 7.8% (comparator regimen); and grade 3/4 elevation of low-density lipoprotein/total cholesterol occurred in 2.7%/0.3% (B/F/TAF) and 5.9%/2.0% (comparator regimen). At week 48, median changes from baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate in adults were <5 mL/min; results were similar in B/F/TAF and comparator-regimen groups. CONCLUSION: B/F/TAF treatment was effective and well tolerated over 48 weeks, confirming B/F/TAF as an option for a broad population of FWH.
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Electrical synchronization achieved by multipoint pacing combined with dynamic atrioventricular delay.
O'Donnell D. Journal of interventional cardiac electrophysiology : an international journal of arrhythmias and pacing 2021;61(3):453-460.
PURPOSE: Multipoint pacing (MPP) improves left ventricular (LV) electrical synchrony in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). SyncAV automatically adjusts atrioventricular delay (AVD) according to intrinsic AV intervals and may further improve synchrony. Their combination has not been assessed. The objective was to evaluate the improvement in electrical synchrony achieved by SyncAV combined with MPP in an international, multicenter study. METHODS: Patients with LBBB undergoing CRT implant with a quadripolar lead (Abbott Quartet™) were prospectively enrolled. QRS duration (QRSd) was measured by blinded observers from 12-lead ECG during: intrinsic conduction, BiV pacing (conventional biventricular pacing, nominal static AVD), MPP (2 LV cathodes maximally spaced, nominal static AVD), BiV + SyncAV, and MPP + SyncAV. All SyncAV offsets were individualized for each patient to yield the narrowest QRSd during BiV pacing. QRSd changes were compared by ANOVA and post hoc Tukey-Kramer tests. RESULTS: One hundred and three patients were enrolled (65.7 ± 12.1 years, 67% male, 37% ischemic, EF 26.4 ± 6.5%, PR 190.3 ± 39.1 ms). Relative to intrinsic conduction (QRSd of 165 ± 16 ms), BiV reduced QRSd by 11.9% to 145 ± 18 ms (P < 0.001 vs intrinsic), and MPP reduced QRSd by 13.3% to 142 ± 19 ms (P < 0.001 vs intrinsic). However, enabling SyncAV with a patient-optimized offset nearly doubled this QRSd reduction. BiV + SyncAV reduced QRSd by 22.0% to 128 ± 13 ms (P < 0.001 vs BiV), while MPP + SyncAV reduced QRSd further by 25.6% to 122 ± 14 ms (P < 0.05 vs BiV + SyncAV). CONCLUSION: SyncAV can significantly improve acute electrical synchrony beyond conventional CRT, with further improvement achieved by superimposing MPP.
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Eosinophilic and Noneosinophilic Asthma: An Expert Consensus Framework to Characterize Phenotypes in a Global Real-Life Severe Asthma Cohort.
Heaney LG Chest 2021;160(3):814-830.
BACKGROUND: Phenotypic characteristics of patients with eosinophilic and noneosinophilic asthma are not well characterized in global, real-life severe asthma cohorts. RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the prevalence of eosinophilic and noneosinophilic phenotypes in the population with severe asthma, and can these phenotypes be differentiated by clinical and biomarker variables? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was an historical registry study. Adult patients with severe asthma and available blood eosinophil count (BEC) from 11 countries enrolled in the International Severe Asthma Registry (January 1, 2015-September 30, 2019) were categorized according to likelihood of eosinophilic phenotype using a predefined gradient eosinophilic algorithm based on highest BEC, long-term oral corticosteroid use, elevated fractional exhaled nitric oxide, nasal polyps, and adult-onset asthma. Demographic and clinical characteristics were defined at baseline (ie, 1 year before or closest to date of BEC). RESULTS: One thousand seven hundred sixteen patients with prospective data were included; 83.8% were identified as most likely (grade 3), 8.3% were identified as likely (grade 2), and 6.3% identified as least likely (grade 1) to have an eosinophilic phenotype, and 1.6% of patients showed a noneosinophilic phenotype (grade 0). Eosinophilic phenotype patients (ie, grades 2 or 3) showed later asthma onset (29.1 years vs 6.7 years; P < .001) and worse lung function (postbronchodilator % predicted FEV1, 76.1% vs 89.3%; P = .027) than those with a noneosinophilic phenotype. Patients with noneosinophilic phenotypes were more likely to be women (81.5% vs 62.9%; P = .047), to have eczema (20.8% vs 8.5%; P = .003), and to use anti-IgE (32.1% vs 13.4%; P = .004) and leukotriene receptor antagonists (50.0% vs 28.0%; P = .011) add-on therapy. INTERPRETATION: According to this multicomponent, consensus-driven, and evidence-based eosinophil gradient algorithm (using variables readily accessible in real life), the severe asthma eosinophilic phenotype was more prevalent than previously identified and was phenotypically distinct. This pragmatic gradient algorithm uses variables readily accessible in primary and specialist care, addressing inherent issues of phenotype heterogeneity and phenotype instability. Identification of treatable traits across phenotypes should improve therapeutic precision.
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Evaluation of remote assessments for multiple sclerosis in an in-home setting.
Kuri A. Multiple sclerosis and related disorders 2021;54:103125.
BACKGROUND: There is an urgent clinical need for reliable remote monitoring methods in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). We evaluated the use of remotely patient-recorded timed 25-foot walk (rT25FW) and nine-hole peg test (r9HPT). METHODS: Seventy-one people with MS completed a previously-validated online EDSS (webEDSS) and r9HPT, and 108 completed the webEDSS and rT25FW. RESULTS: There was a mild-moderate positive correlation between webEDSS and rT25FW, and no significant correlation between webEDSS and r9HPT. Distributions of rT25FW and r9HPT times were positively skewed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide pilot evidence that remote monitoring of MS is potentially valid but requires refinement before wide-scale implementation. With a median EDSS of 4.5 and EDSS range of 0 - 8.0, at least some patients with ambulatory difficulty are able to complete the assessments.
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Evans syndrome in adults: an observational multicentre study.
Fattizzo B. Blood advances 2021;:No page numbers.
Evans syndrome (ES) is a rare condition, defined as the presence of two autoimmune cytopenias, more frequently autoimmune hemolytic anemia and immune thrombocytopenia, and rarely autoimmune neutropenia. ES can be classified as primary or secondary to various conditions, including lymphoproliferative disorders, other systemic autoimmune diseases, and primary immunodeficiencies, particularly in children. In adult ES, little is known about clinical features, disease associations and outcome. In this retrospective international study, we analyzed 116 adult patients followed at 13 European tertiary centers, focusing on treatment requirement, occurrence of complications and death. ES was secondary to or associated with an underlying condition in 24 cases (21%), mainly other autoimmune diseases and hematologic neoplasms. Bleeding occurred in 42% of subjects, mainly low grade and at ITP onset. Almost all patients received first line treatment (steroids+/-IVIG), and 23% needed early additional therapy for primary refractoriness. Further therapy lines included rituximab, splenectomy, immunosuppressants, thrombopoietin receptor agonists, and others, with response rates greater than 80%. However, a remarkable number of relapses occurred, requiring ≥3 therapy lines in 54% of cases. Infections and thrombotic complications occurred in 33% and 21% of subjects, respectively, mainly grade ≥3, and correlated with the number of therapy lines. Besides age, other factors negatively impacting on survival were severe anemia at onset and occurrence of relapse, infections and thrombosis. These data show that adult ES is often severe and marked by a relapsing clinical course and potentially fatal complications, pinpointing the need for high clinical awareness, prompt therapy, and anti-infectious/anti-thrombotic prophylaxis.
External validation of the increased wall thickness score for the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis.
Monda E. International journal of cardiology 2021;339:99-101.
INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to validate the increased wall thickness (IWT) score, a multiparametric echocardiographic score to facilitate diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis (CA), in an independent population of patients with increased LV wall thickness suspicious for CA. METHODS: Between January 2019 and December 2020, 152 consecutive patients with increased LV wall thickness suspicious for CA were included. For all patient, the multiparametric echocardiographic score (IWT score) was calculated. To validate the diagnostic accuracy of an IWT score ≥ 8 to predict the diagnosis of CA, sensibility (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and predictive accuracy (PA) were calculated. RESULTS: Among the 152 patients included in the study, 50 (33%) were diagnosed as CA, 25 (16%) had severe aortic stenosis, 25 (16%) had hypertensive remodeling, and 52 (34%) had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Among the 50 and 102 patients with and without CA, 19 (38%) and 1 (1%) showed an IWT score ≥ 8, respectively. Overall, the diagnostic accuracy of an IWT score ≥ 8 for the diagnosis of CA in our population was the following: Se 38% (95%CI 25-53%); Sp 99% (95%CI 95-100%); PPV 95% (95%CI 72-99%); NPV 77% (95%CI 73-80%); PA 79% (95%CI 72-85%). CONCLUSIONS: This study reports the first external validation of the IWT score for the diagnosis of CA in patients with increased LV wall thickness. A score ≥ 8 showed a high Sp, PPV and PA, suggesting that the IWT score can be used to identify CA patients in those with increased LV wall thickness.
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Forty years after the first totally implantable venous access device (TIVAD) implant: the pure surgical cut-down technique only avoids immediate complications that can be fatal.
Toro A. Langenbeck's archives of surgery 2021;406(6):1739-1749.
AIM: Even though TIVADs have been implanted for a long time, immediate complications are still occurring. The aim of this work was to review different techniques of placing TIVAD implants to evaluate the aetiology of immediate complications. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed using the PubMed, Cochrane and Google Scholar databases in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The patient numbers, number of implanted devices, specialists involved, implant techniques, implant sites and immediate complication onsets were studied. RESULTS: Of the 1256 manuscripts reviewed, 36 were eligible for inclusion in the study, for a total of 17,388 patients with equivalent TIVAD implantation. A total of 2745 patients (15.8%) were treated with a surgical technique and 14,643 patients (84.2%) were treated with a percutaneous technique. Of the 2745 devices (15.8%) implanted by a surgical technique, 1721 devices (62.7%) were placed in the cephalic vein (CFV). Of the 14,643 implants (84.2%) placed with a percutaneous technique, 5784 devices (39.5%) were placed in the internal jugular vein (IJV), and 5321 devices (36.3%) were placed in the subclavian vein (SCV). The number of immediate complications in patients undergoing surgical techniques was 32 (1.2%) HMMs. In patients treated with a percutaneous technique, the number of total complications were 333 (2.8%): 71 PNX (0.5%), 2 HMT (0.01%), 175 accidental artery punctures AAP (1.2%) and 85 HMM (0.6%). No mortality was reported with either technique. CONCLUSION: The percutaneous approach is currently the most commonly used technique to implant a TIVAD, but despite specialist's best efforts, immediate complications are still occurring. Surgical cut-down, 40 years after the first implant, is still the only technique that can avoid all of the immediate complications that can be fatal.
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From the Cochrane Library: Interventions for basal cell carcinoma of the skin.
Najmi M. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2021;:No page numbers.
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From there to here: A virtual international APPE in London, England
Schellhase E. JACCP Journal of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy 2021;4(9):1243-1244.
(PUCOP) has offered an 8-week international advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) in London, England at St. Bartholomew's Hospital since 2007. To date, 130 student pharmacists have participated within three focus areas: nuclear medicine, cardiology, and oncology. During this APPE, students participate in direct patient care and clinical research. Another key focus of this APPE is intercultural learning. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions, this experience was hosted using a virtual platform during 2020. Justification/Documentation: COVID-19 impacted many hospitals, including St. Bartholomew's, causing limited time for dedicated research and education/training. Virtual APPE students and preceptors partnered to move research projects forward and develop educational materials. PUCOP students also focused on enhancing their intercultural skills as evidenced by growth in both the Intercultural Development InventoryTM and Cultural Intelligence AssessmentTM. Adaptability: This APPE demonstrated the feasibility of using virtual interactions for international APPEs and could be adapted to other settings. Given the demonstrated intercultural growth and research productivity virtual interactions could be considered when international student travel is not feasible (pandemic, cost, schedule availability). This APPE was successful due to the continued engagement with preceptors through video conferencing platforms (Microsoft TeamsTM) and messaging applications (WhatsAppTM). Significance: Differences between in-person and virtual international APPEs assessments provided insight into how experiential education can be adapted and still meet the needs of the practice site and students. In the event international travel or APPEs are not feasible, virtual interactions can be an option. As demonstrated with this example, virtual experiences still allowed student pharmacists to experience healthcare in another country and broaden their knowledge, skills and attitudes. Student research projects still contributed to hospital quality improvement initiatives and clinical practice protocols. This virtual international research APPE can be a model for healthcare-related international training programs with or without a global pandemic.
Genetic Aberrations of DNA Repair Pathways in Prostate Cancer: Translation to the Clinic.
Ghose A. International journal of molecular sciences 2021;22(18):No page numbers.
Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. Due to the large-scale sequencing efforts, there is currently a better understanding of the genomic landscape of PC. The identification of defects in DNA repair genes has led to clinical studies that provide a strong rationale for developing poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors and DNA-damaging agents in this molecularly defined subset of patients. The identification of molecularly defined subgroups of patients has also other clinical implications; for example, we now know that carriers of breast cancer 2 (BRCA2) pathogenic sequence variants (PSVs) have increased levels of serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) at diagnosis, increased proportion of high Gleason tumors, elevated rates of nodal and distant metastases, and high recurrence rate; BRCA2 PSVs confer lower overall survival (OS). Distinct tumor PSV, methylation, and expression patterns have been identified in BRCA2 compared with non-BRCA2 mutant prostate tumors. Several DNA damage response and repair (DDR)-targeting agents are currently being evaluated either as single agents or in combination in patients with PC. In this review article, we highlight the biology and clinical implications of deleterious inherited or acquired DNA repair pathway aberrations in PC and offer an overview of new agents being developed for the treatment of PC.
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Hidradenitis Suppurativa in a Large Cohort of Italian Patients: Evaluation of the Burden of Disease.
Fabbrocini G. Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) 2021;:1-11.
BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory, recurrent, debilitating skin disease of the hair follicle that usually occurs after puberty with painful, deep-seated, inflamed nodules and sinus tracts in the apocrine gland-bearing areas of the body, most commonly the axillae and inguinal and anogenital regions, with a relevant impact on patients' quality of life (QoL). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate how the burden of HS disease impacts on patient well-being and working activities in a large Italian population over a period of 9 months. METHODS: A multicenter, prospective, epidemiologic cohort study was conducted in adult Italian patients with HS. HS severity was assessed through Hurley stage and HS Physician's Global Assessment (HS-PGA), clinical improvement by HS Clinical Response (HiSCR) and partial response, and disease burden through QoL questionnaires (HIDRAdisk, Skindex-16, Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI]), and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment - General Health (WPAI:GH). RESULTS: A total of 308 patients (56.2% women; mean age 35.2 ± 12.9 years) were enrolled in 27 dermatologic clinics. Men were older (37.4 years vs. 33.5), more smoking addicted (74.1% vs. 60.1%), and alcohol consumer (34.1% vs. 13.9%), while more women were obese (34.10% vs. 22.22%). At baseline, most patients had a Hurley severity stage of 2 (43.9%), a moderate HS-PGA score (57.1%), and poor QoL (HIDRAdisk: 65.7 ± 23.3, Skindex-16: 60.3 ± 26.9, and DLQI: 10.8 ± 8.1). Patients with more severe disease showed worse QoL. Mean values for the variables related to HS severity decreased during the study period. The achievement of HiSCR and partial response increased during the study. CONCLUSION: This study offers insight into the disease burden of HS in an Italian population. Our results underline the impact of QoL evaluation, also with the use of the HIDRAdisk, in clinical routine as a support to validated severity clinical and instrumental indexes for a "360-degree" assessment of HS patient's burden of disease.
Higher spatial resolution improves the interpretation of the extent of ventricular trabeculation.
Riekerk HCE Journal of anatomy 2021;:No page numbers.
The ventricular walls of the human heart comprise an outer compact layer and an inner trabecular layer. In the context of an increased pre-test probability, diagnosis left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy is given when the left ventricle is excessively trabeculated in volume (trabecular vol >25% of total LV wall volume) or thickness (trabecular/compact (T/C) >2.3). Here, we investigated whether higher spatial resolution affects the detection of trabeculation and thus the assessment of normal and excessively trabeculated wall morphology. First, we screened left ventricles in 1112 post-natal autopsy hearts. We identified five excessively trabeculated hearts and this low prevalence of excessive trabeculation is in agreement with pathology reports but contrasts the prevalence of approximately 10% of the population found by in vivo non-invasive imaging. Using macroscopy, histology and low- and high-resolution MRI, the five excessively trabeculated hearts were compared with six normal hearts and seven abnormally trabeculated and excessive trabeculation-negative hearts. Some abnormally trabeculated hearts could be considered excessively trabeculated macroscopically because of a trabecular outflow or an excessive number of trabeculations, but they were excessive trabeculation-negative when assessed with MRI-based measurements (T/C <2.3 and vol <25%). The number of detected trabeculations and T/C ratio were positively correlated with higher spatial resolution. Using measurements on high resolution MRI and with histological validation, we could not replicate the correlation between trabeculations of the left and right ventricle that has been previously reported. In conclusion, higher spatial resolution may affect the sensitivity of diagnostic measurements and in addition could allow for novel measurements such as counting of trabeculations.
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Hypersensitivity Reactions To Chemotherapy: an EAACI Position Paper.
Pagani M. Allergy 2021;:No page numbers.
Chemotherapeutic drugs have been widely used in the treatment of cancer disease for about 70 years. The development of new treatments has not hindered their use, and oncologists still prescribe them routinely, alone or in combination with other antineoplastic agents. However, all chemotherapeutic agents can induce hypersensitivity reactions, with different incidences depending on the culprit drug. These reactions are the third leading cause of fatal drug-induced anaphylaxis in the United States. In Europe, deaths related to chemotherapy have also been reported. In particular, most reactions are caused by platinum compounds, taxanes, epipodophyllotoxins and asparaginase. Despite their prevalence and relevance, the ideal pathways for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of these reactions are still unclear, and practice remains considerably heterogeneous with vast differences from center to center. Thus, the European Network on Drug Allergy and Drug Allergy Interest Group of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology organized a task force to provide data and recommendations regarding the allergological work up in this field of drug hypersensitivity reactions. This position paper aims to provide consensus on the investigation of HSRs to chemotherapeutic drugs and give practical recommendations for clinicians that treat these patients, such as oncologists, allergologists and internists. Key sections cover risk factors, pathogenesis, symptoms, the role of skin tests, in vitro tests, indications and contraindications of drug provocation tests and desensitization of neoplastic patients with allergic reactions to chemotherapeutic drugs. Statements, recommendations and unmet needs were discussed and proposed at the end of each section.
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Identifying the best predictive diagnostic criteria for psoriasis in children (<18 years="">
Burden-The E. The British journal of dermatology 2021;:No page numbers.
<18 years="">BACKGROUND: In children, psoriasis can be challenging to diagnose. Difficulties arise from differences in the clinical presentation compared to adults. OBJECTIVES: To test the diagnostic accuracy of previously agreed consensus criteria and develop a shortlist of best predictive diagnostic criteria for childhood psoriasis. METHODS: A case-control diagnostic accuracy study in 12 UK dermatology departments (2017-2019) assessed 18 clinical criteria using blinded trained investigators. Children (<18 years) with dermatologist diagnosed psoriasis (cases n=160) or a different scaly inflammatory rash (controls n=170) were recruited. The best predictive criteria were identified using backward logistic regression and internal validation was conducted using bootstrapping. RESULTS: The sensitivity of the consensus agreed criteria and consensus scoring algorithm was 84.4%, specificity was 65.1% and area under the curve (AUC) 0.75. Seven diagnostic criteria which performed best were: i) scale and erythema in the scalp involving the hairline; ii) scaly erythema inside the external auditory meatus; iii) persistent well-demarcated erythematous rash anywhere on the body; iv) scaly erythematous plaques on the extensor surfaces of the elbows and/or knees; v) persistent erythema in the umbilicus; vi) well demarcated erythematous rash in the napkin area involving the crural folds; vii) family history of psoriasis. Sensitivity of the best predictive model was 76.8%, specificity 72.7% and AUC 0.84. The c-statistic optimism adjusted shrinkage factor was 0.012. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides examination and history-based data on the clinical features of psoriasis in children and proposes seven diagnostic criteria with good discriminatory ability in secondary care patients. External validation is now needed.
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Impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 on ectopic pregnancy management in the United Kingdom: a multicentre observational study
Platts S. BJOG 2021;128(10):1625.
ObjectiveTo describe the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the management of women with ectopic pregnancy.DesignA multicentre observational study comparing outcomes from a prospective cohort during the pandemic [COVID-19-ectopic pregnancy registry (CEPR)] compared with a historical pre-pandemic cohort [non-COVID-19-ectopic pregnancy registry (NCEPR)].SettingFive London university hospitals.Population and methodsConsecutive patients diagnosed clinically and/or radiologically with ectopic pregnancy (March 2020–August 2020) were entered into the CEPR and results were compared with the NCEPR cohort (January 2019–June 2019). An adjusted analysis was performed for potentially confounding variables.Main outcome measuresPatient demographics, management (expectant, medical and surgical), length of treatment, number of hospital visits (non-surgical management), length of stay (surgical management) and 30-day complications.ResultsThree hundred and forty-one women met the inclusion criteria: 162 CEPR and 179 NCEPR. A significantly lower percentage of women underwent surgical management versus non-surgical management in the CEPR versus NCEPR (58.6%; 95/162 versus 72.6%; 130/179; P = 0.007). Among patients managed with expectant management, the CEPR had a significantly lower mean number of hospital visits compared with NCEPR (3.0, interquartile range [IQR] [3, 5] versus 9.0, [5, 14]; P = <0.001). Among patients managed with medical management, the CEPR had a significantly lower median number of hospital visits versus NCEPR (6.0, [5, 8] versus 9, [6, 10]; P = 0.003). There was no observed difference in complication rates between cohorts.ConclusionWomen were found to undergo significantly higher rates of non-surgical management during the COVID-19 first wave compared with a pre-pandemic cohort. Women managed non-surgically in the CPER cohort were also managed with fewer hospital attendances. This did not lead to an increase in observed complication rates.Tweetable abstractA higher rate of non-surgical management of ectopic pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic did not increase complication rates.
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Improving turnaround times for HLA-B*27 and HLA-B*57:01 gene testing: a Barts Health NHS Trust quality improvement project
White E. BMJ open quality 2021;10(3):No page numbers.
Among other tests, Barts Health NHS Trust clinical transplantation laboratory conducts two important gene-detection tests: human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B*27 ('B27', associated with the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis) and HLA-B*57:01 ('B57', associated with prediction of abacavir hypersensitivity disorder). The turnaround time (TaT) from sample receipt to return of results is important to clinicians and their patients but was not monitored. Furthermore, we anticipated an imminent increase in demand from a forthcoming pathology service merger, together with long-term increases with the rise of personalised genetic medicine.In this quality improvement project, we identified current TaT performance and sources of delay. Over three plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles, we tested three change ideas, two involving using IT to remove manual administrative steps and alert us to samples needing progressing; both were retained. The other change involved separating out the targeted tests; we judged this not worthwhile with current demand levels, although something to be re-examined when volumes increase. During the project, we reduced mean TaT from 3.8 to 3.3days and increased the proportion within our 5-day target from 78% to 100%. These have been sustained (at 3.4 days and 97%) for the 3months following our PDSA cycles and illustrate that reducing variation can be as impactful as reducing the mean.We conducted this project during the COVID-19 disruption, which reduced demand substantially. We took advantage of this to allow staff to spend time on these improvement activities. Another interesting feature of the work is that during the project, we compared changes in performance on our targeted B27/B57 tests with that on another comparable test as a control, to consider the impact of the general increased attention (the Hawthorne effect). We found that performance on this control also increased comparably, but then fell away after our project finished, while it did not for B27/B57. Copyright © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.
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Individual and organisational strategies to develop resilience in the nursing workforce.
Cajanding RJ Nursing standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987) 2021;:No page numbers.
Nurses are likely to encounter a wide range of distressing, challenging and sometimes traumatic situations. However, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created unprecedented levels of stress, risk, uncertainty and anxiety for nurses. Nurses have been working in highly challenging conditions, particularly on the front line of patient care, which has had adverse effects on their mental health and well-being. The challenges generated by the COVID-19 pandemic have called into question the notion of nursing being an innately resilient profession. Consequently, the pandemic has reinforced the need for individuals, teams and healthcare organisations to foster resilience in nurses. This article discusses the theoretical underpinnings of resilience, explains what resilience in nurses means, and describes the adverse effects of the pandemic on nurses' mental health and resilience. The article also explores how nurses' resilience can be developed and enhanced from an individual and organisational perspective.
Lean management for improving hospital waiting times-Case study of a Vietnamese public/general hospital emergency department.
Le DX The International journal of health planning and management 2021;:No page numbers.
INTRODUCTION: Emergency departments (EDs) at public hospitals in Vietnam typically face problems with overcrowding, as well as being populated by a wide variety of illnesses, resulting in increasing dissatisfaction from patients. To alleviate these problems, we used the increasingly popular value-stream mapping (VSM) and lean strategy approaches to (1) evaluate the current patient flow in EDs; (2) identify and eliminate the non-valued-added components; and (3) modify the existing process in order to improve waiting times. METHODS: Data from a total of 742 patients who presented at the ED of 108 Military Central Hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam, were collected. A VSM was developed where improvement possibilities were identified and attempts to eliminate non-value-added activities were made. A range of issues that were considered as a resource waste were highlighted, which led to a re-design process focusing on prioritizing blood tests and ultrasound procedures. On the administrative side, various measures were considered, including streamlining communication with medical departments, using QR codes for healthcare insurance payments, and efficient management of X-ray and CT scan online results. RESULTS: By implementing a lean approach, the following reductions in delay and waiting time were incurred: (1) pre-operative test results (for patients requiring medical procedures/operations) by 33.3% (from 134.4 to 89.4 min); (2) vascular interventions by 10.4% (from 54.6 to 48.9 min); and (3) admission to other hospital departments by 49.5% (from 118.3 to 59.8 min). Additionally, prior to the implementation of the lean strategy approach, only 22.9% of patients or their proxies (family members or friends), who responded to the survey, expressed satisfaction with the ED services. This percentage increased to 76.5% following the curtailment of non-value-added activities. Through statistical inferential test analyses, it can be confidently concluded that applying lean strategy and tools can improve patient flow in public/general hospital EDs and achieve better staff coordination within the various clinical and administrative hospital departments. To the authors' knowledge, such analysis in a Vietnamese hospital's ED context has not been previously undertaken.
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Left atrial appendage occlusion in the UK: prospective registry and data linkage to Hospital Episode Statistics.
Willits I. European heart journal. Quality of care & clinical outcomes 2021;7(5):468-475.
AIMS: Non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) greatly increases the risk of ischaemic stroke. For people with contraindications to oral anticoagulation, left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) provides a non-pharmacological management alternative. The aim of this study was to measure the procedural safety and longer-term effectiveness of LAAO for AF in a UK setting. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a prospective, single-armed registry of patients with AF for whom anticoagulation was unsuitable. Registry data were collected between October 2014 and April 2018 and linked to routine data sources for follow-up. Data from 583 LAAO procedures were entered into the registry, of which 537 (from 525 patients) were eligible for inclusion (median CHA2DS2-VASc score 4). A closure device was successfully implanted in 93.4% of cases, with a procedural success rate (device implanted without major complication) of 88.9%. Five patients (1.0%) died in hospital. During follow-up [median 729 (Q1:Q3, 523:913) days] 45 patients experienced neurological events; 33 of which were ischaemic. The ischaemic neurological event rate was 3.3 (1.6-5.0)% at 1 year (n = 387) and 7.0 (4.3-9.6)% at 2 years (n = 196). There were significant improvements in overall patient health (via Visual Analogue Scale) measured at 6 weeks and 6 months, but no significant improvements observed in patient utility over time. CONCLUSION: The findings of our study suggest that LAAO is not without procedural risk, but that this risk may be justified in high-risk patients with AF who cannot take an anticoagulant. Moreover, the data do not provide support for more widespread use of LAAO as the complication rate was relatively high and would be difficult to justify in many patients with AF who tolerate anticoagulation.
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Left atrial appendage occlusion: a niche procedure for a niche cohort?
Kanthasamy V. European heart journal. Quality of care & clinical outcomes 2021;7(5):429-430.
Levetiracetam-induced systemic lupus erythematosus or simply a drug-induced rash?
Jawad ASM The journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh 2021;51(3):310-317.
Maintaining safe lung cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic in a global city.
Fraser S. EClinicalMedicine 2021;39:101085.
Background: SARS-CoV-2 has challenged health service provision worldwide. This work evaluates safe surgical pathways and standard operating procedures implemented in the high volume, global city of London during the first wave of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also assess the safety of minimally invasive surgery(MIS) for anatomical lung resection. Methods: This multicentre cohort study was conducted across all London thoracic surgical units, covering a catchment area of approximately 14.8 Million. A Pan-London Collaborative was created for data sharing and dissemination of protocols. All patients undergoing anatomical lung resection 1st March-1st June 2020 were included. Primary outcomes were SARS-CoV-2 infection, access to minimally invasive surgery, post-operative complication, length of intensive care and hospital stay (LOS), and death during follow up. Findings: 352 patients underwent anatomical lung resection with a median age of 69 (IQR: 35-86) years. Self-isolation and pre-operative screening were implemented following the UK national lockdown. Pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 swabs were performed in 63.1% and CT imaging in 54.8%. 61.7% of cases were performed minimally invasively (MIS), compared to 59.9% pre pandemic. Median LOS was 6 days with a 30-day survival of 98.3% (comparable to a median LOS of 6 days and 30-day survival of 98.4% pre-pandemic). Significant complications developed in 7.3% of patients (Clavien-Dindo Grade 3-4) and 12 there were re-admissions(3.4%). Seven patients(2.0%) were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection, two of whom died (28.5%). Interpretation: SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly increases morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing elective anatomical pulmonary resection. However, surgery can be safely undertaken via open and MIS approaches at the peak of a viral pandemic if precautionary measures are implemented. High volume surgery should continue during further viral peaks to minimise health service burden and potential harm to cancer patients. Funding: This work did not receive funding.
Management of haematoma after thyroid surgery: systematic review and multidisciplinary consensus guidelines from the Difficult Airway Society, the British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons and the British Association of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery.
Iliff HA Anaesthesia 2021;:No page numbers.
Haematoma after thyroid surgery can lead to airway obstruction and death. We therefore developed guidelines to improve the safety of peri-operative care of patients undergoing thyroid surgery. We conducted a systematic review to inform recommendations, with expert consensus used in the absence of high-quality evidence, and a Delphi study was used to ratify recommendations. We highlight the importance of multidisciplinary team management and make recommendations in key areas including: monitoring; recognition; post-thyroid surgery emergency box; management of suspected haematoma following thyroid surgery; cognitive aids; post-haematoma evacuation care; day-case thyroid surgery; training; consent and pre-operative communication; postoperative communication; and institutional policies. The guidelines support a multidisciplinary approach to the management of suspected haematoma following thyroid surgery through oxygenation and evaluation; haematoma evacuation; and tracheal intubation. They have been produced with materials to support implementation. While these guidelines are specific to thyroid surgery, the principles may apply to other forms of neck surgery. These guidelines and recommendations provided are the first in this area and it is hoped they will support multidisciplinary team working, improving care and outcomes for patients having thyroid surgery.
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Melatonin and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: The present evidence.
Gargano G. The surgeon : journal of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Ireland 2021;:No page numbers.
INTRODUCTION: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a multifactorial condition with genetic predisposing factors, and several causes have been put forward for its aetiopathogenesis, including possible hormonal dysfunction. Melatonin seems to play significant role in AIS. METHODS: A systematic search in different database, to July 2021, was performed to define the role of melatonin in the pathophysiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Eight suitable studies were identified. RESULTS: The concentration and rhythm of melatonin secretion can play an important role by influencing the pathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. CONCLUSIONS: Although there are many alterations of melatonin in subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, the many variables present do not allow to establish a direct cause-effect relationship. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.
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Membrane scaffolds for matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation in the knee: a systematic review.
Migliorini F. British medical bulletin 2021;:No page numbers.
INTRODUCTION: Chondral defects of the knee are common and their management is challenging. SOURCE OF DATA: Current scientific literature published in PubMed, Google scholar, Embase and Scopus. AREAS OF AGREEMENT: Membrane-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (mACI) has been used to manage chondral defects of the knee. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: Hyaluronic acid membrane provides better outcomes than a collagenic membrane for mACI in the knee at midterm follow-up is controversial. GROWING POINTS: To investigate whether hyaluronic acid membrane may provide comparable clinical outcomes than collagenic membranes for mACI in focal defects of the knee. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH: Hyaluronic acid membrane yields a lower rate of failures and revision surgeries for mACI in the management of focal articular cartilage defects of the knee compared with collagenic scaffolds at midterm follow-up. No difference was found in patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). Further comparative studies are required to validate these results in a clinical setting.
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More than skin deep: a survey of the real-life experiences of acne vulgaris.
Ra AG The British journal of dermatology 2021;:No page numbers.
Acne vulgaris is the most common inflammatory dermatosis treated worldwide.1 Acne typically affects younger age groups during a time of physical and social transitions. Acne is often considered a non-serious condition and can be overlooked by medical professionals.2 Recent studies have highlighted the importance of assessing the psychosocial aspect of dermatological conditions to intervene early, provide the necessary psychological support and help prevent suicide.
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Myopericarditis following SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine: the role of cardiac biomarkers and multimodality imaging.
Sivakumaran P. European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging 2021;:No page numbers.
Natural History of Patients With Ischemia and No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease: The CIAO-ISCHEMIA Study.
Reynolds HR Circulation 2021;144(13):1008-1023.
BACKGROUND: Ischemia with no obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA) is common and has an adverse prognosis. We set out to describe the natural history of symptoms and ischemia in INOCA. METHODS: CIAO-ISCHEMIA (Changes in Ischemia and Angina over One Year in ISCHEMIA Trial Screen Failures With INOCA) was an international cohort study conducted from 2014 to 2019 involving angina assessments (Seattle Angina Questionnaire) and stress echocardiograms 1 year apart. This was an ancillary study that included patients with a history of angina who were not randomly assigned in the ISCHEMIA trial. Stress-induced wall motion abnormalities were determined by an echocardiographic core laboratory blinded to symptoms, coronary artery disease status, and test timing. Medical therapy was at the discretion of treating physicians. The primary outcome was the correlation between the changes in the Seattle Angina Questionnaire angina frequency score and changes in echocardiographic ischemia. We also analyzed predictors of 1-year changes in both angina and ischemia, and we compared CIAO participants with ISCHEMIA participants with obstructive coronary artery disease who had stress echocardiography before enrollment, as CIAO participants did. RESULTS: INOCA participants in CIAO were more often female (66% of 208 versus 26% of 865 ISCHEMIA participants with obstructive coronary artery disease, P<0.001), but the magnitude of ischemia was similar (median 4 ischemic segments [interquartile range, 3-5] both groups). Ischemia and angina were not significantly correlated at enrollment in CIAO (P=0.46) or ISCHEMIA stress echocardiography participants (P=0.35). At 1 year, the stress echocardiogram was normal in half of CIAO participants, and 23% had moderate or severe ischemia (≥3 ischemic segments). Angina improved in 43% and worsened in 14%. Change in ischemia over 1 year was not significantly correlated with change in angina (ρ=0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in ischemia and angina were common in INOCA but not correlated. Our INOCA cohort had a degree of inducible wall motion abnormalities similar to concurrently enrolled ISCHEMIA participants with obstructive coronary artery disease. Our results highlight the complex nature of INOCA pathophysiology and the multifactorial nature of angina. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02347215.
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Overall survival of black and white men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC): a 20-year retrospective analysis in the largest healthcare trust in England
Ng K. Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases 2021;24(3):718-724.
Background: Prostate cancer in black men is associated with poorer outcomes than their white counterparts. However, most studies reporting this disparity were conducted in localized prostate cancer and primarily in the United States. Method(s): Data regarding prostate cancer incidence and mortality for East London between 2008 and 2010 were obtained from the UK National Disease Registration Service. We further evaluated survival outcomes of 425 cases of mCRPC in St Bartholomew's Hospital, East London, between 1997 and 2016, and analyzed whether ethnicity impacted on responses to different treatment types. Result(s): The incidence of prostate cancer in black men was higher than white men in East London. Prostate cancer-specific mortality was proportional to incidence based on ethnic groups. In the detailed analysis of 425 patients, 103 patients (24%) were black (B), and the remainder white (W). Baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups, although black patients had a lower baseline hemoglobin (p < 0.001). Median overall survival for the total cohort was 25.5 months (B) vs 21.8 months (W) (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.81, p = 0.08). There was prolonged survival in the black population in those who only received hormone-based treatment throughout their treatment course; 39.7 months (B) vs 17.1 months (W) (HR = 0.54, p = 0.019). Conclusion(s): Black men may do better than white men with mCRPC, in the context of equal access to healthcare. The study also suggests a greater margin of benefit of hormone-based therapy in the black subpopulation. Copyright © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited part of Springer Nature.
Overcoming barriers and building a strong peritoneal dialysis programme - Experience from three South Asian countries.
Paudel K. Peritoneal dialysis international : journal of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis 2021;41(5):480-483.
The development of peritoneal dialysis (PD) programmes in lower-resource countries is challenging. This article describes the learning points of establishing PD programmes in three countries in South Asia (Nepal, Sri Lanka and Pakistan). The key barriers identified were government support (financial), maintaining stable supply of PD fluids, lack of nephrologist and nurse expertise, nephrology community bias against PD, lack of nephrology trainee awareness and exposure to this modality. To overcome these barriers, a well-trained PD lead nephrologist (PD champion) is needed, who can advocate for this modality at government, professional and community levels. Ongoing educational programmes for doctors, nurses and patients are needed to sustain the PD programmes. Support from well-established PD centres and international organisations (International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD), International Society of Nephrology (ISN), International Pediatric Nephrology Association (IPNA) are essential.
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Oxygen use and saturation targets in patients with COVID-19: Are we giving too much or aiming too low?
Cajanding R. Nursing in critical care 2021;:No page numbers.
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Oxygenation strategies during flexible bronchoscopy: a review of the literature.
Pelaia C. Respiratory research 2021;22(1):253.
During flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) the arterial partial pressure of oxygen can drop, increasing the risk for respiratory failure. To avoid desaturation episodes during the procedure several oxygenation strategies have been proposed, including conventional oxygen therapy (COT), high flow nasal cannula (HFNC), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and non-invasive ventilation (NIV). By a review of the current literature, we merely describe the clinical practice of oxygen therapies during FOB. We also conducted a pooled data analysis with respect to oxygenation outcomes, comparing HFNC with COT and NIV, separately. COT showed its benefits in patients undergoing FOB for broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) or brushing for cytology, in those with peripheral arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation < 93% prior to the procedure or affected by obstructive disorder. HFNC is preferable over COT in patients with mild to moderate acute respiratory failure (ARF) undergoing FOB, by improving oxygen saturation and decreasing the episodes of desaturation. On the opposite, CPAP and NIV guarantee improved oxygenation outcomes as compared to HFNC, and they should be preferred in patients with more severe hypoxemic ARF during FOB.
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Personality traits of alexithymia and perfectionism in impaired awareness of hypoglycemia in adults with type 1 diabetes - An exploratory study.
Naito A. Journal of psychosomatic research 2021;150:110634.
OBJECTIVE: Severe hypoglycemia complicates insulin therapy for type 1 diabetes, with impaired awareness of hypoglycemia (IAH) being a major risk factor. We explored associations between the personality traits, alexithymia and perfectionism, and cognitive barriers to hypoglycemia avoidance described in IAH, and evaluated their prevalence in people with and without IAH. METHODS: Cross-sectional exploratory study. Ninety adults with type 1 diabetes, 54 hypoglycemia aware and 36 with IAH, completed validated questionnaires exploring alexithymia (Total Alexithymia Scale [TAS-20]) and perfectionism (Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale [FMPS]); and cognitive barriers related to hypoglycemia avoidance (Attitudes to Awareness Questionnaire [A2A]. RESULTS: Alexithymia and perfectionism scores correlated positively with cognitive barriers associated with IAH. Specifically, alexthymia scores correlated with the 'Hyperglycaemia Avoidance Prioritised' factor (r = 0.265; p = .02, n = 77) and the 'Asymptomatic Hypoglycemia Normalised' factor (r = 0.252-0.255; p = .03, n = 77). Perfectionism scores correlated with the 'Hyperglycaemia Avoidance Prioritised' factor (r = 0.525; p < .001, n = 66). Overall, IAH participants were significantly more likely to score at the high end for alexithymia (17.6% vs. 1.9%, p = .008, n = 87) and at the extreme ends (high and low) for perfectionism (69.0% vs. 40.0%, χ2 (1) = 6.24, p = .01, n = 77). CONCLUSION: These novel data showing associations between alexithymia and perfectionism scores and maladaptive health beliefs in IAH suggest the intriguing possibility that personality traits may contribute to the risk of IAH, perhaps through their influence on incentives to avoid hypoglycemia. If confirmed, measuring such traits may help tailor early adjunctive psychological intervention to reduce hypoglycemia burden for people with IAH.
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Pharmacological management of secondary spinal cord injury.
Baroncini A. Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy 2021;22(13):1793-1800.
Introduction: Secondary spinal cord injury (SCI) sets on immediately after trauma and, despite prompt treatment, may become chronic. SCI is a complex condition and presents numerous challenges to patients and physicians alike, also considering the lack of an approved pharmacological therapy.Areas covered: This review describes the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to secondary SCI to highlight possible targets for pharmacological therapy. Furthermore, an extensive search of the literature on different databases (PubMed, Google scholar, Embase, and Scopus) and of the current clinical trials (clinicaltrials.gov) was performed to investigate the current outlook for the pharmacological management of SCI. Only drugs with performed or ongoing clinical trials were considered.Expert opinion: Pharmacological therapy aims to improve motor and sensory function in patients. Overall, drugs are divided into neuroprotective compounds, which aim to limit the damage induced by the pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic milieu of SCI, and neuroregenerative drugs, which induce neuronal and axonal regrowth. While many compounds have been trialed with promising results, none has yet completed a stage III trial and has been approved for the pharmacological management of SCI.
Placebo effect in pharmacological management of fibromyalgia: a meta-analysis.
Migliorini F. British medical bulletin 2021;139(1):73-85.
INTRODUCTION: The management of fibromyalgia involves a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. SOURCE OF DATA: Recently published literature in PubMed, Google Scholar and Embase databases. AREAS OF AGREEMENT: Several pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies have been proposed for the management of fibromyalgia. However, the management of fibromyalgia remains controversial. The administration of placebo has proved to be more effective than no treatment in many clinical settings and evidence supports the 'therapeutic' effects of placebo on a wide range of symptoms. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: The placebo effect is believed to impact the clinical outcomes, but its actual magnitude is controversial. GROWING POINTS: A meta-analysis comparing pharmacological management versus placebo administration for fibromyalgia was conducted. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH: Drug treatment resulted to be more effective than placebo administration for the management of fibromyalgia. Nevertheless, placebo showed a beneficial effect in patients with fibromyalgia. Treatment-related adverse events occurred more frequently in the drug treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I, Bayesian network meta-analysis of double-blind randomized clinical trials.
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Platelet-rich plasma versus steroids injections for greater trochanter pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Migliorini F. British medical bulletin 2021;139(1):86-99.
INTRODUCTION: Greater trochanter pain syndrome (GTPS) is characterized by a persistent and debilitating pain around the greater trochanter. GTPS can be caused by a combination of gluteus medius or minimus tendinopathy, snapping hip or trochanteric bursitis. SOURCE OF DATA: Recent published literatures identified from PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Scopus. AREAS OF AGREEMENT: Platelet rich plasma (PRP) and corticosteroids (CCS) injections are useful options to manage symptoms of GTPS. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: Whether PRP leads to superior outcomes compared to CCS injections is unclear. GROWING POINTS: A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing PRP versus CCS in the management of GTPS was conducted. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH: PRP injections are more effective than CCS at approximately 2 years follow-up.
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Platelet-Rich Plasma, Mesenchymal Stem Cell, and Non-metallic Suture-Based Fixation Technique in a Patellar Fracture Nonunion: A Technical Note and Systematic Review.
Trinchese GF Clinics in orthopedic surgery 2021;13(3):344-351.
Backgroud: We performed a systematic review on the management of patellar fracture nonunion and report a novel suture-based non-metallic fixation technique associated with platelet-rich plasma and mesenchymal stem cell injections in the management of this injury. Methods: A systematic search was performed up to August 2020 in PubMed and Scopus electronic databases of scholarly articles evaluating different surgical techniques used for nonunion of patellar fractures, with no restrictions on language or year of publication. Furthermore, we describe our novel non-metallic suture fixation technique and a patient in whom this technique was applied. Results: A total of 9 articles were included in the systematic review. Tension band wiring was the most commonly used procedure (62.7%). Nonoperative procedures (8.1%) resulted in nonunion in all patients. The most common complication after open reduction and internal fixation was infection (7.8%). Our patient at the latest follow-up reported full functional recovery and full extension and flexion of the affected knee with no pain and subjectively normal strength. Conclusions: The management of patella nonunions is still a challenge. The technique reported here can be used in patellar fracture nonunion, as well as in primary patellar fractures.
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Polymyxin B-Triggered Assembly of Peptide Hydrogels for Localized and Sustained Release of Combined Antimicrobial Therapy.
Shi Y. Advanced healthcare materials 2021;:e2101465.
Repurposing old antibiotics into more effective and safer formulations is an emergent approach to tackle the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. Herein, a peptide hydrogel is reported for the localized and sustained release of polymyxin B (PMB), a decade-old antibiotic with increasing clinical utility for treating multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections. The hydrogel is assembled by additing PMB solution into a rationally designed peptide amphiphile (PA) solution and its mechanical properties can be adjusted through the addition of counterions, envisioning its application in diverse infection scenarios. Sustained release of PMB from the hydrogel over a 5-day period and prolonged antimicrobial activities against Gram-negative bacteria are observed. The localized release of active PMB from the hydrogel is shown to be effective in vivo for treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in the Galleria mellonella burn wound infection model, dramatically reducing the mortality from 93% to 13%. Complementary antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and enhanced antimicrobial effect against the Gram-negative Acinetobacter baumannii are observed when an additional antibiotic fusidic acid is incorporated into the hydrogen network. These results demonstrate the potential of the PMB-triggered PA hydrogel as a versatile platform for the localized and sustained delivery of combined antimicrobial therapies.
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Pre-hospital oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate for trauma analgesia: preliminary experience and implications for civilian mass casualty response.
Carenzo L. British journal of anaesthesia 2021;:No page numbers.
Prevalence and Characterization of Itch in Pachyonychia Congenita.
Steele L. JAMA dermatology 2021;:No page numbers.
Prevalence and Prognosis of Lynch Syndrome and Sporadic Mismatch Repair Deficiency in Endometrial Cancer.
Post CCB Journal of the National Cancer Institute 2021;113(9):1212-1220.
BACKGROUND: Standard screening of endometrial cancer (EC) for Lynch syndrome (LS) is gaining traction; however, the prognostic impact of an underlying hereditary etiology is unknown. We established the prevalence, prognosis, and subsequent primary cancer incidence of patients with LS-associated EC in relation to sporadic mismatch repair deficient (MMRd)-EC in the large combined Post Operative Radiation Therapy in Endometrial Carcinoma-1, -2, and -3 trial cohort. METHODS: After MMR-immunohistochemistry, MLH1-promoter methylation testing, and next-generation sequencing, tumors were classified into 3 groups according to the molecular cause of their MMRd-EC. Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test, and Cox model were used for survival analysis. Competing risk analysis was used to estimate the subsequent cancer probability. All statistical tests were 2-sided. RESULTS: Among the 1336 ECs, 410 (30.7%) were MMRd. A total of 380 (92.7%) were fully triaged: 275 (72.4%) were MLH1-hypermethylated MMRd-ECs; 36 (9.5%) LS MMRd-ECs, and 69 (18.2%) MMRd-ECs due to other causes. Limiting screening of EC patients to 60 years or younger or to 70 years or younger would have resulted in missing 18 (50.0%) and 6 (16.7%) LS diagnoses, respectively. Five-year recurrence-free survival was 91.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 83.1% to 100%; hazard ratio = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.16 to 1.24, P = .12) for LS, 95.5% (95% CI = 90.7% to 100%; hazard ratio = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.05 to 0.55, P = .003) for "other" vs 78.6% (95% CI = 73.8% to 83.7%) for MLH1-hypermethylated MMRd-EC. The probability of subsequent LS-associated cancer at 10 years was 11.6% (95% CI = 0.0% to 24.7%), 1.5% (95% CI = 0.0% to 4.3%), and 7.0% (95% CI = 3.0% to 10.9%) within the LS, "other," and MLH1-hypermethylated MMRd-EC groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The LS prevalence in the Post Operative Radiation Therapy in Endometrial Carcinoma trial population was 2.8% and among MMRd-ECs was 9.5%. Patients with LS-associated ECs showed a trend towards better recurrence-free survival and higher risk for second cancers compared with patients with MLH1-hypermethylated MMRd-EC.
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Primary refractory follicular lymphoma: a poor outcome entity with high risk of transformation to aggressive B cell lymphoma.
Alonso-Álvarez S. European journal of cancer (Oxford, England : 1990) 2021;157:132-139.
BACKGROUND: Primary refractory (PREF) follicular lymphoma (FL) has a completely different clinical course from that of FL that responds to front-line treatments. In addition to having poor responses to salvage therapies, it seems that patients with PREF are at increased risk of histological transformation (HT). The Aristotle consortium presented the opportunity of investigating the risk of HT in a very large series of cases. Thus, we investigated the risk of HT in patients with PREF FL compared with that of responding patients or in stable disease and ultimately their outcome. METHODS: Six thousand three hundred thirty-nine patients from the Aristotle database were included in the analysis. These patients had a histologically confirmed grade 1, 2 or 3a FL diagnosed between 1997 and 2013. The primary end-points were the cumulative incidence (CI) of HT at the first progression or relapse and the survival after transformation. FINDINGS: The 5-year CI of HT among patients with PREF was 34% (95% confidence interval (CI): 27-43), whilst it was 7.1% (95% CI: 6.0-8.5) in the group of patients with partial response (PR) or stable disease (SD) (PR + SD) and 3.5% (95% CI: 3.0-4.2) in the group of patients achieving complete response (CR). The 5-year survival after relapse (SAR) was 33% (95% CI: 28-39) for the PREF group, 57% (95% CI 54-61) in patients with PR, 51% (95% CI 43-58) in the SD group after first-line therapy and 63% (95% CI: 66-72) in patients with CR after initial treatment (p-value <0.001). The 5-year SAR for those patients with PREF who developed HT was 21% (95% CI: 12-31), clearly diminished when compared with those patients with PREF who did not experience HT (38% [95% CI: 31-44]) (p-value = 0.001). INTERPRETATION: Patients with PREF FL have a dismal outcome and an associated very high rate of HT that further worsens their poor prognosis.
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Prognostic relevance of exercise testing in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A systematic review.
Rodrigues T. International journal of cardiology 2021;339:83-92.
BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is indicated as part of the assessment in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients and stress echocardiography is often used to assess symptoms. However, the role of exercise testing for prognostic stratification in HCM is still not established. AIMS: To systematically review the evidence on the role of exercise testing for prognostic stratification in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted for eligible publications, between 2010 and 2020, that included evaluation of outcomes and prognosis. In these studies, patients underwent exercise echocardiography and/or cardiopulmonary exercise testing, performed according to predefined protocols. Diverse parameters were assessed in order to determine which were relevant for the prognosis. Analyzed outcomes included death from any cause, sudden cardiac death (SCD) and equivalents, cardiovascular death, heart failure requiring hospitalization or progression to New York Heart Association classes III or IV, cardiac transplantation, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, stroke, myocardial infarction and invasive septal reduction therapy. RESULTS: Eighteen publications were included, corresponding to a total of 7525 patients. The mean follow-up period varied between 1 and 8 years. The main findings of these studies revealed that the major predictors of outcomes were abnormal heart rate recovery, abnormal blood pressure response exercise induced wall motion abnormalities, lower peak VO2, higher VE/VCO2, and pulmonary hypertension/exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension. CONCLUSION: Although most studies concluded that exercise test results are useful to determine prognosis in HCM, further investigation is needed regarding whether it adds independent value to the current risk stratification strategies.
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Providing an acute oncology service during the COVID-19 pandemic
Crusz S.M. Clinical Medicine, Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London 2021;21(5):No page numbers.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to adaptations being made to all aspects of the NHS, including general practice, acute medical specialties and oncology. This has presented unique challenges to acute oncology services (AOSs) in how to provide continuity of care while maintaining the safety of patients and staff. We describe the experience of the AOS team at Barts Health NHS Trust, working across three acute hospitals in east London. Changes to the service due to COVID-19 included increased remote reviews and referrals to the specialist oncology cancer acute assessment unit. The patient population reviewed in April 2020 (at the initial peak of the pandemic in the UK) was markedly different to one reviewed in April 2019, with 55% more patients presenting with a new diagnosis of cancer via an emergency route. Finally, we suggest changes to AOSs for future waves of the pandemic. Copyright © Royal College of Physicians 2021. All rights reserved.
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RAMPART: A model for a regulatory-ready academic-led phase III trial in the adjuvant renal cell carcinoma setting.
Meade A. Contemporary clinical trials 2021;108:106481.
The development of therapeutics in oncology is a highly active research area for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, but also has a strong academic base. Many new agents have been developed in recent years, most with specific biological targets. This has mandated the need to look at different ways to streamline the evaluation of new agents. One solution has been the development of adaptive trial designs that allow the evaluation of multiple agents, concentrating on the most promising agents while screening out those which are unlikely to benefit patients. Another way forward has been the growth of partnerships between academia and industry with the shared goal of designing and conducting high quality clinical trials which answer important clinical questions as efficiently as possible. The RAMPART trial (NCT03288532) brings together both of these processes in an attempt to improve outcomes for patients with locally advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), where no globally acceptable adjuvant strategy after nephrectomy currently exist. RAMPART is led by the MRC CTU at University College London (UCL), in collaboration with other international academic groups and industry. We aim to facilitate the use of data from RAMPART, (dependent on outcomes), for a future regulatory submission that will extend the license of the agents being investigated. We share our experience in order to lay the foundations for an effective trial design and conduct framework and to guide others who may be considering similar collaborations. Trial Registration: ISRCTN #: ISRCTN53348826, NCT #: NCT03288532, EUDRACT #: 2017-002329-39. CTA #: 20363/0380/001-0001. MREC #: 17/LO/1875. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03288532 RAMPART grant number: MC_UU_12023/25. . RAMPART Protocol version 5.0.
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RAMPART: A phase III multi-arm multi-stage trial of adjuvant checkpoint inhibitors in patients with resected primary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) at high or intermediate risk of relapse.
Oza B. Contemporary clinical trials 2021;108:106482.
BACKGROUND: 20-60% of patients with initially locally advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) develop metastatic disease despite optimal surgical excision. Adjuvant strategies have been tested in RCC including cytokines, radiotherapy, hormones and oral tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs), with limited success. The predominant global standard-of-care after nephrectomy remains active monitoring. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective in the treatment of metastatic RCC; RAMPART will investigate these agents in the adjuvant setting. METHODS/DESIGN: RAMPART is an international, UK-led trial investigating the addition of ICIs after nephrectomy in patients with resected locally advanced RCC. RAMPART is a multi-arm multi-stage (MAMS) platform trial, upon which additional research questions may be addressed over time. The target population is patients with histologically proven resected locally advanced RCC (clear cell and non-clear cell histological subtypes), with no residual macroscopic disease, who are at high or intermediate risk of relapse (Leibovich score 3-11). Patients with fully resected synchronous ipsilateral adrenal metastases are included. Participants are randomly assigned (3,2:2) to Arm A - active monitoring (no placebo) for one year, Arm B - durvalumab (PD-L1 inhibitor) 4-weekly for one year; or Arm C - combination therapy with durvalumab 4-weekly for one year plus two doses of tremelimumab (CTLA-4 inhibitor) at day 1 of the first two 4-weekly cycles. The co-primary outcomes are disease-free-survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes include safety, metastasis-free survival, RCC specific survival, quality of life, and patient and clinician preferences. Tumour tissue, plasma and urine are collected for molecular analysis (TransRAMPART). TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN #: ISRCTN53348826, NCT #: NCT03288532, EUDRACT #: 2017-002329-39, CTA #: 20363/0380/001-0001, MREC #: 17/LO/1875, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03288532, RAMPART grant number: MC_UU_12023/25, TransRAMPART grant number: A28690 Cancer Research UK, RAMPART Protocol version 5.0.
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Real-World Outcomes Using a Spinal Cord Stimulation Device Capable of Combination Therapy for Chronic Pain: A European, Multicenter Experience.
Kallewaard JW Journal of clinical medicine 2021;10(18):No page numbers.
Given the differing mechanisms thought to underlie therapeutic sub- and supra-perception-based neurostimulative modalities, Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) systems designed for combined delivery of these approaches may help improve analgesic outcomes and quality of life, and reduce treatment failures. This multicenter, observational case-series evaluated 188 patients with chronic back and/or leg pain implanted with an SCS device capable of sequential or simultaneous delivery of sub-perception and supra-perception stimulation programming (i.e., combination therapy) at 16 in Europe. Following implantation, patients were provided with an array of advanced supra-perception programs (e.g., paresthesia-based SCS using multiple independent current sources), and a custom set of sub-perception programs optimized with specific waveforms and/or field shapes. A mean overall pain score of 7.9 ± 1.7 (Standard Deviation (SD)) was reported pre-trial (Baseline). Overall pain was reduced by 4.4 ± 2.8 points (NRS) at 3-months (n = 117) and at 12 months post-implant (n = 90), respectively (p < 0.0001). Substantial quality-of-life (EQ-5D-5L) improvement as assessed at last follow-up was also observed (n = 60). These results suggest that an implanted SCS device capable of combination therapy, while also enabled with patient-specific waveform optimization and stimulation field targeting capabilities, can enable highly effective pain relief and improve quality of life in patients suffering with chronic pain.
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Relative effectiveness of non-surgical interventions for pain management in knee osteoarthritis: a protocol for a component network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
Thompson T. BMJ open 2021;11(9):e048298.
INTRODUCTION: Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease associated with significant chronic pain, disability and impaired quality of life and is the most common form of osteoarthritis. There is no cure for knee osteoarthritis, and the main therapeutic goals are pain management and improving quality of life. The objective of this study is to evaluate the relative efficacy and acceptability of available interventions using network meta-analysis (NMA) to provide a comprehensive evidence base to inform future treatment guidelines. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A comprehensive literature search of major electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and clinical trial registries will identify randomised control trials (RCTs) of interventions listed in NICE guidelines for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in adults. We will perform an NMA to estimate relative intervention effects across the whole treatment network. If any studies use multicomponent intervention packages, we will employ a component NMA model to estimate the contribution of individual components. The quality of evidence will be assessed using the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis approach, which is based on the traditional GRADE framework adapted for NMA. Risk of bias (RoB) will be assessed using the revised Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool for RCTs. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study does not require ethical approval. Findings will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020184192.
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Reply to "A deep learning-based smartphone platform for cutaneous lupus erythematosus classification assistance - simplifying the diagnosis of complicated diseases": Machine learning evaluations need to consider the true clinical context.
Steele L. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2021;85(3):e181-e182.
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Response to: 'Montgomery in, Bolam out: are trainee surgeons "material risks" when taking consent for cataract surgery?'
Claoué Charles Eye (London, England) 2021;35(9):2640-2641.
SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination and Immune Thrombocytopenia in de novo and pre-existing ITP patients.
Lee EJ Blood 2021;:No page numbers.
Cases of de novo immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) - including a fatality - following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in previously healthy recipients led to studying its impact in pre-existing ITP. In this study, four data sources were analyzed: the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) for cases of de novo ITP; a ten-center retrospective study of adults with pre-existing ITP receiving SARS-CoV-2 vaccination; and surveys distributed by the Platelet Disorder Support Association (PDSA, United States) and the United Kingdom (UK) ITP Support Association. Seventy-seven de novo ITP cases were identified in VAERS, presenting with median platelet count of 3 [1-9] x109/L approximately 1-week post-vaccination. Of 28 patients with available data, 26 responded to treatment with corticosteroids and/or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and/or platelet transfusions. Among 109 patients with pre-existing ITP who received a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, 19 experienced an ITP exacerbation (any of: ≥50% decline in platelet count, nadir platelet count <30x109/L with >20% decrease from baseline, and/or use of rescue therapy) following the first dose and 14 of 70 after a second dose. Splenectomized persons and those who received 5 or more prior lines of therapy were at highest risk of ITP exacerbation. Fifteen patients received and responded to rescue treatment. In surveys of both 57 PDSA and 43 UK ITP patients, prior splenectomy was associated with worsened thrombocytopenia. ITP may worsen in pre-existing ITP or be identified de novo post-SARS-CoV2-vaccination; both situations responded well to treatment. Proactive monitoring of patients with known ITP, especially those post-splenectomy and with more refractory disease, is indicated.
Saw-tooth cardiomyopathy: cardiomyopathies baring their teeth.
García-Ropero Á Revista espanola de cardiologia (English ed.) 2021;:No page numbers.
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SDHC phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma: A UK-wide case series.
Williams ST Clinical endocrinology 2021;:No page numbers.
OBJECTIVE: Phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGL) are rare, but strongly heritable tumours. Variants in succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) subunits are identified in approximately 25% of cases. However, clinical and genetic information of patients with SDHC variants are underreported. DESIGN: This retrospective case series collated data from 18 UK Genetics and Endocrinology departments. PATIENTS: Both asymptomatic and disease-affected patients with confirmed SDHC germline variants are included. MEASUREMENTS: Clinical data including tumour type and location, surveillance outcomes and interventions, SDHC genetic variant assessment, interpretation, and tumour risk calculation. RESULTS: We report 91 SDHC cases, 46 probands and 45 non-probands. Fifty-one cases were disease-affected. Median age at genetic diagnosis was 43 years (range: 11-79). Twenty-four SDHC germline variants were identified including six novel variants. Head and neck paraganglioma (HNPGL, n = 30, 65.2%), extra-adrenal paraganglioma (EAPGL, n = 13, 28.2%) and phaeochromocytomas (PCC) (n = 3, 6.5%) were present. One case had multiple PPGLs. Malignant disease was reported in 19.6% (9/46). Eight cases had non-PPGL SDHC-associated tumours, six gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) and two renal cell cancers (RCC). Cumulative tumour risk (95% CI) at age 60 years was 0.94 (CI: 0.79-0.99) in probands, and 0.16 (CI: 0-0.31) in non-probands, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes the largest cohort of 91 SDHC patients worldwide. We confirm disease-affected SDHC variant cases develop isolated HNPGL disease in nearly 2/3 of patients, EAPGL and PCC in 1/3, with an increased risk of GIST and RCC. One fifth developed malignant disease, requiring comprehensive lifelong tumour screening and surveillance.
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Shape registration with learned deformations for 3D shape reconstruction from sparse and incomplete point clouds.
Chen X. Medical image analysis 2021;74:102228.
Shape reconstruction from sparse point clouds/images is a challenging and relevant task required for a variety of applications in computer vision and medical image analysis (e.g. surgical navigation, cardiac motion analysis, augmented/virtual reality systems). A subset of such methods, viz. 3D shape reconstruction from 2D contours, is especially relevant for computer-aided diagnosis and intervention applications involving meshes derived from multiple 2D image slices, views or projections. We propose a deep learning architecture, coined Mesh Reconstruction Network (MR-Net), which tackles this problem. MR-Net enables accurate 3D mesh reconstruction in real-time despite missing data and with sparse annotations. Using 3D cardiac shape reconstruction from 2D contours defined on short-axis cardiac magnetic resonance image slices as an exemplar, we demonstrate that our approach consistently outperforms state-of-the-art techniques for shape reconstruction from unstructured point clouds. Our approach can reconstruct 3D cardiac meshes to within 2.5-mm point-to-point error, concerning the ground-truth data (the original image spatial resolution is ∼1.8×1.8×10mm3). We further evaluate the robustness of the proposed approach to incomplete data, and contours estimated using an automatic segmentation algorithm. MR-Net is generic and could reconstruct shapes of other organs, making it compelling as a tool for various applications in medical image analysis.
Short- and long-term outcomes of aortic root-sparing repair and replacement in acute type A aortic dissection repair.
Tarkas TN Asian cardiovascular & thoracic annals 2021;29(7):627-634.
Acute type A aortic dissection is a surgical emergency with a high mortality rate if left untreated. Management of the aortic root in this setting constitutes an intricate decision-making framework, further complicated by the emergent nature of the dissection. There exists much controversy regarding pursuit of the aggressive aortic root replacement versus a conservative root-sparing repair, alongside considerations for valve-sparing root replacement. In this review, we critically appraise the current controversy in the literature considering the fate of the aortic root, discussing the aforementioned root interventions for which provides better outcomes for mortality and risk of re-intervention. Literature search was performed using electronic database through PubMed, Google scholar, and Embase focussing on studies reporting outcomes and re-intervention rates for these approaches. Limited by the heterogeneity in surgical strategy, with most studies being single-centred retrospective experiences, further fuel this ongoing debate. The literature reveals rather contrasting results whilst comparing root-sparing repair, versus the extensive root replacement; whilst some studies report no statistically significant difference, others show one superior over the other. There is greater consensus when considering risk of re-operation, with studies showing higher rates of re-operation in root-sparing group compared to replacement; however, many others show no statistically significant difference. In conclusion, the conflicting outcomes reported in the literature, with their inherent limitations, results in the current inability to reach a definitive answer. There remains support in the current literature for both approaches with much of the decision-making being surgeon-bound with many significant influencing factors on a case-by-case basis.
Simulation training in hand surgery - where are we now and where should we be?
Harsten R. European journal of plastic surgery 2021;:1-2.
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Slowed-Down Rehabilitation Following Percutaneous Repair of Achilles Tendon Rupture.
Maffulli N. Foot & ankle international 2021;:10711007211038594.
BACKGROUND: Following percutaneous repair of acute Achilles tendon (AT) ruptures, early postoperative weightbearing is advocated; however, it is debatable how aggressive rehabilitation should be. We compared the clinical and functional outcomes in 2 groups of patients who followed either our "traditional" or a "slowed down" rehabilitation after percutaneous surgical repair. METHODS: Sixty patients were prospectively recruited to a slowed down (29 patients) or a traditional (31 patients) rehabilitation program. Both groups were allowed immediate weightbearing postoperatively; a removable brace with 5 heel wedges was applied at 2 weeks. In the slowed-down group, 1 wedge was removed after 4 weeks. Gradual removal of the boot took place after 4 wedges were kept for 4 weeks. In the traditional group, 1 wedge was removed every 2 weeks, with removal of the boot after 2 wedges had been kept for 2 weeks. The AT Resting Angle (ATRA) evaluated tendon elongation. Patient reported functional outcomes were assessed using the AT Rupture Score (ATRS). Calf circumference difference and the isometric plantarflexion strength of the gastro-soleus complex were evaluated. RESULTS: At the 12-month follow-up, both ATRA and ATRS were more favorable in the slowed-down group. The isometric strength and the calf circumference were more similar to the contralateral leg in the slowed-down group than in the traditional one. CONCLUSION: Following percutaneous repair of acute Achilles tendon patients undergoing slowed down rehabilitation performed better than the traditional one. These conclusions must be considered within the limitations of the present study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective comparative study.
Sports associations: harnessing their influence for health promotion.
Vyas V. European journal of preventive cardiology 2021;:No page numbers.
STATIN trial: predictive performance of competing-risk model in screening for pre-eclampsia at 35-37 weeks' gestation.
Döbert M. Ultrasound in obstetrics & gynecology : the official journal of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology 2021;:No page numbers.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the predictive performance of the previously reported competing risks model of screening for preeclampsia (PE) at 35-37 weeks' gestation by combinations of maternal risk factors, mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI), serum placental growth factor (PlGF) and serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT-1) in the validation dataset derived from the screened population of the STATIN study. METHODS: This was a prospective third-trimester multicenter study of screening for PE in 29,677 singleton pregnancies by means of a previously reported algorithm that combines maternal risk factors and biomarkers. Women in the high-risk group were invited to participate in a trial of pravastatin versus placebo but the trial showed no evidence of an effect of pravastatin in the prevention of PE. Patient-specific risks of delivery with PE were calculated using the competing risks model and the performance of screening for PE by maternal risk factors alone and various combinations of risk factors and MAP, UtA-PI, PLGF and sFLT-1 was assessed. We examined the predictive performance of the model by first, the ability of the model to discriminate between the PE and no PE groups using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve and the detection rate (DR) at fixed false positive rate (FPR) of 10%, and second, calibration by measurements of calibration slope and calibration-in-the-large. RESULTS: The study population of 29,677 pregnancies contained 653 that developed PE. In screening for PE by a combination of maternal risk factors, MAP, PlGF and sFLT-1 (triple test), the DR at 10% FPR was 79% (95% CI 76, 82%) and the results were consistent with the data used for developing the algorithm. Addition of UtA-PI did not improve the prediction provided by the triple test. The AUROC curve was 0.923 (95% CI 0.913, 0.932) demonstrating a very high discrimination between affected and unaffected pregnancies. Similarly, the calibration slope was 0.875 (95% CI 0.831, 0.919) demonstrating a good agreement between the predicted risks and observed incidence of PE. CONCLUSION: The competing risks model provides an effective and reproducible method for third-trimester prediction of term PE. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Stratifying cardiovascular risk in patients with microvascular dysfunction: new insights from emerging physiology metrics.
Bourantas CV EuroIntervention : journal of EuroPCR in collaboration with the Working Group on Interventional Cardiology of the European Society of Cardiology 2021;17(7):532-533.
Stress-Induced Progression of Atrioventricular Block in a Patient with Breathlessness.
Khan AHA JAMA internal medicine 2021;181(9):1227-1228.
Subtle aortic dissection in a patient with severe aortic regurgitation and undiagnosed bicuspid aortic valve: A case report with a literature review.
Sef D. Journal of cardiac surgery 2021;36(9):3417-3420.
BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: A subtle aortic dissection can be challenging to detect despite the availability of multiple diagnostic modalities. Whilst rare, the inability to detect this variant of aortic dissection can lead to a dismal prognosis. We present an extremely rare case of a subtle aortic dissection with supra-annular aortic root intimal tear and acute severe aortic regurgitation in a patient with a bicuspid aortic valve. METHODS: Case report and literature review conserning subtle aortic dissection is provided. RESULTS: Initial concerns were either aortic dissection or infective endocarditis. Despite advanced multimodality preoperative imaging, diagnosis was made intraoperatively and a Bentall procedure with a mechanical aortic valve was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Our case along with the review of current literature emphasizes that current imaging techniques may be inadequate for diagnosis of this rare variant of aortic dissection.
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Surgical Management of Focal Chondral Defects of the Talus: A Bayesian Network Meta-analysis.
Migliorini F. The American journal of sports medicine 2021;:3635465211029642.
BACKGROUND: No consensus has been reached regarding the optimal surgical treatment for focal chondral defects of the talus. PURPOSE: A Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted to compare the clinical scores and complications of mosaicplasty, osteochondral auto- and allograft transplant, microfracture, matrix-assisted autologous chondrocyte transplant, and autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) for chondral defects of the talus at midterm follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Bayesian network meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: This Bayesian network meta-analysis followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) extension statement for reporting of systematic reviews incorporating network meta-analyses of health care interventions. PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases were accessed in February 2021. All clinical trials comparing 2 or more surgical interventions for the management of chondral defects of the talus were accessed. The outcomes of interest were visual analog scale (VAS) score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, rate of failure, and rate of revision surgery. The network meta-analysis were performed through the routine for Bayesian hierarchical random-effects model analysis. The log odds ratio (LOR) effect measure was used for dichotomous variables, and the standardized mean difference (SMD) was used for continuous variables. RESULTS: Data from 13 articles (521 procedures) were retrieved. The median length of the follow-up was 47.8 months (range, 31.7-66.8 months). Analysis of variance revealed no difference between the treatment groups at baseline in terms of age, sex, body mass index, AOFAS score, VAS score, and mean number of defects. AMIC demonstrated the greatest AOFAS score (SMD, 11.27) and lowest VAS score (SMD, -2.26) as well as the lowest rates of failure (LOR, 0.94) and revision (LOR, 0.94). The test for overall inconsistency was not significant. CONCLUSION: At approximately 4 years of follow-up, the AMIC procedure for management of focal chondral defects of the talus produced the best outcome.
Survival and Durability After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Reflect Era-Related Surgical Judgement.
Witheford M. Journal of vascular surgery 2021;:No page numbers.
OBJECTIVES: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) management guidelines from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE UK) in 2020, based heavily upon randomized controlled trials in an early era of infrarenal endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), suggested that the long-term outcomes post EVAR jeopardize its use in elective AAA repair. We hypothesized that in a rapidly-evolving surgical field, the era of aneurysm repair may have a significant influence on long-term patient outcomes. METHODS: Using a single centre retrospective cohort design, we identified two EVAR cohorts, the "early" cohort n=166, undergoing EVAR from 2008-2010, and a contemporary "late" cohort, n= 129, from 2015-2017. We assessed patient preoperative demographics and era of repair against the primary outcomes of reinterventions, reintervention-free survival, and mortality, addressing their relationships to anatomic selection criteria, graft durability, endoleak and aneurysm diameter to five years post procedure. RESULTS: Early cohort patients had reduced reintervention-free survival (early 80.1% versus late 93.3%) and reduced overall survival (early 71.3% versus late 81%) at 3 years and throughout follow-up. The preoperative anatomy judged suitable for EVAR in early cohort patients was more variable than for late cohort patients, including 104% larger proximal and 106% larger distal landing zone diameters, with mean 11.6mm shorter length infrarenal aortic and 13.3mm shorter length iliac sealing zones in the early group. Early cohort patients had more complications during follow-up, including graft kinking and endoleaks, and 24.4% of early versus 8.5% of late patients underwent one or more reinterventions. CONCLUSIONS: While technical skill in EVAR implantation may not evolve significantly after a threshold of cases, surgical judgement, relating to anatomic selection and device sizing requires feedback from long-term sequalae, and significantly impacted EVAR outcomes by era. EVAR patients from an early repair era had significantly worse outcomes, with higher complications, reinterventions, and a reduction in survival.
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Survival relative to pacemaker status after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.
Myat A. Catheterization and cardiovascular interventions : official journal of the Society for Cardiac Angiography & Interventions 2021;98(3):E444-E452.
OBJECTIVES: To determine whether a permanent pacemaker (PPM) in situ can enhance survival after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), in a predominantly inoperable or high risk cohort. BACKGROUND: New conduction disturbances are the most frequent complication of TAVI, often necessitating PPM implantation before hospital discharge. METHODS: We performed an observational cohort analysis of the UK TAVI registry (2007-2015). Primary and secondary endpoints were 30-day post-discharge all-cause mortality and long-term survival, respectively. RESULTS: Of 8,651 procedures, 6,815 complete datasets were analyzed. A PPM at hospital discharge, irrespective of when implantation occurred (PPM 1.68% [22/1309] vs. no PPM 1.47% [81/5506], odds ratio [OR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71-1.84; p = .58), or a PPM implanted peri- or post-TAVI only (PPM 1.44% [11/763] vs. no PPM 1.47% [81/5506], OR 0.98 [0.51-1.85]; p = .95) did not significantly reduce the primary endpoint. Patients with a PPM at discharge were older, male, had right bundle branch block at baseline, were more likely to have received a first-generation self-expandable prosthesis and had experienced more peri- and post-procedural complications including bailout valve-in-valve rescue, bleeding and acute kidney injury. A Cox proportional hazards model demonstrated significantly reduced long-term survival in all those with a PPM, irrespective of implantation timing (hazard ratio [HR] 1.14 [1.02-1.26]; p = .019) and those receiving a PPM only at the time of TAVI (HR 1.15 [1.02-1.31]; p = .032). The reasons underlying this observation warrant further investigation. CONCLUSIONS: A PPM did not confer a survival advantage in the first 30 days after hospital discharge following TAVI.
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Targeting the tumor microenvironment in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Svanberg R. Haematologica 2021;106(9):2312-2324.
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an essential role in the development, growth, and survival of the malignant B-cell clone in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Within the proliferation niches of lymph nodes, bone marrow, and secondary lymphoid organs, a variety of phenotypically and functionally altered cell types, including T cells, natural killer cells, monocytes/macrophages, endothelial and mesenchymal stroma cells, provide crucial survival signals, along with CLL-cellinduced suppression of antitumor immune responses. The B-cell receptor pathway plays a pivotal role in mediating the interaction between CLL cells and the TME. However, an increasing number of additional components of the multifactorial TME are being discovered. Although the majority of therapeutic strategies employed in CLL hitherto have focused on targeting the leukemic cells, emerging evidence implies that modulation of microenvironmental cells and CLL-TME interactions by novel therapeutic agents significantly affect their clinical efficacy. Thus, improving our understanding of CLL-TME interactions and how they are affected by current therapeutic agents may improve and guide treatment strategies. Identification of novel TME interactions may also pave the road for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting the TME. In this review, we summarize current evidence on the effects of therapeutic agents on cells and interactions within the TME. With a growing demand for improved and personalized treatment options in CLL, this review aims at inspiring future exploration of smart drug combination strategies, translational studies, and novel therapeutic targets in clinical trials.
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The association between use of chemsex drugs and HIV clinic attendance among gay and bisexual men living with HIV in London.
Howarth AR HIV medicine 2021;22(8):641-649.
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between chemsex drug use and HIV clinic attendance among gay and bisexual men in London. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of adults (> 18 years) diagnosed with HIV for > 4 months, attending seven London HIV clinics (May 2014 to August 2015). Participants self-completed an anonymous questionnaire linked to clinical data. Sub-optimal clinic attenders had missed one or more HIV clinic appointments in the past year, or had a history of non-attendance for > 1 year. RESULTS: Over half (56%) of the 570 men who identified as gay or bisexual reported taking recreational drugs in the past 5 years and 71.5% of these men had used chemsex drugs in the past year. Among men reporting chemsex drug use (past year), 32.1% had injected any drugs in the past year. Sub-optimal clinic attenders were more likely than regular attenders to report chemsex drug use (past year; 46.9% vs. 33.2%, P = 0.001), injecting any drugs (past year; 17.1% vs. 8.9%, P = 0.011) and recreational drug use (past 5 years; 65.5% vs. 48.8%, P < 0.001). One in five sub-optimal attenders had missed an HIV clinic appointment because of taking recreational drugs (17.4% vs. 1.8%, P < 0.001). In multivariable logistic regression, chemsex drug use was significantly associated with sub-optimal clinic attendance (adjusted odds ratio = 1.71, 95% confidence interval: 1.10-2.65, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the importance of systematic assessment of drug use and development of tools to aid routine assessment. We suggest that chemsex drug use should be addressed when developing interventions to improve engagement in HIV care among gay and bisexual men.
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The cancer multidisciplinary team meeting: in need of change? History, challenges and future perspectives.
Winters DA BJU international 2021;128(3):271-279.
Two decades since their inception, multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) are widely regarded as the 'gold standard' of cancer care delivery. Benefits of MDT working include improved patient outcomes, adherence to guidelines, and even economic benefits. Benefits to MDT members have also been demonstrated. An increasing body of evidence supports the use of MDTs and provides guidance on best practise. The system of MDTs in cancer care has come under increasing pressure of late, due to the increasing incidence of cancer, the popularity of MDT working, and financial pressures. This pressure has resulted in recommendations by national bodies to implement streamlining to reduce workload and improve efficiency. In the present review we examine the historical evidence for MDT working, and the scientific developments that dictate best practise. We also explore how streamlining can be safely and effectively undertaken. Finally, we discuss the future of MDT working including the integration of artificial intelligence and decision support systems and propose a new model for improving patient centredness.
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The effect of COVID-19 on children with congenital talipes equinovarus in a tertiary service in the United Kingdom.
Firth GB Journal of pediatric orthopedics. Part B 2021;:No page numbers.
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many aspects of healthcare have been hindered. The primary aim of this study was to identify what the impact of COVID-19 was on the delivery of outpatient care for children with congenital talipes equinovarus deformity (CTEV) at a large tertiary hospital in the UK. This study reviewed the patients who commenced their Ponseti treatment between March and September 2020, representing the cohort who received hands-on care during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Equivalent 6-month periods were searched in 2019 and 2018 as control cohorts. This study included a total of 45 children (72 affected feet) presenting for treatment of clubfoot. Twenty-three babies were seen with CTEV in 2020. For the same time period in 2018 and 2019, 11 babies were treated each year. The distance commuted to by families was higher in 2020 compared to 2019 and 2018, although the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.301). Treatment with Ponseti casting was commenced at a mean age of 52 days, with no statistically significant differences between cohorts (P = 0.758). Using strict precautions, the Ponseti service at a large tertiary hospital in the UK grew in size and successfully provided treatment for children presenting with CTEV during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study has shown that with careful protocols in place, children with CTEV can be treated successfully during times of pandemic, thereby reducing the post-pandemic burden of older children requiring treatment.
The Impact of the Largest National Joint Registry on Current Knee Replacement Longevity Estimates: An Analysis and Review of Knee Prosthesis Brand and Fixation Technique.
Rashed S. The Journal of arthroplasty 2021;36(9):3168-3173.e1.
BACKGROUND: The UK National Joint Registry is the single largest joint registry in the world enrolling 1.3 million patients and recently reaching 17 years of follow-up data. Current knee prosthesis longevity estimates are based off smaller sized international registries and the impact of fixation type on prosthesis survival remains unclear. METHODS: We used the UK National Joint Registry 17th annual report to calculate pooled mean survival estimates of total knee replacements (TKRs), unicondylar knee replacements (UKRs), and patellofemoral knee replacements at 10 and 15 years based on both construct brand and fixation technique (cemented vs uncemented). Independent t-testing was performed for significance. RESULTS: All-cause survivorship of TKRs at 10 and 15 years is 96.7% and 95.4%, respectively. For UKRs it is 89.8% and 80.7% and for patellofemoral knee replacements it is 81.6% and 76.5%. In regard to fixation technique, cemented and uncemented TKRs show similar survivorship at both time points. For UKRs uncemented constructs showed improved survivorship compared to cemented at 10 years (92.7% vs 88.2%, P < .001). This was greatest among those <65 years of age. In fact, all construct types regardless of fixation showed increased rate of revision in those <65 years vs those ≥65 years. CONCLUSION: We provide more accurate estimations for knee prosthesis survival and highlight that younger patients, particularly those receiving UKRs, are prone to greater revision risks. This data also suggests that uncemented fixation may offer improved joint survival in these patients.
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The management of dialysis access thrombosis during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Seet C. The journal of vascular access 2021;:11297298211045578.
BACKGROUND: Maintaining patent access is essential for haemodialysis dependent end stage renal failure patients. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected surgical and interventional radiology services worldwide. We aimed to review the impact COVID-19 has caused to the management of acute dialysis access thrombosis. METHODS: We conducted a single centre retrospective review of outcomes of patients with arteriovenous fistula and arteriovenous graft thrombosis between March and May 2020, which coincided with the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in London, and a similar period in the previous year, March-May 2019. Outcomes in both cohorts of patients were compared, including attempts at salvage, salvage success, 1-month patency rates after salvage and subsequent surgery on the same access. We also analysed the use of tunnelled haemodialysis lines (THL), either due to failed salvage attempts or when salvage was not attempted. RESULTS: There was a similar incidence of access thrombosis in both periods (26 cases in 2019, 38 in 2020). There were 601 patients dialysing via an arteriovenous fistula or graft in 2019, and 568 patients in 2020. Access salvage, when attempted, had similar success rates and 1-month patency (salvage success 74% vs 80%, p = 0.39; 1-month patency 55% vs 62%, p = 0.69). The proportion of patients where access salvage was not attempted and a THL inserted was significantly higher in 2020 compared to 2019 (32% vs 4%, p = 0.007). There were more patients who subsequently had surgery to salvage or revise the same access in 2019 compared to 2020 (62% vs 13%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were fewer attempts at access salvage. This was a conscious decision due to increased pressure on the healthcare system, access to emergency interventional radiology or operative theatres and the perceived risk/benefit ratio of access salvage. The long-term effects of this change in practice remain unknown.
The multiple sclerosis prodrome is just unspecific symptoms in radiologically isolated syndrome patients - Yes.
Gnanapavan S. Multiple sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England) 2021;:13524585211040223.
The prevalence of burnout, risk factors, and job-related stressors in gastroenterologists: A systematic review.
Ong J. Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology 2021;36(9):2338-2348.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Burnout is an important occupational hazard, and the scale of the problem within gastroenterology remains poorly understood. The primary objective of this study was to understand the prevalence of burnout in gastroenterology and ascertain if there was a common prevalence within the field. The secondary objective was to identify factors and job-related stressors that commonly contribute to burnout in gastroenterologists. METHODS: Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and PsycINFO by two reviewers independently for articles published to 1 September 2020. The primary outcome measure was the reported prevalence of burnout in gastroenterologists. The secondary outcome measures were (i) the prevalence of non-somatic burnout symptoms (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment) and (ii) the frequency of risk factors and stressors reported in studies. Data were presented, and limited meta-analyses discussed. RESULTS: Data were extracted from 11 studies. 54.5% (6/11) of these studies reported the prevalence of burnout in gastroenterologists; this ranged from 18.3% to 64.4%. Similar to burnout prevalence, burnout symptoms showed geographical variation and were common in gastroenterologists (up to 63.9%). Factors associated with work volume, age, and female gender were the three most frequently reported risk factors for increased levels of stress and burnout in 72.7% (8/11), 54.5% (6/11), and 45.5% (5/11) of studies, respectively. Significant methodological and clinical heterogeneity was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Burnout and its non-somatic symptoms are common in gastroenterologists, but the syndrome is understudied within the field. Further research and good quality data are needed to help address the problem.
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The Role of Measurement of Pedicle Length for DIEP Flap Transferring in Breast Reconstruction: A Single-Center, Open-Label, Randomized Controlled Trial.
Song D. Annals of plastic surgery 2021;:No page numbers.
BACKGROUND: Intraoperative venous congestion is a main complication in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap for breast reconstruction. We present a pedicle measuring technique to precisely predict the length of pedicle needed in DIEP free flap, to improve the outcome, and to reduce the risk of donor site morbidity and complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center, open-label, prospective, randomized study was carried out to access efficacy and safety of a pedicle measuring technique in 389 patients. Each patient received a delayed breast reconstruction using free unipedicled DIEP flap, and internal mammary vessels were chosen as recipient vessels. During the surgery, the conventional DIEP flap technique was used in the control group, in which the course of the pedicle was fully dissected. In the measuring group, the flap in setting way was decided preoperatively, the distance (A) between the internal mammary vessels (a) and the point of DIEP perforator into the subcutaneous tissue (b) was measured, and then the length (B) of the perforator (c) and the main trunk (d) is measured and dissected to achieve 1 cm longer than A. RESULTS: There are 180 and 209 patients enrolled in the control and measuring group, respectively. Venous congestion occurred in 15 patients (8.3%) in the control group, and 1 patient (0.5%) in the measuring group (P < 0.001). All the 16 patients were found venous thrombosis. Then successful free flap salvage surgeries were performed in 10 patients. Six patients (3.3%) had total flap necrosis due to recurrent venous thromboembolisms. Fat necrosis occurred in 16 patients (8.9%) in the control group, and 5 patients (2.4%) in the measuring group (P = 0.006). Partial flap necrosis was found in 12 patients (6.7%) in the control group, and in 3 patients (1.4%) in the measuring group (P = 0.008). Total flap necrosis occurred in 6 patients (3.3%) in the control group, but no (0%) patient in the measuring group (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of pedicle length for DIEP flap transferring in breast reconstruction is a reliable technique that could secure the DIEP free flap, reduce operative invasiveness, and lower the risk of complications considerably.
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The Role of Plasma Transfusion in Pre-Hospital Haemostatic Resuscitation.
Tucker H. Transfusion medicine reviews 2021;:No page numbers.
Traumatic haemorrhage remains a major cause of preventable death and early haemostatic resuscitation is now a mainstay of treatment internationally. Recently, 2 randomized control trials (RCTs) - PAMPer (Prehospital Air Medical Plasma) and COMBAT (Control of Major Bleeding After Trauma), evaluating the effect of pre-hospital use of plasma on mortality provided conflicting results, raising important questions on the role of plasma resuscitation in pre-hospital environment. Both PAMPer (n = 501 patients) and COMBAT (n = 144 patients) trials were pragmatic RCTs that evaluated the effect of pre-hospital plasma transfusion (two units) versus standard of care on 28/30 days mortality in trauma patients who presented with clinical signs of haemorrhagic shock (defined as hypotension or tachycardia). The PAMPer trial showed that plasma transfusion reduced 30-day mortality compared with standard of care (23% vs 33%, 95% confidence interval -18.6; -1.0%; P = 0.03), while COMBAT trial showed no difference in 28-day survival. The post-hoc analyses of the 2 trials have suggested that the benefit of pre-hospital plasma transfusion may be greater for patients who are coagulopathic, have blunt injury and have a transport time from the scene of injury to the hospital of >20 minutes. In this review we evaluate strengths and limitations of the two trials and their differences and similarities, which may explain the conflicting results, as well as provide directions for future trials to better define the target population that would most benefit from pre-hospital plasma resuscitation. Further, considering the logistical challenges of carrying any blood components on an aircraft, cost/safety of plasma, and the scarcity of universal blood group donors, there is a need for a health economic evaluation of pre-hospital plasma transfusion in trauma patients, prior to this intervention becoming universal.
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The use of novel oral anticoagulants compared to vitamin K antagonists (warfarin) in patients with left ventricular thrombus after acute myocardial infarction.
Jones DA European heart journal. Cardiovascular pharmacotherapy 2021;7(5):398-404.
AIM: Current guidelines recommend the use of vitamin K antagonist (VKA) for up to 3-6 months for treatment of left ventricular (LV) thrombus post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, based on evidence supporting non-inferiority of novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC) compared to VKA for other indications such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism (PE), and thromboembolic prevention in atrial fibrillation, NOACs are being increasingly used off licence for the treatment of LV thrombus post-AMI. In this study, we investigated the safety and effect of NOACs compared to VKA on LV thrombus resolution in patients presenting with AMI. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was an observational study of 2328 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography ± percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for AMI between May 2015 and December 2018, at a UK cardiac centre. Patients' details were collected from the hospital electronic database. The primary endpoint was rate of LV thrombus resolution with bleeding rates a secondary outcome. Left ventricular thrombus was diagnosed in 101 (4.3%) patients. Sixty patients (59.4%) were started on VKA and 41 patients (40.6%) on NOAC therapy (rivaroxaban: 58.5%, apixaban: 36.5%, and edoxaban: 5.0%). Both groups were well matched in terms of baseline characteristics including age, previous cardiac history (previous myocardial infarction, PCI, coronary artery bypass grafting), and cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia). Over the follow-up period (median 2.2 years), overall rates of LV thrombus resolution were 86.1%. There was greater and earlier LV thrombus resolution in the NOAC group compared to patients treated with warfarin (82% vs. 64.4%, P = 0.0018, at 1 year), which persisted after adjusting for baseline variables (odds ratio 1.8, 95% confidence interval 1.2-2.9). Major bleeding events during the follow-up period were lower in the NOAC group, compared with VKA group (0% vs. 6.7%, P = 0.030) with no difference in rates of systemic thromboembolism (5% vs. 2.4%, P = 0.388). CONCLUSION: These data suggest improved thrombus resolution in post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS) LV thrombosis in patients treated with NOACs compared to VKAs. This improvement in thrombus resolution was accompanied with a better safety profile for NOAC patients vs. VKA-treated patients. Thus, provides data to support a randomized trial to answer this question.
Thrombosis in immune thrombocytopenia - current status and future perspectives.
Swan D. British journal of haematology 2021;194(5):822-834.
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder in which a combination of defective platelet production and enhanced clearance leads to thrombocytopenia. The primary aim for therapy in patients with this condition is the prevention of bleeding. However, more recently, increased rates of venous and arterial thrombotic events have been reported in ITP, even in the context of marked thrombocytopenia. In this review we discuss the epidemiology, aetiology and management of thrombotic events in these patients. We consider the impact of ITP therapies on the increased thrombotic risk, in particular the use of thrombopoietin-receptor agonists (TPO-RAs), as well as factors inherent to ITP itself. We also discuss the limited evidence available to guide clinicians in the treatment of these complex cases.
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Time to retire 'New daily persistent headache': Mode of onset of chronic migraine and tension-type headache.
Lobo R. Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache 2021;:3331024211044440.
New daily persistent headache is described as an enigmatic condition with daily headache from onset. It has posed challenges diagnostically and therapeutically.Methods: We conducted a study of patients referred to headache services based in Central and North-East London, United Kingdom, meeting the International Classificaiton of Headache Disorders - 3 criteria for New daily persistent headache. Information on demographics, phenotype and treatment responses were collected. The syndrome of the daily headache was also classified according any other ICHD-3-defined syndrome.Results: Of 162 patients, females comprised 68.5% with median age of onset 35 years. The daily headache experienced was chronic migraine in 89.7% and tension-type headache in 8.8%. Thunderclap-onset New daily persistent headache occurred in 14.8%. More than one headache syndrome was experienced in 15.4%, including cough, hypnic, sexual and stabbing headache. All aura types were experienced, most commonly brainstem aura in 39%. Prior headache was reported 53.7%. A persisting sub-form was present in 51.2%, relapsing remitting in 12.3% and 14.0% reported improvement; 19.8% were lost to follow-up. Only 11.1% reported an antecedent trigger. The most common premorbid disorders were psychiatric in 35.7%. A fifth improved on preventative medication, most commonly amitriptyline, propranolol and topiramate.Conclusion: Our cohort of New daily persistent headache is consistent with a mode of onset of migraine and tension-type headache which occurs in predisposed individuals.
Transfusion support during mass casualty events.
Doughty H. British journal of anaesthesia 2021;:No page numbers.
Transfusion support is an essential element of modern emergency healthcare. Blood services together with hospital transfusion teams are required to prepare for, and respond to, mass casualty events as part of wider healthcare emergency planning. Preparedness is a constant collaborative process that actively identifies and manages potential risks, to prevent such events becoming a 'disaster'. The aim of transfusion support during incidents is to provide sufficient and timely supply of blood components and diagnostic services, whilst maintaining support to other patients not involved in the event.
Trauma Laparotomy in the UK: A Prospective National Service Evaluation.
Marsden MER Journal of the American College of Surgeons 2021;233(3):383-394.e1.
BACKGROUND: Trauma patients requiring abdominal operation have considerable morbidity and mortality, yet no specific quality indicators are measured in the trauma systems of the UK. The aims of this study were to describe the characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing emergency abdominal operation and key processes of care. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective multicenter service evaluation was conducted within all of the major trauma centers in the UK. The study was conducted during 6 months beginning in January 2019. Patients of any age undergoing laparotomy or laparoscopy within 24 hours of injury were included. Existing standards for related emergent conditions were used. RESULTS: The study included 363 patients from 34 hospitals. The majority were young men with no comorbidities who required operation to control bleeding (51%). More than 90% received attending-delivered care in the emergency department (318 of 363) and operating room (321 of 363). The overall mortality rate was 9%. Patients with blunt trauma had a greater risk of death compared with patients with penetrating injuries (16.6% vs 3.8%; risk ratio 4.3; 95% CI, 2.0 to 9.4). Patients in which the Major Hemorrhage Protocol (MHP) was activated and who received a blood transfusion (n = 154) constituted a high-risk subgroup, accounting for 45% of the study cohort but 97% of deaths and 96% of blood components transfused. The MHP subgroup had expedited timelines from emergency department arrival to knife to skin (MHP: median 119 minutes [interquartile range 64 to 218 minutes] vs no MHP: median 211 minutes [interquartile range 135 to 425 minutes]; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of trauma patients requiring emergency abdominal operation received a high standard of expedited care in a maturing national trauma system. Despite this, mortality and resource use among high-risk patients remains considerable.
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Treatment-related risk factors for inhibitor development in non-severe hemophilia A after 50 cumulative exposure days: A case-control study.
Abdi A. Journal of thrombosis and haemostasis : JTH 2021;19(9):2171-2181.
BACKGROUND: Non-severe hemophilia A patients have a life-long inhibitor risk. Yet, no studies have analyzed risk factors for inhibitor development after 50 factor VIII (FVIII) exposure days (EDs). OBJECTIVES: This case-control study investigated treatment-related risk factors for inhibitor development in non-severe hemophilia A and assessed whether these risk factors were different for early versus late inhibitor development. PATIENTS/METHODS: Non-severe hemophilia A patients (FVIII:C 2%-40%) were selected from the INSIGHT study. Inhibitor-positive patients were defined as early (<50 EDs) or late (>50EDs) cases and matched to 1-4 inhibitor-negative controls by year of birth, cumulative number of EDs, and center/country. We investigated treatment intensity during the last 10 EDs prior to inhibitor development. Intensive treatment was defined as: surgery, peak treatment (10 consecutive EDs), and high mean FVIII dose (>45 IU/kg/ED). Odds ratios (OR) were calculated by logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 2709 patients, we analyzed 63 early and 26 late cases and 195 and 71 respectively matched controls. Peak treatment was associated with early and late inhibitor risk (crude OR 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-3.4; 4.0, 95%CI 1.1-14.3). This association was slightly less pronounced after adjustment for mean FVIII dose. High mean FVIII dose was also associated with early and late inhibitor risk (crude OR 2.8, 95%CI 1.5-5.1; 4.5, 95%CI 1.2-16.6). Surgery increased inhibitor risk for early cases. This was less pronounced for late cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that intensive FVIII treatment remains a risk factor for inhibitor development in non-severe hemophilia A after more than 50 EDs. Therefore, persistent caution is required throughout the life-time treatment course.
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Type A aortic dissection: involvement of carotid artery and impact on cerebral malperfusion.
Munir W. Asian cardiovascular & thoracic annals 2021;29(7):635-642.
Acute type A aortic dissection is a surgical emergency and management of such pathology can be complex with poor outcomes when there is organ malperfusion. Carotid artery involvement is present in 30% of patients diagnosed with acute type A aortic dissection, and given its emergency and complex nature, there is much controversy regarding the approach, extent of treatment, and timing of the intervention. It is clear that the occurrence of cerebral malperfusion adds an extra layer of complexity to the decision-making framework for treatment. Standardization and validation of the optimal management approach is required, and this should ideally be addressed with large-scale studies. Nonetheless, current literature supports the need for rapid recognition and diagnosis of acute type A aortic dissection with cerebral malperfusion, immediate and extensive surgical repair, and the appropriate use of cerebral perfusion techniques. This paper aims to discuss the current evidence regarding the impact of carotid artery involvement in both the management and outcomes of acute type A aortic dissection.
UK-based specialist dental professionals' experiences of working with autistic patients.
McMillion A. Special care in dentistry : official publication of the American Association of Hospital Dentists, the Academy of Dentistry for the Handicapped, and the American Society for Geriatric Dentistry 2021;:No page numbers.
AIMS: Previous research has demonstrated that autistic individuals often experience difficulties accessing dental care, both as a result of autism specific difficulties and practitioners' attitudes towards autism. However, very little research exists that explores dental professionals' experiences of providing care to their autistic patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the strategies UK-based dental professionals' use when working with autistic patients METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, dental professionals (n = 16) from a variety of specialty roles (special care, paediatrics, orthodontics) were interviewed. We asked participants to talk through, in depth, specific cases they had encountered in their practice, what sorts of accommodations they had provided, and what concerns had arisen during appointments. Thematic analysis was used to analyses the data and revealed four main themes: the unique dental needs associated with being autistic, effective adaptations to practice, the crucial role of the caregiver, and the importance of specialist knowledge CONCLUSION: Recommendations for how dentists can improve the dental experiences of autistic patients can be drawn from the specialist dentists' responses in this study. These include involving autistic patients in decisions about their treatment and being flexible and willing to work with autistic patients and their caregivers.
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Ultrasound-Enhancing Agent Enables Transthoracic Echocardiography in Patients With Delayed Sternal Closure.
Collins P. Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia 2021;:No page numbers.
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Umbilical venous catheter extravasation diagnosed by point-of-care ultrasound.
Rajendran G. Archives of disease in childhood. Fetal and neonatal edition 2021;106(5):549.
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Upper Airway Assessment for One-Way Valve Use in a Patient With a Tracheostomy.
Sutt AL American journal of speech-language pathology 2021;:1-2.
[Figure: see text].
Vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis associated anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
Henry JA European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging 2021;:No page numbers.
Validating clinical practice guidelines for the management of febrile infants presenting to the emergency department in the UK and Ireland.
Waterfield T. Archives of disease in childhood 2021;:No page numbers.
OBJECTIVE: To report the performance of clinical practice guidelines (CPG) in the diagnosis of serious/invasive bacterial infections (SBI/IBI) in infants presenting with a fever to emergency care in the UK and Ireland. Two CPGs were from the National Institutes for Health and Care Excellence (NICE guidelines NG51 and NG143) and one was from the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (BSAC). DESIGN: Retrospective multicentre cohort study. PATIENTS: Febrile infants aged 90 days or less attending between the 31 August 2018 to 1 September 2019. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of CPGs in identifying SBI and IBI. SETTING: Six paediatric Emergency Departments in the UK/Ireland. RESULTS: 555 participants were included in the analysis. The median age was 53 days (IQR 32 to 70), 447 (81%) underwent blood testing and 421 (76%) received parenteral antibiotics. There were five participants with bacterial meningitis (1%), seven with bacteraemia (1%) and 66 (12%) with urinary tract infections. The NICE NG51 CPG was the most sensitive: 1.00 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.00). This was significantly more sensitive than NICE NG143: 0.91 (95% CI 0.82 to 0.96, p=0.0233) and BSAC: 0.82 (95% 0.72 to 0.90, p=0.0005). NICE NG51 was the least specific 0.0 (95% CI 0.0 to 0.01), and this was significantly lower than the NICE NG143: 0.09 (95% CI 0.07 to 0.12, p<0.0001) and BSAC: 0.14 (95% CI 0.1 to 0.17, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: None of the studied CPGs demonstrated ideal performance characteristics. CPGs should be improved to guide initial clinical decision making. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04196192.
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Ventricular tachycardia storm and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: cardiovascular magnetic resonance guiding management in presence of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.
Murphy T. European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging 2021;:No page numbers.
Virtual delivery of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training for the public: how to make it work.
Khanji MY European heart journal 2021;:No page numbers.
WRISTOX2 is a reliable tool to diagnose obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.
Thavagnanam S. International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology 2021;151:110930.
INTRODUCTION: Overnight pulse oximetry is an alternative to polysomnography (PSG) in diagnosing obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, but its sensitivity is reported to be low. AIMS: To determine the (a) diagnostic accuracy, interobserver reliability and reliable oxygen desaturation index of 4% (ODI4) score at diagnosing obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in children and (b) correlation between the apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI) with ODI4 and oxygen nadir between both PSG and oximetry. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included children aged 1-18 years old, undergoing a fully attended overnight PSG for suspected obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. The Nonin 3150 WristOx2 ™ [Fig. 2] was worn simultaneously during the PSG. Poor oximetry recordings were excluded. Pulse oximetry was scored using the McGill Oximetry Score (MOS) whereby a score of 2-4 was positive for OSAS. Specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive values (PPV), negative predictive values (NPV) and interobserver reliability of the WristOx2 were calculated. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-two children with a mean (SD) age of 9.3 (±3.5) years (range 2 years 6 months old - 17 years old) were included after excluding 18 children (poor oximetry data [n = 16] and incomplete PSG [n = 2]). Interobserver agreement of the WristOx2 was 0.8763 (95% CI:0.80, 0.95). WristOx2 had a sensitivity 50%, specificity 96.7%, PPV 96% and NPV 53% at diagnosing OSAS. ODI4 ≥ 2 events/hour in oximetry had a sensitivity of 97.6% and negative predictive value of 85.7% at diagnosing OSA. CONCLUSION: Overnight pulse oximetry with the Nonin 3150 WristOx2 ™ is an accurate and reliable tool in diagnosing significant OSAS in children.
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