Oncologic outcomes in older women with endometrial carcinoma (≥70 years).

Data are limited in the management of elderly women with endometrial cancer as they are under-represented in clinical trials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of women ≥70 years who underwent hysterectomy. One hundred and twenty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. The median age among the cohort was 75 years (range: 70-91), and 52% underwent robotic surgery. The five-year overall survival (OS) rate was 67%. The five-year cumulative incidence of recurrence was 19%. Based on univariate analysis, white race, lower ASA score, higher pre-operative and post-operative haematocrit, lower estimated blood loss, stage I and robotic surgery were associated with improved OS. On multivariable analysis, ASA score, preoperative haematocrit, estimated blood loss and stage were associated with survival.Survival rates among older women were low and disease recurrence was high. Robotic surgery was safe and appeared to improve perioperative outcomes in older women with endometrial cancer.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecologic cancer with an overall survival above 90%. Surgery is the cornerstone of treatment. With an ageing population, an increased incidence of endometrial cancer is also expected. Increased frailty and comorbid conditions may prevent this population from undergoing surgery; consequently, these patients are often undertreated for a potentially curable disease.What do the results of this study add? Older women with endometrial cancer have low survival rates and high disease recurrence rates. Elderly women can tolerate robotic surgery to reduce the risk of adverse events.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? It is important to develop best practices to optimise patients for minimally invasive surgery. The benefits of robotic surgery may encourage patients and surgeons to partake in this approach. A multidisciplinary approach with geriatric evaluation may improve post-operative care and survival. Future clinical trials should include elderly women.

Tissue Response to Deep Brain Stimulation and Microlesion: A Comparative Study.

OBJECTIVES: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is used for a variety of movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease. There are several theories regarding the biology and mechanisms of action of DBS. Previously, we observed an up-regulation of neural progenitor cell proliferation in post-mortem tissue suggesting that DBS can influence cellular plasticity in regions beyond the site of stimulation. We wanted to support these observations and investigate the relationship if any, between DBS, neural progenitor cells, and microglia. METHODS: We used naïve rats in this study for DBS electrode implantation, stimulation, and microlesions. We used immunohistochemistry techniques for labeling microglial and progenitor cells, and fluorescence microscopy for viewing and quantification of labeled cells. RESULTS: We present data that demonstrates a reciprocal relationship of microglia and neural precursor cells in the presence of acute high frequency stimulation. In our hands, stimulated animals demonstrate significantly lower numbers of activated microglia (p = 0.026) when compared to microlesion and sham animals. The subthalamic region surrounding the DBS stimulating electrode reveals a significant increase in the number of neural precursor cells expressing cell cycle markers, plasticity and precursor cell markers (Ki67; p = 0.0013, MCM2; p = 0.0002). INTERPRETATION: We conclude that in this animal model, acute DBS results in modest local progenitor cell proliferation and influenced the total number of activated microglia. This could be of clinical significance in patients with PD, as it is thought to progress via neuroinflammatory processes involving microglia, cytokines, and the complement system. Further studies are required to comprehend the behavior of microglia in different activation states and their ability to regulate adult neurogenesis under physiologic and pathologic conditions.

Clinical Utility and Cost of Postoperative Hemoglobin Level Testing Following Robotic-assisted Hysterectomy for Endometrial Cancer.

AIM: Our aim was to assess the clinical utility of postoperative hemoglobin testing following hysterectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We carried out a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent robotic surgery at an academic center during a 44-month study period. Data included demographics and perioperative outcomes. The mean postoperative decrease in hemoglobin level was evaluated using numerical and categorical variables. RESULTS: A total of 201 women were included. A total of 45 (22.4%) developed symptoms suggestive of hemodynamic compromise. When compared to asymptomatic patients, these patients were no different in operative time, estimated blood loss, pre- or post-operative hemoglobin levels, or the change in hemoglobin levels. Symptomatic patients did receive less fluid intraoperatively (1.2 vs. 1.5 l; p<0.0001). Perioperative outcomes were not associated with a greater postoperative decrease in hemoglobin (Hb). Postoperative anemia was associated with preoperative anemia (0% vs. 45%; p<0.0001). Patients with postoperative anemia were also more likely to be re-admitted within 30 days after surgery (7% vs. 23%; p=0.025). Of the three patients who received blood transfusions postoperatively, all three had preoperative Hb<9.5 g/dl, compared to 2.5% of those who were not transfused (p<0.0001). Using Institutional charges and Medicare reimbursement rates for blood hemoglobin testing, savings were estimated to be $3,629 and $1,236, respectively, during the study period. CONCLUSION: Postoperative Hb testing may be safely avoided unless starting Hb is less <10 g/dl. Clinical practice change can reduce healthcare costs without hindering patient care.

Survival After Minimally Invasive Surgery in Older Women With Endometrial Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To analyze the impact of minimally invasive surgery for endometrial cancer on overall survival among age >65. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We examined women who underwent hysterectomy from 2010 to 2015 from the U.S. National Cancer Data Base (NCDB). We evaluated the impact of surgical approach on survival. RESULTS: Of 243,601 endometrial cancer cases, 42,458 met the inclusion criteria. Laparoscopic approach was associated with improved survival by 14% (HR=0.86; 95%CI=0.80-0.92; p<0.001) and robotic approach was associated with improved survival by 12% (HR=0.88; 95%CI=0.83-0.93; p<0.0001), compared to the open approach. Similarly, the weighted adjusted 5-year overall survival was 73.1% (95%CI=72%-74.2%), 76.4% (95%CI=75.1-77.7%), and 75.5% (95%CI=74.7-76.4%) for open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive surgery improved overall survival in women over 65 years with endometrial cancer.

Robotic assisted cytoreductive surgery, removal of a recurrent disease in the right pericaval lymph node in a patient with ovarian cancer with the robotic Xi platform.

OBJECTIVE: The standard approach for recurrent ovarian cancer is laparotomy. In this video, we present a cytoreductive surgery using the robotic Xi platform to remove a 2.7 cm pericaval tumor. METHODS: A narrative video demonstration of robotic-assisted surgery to remove recurrent ovarian cancer in a pericaval lymph node. A 62-year-old female presented with recurrent carcinoma of the pericaval lymph node. After 40 months of surveillance, the patient was asymptomatic, but a computed tomography (CT) scan showed an isolated mass (2.7×2.3 cm) in the right pericaval lymph node. Her cancer antigen (CA)-125 level increased from 26 to 46 U/mL. The robotic Xi platform was used to remove the metastatic lymph nodes. The first step was diagnostic laparoscopy. The second step was robotic port placement below the umbilicus. The third step was dissection and identification of landmarks, and the last step was removal of the tumor and closure. RESULTS: The metastatic lymph nodes were removed. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 1 and had no postoperative complications. Her CA-125 level dropped to 17 U/mL two weeks after surgery. Pathology showed metastatic high-grade serous carcinoma in one lymph node, consistent with the patient's known primary. Two additional lymph nodes were removed and negative for carcinoma. Pelvic washings were negative for malignancy. CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted surgery is safe and feasible in selected patients with isolated recurrent disease.

Fetal sex discordance between noninvasive prenatal screening results and sonography: A single institution's experience and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing availability of noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) and high-resolution ultrasound, more cases of sex discordance are being identified in routine clinical practice. This can be a source of much concern for families and clinicians. Knowledge about the limitations of NIPS and reasons for discordant results are critical for counseling parents. AIMS: Here, we present three cases from a single tertiary care referral center. We also review the literature to address potential limitations of NIPS in correctly identifying fetal sex chromosomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After Institutional Review Board approval, cases of discordant fetal sex were identified using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes. In addition, departmental counseling database and cytogenetics laboratory logbooks were reviewed. RESULTS: In our first case, a 37-year-old G4 P2012 underwent NIPS at 11 weeks gestation and Monosomy X (associated with Turner syndrome) was identified. Morphological sonographic assessment at 20 weeks gestation was consistent with a female fetus following an amniocentesis at 16 weeks that revealed normal 46, XX karyotype. During the third trimester, the patient was diagnosed with Stage IV invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. Postnatal follow-up of the neonate was consistent with a phenotypic female. In the second case, a 22-year-old G2 P1001 obese female underwent NIPS at 14 weeks gestation and normal 46, XY karyotype was identified. Morphological sonographic assessment at 20 weeks was not consistent with a male fetus. The patient declined invasive testing. Postnatally, the karyotype was 46, XX and the neonate was phenotypically female. The reason for the discordant results was not identified. In the third case, a 25-year-old G1 P0 obese female underwent NIPS at 13 weeks gestation and normal 46, XY karyotype was identified. Morphological sonographic assessment at 20 weeks was indeterminate; however, follow-up at 24 weeks was consistent with a female fetus. The patient declined invasive prenatal testing. Postnatally, the karyotype was 46, XX, and the neonate was phenotypically female with uterus present on ultrasound. The reason for the discordant results was not identified. DISCUSSION: Our cases demonstrate possible limitations of NIPS in correctly identifying sex chromosomes. CONCLUSIONS: Providers and patients need to be aware of these limitations, and invasive diagnostic prenatal testing should be offered in cases of discordance between NIPS and sonographic sex assessment.

Polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) typically manifests with a combination of menstrual dysfunction and evidence of hyperandrogenism in the adolescent population. No single cause has been identified; however, evidence suggests a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Polycystic ovary syndrome presents a particular diagnostic challenge in adolescents as normal pubertal changes can present with a similar phenotype. Management of PCOS in the adolescent population should focus on a multi-modal approach with lifestyle modification and pharmacologic treatment to address bothersome symptoms. This chapter outlines the pathogenesis of PCOS, including the effects of obesity, insulin resistance, genetic, and environmental factors. The evolution of the diagnostic criteria of PCOS as well as specific challenges of diagnosis in the adolescent population are reviewed. Finally, evidence for lifestyle modification and pharmacologic treatments are discussed.