Prevention of recurrent thrombotic events in children with central venous catheter-associated venous thrombosis.

Central venous catheters (CVC) are the most significant risk factor for pediatric venous thromboembolism (VTE). After an index CVC-associated VTE (CVC-VTE), the role of secondary prophylaxis for subsequent CVC placement is uncertain. Aims of this single-center retrospective study were to evaluate the efficacy of secondary prophylaxis for patients with a prior CVC-VTE and identify risk factors associated with recurrent VTE in patients less than 19 years with an index CVC-VTE between 2003 and 2013. Data collection included clinical and demographic factors, subsequent CVC placement, secondary prophylaxis strategy, recurrent VTE, and bleeding. Risk factors for recurrence and effectiveness of secondary prophylaxis were evaluated using survival and binomial models. Among 373 patients with an index CVC-VTE, 239 (64.1%) had subsequent CVC placement; 17.4% (65/373) of patients had recurrent VTE, of which 90.8% (59/65) were CVC-associated. On multivariable survival analysis, each additional CVC (hazards ratio [HR] 12.00; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.78-51.91), congenital heart disease (HR 3.70; 95% CI 1.97-6.95), and total parenteral nutrition dependence (HR 4.02; 95% CI 2.23-7.28) were associated with an increased hazard of recurrence. Full dose anticoagulation for secondary prophylaxis was associated with decreased odds of recurrent CVC-VTE (odds ratio [OR] 0.35; 95% CI 0.19-0.65) but not prophylactic dosing (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.28-1.30). Only 1.3% of CVCs experienced major bleeding with prophylactic or full-dose anticoagulation. In summary, children with CVC-VTE are at increased risk for recurrent VTE. Secondary prophylaxis with full-dose anticoagulation was associated with a 65% reduction in odds of thrombotic events.

Sentinel lymph node mapping with indocyanine green using SPY-PHI in open radical hysterectomy or trachelectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the detection rate of at least one sentinel lymph node (SLN) in patients with early cervical cancer who underwent open radical hysterectomy or trachelectomy using indocyanine green (ICG) with the SPY Portable Handler Imager (SPY-PHI) system. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with cervical cancer FIGO 2018 stage IA1 with lymphovascular invasion up to stage IIIC1p who underwent SLN mapping and open radical hysterectomy or trachelectomy from March 2018 through August 2022 at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. ICG was the only tracer used with the SPY-PHI system. Patient demographics, surgical approach, and tumor factors were analyzed. Overall detection, bilateral detection, and empty lymph node packet rates were determined. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients were included. Ninety-four (88.7%) patients underwent open radical hysterectomy and 12 (11.3%) open radical trachelectomy. Median age was 40 years (range, 23-71). Median body mass index was 28.8 kg/m2 (range, 17.6-48.4). The most common FIGO 2018 stages were IB1 (35%) and IB2 (30%). The most common histologic subtypes were squamous cell carcinoma (45%) and adenocarcinoma (45%). Most patients had grade 2 disease (61%) and no lymphovascular invasion (58%). Median tumor size was 1.8 cm (range, 0.3-4). Median number of detected SLN was 4 (range, 0-12). An SLN was identified during surgery in 104 patients (98%), with bilateral mapping in 94 (89%) and unilateral mapping in 10 (9%). The empty lymph node packet rate was 4 (3.8%). The external iliac (73%) was the most common site of SLN detection. Fourteen patients had positive lymph nodes (13.5%); 3 (21.4%) had macrometastases, 9 (64.3%) had micrometastases, and 2 (14.3%) had isolated tumor cells. CONCLUSION: SLN mapping using ICG with the SPY-PHI system in open radical hysterectomy or trachelectomy is reliable and results in high overall and bilateral detection rates in patients with early cervical cancer.

Predicting vaginal birth after caesarean section: Validation of the Grobman model in a New Zealand population.

BACKGROUND: The decision regarding mode of birth following a primary caesarean section is important. Women may choose an elective repeat caesarean section or a trial of labour in an attempt to achieve a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC). The highest morbidity and mortality is associated with those who have an emergency caesarean section following a trial of labour. Therefore, the ability to accurately predict successful VBAC is important in antenatal counselling. AIMS: To test the validity of the Grobman prediction nomogram in a New Zealand (NZ) population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed of women carrying a singleton, cephalic pregnancy at term and who had one previous lower segment caesarean section in Northland, NZ. The probabilities of successful VBAC were calculated using the variables in the Grobman model and compared with observed VBAC rates using a calibration curve. The predictive ability of the model was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: Of the 421 eligible women, 354 elected to undergo a trial of labour, of whom 69.5% had a successful VBAC. The AUC for the Grobman model was 0.72 (95% CI 0.67-0.78) with predicted and actual outcomes being similar when predicted success was over 50%. The predictive ability of the model appeared more accurate for Maori and Pacifika women compared to the NZ European population. CONCLUSIONS: The Grobman model predicts successful VBAC reasonably well in a NZ population and can be used as an antenatal counselling aid.

Lessons learnt from easing COVID-19 restrictions: an analysis of countries and regions in Asia Pacific and Europe.

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented global crisis. Many countries have implemented restrictions on population movement to slow the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and prevent health systems from becoming overwhelmed; some have instituted full or partial lockdowns. However, lockdowns and other extreme restrictions cannot be sustained for the long term in the hope that there will be an effective vaccine or treatment for COVID-19. Governments worldwide now face the common challenge of easing lockdowns and restrictions while balancing various health, social, and economic concerns. To facilitate cross-country learning, this Health Policy paper uses an adapted framework to examine the approaches taken by nine high-income countries and regions that have started to ease COVID-19 restrictions: five in the Asia Pacific region (ie, Hong Kong [Special Administrative Region], Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea) and four in Europe (ie, Germany, Norway, Spain, and the UK). This comparative analysis presents important lessons to be learnt from the experiences of these countries and regions. Although the future of the virus is unknown at present, countries should continue to share their experiences, shield populations who are at risk, and suppress transmission to save lives.

Preoperative Neutrophil and Lymphocyte Ratio as a Predictor of Mortality and Morbidity After Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory markers, such as neutrophils and lymphocytes, for risk stratification of postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease may provide benefit for patient selection for cardiac surgery. This study aimed to investigate the association between preoperative neutrophil to leucocyte ratio (NLR) after cardiac surgery. METHODS: A retrospective study from September 2014 to November 2017 undergoing cardiac surgery at Waikato Hospital was conducted. Preoperative haematological profiles, patient factors and primary and secondary endpoints were obtained. The primary endpoint was 30-day new postoperative atrial fibrillation requiring treatment, new neurological insult, readmission within 30 days and 30-day mortality. The secondary endpoint was long-term all cause mortality. RESULTS: Of the 1,694 patients included in the study, 21% (356/1,694) of patients had new atrial fibrillation (AF), 3.0% (51/1,694) strokes, 10.6% (180/1,694) readmissions and 2.8% (47/1,694) deaths within 30 days were observed. Receiver operator curve (ROC) returned a cut-off value of NLR equal to or greater than 3.23 (high NLR) to be associated with greatest mortality. Subsequently, a high NLR was compared to the endpoints. High NLR was associated with higher postoperative (p<0.001) and discharge creatinine, longer ICU stay (p=0.012), prolonged intubation and ventilation (p<0.001), new neurological status (p=0.002) and increased risk of returning to theatre (p=0.009). After logistic regression, high NLR was associated with increased mortality (OR 3.36, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The interpretation and utilisation of readily available haematological markers can provide further risk stratification data to the surgeon when considering the postoperative cardiac surgery risks.