Do Age and Sex Influence Anorectal Manometry Parameters?

BACKGROUND: High-resolution anorectal manometry (HRM) is widely used in the evaluation of anal incontinence and constipation, which become increasingly prevalent with age. However, the impact of age and comorbidities on physiological digestive parameters remains poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of age on anorectal function. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study on patients at our digestive motility clinic between January 2016 and May 2019. All patients with a normal HRM were included. Clinical data and HRM parameters were collected in a database. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of age, sex, medical comorbidities and obstetric history on anorectal HRM parameters. KEY RESULTS: One hundred and forty-four patients were included (mean age: 53 ± 16 years, 72% females). The main indications for anorectal HRM were incontinence (44%), constipation (37%) and anorectal pain (9%). Age was significantly associated with higher maximum tolerable volume (ß = +0.48 mL year-1, P = 0.04) and higher rectal compliance (ß = +0.04 mL year-1, P = 0.01). Independently from age and medical comorbidities, female demonstrated significantly lower mean endurance squeeze pressure (ß = -44.4 mmHg, P < 0.001), maximal squeeze pressure (ß = -62.3 mmHg; P < 0.001), volume at first urge (ß = -16.7 mL, P = 0.02) and maximum tolerable volume (ß = -16.1 mL, P = 0.046). Vaginal birth was associated with lower tolerable maximum pressure (ß = -39.4 mmHg, P = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Age and sex are independent factors which influence anorectal HRM parameters. These findings should be taken into consideration when interpreting anorectal HRM.

Lidocaine before esophageal manometry and ambulatory pH monitoring: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Lidocaine is commonly applied to improve the tolerance of esophageal manometry (EM) and ambulatory pH monitoring (PM). We recently published data suggesting a benefit to this practice and we aimed to confirm these findings in a randomized trial. METHODS: We conducted a double-blind, randomized trial of lidocaine nasal spray versus placebo (saline) before EM and PM. Patients referred to our center who met inclusion criteria were enrolled. Patients were asked to fill a questionnaire after their test and patient-reported adverse effects were compared. KEY RESULTS: Three hundred and four patients were enrolled in our trial. Lidocaine and placebo groups were demographically similar. The primary outcome, pain during catheter insertion, occurred in 60/148 (40.5%) patients in the lidocaine group versus in 72/152 (47.4%) patients in the placebo group (OR: 0.76 [95% CI: 0.48-1.20]; p = 0.23). Patients receiving lidocaine were less likely to report nausea during test recording (OR: 0.48 [95% CI: 0.24-0.91]; p = 0.02) and reported slightly lower intensity of pain during both catheter insertion and test recording (4.68 ± 2.06 versus 5.41 ± 2.24 on 10; p = 0.048 and 3.71 ± 2.00 versus 4.93 ± 2.55 on 10; p = 0.03, respectively). Furthermore, patients receiving lidocaine were less likely to report their test as globally uncomfortable and painful (57% vs. 75%; p = 0.003 and 14% vs. 21%; p = 0.02, respectively). No events of systemic lidocaine toxicity occurred during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Routine use of lidocaine before esophageal function tests does not reduce pain during catheter insertion but may provide other modest benefits with limited toxicity.

Jackhammer esophagus: A meta-analysis of patient demographics, disease presentation, high-resolution manometry data, and treatment outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Jackhammer esophagus (JE) is a newly described esophageal motility disorder. However, there are limited data on JE and this entity remains misunderstood. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of clinical series on JE through MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Data from included studies were then extracted, and random-effects meta-analyses were performed. RESULTS: Thirty-eight studies met inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of JE was 1.97% [95% CI: 1.39%-2.78%] among patients referred for high-resolution manometry (HRM). The mean age at diagnosis was 60.8 years [95% CI: 57.1-64.4] and 65% [95% CI: 58%-72%] of patients were female. JE was significantly more prevalent in postlung transplant patients and morbidly obese patients undergoing HRM (23.99% [95% CI: 9.00%-38.97%] and 5.18% [95% CI: 1.76%-14.3%] respectively). Dysphagia was the most common presentation of JE (64% [95% CI: 52%-77%]) followed by gastroesophageal reflux disease (46% [95% CI: 26%-67%]). The pooled mean distal contractile integral (DCI) of all standard HRM swallows was 9249 mm Hg·s·cm [95% CI: 7834-10 663], and the pooled mean integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) was 13.9 mm Hg [95% CI: 8.2-19.7]. Overall, 73.6% [95% CI: 64.0%-83.1%] of JE patients who underwent treatment achieved clinical symptom improvement (79% [95% CI: 74%-85%] for endoscopic treatment and 63% [95% CI: 47%-79%] for medical treatment). The pooled clinical success rate of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) specifically was 82% [95% CI: 75%-90%]. CONCLUSIONS: JE is a new motility disorder most commonly presenting with dysphagia. High clinical suspicion is important because the diagnosis can only be made through HRM.

Is topical lidocaine beneficial before catheter insertion in esophageal manometry and ambulatory pH monitoring?

BACKGROUND: Conventionally, topical anesthesia is applied to improve the tolerance of esophageal manometry (EM) and ambulatory pH monitoring (apH) but there is presently no evidence supporting this practice. We aimed to compare the tolerance of EM and apH with vs without topical lidocaine anesthesia. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted at our center between January 2017 and January 2019. All patients who underwent EM or apH and completed a systematically distributed standardized patient survey were included. From January 2017 to June 2018, all patients had a viscous lidocaine solution applied before EM and apH ("lidocaine" group). After June 2018, we ceased applying any topical anesthesia ("no lidocaine" group). Patient-reported adverse effects and satisfaction scores were compared between these two patient groups. KEY RESULTS: Two hundred forty-nine patient surveys were included. "Lidocaine" (n = 124) and "no lidocaine" (n = 125) groups were similar in age (56.9 ± 14.0 vs 56.0 ± 13.7; P = .77) and gender distributions (65.9% vs 63.3% female; P = .68). Patients in the "lidocaine" group were less likely to report pain during catheter insertion (33.6% vs 50.8%; P = .007, OR: 0.49 [95% CI 0.29-0.83]) and reported a lower overall pain score (2.82 ± 1.38 vs 3.20 ± 1.42 on 5; P = .04). There was a tendency toward increased global satisfaction with lidocaine application but that was not statistically significant (4.36 ± 1.05 vs 4.11 ± 1.13; P = .08). In subgroup analyses, female patients, younger patients, and patients who underwent EM were more likely to benefit from lidocaine application. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: Application of topical lidocaine before esophageal motility tests reduces pain during catheter insertion and overall pain.

Pediatric hand injuries: Practical approach for primary care physicians.

OBJECTIVE: To present a practical and evidence-based approach for primary care physicians to the diagnosis and initial management of common pediatric hand injuries, and to identify injuries requiring prompt referral. SOURCES OF INFORMATION: Clinical evidence and expert recommendations were identified by using MEDLINE and EMBASE for each topic presented. MAIN MESSAGE: Pediatric hand injuries are a common reason for physician consultation. The most common and potentially problematic pediatric hand injuries include fingertip injuries, phalangeal fractures, tendon injuries, and hand burns. Management is limited by difficulties in proper assessment of the hand and the paucity of evidence to guide treatment. Nevertheless, outcomes in children are typically excellent. CONCLUSION: Appropriate assessment, initial management, and, if necessary, timely referral of pediatric patients with hand injuries are paramount given the importance of the hand in function and child development. While some principles from managing adult hand injuries might apply, children often require special considerations.

A less intensive bracing protocol for pectus carinatum.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the widespread use of bracing to correct Pectus carinatum (PC) there is no consensus in the number of hours per day patients are instructed to wear the brace. In our practice, we use a less rigorous protocol of 8-12h/day. We sought to evaluate our results and those in the literature to determine whether more intensive usage is necessary. STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed the outcomes of patients with PC treated at our institution between 2012 and 2015. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science for studies describing the use of bracing to correct PC. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients presented with PC at our institution. Among those who were offered bracing and had adequate follow-up (n=32), the success rate (full correction or improvement) was 90.6%. The compliance rate was 93.8%. Fifteen studies met our inclusion criteria. Our pooled data combining our results with those of other published data showed that less intensive brace usage (<12h/day), when compared to more intensive usage (≥12h/day), is associated with higher patient compliance (89.6% vs. 81.1%) with a similar time to correction (7.3 vs 7.1months) and success rate (85.3% vs. 83.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a less intensive bracing protocol for PC is successful, efficient and improves compliance. TYPE OF STUDY: Clinical Research. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Level-of-Evidence rating: Level IV.

A rapid and efficient method for dissociated cultures of mouse myenteric neurons.

BACKGROUND: The enteric nervous system controls gastrointestinal functions such as secretion and smooth muscle contraction/relaxation. Neuronal enteric dysfunction is a feature of many direct gastrointestinal disorders and can be secondary to central nervous system disorders. Research in this field has been limited and there are few published methods on dissociated enteric cultures. NEW METHOD: Here we describe a quick and efficient method for culturing myenteric neurons which optimizes neuronal yield. A simplified technique is presented to easily dissect the myenteric plexus and longitudinal muscle from the outside of the intestinal wall reducing non-neuronal cell and bacterial contamination from the final culture. These segments are subjected to enzymatic dissociation and the resulting neurons are placed into an optimal growth media for long term culture. RESULTS: This protocol produces a high yield of neuronal cells. Multiple neuronal subtypes reflecting the in vivo population are observed. Cultures are optimal at 3 weeks in vitro but can be sustained for at least 5 weeks. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS: Unlike other protocols our method does not require a time consuming challenging dissection, long enzymatic treatment times or the use of specialized equipment. Resulting cultures are of higher quality and can be sustained longer permitting proper neuronal recovery. In addition cell attachment to culture substrates have been optimized. CONCLUSION: We provide a novel method for researchers to dissociate and grow high quality enteric neuronal cultures. Our method can be used for studies on gastrointestinal diseases caused by enteric neuronal dysfunction and to explore possible pharmacological interventions in vitro.

Comparison of two-transsacral-screw fixation versus triangular osteosynthesis for transforaminal sacral fractures.

Transforaminal pelvic fractures are high-energy injuries that are translationally and rotationally unstable. This study compared the biomechanical stability of triangular osteosynthesis vs 2-transsacral-screw fixation in the repair of a transforaminal pelvic fracture model. A transforaminal fracture model was created in 10 cadaveric lumbopelvic specimens. Five of the specimens were stabilized with triangular osteosynthesis, which consisted of unilateral L5-to-ilium lumbopelvic fixation and ipsilateral iliosacral screw fixation. The remaining 5 were stabilized with a 2-transsacral-screw fixation technique that consisted of 2 transsacral screws inserted across S1. All specimens were loaded cyclically and then loaded to failure. Translation and rotation were measured using the MicroScribe 3D digitizing system (Revware Inc, Raleigh, North Carolina). The 2-transsacral-screw group showed significantly greater stiffness than the triangular osteosynthesis group (2-transsacral-screw group, 248.7 N/mm [standard deviation, 73.9]; triangular osteosynthesis group, 125.0 N/mm [standard deviation, 66.9]; P=.02); however, ultimate load and rotational stiffness were not statistically significant. Compared with triangular osteosynthesis fixation, the use of 2 transsacral screws provides a comparable biomechanical stability profile in both translation and rotation. This newly revised 2-transsacral-screw construct offers the traumatologist an alternative method of repair for vertical shear fractures that provides biplanar stability. It also offers the advantage of percutaneous placement in either the prone or supine position.

Biomechanical evaluation of an expandable cage in single-segment posterior lumbar interbody fusion.

STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the biomechanical characteristics of a new expandable interbody cage in single-segment posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) using cadaveric lumbar spines. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: One of the popular methods of treating lumbar spine pathologies involves a posterior lumbar interbody fusion using bilateral interbody nonexpandable cages. However, this method can require extensive bony removal and nerve root retraction. Expandable interbody cages may decrease the risk associated with PLIFs. METHODS: Biomechanical testing was performed on 5 fresh frozen L4/L5 mobile functional spinal units using a custom testing system that permits 6 df and a digital video digitizing system. The specimens were tested intact, postdiscectomy, after interbody cage placement, and after cage placement and pedicle screw fixation. Each specimen was tested from 0.5 to 8.0 N·m for extension, flexion, lateral bending, and rotation, and from 5 to 300 N for axial compression. The angular displacement, stiffness, disc height, and sagittal alignment were determined. RESULTS: When the cage was supplemented with pedicle screw fixation, the mean angular displacement for rotation and lateral bending was significantly less than all other conditions (P < 0.05). The percentage range of motion (% ROM) showed a statistically significant decrease in lateral bending (P < 0.05) for cage alone vs. postdiscectomy. For the pedicle screw construct, rotation showed a significantly lower percentage ROM compared with all other constructs (P < 0.05), and lateral bending and extension-flexion showed a significantly lower percentage ROM compared with postdiscectomy (P < 0.05). For all motions, stiffness of the cage and pedicle screw construct was greater than intact, with only rotation showing a statistically significant increase (P < 0.05). Anterior disc height was restored to intact after cage alone (P < 0.05). Sagittal alignment did not show statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: PLIF using expandable lumbar interbody cage requires pedicle screw fixation.

Biomechanical evaluation of short-segment posterior instrumentation with and without crosslinks in a human cadaveric unstable thoracolumbar burst fracture model.

STUDY DESIGN: This study evaluates the biomechanical characteristics of spinal instrumentation constructs in a human unstable thoracolumbar burst fracture model simulated by corpectomy. OBJECTIVE: To compare the biomechanical characteristics of short-segment posterior instrumentation, with and without crosslinks, in a human unstable burst fracture model simulated by corpectomy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures are serious injuries, and their management remains controversial. Some authors advocate the use of short-segment posterior instrumentation for certain burst fractures. Whether crosslinks contribute additional stability has not been determined. METHODS: Six fresh frozen human spines (T10-L2) were potted to isolate the T11-L1 segments, and biomechanically tested in axial rotation, lateral bending, flexion, and extension. A custom spine testing system was used that allows motion with 6 degrees of freedom. After testing was completed on intact specimens, a corpectomy was performed at T12 to simulate an unstable burst fracture with loss of anterior and middle column support. Short-segment transpedicular instrumentation was then performed from T11 to L1. Each specimen was retested with 1, 2, or no crosslinks. Construct stiffness and motion data were analyzed with each intact specimen serving as its own internal control. RESULTS: Torsional stiffness in axial rotation was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in short-segment fixation constructs with 1 and 2 crosslinks, but none was restored to the preinjury baseline level. Significant reductions in standardized motion were also achieved with 1 and 2 crosslinks compared to no crosslinks (P < 0.05), but they remained greater than baseline. Crosslinks significantly increased stiffness and decreased motion in lateral bending, beyond the baseline level (P < 0.05). In flexion, all constructs had significantly decreased stiffness and increased motion compared to the intact specimen (P < 0.05), with crosslinks providing no additional benefit. Conversely, none of the constructs demonstrated a significant change in extension compared to baseline (P > 0.05). When attempting to load the constructs to failure, screw pullout was seen in all specimens. CONCLUSION: Crosslinks, when added to short-segment posterior fixation, improve stiffness and decrease motion in axial rotation, but do not restore baseline stability in this corpectomy model. Short-segment posterior fixation is also inadequate in restoring stability in flexion with injuries of this severity. Short-segment posterior instrumentation alone can achieve baseline stability in lateral bending, and crosslinks provide even greater stiffness.

Operative management of degenerative scoliosis: an evidence-based approach to surgical strategies based on clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Degenerative scoliosis is a common and important cause of lumbar spine deformity in the adult. The operative management of degenerative scoliosis encompasses a spectrum of approaches, including decompression alone, or fusion that may include posterior or anterior approaches. There exists significant variability in surgical approaches to degenerative scoliosis, and evidence to support a specific approach is limited. Including the structural thoracic spine in fusions to the thoracolumbar junction has a lower rate of revision than fusions with a cephalad segment at T12 or L1. Short fusions to L5 have a low rate of revision at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Combined anterior and posterior surgery is more effective in improving lordosis than posterior-only surgery without osteotomies. Clinical outcomes of surgery for degenerative scoliosis are variable, andwct 2 self-reported scores for pain improve more reliably than scores for function. Further investigation, including comparison of randomized or matched cohorts and measurement of outcomes related to specific preoperative complaints, will be useful in the development of an evidence-based approach to degenerative scoliosis.

Site specificity of transverse crista terminalis conduction in patients with atrial flutter.

INTRODUCTION: The causes of transcristal conduction (TC) in patients with atrial flutter (AFL) are unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: In two groups of patients referred for AFL ablation, 36 had cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) dependent flutter (Group I) and 24 had lower (n = 21) or upper loop reentry (n = 5) (Group II). After ablation, isthmus block was evaluated by pacing from the coronary sinus (CS) and low lateral right atrium and by alternative techniques, including mapping with electrodes spanning the CTI or electroanatomic mapping. After bidirectional CTI block was verified, 21/36 (58%) in Group I showed TC with CS pacing, including low TC in 16 (including 11 showing "pseudo" CTI conduction), higher TC in 6 and multiple breaks in 3. However, 8 with low TC during CS pacing showed unidirectional block by pacing outside of the CS os. Twelve (50%) in Group II had TC during CS pacing after bidirectional CTI block, with low TC in 5 (2 mimicking residual CTI conduction) and higher breaks in 9. There was no significant difference in the incidence of TC during CS pacing after CTI block between groups. In seven autopsied hearts, the muscle orientation between the proximal CS musculature and Eustachian ridge were examined. Muscular connections between the CS and Eustachian ridge coursing toward the orifice of inferior vena cava were found in one of the hearts. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that in patients with bidirectional CTI block, pacing from the CS may be associated with TC mimicking a conduction leak through the isthmus. Pacing just outside the CS os helps distinguish pseudo from true isthmus block.

Intervertebral disc cell therapy for regeneration: mesenchymal stem cell implantation in rat intervertebral discs.

This study explores the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for intervertebral disc regeneration. We used an in vivo model to investigate the feasibility of exogenous cell delivery, retention, and survival in the pressurized disc space. MSC injection into rat coccygeal discs was performed using 15% hyaluronan gel as a carrier. Injections of gel with or without MSCs were performed. Immediately after injection, fluorescently labeled stem cells were visible on sections of cell-injected discs. Seven and 14 days after injection, stem cells were still present within the disc, but their numbers were significantly decreased. At 28 days, a return to the initial number of injected cells was observed, and viability was 100%. A trend of increased disc height compared to blank gel suggests an increase in matrix synthesis. The results indicate that MSCs can maintain viability and proliferate within the rat intervertebral disc.