Risk factors for the long-term persistent genitourinary toxicity after stereotactic body radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer: A single-center, retrospective study of 306 patients.

OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factors for the long-term persistent genitourinary toxicity (GUT) after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for localized prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: A total of 306 patients who underwent SBRT at our institution between March 2017 and April 2022 were retrospectively evaluated. SBRT was performed at 35 Gy in five fractions over 5 or 10 days. Factors related to the long-term persistence of acute GUT after SBRT were analyzed. RESULTS: During the median follow-up period of 39.1 months, 203 (66%) patients experienced any grade of acute GUT, which remained in 78 (26%) patients 6 months after SBRT. Multivariate analysis revealed that age ≥75 years was consistently a significant independent risk factor for any grade of acute GUT 6, 12, and 24 months after SBRT (hazard ratio [HR] 2.31, p = 0.010; HR 2.84, p = 0001; and HR 3.05, p = 0.009, respectively). Older age was not a significant risk factor for the development of grade ≥2 acute GUT. The duration of acute GUT was significantly longer in the older group than in the nonolder group (median duration = 234 vs. 61 days, p < 0.001), and the incidence of persistent GUT was significantly more frequent in the older group beyond 6 months after SBRT. CONCLUSIONS: Older age is a significant independent risk factor for the long-term persistent GUT after SBRT for localized PCa.

Gustave Roussy Immune score as a prognostic biomarker in patients with platinum-refractory metastatic urothelial carcinoma treated with pembrolizumab: YUSHIMA study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the Gustave Roussy Immune score (GRIm-score) in platinum-refractory metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) treated with pembrolizumab. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study (YUSHIMA study) evaluated 331 patients with metastatic UC treated with pembrolizumab after platinum-based chemotherapy between January 2018 and June 2023 at 13 institutions. We collected pretreatment variables, including the GRIm-score based on serum albumin, lactate dehydrogenase, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. The patients were divided into low and high GRIm-score groups. Prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were determined using the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: During the median follow-up period of 7.3 months, 278 (84%) patients showed disease progression, and 223 (67%) died from any cause. Multivariate analysis revealed that the high GRIm-score group was an independent and significant adverse prognostic factor of both OS and PFS (hazard ratio, 1.65 and 1.82, respectively; both p < 0.001) along with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status of ≥ 2 (both p < 0.001), presence of visceral metastasis (both p < 0.001), and hemoglobin of < 9.2 g/dL (p = 0.030 and p = 0.038). C-reactive protein of > 42 mg/L was a significant prognostic factor for OS (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The GRIm-score is an independent prognostic marker for survival outcomes in patients with platinum-refractory metastatic UC treated with pembrolizumab.

Year in Review 2023: Noteworthy Literature in Cardiothoracic Critical Care.

This article reviews noteworthy investigations and society recommendations published in 2023 relevant to the care of critically ill cardiothoracic surgical patients. We reviewed 3,214 articles to identify 18 publications that add to the existing literature across a variety of topics including resuscitation, nutrition, antibiotic management, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), neurologic care following cardiac arrest, coagulopathy and transfusion, steroids in pulmonary infections, and updated guidelines in the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Perioperative Considerations for Modern Leadless Pacemakers.

Since their initial approval by the Food and Drug Administration in 2016, leadless pacemakers have become increasingly prevalent. This growth has been driven by an improved adverse effect profile when compared to traditional pacemakers, including lower rates of infection, as well as eliminated risk of pocket hematoma and lead complications. More recently, technology enabling leadless synchronized atrioventricular pacing in patients with atrioventricular block has vastly expanded the indications for these devices. Anesthesiologists will increasingly be relied upon to safely care for patients with leadless pacemakers undergoing non-electrophysiology procedures and surgery. This article provides an overview of the technology, evidence base, current indications, and unique perioperative considerations for leadless pacemakers.

A multi-institutional study found a possible role of anti-nephrin antibodies in post-transplant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis recurrence.

Possible roles of anti-nephrin antibodies in post-transplant recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) have been reported recently. To confirm these preliminary results, we performed a multi-institutional study of 22 Japanese pediatric kidney transplant recipients with FSGS including eight genetic FSGS and 14 non-genetic (presumed primary) FSGS. Eleven of the 14 non-genetic FSGS patients had post-transplant recurrent FSGS. Median (interquartile range) plasma levels of anti-nephrin antibodies in post-transplant recurrent FSGS measured using ELISA were markedly high at 899 (831, 1292) U/mL (cutoff 231 U/mL) before transplantation or during recurrence. Graft biopsies during recurrence showed punctate IgG deposition co-localized with nephrin that had altered localization with increased nephrin tyrosine phosphorylation and Src homology and collagen homology A expressions. Graft biopsies after remission showed no signals for IgG and a normal expression pattern of nephrin. Anti-nephrin antibody levels decreased to 155 (53, 367) U/mL in five patients with samples available after remission. In patients with genetic FSGS as in those with non-genetic FSGS without recurrence, anti-nephrin antibody levels were comparable to those of 30 control individuals, and graft biopsies had no signals for IgG and a normal expression pattern of nephrin. Thus, our results suggest that circulating anti-nephrin antibodies are a possible candidate for circulating factors involved in the pathogenesis of post-transplant recurrent FSGS and that this may be mediated by nephrin phosphorylation. Larger studies including other ethnicities are required to confirm this finding.

Prevalence and characteristics of patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma having potential Lynch syndrome identified by immunohistochemical universal screening and Amsterdam criteria II.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to identify patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) having potential Lynch syndrome (pLS) by immunohistochemistry (IHC) of DNA mismatch repair gene-related proteins (MMRPs) and Amsterdam criteria II and explore their clinical characteristics. METHODS: We retrospectively collected the clinical data of 150 consecutive patients with UTUC who underwent surgical resection at our institution between February 2012 and December 2020, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) of four MMRPs (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2) on all UTUC specimens was performed. Patients who tested positive for Amsterdam criteria (AMS) II and/or IHC screening were classified as having pLS and others as non-pLS, and their characteristics were explored. RESULTS: In this study, 5 (3%) and 6 (4%) patients were positive for AMS II and IHC screening, respectively. Two patient were positive for both AMS II and IHC screening, resulting in 9 (6%) patients with pLS. The pLS group was predominantly female (67% vs. 36%; p = 0.0093) and had more right-sided tumors (100% vs. 43%; p = 0.0009) than the non-pLS group. Of the 6 patients who were positive for IHC screening, 4 showed a combined loss of MSH2/MSH6 (n = 3) and MLH1/PMS2 (n = 1). Other two patients showed single loss of MSH6 and PSM2. CONCLUSIONS: AMS II and IHC screening identified pLS in 6% of patients with UTUC. The IHC screening-positive group tends to have relatively high rate of combined loss, but some patients have single loss. AMS II may overlook patients with LS, and a universal screening may be required for patients with UTUC as well as those with colorectal and endometrial cancer.

Association of the Controlling Nutritional Status Score with the Development of Postoperative Paralytic Ileus After Radical Cystectomy: Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative paralytic ileus is a major adverse event of radical cystectomy, causing prolonged hospitalization. The controlling nutritional status score, consisting of serum albumin, total lymphocyte count, and total cholesterol, indicates the nutritional status and may evaluate gastrointestinal status. This study aimed to clarify the association between the controlling nutritional status score and the development of postoperative paralytic ileus in patients who underwent radical cystectomy with ileal conduit or ileal neobladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical features of patients who underwent open radical cystectomy or robotic assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy with ileal conduit or ileal neobladder for bladder cancer between April 2011 and May 2021. The association between clinical variables, including the controlling nutritional status score and the development of postoperative paralytic ileus, was examined. RESULTS: Out of 133 patients, 34 (26%) developed postoperative paralytic ileus. The patients who developed postoperative paralytic ileus were likely to have a higher controlling nutritional status score (P = .055) compared to those who did not develop postoperative paralytic ileus. Multivariate analysis revealed that a preoperative controlling nutritional status score of ≥1 (odds ratio: 2.90, 95% CI: 1.08-7.80, P = .034) and longer operating time (odds ratio: 3.02, 95% CI: 1.13-8.11, P = .027) were significant independent factors for postoperative paralytic ileus development. CONCLUSION: A high controlling nutritional status score and long operating time may be risk factors for developing postoperative paralytic ileus in patients who underwent radical cystectomy with ileal conduit or ileal neobladder for bladder cancer. Preoperative controlling nutritional status may be able to predict postoperative paralytic ileus development.

Salvage Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (sRARP) for Radiation-Recurrent Prostate Cancer: a Single-Center Experience.

This case series reported on five patients with radiation-recurrent localized prostate cancer (PCa) who underwent salvage robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (sRARP). Median postoperative follow-up period was 8 months. Median (range) peri-operative parameters such as operative time, the estimated blood loss, and length of hospital stay were 127 min (113-158), 61 ml (54-111), and 9 days (8-11), respectively. None of the five patients required conversion to an open approach or required a blood transfusion, or experienced a rectal/ureteral injury. Urinary leakage was present in one patient (20%) at the initial cystogram. Transurethral electrocoagulation under spinal anesthesia was required to control hematuria in one patient (20%). Two patients (40%) experienced biochemical progression; no patient died from PCa or other causes during the follow-up period. Of five patients, three (60%) were continent. For patients with radiation-recurrent localized PCa, sRARP might become a feasible surgical option with acceptable outcomes.

Year in Review 2022: Noteworthy Literature in Cardiothoracic Critical Care.

The past year in critical care medicine was notable for ongoing sequelae of the COVID-19 pandemic, including nationwide shortages and critical care demand in many regions in excess of usual operating capacity. Despite these challenges, evidence-based medicine and investigations into the optimal management of the critically ill continued to be at the forefront. This article is a collection of studies published in 2022 which are specifically relevant to cardiothoracic critical care. These noteworthy publications add to the existing literature across a broad spectrum of topics, from optimal timing of mechanical circulatory support (MCS), delirium prevention, updates in nutrition guidelines, alternative defibrillation techniques, novel ventilator management, and observing the downstream psychological impact of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy.

Initial Experience of Hybrid Technique in Robot-Assisted Intracorporeal Ileal Conduit.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to describe our hybrid approach to intracorporeal urinary diversion and evaluate surgical experience during initial induction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical data from 38 patients with bladder cancer undergoing robot-assisted radical cystectomy with ileal conduit hybrid approach to intracorporeal urinary diversion at our institution between May 2020 and January 2022 were reviewed. The hybrid approach to intracorporeal urinary diversion pro cedure involved the following: radical cystectomy, removing a specimen through a 4- to 6-cm skin incision, harvesting an ileal conduit, redocking the robot, and uretero-uretero anastomosis. The relationship between surgical experience and operative time and a Clavien-Dindo classification of grade >3 was evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 38 patients, 30 (79%) were male, and the median age was 75 years (interquartile range, 71-80 years). The total operative time was 384 minutes (interquartile range, 348-409 minutes). The estimated blood loss was 244 mL (interquartile range, 124-445 mL). No bowel injuries or conversions to laparoscopy or laparotomy were encountered. High-grade postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification grade > 3) occurred in 7 cases (19%). The overall 90-day readmission rate following discharge after surgery was 5%. The relationship between surgical experience and operative time was nonlinear. A plateau was not reached in all 38 patients. CONCLUSION: Our hybrid approach to intracorporeal urinary diversion technique can be accomplished safely with acceptable operative times, even with little surgical experience. This procedure might be a safe treat ment option that is relatively easy to perform, particularly in an institution that has not yet introduced intra corporeal urinary diversion. Future randomized trials with larger samples and longer follow-up periods are required to confirm our findings.

Decreased liver damage in rat models of short bowel syndrome through DPP4 inhibition.

PURPOSE: Total parenteral nutrition causes liver damage in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS), in whom intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD) is the strongest risk factor for mortality. We previously demonstrated the efficacy of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4-Is) for nutritional absorption and intestinal barrier function enhancement. Herein, we investigated the efficacy of DPP4-Is in preventing liver damage in SBS rat models. METHODS: Rats were allocated to one of five groups: normal saline (NS) + sham, DPP4-I + sham, NS + SBS, DPP4-I + SBS, and GLP-2 + SBS. DPP4-I or NS was administered orally once daily. Serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, and total bile acid levels were measured to assess liver function. Moreover, we evaluated liver damage using the SAF (steatosis activity fibrosis) score, which is also used to assess nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. RESULTS: ALT levels and SAF scores were significantly lower in the DPP4-I + SBS group than in the NS + SBS group. Jejunal and ileal villus heights were significantly higher in the DPP4-I + SBS group than in the GLP-2 + SBS group. CONCLUSIONS: The downregulation of ALT levels and SAF scores triggered by DPP4-I use may be correlated with DPP4-I-induced adiposis inhibition in SBS and NASH models. Therefore, DPP4-I may be used to reduce IFALD in patients with SBS.

Validity and Safety of Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy for the Elderly: Results of Perioperative Outcomes in Patients Aged ≥80 Years.

OBJECTIVE: To improve perioperative outcomes, robot-assisted radical cystectomy has gained increasing interest. This study aimed to assess the detailed perioperative complications of robot-assisted radical cystectomy in elderly aged ≥80 years and compare them with those of non-elderly. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical features of 74 patients who underwent robotassisted radical cystectomy for bladder cancer between September 2018 and September 2021. Perioperative complication was classified by the Clavien-Dindo classification and organ system-based categories. We assessed the relationship between age or Charlson comorbidity index score (≥3 or <3) and the incidence of perioperative complication or rehospitalization rate within 90 days postoperatively. RESULTS: Of the 74 patients, perioperative complication of all grades and grade ≥IIIa occurred in 54 (73%) and 15 (20%) patients, respectively. The postoperative rehospitalization rate was 20%, and the perioperative mortality rate was 0%. Elderly (n = 20) showed no difference in the incidence of perioperative complication of all grades or grade ≥IIIa compared with non-elderly, and no organ system-based category had a higher incidence in elderly than that in non-elderly. Gastrointestinal tract-related perioperative complication incidence was higher in non-elderly and those with Charlson comorbidity index ≥3 (P = .044, .039, respectively); cardi ovasc ular- relat ed perioperative complication incidence was higher in those with Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 3 (P = .0068). CONCLUSION: The incidence perioperative complication of robot-assisted radical cystectomy in elderly was not different from those in non-elderly, suggesting that robot-assisted radical cystectomy may be an option for the treatment of bladder cancer in elderly as well as non-elderly.

Significance of postoperative membranous urethral length and position of vesicourethral anastomosis for short-term continence recovery following robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: We assess whether short-term recovery of urinary incontinence following robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) is associated with postoperative membranous urethral length (MUL) and position of vesico-urethral anastomosis (PVUA). METHODS: Clinical variables including PVUA and pre-and postoperative MUL were evaluated in 251 patients who underwent RARP from August 2019 to February 2021. Continence recovery was defined as no pad or one security liner per day assessed by patient interview at least 6 months follow-up. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess variables associated with continence recovery at 3 months after the operation. RESULTS: Continence recovery rates at 3 and 6 months were 75% and 84%, respectively. Lower BMI (< 25 kg/m2) (p = 0.040), longer preoperative MUL (≥ 9.5 mm) (p = 0.013), longer postoperative MUL (≥ 9 mm) (p < 0.001), higher PVUA (< 14.5 mm) (p = 0.019) and shorter operating time (< 170 min) (p = 0.013) were significantly associated with continence recovery at 3 months in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that postoperative MUL (OR 3.75, 95% CI 1.90-7.40, p < 0.001) and higher PVUA (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.07-3.82, p = 0.032) were independent factors for continence recovery. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on the multivariate analysis, with urinary continence recovery rates found to have increased in turn with rates of 43.7% versus 68.2% versus 85.0% (p < 0.001) at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: PVUA and postoperative MUL were significant factors for short-term continence recovery. Preservation of urethral length might contribute to continence recovery after RARP.

Non-degradable autophagic vacuoles are indispensable for cell competition.

Cell competition is a process by which unwanted cells are eliminated from tissues. Apical extrusion is one mode whereby normal epithelial cells remove transformed cells, but it remains unclear how this process is mechanically effected. In this study, we show that autophagic and endocytic fluxes are attenuated in RasV12-transformed cells surrounded by normal cells due to lysosomal dysfunction, and that chemical manipulation of lysosomal activity compromises apical extrusion. We further find that RasV12 cells deficient in autophagy initiation machinery are resistant to elimination pressure exerted by normal cells, suggesting that non-degradable autophagic vacuoles are required for cell competition. Moreover, in vivo analysis revealed that autophagy-ablated RasV12 cells are less readily eliminated by cell competition, and remaining transformed cells destroy ductal integrity, leading to chronic pancreatitis. Collectively, our findings illuminate a positive role for autophagy in cell competition and reveal a homeostasis-preserving function of autophagy upon emergence of transformed cells.

Value of Geriatric Assessment Using the G8 to Predict Postoperative Urinary Tract Infections in Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Urinary tract infection is one of the most common and distressing complications of radical cystectomy with urinary diversion. This study aimed to elucidate the usefulness of the geriatric-8 screening tool for predicting postoperative complications, especially urinary tract infections, in patients who underwent radical cystectomy with urinary diversion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety-one patients with bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy with urinary diversion were assessed for geriatric-8 and classified into 3 groups according to their geriatric-8 score: 14 as the high score group. We retrospectively analyzed the association between geriatric-8 score and postoperative complications classified according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 75 years (interquartile range 71-80 years) and 75 (82%) were male; 41 of the patients (45%) had high geriatric-8 score (>14), 40 of the patients (44%) had intermediate geriatric-8 score (11-14), and 10 of the patients (11%) had low geriatric-8 score (< 11). In multivariate analysis, low score of geriatric-8 was independently associated with the occurrence of grade 2 or higher urinary tract infection within 30 days [odds ratio=5.9; 95% CI=1.2-30.3; P=.03], along with female [odds ratio=6.1; 95% CI=1.7-21.7; P=.006] and open surgery [odds ratio=6.0; 95% CI=1.8-19.6; P=.003]. CONCLUSION: The geriatric-8 score may contribute to predict postoperative urinary tract infection in patients with bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy with urinary diversion.

Mini-Cog to Predict Postoperative Delirium in Patients Who Underwent Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor While Awake.

OBJECTIVE: In the postoperative management of transurethral resection of bladder tumor, attention should be paid to the appearance of delirium. Recently, the mini-cognitive assessment instrument (Mini-Cog) has been validated as a screening tool for cognitive impairment. We assessed whether positive preoperative cognitive impairment screening by Mini-Cog is associated with the occurrence of postoperative delirium. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, consecutive patients who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor while awake and were cognitively screened preoperatively using the Mini-Cog test at our institution were retrospectively analyzed. The relationship between the Mini-Cog test and clinical variables was examined. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to determine the risk factors for the occurrence of postoperative delirium. RESULTS: Of the 193 included patients, 37 (19%) patients had probable cognitive impairment (Mini-Cog scores < 3). There were significant differences in patients' age (P < .001), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group-physical status (P=.01), decline in instrumental activities of daily living from baseline (P=.03), preoperative diagnosis of dementia (P < .001), and use of benzodiazepine (P=.03) between the Mini-Cog score ≥ 3 group and the Mini-Cog score < 3 group. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that a Mini-Cog score < 3 (odds ratio=6.8, P < .001) and instrumental activities of daily living decline (odds ratio=3.0, P=.02) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of postoperative delirium. CONCLUSION: Screening of patients for cognitive function using the Mini-Cog test before transurethral resection of bladder tumor may allow for better identification of patients at risk of postoperative delirium.

The Mini-Cog: A simple screening tool for cognitive impairment useful in predicting the risk of delirium after major urological cancer surgery.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the mini-cognitive assessment instrument (Mini-Cog) on postoperative delirium after major urological cancer surgery. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective observational study, medical records were collected for patients who underwent major urologic cancer surgery at our department between 2020 and 2021, and underwent preoperative cognitive screening based on the Mini-Cog test (n = 331). The probable cognitive impairment is defined as a Mini-Cog score of <3. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to identify the risk factors for postoperative delirium. RESULTS: Patients with probable cognitive impairment were 60 (18%). Postoperative delirium occurred in 26 patients (8%). Using multivariate analysis, the Mini-Cog score of <3 (odds ratio [OR] = 12.7; P < 0.001), decline of instrumental activities of daily living (OR = 3.0; P = 0.04) and preoperative benzodiazepine use (OR = 8.3; P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for postoperative delirium. For predicting postoperative delirium, Mini-Cog score with a cutoff value of <3 granting sensitivity of 69.2%, specificity of 86.2%, positive predictive value of 30.0% and negative predictive value of 97.1%. CONCLUSIONS: The Mini-Cog test is a simple screening tool with only two components (a delayed, three-word recall task and a clock drawing test): it is useful in identifying potential cases of cognitive decline and patients at risk for postoperative delirium along with other information routinely collected preoperatively. Effective screening using the Mini-Cog test opens the possibility to provide optimal urologic care for older patients Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 319-324.

Utility of a multidisciplinary team approach with transanal total mesorectal excision for resection of a large pelvic solitary fibrous tumor.

INTRODUCTION: Solitary fibrous tumors require complete surgical resection to avoid recurrence. Large solitary fibrous pelvic tumors are difficult to resect completely with conventional surgical methods. We herein report a case in which a joint surgical approach was required for resection due to the location and size of tumor. CASE PRESENTATION: A 45-year-old man had a large solitary fibrous tumor in the pelvis, which extended into the left obturator foramen. The patient underwent tumor resection with vesico-prostatectomy, transanal total mesorectal excision, and opening of the foramen obturatum. The tumor was grossly resected completely. No recurrence was noted nine months after surgery. CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary team approach with transanal total mesorectal excision may provide complete resect of large pelvic solitary fibrous tumors.

Corticosteroid Administration and Impaired Glycemic Control in Mechanically Ventilated COVID-19 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Recent clinical trials confirmed the corticosteroid dexamethasone as an effective treatment for patients with COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation. However, limited attention has been given to potential adverse effects of corticosteroid therapy. The objective of this study was to determine the association between corticosteroid administration and impaired glycemic control among COVID-19 patients requiring mechanical ventilation and/or veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. DESIGN: Multicenter retrospective cohort study between March 9 and May 17, 2020. The primary outcome was days spent with at least 1 episode of blood glucose either >180 mg/dL or <80 mg/dL within the first 28 days of admission. SETTING: Twelve hospitals in a United States health system. PATIENTS: Adults diagnosed with COVID-19 requiring invasive mechanical ventilation and/or veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We included 292 mechanically ventilated patients. We fitted a quantile regression model to assess the association between steroid administration ≥320 mg methylprednisolone (equivalent to 60 mg dexamethasone) and impaired glycemic control. Sixty-six patients (22.6%) died within 28 days of intensive care unit admission. Seventy-one patients (24.3%) received a cumulative dose of least 320 mg methylprednisolone equivalents. After adjustment for gender, history of diabetes mellitus, chronic liver disease, sequential organ failure assessment score on intensive care unit day 1, and length of stay, administration of ≥320 mg methylprednisolone equivalent was associated with 4 additional days spent with glucose either <80 mg/dL or >180 mg/dL (B = 4.00, 95% CI = 2.15-5.85, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort study of 292 mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients, we found an association between corticosteroid administration and higher incidence of both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.

Strangulated ileus from barbed suture following robot-assisted radical cystectomy: A case report.

The barbed suture e.g. V-Loc™, are occasionally used in urological surgery due to the practical advantage of omitting the need for surgical knots and reducing surgical time. In this report, an 83-year-old man diagnosed as having invasive bladder cancer underwent robot-assisted radical cystectomy: on the thirteenth postoperative day, he was diagnosed as having strangulated ileus of the small bowel. The small bowel was strangulated by bands formed between the stump of V-Loc™ and the fatty appendices of the sigmoid colon. This is the first report of a small bowel ileus associated with the barbed suture in the field of urology.