The combined effect of systemic antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors on Clostridioides difficile infection and recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are recognized risk factors for acquisition and recurrence of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), yet combined effects remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: To assess the short- and long-term effects of antibiotics and PPIs on CDI risk and recurrence. METHODS: Population-based study including all 43 152 patients diagnosed with CDI in Sweden (2006-2019), and 355 172 matched population controls without CDI. The impact of antibiotics and PPIs on CDI risk and recurrence was explored for recent (0-30 days) and preceding (31-180 days) use prior to their first CDI diagnosis, using multivariable conditional logistic regression presented as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval, adjusted for demographics, comorbidities and other drugs. RESULTS: Compared to controls, the combined effect of recent PPIs and antibiotics [ORAB+PPI = 17.51 (17.48-17.53)] on CDI risk was stronger than the individual effects [ORAB = 15.37 (14.83-15.93); ORPPI = 2.65 (2.54-2.76)]. Results were less pronounced for exposure during the preceding months. Dose-response analyses showed increasing exposure correlated with CDI risk [recent use: ORAB = 6.32 (6.15-6.49); ORPPI = 1.65 (1.62-1.68) per prescription increase].Compared to individuals without recurrence (rCDI), recent [ORAB = 1.30 (1.23-1.38)] and preceding [ORAB = 1.23 (1.16-1.31); ORPPI = 1.12 (1.03-1.21)] use also affected the risk of recurrence yet without significant interaction between both. Recent macrolides/lincosamides/streptogramins; other antibacterials including nitroimidazole derivates; non-penicillin beta lactams and quinolones showed the strongest association with CDI risk and recurrence, particularly for recent use. PPI use, both recent and preceding, further increased the CDI risk associated with almost all antibiotic classes. CONCLUSION: Recent and less recent use of PPIs and systemic antibiotics was associated with an increased risk of CDI, particularly in combination.

COVID-19 in three waves in a tertiary referral hospital in Belgium: a comparison of patient characteristics, management, and outcome.

PURPOSE: Few studies have compared patient characteristics, clinical management, and outcome of patients with COVID-19 between the different epidemic waves. In this study, we describe patient characteristics, treatment, and outcome of patients admitted for COVID-19 in the Antwerp University Hospital over the first three epidemic waves of 2020-2021. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of COVID-19 patients in a Belgian tertiary referral hospital. All adult patients with COVID-19, hospitalized between February 29, 2020, and June 30, 2021, were included. Standardized routine medical data was collected from patient records. Risk factors were assessed with multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: We included 722 patients, during the first (n = 179), second (n = 347) and third (n = 194) wave. We observed the lowest disease severity at admission during the first wave, and more elderly and comorbid patients during the second wave. Throughout the subsequent waves we observed an increasing use of corticosteroids and high-flow oxygen therapy. In spite of increasing number of complications throughout the subsequent waves, mortality decreased each wave (16.6%,15.6% 11.9% in 1st, 2nd and 3rd wave respectively). C-reactive protein above 150 mg/L was predictive for the need for intensive care unit admission (odds ratio (OR) 3.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.32-6.15). A Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 5 (OR 5.68, 95% CI 2.54-12.70) and interhospital transfers (OR 3.78, 95% CI 2.05-6.98) were associated with a higher mortality. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a reduction in mortality each wave, despite increasing comorbidity. Evolutions in patient management such as high-flow oxygen therapy on regular wards and corticosteroid use may explain this favorable evolution.

Clostridioides difficile recurrence in individuals with and without cancer: a Swedish population-based cohort study.

PURPOSE: Patients with cancer are vulnerable to Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) due to their disease, treatment and regular hospital contact, yet if CDI-recurrence is more common remains unclear, and differences among cancer types remain unexplored. METHODS: This Swedish nationwide population-based cohort included all 43,150 individuals with recorded CDI (2006-2019) to assess CDI-recurrence in individuals with and without cancer, with binary multivariable logistic regression, stratified by anatomical location, and survival status. RESULTS: Compared to those without cancer (N = 29,543), ongoing cancer (diagnosis < 12 months; N = 3,882) was associated with reduced recurrence (OR = 0.81, 95% CI 0.73-0.89), while there was no association with cancer history (diagnosis ≥ 12 months; N = 9,725). There was an increased 8-week all-cause mortality (Ongoing cancer: OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.43-1.74; Cancer history: OR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.36-1.55) compared to those without cancer. Among CDI-survivors, those with ongoing cancer presented with a decreased odds of recurrence (OR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.76-0.94), compared to those without cancer history, with no association for those with cancer history (OR = 1.04, 95% CI 0.97-1.1). Large variations were seen across cancer types, with the highest observed proportion of recurrence in oral and mesothelial cancer, and the lowest for esophageal cancer, although no statistically significant OR were found. CONCLUSION: The population-based study indicates that individuals with cancer may have fewerrecurrences than expected, yet variations by cancer type were large, and mortality was high.

Clostridioides difficile infection, recurrence and the associated healthcare consumption in Sweden between 2006 and 2019: a population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) causes a major burden to individuals and society, yet the impact may vary depending on age, sex, underlying comorbidities and where CDI was acquired (hospital or community). METHODS: This Swedish nationwide population-based cohort study (2006-2019) compared all 43,150 individuals with CDI to their 355,172 matched controls (first year and entire follow-up). Negative binomial regression models compared the cumulated length of stay, number of in-hospital admissions, outpatient visits and prescriptions after the first CDI episode expressed as incidence rate ratios (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals for the entire follow-up. RESULTS: Overall, 91.6% of CDI cases were hospital acquired, and 16.8% presented with recurrence(s); 74.8%of cases were ≥ 65 years and 54.2% were women. Compared to individuals without CDI, in-hospital stay rates were 18.01 times higher after CDI (95% CI 17.40-18.63, first-year: 27.4 versus 1.6 days), 9.45 times higher in-hospital admission (95% CI 9.16-9.76, first-year: 2.6 versus 1.3 hospitalisations), 3.94 times higher outpatient visit (95% CI 3.84-4.05, first-year: 4.0 versus 1.9 visits) and 3.39 times higher dispensed prescriptions rates (95% CI 3.31-3.48, first-year: 25.5 versus 13.7 prescriptions). For all outcomes, relative risks were higher among the younger (< 65 years) than the older (≥ 65 years), and in those with fewer comorbidities, but similar between sexes. Compared to those without recurrence, individuals with recurrence particularly showed a higher rate of hospital admissions (IRR = 1.18, 95% 1.12-1.24). Compared to community-acquired CDI, those with hospital-acquired CDI presented with a higher rate of hospital admissions (IRR = 7.29, 95% CI 6.68-7.96) and a longer length of stay (IRR = 7.64, 95% CI 7.07-8.26). CONCLUSION: CDI was associated with increased health consumption in all affected patient groups. The majority of the CDI burden could be contributed to hospital-acquired CDI (~ 9/10), older patients (~ 3/4) and those with multiple comorbidities (~ 6/10 Charlson score ≥ 3), with 1/5 of the total CDI burden contributed to individuals with recurrence. Yet, relatively speaking the burden was higher among the younger and those with fewer comorbidities, compared to their peers without CDI.

Accuracy and diagnostic performance of the Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology in a tertiary endocrine surgical referral center in Belgium.

BACKGROUND: The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology is a commonly used classification for fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology of suspicious thyroid nodules. The risk of malignancy (ROM) for each category has recently been analyzed in three international databases. This paper compares the diagnostic performance of the Bethesda classification in a high-volume referral center in Belgium. METHODS: All consecutive thyroid procedures were registered in a prospective database from January 2010 till August 2022. Patient and surgical characteristics, preoperative Bethesda categories, and postoperative pathology results were analyzed. RESULTS: Out of 2219 consecutive thyroid procedures, 1226 patients underwent preoperative FNA. Papillary thyroid cancer was the most prevalent malignancy (N = 119, 70.4%), followed by follicular (N = 17, 10.1%) and medullary thyroid cancer (N = 15, 8.9%). Micropapillary thyroid cancer was incidentally found in 46 (3.8%) patients. Bethesda categories I, II, III, IV, V, and VI, respectively, represented 250 (20.4%; ROM 4.4%), 546 (44.5%; ROM 3.8%), 96 (7.8%; ROM 20.8%), 231 (18.8%; ROM 15.2%), 62 (5.1%; ROM 72.6%), and 41 (3.3%; ROM 90.2%) patients. Overall ROM was 13.8%. An negative predictive value (NPV) of 96.2% was found. Overall specificity was 64.2% with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 31.9%. Diagnostic accuracy was 67.8%. Compared to international databases (CESQIP, EUROCRINE, and UKRETS), ROM in this study appeared lower for Bethesda category IV (15.2 vs. 26.7% and p = 0.612). CONCLUSION: Despite being validated in numerous studies, ROM based on preoperative FNA cytology classified according to the Bethesda classification may vary among surgical centers and countries as this study reveals a higher NPV and lower PPV.

Antibiotic or gastric acid inhibitor use during pregnancy and postpartum depression: Population-based cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Postpartum depression is one of the most common non-obstetric postnatal complications. As the microbiome (and gut-brain axis) as well as inflammation may be involved in the mechanism, we aimed to assess if antibiotic or gastric acid inhibition use during pregnancy affects the risk of postpartum depression (clinical diagnosis and/or antidepressant use up to 1 year after childbirth). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This population-based cohort study used first singleton pregnancy resulting in a live birth in Sweden from 2006 to 2016. Women with history of depression were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the impact of antibiotics and gastric acid inhibitors and other risk factors, presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Overall, 29% of all 10 666 women with postpartum depression were exposed to antibiotics and 6.2% to gastric acid inhibitors, compared to, respectively, 21% and 3.2% of 613 205 women without postpartum depression. Antibiotic use during pregnancy was associated with postpartum depression (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.37-1.49), particularly for quinolones and other antibacterials (including nitroimidazole derivatives). Gastric acid inhibition was associated with an even higher risk than antibiotics (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.88-2.21). Both antibiotics and gastric acid inhibitors suggested higher risk with increased dose in a dose-response analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The use of antibiotics and gastric acid inhibition drugs during pregnancy appeared to be associated with a higher risk of postpartum depression. However, it is important to consider that other predisposing factors could contribute to this increased risk, even after excluding individuals with a history of depression.

Should dolutegravir always be withheld in people with HIV on dolutegravir with incident diabetes mellitus? a case report.

Dolutegravir (DTG), an integrase strand transfer inhibitor is currently the recommended first and second line anti-retroviral therapy (ART) anchor agent by the World Health Organization due to its favorable side effect profile, high efficacy and genetic barrier to resistance.Despite its very good side effect profile, there have been multiple case reports of ART experienced patients developing hyperglycemia within weeks to a few months after switching to DTG preceded by weight loss. At population level, however, DTG as well as other integrase inhibitors have been demonstrated to have a reduced risk of incident diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compared to other HIV drug classes.Following multiple similar reports of accelerated hyperglycemia in Uganda during the first pilot year of DTG use, the Uganda Ministry of Health recommended withholding dolutegravir in all patients who develop diabetes. Whether this recommendation should be applied to all patients with incident T2DM remains to be demonstrated.We present a clinical case of an HIV positive ART naïve man who was diagnosed with T2DM after 36 weeks on DTG. We describe changes in blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, insulin resistance and pancreatic beta cell function before and after withholding DTG. We demonstrated that he was phenotypically different from the reported cases of accelerated hyperglycemia and he continued to have worsening insulin resistance despite withholding DTG. His blood glucose improved with dietary T2DM management. It is possible he had an inherent risk of developing T2DM independent of his exposure to DTG. This put in question whether DTG should universally be withheld in PLHIV with incident T2DM in Uganda.

Maintenance Proton Pump Inhibitor Use Associated with Increased All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality in Sweden.

BACKGROUND: Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use has increased over the last decades and has been associated with multiple adverse events and potentially even overall survival. AIMS: We aimed to investigate the association between proton pump inhibitor maintenance use and all-cause and cause-specific mortality, addressing confounding by indication and duration of use. METHODS: This Swedish population-based cohort study included all adult (N = 935,236) PPI and histamine-2 receptor antagonist maintenance users (≥ 180 days use) during 2005-2014. Standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for all-cause and cause-specific mortality comparing the risk among PPI/H2RA users to that of the Swedish background population, stratified by age, sex, calendar period, indication and duration of use. Multivariable Poisson regression models were used to compare PPI use to H2RA use, expressed as incidence rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: PPI and histamine-2 receptor antagonist use were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (SMR = 1.35; 1.34-1.36; SMR = 1.31; 1.27-1.36, respectively). The highest SMRs were found in the youngest age groups. In direct comparison, PPI use showed a higher mortality risk than histamine-2 receptor antagonist use (incidence rate ratios = 1.42; 1.38-1.46). PPIs were related to increased cancer (SMR = 1.21; 1.20-1.22), and cardiovascular mortality (SMR = 1.36; 1.35-1.37). Increased SMRs were observed for most indications. Longer duration of use was associated with a higher mortality among PPI users but not among histamine-2 receptor antagonist users. CONCLUSION: Maintenance PPI use was associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality, and the risk increased with prolonged duration.

Pre-pregnancy complications - associated factors and wellbeing in early pregnancy: a Swedish cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Many couples experience difficulties to become pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term due to unknown causes. Here we define pre-pregnancy complications as having prior recurrent pregnancy loss, prior late miscarriages, time to pregnancy more than one year, or the use of artificial reproductive technologies. We aim to identify factors associated with pre-pregnancy complications and poor well-being in early pregnancy. METHODS: Online questionnaire data from 5330 unique pregnancies in Sweden were collected from November 2017 - February 2021. Multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to investigate potential risk factors for pre-pregnancy complications and differences in early pregnancy symptoms. RESULTS: Pre-pregnancy complications were identified in 1142 participants (21%). Risk factors included diagnosed endometriosis, thyroid medication, opioids and other strong pain medication, body mass index > 25 kg/m2 and age over 35 years. Different subgroups of pre-pregnancy complications had unique risk factors. The groups also experienced different pregnancy symptoms in early pregnancy, where women that had experienced recurrent pregnancy loss were at higher risk of depression in their current pregnancy. CONCLUSION: We report one of the largest pregnancy cohorts with high frequency of pre-pregnancy complications compared to the Swedish population. Prescribed drug use and body weight were the top potentially modifiable risk factors in all groups. Participants that experienced pre-pregnancy complications also had higher risk of depression and pregnancy problems in early pregnancy.

Dolutegravir use over 48 weeks is not associated with worsening insulin resistance and pancreatic beta cell function in a cohort of HIV-infected Ugandan adults.

BACKGROUND: The Uganda Ministry of Health issued restrictive guidelines on the use of dolutegravir (DTG) in persons stratified to have a heightened risk of diabetes mellitus. This followed multiple reports of persons with HIV (PWH) presenting with accelerated hyperglycemia after a few weeks to months of exposure to DTG. Having demonstrated a low incidence of diabetes mellitus and improving blood glucose trajectories in a cohort of ART naïve Ugandan PWH on DTG, we sought to determine whether the observed improvement in blood glucose did not mask background compensated insulin resistance. METHODS: In this analysis, 63 patients underwent serial oral glucose tolerance tests over 48 weeks. Using fasting serum insulin and glucose, we calculated insulin resistance and pancreatic beta cell function by homeostatic modelling (HOMA IR and HOMA%ß respectively). Absolute mean changes between baseline and post-baseline blood glucose, pancreatic beta cell function and insulin resistance were computed by subtracting each post-baseline value from the baseline value and compared using student t-test. Multiple linear regression models were used to determine the factors associated with changes in pancreatic beta cell function and insulin resistance. RESULTS: Of the 63 participants, 37 (58%) were female. Median age was 31 (IQR: 28-37). Despite a trend towards an initial increase in both HOMA IR and HOMA%ß at 12 weeks followed by a decline through 36 weeks to 48 weeks, the HOMA IR and HOMA%ß at 48 weeks were not significantly different from baseline i.e. (difference in mean HOMA IR from baseline: 0.14, 95%CI: -0.46, 0.733, p = 0.648) and (difference in mean HOMA %ß from baseline: 6.7, 95%CI: -13.4, 26.8, p = 0.506) respectively. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated insignificant changes in both insulin resistance and pancreatic beta cell function in clinically stable young adult Ugandan PWH on dolutegravir for 48 weeks. We add to the body of evidence demonstrating glucose metabolic safety of dolutegravir in ART naïve patients. Ugandan guidelines should reconsider restricting DTG initiation in ART naive adults at high risk for diabetes.

Blood glucose trajectories and incidence of diabetes mellitus in Ugandan people living with HIV initiated on dolutegravir.

BACKGROUND: Following reports of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) experienced Ugandan people living with HIV (PLHIV) presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis weeks to months following a switch to dolutegravir (DTG), the Uganda Ministry of Health recommended withholding DTG in both ART naïve and experienced PLHIV with diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as well as 3-monthly blood glucose monitoring for patients with T2DM risk factors. We sought to determine if the risk of T2DM is indeed heightened in nondiabetic ART naïve Ugandan PLHIV over the first 48 weeks on DTG. METHODS: Between January and October 2021, 243 PLHIV without T2DM were initiated on DTG based ART for 48 weeks. Two-hour oral glucose tolerance tests (2-h OGTT) were performed at baseline, 12, and 36 weeks; fasting blood glucose (FBG) was measured at 24 and 48 weeks. The primary outcome was the incidence of T2DM. Secondary outcomes included: incidence of pre-Diabetes Mellitus (pre-DM), median change in FBG from baseline to week 48 and 2-h blood glucose (2hBG) from baseline to week 36. Linear regression models were used to determine adjusted differences in FBG and 2hBG from baseline to weeks 48 and 36 respectively. RESULTS: The incidence of T2DM was 4 cases per 1000 PY (1/243) and pre-DM, 240 cases per 1000 person years (PY) (54/243). There was a significant increase in FBG from baseline to week 48 [median change from baseline (FBG): 3.6 mg/dl, interquartile range (IQR): - 3.6, 7.2, p-value (p) = 0.005] and significant reduction in 2hBG (2hBG: - 7.26 mg/dl, IQR: - 21.6, 14.4, p = 0.024) at week 36. A high CD4 count and increased waist circumference were associated with 2hBG increase at week 36. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated a low incidence of T2DM in Ugandan ART-naïve patients receiving DTG. We also demonstrated that longitudinal changes in BG were independent of conventional risk factors of T2DM in the first 48 weeks of therapy. Restricting the use of dolutegravir in Ugandan ART naïve patients perceived to be high risk for diabetes mellitus may be unwarranted.

Thyroid surgery in the elderly: a surgical cohort.

PURPOSE: The need for thyroid surgery in the elderly is rising due to an ageing population, the liberal use of imaging studies, and the increasing prevalence of thyroid nodules and cancer with age. Data on surgical outcomes in this population are scarce and conflicting, but essential to assess safety of short-stay surgery. This study aims to compare surgical outcomes by age. METHODS: All consecutive patients undergoing thyroid surgery from January 2010 to July 2021 in a large tertiary referral centre for endocrine surgery were included in this surgical cohort. The indication for surgery, surgical morbidity (hypocalcaemia, bleeding, recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy), and length of hospital stay were assessed in three age groups (young: 18-64y, older: 65-74y, and the elderly: 75 years and older). RESULTS: A total of 2,030 patients (1,499 young, 370 older, and 161 elderly) were included. The indication for surgery was significantly different, with the main indications in the elderly being multinodular goitre (70.2% vs. 47.7% in young patients) and thyroid cancer (9.9% vs. 7.0%). Reintervention for bleeding was more often required in the older (4.6%) and the elderly (2.5%) patients (vs. 1.4%). There was no difference in the proportion of hypocalcaemia or RLN palsy. The length of hospital stay was significantly longer in the elderly (length of stay longer than one day 43.5% vs. 9.8%). CONCLUSION: Thyroid surgery in patients aged 75 years and older is a safe procedure with morbidity comparable to younger patients. However, the risk of reintervention for bleeding is higher, rendering ambulatory surgery not advisable. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Researchregistry6182 on October 29th 2020, retrospectively registered.

Population-based cohort study: proton pump inhibitor use during pregnancy in Sweden and the risk of maternal and neonatal adverse events.

BACKGROUND: Approximately half of all women suffer from heartburn at some stage during pregnancy. The most effective treatment is proton pump inhibitors, but the safety of use during pregnancy cannot be guaranteed. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of proton pump inhibitors on the risk of pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm birth, an Apgar score at 5 min below 7, and a child being small or large for its gestational age. METHODS: This Swedish population-based study included 1,089,514 live singleton deliveries between July 2006 and December 2016 in Sweden. Multiple logistic regression was used to model the outcomes as a function of the covariates. Results were presented as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: In 1.4% of all pregnancies, the mother used proton pump inhibitors in the period from 3 months before the last menstrual period up to delivery. The use of proton pump inhibitors was associated with higher odds of pre-eclampsia (odds ratio = 1.19, 1.10-1.29), gestational diabetes mellitus (odds ratio = 1.29, 1.16-1.43), preterm birth (odds ratio = 1.23, 1.14-1.32), and small for gestational age (odds ratio = 1.27, 1.16-1.40) and lower odds of large for gestational age (odds ratio = 0.84, 0.77-0.91). No significant association was found with a low Apgar score 5 min after birth. CONCLUSIONS: Proton pump inhibitor use was associated with a higher risk of pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and being born small for gestational age.

Association Between Proton Pump Inhibitor Use and Biliary Tract Cancer Risk: A Swedish Population-Based Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Biliary tract cancer is a group of highly aggressive malignant disorders, yet risk factors are poorly understood. In this study, we aim to assess whether prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) increases the risk of incident biliary tract carcinoma in a nation-wide population-based cohort in Sweden. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Using nation-wide registries, we identified all adults who received maintenance PPIs (≥180 days) according to the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register from 2005 through 2012. Data on incident biliary tract cancer were retrieved from the Swedish Cancer, Death and Outpatient Registers. Risk of biliary tract cancer in persons who received PPI treatment was compared with the general population of the corresponding age, sex, and calendar year yielding standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) with 95% CIs. Of 738,881 PPI users (median follow-up of 5.3 years), 206 (0.03%) developed gallbladder cancer and 265 (0.04%) extrahepatic and 131 (0.02%) intrahepatic bile duct cancer corresponding to SIRs of 1.58 (95% CI, 1.37-1.81), 1.77 (95% CI, 1.56-2.00), and 1.88 (95% CI, 1.57-2.23), respectively. In sensitivity analyses restricted to persons without a history of gallstones or chronic liver or pancreatic diseases, SIRs were 1.36 (95% CI, 1.17-1.57) and 1.47 (95% CI, 1.19-1.80) for extra- and intrahepatic duct cancer, respectively. The risk remained higher than the corresponding general population with ≥5 years of PPIs use, ruling out confounding by indication. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, long-term use of PPIs was associated with an increased risk of gallbladder, intrahepatic, and extrahepatic bile duct cancer compared with the general population.

Effect of primary tumour resection without curative intent in patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumours of the small intestine and right colon: meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with small intestinal neuroendocrine tumours (siNETs) usually present with advanced disease. Primary tumour resection without curative intent is controversial in patients with metastatic siNETs. The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate survival after primary tumour resection without curative intent compared with no resection in patients with metastatic siNETs. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed, using MEDLINE® (PubMed), Embase®, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up to 25 February 2021. Studies were included if survival after primary tumour resection versus no resection in patients with metastatic siNETs was reported. Results were pooled in a random-effects meta-analysis, and are reported as hazard ratios (HRs) with 95 per cent confidence intervals. Sensitivity analyses were undertaken to enable comment on the impact of important confounders. RESULTS: After screening 3659 abstracts, 16 studies, published between 1992 and 2021, met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 9428 patients. Thirteen studies reported HRs adjusted for important confounders and were included in the meta-analysis. Median overall survival was 112 (i.q.r. 82-134) months in the primary tumour resection group compared with 60 (74-88) months in the group without resection. Five-year overall survival rates were 74 (i.q.r. 67-77) and 44 (34-45) per cent respectively. Primary tumour resection was associated with improved survival compared with no resection (HR 0.55, 95 per cent c.i. 0.47 to 0.66). This effect remained in sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION: Primary tumour resection is associated with increased survival in patients with advanced, metastatic siNETs, even after adjusting for important confounders.

Pregnancy, perinatal and childhood outcomes in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome and metformin during pregnancy: a nationwide population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects women in reproductive age and represents an unfavourable risk factor for several pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. Despite, no guidelines or pharmaceutical strategies for treating PCOS during pregnancy are available. The aim of this study is to determine the association between polycystic ovary syndrome with or without metformin and the pregnancy, perinatal outcomes as well as the risk of obesity in children born to these mothers. METHODS: In this nationwide population-based cohort study based in Swedish population, all singleton births (n = 1,016,805) from 686,847 women since 2006 up to 2016 were included. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression modelling with odds ratios (OR) and hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals were used to study the association between the exposure of maternal PCOS, metformin during pregnancy (or the combination of both) and: 1) Pregnancy outcomes: preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, caesarean section, and acute caesarean section, 2) Perinatal outcomes: preterm birth, stillbirth, low birth weight, macrosomia, Apgar < 7 at 5 min, small for gestational age and large for gestational age, and 3) Childhood Obesity. RESULTS: PCOS in women without metformin use during pregnancy was associated with higher risks of preeclampsia (OR = 1.09, 1.02-1.17), gestational diabetes (OR = 1.71, 1.53-1.91) and caesarean section (OR = 1.08, 1.04-1.12), preterm birth (OR = 1.30, 1.23-1.38), low birth weight (OR = 1.29, 1.20-1.38), low Apgar scores (OR = 1.17, 1.05-1.31) and large for gestational age (OR = 1.11, 1.03-1.20). Metformin use during pregnancy (in women without PCOS) was associated with a 29% lower risks of preeclampsia (OR = 0.71, 0.51-0.97), macrosomia and large for gestational age. Obesity was more common among children born to mothers with PCOS without metformin (HR = 1.61, 1.44-1.81); and those with metformin without PCOS (HR = 1.67, 1.05-2.65). PCOS with metformin was not associated with any adverse outcome. CONCLUSION: PCOS was associated with increased risks of adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes and childhood obesity. Metformin appears to reduce these risks in mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome and their children; but may increase the risk of childhood-obesity in children form women without PCOS.

Blood protein profiles related to preterm birth and retinopathy of prematurity.

BACKGROUND: Nearly one in ten children is born preterm. The degree of immaturity is a determinant of the infant's health. Extremely preterm infants have higher morbidity and mortality than term infants. One disease affecting extremely preterm infants is retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a multifactorial neurovascular disease that can lead to retinal detachment and blindness. The advances in omics technology have opened up possibilities to study protein expressions thoroughly with clinical accuracy, here used to increase the understanding of protein expression in relation to immaturity and ROP. METHODS: Longitudinal serum protein profiles the first months after birth in 14 extremely preterm infants were integrated with perinatal and ROP data. In total, 448 unique protein targets were analyzed using Proximity Extension Assays. RESULTS: We found 20 serum proteins associated with gestational age and/or ROP functioning within mainly angiogenesis, hematopoiesis, bone regulation, immune function, and lipid metabolism. Infants with severe ROP had persistent lower levels of several identified proteins during the first postnatal months. CONCLUSIONS: The study contributes to the understanding of the relationship between longitudinal serum protein levels and immaturity and abnormal retinal neurovascular development. This is essential for understanding pathophysiological mechanisms and to optimize diagnosis, treatment and prevention for ROP. IMPACT: Longitudinal protein profiles of 14 extremely preterm infants were analyzed using a novel multiplex protein analysis platform combined with perinatal data. Proteins associated with gestational age at birth and the neurovascular disease ROP were identified. Among infants with ROP, longitudinal levels of the identified proteins remained largely unchanged during the first postnatal months. The main functions of the proteins identified were angiogenesis, hematopoiesis, immune function, bone regulation, lipid metabolism, and central nervous system development. The study contributes to the understanding of longitudinal serum protein patterns related to gestational age and their association with abnormal retinal neuro-vascular development.

Association between menopausal hormone therapy use and mortality risk: a Swedish population-based matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The net effect of menopausal hormone therapy on the risk of death is understudied, and current evidence is conflicting. Our aim was to investigate the association between menopausal hormones and risk of all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer-specific mortality, based on the Swedish Prescribed Drug Registry and National Patient Registry. METHODS: This Swedish population-based matched cohort study included all women, 40 years or older, who had received at least one prescription of systemic menopausal hormone therapy between 2005-2014 (n = 290,186), group level matched 1:3 to non-users (n = 870,165). Multivariable conditional logistic regression models estimated the relative risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality, adjusting for several clinical factors and comorbidities. RESULTS: Ever-use of menopausal hormones was associated with a slightly lower overall odds of all-cause (OR = 0.97, 95%CI 0.95-0.98) and cardiovascular (OR = 0.97, 95%CI 0.95-0.99) mortality, whilst 30% lower overall odds of cancer-related mortality (OR = 0.70, 95%CI 0.68-0.72) was shown. The odds of all-cause and cancer-related mortality were consistently reduced among women who began menopausal hormone therapy ≤60 years, whereas the association with cardiovascular mortality was inconsistent. In contrast, oestrogen-only therapy was associated with elevated odds of all-cause (OR = 1.14, 95%CI 1.11-1.16) and cardiovascular mortality (OR = 1.04, 95%CI 1.01-1.06) among women who began treatment at ≥70 years. Among current users, oestrogen-only therapy was associated with higher odds of all-cause (OR = 1.48, 95%CI 1.44-1.52) and cardiovascular mortality (OR = 1.24, 95%CI 1.20-1.28), whereas past use of oestrogen-only therapy suggested lower odds of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our generalisable data suggest that early menopausal hormone treatment initiation does not increase the odds of mortality. However, the role of oestrogens in particularly cardiovascular mortality remains to be investigated.

Feasibility and Safety of Ambulatory Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy via Vestibular Approach (TOETVA).

BACKGROUND: In search of an ideal cosmesis, transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via vestibular approach (TOETVA) has recently been introduced to avoid a visible scar. Although ambulatory thyroid surgery is considered safe in carefully selected patients, this remains unclear for TOETVA. METHODS: All consecutive adult patients who underwent ambulatory TOETVA or open thyroid surgery at a French university hospital were prospectively enrolled from 12/2020 until 11/2021. The primary outcome was postoperative morbidity (recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy, re-intervention for bleeding, wound morbidity, or hospital readmission). The secondary outcome was quality of life (QoL), measured by a survey including a validated questionnaire (SF-12) and a modified thyroid surgery questionnaire six weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Throughout the study period, 374 patients underwent a unilateral lobectomy or isthmectomy in ambulatory setting, of which 34 (9%) as TOETVA (including 21 (62%) for a possible malignancy). In the TOETVA group, younger age (median 40 (IQR 35-50) vs. 51 (40-60) years, P < 0.001) and lower BMI (median 23.1 (20.9-25.4) vs. 24.9 (22.1-28.9) kg/m2, P = 0.001) were noted. No cases were converted to open cervicotomy. TOETVA was at least as good as open cervicotomy with nil versus four (1%) re-interventions for bleeding, one temporary (5%) versus 13 (4%) (temporary) RLN palsies, and one (<1%) wound infection (open cervicotomy group). No hospital readmissions occurred in all ambulatory surgery patients. No differences were found in physical (P = 0.280) and mental (P = 0.569) QoL between TOETVA and open surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In carefully selected patients, the feasibility and safety of ambulatory TOETVA are comparable to open surgery.

Long-term outcome of surgical techniques for sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism in a tertiary referral center in Belgium.

PURPOSE: Surgery remains the only permanent treatment option for primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). To date, the number of long-term outcome studies of parathyroidectomy is limited. This study aims to compare different surgical approaches and evaluate the importance of preoperative localization imaging in the treatment of pHPT. METHODS: All 200 consecutive patients with a parathyroidectomy for sporadic pHPT without planned concomitant surgery between 09/2009 and 04/2021 in a Belgian tertiary referral hospital were enrolled. All patients underwent at least two preoperative localization imaging studies (neck ultrasound, CT, SPECT, and/or Sestamibi scintigraphy) of the parathyroid glands. The main outcomes were the (long-term) cured proportion and postoperative morbidity (hypocalcemia, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, return to theater for bleeding, and wound morbidity). RESULTS: Most patients were referred with concordant positive imaging (82%, n = 164). Only nine patients (4.5%) had double negative imaging, not revealing a possible adenoma. The remaining 27 (13.5%) were referred with discordant imaging. Parathyroidectomy was performed via traditional cervicotomy (30%), mini-open approach (39.5%), or endoscopic approach (30.5%). Morbidity was low with no persistent hypocalcemia, one return to theater for bleeding, and no 30-day mortality. In the concordant imaging population, 13 patients (8%) had multiglandular disease. Overall, 97.5% was considered cured. Long-term recurrence was 12% with a minimal follow-up of 5 years. CONCLUSION: This consecutive, single-surgeon, single-center cohort with extensive data collection and long-term follow-up confirms the safety and excellent cured proportions of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. Disease recurrence becomes more important long after surgery.