L3 Skeletal Muscle Index Dynamics in Patients with HCV-Related Compensated Cirrhosis Following Sustained Virological Response after Direct Acting Antiviral Treatment.

Background and Objectives: Sarcopenia is commonly associated with liver cirrhosis and predicts clinical outcome. Our aim was to identify the changes in skeletal muscle index (SMI) on computed tomography (CT) examination, as a quantitative marker of sarcopenia, in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis after direct acting antivirals (DAAs) treatment and to assess predictive factors for the evolution of SMI. Materials and Methods: This is a single center retrospective study in patients with HCV-related compensated cirrhosis who obtained sustained virological response (SVR) after DAAs. CT examinations were performed in 52 patients before and within 5-24 months after treatment. The total muscle area (TMA) of abdominal muscle at the level of third lumbar vertebra (L3) was measured at baseline and after SVR. The L3-SMI was calculated from TMA divided by body height squared (cm2/m2). We assessed changes in L3-SMI after SVR according to baseline body mass index (BMI) and laboratory data. Predictive factors were assessed by linear regression model. Results: Patients with L3-SMI above the gender-specific cut-off value at baseline had higher values of serum creatinine (median 0.73) compared to patients with low L3-SMI (median 0.68, p = 0.031). After SVR, 14 patients showed increase of L3-SMI, and 38 patients had a decrease of L3-SMI. BMI in the decreased L3-SMI group was significantly lower (median 26.17) than those without decreased L3-SMI (median 28.84, p = 0.021). ALT values in the decreased L3-SMI group (median 66.5) were significantly lower than those without a decrease in L3-SMI (median 88, p = 0.045). Conclusions: Low creatinine serum level correlates with sarcopenia. SMI was partially influenced by the viral clearance. Lower BMI and ALT serum levels at baseline were predictive for no benefit in terms of muscle mass dynamics. Understanding all the mechanisms involved in sarcopenia and identifying the most vulnerable patients could ensure optimal adapted care strategies.

Predictive Value of HPV, p53, and p16 in the Post-Treatment Evolution of Malignant Tumors of the Oropharynx and Retromolar Trigone-Oropharynx Junction.

Background and objectives: Knowledge of the interactions and influences of infectious, genetic, and environmental factors on the evolution and treatment response of malignant tumors is essential for improving the management of the disease and increasing patient survival. The objective of this study was to establish the contribution of human papillomavirus (HPV), as well as p53 and p16 tumor markers, alongside associated factors (smoking and alcohol consumption), in the progression of malignancies located in the oropharynx and at the retromolar trigone-oropharyngeal junction. Materials and Methods: We performed a prospective study including 50 patients with malignant tumors of the oropharynx and retromolar trigone-oropharyngeal junction. In all patients, the presence and type of HPV were determined, as well as the status of the tumor markers p53 and p16. The associated risk factors, biopsy results, treatment method, and post-treatment evolution were all documented. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the correlations between the determining factors and their influence on the post-treatment evolution. An overall increased survival rate was found in HPV(+) patients. Results: Our study outlined the prevalence of different high-risk subtypes of HPV from the ones presented by other studies, suggesting a possible geographic variation. Correlations between the p53 and p16 statuses and patient survival could be established. The association of smoking and alcohol consumption strongly correlated with an unfavorable evolution. Conclusions: Awareness of the differences in the post-treatment evolution of the patients in relation to the presence of the factors determined in our study could change the future management of such cases for ensuring improved treatment outcomes.

Improving the Treatment Outcome of Naso-Orbito-Ethmoido-Maxillary Fractures Using Virtual Three-Dimensional Anthropometric Data.

BACKGROUND: Naso-orbito-ethmoido-maxillary (NOEM) fractures are usually the result of a high or moderate intensity impact to the upper midface. These types of fractures are difficult to treat and are frequently misdiagnosed. Craniometric analysis can be of real aid in the treatment of NOEM complex fractures by establishing midfacial proportions. AIM: This study aims to establish the distances between selected anthropometric points and midfacial proportions found in the adult Caucasian population and to determine if any differences exist between genders. METHODOLOGY: Measurements between anthropometric points, nasion (N), dacryon (D), infraorbital foramen (IOF), frontomalare orbitale (FMO), rhinion (Rhi) and porion (Po), were made on 3D models obtained using patients' CT exams. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between genders for the orbital dimensions represented by N-FMO (p = 0.000), N-IOF (p = 0.000), Rhi-FMO (p = 0.000), Rhi-IOF (p = 0.000), nose bridge width N-D (p = 0.001), Rhi-D (p = 0.016), D-D (p = 0.038) and the projection of the nose evaluated by Rhi-Po (p = 0.000), N-Po (p = 0.000), while a t-test showed that there are no significant differences between males and females for the N-Rhi (p = 0.254). CONCLUSIONS: The values of these measurements can be utilized during skeletal reconstruction after NOEM fractures, especially for bilateral comminuted fractures where no points of comparison are available.