Tibiofemoral bone configuration is not associated with hamstring muscle strength in male and female patients with ACL reconstruction.

PURPOSE: Previous evidence indicated that the tibiofemoral bone configuration might elevate the risk of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Furthermore, a low hamstring-to-quadriceps muscle ratio predisposes especially females to unfavourable knee kinematics. The primary objective of the present study was to investigate sex-specific associations between tibiofemoral bone geometry and isokinetic knee flexion torque in patients with primary ACL injury followed by ACL reconstruction. METHODS: N = 100 patients (72 = male, 28 = female, age = 31.3 ± 10.2, body mass index = 25.3 ± 3.6) with primary ACL rupture with isokinetic knee flexion torque assessments before and 6 months after ACL reconstruction surgery were analysed. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were analysed for medial posterior tibial slope (MPTS) and lateral posterior tibial slope, notch width index (NWI) and lateral femoral condyle index (LFCI). Additionally, isokinetic knee flexion torque (60°/s) and hamstring-quadriceps ratios were evaluated. Subsequently, functional parameters were correlated with imaging data for gender subgroups. RESULTS: The findings showed that presurgical isokinetic knee flexion torque was not associated with any marker of femoral or tibial bone geometry. Further, while significant differences were observed between female (0.883 ± 0.31 Nm/kg) and male (1.18 ± 0.35 Nm/kg) patients regarding preoperative normalized knee flexion torque (p < 0.001), no significant sex differences were found for percentage increases in normalized knee flexion torque from presurgery to postsurgery. Generally, female patients demonstrated significantly higher MPTS magnitudes (p < 0.05) and lower LFCI values (p < 0.05) compared to men. CONCLUSION: The present results demonstrated no association between tibial or femoral bone geometry and muscle strength of the hamstrings in patients with ACL reconstruction, indicating an important mismatch of muscular compensation to deviations in bone geometry. There were no sex-specific differences in tibiofemoral bone parameters. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Early ACL reconstruction shows an improved recovery of isokinetic thigh muscle strength compared to delayed or chronic cases.

INTRODUCTION: The recovery of periarticular strength is a major criterion in return-to-play testing. The rationale of the study was to assess the impact of the delay of surgery (∆ between injury and surgery) on knee extensor and knee flexor strength of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient patients six months after reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study, all patients with ACL ruptures between 03/2015 and 12/2019 were analyzed. Inclusion criteria were isolated ACL rupture without any associated lesions undergoing a reconstruction using ipsilateral hamstring tendon autograft and adherence to isokinetic strength testing before and at 5-7 months postoperatively. These patients were then clustered into three groups: EARLY reconstruction (∆ < 42 days), DELAYED reconstruction (∆42-180d), and CHRONIC (∆ > 180d). Knee extensor and flexor strength of the ipsi- and contralateral leg were analyzed by concentric isokinetic measurement (60°/s). Primary outcomes were the maximal knee extension and flexion torque, hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio (H/Q) ratio), and the corresponding limb symmetry indices. RESULTS: n = 444 patients met the inclusion criteria. From EARLY to DELAYED to CHRONIC, a progressive reduction in postoperative strength performance was observed in knee extension (1.65 ± 0.45 to 1.62 ± 0.52 to 1.51 ± 0.5 Nm/kg resp.) and flexion (1.22 ± 0.29 to 1.18 ± 0.3 to 1.13 ± 0.31 Nm/kg resp.) strength on the ACL reconstructed leg. This general loss in periarticular strength was already apparent in the preoperative performance even on the healthy side. When controlling for the preoperative performance using ANCOVA analysis, EARLY performed significantly better than DELAYED (extension p = 0.001, flexion p = .02) and CHRONIC (extension p = 0.005, flexion p < 0.001). Also, there were significantly higher values for H/Q ratio in the injured leg across all groups where the H/Q ratio increased from EARLY to CHRONIC and from pre- to postoperative values. CONCLUSIONS: With respect to the force generating capacity when returning-to-play, it is advantageous to seek for an early ACL reconstruction within the first 12 weeks after the injury. The increasing loss of thigh muscle strength observed in delayed or chronic cases affects the injured and also the non-injured leg. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective cohort study.

Final Two-Year Outcomes for the Sentry Bioconvertible Inferior Vena Cava Filter in Patients Requiring Temporary Protection from Pulmonary Embolism.

PURPOSE: To report final 2-year outcomes with the Sentry bioconvertible inferior vena cava (IVC) filter in patients requiring temporary protection against pulmonary embolism (PE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective multicenter trial, the Sentry filter was implanted in 129 patients with documented deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or PE (67.5%) or who were at temporary risk of developing DVT/PE (32.6%). Patients were monitored and bioconversion status ascertained by radiography, computed tomography (CT), and CT venography through 2 years. RESULTS: The composite primary 6-month endpoint of clinical success was achieved in 97.4% (111/114) of patients. The rate of new symptomatic PE was 0% (n = 126) through 1 year and 2.4% (n = 85) through the second year of follow-up, with 2 new nonfatal cases at 581 and 624 days that were adjudicated as not related to the procedure or device. Two patients (1.6%) developed symptomatic caval thrombosis during the first month and underwent successful interventions without recurrence. No other filter-related symptomatic complications occurred through 2 years. There was no filter tilting, migration, embolization, fracture, or caval perforation and no filter-related deaths through 2 years. Filter bioconversion was successful for 95.7% (110/115) of patients at 6 months, 96.4% (106/110) of patients at 12 months, and 96.5% (82/85) of patients at 24 months. Through 24 months of follow-up, there was no evidence of late-stage IVC obstruction or thrombosis after filter bioconversion or of thrombogenicity associated with retracted filter arms. CONCLUSIONS: The Sentry IVC filter provided safe and effective protection against PE, with a high rate of intended bioconversion and a low rate of device-related complications, through 2 years of follow-up.

Juxtarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Results of Open Surgery in an Academic Center.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study is to report our experience with conventional surgery for juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (JRAs) by evaluating incidence of acute renal failure and perioperative mortality. Secondary objectives are to evaluate general morbidity and the need for permanent postoperative dialysis and to assess the influence on long-term survival of preoperative risk factors and deterioration of perioperative renal function. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 110 patients with JRA electively treated by open surgery between March 1992 and March 2018 was made. Data were obtained from clinical records, describing demographics, perioperative variables, and results. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was defined as 50% decrease in glomerular filtration rate or two-fold increase in serum creatinine. Multivariate analysis was performed by logistic regression to establish risk factors for renal failure. The influence of preoperative risk factors and deterioration of perioperative renal function on long-term survival was studied using Cox regression model. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis. RESULTS: 110 consecutive patients were treated with an average age of 71 years, 82.7% male; 81% hypertensive and 41% active smokers. 46.3% had stage III or higher preoperative chronic kidney disease. Median diameter of the aneurysm was 5.7 cm. Interruption of bilateral renal flow was required in 73 patients (66.4%) and unilateral in 37 (33.6%). The average renal clamping time was 34.5 min. AKI occurred in 9 patients (8.2%). Two patients (1.8%) required postoperative dialysis, one of them permanent. Median hospital stay was 7 days. Thirty-three patients (30%) had at least one complication. Postoperative mortality was 2.7% (3 patients), two of them developed AKI. Multivariate analysis established a longer operative time and need for renal revascularization as independent risk factors for AKI. In the survival analysis, age, cerebrovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and perioperative AKI were identified as risk factors for long-term mortality. CONCLUSIONS: JRA open surgical repair can be performed with low morbidity and mortality. Although transient acute renal dysfunction may be relatively frequent, the need for hemodialysis is low. Our study is a reference point to compare with endovascular repair.

Happiness in dermatology: a holistic evaluation of the mental burden of skin diseases.

BACKGROUND: According to the World Health Organization, mental health is a state of well-being and not merely the absence of disease. However, studies exploring subjective well-being in patients with skin diseases are very rare. OBJECTIVES: To assess subjective well-being, i.e. 'happiness', in patients with different skin diseases and to compare them to other patient groups and healthy controls. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 12/2017 to 04/2019. Patients receiving in- or outpatient care for psoriasis, atopic eczema, nummular eczema, mastocytosis, skin cancer (malignant melanoma and keratinocyte carcinoma), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) were recruited at two hospitals in Bavaria, Germany. Healthy individuals living in or near Munich served as a control group. All participants filled in a questionnaire assessing happiness, measured as positive affect (PA), negative affect and satisfaction with life (SWL; together representing subjective well-being) and a heuristic evaluation of one's own happiness. RESULTS: Data from 229 dermatologic patients (53.3 ± 18.5 years, 48% women), 49 patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (48.9 ± 18.7 years, 43% women), 49 patients with HIV (46 ± 10.1 years, 10% women) and 106 healthy controls (38.4 ± 13.4 years, 49% women) were analysed. Compared to the controls, dermatologic patients reported lower heuristic happiness (P = 0.023) and PA (P = 0.001) but higher SWL (P = 0.043). Patients with psoriasis and atopic eczema reported the lowest happiness, as they reported significantly lower PA (P = 0.032 and P < 0.001) and heuristic happiness (P = 0.002 and P = 0.015) than the control group. Patients with skin cancer reported higher SWL than the control group (P = 0.003). Dermatologic patients reported lower happiness than patients with HIV but reported greater happiness than patients with IBD. CONCLUSIONS: Dermatologic patients experience lower levels of happiness, especially PA, compared to healthy controls. As PA is linked to desirable health outcomes, targeting PA could be a promising holistic approach for the treatment of skin diseases.

Laparoscopic sphincter reconstruction after abdominoperineal resection: feasibility and technical aspects.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal colostomy has been reported as an option with good quality of life for patients requiring abdominoperineal resection (APR) for very low rectal cancer. Some young, compliant patients, nevertheless, are very motivated to avoid abdominal colostomy following APR. Spiral smooth muscle cuff perineal colostomy as neosphincter reconstruction can be a reasonable alternative. We have published before the results of a series of sphincter reconstruction in the conventional technique following APR. As we developed our technique for colorectal resection sphincter reconstruction, we also changed to a laparoscopic approach. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic neosphincteric reconstruction and outline the aspects of the technique. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted on 15 patients treated at our institution during a 6 year period for low rectal cancer by laparoscopic APR and spiral smooth muscle cuff perineal colostomy as sphincter reconstruction. At follow-up at a median time of 3.7 years (range 3-9 years) after surgery, patients underwent functional evaluation which included the modified Holschneider continence score (0-16), assessing consistency of stool, frequency, impulse, discrimination, warning period, incontinence for formed or fluid feces, soiling, wearing pads, drugs, enema where a score of 13-16 is associated with normal continence, as well as neosphincter manometry. RESULTS: Laparoscopic sphincter reconstruction was feasible in all 15 patients. Two of the fifteen patients (13%) required secondary colostomy in the long term due to neosphincter malfunction and neosphincter perforation after enema. Four of the remaining thirteen patients (30%) were partially continent according to the Holschneider continence score (HCS) with a score of 7-12. The other 9 (70%) were continent (HCS: 13-16). Neosphincter manometry showed a median resting pressure of 33 cm H2O (range 30-41 cm H2O) and a median squeeze pressure of 95 cm H2O (range 84-150 cm H2O). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic sphincter reconstruction following APR is a feasible option offering an alternative to abdominal colostomy for selected patients.

Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) in the lower gastrointestinal tract.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) significantly expands the spectrum of endoscopic colorectal resection methods for lesions that show no lifting sign, submucosal lesions and mucosal carcinomas. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EFTR using a commercially available full thickness resection device (FTRD) by assessing the completeness of the full-thickness resection, the technical success, as well as complications in a cohort of patients from three referral centers in Germany. Another aim was to determine which patient subpopulations benefit most in clinical practice. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study was conducted on consecutive patients who were admitted to three referral centers in Germany between November 2014 and December 2017. The EFTR was conducted according to the standard indications using the FTRD System (OVESCO, Tübingen, Germany). Data were obtained from prospectively maintained institutional databases. RESULTS: There were 70 patients, 42 males and 25 females with a mean age of 79.5 years (range 25-89 years) who had colonoscopy for EFTR. In three patients EFTR was not feasible because the lesions were too large. Of the remaining 67 patients, 52 had recurrent adenomas, 10 had high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia or mucosal carcinoma and five had a subepithelial lesion. Resection was technically successful in 65 patients (97.0%). Histologically complete resection (R0) was achieved in 59/65 patients (90.8%). The R0 resection rate was lower for lesions > 20 mm (86.5%) versus lesions ≤ 20 mm (92.9%). The total complication rate was 14.9%: there was one major complication (perforation of sigmoid colon), while all other complications were minor. CONCLUSIONS: EFTR yields excellent resection rates for benign recurrent adenomas with non-lifting sign, advanced histopathological findings or submucosal lesions when the procedure is performed in experienced hands and for the correct indication. Thus, surgery can be avoided in many cases. For all lesions the risk of R1 resection goes up with the size of the lesion and careful patient selection is mandatory.

M. Peroneus Quartus Causing Chronic Peroneal Compartment Syndrome in a Runner Treated by Endoscopic Fasciotomy: A Case Report.

We present the rare case of a 47-year-old male long-distance runner who was referred to our hospital with a longstanding pain in his left calf. Clinical history, as well as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging scans, showed an accessory peroneal muscle. This muscle was identified as a peroneus quartus muscle. On ultrasound, controlled intracompartmental pressure measurement, a chronic peroneal compartment syndrome, was diagnosed. We performed an endoscopic-assisted fasciotomy of the peroneal compartment. This resolved the patient's symptoms completely and allowed the runner to return to competition shortly after the surgery.

One-Year Analysis of the Prospective Multicenter SENTRY Clinical Trial: Safety and Effectiveness of the Novate Sentry Bioconvertible Inferior Vena Cava Filter.

PURPOSE: To prospectively assess the Sentry bioconvertible inferior vena cava (IVC) filter in patients requiring temporary protection against pulmonary embolism (PE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: At 23 sites, 129 patients with documented deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or PE, or at temporary risk of developing DVT or PE, unable to use anticoagulation were enrolled. The primary end point was clinical success, including successful filter deployment, freedom from new symptomatic PE through 60 days before filter bioconversion, and 6-month freedom from filter-related complications. Patients were monitored by means of radiography, computerized tomography (CT), and CT venography to assess filtering configuration through 60 days, filter bioconversion, and incidence of PE and filter-related complications through 12 months. RESULTS: Clinical success was achieved in 111 of 114 evaluable patients (97.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 92.5%-99.1%). The rate of freedom from new symptomatic PE through 60 days was 100% (n = 129, 95% CI 97.1%-100.0%), and there were no cases of PE through 12 months for either therapeutic or prophylactic indications. Two patients (1.6%) developed symptomatic caval thrombosis during the first month; neither experienced recurrence after successful interventions. There was no filter tilting, migration, embolization, fracture, or caval perforation by the filter, and no filter-related death through 12 months. Filter bioconversion was successful for 95.7% (110/115) at 6 months and for 96.4% (106/110) at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: The Sentry IVC filter provided safe and effective protection against PE, with a high rate of intended bioconversion and a low rate of device-related complications, through 12 months of imaging-intense follow-up.

[What is new in symptomatic MS treatment: Part 3-bladder dysfunction]. / Neues zur symptomatischen MS-Therapie: Teil 3 ­ Blasenfunktionsstörungen.

The symptomatic treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) nowadays is of similar importance as immunotherapy within a comprehensive concept of therapy of this chronic disease, since it contributes considerably to the reduction of disabilities in activities of daily living as well as social and occupational life. Moreover, symptomatic treatment is of great importance for amelioration of quality of life. Since our last survey of symptomatic MS treatment in 2004 and publication of the guidelines of the German Neurological Society and the Klinisches Kompetenznetz Multiple Sklerose (KKNMS) in 2014 several developments within the topics of mobility, bladder and sexual function, vision, fatigue, cognition and rehabilitation took place. These new findings together with further aspects of disease measures and overall treatment strategies of the respective symptoms, as well as treatment goals are introduced in a series of six individual contributions. Here, the symptoms of bladder dysfunction will be discussed.

[New aspects of symptomatic MS treatment: Part 4-sexual dysfunction and eye movement disorders]. / Neues zur symptomatischen MS-Therapie: Teil 4 ­ Störungen der Sexualfunktion und der Augenbewegungen.

The symptomatic treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) is nowadays of similar importance as immunotherapy within a comprehensive treatment concept of this chronic disease. It makes a considerable contribution to the reduction of disabilities in activities of daily living as well as social and occupational life. Moreover, symptomatic treatment is of great importance for amelioration of the quality of life. Since our last survey of symptomatic MS treatment in 2004 and publication of the guidelines of the German Neurological Society and the Clinical Competence Network Multiple Sclerosis (Klinisches Kompetenznetz Multiple Sklerose, KKNMS) in 2014, several developments within the topics of mobility, bladder and sexual function, vision, fatigue, cognition and rehabilitation have taken place. These new findings together with further aspects of disease measurement methods and overall treatment strategies of the respective symptoms as well as treatment goals are introduced in several individual contributions. In this article the symptoms of sexual dysfunction and eye movement disorders are discussed.

[New aspects of symptomatic MS treatment: Part 6 - cognitive dysfunction and rehabilitation]. / Neues zur symptomatischen MS-Therapie: Teil 6 ­ kognitive Störungen und Rehabilitation.

The symptomatic treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) is nowadays of similar importance as immunotherapy within a comprehensive treatment concept of this chronic disease. It makes a considerable contribution to the reduction of disabilities in activities of daily living as well as social and occupational life. Moreover, symptomatic treatment is of great importance for amelioration of the quality of life. Since our last survey of symptomatic MS treatment in 2004 and publication of the guidelines of the German Neurological Society and the Clinical Competence Network Multiple Sclerosis ("Klinisches Kompetenznetz Multiple Sklerose", KKN-MS) in 2014 several developments within the topics of mobility, bladder and sexual function, vision, fatigue, cognition and rehabilitation have taken place. These new findings together with further aspects of disease measurement methods and overall treatment strategies of the respective symptoms, as well as treatment goals are introduced in several individual contributions. In this article the symptoms of cognitive disorders and the growing impact of rehabilitation are discussed.

[New aspects of symptomatic MS treatment: Part 5 - fatigue]. / Neues zur symptomatischen MS-Therapie: Teil 5 ­ Fatigue.

The symptomatic treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) is nowadays of similar importance as immunotherapy within a comprehensive treatment concept of this chronic disease. It makes a considerable contribution to the reduction of disabilities in activities of daily living as well as social and occupational life. Moreover, symptomatic treatment is of great importance for amelioration of the quality of life. Since our last survey of symptomatic MS treatment in 2004 and publication of the guidelines of the German Neurological Society and the Clinical Competence Network Multiple Sclerosis (Klinisches Kompetenznetz Multiple Sklerose, KKN-MS) in 2014 several developments within the topics of mobility, bladder and sexual function, vision, fatigue, cognition and rehabilitation have taken place. These new findings together with further aspects of disease measurement methods and overall treatment strategies of the respective symptoms as well as treatment goals are introduced in a series of 6 individual contributions. In this article the symptom of fatigue is discussed.

Cumulative Effect of an Antimicrobial Stewardship and Rapid Diagnostic Testing Bundle on Early Streamlining of Antimicrobial Therapy in Gram-Negative Bloodstream Infections.

The use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) enhances antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) interventions in optimization of antimicrobial therapy. This quasi-experimental cohort study evaluated the combined impact of an ASP/RDT bundle on the appropriateness of empirical antimicrobial therapy (EAT) and time to de-escalation of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents (BSAA) in Gram-negative bloodstream infections (GNBSI). The ASP/RDT bundle consisted of system-wide GNBSI treatment guidelines, prospective stewardship monitoring, and sequential introduction of two RDTs, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and the FilmArray blood culture identification (BCID) panel. The preintervention period was January 2010 through December 2013, and the postintervention period followed from January 2014 through June 2015. The postintervention period was conducted in two phases; phase 1 followed the introduction of MALDI-TOF MS, and phase 2 followed the introduction of the FilmArray BCID panel. The interventions resulted in significantly improved appropriateness of EAT (95% versus 91%; P = 0.02). Significant reductions in median time to de-escalation from combination antimicrobial therapy (2.8 versus 1.5 days), antipseudomonal beta-lactams (4.0 versus 2.5 days), and carbapenems (4.0 versus 2.5 days) were observed in the postintervention compared to the preintervention period (P < 0.001 for all). The reduction in median time to de-escalation from combination therapy (1.0 versus 2.0 days; P = 0.03) and antipseudomonal beta-lactams (2.2 versus 2.7 days; P = 0.04) was further augmented during phase 2 compared to phase 1 of the postintervention period. Implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program and RDT intervention bundle in a multihospital health care system is associated with improved appropriateness of EAT for GNBSI and decreased utilization of BSAA through early de-escalation.

Outcome, comorbidity, hospitalization and 30-day mortality after closure of acute perforations and postoperative anastomotic leaks by the over-the-scope clip (OTSC) in an unselected cohort of patients.

BACKGROUND: Acute gastrointestinal (GI) wall defects contain a high risk of morbidity and mortality and may be closed endoscopically by a full-thickness over-the-scope clip (OTSC). METHODS: Unselected consecutive patients presenting with acute non-surgical perforations or postoperative anastomotic leaks or perforations underwent attempted OTSC placement as primary closure method after interdisciplinary consensus in three tertiary referral centres. Their clinical data and intervention characteristics were evaluated in an intention to treat analysis during a 24-month period to assess closure rates, 30-day mortality, hospitalization and comorbidity. RESULTS: In total, 34 patients (16 females, 18 males, 69.5 years) were included with 22 non-surgical perforations and 12 postoperative anastomotic leaks or perforations. Definitive closure of the perforations and leaks was achieved in 26/34 patients (76.5 %). Successful closure of the GI wall defect resulted in a significantly shorter hospital stay (8 days, p = 0.03) and was significantly correlated with comorbidity (r = 0.56, p = 0.005). In the group with OTSC failure, hospitalization was 18 days and 6 of 8 patients (75 %) required immediate surgery. Three deaths occurred in the group with successful OTSC closure due to comorbidity, while one death in the OTSC failure group was related to a refractory perforation. Favourable indications and locations for a successful OTSC procedure were identified as PEG complications, endoscopic or postoperative leaks of stomach, colon or rectum, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In unselected patients, OTSC was effective for closure of acute GI wall defects in more than 75 % of all patients. Clinical success and short hospitalization were best achieved in patients without comorbidity, but closure of the perforation or the anastomotic leak was found to be not the only parameter relevant for patient outcome and mortality.

[What is new in symptomatic MS treatment: Part 2-gait disorder and spasticity]. / Neues zur symptomatischen MS­Therapie: Teil 2 ­ Gangstörung und Spastik.

The symptomatic treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) nowadays is of similar importance as immunotherapy within a comprehensive concept of therapy of this chronic disease, since it contributes considerably to the reduction of disabilities in activities of daily living as well as social and occupational life. Moreover, symptomatic treatment is of great importance for amelioration of quality of life. Since our last survey of symptomatic MS treatment in 2004 and publication of the guidelines of the German Neurological Society and the Klinisches Kompetenznetz Multiple Sklerose (KKN­MS) in 2014 several developments within the topics of mobility, bladder and sexual function, vision, fatigue, cognition and rehabilitation took place. These new findings together with further aspects of disease measures and overall treatment strategies of the respective symptoms, as well as treatment goals are introduced in a series of six individual contributions. Here, the symptoms of gait disorders and spasticity will be discussed.

[What is new in symptomatic MS treatment: Part 1-introduction and methodical approach, ataxia and tremor]. / Neues zur symptomatischen MS­Therapie: Teil 1 ­ Einleitung und methodisches Vorgehen, Ataxie und Tremor.

The symptomatic treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) nowadays is of similar importance as immunotherapy within a comprehensive concept of therapy of this chronic disease, since it contributes considerably to the reduction of disabilities in activities of daily living as well as social and occupational life. Moreover, symptomatic treatment is of great importance for amelioration of quality of life. Since our last survey of symptomatic MS treatment in 2004 and publication of the guidelines of the German Neurological Society and the Klinisches Kompetenznetz Multiple Sklerose (KKN­MS) in 2014 several developments within the topics of mobility, bladder and sexual function, vision, fatigue, cognition and rehabilitation took place. These new findings together with further aspects of disease measures and overall treatment strategies of the respective symptoms, as well as treatment goals are introduced in a series of six individual contributions. Here, the topic will be introduced, the methodical approach will be explained, and the treatment of ataxia and tremor will be discussed.

Management of Carotid Bifurcation Tumors: 30-Year Experience.

BACKGROUND: The carotid bifurcation can host a variety of tumors requiring complex surgical management. Treatment requires resection and, in some cases, vascular reconstruction that may compromise the cerebral circulation. The most frequent lesion at this location is the carotid body tumor (CBT). CBT are classified according to Shamblin in 3 types depending on the degree of carotid vessels encasement. Our main objective was to report our clinical experience managing carotid bifurcation tumors throughout the last 30 years. METHODS: Between 1984 and 2014, we treated 30 patients with 32 carotid bifurcation tumors. There were 21 women and 9 men (2.3:1), with a mean age of 45.5 years (18-75). The most frequent presentation was an asymptomatic neck swelling or palpable mass localized at the carotid triangle (86.7%). RESULTS: Thirty of 32 tumors were resected. Since 1994, computed tomography scan has been the most frequently used diagnostic imaging tool (80%), followed by magnetic resonance imaging. Angiography was used mainly during the first 10 years of the study period. Mean size of the tumor was 44.6 mm (20-73 mm). Nineteen (63%) were classified as Shamblin II and 6 (20%) as Shamblin's III. All specimens were analyzed by a pathologist; 28 tumors (93%) were confirmed as paragangliomas, 2 (7%) were diagnosed as schwannomas. Two patients underwent preoperative embolization of the CBT; 5 patients (17%) required simultaneous carotid revascularization, all of them Shamblin III. Mean hospitalization time was 4.5 days (1-35 days). Transient extracranial nerve deficit was observed in 7 patients (23.3%). Three patients (Shamblin III) required red blood cells transfusion. One patient (Shamblin III) underwent a planned en bloc excision of the vagus nerve. There was no perioperative mortality or procedure-related stroke. No malignancy or tumor recurrence were observed during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: CBTs can be diagnosed on clinical grounds requiring vascular imaging confirmation. These infrequent lesions are generally benign. Early surgical removal by surgeons with vascular expertise avoids permanent neurologic and or vascular complications.

Incidence of diabetes mellitus in a population-based cohort of HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected persons: the impact of clinical and therapeutic factors over time.

AIMS: To examine incidence density rate and correlates of incident diabetes mellitus in a cohort of HIV-infected individuals compared with matched non-HIV-infected persons. METHODS: Data were obtained from the South Carolina Medicaid system and the enhanced HIV/AIDS Reporting System surveillance database for persons ≥ 18 years of age who had been attended to during the period 1994 to 2011. Time-dependent proportional hazards analysis and marginal structural models were used to analyse the data. RESULTS: A total of 13 632 individuals (6816, 1:1 matched HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected persons; median age 39 years; 57% male) contributed 88 359 person-years of follow-up. Incidence rate of diabetes was higher in the non-HIV-infected group compared with the HIV-infected group (13.60 vs. 11.35 per 1000 person-years). Multivariable hazards analysis suggested a significantly lower risk of incident diabetes among HIV-infected persons treated with combination antiretroviral therapy compared with the matched non-HIV-infected persons (adjusted hazards ratio 0.55; 95% CI 0.46-0.65). Among HIV-infected persons, marginal structural modelling suggested a significantly higher risk of diabetes with cumulative exposure to protease inhibitors over the observation period (adjusted relative risk 1.35; 95% CI 1.03-1.78), but this association was not significant for exposure to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Overall, female gender, older age, non-white race/ethnicity, and pre-existing hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obesity and hepatitis C infection were associated with higher risk of diabetes incidence. CONCLUSIONS: HIV infection may not be independently associated with increased risk of diabetes. Among HIV-infected persons, exposure to protease inhibitor-based regimens may increase the risk of diabetes. Healthcare providers should make every effort to use combination antiretroviral therapy regimens with a better cardiometabolic profile.

Clindamycin-primaquine for pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia in renal transplant patients.

BACKGROUND: Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) is considered first-line therapy for pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) in renal transplant patients. Alternatives have not been formally studied. Clindamycin-primaquine (C-P) is effective in HIV-associated PCP, but data in renal transplant patients are lacking. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 57 consecutive renal transplant patients who developed PCP and were treated with C-P (n = 23) or TMP/SMX (n = 34). RESULTS: A non-significantly higher failure rate was observed in patients on C-P due to lack of efficacy (30.4 versus 20.6%, p = 0.545). The difference was more pronounced in severe PCP (60 versus 37.5%, p = 0.611) and a significantly lower efficacy of C-P was seen when used as salvage therapy. The two patients who had received C-P after not responding to TMP/SMX failed this regimen, but all seven patients who had failed initial treatment with C-P and had been switched to TMP/SMX were cured (p = 0.028). No treatment-limiting adverse reactions were reported for patients on C-P while six patients (17.6%) on TMP/SMX developed possibly related treatment-limiting toxicity (p = 0.071). However, in only two patients adverse events were definitely related to TMP/SMX (5.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Clindamycin-primaquine appears to be safe and well tolerated for treating PCP in renal transplant patients but is probably less effective than TMP/SMX, the standard regimen. However, our data indicates that C-P represents an acceptable alternative for patients with contraindications or treatment emergent toxicities during TMP/SMX use. Notably, TMP/SMX was also acceptably tolerated in most patients. TMP/SMX remains an effective salvage regimen in case of C-P failure.