Immunotherapy with autologous dendritic cells in the complex treatment of malignant gliomas - results.

ANNOTATION: Malignant gliomas are the most common primary brain tumor. Despite the variety of modern treatments, it is still a fatal disease with an extremely poor prognosis. The use of immunotherapy as a technique for the treatment of malignant tumors has great promise, retraining and exploiting the patient's immune response against tumors. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the effectiveness of dendritic cell vaccine in patients with malignant brain gliomas in the structure of complex treatment in comparison with the control group of patients without immunotherapy in the structure of treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a single-center, prospective, cohort study, taking place on the basis of the RNSI named after prof. A.L. Polenov, 91 patients with morphologically established malignant glial tumor (glioblastoma) took part. The main group of 41 patients who, in addition to standard treatment (surgical, radiation and chemotherapy), underwent specific antitumor immunotherapy. 50 patients received only standard treatment, without immunotherapy. RESULTS: Median survival was 21.7 months in the immunotherapy group (95% CI 4-37 months) and 15.8 months (95% CI 3-22 months) in the non-immunotherapy group (p = 0.002). The median relapse-free period in the group with immunotherapy was 13.8 months (95% CI 1-20 months), and in the group without immunotherapy 7.9 months (95% CI 1-12 months) (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: In general, the use of immunotherapy in the structure of complex treatment of patients with malignant gliomas demonstrates a clear positive trend in terms of overall survival and median relapse-free period. But nevertheless, immunotherapy requires further development as a therapeutic tool, study and improvement, which will take into account immunosuppression in malignant gliomas and means of overcoming it, optimization in terms of target antigen selection, cell preparation and integration of dendritic vaccines into other treatment regimens.

Adult and late adolescent complications of pediatric solid organ transplantation.

BACKGROUND: There have been over 51 000 pediatric solid organ transplants since 1988 in the United States alone, leading to a growing population of long-term survivors who face complications of childhood organ failure and long-term immunosuppression. AIMS: This is an educational review of existing literature. RESULTS: Pediatric solid organ transplant recipients are at increased risk for risk for cardiovascular and kidney disease, skin cancers, and growth problems, though the severity of impact may vary by organ type. Pediatric recipients often are able to complete schooling, maintain a job, and form family and social networks in adulthood, though at somewhat lower rates than the general population, but face additional challenges related to neurocognitive deficits, mental health disorders, and discrimination. CONCLUSIONS: Transplant centers and research programs should expand their focus to include long-term well-being. Increased collaboration between pediatric and adult transplant specialists will be necessary to better understand and manage long-term complications.

Clinical profile of re-hospitalizations in pediatric kidney and liver transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Solid organ transplantation has evolved in recent decades, resulting in a rise in patient and graft survival. Frequent hospitalizations affect graft function, patients' health, and quality of life. This study characterizes the frequency and causes of post-transplant hospitalizations among pediatric recipients. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study evaluating pediatric kidney transplant recipients (KTR) and liver transplant recipients (LTR) aged 0-21 years, followed at a tertiary pediatric center in Israel from 2012 to 2017. Data were collected starting at 60 days post-transplantation. Diagnoses of admissions were based on clinical, laboratory, and radiographic findings. RESULTS: Forty-nine KTR experienced 199 all-cause re-hospitalizations (median number of re-hospitalizations per patient - 3 (IQR [interquartile range] 1-5.5), while 351 re-hospitalizations were recorded in 56 LTR (median - 5 [IQR 2-8.8]). Median follow-up time was 2.2 years for KTR (IQR 1-3.9) and 3 years for LTR (IQR 2.1-4.1). The most common cause for hospitalization for both cohorts was infection (50.8% and 62%, respectively). Gram-negative bacteria were the most common pathogens identified in KTR, while viral pathogens were more common in LTR (51% and 57% of pathogen-identified cases, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study to describe rehospitalizations for pediatric solid organ recipients. The hospital admission rate was higher in LTR in comparison to KTR. Infections were the most common cause of hospitalization throughout the whole study period in both populations. Frequent hospitalizations impose a heavy burden on patients and their families; better understanding of hospitalization causes may help to minimize their frequency.

Risk factors affecting long-term efficacy of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment for multiple uterine fibroids.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the long-term efficacy of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) for multiple uterine fibroids and the factors associated with recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five hundred and forty-nine patients with multiple uterine fibroids treated with USgHIFU from June 2017 to June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart (PBAC) was used to assess menstrual blood loss. The patients were asked to undergo pre- and post-USgHIFU magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and complete routine follow-up after USgHIFU. Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the risk factors associated with recurrence. RESULTS: The median number of fibroids per patient was 3 (interquartile range: 3-4), and a total of 1371 fibroids were treated. Among them, 446 patients completed 3 years follow-up. Recurrence, defined as PBAC score above or equal to 100 and/or the residual fibroid volume increased by 10%, was detected in 90 patients within 3 years after USgHIFU, with a cumulative recurrence rate of 20.2% (90/446). The multi-factor Cox analysis showed that age was a protective factor for recurrence. Younger patients have a greater chance of recurrence than older patients. Mixed hyperintensity of fibroids on T2WI and treatment intensity were risk factors for recurrence. Patients with hyperintense uterine fibroids and treated with lower treatment intensity were more likely to experience recurrence than other patients after USgHIFU. No major adverse effects occurred. CONCLUSIONS: USgHIFU can be used to treat multiple uterine fibroids safely and effectively. The age, T2WI signal intensity and treatment intensity are factors related to recurrence.

Periodontitis stage and grade modifies the benefit of regular supportive periodontal care in terms of need for retreatment and mean cumulative cost.

AIM: This study aimed to characterize the periodontal breakdown during supportive periodontal care (SPC) and to quantify the corresponding cost-effectiveness of periodontal therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from charts of patients who received active periodontal therapy (APT) with a minimum follow-up of ≥10 years. Analysis was done to identify factors associated with the incidence of additional sub-gingival instrumentation (SGI) and/or surgery (SUR) during SPC and mean cumulative cost of recurrence was calculated. All relevant data were collected. RESULTS: In all, 442 patients were included. Over the follow-up period, 62% of Stage I and II patients and 72% of Stage III and IV patients required further treatment following the APT; 56.5% of SGI patients and 78.6% of SUR patients received a second intervention. SUR patients received more SUR during the follow-up period (p = .035). Stage III and IV patients received more SUR during SPC than Stage I and II patients (p = .001). Grade C patients received more SUR during the follow-up period (p < .05). During the 5-year period preceding retreatment, the mean SPC visits were lower for patients who did not require retreatment (p < .001). Risk factors such as regularity of maintenance, smoking and diabetes were related to a higher chance of receiving SUR during the follow-up period (p < .05). The mean cumulative costs indicated less recurrence cost for compliers in Stage III and IV or Grade B and C but not for those in Stage I and II or Grade A. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of relapse in the maintenance population may be correlated with higher stage and grade, patient compliance, modifiable risk factors and the nature of the treatment provided during APT. The total cost of treatment of recurrences was lower for compliers in Stage III/IV and Grade B/C compared with erratic compliers with the same severity and risk.

Thirty-year outcomes of low-intensity anticoagulation for mechanical aortic valve.

The long-term safety, efficacy, and outcomes of low-intensity anticoagulation for mechanical heart valves remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of low-intensity anticoagulation therapy after aortic valve replacement (AVR) with a mechanical prosthesis. This retrospective cohort study consulted medical records and conducted a questionnaire to investigate 519 patients who underwent single AVR with the St. Jude Medical bileaflet valve and were in sinus rhythm. All patients were followed up with an international normalized ratio (INR) target of 1.6-2.5, and their INR values were checked throughout the follow-up period. The survival rate, incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), and risk factors for cardiac death and MACCE were investigated. The total follow-up was 9793 patient-years, and the follow-up periods were 19.9 (standard deviation [SD]: 7.9) years. The mean INR was 2.03 (SD: 0.54). Survival rates from cardiac death were 93.6% in 20 years and 85.2% in 30 years. Advanced age ≥ 70 years was the only significant risk factor for cardiac death and MACCE, and the INR < 2.0 was not significant risk factor for MACCE including thromboembolism or bleeding events. Low-intensity anticoagulation with an INR of 1.6-2.5 for patients with sinus rhythm after AVR with a bileaflet mechanical valve is safe and effective, even over 30 years.

Cochlear implant therapy improves the quality of life and social participation in the elderly: a prospective long-term evaluation.

PURPOSE: In recent years, the number of elderly cochlear implant (CI) candidates is continuously rising. In addition to the audiological improvement, other positive effects of CI treatment can also be observed in clinical routine. The "quality of life" as a parameter of success directly experienced by the patient is increasingly becoming the focus of clinical research. Although there are already clear indications of a rapid and significant improvement in quality of life, there is still a lack of systematic, prospectively collected longitudinal long-term data in patients over the age of 65. METHODS: This prospective longitudinal observational study included 31 patients between the age of 71 and 92 years who had first been treated unilaterally with a CI 6 years ago. In addition to free-field monosyllable recognition, quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Scale-old (WHOQL-OLD). The results were compared with the data from our previous study, in which we focused on the short- and medium-term effects on quality of life. In both studies, the same patient population was examined. In addition, these study data were compared with an age-matched average population. RESULTS: In speech recognition, there was no significant change from the control 6 months postoperatively compared with the results 6 years postoperatively. No significant changes occurred in the total quality of life score or any of the other six facets of quality of life when comparing the results 6 months postoperatively with the results 6 years postoperatively. In "Social participation", the CI patients even exceed the values of the age-matched average population 6 years after treatment. CONCLUSION: Improvement in the quality of life and especially in social participation appears stable over many years in elderly patients after hearing rehabilitation with a CI.

Advancing immunosuppression in liver transplantation: A narrative review.

Immunosuppression is essential to ensure recipient and graft survivals after liver transplantation (LT). However, our understanding and management of the immune system remain suboptimal. Current immunosuppressive therapy cannot selectively inhibit the graft-specific immune response and entails a significant risk of serious side effects, i.e., among others, de novo cancers, infections, cardiovascular events, renal failure, metabolic syndrome, and late graft fibrosis, with progressive loss of graft function. Pharmacological research, aimed to develop alternative immunosuppressive agents in LT, is behind other solid-organ transplantation subspecialties, and, therefore, the development of new compounds and strategies should get priority in LT. The research trajectories cover mechanisms to induce T-cell exhaustion, to inhibit co-stimulation, to mitigate non-antigen-specific inflammatory response, and, lastly, to minimize the development and action of donor-specific antibodies. Moreover, while cellular modulation techniques are complex, active research is underway to foster the action of T-regulatory cells, to induce tolerogenic dendritic cells, and to promote the function of B-regulatory cells. We herein discuss current lines of research in clinical immunosuppression, particularly focusing on possible applications in the LT setting.

Clinical and radiographic long-term outcomes of hemiarthroplasty for complex proximal humeral fractures.

BACKGROUND: Hemiarthroplasty (HA) is a treatment option for complex proximal humeral fractures not suitable for conservative treatment or open reduction-internal fixation. Long-term outcomes using a large-metaphyseal volume prosthesis in the management of proximal humeral fractures have not been reported thus far. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2010, 41 patients with proximal humeral fractures were treated with HA at our institution (average age, 62 years; age range, 38-85 years). Nine patients underwent revision surgery, 3 were lost to follow-up, and 7 died unrelated to the index surgical procedure. Twenty-two patients were reviewed clinically and radiographically after a mean period of 10.4 years (range, 9-13 years). RESULTS: Of the 9 HA failures, 7 occurred within the first 2 postoperative years: 2 patients had infections and 5 had greater tuberosity nonunions or malunions. The other 2 patients underwent revision for rotator cuff deficiency >5 years after initial surgery. Among the patients available for final follow-up, the implant survival rate was 71% (22 of 31 patients). At final follow-up, these patients showed a mean relative Constant score of 76% (range, 49%-96%), mean active elevation of 116° (range, 60°-170°), and mean external rotation of 28° (range, 0°-55°). The majority had good or excellent internal rotation, with internal rotation to the 12th thoracic vertebra in 13 patients (59%) and to the eighth thoracic vertebra in 7 (31%). The mean Subjective Shoulder Value was 76% (range, 40%-100%). Clinical outcomes did not significantly deteriorate over a period of 10 years, except for flexion (P < .001) and internal rotation (P = .002). On analysis of greater tuberosity healing, 1 patient had a nonunion and 10 patients (45%) had a malunion, whereas the greater tuberosity had healed in an anatomic position in 12 patients (55%). Patients with a displaced malunion of the greater tuberosity did not have inferior clinical results at last follow-up. Only 2 patients showed glenoid erosion, and in no patients could stem loosening be identified at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: The revision rate following large-metaphyseal volume HA to treat a proximal humeral fracture was 29% after 10 years postoperatively, with failure within 2 years largely related to greater tuberosity nonunion or malunion and failure later related to rotator cuff insufficiency. Patients with a retained implant showed good clinical and radiographic long-term results, without relevant deterioration over time even when the greater tuberosity healed in a nonanatomic position.

Long-terms outcomes of radial head arthroplasty using a bipolar prosthesis.

BACKGROUND: In acute treatment of radial head fractures, a radial head prosthesis can be considered if open reduction and internal fixation are not technically feasible. METHODS: We reviewed the data of 27 consecutive bipolar Judet radial head prostheses implanted in patients with unreconstructable radial head fractures and no other concomitant fractures (coronoid or olecranon factures). The lesions of the lateral collateral ligament were rated according to the McKee classification. Twenty-three patients with more than ten-year follow-up participated in this retrospective study All patients underwent assessments for pain, range of motion and stability using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, the QuickDash questionnaire and a Visual Analogue Scale for pain. Radiography assessment was performed to determine the correct setting of the implant, presence of periprosthetic loosening, prosthetic disassembly, heterotopic ossification, capitellum and ulnohumeral degenerative changes. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 149 months (± 12.2). Mean range of motion in flexion-extension was 111° (± 10.55), mean extension was 18° (± 14.32) and mean flexion was 130° (± 11.4). Mean arc of motion in supination-pronation was 150° (± 12.26). The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 88, the mean QuickDash score was 7.3; 86% of the patients were satisfied. Seven patients (26%) required secondary surgery. The most frequent complication was heterotopic ossification, which had negative consequences on the functional result. CONCLUSIONS: Bipolar radial head prostheses are an option for acute treatment of isolated unreconstructable radial head fractures. During follow-up, three patients required implant revision and removal; the capitellum surface presented severe degenerative changes and the prosthesis was not replaced. Another complication was the risk of implant dislocation, in relation to implant design, incorrect positioning of the radial head stem or else to inadequate reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament. Further work is needed to establish the long-term follow-up results of Judet implants in complex elbow fractures.

Gastric bypass - 10 years' results.

INTRODUCTION: Gastric bypass has not gained as much popularity in the Czech Republic as technically simpler restrictive bariatric procedures, frequently with a fading long-term effect. The aim of the presentation is to point out the long-term results after two types of gastric bypasses. METHOD: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in an initial set of patients after laparoscopic RYGB (Roux Y gastric bypass) and OAGB/MGB (one anastomosis/mini gastric bypass) performed at Breclav Hospital in 2010-2013. Evaluation based on the BAROS system, according to weight development, comorbidities, psychological aspects, complications and reoperations. RESULTS: Data available for evaluation are from 32 patients out of a total of 60; the follow-up rate is 53%. The patients are lighter by 34 kg on average (0-64 kg); TBWL (total basic weight loss): 25.7%. The majority of operated diabetics are free of signs of diabetes, and all others have a reduced need for antidiabetic medication. Hypertension, sleep apnea and psychological assessment of life in 6 domains improved. Eight of the 32 followed patients underwent reoperation during 10 years; only 2 of these procedures were acute for complications (anastomotic ulceration), both in smokers; further elective reoperations included 2 conversions of OAGB/MGB to RYGB due to reflux, 2 corrective surgeries, and 2 procedures for a suspected internal hernia. There was no conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery, no peritonitis associated with a leak, and no mortality within 30 days. The BAROS score (5.56) indicates a "very good result" of the gastric bypasses after 10 years. CONCLUSION: Gastric bypasses are safe and provide a high and lasting metabolic effect that meets the general expectations of an invasive intervention that can fundamentally improve the quality of treatment for otherwise incurable chronic diseases related to adiposity (so-called ABCD), especially type 2 diabetes.

[Fifteen-year results of bilateral and unilateral internal mammary artery grafting]. / Pyatnadtsatiletnie rezul'taty revaskulyarizatsii miokarda s ispol'zovaniem dvukh i odnoi vnutrennei grudnoi arterii.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of bilateral internal mammary artery grafting over long-term (15 years) postoperative period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 276 patients divided into two groups: 135 patients (group A) underwent bilateral internal mammary artery grafting and 141 patients (group B) underwent unilateral internal mammary artery grafting together with venous bypass grafts. On-pump surgeries and cardioplegia, parallel CPB and on-pump procedures were performed in equal proportions. Mean age of patients was 57.3±7.6 years. Diabetes mellitus was detected in 21 (15.5%) and 24 (19.1%) patients, respectively (p>0.05). Mean LV ejection fraction was 55.4±9.9%, revascularization index - 3.1±0.8 and 3.0±0.7, respectively. In the 1st group, 43 patients underwent bilateral internal mammary artery grafting alone. Autovenous grafts were additionally used in other 84 patients. RESULTS: Ten-year survival exceeded 90% in both groups. Freedom from adverse cardiac events after 15 years was significantly higher in group A (77.3% vs. 59.3%, p=0.018). In group A, 16 patients died throughout this period due to cancer (50%), myocardial infarction (12.5%), stroke (18.8%) and complications of diabetes mellitus (6.3%). In group B, 22 patients died mainly from cardiac causes (myocardial infarction - 40.9%, cancer - 27.3%). CONCLUSION: Bilateral internal mammary artery grafting has obvious advantages over traditional coronary artery bypass grafting. If we take into account higher proportion of cardiac causes in structure of mortality in group B, we can talk about positive impact of bilateral internal mammary artery grafting not only on the quality of life, but also on life expectancy in long-term postoperative period.

Long-term outcomes of the Endurant endograft in patients undergoing endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: To investigate the long-term outcomes after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in a real-world setting using the Endurant endograft (EG). METHODS: 184 EVAR candidates treated with the Endurant family EGs in a single vascular center were prospectively enrolled from January 2009 to December 2016. Kaplan-Meir estimates of long-term standardized primary and secondary outcome measures were performed. Per protocol, subgroup comparison analysis was performed in three groups: patients treated within instructions for use (in-IFU) vs patients treated outside IFU (outside-IFU), EVAR in patients receiving the Endurant proximal diameter 32 or 36 mm EG vs those receiving the <32 mm diameter EG and EVAR with various Endurant EG versions. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 75.09 ± 37.9 months (range: 4.1-172 months). The median age of the patients was 72.96 ± 7.03 years (range: 55-88 years). A total of 177 patients were male (96.2%). Compliance with IFU was followed in 107 patients (58.2%). Overall survival was 69.5% and 48% at 5 and 8 years, respectively. Of the 102 all-cause deaths, 7 (6.9%) were aneurysm related. Six of these postimplant deaths occurred in patients presented with aneurysm rupture from type Ia or/and type Ib endoleak. At 5, 8, and 10 years of observation, freedom from aneurysm rupture, open surgical conversion, type I/III endoleak, any type of endoleak, aneurysm-related secondary intervention probabilities, and neck-related events were as follows: 98.1%, 95%, and 89.4%; 95.1%, 91.2%, and 85.7%; 93.6%, 87.3%, and 83.9%; 83.4%, 74%, and 70.9%; 89.8%, 76.7%, and 72%; and 96.3%, 90%, and 87.6%, respectively. Corresponding clinical success was 90%, 77.4%, and 68.4%, respectively. Patients treated outside-IFU had significantly higher risk of aneurysm rupture, open surgical conversion probability, occurrence of type I/III endoleak, and chance of reinterventions and lower clinical success probabilities compared with the in-IFU counterparts at 5 and 8 years. This statistical difference remained when type Ia endoleak or endoleak of any type was considered independently. In addition, it was stronger in patients having extreme anatomic boundaries (>1 hostile anatomic condition), when aneurysm-related death, aneurysm rupture, and clinical success at 5 years were considered. Overall proximal migration and limb occlusion were recorded in 1.1% and 4.9% of the patients, respectively. Overall reintervention rate was 17.4%. An increase in aneurysm sac diameter was observed in 12.5% of patients and was not related to IFU status. The Endurant version or the proximal EG diameter had no significant association with the chance of any complication or adverse event. CONCLUSIONS: The data confirmed the durability of the Endurant EG, achieving promising long-term outcomes in a real-world setting. However, its positive performance must be interpreted with caution in patients treated off-label especially those with extreme anatomic boundaries. In this cohort, some of EVAR advantages might be lost in the late future. Further similar studies are warranted.

Type I spinal muscular atrophy patients treated with nusinersen: 4-year follow-up of motor, respiratory and bulbar function.

BACKGROUND: We report the 4-year follow-up in type I patients treated with nusinersen and the changes in motor, respiratory and bulbar function in relation to subtype, age and SMN2 copy number. METHODS: The study included SMA 1 patients with at least one assessment after 12, 24 and 48 months from the first dose of nusinersen. The assessments used were Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP INTEND) and the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE-II). RESULTS: Forty-eight patients, with ages ranging from 7 days to 12 years (mean 3.3 years, SD 3.6 years) were included in the study. The CHOP INTEND and HINE-II scores significantly increased between baseline and 48 months (p < 0.001). When age at starting treatment subgroups (<210 days, <2 years, 2-4 years, 5-11 years, ≥12 years) were considered, the CHOP INTEND increased significantly in patients younger than 4 years at treatment, while the HINE-2 increased significantly in patients younger than 2 years at treatment. In a mixed-model analysis, age, nutritional and respiratory status were predictive of changes on both scales while SMN2 copy number and decimal classification were not. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm the safety profile previously reported and support the durability of the efficacy of nusinersen at 4 years with an overall stability or mild improvement and no evidence of deterioration over a long period of time.

Liver Inclusion Appears to Be Protective Against Graft Loss-Due-to Chronic But Not Acute Rejection Following Intestinal Transplantation.

In intestinal transplantation, while other centers have shown that liver-including allografts have significantly more favorable graft survival and graft loss-due-to chronic rejection (CHR) rates, our center has consistently shown that modified multivisceral (MMV) and full multivisceral (MV) allografts have significantly more favorable acute cellular rejection (ACR) and severe ACR rates compared with isolated intestine (I) and liver-intestine (LI) allografts. In the attempt to resolve this apparent discrepancy, we performed stepwise Cox multivariable analyses of the hazard rates of developing graft loss-due-to acute rejection (AR) vs. CHR among 350 consecutive intestinal transplants at our center with long-term follow-up (median: 13.5 years post-transplant). Observed percentages developing graft loss-due-to AR and CHR were 14.3% (50/350) and 6.6% (23/350), respectively. Only one baseline variable was selected into the Cox model indicating a significantly lower hazard rate of developing graft loss-due-to AR: Transplant Type MMV or MV (p < 0.000001). Conversely, two baseline variables were selected into the Cox model indicating a significantly lower hazard rate of developing graft loss-due-to CHR: Received Donor Liver (LI or MV) (p = 0.002) and Received Induction (p = 0.007). In summary, while MMV/MV transplants (who receive extensive native lymphoid tissue removal) offered protection against graft loss-due-to AR, liver-containing grafts appeared to offer protection against graft loss-due-to CHR, supporting the results of other studies.

Scoliosis in osteogenesis imperfecta: results of posterior spinal fusion in 39 patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of scoliosis corrective surgery in Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) patients with primarily pedicles screw fixation in terms of correcting and maintaining the correction of the spinal deformity, and to assess for several peri-operative parameters and complications associated with this surgical treatment. METHODS: Retrospective case series of 39 consecutive patients with OI treated surgically for scoliosis. The surgeries were performed between 2002 and 2020 by three different surgeons. All patients' medical peri-operative and post-operative charts were evaluated. Radiological assessment was performed by evaluation of the pre-operative, immediate post-operative and last follow-up plain radiographs. RESULTS: There were 20 females and 19 males included in this review with a mean age of 14 years (range, 6-20 years) at the time of surgery. The median follow-up time was 7.9 years. The mean pre-operative cobb angle (CA) of the major curve was 76.5 degrees (SD ± 18.9), decreasing to 42.6 (SD ± 17.4) in the long-term post-operative follow-up (P < 0.001). A total of 21 adverse events in 16 patients were noted. Only 4 patients required subsequent invasive surgical treatment or prolonged hospital stay. All other patients were treated conservatively with no lasting complication. CONCLUSION: Scoliosis surgical correction in OI patients seems to yield acceptable results, with maintained coronal plane surgical correction in the long-term follow-up. Even though a high peri-operative complications rate is observed in this series, there were no long-term sequelae or lasting complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Case series.

Long-term results of valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy for partial avascular necrosis of the femoral head after femoral neck fracture in adolescents.

PURPOSE: The study evaluates long-term results in patients treated by valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy (VITO) for partial avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) after fracture of the femoral neck in adolescent age. Although this method is mentioned in literature frequently, there are only few studies in the literature dealing with it in detail. METHODS: Authors evaluated five patients at the interval of 15 to 20 years following VITO. The mean age of the patients at the time of injury was 13.6 years and at the time of VITO 16.7 years. The studied parameters included resorption of necrotic segment of femoral head, development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis and leg shortening. RESULTS: Comparison of radiographs and MRI scans before and after VITO showed resorption of the necrotic segment of the femoral head and its remodeling in all five patients. However, two patients gradually developed slight osteoarthritic changes. In one patient, remodeling of the femoral head occurred during the first 6 years postoperatively. Subsequently, the patient developed severe osteoarthritis with marked clinical symptoms. CONCLUSION: VITO can improve the long-term function of the hip joint in adolescents with ANFH after a femoral neck fracture, but cannot restore completely the original shape and structure of the femoral head.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in Patients with Concomitant Cancer: A Literature Review.

OBJECTIVES: Abdominal aortic aneurysmal (AAA) repair in patients with concomitant cancer is controversial due to increased comorbidity and reduced life expectancy in this specific patient group. This literature review aims to investigate the evidence supporting one treatment modality over another (endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) or open repair (OR)), as well as treatment strategy (staged AAA-, cancer first or simultaneous procedures) in patients with AAA and concomitant cancer. METHODS: Literature review, including studies published from 2000 to 2021 on surgical treatment in patients with AAA and concomitant cancer and related outcomes (30-day morbidity/complications as well as 30-day and 3-year mortality). RESULTS: 24 studies comprising 560 patients undergoing surgical treatment of AAA and concomitant cancer were included. Of these, 220 cases were treated with EVAR and 340 with OR. Simultaneous procedures were performed in 190 cases, 370 received staged procedures. The 30-day mortality for EVAR versus OR was 1% and 8%, corresponding to a relative risk (RR) of 0.11 (95% CI: 0.03-0.46, p = 0.002). No difference in mortality was observed between staged versus simultaneous procedure nor between AAA-first versus cancer-first strategy, RR 0.59 (95% CI: 0.29-1.1, p = 0.13) and 0.88 (95% CI 0.34-2.31, p = 0.80), respectively. Overall, 3-year mortality was 21% for EVAR and 39% for OR from 2000-2021, while the mortality up to 3 years after EVAR within recent years (2015-2021) was 16%. CONCLUSION: This review supports EVAR treatment as first choice if suitable. No consensus was established on treating either the aneurysm or the cancer first or simultaneously. Long-term mortality after EVAR was comparable to non-cancer patients within recent years.

Long-term results for pit-picking and flap procedures in primary pilonidal sinus disease.

BACKGROUND: Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD), a common inflammatory condition of the natal cleft causing morbidity especially in young adults, is a heterogeneous disease group with no consensus regarding its best treatment. Our aim was to report long-term results for primary PSD surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively studied the medical records of 146 patients who underwent primary PSD surgery between November 2010 and October 2015. Of these, 113 underwent either the mini-invasive pit-picking surgery (PSS) (n = 55) or asymmetrical excision with local flap (AELF) (n = 58); we focused on the outcomes of these two subgroups. RESULTS: PSD patients who underwent mini-invasive PPS more often succeeded with day surgery (94.5% vs 32.8%, p < 0.001), had fewer postoperative complications (9.4% vs 36.2%, p = 0.002), and had shorter sick leave (median 14 days vs 21 days, p < 0.001) than did AELF patients. Nevertheless, at the first postoperative follow-up visit, both surgery methods healed similarly (75.0% vs 76.8%, p = 0.83). Our long-term follow-up, at a median of 9.3 years (range 5.4-10.6), revealed, however, that recurrence after PPS was markedly higher than after AELF (50.9% vs 10.3%, HR 6.65, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PPS, which is a mini-invasive surgical technique often performed under local anaesthesia, is suitable for primary PSD, despite the high recurrence rate in our study, bearing in mind that patient selection is an important factor to consider. Primary PSD with simple sinus formations may benefit from PPS. On the other hand, primary PSD with complex sinus formations may benefit from AELF regardless of the initial slow recovery in our study. Because PSD is a very heterogenous disease, and patients have different risk factors, it is mandatory for the surgeon to master several different surgical techniques. A classification system to aid the surgeon in selecting the right surgical technique for each patient is warranted.

Fourteen years of follow-up after first arthroscopic Bankart repair in athletes: functional outcomes and magnetic resonance imaging findings.

BACKGROUND: The arthroscopic Bankart procedure is the most performed surgery for shoulder stabilization. Short-term to midterm results are well studied; however, long-term results over 10 years are rare. PURPOSE: This study evaluates the long-term results and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in athletes at a mean follow-up of 14 years after an arthroscopic Bankart stabilization as well as risk factors for osteoarthritis. METHODS: A total of 63 athletes had an arthroscopic Bankart repair between 2001 and 2008, of whom 46 patients (73.0%) participated in the final follow-up. The Constant, Rowe, and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) score and the rate of return to sports were evaluated. Glenohumeral osteoarthritis was assessed using the Samilson-Prieto classification. Known risk factors for osteoarthritis were analyzed. MRI findings (bone marrow edema, cysts, and joint effusion) were analyzed. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 14 years. Assessment was performed on 46 athletes with an average age of 21.6 at the time of surgery. The overall redislocation rate was 21.7%. The Constant score was 96.7, the Rowe score was 83.4, and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index score was 90.7 out of 100. A total of 84.8% of the athletes returned to their initial sports level. Glenohumeral osteoarthritis occurred in 28.1%. Known risk factors for osteoarthritis were confirmed. Further MRI findings were rare. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic Bankart repair in athletes shows good long-term clinical results. However, this is only in patients without osteoarthritis, which was rare, but was confirmed as a risk factor. We assume that resorption of anchors differs in patients. If it does have an impact on developing arthrosis, this should be confirmed in further studies.