Relationship of the pulmonary disease severity scoring with thromboembolic complications in COVID-19.

PURPOSE: To correlate thromboembolic (TE) complications secondary to COVID-19 with the extent of the pulmonary parenchymal disease using CT severity scores and other comorbidities. METHODS: In total, 185 patients with COVID-19 and suspected thromboembolic complications were classified into two groups based on the presence or absence of thromboembolic complications. Thromboembolic complications were categorized based on location. Chest CT severity scoring system was used to assess the pulmonary parenchymal disease severity in all patients. Based into severity scores, patients were categorized into three groups (mild, moderate, and sever disease). RESULTS: The final study cohort consisted of 171 patients (99 male and 72 female) after excluding 14 patients with non-diagnostic CT pulmonary angiography. The TE group included 53 patients with a mean age of 55.1 ± 7.1, while the non-TE group included 118 patients with a mean age of 52.9 ± 10.8. Patients with BMI > 30 kg/m2 or having a history of smoking and HTN were found more frequently in the TE group (p < 0.05). Patients admitted to ICU were significantly higher in the TE group (p < 0.001). There was statistically significant difference (p = 0.002) in chest CT-SS between the TE group (22.8 ± 11.4) and non-TE group (17.6 ± 10.7). The percentage of severe parenchymal disease in the TE group was significantly higher compared to the non-TE group (p < 0.05). Severe parenchymal disease, BMI > 30 kg/m2, smoking, and HTN had a higher and more significant odds ratio for developing TE complications. CONCLUSION: The present data suggest that severe pulmonary parenchymal disease secondary to COVID-19 is associated with a higher incidence of thromboembolic complications.

Bleeding risk of transbronchial cryobiopsy compared to transbronchial forceps biopsy in interstitial lung disease - a prospective, randomized, multicentre cross-over trial.

BACKGROUND: Bronchoscopic cryobiopsy is a new method of bronchoscopic tissue sampling in interstitial lung disease. In case of transbronchial biopsies, the resultant tissue samples are of high quality, and the lung parenchyma seen in the samples is adequate for a histological diagnosis in most cases. Bleeding after transbronchial biopsy is the most important procedure- associated complication and may be life threatening. This study addresses the risk of bleeding of transbronchial cryobiopsy. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, controlled multicentre study 359 patients with interstitial lung disease requiring diagnostic bronchoscopic tissue sampling were included. Both conventional transbronchial forceps biopsy and transbronchial cryobiopsy were undertaken in each patient. The sequence of the procedures was randomized. Bleeding severity was evaluated semi-quantitatively as "no bleeding", "mild" (suction alone), "moderate" (additional intervention) or "severe" (prolonged monitoring necessary or fatal outcome), for each intervention. RESULTS: In 359 patients atotal of 1160 cryobiopsies and 1302 forceps biopsies were performed. Bleeding was observed after forceps biopsy in 173 patients (48.2%) and after cryobiopsy in 261 patients (72.7%). Bleeding was significantly greater in the cryobiopsy group (cryobiopsy/forceps biopsy: no bleeding 27.3%/51.8%; mild 56.5%/44.0%; moderate 15.0%/4.2%; severe 1.2%/0%; p < 0.001). The rate of clinically relevant bleeding (moderate or severe) was higher after the cryobiopsy procedures compared to the forceps biopsies (16.2% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.05). No fatal bleeding complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to transbronchial forceps biopsy, transbronchial cryobiopsy was associated with an increased risk of bleeding which is of clinical relevance. Therefore training and additional precautions for bleeding control should be considered. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT01894113 ).

Neuronavigation and 3D fluoroscopy-guided lag screw reduction and osteosynthesis for traumatic spondylolistheses of the axis: a path worth exploring?

OBJECTIVE In traumatic spondylolistheses of the axis, there is a marked heterogeneity of the observed injury patterns, with a wide range of the severity-from stable fractures, which can be treated conservatively with very good success, to highly unstable fractures, which should be treated surgically. A number of classification systems have been devised to assess the instability of the injuries and to derive a corresponding therapy recommendation. In particular, the results and recommendations regarding medium-severity cases are still inconclusive. Minimally invasive percutaneous procedures performed using modern techniques such as 3D fluoroscopy and neuronavigation have the potential for improvements in the therapeutic outcome and procedural morbidity against open surgical procedures and conservative therapy. METHODS A minimally invasive method using 3D fluoroscopy and neuronavigation for percutaneous lag screw osteosynthesis of the pars interarticularis was performed in 12 patients with a Levine-Edwards Type II fracture. Ten patients had an isolated hangman's fracture and 2 patients had an additional odontoid fracture of the axis (Type II according to the Anderson and D'Alonzo classification system). Complications, operating parameters, screw positions, and bony fusion were evaluated for the description and evaluation of the technique. RESULTS In 6 men and 6 women, percutaneous lag screw osteosynthesis was performed successfully. Correct placement could be verified postoperatively for all inserted screws. In the case series, nonunion was not observed. In all patients with a complete follow-up, a bony fusion, an intact vertebral alignment, and no deformity could be detected on CT scans obtained after 3 months. CONCLUSIONS The percutaneous pars interarticularis lag screw osteosynthesis is a minimally invasive and mobility-preserving surgical technique. Its advantages over alternative methods are its minimal invasiveness, a shortened treatment time, and high fusion rates. The benefits are offset by the risk of injury to the vertebral arteries. The lag screw osteosynthesis is only possible with Levine-Edwards Type II fractures, because the intervertebral joints to C-3 are functionally preserved. A further development and evaluation of the operative technique as well as comparison with conservative and alternative surgical treatment options are deemed necessary.

Laser assisted pulmonary metastasectomy promises a low local recurrence rate.

Pulmonary metastasectomy (PM) is consensually performed in a parenchyma-sparing manner to preserve functionally healthy lung tissue. However, this may increase the risk of local recurrence at the surgical margin. Laser assisted pulmonary metastasectomy (LPM) is a relatively recent innovation that is especially useful to resect multiple metastatic pulmonary nodules. In this study we investigated the rate of local recurrence after LPM and evaluated the influence of various clinical and pathological factors on local recurrence. Retrospectively, a total of 280 metastatic nodules with different histopathological entities were studied LPM from 2010 till 2018. All nodules were resected via diode-pumped neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) 1,318 nm laser maintaining a safety margin of 5 mm. Patients included were observed on average for 44 ± 17 months postoperatively. Local recurrence at the surgical margin following LPM was found in 9 nodules out of 280 nodules (3.21%). Local recurrence at the surgical margin occurred after 20 ± 8.5 months post operation. Incomplete resection (p = < 0.01) and size of the nodule (p = < 0.01) were associated with significantly increased risk of local recurrence at the surgical margin. Histology of the primary disease showed no impact on local recurrence. Three and five-year survival rates were 84% and 49% respectively. Following LPM, the rate of local recurrence is low. This is influenced by the size of the metastatic nodules and completeness of the resection. Obtaining a safety margin of 5 mm seems to be sufficient, larger nodules require larger safety margins.

Pharmaceutical interventions for drug-related problems in the neonatal intensive care unit: incidence, types, and acceptability.

Background: Drug-related problems (DRPs) are widespread in hospitalized neonates, but studies on the prevalence of DRPs in this population are limited. The presence of clinical pharmacists on multidisciplinary teams helps prevent and reduce DRPs. Aim: This investigation aimed to identify and classify the incidence of DRPs in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), to determine the determining factors associated with DRPs and to document clinical pharmacists' interventions, outcomes, acceptance rates and clinical significance. Method: A prospective descriptive hospital study was conducted from August to November 2023 at the NICU of Children's University Hospital, Assiut University, Egypt. DRPs were classified using the Pharmaceutical Care Network of Europe (PCNE) classification V9.1. Results: Three hundred sixteen neonates were included in the study, with a mean gestational age of 34 ± 4 weeks and a mean birth weight of 2.03 ± 0.85 kg. A total of 1723 DRPs occurred among 283 neonates (89.6%), an average of 5.5 ± 5.1 DRPs per patient. The main types were treatment effectiveness (P1) (799, 46.4%), followed by others (P3) (469, 27.2%), and treatment safety (P2) (455, 26.4%). The leading causes were dose selection (C3) (1264, 61.9%) and "other domain" (C9) (543, 26.6%). Of the 2149 interventions introduced by pharmacists, 98.8% were accepted and 93% were accepted, and fully implemented. As a result, 92% of the DRPs were resolved. Both length of hospital stay and number of medications were significantly associated with DRPs. Conclusion: DRPs are common in the NICU; this study demonstrated the crucial role of clinical pharmacists in identifying and resolving DRPs.

Is It Possible to Eliminate Postoperative Shunt Infections?: Results of a Modified Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative shunt infection is a nightmare in neurosurgical practice with additional morbidity and mortality. A lot of protocols have contributed to the reduction of ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) infections but not eradication. The aim of the study was to evaluate the rigid application of a modified Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network (HCRN) protocol in the prevention of postoperative shunt infection. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated children with congenital hydrocephalus who underwent VPS insertion, and in whom the protocol was applied from June 2019 to January 2020. Follow-up ranged from 11 to 24 months. RESULTS: Thirty-seven procedures were performed including 35 primary shunt insertions and two revision surgeries. The median age was 5 months (range, 1-30 months), and 25 patients were males. The most common cause for VPS placement was congenital hydrocephalus without identifiable cause in 28 cases (80%). The endoscope-assisted technique was used in the insertion of the proximal end in six cases (17%). The mean follow-up was 19.4 months (11-24 months). The rate of shunt infection was 0% till the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: The preliminary results showed an effective method for the prevention of postoperative shunt infections using the modified protocol. These initial findings need to be validated in a large prospective study before widespread application can be recommended.

The Baveno Classification as a Predictor of CPAP Titration Pressure in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a clinical condition characterised by repeated periods of partial or full obstruction of airflow throughout sleep, with impairment of the quality of life and increased mortality with socioeconomic impacts. CPAP therapy is a simple and effective treatment option for OSAS patients. To overcome the clinical and prognostic limitations of AHI-as a sole index of OSAS-the Baveno classification was recently set out and introduced into clinical practice. This study aims to analyse the effect of the Baveno classification on the optimum CPAP titration pressure. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the records of sleep studies in two centres between 2018 and 2021 was carried out. Patients diagnosed with OSAS and recruited for CPAP titration were included. Based on the Baveno classification, the patients were categorised into four groups (A, B, C, and D). RESULTS: Consequently, 700 patients were analysed and 427 patients were included. A significant positive correlation was detected between the CPAP optimum titration pressure and OSAS severity, neck circumference, the oxygen desaturation index (ODI), mean oxygen saturation, the AHI, the BMI, and cumulative sleep time when the SpO2 was <90% (T90) on the other side (p: <0.0001). A non-significant correlation was seen between the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), symptom severity, end organ impact, and Baveno classification of the CPAP optimum titration pressure (p: 0.8, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.7, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The Baveno classification is not useful in the prediction of CPAP optimum titration pressure. However, the ODI and neck circumference were significant independent predictors of a higher CPAP titration pressure.

ΔSpO2/distance ratio from the six-minute walk test in evaluation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

INTRODUCTION: The six-minute walk test (6MWT) contains two independent components: walk distance (6MWD) and oxygen saturation (SpO2). 6MWD does not give detailed data on numerous COPD associated disorders. As oxygen desaturation plays a key role in exercise limita-tions, a few new parameters integrating oxygen desaturation during exercise along with walk distance are necessary. So, this study was conducted to assess the relationships between ΔSpO2/distance ratio and pulmonary function test in addition to extent of pulmonary emphysema in COPD patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 57 stable COPD patients who attended the outpatient clinic of chest medicine department. Mansoura university. were enrolled. Included patients were classified according to GOLD airflow limitation. Age, sex, and modified Medical Research Council dyspnea score (mMRC) were recorded. furthermore, every patient completed the 6MWT and underwent a pulmonary function test and a CT scan to evaluate the degree of pulmonary emphysema. RESULTS: ΔSpO2/distance ratio was moderately correlated with DLCO%, FVC % and GOLD classification. However, strong correlation was found with FEV1% and RV%. mMRC was weakly correlated with ΔSpO2/distance ratio. In addition, weak nonsignificant correlation was found between ΔSpO2/distance ratio and extent of pulmonary emphysema as measured by HRCT volumetry. A significant moderate cor-relation was noticed between the ΔSpO2/distance ratio and 6MWD (r = -0.5, P < 0.001). a significant strong cor-relation was observed between the ΔSpO2/distance ratio and ΔSpO2 (r = 0.87, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: ΔSpO2/distance ratio could be a simple and valuable index for the evaluation of exercise capacity in COPD individuals and might be utilized to predict severity of airway obstruction, pulmonary diffusing capacity disorder and severe hyperinflation.

Effect of the Fraction of Inspired Oxygen on Intermittent Central Venous Oxygen Saturation Measurements.

Background: Central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) is an essential test readily performed both by medical and nursing personnel in a critical care setting. It gives information on the patient's oxygen supply, oxygen consumption, and cardiac output. It plays an important role in early goal-directed treatment. Objectives: This study was planned to assess the effect of different fractions of inspired oxygen (FiO2) levels on central venous oxygen saturation for consideration during the evaluation of central venous oxygen saturation. Methods: This interventional cross-over study enrolled 60 critically ill, nonmechanically ventilated patients. Blood samples were repeatedly drawn from the distal end of the central venous catheter for blood gas analysis after administration of 30%, 40%, and 50% FIO2 respectively. Results: The results showed that increasing FiO2 from 30% to 40% resulted in a mean increase in ScvO2 of 6.2%. While increasing FiO2 from 40% to 50% resulted in a mean increase in ScvO2 of 3.2%. A significant increase in ScvO2 with changes in FiO2 level was recorded among patients in shock or patients with pneumonia (from 30% to 50%, p=0.002 in shock patients and from 30% to 40%, p=0.02 in patients with pneumonia). Conclusion: Increasing FiO2 resulted in a substantial rise in ScvO2. ScvO2 changes in response to a therapeutic challenge should be interpreted at constant FiO2 level, especially in patients with pneumonia.

Effectiveness of diabetes self-care education at primary health care centres in Saudi Arabia: A pragmatic randomized trial in Tabuk.

Objective: The present trial aimed to assess the effectiveness of the structured Information, Education, and Communication provided by trained health educators at primary care on the mean body mass index, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, and the level of blood pressure, among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Research Methods: This was a 12-month pragmatic clustered randomized trial where 180 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled in 2020. Five primary health care centres were randomly allocated to either the intervention or control arm. Results: There was a comparable significant reduction in the mean scores of waist circumference among participants in the intervention versus control arm over 12 months: I =108.7:C = 85.8 cm (P value = 0.001), I = 109.2:C = 86.02 cm (P value = 0.001), and I = 105.6:C = 87.2 cm (P value = 0.001) in the first, sixth, and twelfth months, respectively. A significant reduction in the mean scores of body mass index in the intervention versus control arm only in the first month: I =31.7:C = 26.5 cm (P value = 0.001). However, there was a comparable significant reduction in the mean scores of fasting blood glucose in the intervention versus control arm over 12 months: I =2016.5:C = 185.3 mmol/l (P value = 0.011), I = 207.4:C = 168.04 mmol/l (P value = 0.002), and I = 2012.7:C = 158.6 mmol/l (P value = 0.001) in the first, sixth, and twelfth months, respectively. Conclusions: The delivery of structured diabetes self-care education for diabetics by trained health educators at primary health care has a beneficiary effect on reducing the mean body mass index, waist circumference, and blood glucose. Similarly, it decreases high blood pressure.

Peripheral ischemic limb necrosis (Acro-ischemia) associated with severe COVID-19 patients (COVID-19 limbs): A report of three cases.

The association between severe coronavirus disease 2019 and hypercoagulable state was observed in many reports. This may be explained by the presence of hypoxia, severe systemic inflammatory response, immobilization due to intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and diffuse intravascular coagulation. We report three patients who were admitted to our respiratory ICU with acute severe respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requiring mechanical ventilation due severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, who developed severe limb ischemia during the course of the disease.

Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy performed in acute COVID-19 pneumonia: first report.

A COVID-19 diagnosis is usually based on PCR detection of viral RNA in airway specimens in a patient with typical clinical fea-tures. Histological features of the COVID-19 lung disease are reported from autopsies. Transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBCB) is an evolving technique usually performed in the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease. We report a TBCB in a 76-year-old female patient who had repeatedly tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The pathological examination revealed the presence of interstitial pneumonia with lymphocytic infiltration. The qRT-PCR against SARS-CoV-2 from a pharyngeal swab was positive after performing the TBCB.

Influence of Pharyngeal Anaesthesia on Post-Bronchoscopic Coughing: A Prospective, Single Blinded, Multicentre Trial.

BACKGROUND: Local anaesthesia of the pharynx (LAP) was introduced in the era of rigid bronchoscopy (which was initially a conscious procedure under local anaesthetic), and continued into the era of flexible bronchoscopy (FB) in order to facilitate introduction of the FB. LAP reduces cough and gagging reflex, but its post-procedural effect is unclear. This prospective multicentre trial evaluated the effect of LAP on coughing intensity/time and patient comfort after FB, and the feasibility of FB under propofol sedation alone, without LAP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: FB was performed in 74 consecutive patients under sedation with propofol, either alone (35 patients, 47.3%) or with additional LAP (39 patients, 52.7%). A primary endpoint of post-procedural coughing duration in the first 10 min after awakening was evaluated. A secondary endpoint was the cough frequency, quality and development of coughing in the same period during the 10 min post-procedure. Finally, the ease of undertaking the FB and the patient's tolerance and safety were evaluated from the point of view of the investigator, the assistant technician and the patient. RESULTS: We observed a trend to a shorter cumulative coughing time of 48.6 s in the group without LAP compared to 82.8 s in the group receiving LAP within the first 10 min after the procedure, although this difference was not significant (p = 0.24). There was no significant difference in the cough frequency, quality, peri-procedural complication rate, nor patient tolerance or safety. FB, including any additional procedure, could be performed equally well with or without LAP in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that undertaking FB under deep sedation without LAP does to affect post-procedural cough duration and frequency. However, further prospective randomised controlled trials are needed to further support this finding.

Screening of latent TB infection in patients with recently diagnosed bronchogenic carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Cancer and pulmonary tuberculosis are major global health concerns and are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The association between active tuberculosis and subsequent cancer development has been investigated for many years. This study was planned to determine the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection in patients with recently diagnosed bronchogenic carcinoma. METHODS: Sixty-four newly diagnosed primary lung cancer patients were enrolled. Diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection was performed with QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube tests, with exclusion of active tuberculosis. RESULTS: Latent tuberculosis infection was detected in 16 (25%) patients, and 8 (12.5%) had indeterminate results of the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test. Being a current smoker was associated with a higher prevalence of latent tuberculosis (p = 0.001). Comorbidities, tumor site, and histopathology were not associated with latent tuberculosis infection. CONCLUSIONS: There is a considerable risk of concurrent latent tuberculosis in newly diagnosed primary bronchogenic carcinoma. The need for treatment of latent tuberculosis in these patients and its influence on the outcome and prognosis are issues for further investigations.

Mimickers of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on chest CT: spectrum of CT and clinical features.

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a recently emerged pulmonary infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). It started in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and led to a highly contagious disease. Since then COVID-19 continues to spread, causing exponential morbidity and mortality and threatening economies worldwide. While the primary diagnostic test for COVID-19 is the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay, chest CT has proven to be a diagnostic tool of high sensitivity. A variety of conditions demonstrates CT features that are difficult to differentiate from COVID-19 rendering CT to be of low specificity. Radiologists and physicians should be aware of imaging patterns of these conditions to prevent an erroneous diagnosis that could adversely influence management and patients' outcome. Our purpose is to provide a practical review of the conditions that mimic COVID-19. A brief description of the forementioned clinical conditions with their CT features will be included.

Diagnostic Yield of Transbronchial Lung Cryobiopsy Compared to Transbronchial Forceps Biopsy in Patients with Sarcoidosis in a Prospective, Randomized, Multicentre Cross-Over Trial.

BACKGROUND: Transbronchial lung forceps biopsy (TBLF) is of limited value for the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD). However, in cases with predominantly peribronchial pathology, such as sarcoidosis, TBLF is considered to be diagnostic in most cases. The present study examines whether transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) is superior to TBLF in terms of diagnostic yield in cases of sarcoidosis. METHODS: In this post hoc analysis of a prospective, randomized, controlled, multicentre study, 359 patients with ILD requiring diagnostic bronchoscopic tissue sampling were included. TBLF and TBLC were both used for each patient in a randomized order. Histological assessment was undertaken on each biopsy and determined whether sarcoid was a consideration. RESULTS: A histological diagnosis of sarcoidosis was established in 17 of 272 cases for which histopathology was available. In 6 out of 17 patients, compatible findings were seen with both TBLC and TBLF. In 10 patients, where the diagnosis of sarcoidosis was confirmed by TBLC, TBLF did not provide a diagnosis. In one patient, TBLF but not TBLC confirmed the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. CONCLUSIONS: In this post hoc analysis, the histological diagnosis of sarcoidosis was made significantly more often by TBLC than by TBLF. As in other idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs), the use of TBLC should be considered when sarcoidosis is suspected.

Internal fixation of the proximal tracheal self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS): migration prevention in high risk patients.

Airway stenting provides an important treatment option for patients with proximal tracheal stenosis. However, the risk of migration remains a major challenging problem. In our report we describe the internal fixation of SEMS in 3 patients with proximal tracheal stenosis due to variable causes. The fixation was performed in different situations including: prophylaxis to prevent the stent migration, fixation due to displacement of the stent during insertion and finally internal fixation of migrated tracheal stent.

Cryobiopsy increases the EGFR detection rate in non-small cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Detection of activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation is crucial for individualized treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However little is known about how biopsy technique affects the detection rate of EGFR mutations. This retrospective, single center study evaluated the detection rate of EGFR mutations in tissue obtained by bronchoscopic cryobiopsy and compared this to other standard tissue sampling techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 414 patients with histologically confirmed NSCLC and known EGFR mutation status between 3/2008-7/2014. Tumor specimens obtained by tissue preserving bronchoscopic cryobiopsy were compared to those obtained by other techniques. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Analysis of bronchoscopic cryobiopsy tissue detected 29 activating EGFR mutations in 27 (21.6 %) out of 125 patients, while analysis of tissue obtained by non-cryobiopsy techniques (bronchoscopic forceps biopsies, fine needle aspiration, imaging guided transthoracical and surgical procedures) detected 42 EGFR mutations in 40 (13.8 %) out of 298 patients (p < 0.05). Cryobiopsy increased detection rate of EGFR mutations in central tumors compared with forceps biopsy (19.6 % versus 6.5 %, p < 0.05), while an insignificant trend was detected also for peripheral tumors (33.3 % versus 26.9 %). Bronchosopic cryobiopsy increases the detection rate of activating EGFR mutations in NSCLC in comparison to other tissue sampling techniques. This will help to optimize individualized treatment of patients with advanced tumors. Because of the retrospective nature of this analysis, a prospective trial is mandatory for final assessment.

Incidence of and Causes for Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Failure in Children Younger Than 2 Years: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting is commonly used to treat pediatric hydrocephalus, but failure rates are high. VP shunt failure in children is mostly caused by infection and/or proximal/distal shunt obstruction. However, to our knowledge, no previous reviews have discussed this topic using only clinical studies when age-related data could be obtained. This systematic review aimed at reevaluating what is already known as the most common causes of shunt failure and to determine the incidence and causes of VP shunt failure during the first 2 years of life as a step to establish solid evidence-based guidelines to avoid VP shunt failure in infants. METHODS: We performed a search using the search terms "Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts" (Medical Subject Headings [MeSH]) AND failure [All Fields] AND ("humans" [MeSH] AND English [lang] AND "infant" [MeSH]). Only articles that specifically discussed VP shunt complications in children < 2 years were included. RESULTS: We found that the most common causes of VP shunt failure in children < 2 years were shunt obstruction and infection, both observed in a range. CONCLUSION: VP shunt failure is very common in infants, mostly resulting from obstruction and infection. Future studies should focus on methods designed to avoid these complications or on alternative treatments for hydrocephalus.