Association of Resilience-Related Life Experiences on Variability on Age of Onset in Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It remains unknown whether the associations between protective lifestyles and sporadic dementia risk reported in observational studies also affect age at symptom onset (AAO) in autosomal dominant Alzheimer disease (ADAD) with predominant genetic influences. We investigated the associations between resilience-related life experiences and interindividual AAO variability in ADAD. METHODS: We performed a longitudinal and confirmatory analysis of the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network prospective observational cohort (January 2009-June 2018, follow-up duration 2.13 ± 2.22 years), involving clinical, CSF, and lifestyle/behavioral assessments. We performed a 2-pronged comprehensive resilience assessment in each cohort. Cohort 1, incorporating the general resilience definition (cognitive maintenance [Clinical Dementia Rating = 0] despite high pathology), included carriers during the periods of significant CSFp-tau181 variability and grouped into resilience/resistance outcome bins according to the dichotomous pathologic and cognitive statuses, subcategorized by the estimated years from expected symptom onset (EYO). Cohort 2, focused on ADAD-specific genetically determined time frame characterizing the onset predictability, included asymptomatic participants with available preclinical lifestyle data and AAO outcomes and grouped into delayed or earlier AAO relative to the parental AAO. Associations of cognitive, CSFp-tau181, and lifestyle/behavioral predictors with binary outcomes were investigated using logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 320 carriers (age 38.19 ± 10.94 years, female 56.25%), cohort 1 included 218 participants (39.00 ± 9.37 years, 57.34%) and cohort 2 included 28 participants (43.34 ± 7.40 years, 71.43%). In cohort 1, 218 carriers after -20 EYO, when the interindividual variability (SD) of CSFp-tau181 first became more than twice greater in carriers than in noncarriers, were grouped into low-risk control (asymptomatic, low pathology, n = 103), high-resilience (asymptomatic despite high pathology, n = 60), low-resilience (symptomatic despite low pathology, n = 15), and susceptible control (symptomatic, high pathology, n = 40) groups. Multivariable predictors of high resilience, controlling for age and depression, included higher conscientiousness (odds ratio 1.051 [95% CI 1.016-1.086], p = 0.004), openness to experience (1.068 [1.005-1.135], p = 0.03) (vs. susceptible controls), and agreeableness (1.082 [1.015-1.153], p = 0.02) (vs. low resilience). From 1 to 3 years before parental AAO (cohort 2), the multivariable predictor of delayed AAO, controlling for CSFp-tau181, was higher conscientiousness (0.916 [0.845-0.994], p = 0.036). DISCUSSION: Among the cognitively and socially integrated life experiences associated with resilience, measures of conscientiousness were useful indicators for evaluating resilience and predicting future dementia onset in late preclinical ADAD.

Changing Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents to Prevent Recurrent Acute Adverse Drug Reactions: 6-Year Cohort Study Using Propensity Score Matching.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the preventive effect of changing gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) to reduce the recurrence of GBCA-associated acute adverse drug reactions (ADRs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective, observational, single-center study-conducted between January 2016 and December 2021-included 238743 consecutive GBCA-enhanced MRI examinations. We focused on a subgroup of patients who experienced acute GBCA-associated ADRs during any of these examinations and subsequently underwent follow-up GBCA-enhanced MRI examinations up until July 2023. The follow-up examinations involved either the same (non-change group) or different (change group) GBCAs compared to the ones that initially caused the acute ADR. Baseline participant characteristics, generic profile of the GBCAs, administration of premedication, history of prior ADR to iodinated contrast media, and symptoms of GBCA-associated acute ADRs were retrospectively analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equations and propensity score matching were used. RESULTS: A total of 1042 instances of acute ADRs (0.44%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41%-0.46%) were reported. Three-hundred and seventy-three patients underwent GBCA-enhanced MRI examinations after experiencing GBCA-associated acute ADRs within the study period; 31.9% (119/373) reexperienced acute ADRs at any of the follow-up examinations. The ADR recurrence was significantly lower in the GBCA change group than in the non-change group according to multivariable logistic regression (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.13-0.90; P = 0.03) and analysis with propensity score matching (14.3% [6/42] vs. 36.9% [31/84], respectively; OR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.11-0.94; P = 0.04). A history of an ADR to iodinated contrast media (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 0.68-1.90; P = 0.62) and premedication (adjusted OR: 2.09, 95% CI: 0.93-4.68; P = 0.07) were not significantly associated with GBCA-associated acute ADR recurrence. A separate analysis for recurrent allergic-like hypersensitivity reactions demonstrated similar results (adjusted OR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.06-0.65; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Changing GBCAs may reduce the risk of GBCA-associated acute ADR recurrence.

Comparative risk of serious infections and tuberculosis in Korean patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with non-anti-TNF biologics or anti-TNF-α agents: a nationwide population-based cohort study.

Background: The risk of serious infection and active tuberculosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not been concurrently evaluated based on the use of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α agents versus non-anti-TNF biologics (vedolizumab/ustekinumab) in the Korean population. Objectives: We compared the risk of serious infection and active tuberculosis in Korean patients with IBD treated with non-anti-TNF biologics (vedolizumab/ustekinumab) or anti-TNF-α agents. Design: This study was a population-based cohort analysis of nationwide administrative claims data. Methods: Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service claims data (representing 97% of the South Korean population) from between January 2007 and February 2021 were reviewed, and adults with IBD who initiated vedolizumab/ustekinumab or anti-TNF-α treatment (n = 6123) between 2017 and 2020 were enrolled. Intergroup differences in the risk of serious infection requiring hospitalization/emergency department visits or active tuberculosis during the follow-up period were analyzed. Results: In the patients treated with anti-TNF-α agents or vedolizumab/ustekinumab during a mean follow-up of 1.55 ± 1.05 and 0.84 ± 0.69 years, the incidence rates of serious infection were 9.43/100 and 6.87/100 person-years, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed no significant intergroup difference in the risk of serious infection with vedolizumab/ustekinumab or anti-TNF-α treatment; the adjusted relative risk of vedolizumab/ustekinumab compared with anti-TNF-α agents was 0.81 (95% confidence interval 0.46-1.44, p = 0.478). Among patients treated with anti-TNF-α agents and vedolizumab/ustekinumab, the incidence rates of active tuberculosis were 0.87 and 0.37 per 100 person-years, respectively. The relative risk of vedolizumab/ustekinumab compared with anti-TNF-α agents was 0.31 (95% confidence interval 0.07-1.26, p = 0.101). In a subset analysis comparing vedolizumab and ustekinumab with anti-TNF-α agents, similar results were observed. Conclusion: In Korean patients with IBD, non-anti-TNF biologics (vedolizumab/ustekinumab) tended to be associated with a lower risk of serious infection or active tuberculosis than anti-TNF-α agents.

The association between symptoms of developmental coordination disorder and neuropsychological characteristics in children with and without ADHD.

Objective: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently co-occurs with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). This study aimed to evaluate the association between DCD symptoms and neuropsychological characteristics in children with and without ADHD. Methods: We recruited 298 children aged 5-12 years. Motor performance was assessed using the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ), while ADHD symptoms were assessed using the ADHD Rating Scale (ARS) and the Advanced Test of Attention (ATA). Cognitive characteristics were measured using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale, and behavioral characteristics were assessed using the Korean Personality Rating Scale for Children. Results: The children had a mean age of 7.6 ± 1.7 years, with 214 (71.8%) being boys. Among children diagnosed with ADHD (n = 176), 39.2% exceeded the DCDQ cutoff score, compared to 4.1% in the neurotypical group (n = 122). In the correlation analysis, the DCDQ total score was significantly correlated with ARS, omission and commission errors in visual and auditory ATA, and full-scale intellectual quotient. In addition, symptoms of depression, social dysfunction, and psychosis were correlated with the DCDQ total score. In the between-group analysis, children with both ADHD and DCD exhibited more omission errors on the auditory ATA and behavioral problems related to depression, social dysfunction, and psychosis compared to children with ADHD only. Conclusion: Our study indicates that children with ADHD exhibit more difficulties in motor performance. Children with both ADHD and DCD may present with a greater burden of psychiatric conditions than children with ADHD only, suggesting the need for careful monitoring in clinical practice.

Incidence and outcomes of delayed intracranial hemorrhage: a population-based cohort study.

Head trauma is a common reason for emergency department (ED) visits. Delayed intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in patients with minor head trauma is a major concern, but controversies exist regarding the incidence of delayed ICH and discharge planning at the ED. This study aimed to determine the incidence of delayed ICH in adults who developed ICH after a negative initial brain computed tomography (CT) at the ED and investigate the clinical outcomes for delayed ICH. This nationwide population cohort study used data from the National Health Insurance Service of Korea from 2013 to 2019. Adult patients who presented to an ED due to trauma and were discharged after a negative brain CT examination were selected. The main outcomes were the incidence of ICH within 14 days after a negative brain CT at initial ED visit and the clinical outcomes of patients with and without delayed ICH. The study patients were followed up to 1 year after the initial ED discharge. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to estimate the hazard ratio for all-cause 1-year mortality of delayed ICH. During the 7-year study period, we identified 626,695 adult patients aged 20 years or older who underwent brain CT at the ED due to minor head trauma, and 2666 (0.4%) were diagnosed with delayed ICH within 14 days after the first visit. Approximately two-thirds of patients (64.3%) were diagnosed with delayed ICH within 3 days, and 84.5% were diagnosed within 7 days. Among the patients with delayed ICH, 71 (2.7%) underwent neurosurgical intervention. After adjustment for age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and insurance type, delayed ICH (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.86-2.48; p < 0.001) was significantly associated with 1-year mortality. The incidence of delayed ICH was 0.4% in the general population, with the majority diagnosed within 7 days. These findings suggest that patient discharge education for close observation for a week may be a feasible strategy for the general population.

Prognostic Value of Preoperative N Subcategories in Patients with Stage IIIA N2 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Purpose To evaluate the preoperative risk factors in patients with pathologic IIIA N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who underwent upfront surgery and to evaluate the prognostic value of new N subcategories. Materials and Methods Patients with pathologic stage IIIA N2 NSCLC who underwent upfront surgery in a single tertiary center from January 2015 to April 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Each patient's clinical N (cN) was assigned to one of six subcategories (cN0, cN1a, cN1b, cN2a1, cN2a2, and cN2b) based on recently proposed N descriptors. Cox regression analysis was used to identify the significant prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Results A total of 366 patients (mean age ± SD, 62.0 years ± 10.1; 202 male patients [55%]) were analyzed. The recurrence rate was 55% (203 of 366 patients) over a median follow-up of 37.3 months. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that cN (hazard ratios [HRs] for cN1 and cN2b compared with cN0, 1.66 [95% CI: 1.11, 2.48] and 2.11 [95% CI: 1.32, 3.38], respectively) and maximum lymph node (LN) size at N1 station (≥12 mm; HR, 1.62 [95% CI: 1.15, 2.29]), in addition to clinical T category (HR, 1.51 [95% CI: 1.14, 1.99]), were independent prognostic factors for RFS. For OS, clinical N subcategories (cN1, cN2a2, and cN2b vs cN0; HRs, 1.91 [95% CI: 1.11, 3.27], 1.89 [95% CI: 1.13, 2.18], and 2.02 [95% CI: 1.07, 3.80], respectively) and LN size at N1 station (HR, 1.75 [95% CI: 1.12, 2.71]) were independent prognostic factors. For clinical N1, OS was further stratified according to LN size (log-rank test, P < .001). Conclusion Assessing the proposed N subcategories by reporting single versus multistation involvement of N2 disease and maximum size of metastatic LN, reflecting metastatic burden, at preoperative CT may offer useful prognostic information for planning optimal treatment strategies. Keywords: CT, Lung, Staging, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Supplemental material is available for this article. ©RSNA, 2024.

Continuing or stopping 5-aminosalicylates in patients with inflammatory bowel disease on anti-TNF therapy: A nationwide population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The impact of continuing or stopping 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASA) after commencing anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unclear. AIMS: To compare the outcomes of patients with IBD who stopped or continued 5-ASA after starting anti-TNF therapy. METHODS: We analysed data from the Korean National Health Insurance claims database between 2007 and 2020. We compared the clinical outcomes of patients who stopped or continued 5-ASA within 90 days of anti-TNF initiation. The primary outcome was any adverse clinical event defined as a composite of new corticosteroid use, IBD-related hospitalisation, or intestinal surgery. RESULTS: Among 7442 patients included for analysis (4479 [60.2%] with Crohn's disease [CD] and 2963 [39.8%] with ulcerative colitis [UC]), 1037 (13.9%) discontinued 5-ASA within 90 days of starting anti-TNF therapy. During a median 4.3-year follow-up, discontinuation of 5-ASA was not associated with an increased risk of adverse clinical events (adjusted hazard ratio 1.01, 95% confidence interval 0.93-1.10). The cumulative incidence of each adverse clinical event and the composite outcome were not significantly different between groups (all, p > 0.05). Additionally, separate analyses in CD and UC cohorts revealed no differences in adverse clinical outcomes between the 5-ASA continuation and discontinuation groups. Subgroup analyses by presumed risk factors for disease relapse showed no significant differences in the risk of adverse events between groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this nationwide population-based study, discontinuing 5-ASA after starting anti-TNF therapy was not associated with an increased risk of adverse events in patients with IBD.

Routine Stress Testing After PCI in Patients With and Without Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Secondary Analysis of the POST-PCI Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: The appropriate follow-up surveillance strategy for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unknown. Objective: To assess clinical outcomes in patients with and without ACS who have undergone high-risk PCI according to a follow-up strategy of routine stress testing at 12 months after PCI vs standard care alone. Design, Setting, and Participants: The POST-PCI (Pragmatic Trial Comparing Symptom-Oriented vs Routine Stress Testing in High-Risk Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) trial was a randomized clinical trial that compared follow-up strategies of routine functional testing vs standard care alone 12 months after high-risk PCI. Patients were categorized as presenting with or without ACS. Patients were enrolled in the trial from November 2017 through September 2019, and patients were randomized from 11 sites in South Korea; data analysis was performed in 2022. Intervention: Patients categorized as presenting with or without ACS were randomized to either a routine functional testing or standard care alone follow-up strategy 12 months after high-risk PCI. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was a composite of death from any cause, myocardial infarction, or hospitalization for unstable angina at 2 years following randomization. Kaplan-Meier event rates through 2 years and Cox model hazard ratios (HRs) were generated, and interactions were tested. Results: Of 1706 included patients, 350 patients (20.5%) were female, and the mean (SD) patient age was 64.7 (10.3) years. In total, 526 patients (30.8%) presented with ACS. Compared with those without ACS, patients with ACS had a 55% greater risk of the primary outcome (HR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.03-2.33; P = .03) due to higher event rates in the first year. The 2-year incidences of the primary outcome were similar between strategies of routine functional testing or standard care alone in patients with ACS (functional testing: 16 of 251 [6.6%]; standard care: 23 of 275 [8.5%]; HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.40-1.44; P = .39) and in patients without ACS (functional testing: 30 of 598 [5.1%]; standard care: 28 of 582 [4.9%]; HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.62-1.74; P = .88) (P for interaction for ACS = .45). Although a landmark analysis suggested that the rates of invasive angiography and repeat revascularization were higher after 1 year in the routine functional testing group, the formal interactions between ACS status and either invasive angiography or repeat revascularization were not significant. Conclusion and Relevance: Despite being at higher risk for adverse clinical events in the first year after PCI than patients without ACS, patients with ACS who had undergone high-risk PCI did not derive incremental benefit from routine surveillance stress testing at 12 months compared with standard care alone during follow-up. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03217877.

Predictors of Late Adverse Events in Patients with Surgically Treated Type I Aortic Dissection.

OBJECTIVE: Residual aortic dissection (AD) following DeBakey type I AD repair is associated with a high rate of adverse events that need additional intervention or surgery. This study aimed to identify clinical and early post-operative computed tomography angiography (CTA) imaging factors associated with adverse events in patients with type I AD after ascending aorta replacement. METHODS: This single centre, retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with type I AD who underwent ascending aorta replacement from January 2011 to December 2017 and post-operative CTA within three months. The primary outcome was AD related adverse events, defined as AD related death and re-operation due to aortic aneurysm or impending rupture. The location and size of the primary intimal tears, aortic diameter, and false lumen status were evaluated. Regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with AD related adverse events. A decision tree model was used to classify patients as high or low risk. RESULTS: Of 103 participants (55.43 ± 13.94 years; 49.5% male), 24 (23.3%) experienced AD related adverse events. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, connective tissue disease (hazard ratio [HR] 15.33; p < .001), maximum aortic diameter ≥ 40 mm (HR 4.90; p < .001), and multiple (three or more) intimal tears (HR 7.12; p < .001) were associated with AD related adverse events. The three year cumulative survival free from AD related events was lower in the high risk group with aortic diameter ≥ 40 mm and multiple intimal tears (41.7% vs. 90.9%; p < .001). CONCLUSION: Early post-operative CTA findings indicating a maximum aortic diameter ≥ 40 mm and multiple intimal tears may predict a higher risk of adverse events. These findings suggest the need for careful monitoring and more vigilant management approaches in these cases.

A prospective, open-label, randomized clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of remimazolam in patients undergoing EBUS-TBNA: REST trial design.

BACKGROUND: Remimazolam is safe and effective for moderate sedation during flexible bronchoscopy, but its safety and efficacy during endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) remains undetermined. The REST trial (NCT06275594) will be a prospective randomized study of remimazolam in patients undergoing EBUS-TBNA with conscious sedation. The primary aim is to evaluate whether remimazolam is safe and effective for moderate sedation during EBUS-TBNA compared to real-world midazolam and on-label midazolam. METHODS: The REST trial will recruit 330 patients from four university hospitals with mediastinal lesions suspected of being lung cancer who are eligible for EBUS-TBNA under moderate sedation. The participants will be randomized into groups using remimazolam, real-world midazolam, and on-label midazolam (US prescribing information dosage) to perform EBUS-TBNA for procedural sedation. The primary endpoint will be procedural success using composite measures. DISCUSSION: The REST trial will prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of remimazolam during EBUS-TBNA under moderate sedation. It will provide information for optimizing sedation modalities and contribute to practical benefits in patients undergoing EBUS-TBNA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06275594). Prospectively registered on 15 February 2024.

Complete Obstruction, a Real Risk Factor: A Comprehensive Study on Obstruction in Stage IIA Colon Cancer With Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

MICROABSTRACT: This study evaluates the prognostic significance of obstructions in stage IIA colon cancer, distinguishing between partial and complete obstructions. It employs a retrospective review of 1914 patients with propensity score matching to analyze oncologic outcomes. Findings reveal complete obstruction as a significant risk factor for poorer outcomes, emphasizing the necessity for further research to refine treatment strategies, particularly regarding the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy across obstruction types. BACKGROUND: This study examined the prognostic impact of obstructions in stage IIA colon cancer. The analysis specifically differentiated partial and complete obstructions, analyzing their distinct influences of both on oncologic outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of stage IIA colon cancer cases with the presence of an obstruction. Patients were stratified by whether it was partial or complete based on the severity of obstruction. Propensity score matching was employed to control for confounders. RESULTS: Among 1914 consecutive patients diagnosed with stage IIA colon cancer, 758 patients (597 patients with partial obstruction, 161 patients with complete obstruction) exhibited obstruction, while 1156 patients had no obstruction. The median follow-up period was 126 months. Complete obstruction was associated with poorer disease-free survival (Hazard ratio (HR) = 1.785, P < .001) and overall survival (HR = 1.853, P = .001). This trend persisted after propensity score matching, patients with complete obstruction showing a worsened disease-free survival (HR = 1.666, P = .028) and overall survival (HR = 1.732, P = .041). Adjuvant chemotherapy showed improved outcomes overall, but its efficacy varied across obstruction types. CONCLUSION: Differentiating between complete and partial obstructions in stage IIA colon cancer is an important clinical distinction, as our findings suggest that complete obstruction is a significant risk factor for poorer oncologic outcomes. While adjuvant chemotherapy generally improves prognosis in stage IIA colon cancer, the correlation of obstruction type with its efficacy remains uncertain, necessitating further research to refine treatment strategies.

Predicting Helicobacter pylori infection from endoscopic features.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection, prevalent in more than half of the global population, is associated with various gastrointestinal diseases, including peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. The effectiveness of early diagnosis and treatment in preventing gastric cancer highlights the need for improved diagnostic methods. This study aimed to develop a simple scoring system based on endoscopic findings to predict H. pylori infection. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1,007 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at Asan Medical Center from January 2019 to December 2021. Exclusion criteria included prior H. pylori treatment, gastric surgery, or gastric malignancies. Diagnostic techniques included rapid urease and 13C-urea breath tests, H. pylori culture, and assessment of endoscopic features following the Kyoto gastritis classification. A new scoring system based on endoscopic findings including regular arrangement of collecting venules (RAC), nodularity, and diffuse or spotty redness was developed for predicting H. pylori infection, utilizing logistic regression analysis in the development set. RESULTS: The scoring system demonstrated high predictive accuracy for H. pylori infection in the validation set. Scores of 2 and 3 were associated with 96% and 99% infection risk, respectively. Additionally, there was a higher prevalence of diffuse redness and sticky mucus in cases where the initial H. pylori eradication treatment failed. CONCLUSION: Our scoring system showed potential for improving diagnostic accuracy in H. pylori infection. H. pylori testing should be considered upon spotty redness, diffuse redness, nodularity, and RAC absence on endoscopic findings as determined by the predictive scoring system.

N-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl) carbamoyl side chain: a potentially significant factor for recurrent iodinated contrast medium-related adverse drug reactions.

PURPOSE: To determine whether switching to contrast media based on the sharing of N-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl) carbamoyl side chain reduces the recurrence of iodinated contrast media (ICM)-associated adverse drug reactions (ADRs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-center retrospective study included 2133 consecutive patients (mean age ± SD, 56.1 ± 11.4 years; male, 1052 [49.3%]) who had a history of ICM-associated ADRs and underwent contrast-enhanced CT examinations. The per-patient and per-exam-based recurrence ADR rates were compared between cases of switching and non-switching the ICM from ICMs that caused the previous ADRs, and between cases that used ICMs with common and different carbamoyl side chains from ICMs that caused the previous ADRs. Downgrade rates (no recurrence or the occurrence of ADR less severe than index ADRs) were also compared. Propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis were additionally performed. RESULTS: In per-patient analysis, switching of ICM showed a lower recurrence rate (switching, 10.4% [100/965] vs. non-switching, 28.4% [332/1168]), with the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.27 (95% CI: 0.21, 0.34; p < 0.001). The result was consistent in PSM (OR, 0.29 [95% CI: 0.22, 0.39]; p < 0.001), IPTW (OR, 0.28 [95% CI: 0.22, 0.36]; p < 0.001), and in per-exam analysis (5.5% vs. 13.8%; OR, 0.32 [95% CI: 0.27, 0.37]; p < 0.001). There was lower per-exam recurrence (5.0% [195/3938] vs. 7.8% [79/1017]; OR, 0.63 [95% CI: 0.47, 0.83]; p = 0.001) and higher downgrade rates (95.6% [3764/3938] vs. 93.3% [949/1017]; OR, 1.51 [95% CI: 1.12, 2.03]; p = 0.006) when using different side chain groups. CONCLUSION: Switching to an ICM with a different carbamoyl side chain reduced the recurrent ADRs and their severity during subsequent examinations. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Switching to an iodinated contrast media with a different carbamoyl side chain reduced the recurrent adverse drug reactions and their severity during subsequent examinations.

The Association Between Sputum Culture Conversion and Mortality in Cavitary Mycobacterium avium Complex Pulmonary Disease.

BACKGROUND: The association between treatment outcome and the mortality of patients with Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease (MAC-PD) with cavitary lesions is unclear. This article assessed the impact of culture conversion on mortality in patients with cavitary MAC-PD. RESEARCH QUESTION: Is the achievement of sputum culture conversion in patients with MAC-PD with cavitary lesions associated with the prognosis? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: From 2002 to 2020, a total of 351 patients with cavitary MAC-PD (105 with the fibrocavitary type and 246 with the cavitary nodular bronchiectatic type), who had been treated with a ≥ 6-month macrolide-containing regimen at a tertiary referral center in South Korea, were retrospectively enrolled in this study. All-cause mortality during the follow-up period was analyzed based on culture conversion at the time of treatment completion. RESULTS: The cohort had a median treatment duration of 14.7 months (interquartile range [IQR], 13.4-16.8 months). Of the 351 patients, 69.8% (245 of 351) achieved culture conversion, and 30.2% (106 of 351) did not. The median follow-up was 4.4 years (IQR, 2.3-8.3 years) in patients with culture conversion and 3.1 years (IQR, 2.1-4.8 years) in those without. For the patients with and without culture conversion, all-cause mortality was 5.3% vs 35.8% (P < .001), and the 5-year cumulative mortality was 20.0% vs 38.4%, respectively. Cox analysis found that a lack of culture conversion was significantly associated with higher mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 5.73; 95% CI, 2.86-11.50). Moreover, the 2-year landmark analysis revealed a distinct impact of treatment outcome on mortality. INTERPRETATION: The mortality rate of patients with cavitary MAC-PD who did not achieve culture conversion was significantly higher than that of those with culture conversion.

Improving Diagnostic Performance of MRI for Temporal Lobe Epilepsy With Deep Learning-Based Image Reconstruction in Patients With Suspected Focal Epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance and image quality of 1.5-mm slice thickness MRI with deep learning-based image reconstruction (1.5-mm MRI + DLR) compared to routine 3-mm slice thickness MRI (routine MRI) and 1.5-mm slice thickness MRI without DLR (1.5-mm MRI without DLR) for evaluating temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 117 MR image sets comprising 1.5-mm MRI + DLR, 1.5-mm MRI without DLR, and routine MRI from 117 consecutive patients (mean age, 41 years; 61 female; 34 patients with TLE and 83 without TLE). Two neuroradiologists evaluated the presence of hippocampal or temporal lobe lesions, volume loss, signal abnormalities, loss of internal structure of the hippocampus, and lesion conspicuity in the temporal lobe. Reference standards for TLE were independently constructed by neurologists using clinical and radiological findings. Subjective image quality, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were analyzed. Performance in diagnosing TLE, lesion findings, and image quality were compared among the three protocols. RESULTS: The pooled sensitivity of 1.5-mm MRI + DLR (91.2%) for diagnosing TLE was higher than that of routine MRI (72.1%, P < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, 1.5-mm MRI + DLR showed higher sensitivity for hippocampal lesions than routine MRI (92.7% vs. 75.0%, P = 0.001), with improved depiction of hippocampal T2 high signal intensity change (P = 0.016) and loss of internal structure (P < 0.001). However, the pooled specificity of 1.5-mm MRI + DLR (76.5%) was lower than that of routine MRI (89.2%, P = 0.004). Compared with 1.5-mm MRI without DLR, 1.5-mm MRI + DLR resulted in significantly improved pooled accuracy (91.2% vs. 73.1%, P = 0.010), image quality, SNR, and CNR (all, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of 1.5-mm MRI + DLR enhanced the performance of MRI in diagnosing TLE, particularly in hippocampal evaluation, because of improved depiction of hippocampal abnormalities and enhanced image quality.

Surveillance Stress Testing After Percutaneous Intervention for Patients With Multivessel or Left Main Coronary Disease.

BACKGROUND: The optimal surveillance strategy after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for high-risk patients with multivessel or left main coronary artery disease (CAD) remains uncertain. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the prognostic role of routine functional testing in patients with multivessel or left main CAD who underwent PCI. METHODS: The POST-PCI (Pragmatic Trial Comparing Symptom-Oriented Versus Routine Stress Testing in High-Risk Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) trial randomized high-risk PCI patients to routine functional testing at 1 year or standard care alone during follow-up. This analysis focused on participants with multivessel or left main CAD. The primary outcome was a composite of death from any cause, myocardial infarction, or hospitalization for unstable angina at 2 years. RESULTS: Among 1,706 initially randomized patients, 1,192 patients with multivessel (n = 833) or left main (n = 359) were identified, with 589 in the functional testing group and 603 in the standard care group. Two-year incidences of primary outcome were similar between the functional testing group and the standard care group (6.2% vs 5.7%, respectively; HR: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.68-1.74; P = 0.73). This trend persisted in both groups of multivessel (6.2% vs 5.7%; HR: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.62-1.89; P = 0.78) and left main disease (6.2% vs 5.7%; HR: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.46-2.56; P = 0.85) (P for interaction = 0.90). Routine surveillance functional testing was associated with increased rates of invasive angiography and repeat revascularization beyond 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: In high-risk patients with multivessel or left main CAD who underwent PCI, there was no incremental clinical benefit from routine surveillance functional-testing compared with standard care alone during follow-up. (Pragmatic Trial Comparing Symptom-Oriented Versus Routine Stress Testing in High-Risk Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention [POST-PCI]; NCT03217877).

Continued JAK inhibitor treatment on the risk of recurrent herpes zoster reactivation in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: A nationwide population-based study in South Korea.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the risk of recurrent herpes zoster (HZ) reactivation under continued Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) therapy in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID) who developed HZ reactivation. METHODS: Data from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or ulcerative colitis (UC) gathered from 2007 to 2021 were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 3947 (RA 3540, UC 407) receiving JAKi were included. After median 0.95 years (IQR, 0.93-2.58) of therapy, 611 (15.5%) patients developed HZ reactivation (incidence rate: 8.38/100 person-years [PY]). After excluding 151 patients with lack of data after HZ reactivation, 460 patients (JAKi continuation group, n = 386 [83.9%]; JAKi discontinuation group, n = 74 [16.1%]) were analyzed for the risk of subsequent recurrent HZ reactivation. During further follow-up of median 1.11 years (IQR, 0.53-1.91), 36 (9.3%) and 6 (8.1%) patients in the JAKi continuation group and JAKi discontinuation group experienced a recurrence of HZ, respectively. The incidence rate of subsequent recurrent HZ reactivation was not significantly different between the two groups (5.3/100 vs. 5.9/100 PY; P = 0.52). After adjusting for age, sex, usage of corticosteroids, and antiviral agents, continued use of JAKi was not a significant risk factor for subsequent HZ reactivation (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.71 [CI, 0.29-1.72], P = 0.45). CONCLUSION: In this nationwide population-based study on patients with RA or UC, continued use of JAKi was not associated with a significant risk of subsequent recurrent HZ reactivation. JAKi therapy may be maintained in patients with IMID even after HZ reactivation.

Effects of abdominal aortic aneurysm on long-term survival in lung cancer patients.

The major causes of death in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) are cardiovascular disease and cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of AAA on long-term survival in lung cancer patients. All patient data with degenerative type AAA and lung cancer over 50 years of age during the period 2009 to 2018 was collected retrospectively from a National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) administrative database and matched to lung cancer patients without AAA by age, sex, metastasis, and other comorbidities. Mortality rate was compared between the groups. A total of 956 AAA patients who could be matched with patients without AAA were included, and 3824 patients in the matched group were used for comparison. Patients with AAA showed higher risk of death compared with the matched cohort (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-1.23, p < 0.001). When compared to a matched group of untreated AAA patients, patients with of history of AAA exhibited a significantly increased risk of overall mortality [HR (95%CI) 1.219 (1.113-1.335), p < .001, adjusted HR (95% CI) 1.177 (1.073-1.291), p = .001]. By contrast, mortality risk of AAA patients treated either by endovascular abdominal aortic repair or open surgical repair was not significantly different from that of the matched group (p = 0.079 and p = 0.625, respectively). The mortality risk was significantly higher when AAA was present in lung cancer patients, especially in patients with unrepaired AAA, suggesting the need for continuous cardiovascular risk management.

Long-term outcome in patients with nodal-positive breast cancer treated with sentinel lymph node biopsy alone after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has yet to be accepted as the standard staging procedure in node positive (cN1) breast cancer patients who had clinical complete response in the axilla (cN0) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), due to the presumed high false negative rate associated with SLNB in such scenario. This study aimed to determine whether there is a significant difference in the axillary recurrence rate (ARR) and long-term survival in this group of patients, receiving SLNB alone versus axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). METHODS: A retrospective cohort of cN1 patients who were rendered cN0 by NAC from January 2014 to December 2018 were identified from the Asan Medical Center database. Patients' characteristics and outcomes were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: 902 cN1 patients treated with NAC and turned cN0 were identified. 477 (52.9%) patients achieved complete pathological response in the axilla (ypN0). At a median follow up of 65 months, ARR was 3.2% in the SLNB only group and 1.8% in the ALND group (p = 0.398). DFS and OS were significantly worse in patients with ALND as compared to patients with SLNB only (p = 0.011 and 0.047, respectively). We noted more patients in the ALND group had T3-4 tumor. In the subgroup analysis, we showed that in the T1-2 subgroup (n = 377), there was no statistically significant difference in DFS and OS (p = 0.242 and 0.671, respectively) between SLNB only and ALND group. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that cN1 patients who were converted to ypN0 following NAC may be safely treated with SLNB only.