Comparing weight-based dosing of tacrolimus XR in obese and non-obese renal transplant recipients.

The recommended initial weight-based dose of extended-release (XR) tacrolimus (Envarsus XR) in kidney transplant recipients (KTR) is 0.14 mg/kg/day. However, no data exist regarding dosing recommendations for obese patients specifically. The aim of this study was to evaluate weight-based dosing requirements in a cohort of obese KTR who were initiated on de novo tacrolimus XR post-transplantation. The primary outcome was weight-based dosing requirements (mg/kg/day) on post-operative day (POD) 7 and 14. Of the 254 KTR, 81 (31%) were obese. The median therapeutic dose on POD7 was 0.1 versus 0.12 vs. 0.14 mg/kg/day in the BMI > 30 kg/m2 , BMI 25-30 kg/m2 , and BMI < 25 kg/m2 , respectively, (p = .0001). This result was similar on POD14; median therapeutic dose was 0.09 versus 0.11 versus 0.15 mg/kg/day in the BMI > 30 kg/m2 , BMI 25-30 kg/m2 , and BMI < 25 kg/m2 , respectively, (p < .001). Therapeutic dose on POD7 and POD14 based on ideal body was similar in all cohorts (p = .238, p = .923, respectively). This finding was supported by a strong linear relationship between ideal body weight (IBW) and therapeutic dose (r = .929). In both obese and non-obese KTR, IBW had a stronger correlation with the therapeutic dose for tacrolimus XR.

Outcomes of the Macroscopically Normal Appendix Left in Situ in Patients with Suspected Appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Right iliac fossa (RIF) pain is a common indication for laparoscopy to diagnose and treat appendicitis. When a macroscopically normal appendix is found, there is no standard consensus regarding excision. Some surgeons remove the appendix due to the risk of microscopic inflammation and to avoid a future, repeat laparoscopy for possible appendicitis. Alternatively, others leave the appendix in situ to avoid morbidity from a potentially unnecessary procedure. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of patients with macroscopically normal appendices left in situ. METHODS: All emergency laparoscopies without appendicectomy between January 1st 2010- December 31st 2020 were identified from theatre records. All operative notes were individually evaluated and comments on the macroscopic appearance of the appendix and any intra-operative pathology were recorded. Only patients undergoing laparoscopy for suspected appendicitis with macroscopically normal appendices were included. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients [median age 21.68 (range 9-90.8) years] were included. The cohort was predominantly female (n=105, 87.5%). Forty-eight patients (40.0%) had a positive finding during index laparoscopy. During a median duration of 94.5 (range 8-131) months' follow-up, 16 patients (13.33%) underwent a repeat laparoscopy for recurrent RIF pain. Thirteen (10.8% of total cohort) subsequently underwent an appendicectomy. Histology confirmed acute appendicitis in six cases (4.17% of entire cohort). On subanalysis of smaller cohort, index laparoscopies with no positive findings (n=72), nine patients (12.5%) underwent appendicectomy with two (2.7%) appendices demonstrating appendicitis on histological examination. CONCLUSION: 87% of the total cohort with a normal appendix at laparoscopy for RIF pain did not undergo further laparoscopy. Less than 5% of the total cohort and 2.7% of subanalysis cohort had an appendicectomy for histologically-proven appendicitis within the follow-up period. From the evidence in this study, we conclude that leaving the appendix in situ unless macroscopically inflamed is a viable alternative to excision.

Altered Composition of Microbiota in Women with Ovarian Endometrioma: Microbiome Analyses of Extracellular Vesicles in the Peritoneal Fluid.

Human microbiota refers to living microorganisms which colonize our body and crucially contribute to the metabolism of nutrients and various physiologic functions. According to recently accumulated evidence, human microbiota dysbiosis in the genital tract or pelvic cavity could be involved in the pathogenesis and/or pathophysiology of endometriosis. We aimed to investigate whether the composition of microbiome is altered in the peritoneal fluid in women with endometriosis. We recruited 45 women with histological evidence of ovarian endometrioma and 45 surgical controls without endometriosis. Following the isolation of extracellular vesicles from peritoneal fluid samples from women with and without endometriosis, bacterial genomic DNA was sequenced using next-generation sequencing of the 16S rDNA V3-V4 regions. Diversity analysis showed significant differences in the microbial community at phylum, class, order, family, and genus levels between the two groups. The abundance of Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, and Enhydrobacter significantly increased while the abundance of Propionibacterium, Actinomyces, and Rothia significantly decreased in the endometriosis group compared with those in the control group (p < 0.05). These findings strongly suggest that microbiome composition is altered in the peritoneal environment in women with endometriosis. Further studies are necessary to verify whether dysbiosis itself can cause establishment and/or progression of endometriosis.

The effectiveness of acupressure in the management of depressive symptoms and in improving quality of life in older people living in the community: a randomised sham-controlled trial.

Objective: The primary aim of the current trial was to assess the clinical effectiveness of acupressure in the management of depression in elderly people compared to patients receiving sham acupressure or standard care alone.Methods: Randomized sham-controlled trial of acupressure, sham acupressure and standard care alone in older patients with depression living in the community. Patients with a score>/=8 in the Geriatric Depression Scale were recruited for this study. Intervention/sham treatments were provided four times/week for three months. Assessments related to depressive symptoms (primary outcome), well-being, resilience, spirituality and quality of life domains were carried out at baseline, end of the intervention and three-months after the intervention.Results: 118 patients were randomized to intervention (n = 40), sham (n = 40) or control arm (n = 38), with 84 patients providing final analysis data. Significant reduction in mean score of depressive symptoms was found in the acupressure group (from 10.6 (sd = 0.03) to 7.7 (sd = 0.07), p < 0.001 at end of intervention and 8.7 (sd = 0.8), p = 0.002 at follow-up) and the sham acupressure group (from 10.5 (sd = 0.3) to 8.4 (sd = 0.8), p = 0.005) at end of intervention and 8.4 (sd = 0.8), p = 0.006 at follow-up but not in the control group (from 10.8 to 9.9, p = 0.20). Resilience (p = 0.02) and spirituality (p = 0.02) were also improved in the intervention group at the end of intervention assessment but this change was not sustained at follow-up. Mind-body-spirit well-being and social functioning were improved both at the end of intervention and follow-up in the experimental as well as sham group. The sham group showed additional improvements in daily functioning and environmental quality of life.Conclusions: Although acupressure improved outcomes, a placebo effect was evident. Acupressure may be an effective approach to manage depression in elderly patients, but more evidence is needed in the future before it can be recommended for practice as well as more clear elucidation of any placebo effects.

Combination Lipid-Lowering Therapies for the Prevention of Recurrent Cardiovascular Events.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There has been confusion following the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Lipid guidelines on the role of non-statin medications for cardiovascular prevention. RECENT FINDINGS: Several recent large trials have also now shown that lowering LDL with non-statins reduces cardiovascular events. In ASCVD patients on statins, adding ezetimibe or a PCSK9 inhibitor led to reductions in CV events in the IMPROVE IT, FOURIER, and most recently the ODYSSEY-OUTCOMES trials. Additional novel therapies reducing LDL and other atherogenic lipoproteins are in development during this exciting time in this field. With recent evidence, the 2017 ACC Expert Consensus Decision pathway calls for initial therapy with statins, monitoring LDL levels, and then adding ezetimibe and/or PCSK9 inhibitors to further lower LDL-C to targets based on the patient's risk.

Application of the Basic Tenants of Restorative Dentistry in the Management of a Patient Post-Maxillectomy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate how the basic tenants of restorative dentistry can be applied to effectively and comprehensively treat a prosthetic rehabilitation after left maxillectomy for a maxillary squamous cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 55-year-old female presenting with a T1 NOMO left maxillary squamous cell carcinoma was treated surgically and restored over a 3-year period. RESULTS: Restorative treatment involved treatment planning with mounted diagnostic casts and diagnostic wax-up to aid sequencing and execution of treatment, including the placement of surgical and interim obturators, endodontic therapy, fixed prosthodontic restorations, and placement of a definitive obturator. CONCLUSION: By using the basic principles of restorative dentistry including occlusion and prosthodontics, the restorative rehabilitation of a patient presenting with extensive restorative needs in addition to an acquired maxillary defect was successful in re-establishing esthetics and function.

Successful live births after surgical treatments for symptomatic cesarean scar pregnancies: report of 3 cases.

There is no current consensus on the best treatment modality for cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) with favorable reproductive and pregnancy outcome. We treated 3 cases of symptomatic CSP with fetal cardiac activity. The first case underwent laparoscopic repair at 6 weeks' gestational age of unruptured CSP. The second patient underwent laparoscopic repair due to massive vaginal bleeding after suction curettage. Both patients conceived naturally 6 months later and underwent repeated cesarean section at term. These were successful live births although the second patient was treated with uterine artery embolization for postpartum hemorrhage. The last patient underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy due to ruptured CSP and delivered a preterm baby. Earlier surgical treatment of CSP is indicated for a subsequent successful pregnancy and live birth. The laparoscopic approach might be advisable prior to uterine rupture.

Psychological well-being of healthcare workers during COVID-19 in a mental health institution.

INTRODUCTION: This study examined the psychological wellbeing of Healthcare Workers (HCWs) during COVID-19 in a mental health setting, associations of psychosocial wellbeing with coping style, and ways that organisations can mitigate the psychosocial burden on HCWs. METHODS: Thirty-seven Mental HCWs (MHCWs) from infected and non-infected wards (control group), were recruited and assessed at three timepoints. Psychological wellbeing, perceived cohesion, and coping style (Brief-COPE) were assessed. Reports on individual coping and feedback on the organisation were collected through in-depth interview. Comparison between infected and non-infected wards, as well as comparison of psychosocial measures and perceived cohesion, across the three timepoints were made. As there were no significant changes in coping styles across the timepoints, Timepoint 1 (T1) coping style was used to correlate with the psychosocial measures across all timepoints. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. RESULTS: MHCWs from infected wards reported significantly higher levels of stress, χ2(1) = 6.74, p = 0.009, effect size: medium (ε2 = 0.198), and more severe sleep disturbance (PSQI), χ2(1) = 6.20, p = 0.013, effect size: medium (ε2 = 0.182), as compared to the control group at T2. They also engaged in more problem-focused coping (T2 and T3) and emotion-focused coping (T2). As expected, negative coping style was correlated with negative outcomes except problem-focused coping that was correlated with both negative (sleep disturbance and anxiety symptoms) and positive outcomes (wellbeing). Emotion-focused coping was moderately correlated (Tb = 0.348, p<0.017) with higher levels of wellbeing at T2. Thematic analyses revealed MHCWs felt supported by the responsiveness of the institution, emotional and informational support, and the availability from direct leaders, presence of team and hospital leaders on the ground, helped build trust and confidence in the leadership. CONCLUSIONS: MHCWs experienced significantly higher levels of stress and sleep disturbance during COVID-19. The ways that organizations can offset the psychological burden of pandemics on MHCWs are discussed.

Trends and projection in the proportion of (heavy) cannabis use in Germany from 1995 to 2021.

AIMS: To measure the current trends of cannabis use in Germany, measure trends in the proportion of heavy cannabis users and estimate future cannabis use rates. DESIGN: Repeated waves of the Epidemiological Survey on Substance Abuse, a cross-sectional survey conducted between 1995 and 2021 with a two-stage participant selection strategy where respondents completed a survey on substance use delivered through the post, over the telephone or on-line. SETTING: Germany. PARTICIPANTS/CASES: German-speaking participants aged between 18 and 59 years living in Germany who self-reported on their cannabis use in the past 12 months (n = 78 678). With the application of a weighting scheme, the data are nationally representative. MEASUREMENTS: Questions on the frequency of cannabis use in the past 12 months and self-reported changes in frequency of use due to the COVID-19 pandemic. FINDINGS: The prevalence of past 12-month cannabis users increased from 4.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.7, 5.1] in 1995 to 10.0% (95% CI = 8.9, 11.3) in 2021. Modeling these trends revealed a significant increase that accelerated over the past decade. The proportion of heavy cannabis users [cannabis use (almost) daily or at least 200 times per year] among past-year users has remained steady from 1995 (11.4%, 95% CI = 7.7, 16.5) to 2018 (9.5%, 95% CI = 7.6, 11.9), but significantly increased to 15.7% (95% CI = 13.1, 18.8) in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Extrapolating from these models, the prevalence of 12-month cannabis users in 2024 is expected to range between 10.4 and 15.0%, while the proportion of heavy cannabis users is unclear. CONCLUSIONS: Trends from 1995 to 2021 suggest that the prevalence of past 12-month cannabis users in Germany will continue to increase, with expected rates between 10.4 and 15.0% for the German-speaking adult population, and that at least one in 10 cannabis users will continue to use cannabis heavily (almost daily or 200 + times in the past year).

Influence of vascular endothelial growth factor on the expression of insulin-like growth factor-II, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 and 5 in human luteinized granulosa cells.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on the expression of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II, insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-2 and in cultured human luteinized granulosa cells (LGCs). Human LGCs were obtained from the follicular fluid by transvaginal oocyte aspiration from 30 infertile patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for in vitro fertilization (IVF). The cells were cultured for 72 h with VEGF at concentrations of 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 ng/ml. The cells not treated with VEGF served as controls. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to examine the expression of IGF-II, IGFBP-2, and 5 mRNA. The expression of IGF-II mRNA in the 10.0 ng/ml of VEGF group was significantly higher than that in the control group. Treatment with 10.0 ng/ml of VEGF significantly increased the expression of IGFBP-5 mRNA than all other groups. There were no statistically significant differences in the expression of IGFBP-2 mRNA among all the groups. VEGF may play a regulator role in human ovarian physiology by modulating the expression of IGF-II and IGFBP-5 in LGCs.

A New Angle Measurement in Translabial Ultrasound as an Adjunct for the Diagnosis of Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

The aim of this study was to compare the data obtained by a pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) examination with the translabial ultrasound (TLUS) quantification of prolapse, using a new method of angle measurement. We analyzed the TLUS and POP-Q exam findings of 452 patients with symptoms of POP. The POP-Q system was used for clinical staging. TLUS was performed both at rest, and during the Valsalva maneuver after proper preparation. A horizontal reference line was drawn through the inferior margin of the symphysis pubis and the levator plate connected to the rectal ampulla, and the difference was calculated between the rest and the Valsalva maneuver. The Spearman's correlation coefficient of agreement between the TLUS and the clinical POP-Q staging was used for statistical analysis. There was a weak degree of correlation between the POP-Q findings for the Ap parameter and our new angle measurement (rho = 0.17, p < 0.001). Thus, POP staging in conjunction with TLUS with this new angle measurement shows better agreement for the diagnosis of POP than POP-Q staging alone.

Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: The Effect of Facility Type on Patient Survival.

OBJECTIVES: During the last decades, significant progress has been made in the management of patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs). It is unclear how the type of the treating health care facility alters patient outcomes. METHODS: Data from pNETs reported to the National Cancer Database between 2004 and 2016 were examined. Types of institutions were as follows: academic/research cancer program (ARP), comprehensive community cancer program (CCCP), integrated network cancer program (INCP), and community cancer program (CCP). RESULTS: A total of 17,887 patients with pNETs were analyzed. Treatment at ARPs was significantly associated with receipt of surgery (ARP, 61.9%; CCCP, 45.6%; CCP, 29.9%; INCP, 55.5%; P < 0.001), both for patients with very early tumors ≤2 cm (ARP, 74.7%; CCCP, 66.5%; CCP, 52.4%; INCP, 71.6%; P < 0.001) and for patients with liver metastases (ARP, 21.3%; CCCP, 10.6%; CCP, 5%; INCP, 16.8%; P < 0.001). Treatment at ARPs was associated with improved survival (median overall survival: ARP, 91 mo; CCCP, 47 mo; CCP, 24.5 mo; INCP, 72 mo; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of pNETs at academic/research programs is associated with more frequent resections and best survival outcomes. This survival benefit exists for early and late stages and after adjusting for known cofactors.

A One-Session Treatment of PTSD After Single Sexual Assault Trauma. A Pilot Study of the WONSA MLI Project: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Sexual abuse is a crime with devastating health consequences. Accessible, acceptable and affordable treatment of PTSD after sexual abuse is important. In this pilot study, a one-session PTSD treatment and a modified perspective to PTSD treatment is introduced. The aim of the study was to test the efficacy of one session of Modified Lifespan Integration (MLI) on reduction of symptoms of PTSD in individuals with PTSD after one sexual assault. This was a single-center, individually randomized waitlist-controlled treatment study with 1:1 allocation, with the intervention of one 90 - 140 minutes session of MLI and with post-treatment follow-up at 3 weeks (time point two). All participants were females, mean age 24, with PTSD symptoms after one sexual assault during the past 5 years. Exclusion criteria were poor understanding of Swedish, multiple traumas, active substance abuse, active psychosis, ADHD, or autism spectrum disorder. Of 135 interested participants, 38 were finally included, 36 completed baseline measures and were included in the intent to treat analyses and 33 were analyzed per protocol. The primary outcome was the difference between the two trial arms in mean PTSD symptoms as measured by the Impact of Event Scale Revised (IES-R) at time point two. In the intervention arm, 72% no longer scored PTSD in per-protocol analysis, compared to 6% in the waiting list arm. IES-R scores were on average halved in the intervention arm (F=21.37, P<0.001), but were essentially unchanged in the waiting list arm. No adverse effects or drop-outs were seen. One session of Modified Lifespan Integration was an effective treatment with a low drop-out rate for females aged 15-65 with PTSD after one sexual assault. Provided that this result can be replicated, MLI should be offered to these patients in clinical settings. Registration number NCT03141047 was given 03/25/2016 at ClinicalTrials.gov (https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/).

Colovesical Fistulae: The Varying Aetiologies.

The most common presenting symptoms of colovesical fistulae (CVF) are pneumaturia and fecaluria. The most important aspect remains not only to investigate the aetiology, and the degree of both severity and complexity, but also the subsequent influence of this on overall management. In a younger population, management usually consists of curative surgery. However, this may not be possible in older patients where surgical candidacy is a genuine concern and a clinical challenge arises relating to pursuing a conservative strategy. We attempted to briefly outline how two patients were managed with a similar non-surgical approach due to frailty. These cases attempt to highlight the importance of multi-disciplinary specialty input, with a view to optimising patient care.

Importance of Translabial Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Its Correlation with the POP-Q Examination: Analysis of 363 Cases.

The incidence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is increasing in our aging society. We aimed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of translabial ultrasound (TLUS) by comparing the findings of POP-Q examination and TLUS in advanced POP patients and we also aimed to evaluate the prevalence of rectocele and enterocele on the TLUS. We analyzed the TLUS and POP-Q exam findings of 363 symptomatic POP patients who visited our clinic from March 2019 to April 2021. We excluded three patients who had conditions mimicking POP, as revealed by the TLUS. The most common POP type was anterior compartment POP (68.61%), followed by apical compartment (38.61%) and posterior compartment (16.11%) POP. Agreement between the POP-Q exam and TLUS was tested using Cohen's kappa (κ). p values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The incidence of rectocele or enterocele was only 1.67% (6/360) and there was no rectocele or enterocele in most patients (246/252, 96.63%) when the POP-Q exam revealed posterior compartment POP, suggesting that they only had posterior vaginal wall relaxation. The positive predictive value of the POP-Q exam for detecting rectocele or enterocele (as revealed by TLUS) was only 2.38%, whereas the negative predictive value was 100%. In conclusion, the application of TLUS is useful in the diagnosis of POP, especially for differentiation of true POP from conditions mimicking POP. The correlation between the POP-Q exam and TLUS is low, especially in posterior compartment POP, and therefore, patients with POP-Q exam findings suggesting posterior compartment POP should undergo TLUS to check for rectocele or enterocele. The use of TLUS in the diagnosis of POP patients can improve the accuracy of the diagnosis of POP patients in conjunction with a POP-Q exam.

Barriers to the access and utilization of healthcare for trafficked youth in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Child trafficking is a pervasive public health problem in the United States, with significant health consequences for survivors. Previous studies demonstrated that survivors face barriers to healthcare, though much of the literature has not solely focused on domestic child trafficking. OBJECTIVE: To identify barriers to healthcare faced by survivors of child trafficking in the United States, and to characterize the landscape of available trauma-informed medical services. PARTICIPANTS: 62 adult survivors of child trafficking (83% female, 10% male, 7% transgender; 90% sex trafficking, 25% labor trafficking; median age of entry 16) and 37 community agency professionals who work with trafficked children. SETTING: The United States of America. METHODS: The Barriers to Care Questionnaire (BCQ) was adapted, piloted with a focus group, and disseminated to participants. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase in survivors seeking healthcare after compared to before trafficking was demonstrated (p < 0.05). Eighteen consequential barriers to healthcare were identified. The marginalization domain, representing the individual's perception of negative experiences with the healthcare system, had the highest number of consequential barriers. The majority of survivor and agency participants felt the physical and mental health needs of survivors are not being met, but would seek out trauma-informed healthcare if it were available in their community. CONCLUSIONS: Survivors of child trafficking in the U.S. experience a wide range of barriers to healthcare, and a lack of available trauma-informed healthcare. This study identified barriers to healthcare that can be considered by providers hoping to provide accessible and truama-informed services to trafficked children.

Cholecystitis, Concealment of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Pathology: The Role of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography and Endoscopic Ultrasound.

Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder with classic symptoms of right upper quadrant abdominal pain and fever. The most common precipitating factor is cholelithiasis; however, it sometimes appears in conjunction with other hepatobiliary-pancreatic pathology. Management is generally done with antibiotics and supportive care with or without cholecystectomy. The surgical management in practice is often limited by surgery time and patient suitability considering their likely overall outcome. We have outlined two cases with different etiologies presenting as cholecystitis. The aim was to further understand the benefits of multidisciplinary team meetings to optimize patient care and emphasize the roles of endoscopic ultrasonography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in hepatobiliary pathology.

A New Case of Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich Syndrome: Uterine Didelphys with Unilateral Cervical Dysgenesis, Vaginal Agenesis, Cervical Distal Ureteral Remnant Fistula, Ureterocele, and Renal Agenesis in a Patient with Contralateral Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney.

The aim of this study was to present a new case of congenital Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome, a rare anomaly of the female reproductive tract, and review the related literature. A 12-year-old girl presented with severe dysmenorrhea since menarche and magnetic resonance imaging showing a bicornuate uterus, double cervix, right hematometra, and hematosalpinx with ipsilateral renal agenesis, accompanied by a remnant distal ureter with hydroureter. A diagnostic cystoscopy and a reduced-port robot-assisted laparoscopy with chromopertubation were performed in order to identify the anomaly. Uterine didelphys and right cervical dysgenesis with ipsilateral vaginal agenesis, cervical distal ureteral remnant fistula, ureterocele, and renal agenesis were diagnosed on the basis of histopathologic findings, and she subsequently underwent a robotic unilateral right total hysterectomy with salpingectomy. This case report reinforces the importance of the intraoperative biopsy for an accurate diagnosis, despite magnetic resonance imaging being considered the gold-standard diagnostic tool.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Is Associated with Osteoporosis in Korean Women: Analysis of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service National Patient Sample.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and osteoporosis are major disease entities in older women that have the same epidemiology and might also have the same molecular physiology. However, few data have been reported on the relationship between POP and osteoporosis. We designed this study to examine the association between POP and osteoporosis in Korean women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service 2015 to 2017 National Patient Sample (HIRA-NPS). A total of 4,368,141 individuals were included in this study, and a total of 842,228 individuals aged 50 years and above were included in the final analysis. POP patients were defined by the Korean Informative Classification of Diseases (KOICD) codes (KCD-7, N81, or N99.3) and patients who underwent a pelvic reconstructive procedure. The osteoporosis patients were defined by KOICD (KCD-7, R4113, R3620, R0402,) who were prescribed osteoporosis medication. A 1:10 age-stratified matching and chi-squared test were used for statistical analysis, and p < 0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: A total of 7359 women were included in this analysis. Advanced POP was correlated with osteoporosis in Korean women aged 50 years and above in 2015-2017 (p < 0.0001). After adjusting for age, advanced POP was correlated with osteoporosis in the 2015, 2016, and 2017 dataset (p = 0.013, 0.0009, 0.0119, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Advanced POP is correlated with osteoporosis in Korean women aged 50 years and above. Evaluation for osteoporosis and education about bone health can be especially important, even in relatively young women, aged 50-59 years, and POP patients.

Single-Incision vs. Multiport Robotic Sacrocolpopexy: 126 Consecutive Cases at a Single Institution.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (RSC) has gained popularity as a method for easier intracorporeal suturing than conventional laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. However, few studies have compared multiport RSC (MP-RSC) and single-incision RSC (SI-RSC). We aimed to compare perioperative outcomes between these techniques for advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP). We analyzed 126 patients who underwent RSC for POP quantification (all stage III to IV) between March 2019 and May 2021 at Seoul Asan Medical Center. We prospectively collected operation-related data, including total operation time (OT; from skin incision to closure) and perioperative outcomes. A total of 106 and 20 patients underwent MP-RSC and SI-RSC, respectively. The mean ages were 57.49 ± 10.89 and 56.20 ± 10.30 years in the MP-RSC and SI-RSC groups, respectively. The mean total OT was significantly shorter for MP-RSC than for SI-RSC (105.43 ± 24.03 vs. 121.10 ± 26.28 min). The OT difference was 15.67 min (95% confidence interval, 3.90-25.85, p = 0.009). No statistically significant differences were observed in terms of perioperative variables (estimated blood loss, hospital stay) and postoperative adverse events (POP recurrence, mesh erosion). SI-RSC had comparable intraoperative and postoperative outcomes to MP-RSC, with additional cosmetic benefits. MP-RSC had significantly shorter OT than SI-RSC.