The effects of empagliflozin on measured glomerular filtration rate and estimated extracellular and plasma volumes in patients with type 2 diabetes.

AIMS: To investigate the effects of empagliflozin on measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR), estimated plasma volume (PV) and estimated extracellular volume (ECV) in a cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and high risk of cardiovascular events. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prespecified substudy of the randomized, placebo-controlled SIMPLE trial, patients with T2D at high risk of cardiovascular events were allocated to either empagliflozin 25 mg or placebo once daily for 13 weeks. The prespecified outcome was between-group change in mGFR, measured by the 51 Cr-EDTA method after 13 weeks; changes in estimated PV and estimated ECV were included. RESULTS: From April 4, 2017 to May 11, 2020, 91 participants were randomized. Of these, 45 patients from the empagliflozin group and 45 patients from the placebo group were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. Treatment with empagliflozin reduced mGFR by -7.9 mL/min (95% confidence interval [CI] -11.1 to -4.7; P < 0.001), estimated ECV by -192.5 mL (95% CI -318.0 to -66.9; P = 0.003) and estimated PV by -128.9 mL (95% CI -218.0 to 39.8; P = 0.005) at Week 13. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with empagliflozin for 13 weeks reduced mGFR, estimated ECV and estimated PV in patients with T2D and high risk of cardiovascular events.

Effects of an early intervention with Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment on arm lymphedema and quality of life after breast cancer-an explorative clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Lymphedema (LE) is a common complication after breast cancer treatment, which negatively affects the quality of life (QOL). Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment (HBOT) is an established treatment for radiation-induced tissue injury, but evidence of effect on breast cancer-related LE is inconclusive. We aimed to explore effects of HBOT on early breast cancer-related LE and the implications for QOL. METHODS: We invited women with breast cancer treated with surgery, axillary dissection and radiotherapy, who had participated in a randomized controlled trial and who presented with LE 1 year after surgery. In a prospective observational study design, change in LE was assessed with perometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and lymphoscintigraphy, and QOL by validated self-report scales. Participants were offered 40 sessions of HBOT on every weekday for 8 weeks and were followed for 6 months. RESULTS: Out of 50 eligible participants, 20 women accepted participation. Nineteen women initiated and completed treatment and follow-up. None of the objective measures of LE severity showed consistent changes during the study period, but participants reported significant improvements in QOL (physical functioning, fatigue, insomnia and breast and arm symptoms), with improvements peaking at 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Participants receiving HBOT experienced improved QOL without consistently significant changes in arm mass, volume or lymphatic drainage. These results call for studies into differential effect in patient sub-groups, and a large-scale, randomized placebo-controlled trial with long-term follow-up to assess the effect of HBOT in patients with soft tissue radiation injuries after breast cancer seems warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Danish Health and Medicines Authority, EUDRACT no. 2015-000,604-25 Ethical committee of the Capitol Region, No. R96-A6604-14-S22.

The prevalence of sarcopenia and cachexia in older patients with localized colorectal cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) increases with age. In combination with an ageing population, the number of older patients undergoing surgical treatment for CRC is therefore expected to increase. Sarcopenia and cachexia are potentially modifiable risk factors of a negative surgical outcome. Sarcopenia can be categorized into primary (age-related) and secondary where diseases, such as malignancy, are influential factors. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of preoperative sarcopenia and cachexia in older (≥65 years) vulnerable patients with localized CRC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients included in the randomized study "Geriatric assessment and intervention in older vulnerable patients undergoing resection for colorectal cancer," were screened for sarcopenia and cachexia prior to surgery. All patients in the present cohort were considered vulnerable with Geriatric 8 ≤ 14 points. Sarcopenia was defined according to European Guidelines (EWGSOP2), based on low muscle strength-low handgrip-strength and/or slow 5xChair-Stand-Test-and low appendicular lean mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Cachexia was defined as self-reported unintended weight loss >5% within three months or 2-5% with body mass index <20 kg/m2. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients (mean age 79.6 years ±6.4 years, 36 women) were assessed. Of these, 28% (n = 18, 11 women) had low muscle strength and 13% (n = 8, 4 women) fulfilled the criteria for sarcopenia, however, 33% (n = 21, 13 women) had low muscle mass. There was no correlation between low muscle strength and low muscle mass (r = 0.16, P = 0.22). The prevalence of cachexia was 36% (n = 23, 16 women). Low muscle mass was associated with cachexia (φ = 0.38, P = 0.005), but there was no association between sarcopenia and cachexia (φ = 0.01, P = 1.0). DISCUSSION: Despite the included patients who fulfilled the criteria for vulnerability according to G8, relatively few (28%) had low muscle strength. Moreover, there was poor overlap between the prevalence of sarcopenia according to the EWGSOP2 guidelines (13%) and prevalence of low muscle mass (33%) in older patients with CRC. Of note also, there was no association between sarcopenia and cachexia, but an association between cachexia and low muscle mass, which highlights the importance of assessing muscle mass in patients with cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The GEPOC trial has been prospectively registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03719573).

Real-life incidence of cardiotoxicity and associated risk factors in sarcoma patients receiving doxorubicin.

BACKGROUND: Anthracycline induced cardiotoxicity is well recognized but only few data exist in sarcoma patients. This study retrospectively aimed to analyze sequential Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT)-multigated equilibrium radionuclide angiography (ERNA) for monitoring left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and to assess the real-life incidence of cardiotoxicity in sarcoma patients receiving doxorubicin based chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on all sarcoma patients referred to Herlev University Hospital between 2012 and 2015. Cardiotoxicity was defined as a decline in LVEF of > 10% percentage point to a LVEF < 50% as compared to baseline. Early cardiotoxicity was defined as < 1 year and late cardiotoxicity as ≥ 1 year. Recovery of cardiotoxicity was defined as a LVEF ≥ 50%. RESULTS: A total of 149 patients were referred, 75 (50%) sarcoma patients were included. The main reason for exclusion was that only one CZT-ERNA had been performed in 50 (68%) of the patients. Twenty-three (31%) of the patients experienced cardiotoxicity, 11 (48%) were female, mean age was 56.9 years. Early cardiotoxicity was observed in 16 (70%) of the patients and 11 (48%) experienced clinical symptoms of cardiotoxicity at diagnosis. Recovery of LVEF was seen in 12 (55%) of the patients and persistent recovery in 10 (45%). The diastolic blood pressure at baseline was positively and significantly associated with a higher risk of developing cardiotoxicity (Relative Risk (RR): 1.039 (95% CI= 1.001 - 1.079; p = 0.042)). The median survival was 1.4 years (range 0.5 - 2.2 years) for patients with metastatic disease versus 3.9 years (range 1.5 - 6.4 years) (p = 0.009) for localized disease at baseline. CONCLUSION: Cardiotoxicity is a relative frequent complication in sarcoma patients treated with doxorubicin based chemotherapy and the diastolic blood pressure at baseline was significantly associated with a higher risk of developing cardiotoxicity.

Evaluation of a novel probe based on laser Doppler flowmetry and comparison with photo plethysmography for assessment of the skin perfusion pressure.

This study aims to compare skin perfusion pressure measurements (SPP) at midfoot and below knee level performed with a novel laser Doppler flowmetry (LD) probe with a reference method based on photo plethysmography (PP). It includes 40 patients referred with known or suspected peripheral arterial disease. The SPP was performed with both devices. Blinded re-interpretation of the SPP measurements was carried out by three observers and a consensus quality score was provided for each measurement. SPP >40 mmHg was considered a clinically relevant cut-off. This study evaluates a total of 48 paired measurements of the midfoot and 54 below knee. The two methods agreed in overall diagnostic classification in 80 of 102 measurements (78%) with both methods showing SPP ≥40 mmHg in 21 cases, and both methods showing SPP <40 mmHg in 59 cases. Of the 22 participants with disagreement (22%) in overall classification, 15 had measurements within the range of 30-50 mmHg, and 7 with a clinically relevant disagreement with one device showing SPP <30 mmHg and the other ≥40 mmHg. Analysis of inter observer variation for the LD readings showed an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.880 (95% CI: 0.807 to 0.929, p- value <0.05) at midfoot, and 0.933 (95% CI: 0.894 to 0.959, p-value <0.05) at below knee level. The novel probe based on LD showed good correlation with PP in absolute pressures, sufficient agreement in overall disease classification as well as good to excellent reliability in terms of inter observer variation.

Preoperative imaging in primary hyperparathyroidism: Are 11 C-Choline PET/CT and 99m Tc-MIBI/123 Iodide subtraction SPECT/CT interchangeable or do they supplement each other?

OBJECTIVE: Preoperative location of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands (HPGs) is vital when planning minimally invasive surgery in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Dual-isotope subtraction scintigraphy with 99m Tc-MIBI/123 Iodide using SPECT/CT and planar pinhole imaging (Di-SPECT) has shown high sensitivity, but is challenged by high radiation dose, time consumption and cost. 11 C-Choline PET/CT (faster with a lower radiation dose) is non-inferior to Di-SPECT. We aim to clarify to what extent the two are interchangeable and how often there are discrepancies. DESIGN: This is a prospective, GCP-controlled cohort study. PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS: One hundred patients diagnosed with PHPT were included and underwent both imaging modalities before parathyroidectomy. Clinical implications of differences between imaging findings and negative imaging results were assessed. Surgical findings confirmed by biochemistry and pathology served as reference standard. RESULTS: Among the 90 patients cured by parathyroidectomy, sensitivity was 82% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 74%-88%) and 87% (95% CI: 79%-92%) for Choline PET and Di-SPECT, respectively, p = .88. In seven cases at least one imaging modality found no HPG. Of these, neither modality found any true HPGs and only two were cured by surgery. When a positive finding in one modality was incorrect, the alternative modality was correct in approximately half of the cases. CONCLUSION: Choline PET and Di-SPECT performed equally well and are both appropriate as first-line imaging modalities for preoperative imaging of PHPT. When the first-line modality fails to locate an HPG, additional preoperative imaging with the alternate modality offers no benefit. However, if parathyroidectomy is unsuccessful, additional imaging with the alternate modality has merit before repeat surgery.

Changes in quality of life 6 months after parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism.

Objective: The extent of symptoms due to primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) depends on the population being studied. PHPT is mainly discovered incidentally through routine laboratory findings. Less is known about patient-experienced improvement following successful parathyroidectomy. The aim of our study was to assess the changes in the quality of life (QoL) after successful surgery using an SF-36 questionnaire. Design: This is a prospective cohort study based on questionnaires. Methods: Forty consecutive patients diagnosed with PHPT were prospectively administered an SF-36 questionnaire before and 6 months after successful parathyroidectomy. A subgroup of 18 patients answered the questionnaire at 1 and 3 months after surgery. Successful surgery was based on biochemistry and pathology reports as confirmed by an endocrinologist. Results of each SF-36 subcategory were compared to the results at baseline in order to detect changes in patient-reported QoL after successful surgery. Results: There were significant improvements in six of eight SF-36 subcategories: vitality (P = 0.0001), physical functioning (P = 0.04), general health perception (P = 0.004), physical role functioning (P = 0.04), social role functioning (P = 0.004), and mental health perception (P = 0.0001). Changes appeared within a month after surgery with no further significant changes at later time points. Conclusions: Parathyroidectomy significantly improves QoL as measured by a decrease in SF-36 scores as early as 1 month after successful parathyroidectomy. The SF-36 QoL questionnaire is suitable for monitoring changes in patient well-being after successful parathyroidectomy.

Randomized Controlled Trial of the Hemodynamic Effects of Empagliflozin in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes at High Cardiovascular Risk: The SIMPLE Trial.

Treatment with the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT-2i) empagliflozin significantly reduces cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, the mechanisms behind the reduction in cardiovascular (CV) events are unknown. We investigated whether SGLT-2i treatment affected central hemodynamics during rest and exercise in 34 patients with diabetes in this investigator-initiated, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial. The primary end point was change in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) at a submaximal ergometer workload (25 W) after 13 weeks of SGLT-2i treatment (25 mg once daily) compared with placebo. Secondary end points included changes in resting hemodynamics. Baseline and follow-up hemodynamic assessments were performed at rest, submaximal exercise (25 W), and peak exercise using right heart catheterization. Treatment with empagliflozin for 13 weeks in patients with T2D at high CV risk did not reduce left heart filling pressure more than placebo at submaximal exercise. At rest, we observed that empagliflozin reduced PCWP at a magnitude of clinical significance.

Effects of a 12-Week Multimodal Exercise Intervention Among Older Patients with Advanced Cancer: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Older patients with cancer are at risk of physical decline and impaired quality of life during oncological treatment. Exercise training has the potential to reduce these challenges. The study aim was to investigate the feasibility and effect of a multimodal exercise intervention in older patients with advanced cancer (stages III/IV). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty-four older adults (≥65 years) with advanced pancreatic, biliary tract, or non-small cell lung cancer who received systemic oncological treatment were randomized 1:1 to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention was a 12-week multimodal exercise-based program including supervised exercise twice weekly followed by a protein supplement, a home-based walking program, and nurse-led support and counseling. The primary endpoint was change in physical function (30-second chair stand test) at 13 weeks. RESULTS: Median age of the participants was 72 years (interquartile range [IQR] 68-75). Median adherence to the exercise sessions was 69% (IQR 21-88) and 75% (IQR 33-100) for the walking program. At 13 weeks, there was a significant difference in change scores of 2.4 repetitions in the chair stand test, favoring the intervention group (p < .0001). Furthermore, significant beneficial effects were seen for physical endurance (6-minute walk test), hand grip strength, physical activity, symptom burden, symptoms of depression and anxiety, global health status (quality of life), and lean body mass. No effects were seen for dose intensity, hospitalizations, or survival. CONCLUSION: A 12-week multimodal exercise intervention with targeted support proved effective in improving physical function in older patients with advanced cancer during oncological treatment.

Effect of empagliflozin on myocardial structure and function in patients with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk: the SIMPLE randomized clinical trial.

To investigate the effects of 13 weeks treatment with empagliflozin in patients with high-risk type-2 diabetes mellitus on echocardiographic measures of left ventricular (LV) structure and function compared to placebo. A total of 91 patients were randomized to treatment with empagliflozin (25 mg/day, n = 45) or matching placebo (n = 45) for 13 weeks. Left ventricular (LV) mass, volumes and geometry as well as measures of LV systolic and diastolic function were measured using echocardiography at baseline and follow up. Mean LV mass index (LVMi) was reduced by - 11.5 g/m2 (95% CI - 56.4; 33.4, p = 0.03) with empagliflozin compared to - 1.4 g/m2 (95% CI - 36.5; 33.8, p = 0.63) for placebo. The proportion of patients with LV hypertrophy was reduced by 16.3% (p = 0.04) in the empagliflozin group compared to 1.1% in the placebo group (p = 1.00). The proportion of patients with left atrial volume index > 34 mL/m2 was reduced by 20.0% (p = 0.02) with empagliflozin compared to 9.5% for placebo (p = 0.45) and the E/e' ratio decreased (∆-0.8 (1.9) vs. ∆0.5 (2.0), p < 0.01). 13 weeks empagliflozin treatment in patients with type-2 diabetes at high CV risk significantly reduced LV mass, improved LV geometry and improved diastolic function compared to placebo.

Cardiotoxicity in metastatic melanoma patients treated with BRAF and MEK inhibitors in a real-world setting.

BACKGROUND: Combination therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors (BRAF/MEKi) has significantly improved the outcome for patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma. A reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a known side effect during treatment with BRAF/MEKi. This study aimed to analyze sequential multigated acquisition (MUGA) scans for the evaluation of LVEF and provide real-world data on cardiotoxicity induced by BRAF/MEKi in advanced melanoma. METHODS: All patients with advanced melanoma treated with dabrafenib and trametinib at Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Denmark, between March 2015 and September 2019, were included retrospectively. MUGA scans performed at baseline and every three months during treatment were analyzed. Cardiotoxicity was defined as a decline of ≥10 percentage point (pp) to an LVEF <50% (major cardiotoxicity) or a decline in LVEF of ≥15 pp but remaining >50% (minor cardiotoxicity). RESULTS: A total of 139 patients were included. Forty-six patients (33%) met our criteria for cardiotoxicity; 31 patients (22%) experienced minor cardiotoxicity and 15 patients (11%) experienced major cardiotoxicity. Median time to decline in LVEF was 94 days, and all clinically significant declines in LVEF occurred before evaluation at six months. Reversibility of LVEF was seen in 80% of patients, three patients were not evaluable for reversibility. A low left ventricular peak emptying rate adjusted for heart rate (LVPERadj) at baseline was found a potential risk factor for the development of major cardiotoxicity (RR = 0.159, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: A decline in LVEF is common for patients with advanced melanoma treated with BRAF/MEKi but rarely clinically significant. No significant decline in LVEF was observed after evaluation at six months, therefore routine monitoring of LVEF might be stopped after six to nine months of BRAF/MEKi therapy. A low LVPERadj might be a risk factor for the development of cardiotoxicity and is suggested for further investigation.

Extreme Hypoxia Causing Brady-Arrythmias During Apnea in Elite Breath-Hold Divers.

Introduction: The cardiac electrical conduction system is very sensitive to hypoglycemia and hypoxia, and the consequence may be brady-arrythmias. Weddell seals endure brady-arrythmias during their dives when desaturating to 3.2 kPa and elite breath-hold-divers (BHD), who share metabolic and cardiovascular adaptions including bradycardia with diving mammals, endure similar desaturation during maximum apnea. We hypothesized that hypoxia causes brady-arrythmias during maximum apnea in elite BHD. Hence, this study aimed to define the arterial blood glucose (Glu), peripheral saturation (SAT), heart rhythm (HR), and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) of elite BHD during maximum apneas. Methods: HR was monitored with Direct-Current-Pads/ECG-lead-II and MAP and Glu from a radial arterial-catheter in nine BHD performing an immersed and head-down maximal static pool apnea after three warm-up apneas. SAT was monitored with a sensor on the neck of the subjects. On a separate day, a 12-lead-ECG-monitored maximum static apnea was repeated dry (n = 6). Results: During pool apnea of maximum duration (385 ± 70 s), SAT decreased from 99.6 ± 0.5 to 58.5 ± 5.5% (∼PaO2 4.8 ± 1.5 kPa, P < 0.001), while Glu increased from 5.8 ± 0.2 to 6.2 ± 0.2 mmol/l (P = 0.009). MAP increased from 103 ± 4 to 155 ± 6 mm Hg (P < 0.005). HR decreased to 46 ± 10 from 86 ± 14 beats/minute (P < 0.001). HR and MAP were unchanged after 3-4 min of apnea. During dry apnea (378 ± 31 s), HR decreased from 55 ± 4 to 40 ± 3 beats/minute (P = 0.031). Atrioventricular dissociation and junctional rhythm were observed both during pool and dry apneas. Conclusion: Our findings contrast with previous studies concluding that Glu decreases during apnea diving. We conclude during maximum apnea in elite BHD that (1) the diving reflex is maximized after 3-4 min, (2) increasing Glu may indicate lactate metabolism in accordance with our previous results, and (3) extreme hypoxia rather than hypoglycemia causes brady-arrythmias in elite BHD similar to diving mammals.

An Algorithm for Individual Dosage in Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride SPECT-Gated Radionuclide Angiography.

The aim of the present study was to test an individualised dose without compromising the ease of analysing data when performing equilibrium radionuclide angiography (ERNA) using cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) SPECT. From March 2018 to January 2019, 1650 patients referred for ERNA received either an individualised dose of 99mTc-labeled human serum albumin (HSA) according to their age, sex, height, and weight (n = 1567), or a standard dose of 550 MBq (n = 83). The target count rate (CRT) was reduced every two months from 2.7 to 1.0 kcps. A final test with a CRT of 1.7 kcps was run for three months to test whether an agreement within 2% points for the determination of LVEF, on the basis of only two analyses, was obtainable in at least 95% of acquisitions. All the included ERNAs were performed on a dedicated cardiac CZT SPECT camera. When using the algorithm for an individualised dose, we found that agreement between the measured and predicted count rate was 80%. With a CRT of 1.7 kcps, the need for more than two analyses to obtain sufficient agreement for LVEF was 4.9%. Furthermore, this resulted in a mean dose reduction from 550 to 258 MBq. Patients' weight, height, sex, and age can, therefore, be used for individualising a tracer dose while reducing the mean dose.

Effects of Empagliflozin on Myocardial Flow Reserve in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The SIMPLE Trial.

Background Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors reduce hospitalizations for heart failure and cardiovascular death, although the underlying mechanisms have not been resolved. The SIMPLE trial (The Effects of Empagliflozin on Myocardial Flow Reserve in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus) investigated the effects of empagliflozin on myocardial flow reserve (MFR) reflecting microvascular perfusion, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at high cardiovascular disease risk. Methods and Results We randomized 90 patients to either empagliflozin 25 mg once daily or placebo for 13 weeks, as add-on to standard therapy. The primary outcome was change in MFR at week 13, quantified by Rubidium-82 positron emission tomography/computed tomography. The secondary key outcomes were changes in resting rate-pressure product adjusted MFR, changes to myocardial flow during rest and stress, and reversible cardiac ischemia. Mean baseline MFR was 2.21 (95% CI, 2.08-2.35). There was no change from baseline in MFR at week 13 in either the empagliflozin: 0.01 (95% CI, -0.18 to 0.21) or placebo groups: 0.06 (95% CI, -0.15 to 0.27), with no treatment effect -0.05 (95% CI, -0.33 to 0.23). No effects on the secondary outcome parameters by Rubidium-82 positron emission tomography/computed tomography was observed. Treatment with empagliflozin reduced hemoglobin A1c by 0.76% (95% CI, 1.0-0.5; P<0.001) and increased hematocrit by 1.69% (95% CI, 0.7-2.6; P<0.001). Conclusions Empagliflozin did not improve MFR among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and high cardiovascular disease risk. The present study does not support that short-term improvement in MFR explains the reduction in cardiovascular events observed in the outcome trials. Registration URL: https://clinicaltrialsregister.eu/; Unique identifier: 2016-003743-10.

Locating hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands using 11C-Choline PET/CT: an inter- and intra-observer variation study.

BACKGROUND: Use of 11C-Choline PET/CT is gaining ground in detecting hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands in primary hyperparathyroidism. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the robustness of 11C-Choline PET/CT by assessing intra- and inter-observer agreement to determine whether the method was reader sensitive and therefore should only be performed at highly specialised sites with a high number of cases. PET/CT images of 40 patients diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism were anonymised and evaluated three times by three readers: an expert reader and two non-experts (non-experts were experienced in PET/CT imaging, but not in 11C-Choline PET/CT in the setting of primary hyperparathyroidism). Number of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands, location relative to the thyroid gland and confidence of each assessment (low, moderate or high) were noted, and intra- and inter-observer agreement calculated using Fleiss' kappa method. Sensitivities and specificities of the non-experts were calculated using the expert reader as gold standard. RESULTS: Intra-observer agreement was 'good' to 'near perfect' for all readers. Inter-observer agreement was good between non-experts and the expert, with kappa values ≥ 0.74. Sensitivities between non-experts and the expert were high, > 81%, when assessing which side and 75% when assessing thyroid quadrant. All specificities were > 94%. Reader certainties were 'high' in > 80% of cases for the expert and > 70% and > 65%, respectively for the two non-experts. CONCLUSION: 11C-Choline PET/CT is not reader sensitive for the localisation of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands and may therefore be safely implemented at sites that have a moderate number of cases. Access to a cyclotron laboratory is, however, a necessity for the production of 11C-Choline. The study was conducted in accordance with the Helsinki 2 declaration and The International Council for Harmonisation Guideline for Good Clinical Practice (ICH_GCP) clinical trial, approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Capital Region of Denmark (Journal-nr.:H-18012490, date of approval: 18 June 2018) and the Danish Medicines Agency (EudraCT no. 2018-000726-63, date of approval: 6 June 2018). The GCP unit in Eastern Denmark has carried out regular monitoring of the trial according to GCP (ID: 2018-1050).

The worse survival outcomes reported for melanoma patients having sentinel node biopsy after lymphoscintigraphy the previous day do not appear to be due to overnight migration of Tc99m-nanocolloid tracer.

INTRODUCTION: It has been reported that the survival of patients having sentinel node (SN) biopsy for melanoma the day after lymphoscintigraphy using Tc99m-nanocolloid is worse than that of patients having lymphoscintigraphy and SN biopsy on the same day [1,2]. A possible explanation suggested is that overnight migration of the tracer from SNs to 2nd-tier nodes occurs, causing failure to remove true SNs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The possibility of overnight tracer migration leading to errors in SN-identification was investigated in 12 patients scheduled for lymphoscintigraphy the day before surgery by repeating SPECT-CT imaging the next morning, before their SN biopsy. The aim was to check whether onward migration of colloid from previously-identified SNs had occurred. RESULTS: No significant migration of Tc99m-nanocolloid occurred overnight in any patient. All nodes reported to be SNs on day 1 imaging were also present and regarded as SNs on day 2 images. No new foci were visualised on day 2, but some that had been identified on day 1 were not seen on day 2. CONCLUSIONS: Since migration of nanocolloid overnight did not occur, this cannot explain the reported survival disadvantage for patients undergoing SN biopsy the day after lymphoscintigraphy. A likely alternative possibility is that inadequate doses of radioisotope were used for next-day procedures, causing the mistaken removal of 2nd-tier nodes instead of true SNs more frequently. Further research is required to explain the reported reduction in survival of patients having next-day SN biopsy procedures, since the possibility has important clinical implications.

Cardiac hypoxic resistance and decreasing lactate during maximum apnea in elite breath hold divers.

Breath-hold divers (BHD) enduring apnea for more than 4 min are characterized by resistance to release of reactive oxygen species, reduced sensitivity to hypoxia, and low mitochondrial oxygen consumption in their skeletal muscles similar to northern elephant seals. The muscles and myocardium of harbor seals also exhibit metabolic adaptations including increased cardiac lactate-dehydrogenase-activity, exceeding their hypoxic limit. We hypothesized that the myocardium of BHD possesses similar adaptive mechanisms. During maximum apnea 15O-H2O-PET/CT (n = 6) revealed no myocardial perfusion deficits but increased myocardial blood flow (MBF). Cardiac MRI determined blood oxygen level dependence oxygenation (n = 8) after 4 min of apnea was unaltered compared to rest, whereas cine-MRI demonstrated increased left ventricular wall thickness (LVWT). Arterial blood gases were collected after warm-up and maximum apnea in a pool. At the end of the maximum pool apnea (5 min), arterial saturation decreased to 52%, and lactate decreased 20%. Our findings contrast with previous MR studies of BHD, that reported elevated cardiac troponins and decreased myocardial perfusion after 4 min of apnea. In conclusion, we demonstrated for the first time with 15O-H2O-PET/CT and MRI in elite BHD during maximum apnea, that MBF and LVWT increases while lactate decreases, indicating anaerobic/fat-based cardiac-metabolism similar to diving mammals.

Geriatric assessment and intervention in older vulnerable patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial (GEPOC trial).

BACKGROUND: The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) increases with age. Older patients are a heterogeneous group ranging from fit to frail with various comorbidities. Frail older patients with CRC are at increased risk of negative outcomes and functional decline after cancer surgery compared to younger and fit older patients. Maintenance of independence after treatment is rarely investigated in clinical trials despite older patients value it as high as survival. Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is an evaluation of an older persons' medical, psychosocial, and functional capabilities to develop an overall plan for treatment and follow-up. The beneficial effect of CGA is well documented in the fields of medicine and orthopaedic surgery, but evidence is lacking in cancer surgery. We aim to investigate the effect of CGA on physical performance in older frail patients undergoing surgery for CRC. METHODS: GEPOC is a single centre randomised controlled trial including older patients (≥65 years) undergoing surgical resection for primary CRC. Frail patients (≤14/17 points using the G8 screening tool) will be randomised 1:1 to geriatric intervention and exercise (n = 50) or standard of care along (n = 50) with their standard surgical procedure. Intervention includes preoperative CGA, perioperative geriatric in-ward review and postoperative follow-up. All patients in the intervention group will participate in a pre- and postoperative resistance exercise programme (twice/week, 2 + 12 weeks). Primary endpoint is change in 30-s chair stand test. Assessment of primary endpoint will be performed by physiotherapists blinded to patient allocation. Secondary endpoints: changes in health related quality of life, physical strength and capacity (handgrip strength, gait speed and 6 min walking test), patient perceived quality of recovery, complications to surgery, body composition (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and bioelectric impedance), serum biomarkers, readmission, length of stay and survival. DISCUSSION: This ongoing trial will provide valuable knowledge on whether preoperative CGA and postoperative geriatric follow-up and intervention including an exercise program can counteract physical decline and improve quality of life in frail CRC patients undergoing surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Prospectively registered at Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03719573 (October 2018).