Racial/ethnic and socioeconomic differences in breast cancer surgery performed and delayed treatment: mediating impact on mortality.

OBJECTIVE: Although Socioeconomic status (SES), race/ethnicity, surgical type, and treatment delays are associated with breast cancer mortality outcomes, studies on these associations have been contrasting. This study examined the racial/ethnic and SES differences in surgical treatment types and treatment delays. Also, we quantified the extent to which these differences explained the racial/ethnic disparities in breast cancer mortality. METHODS: We studied 290,066 women 40 + years old diagnosed with breast cancer between 2010 and 2017 identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. We performed logistic regression models to examine the association of SES and race/ethnicity with surgical treatment type and treatment delays. We performed mediation analysis models to quantify the extent to which mortality differences were mediated by treatment, sociodemographic, and clinicopathologic factors. RESULTS: Non-Hispanic (NH) Black [Odds ratio (OR) = 1.16, 95% CI 1.13-1.19] and Hispanic women [OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.24-1.31] were significantly more likely to undergo mastectomy compared to NH White women. Similarly, NH Black and Hispanic women had higher odds of delayed treatment than NH Whites. Patients in the highest SES quintile, compared to those in lowest the lowest, were less likely to experience breast cancer-specific mortality (BCSM). Variations in treatment, SES, and clinicopathological factors significantly explained 70% of the excess BCSM among NH Blacks compared to their NH White counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Bridging the gap of access to adequate healthcare services for all to diminish the disproportionate burden of breast cancer would require a multifactorial approach that addresses several biological and social factors that cause these differences.

Health Maintenance and Preventative Care in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review of the Overall Quality of Societal Recommendations.

BACKGROUND AIMS: Preventative care plays an important role in maintaining health in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to assess the overall quality, strength, and transparency of conflicts among guidelines on preventative care in IBD. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in multiple databases to identify all guidelines pertaining to preventative care in IBD in April 2021. All guidelines were reviewed for the transparency of conflicts of interest and funding, recommendation quality and strength, external guideline review, patient voice inclusion, and plan for update-as per Institute of Medicine standards. In addition, recommendations and their quality were compared between societies. RESULTS: Fifteen distinct societies and a total of 89 recommendations were included. Not all guidelines provided recommendations on the key aspects of preventative care in IBD-such as vaccinations, cancer prevention, stress reduction, and diet/exercise. Sixty-seven percent of guidelines reported on conflicts of interest, 20% underwent external review, and 27% included patient representation. In all, 6.7%, 21.3%, and 71.9% of recommendations were based on high, moderate, and low-quality evidence, respectively. Twenty-seven percent, 23.6%, and 49.4% of recommendations were strong, weak/conditional, and did not provide a strength, respectively. The proportion of high-quality evidence ( P =0.28) and strong recommendations ( P =0.41) did not significantly differ across societies. CONCLUSIONS: Many guidelines do not provide recommendations on key aspects of preventative care in IBD. As over 70% of recommendations are based on low-quality evidence, further studies on preventative care in IBD are warranted to improve the overall quality of evidence.

The overall quality of evidence of recommendations surrounding nutrition and diet in inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Recently, there has been an increased focus on the role nutrition and diet play in maintaining health in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to assess the overall quality, strength, and transparency of conflicts among guidelines on nutrition/diet in IBD. METHODS: A systematic search was performed on multiple databases from inception until January 1, 2021, to identify guidelines pertaining to nutrition or diet in IBD. All guidelines were reviewed for disclosure of conflicts of interest (COI) and funding, recommendation quality and strength, external document review, patient representation, and plans for update-as per Institute of Medicine (IOM) standards. In addition, recommendations and their quality were compared between guidelines/societies.​ RESULTS: Seventeen distinct societies and a total of 228 recommendations were included. Not all guidelines provided recommendations on key aspects of diet-such as the role of supplements or the appropriate micro/macro nutrition in IBD. Fifty-nine percent of guidelines reported on COI, 24% underwent external review, and 41% included patient representation. 18.4%, 25.9%, and 55.7% of recommendations were based on high-, moderate-, and low-quality evidence, respectively. 10.5%, 24.6%, and 64.9% of recommendations were strong, weak/conditional, and did not provide a strength, respectively. The proportion of high-quality evidence (p = 0.12) and strong recommendations (p = 0.83) did not significantly differ across societies. CONCLUSIONS: Many guidelines do not provide recommendations on key aspects of diet/nutrition in IBD. As over 50% of recommendations are based on low-quality evidence, further studies on nutrition/diet in IBD are warranted to improve the overall quality of evidence.

A Case of Diltiazem-Induced Pustular Rash in an 83-Year-Old Female.

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare, acute skin eruption characterized by the development of numerous nonfollicular sterile pustules. Most cases are caused by drug reactions, among which Diltiazem has been incriminated. Herein, we present an 83-year-old female who presented for evaluation of generalized skin rash 3 days after initiation of Diltiazem. She was eventually diagnosed with AGEP, Diltiazem was discontinued, and systemic steroids were administered with the resolution of symptoms. This case report has the objective of encouraging clinicians to include AGEP in the differential diagnosis of skin eruption following the initiation of Diltiazem.

Outcomes of Patients with Heavily Pretreated Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma Receiving Salvage Cytotoxic Therapy with Supportive Stem Cell Boost.

BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematologic malignancy characterized by the neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells, which produce monoclonal immunoglobulin that can cause vital organ damage, subsequently leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (ASCT) is the standard-of-care management of eligible patients with newly diagnosed MM. Experts recommend collecting enough stem cells upfront to support a possible tandem transplant, salvage ASCT, or a stem cell "boost" to allow for the administration of multiagent cytotoxic chemotherapy in patients with relapsed/refractory disease. OBJECTIVE: There is currently a paucity of data on the response rates and outcomes of patients with relapsed MM who undergo cytotoxic chemotherapy followed by a stem cell boost; this study examines the outcomes of patients treated with this approach. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review from two oncologic treatment centers in the United States of adult patients who underwent a first ASCT between 1999 and 2021 and subsequently received cytotoxic chemotherapy followed by stem cell boost further on in their disease course. Survival analysis was carried out using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the log-rank test was used to compare survival curves. RESULTS: We found that the majority (56.6%) of these patients responded to therapy and that 60.6% of these patients were able to receive at least one subsequent line of therapy post-boost. Furthermore, patients who responded to therapy had significantly longer median overall survival compared to those who did not respond (323 days vs 93 days, p=0.0045), and age did not affect response to therapy. CONCLUSION: This data allow clinicians to appropriately implement and inform patients of the therapeutic uses and clinical outcomes of stem cell boost in patients with multiply relapsed/refractory MM.

Innovation in pathogenesis and management of aortic aneurysm.

Aortic aneurysm (AA) refers to the persistent dilatation of the aorta, exceeding three centimeters. Investigating the pathophysiology of this condition is important for its prevention and management, given its responsibility for more than 25000 deaths in the United States. AAs are classified based on their location or morphology. various pathophysiologic pathways including inflammation, the immune system and atherosclerosis have been implicated in its development. Inflammatory markers such as transforming growth factor ß, interleukin-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and many more may contribute to this phenomenon. Several genetic disorders such as Marfan syndrome, Ehler-Danlos syndrome and Loeys-Dietz syndrome have also been associated with this disease. Recent years has seen the investigation of novel management of AA, exploring the implication of different immune suppressors, the role of radiation in shrinkage and prevention, as well as minimally invasive and newly hypothesized surgical methods. In this narrative review, we aim to present the new contributing factors involved in pathophysiology of AA. We also highlighted the novel management methods that have demonstrated promising benefits in clinical outcomes of the AA.

A Rare Case of Right Atrial Thrombus in a Patient With Recurrent Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Patients with cancer are at risk for thrombotic complications due to a hypercoagulable state. However, the benefit of prophylactic anticoagulation is unclear in many subsets of these patients. For the first episode of acute thromboembolic disease (VTE) in patients with active cancer, anticoagulant therapy is administered for at least three to six months. Herein, we present a 31-year-old female with active, recurrent stage IIIa classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) (nodular sclerosis), previously treated for proximal upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT), presenting for evaluation of shortness of breath and eventually diagnosed with bilateral pulmonary embolism (PE) secondary to a right atrial thrombus. The patient was successfully treated with surgical resection of the thrombus. With this case report, we hope to encourage physicians to use prophylactic indefinite anticoagulation in patients with active cancer and previous DVT, including patients with upper extremity DVT.

Using Targeted Transcriptome and Machine Learning of Pre- and Post-Transplant Bone Marrow Samples to Predict Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease and Overall Survival after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We performed RNA analysis of 1408 candidate genes in bone marrow samples obtained from 167 patients undergoing HSCT. RNA expression data were used in a machine learning algorithm to predict the presence or absence of aGvHD using either random forest or extreme gradient boosting algorithms. Patients were randomly divided into training (2/3 of patients) and validation (1/3 of patients) sets. Using post-HSCT RNA data, the machine learning algorithm selected 92 genes for predicting aGvHD that appear to play a role in PI3/AKT, MAPK, and FOXO signaling, as well as microRNA. The algorithm selected 20 genes for predicting survival included genes involved in MAPK and chemokine signaling. Using pre-HSCT RNA data, the machine learning algorithm selected 400 genes and 700 genes predicting aGvHD and overall survival, but candidate signaling pathways could not be specified in this analysis. These data show that NGS analyses of RNA expression using machine learning algorithms may be useful biomarkers of aGvHD and overall survival for patients undergoing HSCT, allowing for the identification of major signaling pathways associated with HSCT outcomes and helping to dissect the complex steps involved in the development of aGvHD. The analysis of pre-HSCT bone marrow samples may lead to pre-HSCT interventions including choice of remission induction regimens and modifications in patient health before HSCT.

Factors Affecting Survival Outcomes in Neuroendocrine Tumor of the Appendix over the Past Two Decades.

BACKGROUND: Appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) rank as the third most frequent neoplasm affecting the appendix, originating from enterochromaffin cells. This study aims to evaluate the influence of various prognostic factors on the mortality rates of patients diagnosed with NETs of the appendix. METHODS: Conducted retrospectively, the study involved 3346 patients, utilizing data sourced from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Our analysis centered on investigating demographic characteristics, clinical features, overall mortality (OM), and cancer-specific mortality (CSM) among the cohort. Variables showing a p-value < 0.1 in the univariate Cox regression were incorporated into the multivariate Cox regression analysis. A Hazard Ratio (HR) > 1 indicated an unfavorable prognosis. RESULTS: In the multivariate analysis, higher OM and CSM were observed in males, older age groups, tumors with distant metastasis, poorly differentiated tumors, and those who underwent chemotherapy. Non-Hispanic Black individuals showed elevated mortality rates. CONCLUSION: Delayed diagnosis may contribute to the increased mortality in this community. Improved access to healthcare and treatment is crucial for addressing these disparities. Larger prospective studies are needed to pinpoint the underlying causes of elevated mortality in non-Hispanic Black populations, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are warranted to evaluate therapies for advanced-stage appendix NETs.

Characteristics and distinct prognostic determinants of individuals with hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma over the past two decades.

BACKGROUND: Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL) is a rare and aggressive peripheral T-cell lymphoma with historically dismal outcomes, representing less than one percent of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Given its rarity, the true incidence of HSTCL is unknown and most data have been extrapolated through case reports. To the best of our knowledge, the largest and most up to date study addressing the epidemiology and outcomes of patients with HSTCL in the United States covered a period from 1996 to 2014, with a sample size of 122 patients. AIM: To paint the most updated epidemiological picture of HSTCL. METHODS: A total of 186 patients diagnosed with HSTCL, between 2000 and 2017, were ultimately enrolled in our study by retrieving data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. We analyzed demographics, clinical characteristics, and overall mortality (OM) as well as cancer-specific mortality (CSM) of HSTCL. Variables with a P value < 0.01 in the univariate Cox regression were incorporated into the multivariate Cox model to determine the independent prognostic factors, with a hazard ratio of greater than 1 representing adverse prognostic factors. RESULTS: Male gender was the most represented. HSTCL was most common in middle-aged patients (40-59) and less common in the elderly (80+). Non-Hispanic whites (60.75%) and non-Hispanic blacks (20.97%) were the most represented racial groups. Univariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis of factors influencing all-cause mortality showed a higher OM among non-Hispanic black patients. CSM was also higher among non-Hispanic blacks and patients with distant metastasis. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis of factors affecting CSM revealed higher mortality in patients aged 80 or older and non-Hispanic blacks. CONCLUSION: Overall, the outlook for this rare malignancy is very grim. In this retrospective cohort study of the United States population, non-Hispanic blacks and the elderly had a higher CSM. This data highlights the need for larger prospective studies to investigate factors associated with worse prognosis in one ethnic group, such as treatment delays, which have been shown to increase mortality in this racial/ethnic group for other cancers.

Jackfruit Anaphylaxis Due to Cross Reactivity with Latex.

Growing evidence has demonstrated that many common plant foods such as mangos, kiwis and jackfruit lead to cross reactivity with the latex antigen in latex allergic patients. Here, we discuss the case of a 68 year old female of Bangladeshi descent who developed shortness of breath in the setting of anaphylaxis following the ingestion of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus). The patient had a history of latex allergy described as mild rash along with seasonal allergies causing mild rhinorrhea, congestion and sneezing. Given the strong cultural significance of jackfruit consumption in Asian countries and growing popularity in the use of jackfruit as a superfood meat alternative in Western nations, along with growing Asian population, there is a need for extensive education on the cross reactivity between plant foods and latex to prevent deadly cross-reactivity induced anaphylaxis. With this case report, we hope to raise awareness of this rare, yet morbid association.

Racial and ethnic differences in colon cancer surgery type performed and delayed treatment among people 45 years old and older in the USA between 2007 and 2017: Mediating effect on survival.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the associations of socioeconomic status (SES), race/ethnicity, surgery type, and treatment delays with mortality among colon cancer patients. In addition, the study also quantifies the extent to which clinical and SES factors' variations explain the racial/ethnic differences in overall survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 111,789 adult patients ≥45 years old who were diagnosed with colon cancer between 2010 and 2017, identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We performed logistic regression models to examine the association of SES and race/ethnicity with surgery type and first course of treatment delays. We also performed mediation analysis to quantify the extent to which treatment, sociodemographic and clinicopathologic factors mediated racial/ethnic differences in survival. RESULTS: Non-Hispanic (NH) Blacks [adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 1.19, 95% CI:1.13-1.25] were significantly more likely to undergo subtotal colectomy and to experience treatment delays [aOR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.31-1.48] compared to NH Whites. Hispanics [aOR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.49-1.69] were more likely to experience treatment delays than NH Whites. Delayed first course of treatment explained 23.56% and 56.73% of the lower survival among NH Blacks and Hispanics, respectively, compared to their NH White counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Race/ethnicity is significantly associated with the surgery type performed and the first course of treatment delays. Variations in treatment, SES, and clinicopathological factors significantly explained racial disparities in overall mortality. These disparities highlight the need for multidisciplinary interventions to address the treatment and social factors perpetuating racial disparities in colon cancer mortality.

Complicated Traumatic Pneumothorax Requiring VATS With Lobectomy and Pleurodesis Arising Following SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Recovery.

A case is presented in which COVID-19 pneumonia led a young male patient to develop a pneumothorax requiring lobectomy and pleurodesis after the resolution of COVID-19 pneumonia. The literature review showed a few similar cases with clear evidence suggesting that prior COVID-19 infection may be considered a risk factor for pneumothorax. It is crucial for clinicians to take such risk factors into consideration for better clinical outcomes.

Impact of gut microbiome in the development and treatment of pancreatic cancer: Newer insights.

The gut microbiome plays an important role in the variation of pharmacologic response. This aspect is especially important in the era of precision medicine, where understanding how and to what extent the gut microbiome interacts with drugs and their actions will be key to individualizing therapy. The impact of the composition of the gut microbiome on the efficacy of newer cancer therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell treatment has become an active area of research. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) has a poor prognosis even in those with potentially resectable disease, and treatment options are very limited. Newer studies have concluded that there is a synergistic effect for immunotherapy in combination with cytotoxic drugs, in the treatment of PAC. A variety of commensal microbiota can affect the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy and immunotherapy by modulating the tumor microenvironment in the treatment of PAC. This review will provide newer insights on the impact that alterations made in the gut microbial system have in the development and treatment of PAC.

Impact of sex and comorbid diabetes on hospitalization outcomes in acute pancreatitis: A large United States population-based study.

Backgrounds: Data on the association between comorbid diabetes mellitus (DM) and acute pancreatitis (AP) remains limited. Utilizing a large, nationwide database, we aimed to examine the impact of comorbid diabetes mellitus on patients admitted for acute pancreatitis. Methods: This was a retrospective case-control study of adult patients with AP utilizing the National Inpatient Sample from 2015-2018, using ICD-10 codes. Hospitalization outcomes of patients admitted for AP with comorbid DM were compared to those without comorbid DM at the time of admission. The primary outcome was a mortality difference between the cohorts. Multivariable-adjusted cox proportional hazards model analysis was performed. Data was analyzed as both sex aggregated, and sex segregated. Results: 940,789 adult patients with AP were included, of which 256,330 (27.3%) had comorbid DM. Comorbid DM was associated with a 31% increased risk of inpatient mortality (aOR: 1.31; p = 0.004), a 53% increased risk of developing sepsis (aOR: 1.53; p = 0.002), increased hospital length of stay (LOS) (4.5 days vs. 3.7 days; p < 0.001), and hospital costs ($9934 vs. $8486; p < 0.001). Whites admitted for AP with comorbid DM were at a 49% increased risk of mortality as compared to Hispanics (aOR: 1.49; p < 0.0001). Different comorbidities had sex-specific risks; men admitted for AP with comorbid DM were at a 28% increased risk of mortality (aOR: 1.28; p < 0.0001) as compared to women. Men with comorbid DM plus obesity or hypertension were also at increased risk of mortality as compared to women, whereas women with comorbid DM plus renal failure were at greater risk of mortality as compared to men. Conclusions: Comorbid DM appears to be a risk factor for adverse hospitalization outcomes in patients admitted for AP with male sex and race as additional risk factors. Future prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings to better risk stratify this patient population.

Relationships of hospitalization outcomes and timing to endoscopy in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: A nationwide analysis.

BACKGROUND: The optimal timing of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and the impact of clinico-demographic factors on hospitalization outcomes in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) remains an area of active research. AIM: To identify independent predictors of outcomes in patients with NVUGIB, with a particular focus on EGD timing, anticoagulation (AC) status, and demographic features. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of adult patients with NVUGIB from 2009 to 2014 was performed using validated ICD-9 codes from the National Inpatient Sample database. Patients were stratified by EGD timing relative to hospital admission (≤ 24 h, 24-48 h, 48-72 h, and > 72 h) and then by AC status (yes/no). The primary outcome was all-cause inpatient mortality. Secondary outcomes included healthcare usage. RESULTS: Of the 1082516 patients admitted for NVUGIB, 553186 (51.1%) underwent EGD. The mean time to EGD was 52.8 h. Early (< 24 h from admission) EGD was associated with significantly decreased mortality, less frequent intensive care unit admission, shorter length of hospital stays, lower hospital costs, and an increased likelihood of discharge to home (all with P < 0.001). AC status was not associated with mortality among patients who underwent early EGD (aOR 0.88, P = 0.193). Male sex (OR 1.30) and Hispanic (OR 1.10) or Asian (aOR 1.38) race were also independent predictors of adverse hospitalization outcomes in NVUGIB. CONCLUSION: Based on this large, nationwide study, early EGD in NVUGIB is associated with lower mortality and decreased healthcare usage, irrespective of AC status. These findings may help guide clinical management and would benefit from prospective validation.

WITHDRAWN: Non-Anti-TNF Biologics as Salvage Therapy for Refractory Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis, A Systematic Review

Since the authors are not responding to the editor's requests to fulfill the editorial requirement, therefore, the article has been withdrawn.Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may have caused.The Bentham Editorial Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://benthamscience.com/editorial-policies-main.php BENTHAM SCIENCE DISCLAIMER: It is a condition of publication that manuscripts submitted to this journal have not been published and will not be simultaneously submitted or published elsewhere. Furthermore, any data, illustration, structure or table that has been published elsewhere must be reported, and copyright permission for reproduction must be obtained. Plagiarism is strictly forbidden, and by submitting the article for publication the authors agree that the publishers have the legal right to take appropriate action against the authors, if plagiarism or fabricated information is discovered. By submitting a manuscript, the authors agree that the copyright of their article is transferred to the publishers if and when the article is accepted for publication.

Proportion of thyroid cancer and other cancers in the democratic republic of Congo.

BACKGROUND: Cancer diagnosis is increasing around the world and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The proportion of thyroid cancer has increased over the past three decades. There are very few studies on cancer epidemiology, and in particular on thyroid cancer in the DRC. AIM: To establish the most recent proportion of thyroid cancer in the DRC compared to other cancers. METHODS: This is a retrospective and descriptive study of 6106 consecutive cancer cases listed in the pathological registers of 4 Laboratories in the city of Kinshasa. This study included all cancer cases recorded in the registers between 2005 and 2019. RESULTS: From a sample of 6106 patients, including all cancer types, 68.3% cases were female and 31.7% were male. Breast and cervical cancer were the most common types of cancer in women and, prostate and skin cancer were the most common types in men. Thyroid cancer was sixth in proportion in women and eleventh in men compared to all cancers. Papillary carcinoma was the most common of thyroid cancers. Rare cancers such as anaplastic and medullary thyroid carcinomas had a proportion of 7% and 2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Newer diagnostic tools led to a surge in cancer diagnoses in the DRC. Thyroid cancer has more than doubled its proportion over the last several decades in the country.

The role and timing of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in acute biliary pancreatitis without cholangitis: A nationwide analysis.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The role and optimal timing of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in acute biliary pancreatitis without cholangitis (ABPwoC) remains unclear. Using a large national database, we aimed to examine hospitalization outcomes of patients with ABPwoC as a function of the performance and timing of ERCP. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of adult patients with ABPwoC utilizing the National Inpatient Sample from 2016-2017. Patients who underwent inpatient ERCP were stratified into performance: within 24, 24-48, 48-72, and >72 h of hospital admission. The primary outcome was all-cause inpatient mortality as a function of the performance and timing of ERCP; secondary outcomes, including healthcare utilization, were assessed. Multivariate modeling was used to adjust for potential confounders. Statistical analyses were conducted using STATA, version 16.0. RESULTS: Of the 70 030 patients with ABPwoC, 31.37% underwent inpatient ERCP. Performance (aOR: 0.6, p < .05), but not timing (aOR: 0.98, p = .9), of inpatient ERCP was associated with significantly lower all-cause inpatient mortality. Urgent ERCP (within 24 h) was associated with shorter hospital length of stay, lower charges and cost, and less need for pancreatic drainage procedures, while ERCP within 72 h was associated with less frequent intensive care unit admission (all p < .05). DISCUSSION: Based on this large, nationwide analysis, inpatient ERCP for ABPwoC is associated with lower all-cause mortality. ERCP within 24 and 72 h, though not associated with lower mortality, are associated with multiple improved clinical outcomes, including lower healthcare charges and costs.

Interaction between age and gender on survival outcomes in extramedullary multiple myeloma over the past two decades.

BACKGROUND: Extramedullary multiple myeloma (MM) (EMM) is a rare and aggressive subentity of MM that can be present at diagnosis or develop anytime during the disease course. There is a paucity of data on the clinical characteristics and overall epidemiology of EMM. Furthermore, there is a scarcity of data on how the interaction of age and gender influences the survival of EMM. AIM: To evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with EMM over the past 2 decades and to identify epidemiologic characteristics that may impact overall prognosis. METHODS: A total of 858 patients diagnosed with EMM, between 2000 and 2017, were ultimately enrolled in our study by retrieving the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. We analyzed demographics, clinical characteristics, and overall mortality (OM) as well as cancer-specific mortality (CSM) of EMM. Variables with a P value < 0.1 in the univariate Cox regression were incorporated into the multivariate Cox model to determine the independent prognostic factors, with a hazard ratio (HR) of greater than 1 representing adverse prognostic factors. RESULTS: From a sample of 858 EMM, the male gender (63.25%), age range 60-79 years (51.05%), and non-Hispanic whites (66.78%) were the most represented. Central Nervous System and the vertebral column was the most affected site (33.10%). Crude analysis revealed higher OM in the age group 80+ [HR = 6.951, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 3.299-14.647, P = 0], Non-Hispanic Black population (HR = 1.339, 95%CI: 1.02-1.759, P = 0.036), Bones not otherwise specified (NOS) (HR = 1.74, 95%CI: 1.043-2.902, P = 0.034), and widowed individuals (HR = 2.107, 95%CI: 1.511-2.938, P = 0). Skin involvement (HR = 0.241, 95%CI: 0.06-0.974, P = 0.046) and a yearly income of $75000+ (HR = 0.259, 95%CI: 0.125-0.538, P = 0) had the lowest OM in the crude analysis. Crude analysis revealed higher CSM in the age group 80+, Non-Hispanic Black, Bones NOS, and widowed. Multivariate cox proportional hazard regression analyses only revealed higher OM in the age group 80+ (HR = 9.792, 95%CI: 4.403-21.774, P = 0) and widowed individuals (HR = 1.609, 95%CI: 1.101-2.35, P = 0.014). Multivariate cox proportional hazard regression analyses of CSM also revealed higher mortality of the same groups. Eyes, mouth, and ENT involvement had the lowest CSM in the multivariate analysis. There was no interaction between age and gender in the adjusted analysis for OM and CSM. CONCLUSION: EMM is a rare entity. To our knowledge, there is a scarcity of data on the clinical characteristics and prognosis factors of patients with extramedullary multiple myeloma. In this retrospective cohort, using a United States-based population, we found that age, marital status, and tumor site were independent prognostic factors. Furthermore, we found that age and gender did not interact to influence the mortality of patients with EMM.