Cannabis significantly alters DNA methylation of the human ovarian follicle in a concentration-dependent manner.

Cannabis is increasingly consumed by women of childbearing age, and the reproductive and epigenetic effects are unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential epigenetic implications of cannabis use on the female ovarian follicle. Whole-genome methylation was assessed in granulosa cells from 14 matched case-control patients. Exposure status was determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) measurements of five cannabis-derived phytocannabinoids in follicular fluid. DNA methylation was measured using the Illumina TruSeq Methyl Capture EPIC kit. Differential methylation, pathway analysis and correlation analysis were performed. We identified 3679 differentially methylated sites, with two-thirds affecting coding genes. A hotspot region on chromosome 9 was associated with two genomic features, a zinc-finger protein (ZFP37) and a long non-coding RNA (FAM225B). There were 2214 differentially methylated genomic features, 19 of which have been previously implicated in cannabis-related epigenetic modifications in other organ systems. Pathway analysis revealed enrichment in G protein-coupled receptor signaling, cellular transport, immune response and proliferation. Applying strict criteria, we identified 71 differentially methylated regions, none of which were previously annotated in this context. Finally, correlation analysis revealed 16 unique genomic features affected by cannabis use in a concentration-dependent manner. Of these, the histone methyltransferases SMYD3 and ZFP37 were hypomethylated, possibly implicating histone modifications as well. Herein, we provide the first DNA methylation profile of human granulosa cells exposed to cannabis. With cannabis increasingly legalized worldwide, further investigation into the heritability and functional consequences of these effects is critical for clinical consultation and for legalization guidelines.

The follicular fluid adipocytokine milieu could serve as a prediction tool for fertility treatment outcomes.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Can the adipocytokine milieu of the follicular niche improve the ability to predict treatment outcomes in infertile patients? DESIGN: Follicular fluid samples from overweight patients were analysed and compared with samples from matched normal-weight patients. Concentrations of adiponectin, chemerin, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, IL-18, insulin, leptin, prolactin, resistin, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP-15) were assessed by multiple magnetic bead immunoassay (MMBI) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and correlated with fertility treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Analysis of samples from 22 overweight and 22 normal-weight patients demonstrated that TNF-α can predict oocyte maturation rate. When stratified by body mass index (BMI), IL-10 emerges as a better predictor of oocyte maturation in normal-weight patients. Prolactin was a negative predictor for fertilization rate in the full cohort, and this prediction power was lost upon stratification. No adipocytokines were predictive of blastulation rate, and only age remained predictive. BMP-15 was a strong predictor of high-quality blastulation in the full cohort, more so in the normal-weight population. CONCLUSIONS: The adipocytokine milieu of the follicular fluid provides a snapshot of the growing oocyte's environment and can help predict fertility treatment outcomes, fine-tuning understanding of the dysregulation caused by increasing BMI. Inflammatory cytokines can predict oocyte maturation; prolactin, oocyte competence; and BMP-15, high-quality blastulation. Further analysis of these findings with a larger sample size and assessing individual oocytes will help shed more light on the clinical significance of these findings.

Does body mass index impact assisted reproductive technology treatment outcomes in gestational carriers.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess whether increased body mass index (BMI) negatively affects assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes among gestational carriers. METHODS: A retrospective matched case-control cohort, including all gestational carrier (GC) cycles performed at CReATe Fertility Centre (Toronto, ON, Canada) between 2003 and 2016. SETTING: A Canadian fertility clinic, with a large surrogacy program. PATIENTS: All gestational carriers that had undergone a cycle completed to a transfer at our clinic, and had BMI and outcome data available, were matched by BMI to infertile patients treated at our clinic during the same years provided they had undergone a cycle completed to a transfer, and had outcomes data available. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical pregnancies rates, miscarriage rates and live birth rates. RESULTS: BMI was not a reliable prediction factor of any of the measured outcomes. Importantly, the gestational carrier population had better outcomes and a significantly lower overall incidence of maternal, fetal and neonatal complications when compared with infertile patients, treated at our clinic during the same years. CONCLUSION: BMI is not a reliable predictor of outcomes among gestational carriers.

Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm in octogenarians: clinical outcomes and complications.

Background: Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is associated with decreased perioperative morbidity and mortaliy in comparison with open repair, and thus octagenarians are traditionally offered EVAR given their age and medical comorbidities. The aim of this study was to investigate outcomes and predictors of complications associated with EVAR in octogenarians. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients aged 80 years and older who received an EVAR between August 2010 and January 2017 at a single centre in Toronto, Ontario. We conducted univariate comparisons and then completed logistic regression to determine predictors of complications. We used Kaplan-Meier analysis to explore survival times. Results: A total of 154 octogenarians underwent an EVAR during the study period for an infrarenal aneurysm with a mean size of 64.8 (standard deviation [SD] 12.7) mm. The mean age of the patients was 84.1 (SD 3.7) years, and most patients (81%) were men. Eighteen patients presented with a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Ninety-five (62%) patients sustained a complication. Fifty percent of patients experienced an intraoperative complication. A majority of these (77%) resulted in an endoleak, with type II endoleaks requiring no further intervenion being the most common (58%, n = 45). The remaining complications (n = 70) occurred postoperatively, with myocardial ischemia (n = 24) and dysrhythmias (n = 10) being the most common. Past aortic surgery (χ2 = 8.62, p = 0.014, Cramer V = 0.27) was found to be a multivariate predictor of complications. Most patients (88%) continued follow-up to an average of 20.9 months. Twenty-one patients (13%) died. Nine of these deaths (43%) occurred during the index admission and involved a ruptured AAA. Past aortic surgery was the only predictor of vascular complications. The mean survival time after EVAR was 57.63 months for patients without events. Conclusion: Endovascular aneurysm repair in octogenarians is a suitable form of therapy with acceptable short- and long-term results in the elective setting. Past aortic surgery was a predictor of complications in this population.

Contexte: La réparation endovasculaire de l'anévrisme (REVA) est associée à une diminution de la morbidité et de la mortalité périopératoires comparativement à la chirurgie ouverte, c'est pourquoi on offre habituellement la REVA aux octogénaires, compte tenu de leur âge et de leurs comorbidités. Le but de cette étude était d'analyser l'issue de la REVA et les prédicteurs de complications chez les octogénaires. Méthodes: Nous avons procédé à une analyse rétrospective des dossiers de patients de 80 ans et plus consécutifs soumis à une REVA entre août 2010 et janvier 2017 dans un établissement de Toronto, en Ontario. Nous avons effectué des comparaisons univariées, puis une analyse de régression logistique pour dégager les prédicteurs de complications. C'est l'analyse de Kaplan­Meier qui a permis d'explorer la survie. Résultats: En tout, pendant la période de l'étude, 154 octogénaires ont subi une REVA pour un anévrisme infrarénal dont la dimension moyenne était de 64,8 mm (écart-type [É.-T.] 12,7 mm). L'âge moyen des patients était de 84,1 ans (É.-T. 3,7 ans) et la majorité des patients (81 %) étaient des hommes. Dix-huit patients ont présenté une rupture d'anévrisme de l'aorte abdominale (AAA). Quatre-vingt-quinze patients (62 %) ont connu une complication. Cinquante pour cent des patients ont eu une complication peropératoire. Une majorité des complications (77 %) ont causé des endofuites, le plus fréquemment de type II, ne nécessitant pas d'autres interventions (58 %, n = 45). Les autres complications (n = 70) sont survenues en période postopératoire et les plus fréquentes ont été l'ischémie myocardique (n = 24) et la dysrythmie (n = 10). Des antécédents de chirurgie à l'aorte (χ2 = 8,62, p = 0,014, test V de Cramer = 0,27) se sont révélés être un prédicteur multivarié de complications. La plupart des patients (88 %) ont maintenu le suivi pendant une durée moyenne de 20,9 mois. Vingt-et-un patients (13 %) sont décédés. Neuf de ces décès (43 %) se sont produits pendant l'admission index et impliquaient une rupture de l'AAA. Des antécédents de chirurgie à l'aorte ont été le seul prédicteur des complications vasculaires. La survie moyenne après la REVA a été de 57,63 mois pour les patients n'ayant présenté aucune complication. Conclusion: La REVA est une forme de traitement qui convient aux octogénaires et qui donne des résultats acceptables à court et à long terme dans un contexte de chirurgie non urgente. Des antécédents de chirurgie à l'aorte se sont révélés être un prédicteur de complications dans cette population.

Vascular Complications and Procedures Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

OBJECTIVES: Vascular complications (VCs) remain a significant cause of morbidity in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) patients and are associated with worse outcomes. This research analysed the incidence, impact, and predictors of VCs in transfemoral cases. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of 388 consecutive TAVI patients between January 2007 and April 2015, which included 237 transfemoral cases. Major and minor VCs were characterised according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC) guidelines. Logistic regression was completed to identify predictors of VCs. RESULTS: While VCs occurred in 68 (28.7%) cases, only seven (3.38%) were classified as major complications. Twenty-six (10.9%) of these complications occurred intra-operatively, with four being major (1.6%) and 22 minor (9.3%). Post-operative VCs occurred in 42 cases (17.2%), with three (1.3%) being major. Procedures to correct VCs occurred in 10 (4.2%) cases, with the majority (90%) being surgical and the remainder being treated by endovascular techniques. Nine surgical procedures, predominantly embolectomy, were performed to correct post-operative complications. Female gender was a predictor of all major VCs (B = -2.1, p < .006). Further, a logistic regression analysis found that when the largest sheath was located on the left side, there were increased minor post-operative complications (B = -0.99, p = .007). Dissections and haematomas made up the majority of VCs. Thirty day mortality was six patients (n = 2.5%), and peri-operative VCs were significantly correlated with 30 day mortality (p = .001, R = 0.21). The 30 day readmission rate comprised nine patients (3.8%), with three (1.3%) due to VCs, including haematomas and groin infections. CONCLUSIONS: VCs contribute to operative morbidity in TAVI patients. This study demonstrated low major VC rates over an eight year period. Left sided location of largest sheath size and female gender were predictors of VC.

Pre-operative Aneurysm Thrombus Volume, But Not Density, Predicts Type 2 Endoleak Rate Following Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

BACKGROUND: The impact of aneurysm thrombus characteristics on type 2 endoleak rate following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is unclear. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of pre-operative aneurysm thrombus volume and density on the incidence of type 2 endoleak following EVAR for infrarenal AAA. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was completed on all patients who underwent standard EVAR at an academic medical institution between May 1, 2010 and June 1, 2016 with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. The final analysis included 170 patients. Thrombus volume and density were determined by analyzing pre-operative computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans using the TeraRecon plaque analysis module. The number and diameter of patent infrarenal aortic branch vessels were also identified. Type 2 endoleak was diagnosed by post-operative CTA, duplex ultrasound, or angiography. RESULTS: Over a median follow-up period of 29 months, 88 (51.8%) of 170 patients had a type 2 endoleak. The thrombus volume as a proportion of the infrarenal aorta volume was significantly lower in patients with type 2 endoleak (odds ratio [OR] 0.034, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.005-0.291, P = 0.002). The number of patent lumbar arteries was significantly greater in patients with type 2 endoleak (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.16-1.56, P < 0.0005). Both variables independently predicted the incidence of type 2 endoleak in a multivariate analysis. Thrombus density was not related to the incidence of type 2 endoleak. CONCLUSIONS: A lower ratio of thrombus volume/infrarenal aorta volume and a higher number of patent lumbar arteries were associated with an increased incidence of type 2 endoleak. A multivariate logistic regression model was generated to pre-operatively predict the risk of type 2 endoleak. This model can guide the stratification of patients for intensity of endoleak surveillance following EVAR and consideration of pre-operative treatment.

Outcomes of minor amputations in patients with peripheral vascular disease over a 10-year period at a tertiary care institution.

OBJECTIVES: Choosing an optimal amputation level requires balance between maximizing limb salvage while minimizing chances of non-healing wounds and re-amputation. Our aim was to assess the long-term outcome for minor amputations in patients with peripheral vascular disease. METHODS: A retrospective study of minor amputations between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2015 was performed. Electronic medical records of eligible patients were examined to extract demographics, co morbidities and clinical data. RESULTS: Within the study period, 220 patients underwent 296 primary minor amputations in 244 lower extremities. Wound healing was achieved in 18.2% (54 of 296 amputations) and 43.6% (129 of 296 amputations) at 90 days and 365 days, respectively. Rates of progression to major amputation were 16.4% (40 or 244 limbs) and 21.7% (53 of 244 limbs) at 90 days and 365 days, respectively. In the final multivariate model, lower ipsilateral posterior tibial waveforms predicted poor 90-day healing (OR = 2.22, p = 0.01) as well as limb loss (OR = 3.02, p = 0.02) in a dose-response manner. In the final logistic regression model, emergency department admission (OR = 0.20, p < 0.01), ipsilateral posterior tibial waveform (OR = 2.63, p < 0.01), and post-operative infection (OR = 0.30, p < 0.01) were predictors of poor healing status at study endpoint. CONCLUSION: This study shows that a majority of foot amputees require ongoing care for non-healing wounds and a proportion necessitate conversion to major amputation. Adequate vascularization is essential to promote and maintain healing.

Unplanned early hospital readmissions in a vascular surgery population

Background: Patients who undergo vascular surgery are burdened by high early readmission rates. We examined the frequency and cause of early readmissions after elective and emergent admission to the vascular surgery service at our institution to identify modifiable targets for quality improvement. Methods: Over a 5-year period, all patients admitted and readmitted to the vascular surgery service were identified. Medical records were then individually reviewed to identify baseline characteristics from the index admission and the most responsible diagnosis for readmission within 28 days of discharge. Results: Of a total of 3324 patients, 421 (12.7%) were readmitted to our institution within 28 days of discharge. Forty-seven were found to have more than 1 readmission following their index admission. The readmission rate ranged from 11.8% to 14.1% over the 5-year study period, resulting in an average readmission rate of 12.7%. There were similar rates for men (12.9%) and women (12.3%). Of the readmitted cases, 236 (63.1%) were unplanned readmissions. The most common diagnoses for unplanned readmissions were worsening of peripheral arterial disease status including complications related to peripheral bypass graft (30.9%), surgical site infections (15.3%) and nonsurgical infections (14.8%). Conclusion: To reduce readmission rates effectively, institutions must identify highrisk patients. In our study cohort, the most frequent pathology resulting in readmission was peripheral arterial disease. The most frequent preventable reason for readmission was surgical site infection. Interventions focused on early assessment of clinical status and wounds in addition to avoidance of infectious complications could help reduce readmission rates. Preventive resources can be efficiently targeted by focusing on subgroups at risk for readmission.

Contexte: Les patients soumis à une chirurgie vasculaire présentent malheureusement un taux élevé de réadmission précoce. Nous avons analysé la fréquence et les causes de réadmission précoce après une admission urgente ou non urgente au service de chirurgie vasculaire afin d'identifier les facteurs modifiables en vue d'améliorer la qualité des soins. Méthodes: Sur une période de 5 ans, tous les patients admis, puis réadmis au service de chirurgie vasculaire ont été identifiés. On a ensuite passé en revue individuellement les dossiers médicaux pour relever les caractéristiques de base à l'admission initiale et le diagnostic ayant le plus probablement justifié la réadmission dans les 28 jours suivant le congé. Résultats: Sur un total de 3324 patients, 421 (12,7 %) ont été réadmis à notre établissement dans les 28 jours suivant leur congé. Quarante-sept ont été réadmis plus d'une fois après leur hospitalisation initiale. Le taux de réadmission a varié de 11,8 % à 14,1 % pendant la période de 5 ans de l'étude, le taux moyen de réadmission étant de 12,7 %. Les taux étaient similaires chez les hommes (12,9 %) et les femmes (12,3 %). Parmi les cas réadmis, 236 (63,1 %) étaient imprévus. Les diagnostics ayant le plus souvent justifié une réadmission imprévue étaient aggravation de la maladie artérielle périphérique (y compris complications au niveau de pontages artériels périphériques) (30,9 %), infection du site opératoire (15,3 %) et infections non chirurgicales (14,8 %). Conclusion: Pour réduire efficacement les taux de réadmission, les établissements doivent identifier les patients à haut risque. Dans notre cohorte, la pathologie ayant le plus souvent mené à une réadmission était la maladie artérielle périphérique. La raison évitable la plus fréquente était l'infection du site opératoire. Les interventions axées sur une évaluation rapide de l'état clinique et de l'état des plaies, ainsi que la prévention des complications infectieuses pourraient contribuer à réduire les taux de réadmission. Des mesures préventives pourraient cibler judicieusement les groupes à risque de réadmission.

Utility of the Vascular Quality Initiative in improving quality of care in Canadian patients undergoing vascular surgery

The Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) is a national cooperative quality-improvement initiative designed to evaluate processes of care and outcomes in vascular surgery. The purpose of this report is to show the utility of such a database to provide insight into the standard of care provided, to highlight areas of local quality improvement, to benchmark our data against local, regional and national trends, and to ultimately improve safety in Canadian patients undergoing vascular surgery. We present the history of the database, its spread in the Canadian health care system and examples of quality improvements achieved from analyses of data recorded and retrieved from the VQI. Using the VQI, our institution was able to decrease the length of stay after endovascular aneurysm repair, decrease the contrast volume in endovascular aneurysm repair, save on costs, and provide medium-term outcome data on peripheral vascular interventions and smoking cessation strategies. The VQI is a powerful tool to improve patient safety and quality in vascular surgery. Its ability to create local regional improvement groups fosters a quality-focused culture and is important for Canadian patients.

La Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) est une initiative de collaboration nationale axée sur l'amélioration de la qualité, conçue pour évaluer les processus de soins et les résultats en chirurgie vasculaire. Le but du présent rapport est de montrer l'utilité d'une telle base de données pour situer les normes de soins actuelles, mettre en lumière les secteurs d'amélioration de la qualité locale, évaluer nos données à la lumière des tendances locales, régionales et nationales et ultimement, améliorer la sécurité des patients canadiens de chirurgie vasculaire. Nous retraçons l'historique de cette base de données, son adoption par le système de santé canadien et donnons des exemples d'améliorations de la qualité obtenues grâce à l'analyse des données enregistrées et récupérées à partir de la base VQI. Cette base de données nous a permis d'abréger les séjours hospitaliers après la réparation endovasculaire des anévrismes, d'épargner sur les coûts et de compiler les résultats à moyen terme des interventions vasculaires périphériques et des stratégies d'abandon du tabagisme. La VQI est un outil puissant pour améliorer la sécurité des patients et la qualité de la chirurgie vasculaire. Sa capacité de créer des groupes loco-régionaux d'amélioration de la qualité favorise une culture axée sur la qualité et est importante pour les patients canadiens.

Smoking, Pain Intensity, and Opioid Consumption 1-3 Months After Major Surgery: A Retrospective Study in a Hospital-Based Transitional Pain Service.

Introduction: The present study investigated the associations between smoking, pain, and opioid consumption in the 3 months after major surgery in patients seen by the Transitional Pain Service. Current smoking status and lifetime pack-years were expected to be related to higher pain intensity, more opioid use, and poorer opioid weaning after surgery. Methods: A total of 239 patients reported smoking status in their presurgical assessment (62 smokers, 92 past smokers, and 85 never smokers). Pain and daily opioid use were assessed in hospital before postsurgical discharge, at first outpatient visit (median of 1 month postsurgery), and at last outpatient visit (median of 3 months postsurgery). Pain was measured using numeric rating scale. Morphine equivalent daily opioid doses were calculated for each patient. Results: Current smokers reported significantly higher pain intensity (p < .05) at 1 month postsurgery than never smokers and past smokers. Decline in opioid consumption differed significantly by smoking status, with both current and past smokers reporting a less than expected decline in daily opioid consumption (p < .05) at 3 months. Decline in opioid consumption was also related to pack-years, with those reporting higher pack-years having a less than expected decline in daily opioid consumption at 3 months (p < .05). Conclusions: Smoking status may be an important modifiable risk factor for pain intensity and opioid use after surgery. Implications: In a population with complex postsurgical pain, smoking was associated with greater pain intensity at 1 month after major surgery and less opioid weaning 3 months after surgery. Smoking may be an important modifiable risk factor for pain intensity and opioid use after surgery.

Smoking Cessation Rates among Patients Undergoing Vascular Surgery in a Canadian Center.

BACKGROUND: Smoking is the single most important modifiable risk factor for patients with vascular disease. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of smoking and cessation rates among patients undergoing vascular surgery in a Canadian center. METHODS: As part of the Vascular Quality Initiative, a prospectively maintained database was used to identify the patients undergoing vascular surgery between 2010 and 2013. Smoking prevalence data were collated preprocedure, postprocedure, and at year follow-up after intervention at a median of 13 months (mean = 14.4 ± 7.8 months). Cessation rates at 13-month follow-up were assessed to determine any statistically significant univariate factors. These factors were then used to build a model through backwards logistic regression. Multicollinearity was tested by assessing both variance inflation factors and tolerance. RESULTS: Overall, 624 patients had complete follow-up data. Of these, 209 (33.5%) were smokers presurgically. At 1-year follow-up, of those 209 patients who were smokers preoperatively, 87 (41.6%) had stopped smoking while 122 (58.4%) had not. Patients who were male and aged >70 years were more likely to be smokers preoperatively (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Cessation rates were increased in those aged >70 years (P = 0.005) and in those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P = 0.016). Gender was also statistically associated, with cessation rates higher in females (P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: More than one-third of patients who underwent surgery in a Canadian vascular center continue to smoke. Uniquely, we report a statistically significant association between gender and postoperative cessation rates.

Temporary inferior vena cava filter indications, retrieval rates, and follow-up management at a multicenter tertiary care institution.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the practice pattern of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters and to determine factors predictive of filter retrievals at a multicenter, tertiary care institution. METHODS: A retrospective review of all IVC filter procedures performed between January 2001 and July 2013 was conducted. Data collected included demographics, venous thromboembolism risk factors, medical comorbidities, insertional and retrieval characteristics, referring services, complications, discharge, and follow-up management. RESULTS: During the study period, 1123 IVC filter procedures were performed; 69% (n = 810) were insertions and 31% (n = 313) were retrievals. Of the patients receiving filters, the average age was 61.4 years, and 53.3% were male. Overall, 408 filters (51.5%) were placed with absolute indications, 214 (27.0%) for relative indications, 138 (17.4%) prophylactically, and 32 (4.0%) for reasons outside the established guidelines. Of the 663 retrievable filters, successful removal rate was 41.6% (n = 276); the mean time to first retrieval attempt was 76.4 days (standard deviation = 110.5). Documentation of the filter was present in 342 (43.1%) discharge summaries, and outlined instructions for filter management were seen in 129 (16.3%) cases. Significant predictors of filter removal were thrombosis follow-up (odds ratio [OR], 6.7; P < .01) and the ordering service as filters ordered by medical specialties were less likely to be retrieved than filters ordered by surgical specialties (OR, 0.53; P = .04). Compared with discharge summaries without filter management instructions, those with plans had higher filter retrieval rates (OR, 3.74; P < .00). Filter-related complications was observed in 57 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Given the established complications relating to long indwelling times and recent Food and Drug Administration guidelines, a multidisciplinary and systematic follow-up protocol needs to be implemented to optimize filter retrieval rates and to ensure exemplary quality of care.

Surgically placed abdominal wall catheters on postoperative analgesia and outcomes after living liver donation.

Living donor liver resections are associated with significant postoperative pain. Epidural analgesia is the gold standard for postoperative pain management, although it is often refused or contraindicated. Surgically placed abdominal wall catheters (AWCs) are a novel pain modality that can potentially provide pain relief for those patients who are unable to receive an epidural. A retrospective review was performed at a single center. Patients were categorized according to their postoperative pain modality: intravenous (IV) patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), AWCs with IV PCA, or patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA). Pain scores, opioid consumption, and outcomes were compared for the first 3 postoperative days. Propensity score matches (PSMs) were performed to adjust for covariates and to confirm the primary analysis. The AWC group had significantly lower mean morphine-equivalent consumption on postoperative day 3 [18.1 mg, standard error (SE)=3.1 versus 28.2 mg, SE=3.0; P=0.02] and mean cumulative morphine-equivalent consumption (97.2 mg, SE=7.2 versus 121.0 mg, SE=9.1; P=0.04) in comparison with the IV PCA group; the difference in cumulative-morphine equivalent remained significant in the PSMs. AWC pain scores were higher than those in the PCEA group and were similar to the those in the IV PCA group. The AWC group had a lower incidence of pruritus and a shorter hospital stay in comparison with the PCEA group and had a lower incidence of sedation in comparison with both groups. Time to ambulation, nausea, and vomiting were comparable among all 3 groups. The PSMs confirmed all results except for a decrease in the length of stay in comparison with PCEA. AWCs may be an alternative to epidural analgesia after living donor liver resections. Randomized trials are needed to verify the benefits of AWCs, including the safety and adverse effects.

Outcomes of hybrid procedures for peripheral arterial disease: 5-year single center experience.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to present patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) who underwent hybrid procedures at our institution, the results of these interventions for a 5-year period and determine patency, mortality, failure, and amputation rates compared to the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, single center, retrospective, and cross-sectional study which analyzed data gathered from the vascular quality initiative from patients who had hybrid revascularization procedures from January 2010 to December 2015. RESULTS: 87 patients were identified: 51 (58%) male, 36 (41%) female, 9 (10%) had critical limb ischemia (CLI), and 78 (90%) claudication. We analyzed results of hybrid interventions in their variations. Technical success rate was 100%, patency at 2 years 88.5% (primary 65%, primary-assisted 18.3%, and secondary 4.5%) and 11.49% failure rate (lost patency < 1 year, conversion to open or/and amputation). Predictors of failure were: Female, previous chronic heart failure, longer length of stay, and previously transferred from another hospital. Amputation rate was 12.6% (10.3% major and 2.2% minor amputation), the only significant predictor was age (p = 0.035, odds ratio = 0.89) (0.806-99). CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid procedures are effective to treat patients with either CLI or claudication. Our study had outcomes comparable to the literature, with similar patency, amputation, and complication rates. We conclude it is a safe and effective option for PVD with multi-level disease.

OBJETIVO: Presentar pacientes con EAP que requirieron procedimientos híbridos en nuestra institución, resultados en 1 periodo de 5 años y determinar permeabilidad, mortalidad, falla y rangos de amputación comparado con la literatura. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional un céntrico, retrospectivo y transversal que analizó datos obtenidos del VQI de pacientes post-revascularización híbrida de Enero 2010 a Diciembre 2015. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 87 pacientes: 51 masculinos (58%) y 34 femeninos (41%). 9 (10%) presentaron isquemia crítica, 78 (90%) claudicación. Se analizaron resultados de dichas intervenciones en sus variaciones, con éxito técnico 100%, permeabilidad a 2 años 88.5% (primaria 65%, primaria asistida 18.3%, secundaria 4.5%) y 11.49% de falla (pérdida de permeabilidad < 1 año, conversión a cirugía abierta y/o amputación). Predictores de falla: femenino, IC, larga EIH, traslado de hospital previo). El rango de amputación fue 12.6% (10.3% mayor, 2-2% amputación menor) y el único predictor significativo fue edad (p = 0.035, OR = 0.89) (0.806-99). CONCLUSIONES: Los procedimientos híbridos son efectivos para tratar pacientes con isquemia crítica o claudicación. Nuestro estudio tuvo resultados similares a la literatura,permeabilidad, riesgo de amputación y complicaciones comparables con lo descrito. Concluimos que es una opción segura y efectiva para tratar pacientes con EAP multinivel.

Vascular Complications With Intra-aortic Balloon Pump (IABP): Experience From a Large Canadian Metropolitan Centre.

Background: Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) insertion in critically ill patients has been associated with both vascular and nonvascular complications, which have restricted its use. The primary objective for this study was to determine the frequency and predictors of vascular complication in our centre. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients treated with an IABP between January 2014 and June 2018. Baseline clinical characteristics, cannulation details, duration of treatment and management, overall mortality, and complications were extracted from electronic and paper medical records. Results: A total of 187 patients required an IABP; of these, 146 were male (78.1%), the average age was 65.2 ± 11.5 years, and body mass index was 26.8 ± 6.2 kg/m2. A majority of the patients had an IABP inserted in either the cardiac catheterization laboratory (54.5%) or an outside hospital (26.7%). The main indications for insertion were acute decompensated heart failure-cardiogenic shock (58.3%), followed by acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock (26.2%). From the documented cannulation site, the right femoral artery was cannulated in 61.6% of patients, with a median size of 7.5 Fr (range: 5 -12 Fr). Mortality for in-hospital, 30-day, and 1-year mortality was calculated at 37.4%, 40.6%, and 41.7%, respectively. Limb ischemia (3.2%), bleeding (1.6%), mesenteric ischemia (0.5%), compartment syndrome (0.5%), and fasciotomy (0.5%), were rare occurrences. No records indicated amputation, aortoiliac dissection, thrombectomy, or infection at the site of insertion. Conclusions: This single-centre retrospective study demonstrated that more than one third of this patient population died secondary to their primary diagnosis. The incidence of vascular complications secondary to IABP insertion remained low, with less than 3% developing an ischemic limb.

Contexte: L'insertion d'un ballon de contrepulsion intra-aortique (BCPIA) chez les patients dont l'état est critique est associée à des complications à la fois vasculaires et non vasculaires, ce qui limite son utilisation. L'objectif principal de cette étude était de déterminer la fréquence des complications vasculaires dans notre centre ainsi que les facteurs prédictifs de ces complications. Méthodologie: Nous avons mené une étude de cohorte rétrospective auprès de patients traités consécutivement par BCPIA entre janvier 2014 et juin 2018. Les caractéristiques cliniques initiales, les détails sur la canulation, la durée du traitement et de la prise en charge, la mortalité globale et les complications ont été extraits des dossiers médicaux électroniques et en format papier. Résultats: Au total, un BCPIA a été nécessaire chez 187 patients; 146 d'entre eux étaient des hommes (78,1 %), l'âge moyen était de 65,2 ± 11,5 ans, et l'indice de masse corporelle moyen était de 26,8 ± 6,2 kg/m2. La majorité des insertions de BCPIA s'étaient déroulées soit dans le laboratoire de cathétérisme (54,5 %) ou dans un hôpital externe (26,7 %). Les principales indications pour lesquelles ces insertions ont été effectuées étaient l'insuffisance cardiaque aiguë décompensée avec choc cardiogénique (58,3 %), suivie de l'infarctus du myocarde aigu avec choc cardiogénique (26,2 %). Selon les sites de canulation documentés, l'artère fémorale droite avait été canulée chez 61,6 % des patients, avec un calibre médian de 7,5 Fr (de 5 à 12 Fr). Les valeurs de mortalité à l'hôpital, à 30 jours et à un an, ont été établies à 37,4 %, 40,6 % et 41,7 %, respectivement. L'ischémie d'un membre (3,2 %), l'hémorragie (1,6 %), l'ischémie mésentérique (0,5 %), le syndrome des loges (0,5 %) et la fasciotomie (0,5 %) ont été constatés dans quelques rares cas. Aucun dossier n'indiquait d'amputation, de dissection aorto-iliaque, de thrombectomie ou d'infection au point d'insertion. Conclusions: Cette étude de cohorte rétrospective unicentrique a permis de démontrer que plus d'un tiers des patients de la population à l'étude sont décédés des suites de leur diagnostic primaire. L'incidence de complications vasculaires secondaires à l'insertion d'un BCPIA est demeurée faible, avec moins de 3 % des patients présentant une ischémie d'un membre.

Personalization of IVF-ICSI workflow based on patient characteristics improves IVF laboratory outcomes and embryo ploidy by PGT-A.

BACKGROUND: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has become a common method of fertilization in assisted reproduction worldwide. However, there are still gaps in knowledge of the ideal IVF-ICSI workflow including the optimal duration of time between induction of final oocyte maturation, oocyte denudation and ICSI. The aim of this study was to examine outcomes following different workflow protocols in IVF-ICSI procedures in blastocysts that have undergone undisturbed incubation and preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) prior to transfer. METHODS: Retrospective secondary analysis of 113 patients (179 IVF cycles, 713 embryos), all of whom have gone through IVF-ICSI and PGT-A using undisturbed culture. Predictive test variables were the length of time from: trigger to OPU, OPU to denudation, and denudation to ICSI. Outcome metrics assessed were: maturation, fertilization, blastulation and euploid rates. Generalized Estimated Equations Linear Model was used to examine the relationship between key elements of a given cycle and continuous outcomes and LOESS curves were used to determine the effect over time. RESULTS: In a paired multi-regression analysis, where each patient served as its own control, delaying OPU in patients with unexplained infertility improved both maturation and blastulation rates (b = 29.7, p < 0.0001 and b = 9.1, p = 0.06, respectively). Longer incubation with cumulus cells (CCs) significantly correlated with improved ploidy rates among patients under 37, as well as among patients with unexplained infertility (r = 0.22 and 0.29, respectively), which was also evident in a multiple regression analysis (b = 6.73, p < 0.05), and in a paired analysis (b = 6.0, p < 0.05). Conversely, among patients with a leading infertility diagnosis of male factor, longer incubation of the denuded oocyte prior to ICSI resulted in a significantly higher euploid rate (b = 15.658, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In this study we have demonstrated that different IVF-ICSI workflows affect patients differently, depending on their primary infertility diagnosis. Thus, ideally, the IVF-ICSI workflow should be tailored to the individual patient based on the primary infertility diagnosis. This study contributes to our understanding surrounding the impact of IVF laboratory procedures and highlights the importance of not only tracking "classic" IVF outcomes (maturation, fertilization, blastulation rates), but highlights the importance that these procedures have on the ploidy of the embryo.

Long-term results of thigh arteriovenous dialysis grafts.

INTRODUCTION:: A proportion of hemodialysis patients exhaust all options for arteriovenous access in upper extremities. Arteriovenous thigh grafts are a potential vascular access option in such patients. METHODS:: We performed a retrospective study of all thigh arteriovenous access grafts placed between 1995 and 2015. The clinical, demographic patient information and patency of each thigh graft was determined from the time of surgical creation placement until abandonment, transfer to other modality, or center or end of study, and the reason for access failure documented. RESULTS:: In total, 44 patients received 49 thigh arteriovenous accesses. The average age was 60 years (13-79 years); Half (53%) of the patients (n = 24) were female and 61% of the patients (n = 30) of arteriovenous accesses were left-sided. The cumulative proportion surviving (primary patency rates) at 12, 24, and 28 months were 43% (standard error = 9%), 33% (standard error = 9%), and 13% (standard error = 9%), respectively. The cumulative proportion of surviving grafts at 12, 24, and 48 months were 61% (standard error = 8%), 58% (standard error = 9%), and 31% (standard error = 13%), respectively. In total, 37 revisions were performed in 22 patients to maintain patency or eradicate infection. Infection occurred in 20 patients (39%) of thigh grafts requiring 16 patients (80% of those affected) to be removed; 14 patients had grafts (33.3%) that served as the lone hemodialysis arteriovenous access during the patients' lifetime on dialysis. CONCLUSION:: Arteriovenous thigh graft access is used infrequently, but they have an acceptable patency. Some accesses require revisions and they have a high infection rate. Despite this, an acceptable proportion of leg grafts provide durable access for the dialysis lifetime of the patient.

Opioid weaning and pain management in postsurgical patients at the Toronto General Hospital Transitional Pain Service.

BACKGROUND: The perioperative period provides a critical window to address opioid use, particularly in patients with a history of chronic pain and presurgical opioid use. The Toronto General Hospital Transitional Pain Service (TPS) was developed to address the issues of pain and opioid use after surgery. AIMS: To provide program evaluation results from the TPS at the Toronto General Hospital highlighting opioid weaning rates and pain management of opioid-naïve and opioid-experienced surgical patients. METHODS: Two hundred fifty-one high-risk TPS patients were dichotomized preoperatively as opioid naïve or opioid experienced. Outcomes included pain, opioid consumption, weaning rates, and psychosocial/medical comorbidities. RESULTS: Six months postoperatively, pain and function were significantly improved. Opioid-naïve and opioid-experienced patients reduced consumption by 69% and 44%, respectively. Forty-six percent and 26% weaned completely. Consumption at hospital discharge predicted weaning in opioid-naïve patients. Pain catastrophizing, neuropathy, and recreational drug use predicted weaning in opioid-experienced patients. CONCLUSIONS: The TPS enabled almost half of opioid-naïve patients and one in four opioid-experienced patients to wean. The TPS successfully targets perioperative opioid use in complex pain patients.

Contexte: La période périopératoire constitue un créneau déterminant pour s'attaquer à la consommation d'opioïdes, en particulier chez les patients qui ont une histoire de douleur chronique et de consommation préopératoire d'opioïdes. Le Service de la douleur transitionnelle de l'Hôpital général de Toronto a été mis sur pied pour s'attaquer au problème de la douleur et de la consommation d'opioïdes après une chirurgie.But: Présenter les résultats de l'évaluation du programme du Service de la douleur transitionnelle à l'Hôpital général de Toronto en mettant l'accent sur les taux de sevrage des opioïdes ainsi que sur la prise en charge de la douleur chez les patients n'ayant jamais consommé d'opioïdes et ceux qui en avaient déjà consommé.Méthodes: Avant d'être opérés, 251 patients à haut risque du Service de la douleur transitionnelle ont été séparés en deux groupes, l'un réunissant les patients n'ayant jamais consommé d'opioïdes et l'autres réunissant ceux qui en avaient déjà consommé. Les résultats portaient sur la douleur, la consommation d'opiodes, les taux de sevrage, ainsi que les comorbidités psychosociales et médicales.Résultats: Six mois après l'opération, la douleur et le fonctionnement s'étaient améliorés de manière significative. Les patients qui n'avaient jamais consommé d'opioïdes et ceux qui en avaient déjà consommé avaient réduit leur consommation de 69 % et 44 % respectivement, et 46% et 26 % d'entre eux étaient complètement sevrés. La consommation au moment du congé de l'hôpital prédisait le sevrage chez les patients qui n'avaient jamais consommé d'opioïdes auparavant. La catastrophisation de la douleur, la neuropathie et l'usage de drogues récréatives prédisaient le sevrage chez les patients qui avaient déjà consommé des opioïdes.Conclusions: Le Service de la douleur transitionnelle a permis le sevrage de près de la moitié des patients qui n'avaient jamais comsommé d'opioïdes auparavant et à un patient sur quatre parmi ceux qui avaient déjà consommé des opoïdes auparavant. Le Service de la douleur transitionnelle cible avec succès la consommation préopératoire d'opioïdes chez les patients souffrant de douleur complexe.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to manage pain and opioid use after major surgery: Preliminary outcomes from the Toronto General Hospital Transitional Pain Service.

Background: Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) and associated long-term opioid use are major public health concerns. Aims: The Toronto General Hospital Transitional Pain Service (TPS) is a multidisciplinary, hospital-integrated program developed to prevent and manage CPSP and support opioid tapering. This clinical practice-based study reports on preliminary outcomes of the TPS psychology program, which provides acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to patients at risk for CPSP and persistent opioid use. Methods: Ninety-one patients received ACT, whereas 252 patients did not (no ACT group). Patient outcomes were compared for the two groups at first and last TPS visits. Pain, pain interference, sensitivity to pain traumatization, pain catastrophizing, anxiety, depression, and opioid use were analyzed using two-way (Group [ACT, no ACT] × Time [first, last visit]) analyses of variance (ANOVAs). Results: Patients referred to ACT were more likely to report a mental health condition preoperatively (P < 0.001), had higher opioid use (P < 0.001) at the first postsurgical visit, and reported higher sensitivity to pain traumatization (P < 0.05) and anxiety (P < 0.05) than the no ACT group at both time points. Both groups showed reductions in pain, pain interference, pain catastrophizing, anxiety, and opioid use by the last TPS visit (P < 0.05). The ACT group demonstrated greater reductions in opioid use and pain interference and showed reductions in depressed mood (P = 0.001) by the end of treatment compared to the no ACT group. Conclusion: Preliminary outcomes suggest that ACT was effective in reducing opioid use while pain interference and mood improved.

Contexte: La douleur chronique post-chirurgicale (DCPC) et l'usage à long terme d'opioïdes qui y sont associées sont des préoccupations majeures en santé publique.Objectifs: Le Service de la douleur transitionnelle (STD) de l'Hôpital général de Toronto est un programme multidisciplinaire qui a été mis sur pied au sein même de l'hôpital pour prévenir et prendre en charge la douleur chronique post-chirurgicale et diminuer l'usage d'opioïdes. Cette étude clinique axée sur les pratiques porte sur les résultats préliminaires du programme de psychologie du STD. Ce programme offre une thérapie d'acceptation et d'engagement (ACT) aux patients à risques de douleur post-chirurgicale chronique et d'usage persistant d'opioïdes.Méthodes: Quatre-vingt onze patients ont bénéficié de l'ACT, tandis que deux-cent cinquante-deux patients n'en ont pas bénéficié (groupe sans ACT). Les résultats obtenus ont été comparés pour les patients des deux groupes lors de la première et de la dernière visite d'ACT. Une analyse de variance à deux facteurs (groupe [ACT - sans ACT] x moment [première, dernière visite]) a été effectuée pour la douleur, l'interférence de la douleur, la sensibilité au traumatisme de la douleur, la catastrophisation de la douleur, l'anxiété, la dépression et l'usage d'opioïdes.Résultats: Les résultats suggèrent que les patients référés à l'ACT étaient plus susceptibles de souffrir d'un problème de santé mentale avant l'opération chirurgicale (p < 0,001) et présentaient un plus grand usage d'opioïdes (p < 0,001) au moment de la première visite post-chirurgicale. De plus, ils manifestaient une plus grande prédisposition a la douleur en lien avec un sensibilité au traumatisme (p < 0,05) et à l'anxiété (p < 0,05) comparativement au groupe sans ACT. Une diminution de la douleur, de l'interférence de la douleur, de la catastrophisation en lien à la douleur et de l'usage d'opioïdes au moment de la dernière visite au STD (p < 0,05) a été observée chez les sujets des deux groupes. Une plus grande diminution de l'usage d'opioïdes, de l'interférence de la douleur et de l'humeur dépressive (p = 0,001) ont été observées chez le groupe avec ACT à la fin du traitement, ceci comparativement au groupe sans ACT.Conclusion: Les résultats préliminaires suggèrent que l'ACT a été efficace pour réduire l'usage d'opioïdes tout en diminuant l'interférence de la douleur et en améliorant l'humeur des patients.