Real-world evidence evaluation of LDL-C in hospitalized patients: a population-based observational study in the timeframe 2021-2022.

AIMS: European registries and retrospective cohort studies have highlighted the failure to achieve low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) targets in many very high-risk patients. Hospitalized patients are often frail, and frailty is associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. The aim of this study is to evaluate LDL-C levels in a real-world inpatient setting, identifying cardiovascular risk categories and highlighting treatment gaps in the implementation of LDL-C management. METHODS: This retrospective, observational study included all adult patients admitted to an Italian hospital between 2021 and 2022 with available LDL-C values during hospitalization. Disease-related real-world data were collected from Hospital Information System using automated data extraction strategies and through the implementation of a patient-centered data repository (the Dyslipidemia Data Mart). We performed assessment of cardiovascular risk profiles, LDL-C target achievement according to the 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines, and use of lipid-lowering therapies (LLT). RESULTS: 13,834 patients were included: 17.15%, 13.72%, 16.82% and 49.76% were low (L), moderate (M), high (H) and very high-risk (VH) patients, respectively. The percentage of on-target patients was progressively lower towards the worst categories (78.79% in L, 58.38% in M, 33.3% in H and 21.37% in VH). Among LLT treated patients, 28.48% were on-target in VH category, 47.60% in H, 69.12% in M and 68.47% in L. We also analyzed the impact of monotherapies and combination therapies on target achievement. CONCLUSIONS: We found relevant gaps in LDL-C management in the population of inpatients, especially in the VH category. Future efforts should be aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk in these subjects.

Lung cancer multi-omics digital human avatars for integrating precision medicine into clinical practice: the LANTERN study.

BACKGROUND: The current management of lung cancer patients has reached a high level of complexity. Indeed, besides the traditional clinical variables (e.g., age, sex, TNM stage), new omics data have recently been introduced in clinical practice, thereby making more complex the decision-making process. With the advent of Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, various omics datasets may be used to create more accurate predictive models paving the way for a better care in lung cancer patients. METHODS: The LANTERN study is a multi-center observational clinical trial involving a multidisciplinary consortium of five institutions from different European countries. The aim of this trial is to develop accurate several predictive models for lung cancer patients, through the creation of Digital Human Avatars (DHA), defined as digital representations of patients using various omics-based variables and integrating well-established clinical factors with genomic data, quantitative imaging data etc. A total of 600 lung cancer patients will be prospectively enrolled by the recruiting centers and multi-omics data will be collected. Data will then be modelled and parameterized in an experimental context of cutting-edge big data analysis. All data variables will be recorded according to a shared common ontology based on variable-specific domains in order to enhance their direct actionability. An exploratory analysis will then initiate the biomarker identification process. The second phase of the project will focus on creating multiple multivariate models trained though advanced machine learning (ML) and AI techniques for the specific areas of interest. Finally, the developed models will be validated in order to test their robustness, transferability and generalizability, leading to the development of the DHA. All the potential clinical and scientific stakeholders will be involved in the DHA development process. The main goals aim of LANTERN project are: i) To develop predictive models for lung cancer diagnosis and histological characterization; (ii) to set up personalized predictive models for individual-specific treatments; iii) to enable feedback data loops for preventive healthcare strategies and quality of life management. DISCUSSION: The LANTERN project will develop a predictive platform based on integration of multi-omics data. This will enhance the generation of important and valuable information assets, in order to identify new biomarkers that can be used for early detection, improved tumor diagnosis and personalization of treatment protocols. ETHICS COMMITTEE APPROVAL NUMBER: 5420 - 0002485/23 from Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Ethics Committee. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrial.gov - NCT05802771.

Association of the Extent of Resection with Survival in Multiple Primary Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of synchronous multiple primary lung cancer (SMPLC) has progressively increased, due to recent advances in imaging. To date, no guidelines defining recommendations for patients' selection and no standard treatment of cases with SMPLC have been defined.The primary aim of this systematic review was to assess survival among patients treated with lobectomy or sublobar resection MPLC. METHODS: Comprehensive literature search of Medline, the Cochrane Library, reference lists, and ongoing studies was performed according to a prospectively registered design (PROSPERO: CRD42019115487). All studies published between 1998 and December 2020 that examined treatments with lobectomy compared to sublobar resection were included. Two double-blind investigators independently selected articles.Primary outcomes were to assess the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate among patients treated with lobectomy or sublobar resection and the impact of lymph node status on 5-year OS and 5-year disease-free survival in patients with MPLC. RESULTS: The search yielded 424 articles; 4 observational studies met the inclusion criteria and collectively evaluated 298 patients with a mean age ranging from 61.5 to 67 years. A total of 112 patients were treated for bilateral synchronous tumors and 186 patients for unilateral multiple synchronous tumors. All included studies showed that the type of resection, lobectomy or limited resection, had no significant impact on survival. CONCLUSION: Limited resection is a valuable treatment option for MPLC. However, the clinical level of evidence of the studies found is low and randomized studies are needed to clarify the extent of resection in MPLC.

Role of Peripheral Blood Markers for Detecting Response and Predicting Prognosis in Patients with Non-small-cell Lung Cancer Undergoing Neoadjuvant Therapy and Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: To date, no validated predictors of response before neoadjuvant therapy (NAD) are currently available in locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, different peripheral blood markers were investigated before NAD (pre-NAD) and after NAD/before surgery (post-NAD) to evaluate their influence on the treatment outcomes. METHODS: Patients affected by locally advanced NSCLC (cT1-T4/N0-2/M0) who underwent NAD followed by surgery from January 1996 to December 2019 were considered for this retrospective analysis. The impact of peripheral blood markers on downstaging post-NAD and on overall survival (OS) was evaluated using multivariate logistic and Cox regression models. Time to event analysis was performed by means of Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Log Rank tests at 5 years from surgery. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-two consecutive patients were included. Most of the patients had Stage III NSCLC (83.5%). N2 disease was reported in 188 (69.1%) patients. Surgical resection was performed in patients with stable disease or downstaging post-NAD. Nodal downstaging was observed in 80% of clinical N2 (cN2) patients. The median follow-up of the total series was 74 months (range 6-302). Five-year OS in the overall population and in N2 population was 74.6% and 73.5%, respectively. The pre-surgery platelets level (PLT) (p = 0.019) and the variation (pre-NAD/post-NAD) of the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.024) were identified as independent prognostic factors of OS. The preoperative PLT value (p value = 0.031) was confirmed as the only predictor of NAD response. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical role of peripheral blood markers in locally advanced NSCLC needs to be further investigated. Based on these preliminary results, these factors may be used as auxiliary markers for the prediction of response to neoadjuvant treatment and as prognostic factors for stratification in multimodal approaches.

COVID-19, adaptative immune response and metabolic-associated liver disease.

Metabolic diseases are associated with a higher risk of a severer coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) course, since fatty liver is commonly associated with metabolic disorders, fatty liver itself is considered as a major contributor to low-grade inflammation in obesity and diabetes. Recently a comprehensive term, metabolic (dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), has been proposed. The hepatic inflammatory status observed in MAFLD patients is amplified in presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Intestinal dysbiosis is a powerful activator of inflammatory mediator production of liver macrophages. The intestinal microbiome plays a key role in MAFLD progression, which results in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis. Therefore, patients with metabolic disorders and COVID-19 can have a worse outcome of COVID-19. This literature review attempts to disentangle the mechanistic link of MAFLD from COVID-19 complexity and to improve knowledge on its pathophysiology.

The personalized medicine discourse: archaeology and genealogy.

Personalized Medicine (PM) is an evolving and often missinterpreted concept and no agreement of personalization exist. We examined the PM discourse towards foucauldian archeological and genealogical analysis to understand the meaning of "personalization" in medicine. In the archaeological analysis, the historical evolution is characterized by the coexistence of two epistemologies: the holistic vision and the omic sciences. The genealogical analysis shows how these epistemologies may affect the meaning of "person" and, consequently, the ontology of patients. Additionally, substitutions/confusions of the term PM are related to continuously evolving medical knowledge and new technologies; different etymological roots of "personalization" and "person"; and cultural differences. In conclusion, if the definition of "personalization" in medicine is not clear, patients might get wrong expectations about what is achievable for their health. Therefore, epistemological trends should not be separated as they drive same goals: providing accurate diagnosis and treatments based on large data to predict disease progression.

Thoracic Hyper-IgG4-Related Disease Mimicking Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.

We report a rare case of a IgG4-related disease presenting with recurrent pleural effusion, pleural thickness and multiple mediastinal lymphadenopathies and no involvement of other extrathoracic organs. A 65-year-old man with a previous asbestos exposure presented with cough and pain discomfort. A large right pleural effusion was detected and evacuated (siero-haematic liquid). With the suspicious of a pleural mesothelioma, a CT-scan before and a 18F-FDG PET/CT-scan later were performed revealing multiple pleural thickenings and multiple mediastinal lymphadenopathies with radiotracer uptake. EBUS-TBNA EBUS-TBNA did not result in a formal pathological diagnosis; thus, multiple pleural biopsy were performed via right thoracoscopy. At pathology the pleura was markedly thickened by a chronic fibroinflammatory process with scattered lymphoid follicles and a large number of mature plasma cells. Immunohistochemistry shows a mixed B (CD20+) and T (CD3+) population of lymphocytes, without light chain restriction and an increased number of IgG4-positive plasma cells. A presumptive diagnosis of IgG4-related disease was formulated. Total body CT-scan excluded other organ involvement. Blood test showed elevated serum IgG4 concentrations (253 mg/dL) and mild elevation of acute-phase reactants (C-reactive protein 10.7 mg/L). Autoimmune profile was negative. A diagnosis of definite IgG4-related disease was made, and treatment with prednisone 50 mg/day was started.

SPRINTT and the involvement of stakeholders: strategy and structure.

The current healthcare systems are built around the traditional paradigm of patients suffering from a single acute illness. They are, therefore, largely unprepared to face the increasing demands for health services arising from the expansion of an older population with specific medical needs related to multiple chronic disorders. As a consequence, the medical conditions of a large and growing segment of the older European population are not efficiently managed by the available healthcare services. In the context of an aging population, policy makers such as the European Commission and European Institutions, such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA), devote time and resources to study and accompany the need of the aging population. The EMA recognizes the importance of making sure that the needs of the Elderly are considered during development, approval, and use of new medicines, and, therefore, engages with healthcare professional organisations. The Sarcopenia and Physical Frailty in Older People: Multicomponent Intervention Strategies (SPRINTT) is the obvious result of these strategies. The present article describes the SPRINTT workpackage activities aimed at engaging the scientific discussion on the physical frailty and sarcopenia with the EMA as one of its interlocutor, acknowledging the need to collaborate on this topic to foster a productive dialogue.

Integrative systems medicine approaches to identify molecular targets in lymphoid malignancies.

Although survival rates for lymphoproliferative disorders are steadily increasing both in the US and in Europe, there is need for optimizing front-line therapies and developing more effective salvage strategies. Recent advances in molecular genetics have highlighted the biological diversity of lymphoproliferative disorders. In particular, integrative approaches including whole genome sequencing, whole exome sequencing, and transcriptome or RNA sequencing have been instrumental to the identification of molecular targets for treatment. Herein, we will discuss how genomic, epigenomic and proteomic approaches in lymphoproliferative disorders have supported the discovery of molecular lesions and their therapeutic targeting in the clinic.

Bronchopulmonary Carcinoids causing Cushing Syndrome: Results from a Multicentric Study Suggesting a More Aggressive Behavior.

OBJECTIVE: Cushing syndrome (CS) caused by bronchopulmonary carcinoids (BCs) is a very rare entity. The aim of this study was to revisit the features of a multicenter clinical series to identify significant prognostic factors. METHODS: From January 2002 to December 2013, the clinical and pathological data of 23 patients (treated in five different institutions) were retrospectively reviewed. Survival analysis was performed to explore the relative weight of potential prognostic factors. RESULTS: Median age and male/female ratio were 48 years and 14/9, respectively. Most (> 80%) of the patients presented with CS-related symptoms at diagnosis. Tumor location was peripheral in 13 patients (57%) and central in 10 (43%). All patients but two (treated with chemotherapy) underwent surgical resection with curative intent. Definitive cyto/histology was indicative of typical carcinoid (TC) in 16 cases (70%) and atypical carcinoid (AC) in 7 cases (30%). A complete remission of CS was obtained in 16 cases (70%). Lymph nodal involvement was detected in 11 cases (48%), with N2 disease occurring in 7 (∼ 30% of all cases). Four patients (22%) experienced a relapse of the disease after radical surgery. Overall 5-year survival (long-term survival, LTS) was 60%, better in TCs when compared with AC (LTS: 66 v s. 48%, p = 0.28). Log-rank analysis identified ECOG performance status, cTNM and cN staging, pTNM and pN staging, persistence of CS and relapses (local p = 0.006; distant p = 0.001) as significant prognostic factors in this cohort of patients. CONCLUSION: BCs causing CS are characterized by a high rate of lymph-nodal involvement, a suboptimal prognosis (5-year survival = 60%, 66% in TCs) and a remarkable risk of relapse even after radical resection. Advanced stage, lymph-nodal involvement and the persisting of the CS after treatment correlate with a poor prognosis.

Soluble Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors (sEGFRs) in Cancer: Biological Aspects and Clinical Relevance.

The identification of molecules that can reliably detect the presence of a tumor or predict its behavior is one of the biggest challenges of research in cancer biology. Biological fluids are intriguing mediums, containing many molecules that express the individual health status and, accordingly, may be useful in establishing the potential risk of cancer, defining differential diagnosis and prognosis, predicting the response to treatment, and monitoring the disease progression. The existence of circulating soluble growth factor receptors (sGFRs) deriving from their membrane counterparts has stimulated the interest of researchers to investigate the use of such molecules as potential cancer biomarkers. But what are the origins of circulating sGFRs? Are they naturally occurring molecules or tumor-derived products? Among these, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a cell-surface molecule significantly involved in cancer development and progression; it can be processed into biological active soluble isoforms (sEGFR). We have carried out an extensive review of the currently available literature on the sEGFRs and their mechanisms of regulation and biological function, with the intent to clarify the role of these molecules in cancer (and other pathological conditions) and, on the basis of the retrieved evidences, speculate about their potential use in the clinical setting.

Smoking cessation intervention within the framework of a lung cancer screening program: preliminary results and clinical perspectives from the "Cosmos-II" Trial.

Data coming from the literature investigating the effectiveness and interaction between smoking cessation (SC) and lung cancer screening (LCScr) are still sparse and inconsistent. Herein, we report the preliminary results from the ongoing lung cancer screening trial ("Cosmos-II") focusing our analysis on the inter-relationship between the SC program and the LCScr.

Experimental Robotic Pulmonary Lobectomy With the TELELAP/ALFX System in the Ovine Model.

A new robotic telesurgical device (TELELAP/ALFX) is used for the first time to execute an anatomical pulmonary resection (lobectomy) plus mediastinal lymph node dissection in the ovine model. This integrated operative system has 2 innovative peculiarities: (a) tactile perception (engineered to give the operator a tactile feedback similar to that experienced when handling thoracoscopy instruments) and (b) eye-tracking (immediate synchronization of the surgeon's eyes movements with that of the robotic camera). Herein, we report a lower right pulmonary lobectomy under complete robotic assistance (TELELAP/ALFX). Standard endoscopic staplers were used in all the major maneuvers (bronchial as well as vascular resections and fissural completion) introduced through a utility 4-cm-sized incision. The specimen was placed in an endoscopic retrieval bag and removed through a service minithoracotomy. With the limitations because of interspecies differences in anatomical landmarks, a mediastinal lymph nodal dissection was also completed. The operative time was acceptable (~180 minutes) with blood loss of 100 mL. In conclusion, according to this first all experimental experience we may deem the TELELAP/ALFX system completely apt to perform major anatomic pulmonary resections and the regulatory process to run trials in humans are under way.

PET/CT assessment of neuroendocrine tumors of the lung with special emphasis on bronchial carcinoids.

Pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) arise from bronchial mucosal cells known as enterochromaffin cells which are part of the diffuse neuroendocrine system. The pathological spectrum of pNETs ranges from low-/intermediate-grade neoplasms such as bronchial carcinoids (BCs), also known as typical or atypical carcinoids, to high-grade neoplasms as large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and small-cell lung cancer. The tumor biology of pNETs still represents a matter of open debate. The distinct features among the different pNETs include not only their pathologic characteristics but also their clinical behavior, epidemiology, treatment, and prognosis. In this sense, a correct pathological identification in the preoperative setting is a key element for planning the best strategy of care in pNETs and especially in BCs. Controversial results have been reported on the diagnostic accuracy of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography or positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F-18-FDG PET or PET/CT) in BCs. On the other hand, there is increasing evidence supporting the use of PET with somatostatin analogues (DOTA-TOC, DOTA-NOC, or DOTA-TATE) labeled with gallium-68 (Ga-68) in pNETs. Herein, we review the pertinent literature aiming to better define the current state of art of PET/CT in the detection and histological differentiation of pNETs with special emphasis on BCs.

EGFR-targeted therapy for non-small cell lung cancer: focus on EGFR oncogenic mutation.

The two essential requirements for pathologic specimens in the era of personalized therapies for non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) are accurate subtyping as adenocarcinoma (ADC) versus squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) and suitability for EGFR molecular testing, as well as for testing of other oncogenes such as EML4-ALK and KRAS. Actually, the value of EGFR expressed in patients with NSCLC in predicting a benefit in terms of survival from treatment with an epidermal growth factor receptor targeted therapy is still in debate, while there is a convincing evidence on the predictive role of the EGFR mutational status with regard to the response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).This is a literature overview on the state-of-the-art of EGFR oncogenic mutation in NSCLC. It is designed to highlight the preclinical rationale driving the molecular footprint assessment, the progressive development of a specific pharmacological treatment and the best method to identify those NSCLC who would most likely benefit from treatment with EGFR-targeted therapy. This is supported by the belief that a rationale for the prioritization of specific regimens based on patient-tailored therapy could be closer than commonly expected.

Bibliometric analysis of literature in cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases rehabilitation: growing numbers, reducing impact factor.

OBJECTIVES: To explore temporal trends, geographic distribution, and socioeconomic determinants of scientific production in the field of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease (CCD) rehabilitation. DATA SOURCES: Citations from 1967 to 2008 were downloaded from the PubMed database. Core of the search strategy was the key word cardiovascular diseases in the Medical Subject Headings major field with the subheading rehabilitation. Journal Citation Reports was used to assign an impact factor (IF). Demographic and economic data were retrieved from the International Monetary Fund. STUDY SELECTION: All articles retrieved were included in the bibliometric analysis. DATA EXTRACTION: The search strategy was validated on a random sample of the articles retrieved. The search quality reflected the level of error of the PubMed database. DATA SYNTHESIS: Publications retrieved were 10,379 and have grown 8.6 times in 40 years, faster than the all-diseases rehabilitation field (7.8 times), with a particularly steep growth for cerebrovascular diseases in the last 15 years (5 times). However, in the last decade, the articles' quality (IF) decreased. From 1994 to 2008, 3466 citations were retrieved; 44.4% came from the European Union and 30.3% from the United States. The highest mean IF was reported for France (4.127). The United Kingdom and some relatively small northern European Union countries had the best ratio of IF (sum) to resident population or to gross domestic product. The most frequently used key word was stroke, and 3 journals (Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Clinical Rehabilitation, and Stroke) published one quarter of the articles. CONCLUSIONS: The overall scientific production in the field of CCD rehabilitation showed a steep growth in the last decade, especially because of cerebrovascular research. In the same period, a decrease in the overall IF was observed. The European Union and the United States contributed 3 of every 4 articles in the field, although some Asian countries showed promising performance.

Eligibility for the 4 Pharmacological Pillars in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction at Discharge.

Background Guidelines recommend using multiple drugs in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction, but there is a paucity of real-world data on the simultaneous initiation of the 4 pharmacological pillars at discharge after a decompensation event. Methods and Results A retrospective data mart, including patients diagnosed with HF, was implemented. Consecutively admitted patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction were selected through an automated approach and categorized according to the number/type of treatments prescribed at discharge. The prevalence of contraindications and cautions for HF with reduced ejection fraction treatments was systematically assessed. Logistic regression models were fitted to assess predictors of the number of treatments (≥2 versus <2 drugs) prescribed and the risk of rehospitalization. A population of 305 patients with a first episode of HF hospitalization and a diagnosis of HF with reduced ejection fraction (ejection fraction, <40%) was selected. At discharge, 49.2% received 2 current recommended drugs, ß-blockers were prescribed in 93.4%, while a renin-angiotensin system inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor was prescribed in 68.2%. A mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist was prescribed in 32.5%, although none of the patients showed contraindications to mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist prescription. A sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor could be prescribed in 71.1% of patients. On the basis of current recommendations, 46.2% could receive the 4 foundational drugs at discharge. Renal dysfunction was associated with <2 foundational drugs prescribed. After adjusting for age and renal function, use of ≥2 drugs was associated with lower risk of rehospitalization during the 30 days after discharge. Conclusions A quadruple therapy could be directly implementable at discharge, potentially providing prognostic advantages. Renal dysfunction was the main prevalent condition limiting this approach.

Heart failure management guided by remote multiparameter monitoring: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several implant-based remote monitoring strategies are currently tested to optimize heart failure (HF) management by anticipating clinical decompensation and preventing hospitalization. Among these solutions, the modern implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices have been equipped with sensors allowing continuous monitoring of multiple preclinical markers of worsening HF, including factors of autonomic adaptation, patient activity, and intrathoracic impedance. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess whether implant-based multiparameter remote monitoring strategy for guided HF management improves clinical outcomes when compared to standard clinical care. METHODS: A systematic literature research for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing multiparameter-guided HF management versus standard of care was performed on PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL databases. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the Poisson regression model with random study effects. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death and HF hospitalization events, whereas secondary endpoints included the individual components of the primary outcome. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis included 6 RCTs, amounting to a total of 4869 patients with an average follow-up time of 18 months. Compared with standard clinical management, the multiparameter-guided strategy reduced the risk of the primary composite outcome (IRR 0.83, 95%CI 0.71-0.99), driven by statistically significant effect on both HF hospitalization events (IRR 0.75, 95%CI 0.61-0.93) and all-cause death (IRR 0.80, 95%CI 0.66-0.96). CONCLUSION: Implant-based multiparameter remote monitoring strategy for guided HF management is associated with significant benefit on clinical outcomes compared to standard clinical care, providing a benefit on both hospitalization events and all-cause death.

KIT 1 (Keep in Touch) Project-Televisits for Cancer Patients during Italian Lockdown for COVID-19 Pandemic: The Real-World Experience of Establishing a Telemedicine System.

To evaluate the adoption of an integrated eHealth platform for televisit/monitoring/consultation during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: During the lockdown imposed by the Italian government during the COVID19 pandemic spread, a dedicated multi-professional working group was set up in the Radiation Oncology Department with the primary aim of reducing patients' exposure to COVID-19 by adopting de-centralized/remote consultation methodologies. Each patient's clinical history was screened before the visit to assess if a traditional clinical visit would be recommended or if a remote evaluation was to be preferred. Real world data (RWD) in the form of patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) and patient reported experiences (PREMs) were collected from patients who underwent televisit/teleconsultation through the eHealth platform. RESULTS: During the lockdown period (from 8 March to 4 May 2020) a total of 1956 visits were managed. A total of 983 (50.26%) of these visits were performed via email (to apply for and to upload of documents) and phone call management; 31 visits (1.58%) were performed using the eHealth system. Substantially, all patients found the eHealth platform useful and user-friendly, consistently indicating that this type of service would also be useful after the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: The rapid implementation of an eHealth system was feasible and well-accepted by the patients during the pandemic. However, we believe that further evidence is to be generated to further support large-scale adoption.