Hematological parameters in newly diagnosed TB patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Despite all efforts, tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the 10 leading causes of death worldwide. The hematopoietic system is seriously affected by TB and there is little information about the hematological profile of patients with TB. In this regard, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess hematological parameters among newly diagnosed TB patients. Relevant papers were found by searching in the PubMed database until April 2023. Fifteen papers involving 3354 patients were included. One-sample meta-analysis revealed the low pooled mean values for Hgb of 11.679 g/dl (95 % CI: 10.982-12.377) and the increased pooled ESR of 63.569 mm/h (95 % CI: 57.834-69.304) among newly diagnosed TB patients. The pooled prevalence of anemia, leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, and lymphopenia was 61.6 % (95 % CI: 45.4-75.6 %), 45.9 % (95 % CI: 39.1-52.9 %), 31.9 % (95%CI: 15-55.3 %) and 23.1 % (95%CI: 5.4-61.5 %) between TB patients, respectively. From a two-sample meta-analysis, the RBC and HgB values for TB patients were significantly lower than that of healthy controls (p < 0.05). Awareness of common blood abnormalities like elevated ESR, leukocytosis, and anemia in newly diagnosed TB patients helps physicians in early diagnosis and better management of disease.

Preoperative Laboratory Values Are Predictive of Adverse Postoperative Outcomes in Patients Older Than 65 Years Undergoing Brain Tumor Resection: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Study.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we used a large national database to assess the effect of preoperative laboratory value (PLV) derangements on postoperative outcomes in patients older than 65 years undergoing brain tumor resection. METHODS: Data was collected for patients >65 years old undergoing brain tumor resection from 2015 to 2019 (N = 10,525). Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed for 11 PLVs and 6 postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Hypernatremia (odds ratio [OR], 4.707; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.695-13.071; P < 0.01) and increased creatinine level (OR, 2.556; 95% CI, 1.291-5.060; P < 0.01) were the most significant predictors of 30-day mortality. The most significant predictor of Clavien-Dindo grade IV complications was increased creatinine level (OR, 1.667; 95% CI, 1.064-2.613; P < 0.05), whereas, significant predictors of major complications were hypoalbuminemia (OR, 1.426; 95% CI, 1.132-1.796; P < 0.05) and leukocytosis (OR, 1.347; 95% CI, 1.075-1.688; P < 0.05). Predictors of readmission were anemia (OR, 1.326; 95% CI, 1.047-1.680; P < 0.05) and thrombocytopenia (OR, 1.387; 95% CI, 1.037-1.856; P < 0.05), whereas, hypoalbuminemia (OR, 1.787; 95% CI, 1.280-2.495; P < 0.001) was predictive of reoperation. Increased partial thromboplastin time and hypoalbuminemia were predictors of extended length of stay (OR, 2.283, 95% CI, 1.360-3.834, P < 0.01 and OR, 1.553, 95% CI, 1.553-1.966, P < 0.001, respectively). Hypernatremia (OR, 2.115; 95% CI, 1.181-3.788; P < 0.05) and hypoalbuminemia (OR, 1.472; 95% CI, 1.239-1.748; P < 0.001) were the most significant predictors of NHD. Seven of 11 PLVs were associated with adverse postoperative outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: PLV derangements were significantly associated with adverse postoperative outcomes in patients older than 65 years undergoing brain tumor resection. The most significant predictors of adverse postoperative outcomes were hypoalbuminemia and leukocytosis.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of children with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia and hyperleukocytosis managed with different cytoreductive methods.

BACKGROUND: Hyperleukocytosis in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been associated with worse outcomes. For cytoreduction, leukapheresis has been used but its clinical utility is unknown, and low-dose cytarabine (LD-cytarabine) is used as an alternative method. METHODS: Children with newly diagnosed AML treated between 1997 and 2017 in institutional protocols were studied. Hyperleukocytosis was defined as a leukocyte count of ≥100 × 109 /L at diagnosis. Clinical characteristics, early complications, survival data, and effects of cytoreductive methods were reviewed. Among 324 children with newly diagnosed AML, 49 (15.1%) presented with hyperleukocytosis. Initial management of hyperleukocytosis included leukapheresis or exchange transfusion (n = 16, considered as one group), LD-cytarabine (n = 18), hydroxyurea (n = 1), and no leukoreduction (n = 14). RESULTS: Compared with patients who received leukapheresis, the percentage decrease in leukocyte counts following intervention was greater among those who received LD-cytarabine (48% vs. 75%; p = .02), with longer median time from diagnosis to initiation of protocol therapy (28.1 vs. 95.2 hours; p < .001). The incidence of infection was higher in patients (38%) who had leukapheresis than those who receive LD-cytarabine (0%) or leukoreduction with protocol therapy (14%) (p = .008). No differences were noted in the outcomes among the intervention groups. Although patients with hyperleukocytosis had higher incidences of pulmonary and metabolic complications than did those without, no early deaths occurred, and the complete remission, event-free survival, overall survival rates, and outcomes of both groups were similar. CONCLUSION: LD-cytarabine treatment appears to be a safe and effective means of cytoreduction for children with AML and hyperleukocytosis.

Clinically predictive baseline labs for post-operative outcomes of brain tumors using NSQIP database.

PURPOSE: This study was performed to assess the effect of baseline Preoperative Laboratory Values (PLV) on post-operative Brain Tumor Resection (BTR) outcomes in a large national registry. METHODS: We extracted data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database for BTR patients 2015-2019 (n = 3 0,951). Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed for PLV and key surgical outcomes. RESULTS: The most significant PLV predictors of 30-day mortality after BTR included hypernatremia (odds ratio, OR 4.184, 95% CI, 2.384-7.343, p < 0.001), high serum creatinine (OR 2.244, 95% CI 1.502-3.352, p < 0.001), thrombocytopenia (OR 1.997, 95% CI 1.438, 2.772, p < 0.001), and leukocytosis (OR 1.635, 95% CI 1.264, 2.116, p < 0.001). The most significant predictors of Clavien IV complications were increased INR (OR 2.653, 95% CI 1.444, 4.875, p < 0.01), thrombocytopenia (OR 1.514, 95% CI 1.280, 1.792, p < 0.001), hypoalbuminemia (OR 1.480, 95% CI 1.274, 1.719, p < 0.001), and leukocytosis (OR 1.467, 95% CI 1.306, 1.647, p < 0.001). The most robust predictors of eLOS were increased INR (OR 1.941, 95% CI 1.231, 3.060, p < 0.01) and hypoalbuminemia (OR 1.993, 95% CI 1.823, 2.179, p < 0.001), and those for non-routine discharge included increased INR (OR 1.897, 95% CI 1.196, 3.008, p < 0.01) and hypernatremia (OR 1.565, 95% CI 1.217, 2.012, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Several PLV independently predicted worse outcomes in BTR patients. Baseline labs should be routinely used for the pre-operative risk stratification of these patients.

Preoperative leukocytosis is an independent risk factor for morbidity and survival after resection of colorectal liver metastases.

BACKGROUND: Although surgical resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) remains to be the only option for long term survival, traditional surgical concepts have been challenged by the introduction of the liver first approach or neoadjuvant chemotherapy in resectable CRLM and interventional therapies. The aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors for postoperative morbidity and survival and to externally evaluate the recently introduced resection severity index (RSI), in order to optimize patient selection and treatment strategies. METHODS: This is a retrospective single centre analysis of 213 patients undergoing surgery for CRLM in curative intent between January 2010 and December 2018. RESULTS: Median follow up after liver resection was 28.56 (0.01-111.46) months. Severe postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ IIIa) were observed in 46 (21.6%) cases. Preoperative leukocytosis (OR: 3.114, CI-95%: 1.089-8.901; p = 0.034) and operation time in minutes (OR: 1.007, CI-95%: 1.002-1.011; p = 0.002) were determined as independent risk factors. Overall survival (OS) was 46.68 months with a 5-year survival rate of 40.5%. Independent prognostic factors were preoperative leukocytosis (HR: 2.358, CI-95%: 1.170-4.752; p = 0.016), major hepatectomy (HR: 1.741, CI-95%: 1.098-2.759; p = 0.018) and low grading of the primary intestinal tumour (HR: 0.392, CI-95%: 0.231-0.667; p < 0.001). The RSI (ASAT (U/l) divided by Quick (%) multiplied by the extent of liver resection in points) was identified as independent risk factor for OS only in patients without neoadjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Detection of leukocytosis in patients prior resection of CRLM was associated with increased postoperative morbidity and decreased OS and could therefore prove valuable for perioperative risk stratification.

Preoperative leukocytosis correlates with unfavorable pathological and survival outcomes in endometrial carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To meta-analytically examine the frequency and prognostic impact of preoperative leukocytosis in endometrial carcinoma (EC). METHODS: Five major databases were searched till 01-February-2021. Studies that evaluated the frequency of preoperative leukocytosis or its correlation with pathological and survival outcomes in EC patients were included. Data were pooled as mean differences (MD), odds ratios (OR), or hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Nine retrospective studies, with low risk of bias, were included. The pooled prevalence of preoperative leukocytosis was 11.2% (95% CI: 8.2-14.3). There was a significant correlation between preoperative leukocytosis and FIGO stage III-IV (OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.60-2.75), ≥50% myometrial invasion (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.02-1.72), lymph node involvement (OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.29-2.59), cervical involvement (OR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.68-3.13), adnexal involvement (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.42-3.31), and tumor size (MD = 1.10 cm, 95% CI: 0.63-1.58). However, preoperative leukocytosis did not significantly correlate with tumor grade II-III, non-endometrioid histology, peritoneal cytology, and lympho-vascular space involvement (p > 0.05). Additionally, preoperative leukocytosis correlated with higher rates of death (OR = 2.85, 95% CI: 2.03-4.00), tumor recurrence (OR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.21-4.61), and worse overall survival at univariate and multivariate analyses (HR = 2.90, 95% CI: 2.24-3.75 and HR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.59-2.94, respectively). As for disease-free survival, preoperative leukocytosis emerged as an independent prognostic factor on univariate (HR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.16-1.39) but not multivariate (HR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.00-1.18) analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative leukocytosis is common and correlates with poor pathological and survival outcomes in EC patients.

Clinical characteristics and mortality of patients with hematologic malignancies and COVID-19: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Hematologic cancer patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) tend to have a more serious disease course than observed in the general population. Herein, we comprehensively reviewed existing literature and analyzed clinical characteristics and mortality of patients with hematologic malignancies and COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Through searching PubMed until June 03, 2020, we identified 16 relevant case studies (33 cases) from a total of 45 studies that have reported on patients with COVID-19 and hematologic malignancies. We investigated the clinical and laboratory characteristics including type of hematologic malignancies, initial symptoms, laboratory findings, and clinical outcomes. Then, we compared those characteristics and outcomes of patients with hematologic malignancies and COVID-19 to the general population infected with COVID-19. RESULTS: The median age was 66-year-old. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia was the most common type of hematologic malignancy (39.4%). Fever was the most common symptom (75.9%). Most patients had normal leukocyte counts (55.6%), lymphocytosis (45.4%), and normal platelet counts (68.8%). In comparison to patients with COVID-19 without underlying hematologic malignancies, dyspnea was more prevalent (45.0 vs. 24.9%, p=0.025). Leukocytosis (38.9 vs. 9.8%, p=0.001), lymphocytosis (45.4 vs. 8.2%, p=0.001), and thrombocytopenia (31.3 vs. 11.4%, p=0.036) were significantly more prevalent and lymphopenia (18.2 vs. 57.4%, p=0.012) less prevalent in patients with hematologic malignancies. There were no clinical and laboratory characteristics predicting mortality in patients with hematologic malignancies. Mortality was much higher in patients with hematologic malignancies compared to those without this condition (40.0 vs. 3.6%, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Co-occurrence of hematologic malignancies and COVID-19 is rare. However, due to the high mortality rate from COVID-19 in this vulnerable population, further investigation on tailored treatment and management is required.

Effects of Preoperative WBC Count on Post-CABG Surgery Clinical Outcome.

OBJECTIVE: White blood cells (WBCs) play a major role in inflammation, with effects on the vascular wall, the microvascular blood flow, and endothelial cells and endothelial function. Previous studies have shown that a high WBC count may increase the risk of cardiovascular complication rate and mortality after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between preoperative WBC count and the post-CABG clinical outcome. METHODS: A retrospective study that was based on 239 patients who underwent CABG surgery in our medical center. Statistical analysis estimated the effect of WBC count in postoperative clinical outcomes, including atrial fibrillation, length of stay, readmission rate, and death. RESULTS: The preoperative WBC count was associated with longer hospitalization length (B = 0.392, P < 0.01). A preoperative WBC count >8150/µL predicted a longer stay (Z = 2.090, P = 0.03). A low lymphocyte count was associated with atrial fibrillation (B = -0.543, P = 0.03). Female patients were older (Z = 2.920, P < 0.01), had impaired renal function (Z = -3.340, P < 0.01), and had a higher rate of postoperative atrial fibrillation (df 2 = 3.780, P = 0.05) and readmission (df 2 = 5.320, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative WBC count may have an effect on the postoperative clinical outcome in patients undergoing CABG. Surgeons should pay more attention to patients' WBC count and sex and plan surgery and postoperative management accordingly.

The Etiology and Prognosis of Delayed Postoperative Leukocytosis in Lung Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND: Leukocytosis (white blood cell count >12 000/µL) in the delayed postoperative period (4-7 days) after lung transplantation is due to diverse etiologies. We aimed to describe the etiologies of delayed postoperative leukocytosis in lung transplant recipients and to evaluate the association of leukocytosis causes with short-term survival. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 274 lung transplantations performed in our institution during 2006 to 2013. RESULTS: Delayed postoperative leukocytosis was seen in 159 (58.0%) of lung transplant recipients. In 57 (35.8%) of them, the etiology of the leukocytosis was not identified. The etiologies of leukocytosis that were identified were infection (n = 39), second surgery, acute rejection (n = 12), primary graft dysfunction (n = 3), multiple etiologies (n = 17), and other causes (n = 10). On multivariate analysis, delayed postoperative leukocytosis was one of the variables that most significantly associated with decreased survival in the entire sample (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-2.29, P = .040). On additional analysis for mortality assessing each leukocytosis subgroup, the data were acute graft rejection (HR = 8.21, 95% CI: 4.09-16.49, P < .001), second surgery (HR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.08-3.90, P = .020), primary graft dysfunction (HR = 2.72, 95% CI: 0.65-11.33, P = .169), other causes (HR = 1.30, 95% CI: 0.47-3.62, P = .620), and unknown etiology (HR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.54-1.62, P = .800). CONCLUSIONS: Delayed post-lung transplant leukocytosis is a poor prognostic sign, especially when attributed to acute graft rejection, infection, and multiple etiologies. In the absence of an identifiable etiology, it can be attributed to postoperative reactive stress, is not associated with increased mortality, and likely does not warrant further diagnostic investigation.

Postimplantation Syndrome Is Not Associated with Myocardial Injury after Noncardiac Surgery after Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

BACKGROUND: Postimplantation syndrome (PIS) is the clinical and biochemical expression of an inflammatory response following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), with a reported incidence ranging from 2% to 100%. Although generally benign, some studies report an association between PIS and postoperative major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Nonetheless, the role of PIS in postoperative myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) is unknown. This work aims to evaluate the relationship between PIS and MINS in a subset of EVAR patients, as well as assess the impact of PIS in all-cause mortality. METHODS: All patients undergoing elective standard EVAR between January 2008 and June 2017, and with at least one measurement of contemporary (cTnI) or high sensitivity troponin I (hSTnI) in the first 48h after surgery, were retrospectively analyzed. PIS was defined as the presence of fever and leukocytosis in the postoperative period in the absence of infectious complications. MINS was defined as the value exceeding the 99th percentile of a normal reference population with a coefficient of variation <10%, which was >0.032 ng/mL for cTnI and 0.0114 (female) and 0.027 ng/mL (male) for hSTnI. Patients' demographics, comorbidities, medication, access, and anesthesia were also evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-three consecutive patients were included (95.5% male; mean age 75.66 ± 7.13 years). Mean follow-up was 46.35 months. Survival rate was 86.5%, 80.5%, and 57.6% at 1, 3, and 5 years of follow-up, with 2 fatalities at 30 days of follow-up. The prevalence of PIS was 11.4%. MACE occurred in 2.3% of the patients, while MINS was reported in 16.5% of the patients. No association was found between PIS and patients' gender, comorbidities, type of anesthesia, or transfusional support. The type of graft used significantly affected the prevalence of PIS, with all cases reported when polyester grafts were used (P = 0.031). MACE occurred in 2.3% of the patients, while MINS was reported in 16.5% of the patients. PIS was found to be significantly associated with postoperative MACE (P = 0.001), but not MINS. Survival analysis revealed no differences between patients with or without PIS regarding 30-day mortality as well as long-term all-cause mortality. American Society of Anesthesiologists score (hazard ratio [HR] 2.157, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-4.33, P = 0.031) and heart failure (HR 2.284, 95% CI 1.25-4.18, P = 0.008) were found to be independently associated with increased long-term all-cause mortality in this cohort of patients. CONCLUSIONS: PIS is a common complication after EVAR, occurring in 11.4% of the patients from this cohort. Graft type seems to significantly affect the risk of PIS, since all reported cases occurred when polyester grafts were used. PIS did not influence 30-day or long-term survival and was found to be significantly associated with postoperative MACE but not MINS, suggesting the involvement of different pathophysiological mechanisms.

Inpatients With 'Unexplained' Leukocytosis.

BACKGROUND: Unexplained or persistent leukocytosis is an increasing common cause of consultation to infectious disease physicians. Patients appear to be in a state of continued inflammation recently described as the persistent inflammation-immunosuppression and catabolism syndrome (PICS). Hospital course of such patients is frequently prolonged and associated with extensive use of empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics. We wished to determine the associated clinical features and outcome of such patients in anticipation of future specific diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to this syndrome. METHODS: We reviewed all infectious disease consultations from July 1, 2017, to March 31, 2018, for reason for consultation. Of those whose primary reason was "leukocytosis" or "bandemia," each chart was assessed for demographics, reason for admission, hospital day of consultation, peak white blood cell count, infections and possible microbiological colonization, antibiotic use, and outcome. RESULTS: A total of 29 patients were identified, constituting 4.5% of consults during the study period. Cause of admission was sepsis in 7, major trauma 6, cerebrovascular accident 5, major elective surgery 4, ischemic leg 3, and 1 each lung mass, acute myocardial infarction, interstitial lung disease, and angioblastic lymphoma. Peak total leukocyte count (WBC) was 26.4K ± 8.8 on mean day 9.6 ± 5.5 days of hospitalization. Mean duration of leukocytosis greater than 11K was 14.5 ± 10.6 days. Peak percentage early myelocytic ("band") leukocytes was 18.4 ± 13.8 and was of higher than 5% for a duration of 4.5 ± 5.6 days. Total eosinophilia count >500 was observed in 15 patients (range 500-2800) median hospital day 12. All patients received multiple and prolonged courses of broad-spectrum combination empiric antibiotics without apparent benefit either in terms of leukocytosis, signs of sepsis if present, or change in cultures, although those 7 with confirmed sepsis at admission tended to have shorter duration of leukocytosis and hospital course, whereas patients with trauma manifested greatest "bandemia." Most patients became colonized with resistant opportunistic organisms, the most significant being Clostridium difficile enteritis in 6 patients. Hospitalization was prolonged, and most common disposition was to nursing home or rehabilitation (11 patients, mean day of discharge 21.6 ± 16.8) and home (8 patients, day 16.0 ± 9.3). Three patients died at mean hospital day 35.7 ± 29.7. CONCLUSIONS: Except for 1 person with pelvic abscess post-cystectomy, patients appeared to have extensive tissue damage rather than active infection driving the leukocytosis. Patients appeared to meet clinical criteria for PICS that was substantiated by development of eosinophilia. Future studies should include direct measurements of the CD33CD11b+ myeloid suppressor cells, and the relative contribution of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPS) compared with pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPS) such as endotoxin and other microbial products. More prudent and effective use of antibiotics could be possible.

Leukocytosis after distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy as a marker of major complication.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the associations between the degree of postoperative leukocytosis and major morbidity after elective distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (DPS). METHODS: Retrospective review of patients undergoing DPS for pancreatic diseases (2013-2016). Receiver operating characteristic curves, Youden's index, and area under the curve were used to identify ideal lab cut-off values and discriminatory ability of postoperative white blood cell count to detect complications. RESULTS: 158 patients underwent DPS. Median age was 57 years (range, 22-90) and 53% of patients were male. POD3 absolute WBC count ≥16 × 109/L or an increase in WBC count ≥9 × 109/L from preoperative baseline was associated with major morbidity after DPS (AUC 0.7 and 0.7, respectively). CONCLUSION: Postoperative day three leukocytosis ≥16 × 109/L or an increase in WBC of ≥9 × 109/L from preoperative baseline should raise clinical awareness for major postoperative complication after DPS.

Leukocytosis and thrombosis in essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

In the last years, a growing amount of evidence has been produced regarding the role of leukocytosis as a risk factor for thrombosis in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms, predominantly in polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET). Results from epidemiologic studies on this issue, however, are inconclusive. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of articles published in the last 12 years addressing the issue, according to a predefined protocol. Forty-one articles analyzing >30 000 patients met our inclusion criteria and were deemed of acceptable methodologic quality. In addition to data on thrombosis, data were collected on bleeding, hematologic evolution, secondary cancer, and death. The relative risk (RR) of thrombosis in the presence of leukocytosis was 1.59 (95% CI, 1.40-1.80), mainly accounted for by ET (RR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.43-1.91) and arterial thrombosis (RR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.13-1.86) subgroups; the effect was not significant in venous thrombosis alone. Sensitivity analyses considering recurrent events as well as white blood cell estimates adjusted or unadjusted for confounding factors confirmed the primary results. In addition, the pooled RR of studies that tested white blood cell counts in time-dependent models suggested a causative effect of leukocytes in the mechanism that triggers thrombosis. The effect of leukocytosis on bleeding (RR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.26-2.77) and death (RR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.59-2.23) was confirmed, whereas conclusions on hematologic evolutions and solid tumors were uncertain. To confirm the accuracy of these results, an investigation on individual patient data in a large collective archive of homogeneous patients is warranted.

Clinical characteristics affecting length of stay in patients with cellulitis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to profile the clinical characteristics of patients presenting to Middlemore Hospital with cellulitis in order to identify factors that are associated with an increased length of stay (LOS). METHODS: Retrospective clinical data were collected for all patients aged 18 and above who were admitted with cellulitis to Middlemore Hospital General Surgical Department between 1 January and 31 March 2014. Comorbidities, laboratory results and medical conditions were included in the investigation. RESULTS: The study included 201 patients. Significant factors associated with increased LOS include type 2 diabetes mellitus (P < 0.012), obesity (P < 0.001), raised C-reactive protein (P < 0.0001), raised white cell count (P < 0.0001), raised temperature (P < 0.0001), septic shock (P < 0.003), multiorgan failure (P < 0.01), extended-spectrum beta-lactamases or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization (P < 0.04) and intensive care unit admission (P < 0.0004). CONCLUSION: This single-centre, retrospective clinical study has identified several factors that are significantly associated with an increased LOS. These factors provide a basis for future studies that may facilitate identification and timely medical optimization of high-risk patients.

Risk factors of electrocoagulation syndrome after esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection.

AIM: To investigate post endoscopic submucosal dissection electrocoagulation syndrome (PEECS) of the esophagus. METHODS: We analyzed 55 consecutive cases with esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial esophageal squamous neoplasms at a tertiary referral hospital in South Korea. Esophageal PEECS was defined as "mild" meeting one of the following criteria without any obvious perforation: fever (≥ 37.8 °C), leukocytosis (> 10800 cells/µL), or regional chest pain more than 5/10 points as rated on a numeric pain intensity scale. The grade of PEECS was determined as "severe" when meet two or more of above criteria. RESULTS: We included 51 cases without obvious complications in the analysis. The incidence of mild and severe esophageal PEECS was 47.1% and 17.6%, respectively. Risk factor analysis revealed that resected area, procedure time, and muscle layer exposure were significantly associated with PEECS. In multivariate analysis, a resected area larger than 6.0 cm2 (OR = 4.995, 95%CI: 1.110-22.489, P = 0.036) and muscle layer exposure (OR = 5.661, 95%CI: 1.422-22.534, P = 0.014) were independent predictors of esophageal PEECS. All patients with PEECS had favorable outcomes with conservative management approaches, such as intravenous hydration or antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should consider the possibility of esophageal PEECS when the resected area exceeds 6.0 cm2 or when the muscle layer exposure is noted.

[Evaluation of redundancy of tests in acute appendicitis]. / Evaluación de la redundancia de pruebas en la apendicitis aguda.

AIM: Evaluation of the redundancy of abdominal ultrasound tests in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in a third level hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients treated for suspected acute appendicitis in 2011 at our center. The variables of the study were: age, origin of the patient, blood count, number of ultrasounds performed, surgery and final diagnosis based on surgical findings. We defined as redundant ultrasound the request for a new ultrasound in patients with a final diagnosis of appendicitis and previous positive ultrasound.nd total expressed as percentage of observed / expected lung volume (VPT o/e) and percentage of herniated liver (PHH). We studied: survival, ECMO and associated malformations. RESULTS: 340 patients with a mean age of 9.4 years (range 2-13) were analyzed, 278 of whom had appendicitis and 62 non-specific abdominal pain. 246 were derived from other centers of which 217 (88%) provided an ultrasound. Of the 198 patients referred with positive ultrasound, 76 cases were repeated, of which 78.9% can be considered as redundant. From the total of patients with appendicitis, 29.6% were operated on with 2 or more ultrasounds. Leukocytosis was not found to influence ultrasound redundancy (15,600 vs 15,100, p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The 78.9% of the duplicate ultrasounds do not fit the definition of rational use of a diagnostic test. The greater request for ultrasound is not attributable to differences on the blood test results, nevertheless the origin of the patient seems to influence in that request.

OBJETIVO: Evaluación de la redundancia de la ecografía abdominal en el diagnóstico de la apendicitis aguda en un hospital de tercer nivel. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes atendidos por sospecha de apendicitis aguda en el año 2011 en nuestro centro. Las variables del estudio fueron: edad, origen del paciente, hemograma, número de ecografías realizadas, cirugía y diagnóstico final en función de los hallazgos quirúrgicos. Definimos como ecografía redundante la solicitud de una nueva ecografía en pacientes con diagnóstico final de apendicitis y ecografía previa positiva. RESULTADOS: 340 pacientes con una edad media de 9,4 años (rango 2-13) de los cuales 278 tuvieron apendicitis y 62 dolor abdominal inespecífico. 246 fueron derivados de otros centros de los que 217 (88%) aportaban una ecografía. De los 198 pacientes remitidos con ecografía positiva se repitió en 76 casos, de las cuales el 78,9% pueden considerarse redundantes. Del total de pacientes con apendicitis, el 29,6% se operó con 2 o más ecografías. No se halló que la leucocitosis influyera en la redundancia de pruebas (15.600 vs 15.100, p > 0,05). CONCLUSIONES: El 78,9% de las ecografías duplicadas no se ajusta a la definición de uso racional de una prueba diagnóstica. La mayor solicitud de ecografías no es atribuible a diferencias en los resultados analíticos, sin embargo, la procedencia del paciente podría influir en dicha solicitud.

So-called "historical" necrotic breast cancers: a terrifying actuality in Africa. The case of Burkina Faso.

Study the epidemiological, diagnostic, and treatment features and outcomes of necrotic breast cancer in women. This observational, longitudinal, and descriptive study covered the period from January, 2011, to the end of May, 2016 at the Surgery and Gynecology Departments of Yalgado Ouedraogo University Hospital and Schiphra Medical Center. The study included all women with necrotic breast cancers. Survival was calculated by the Kaplan Meier method and survival comparison was possible with the log-rank method. À risk of error of 0.05 was allowed. Necrotic cancer accounted for 9.1% of all breast cancers. The median age of the patients was 46 years old. The median interval before consultation was 12.4 months. The histological type was invasive ductal carcinoma in 90.8% of cases. Surgery was performed in 51 patients (52%). It was a palliative (cleaning) procedure in 92.2% of cases. Chemotherapy was performed in 28 patients. Overall survival was 61.8% at 6 months, 39.5% at 1 year, and 9.2% at 3 years. Median survival was 10 months: 13 months for women with surgery and 6 months for those without it (p<0.001). Necrotic breast cancer is still common in Ouagadougou. Surgery is the mainstay of the treatment. Survival is mediocre. It therefore seems urgent to focus on raising population awareness and organizing screening campaigns.

Clinical Profile and Short-Term Outcome of Pediatric Hyperleukocytic Acute Leukemia from a Developing Country.

This study was conducted to determine the frequency, clinical profile, and short-term outcome of children with hyperleukocytosis at two pediatric oncology centers in Karachi. Of a total 1,045 patients, 13.97% (n=146) patients had hyperleukocytosis. Majority (61.7%, n=90) were under 10 years of age and 76% (n=146) were male. The symptom duration before diagnosis was more than 30 days in 49.3% (n=72). The median WBC count was 181 x109/L(IQR=130.45298.3) and extreme hyperleukocytosis (>200 x109/L) was observed in 44.5% (n=65) patients. Majority (94.5%, n=138) of patients were diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. One or more complications developed in 78% (n=114) of cases. Clinical and laboratory tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) was observed in 17.1% (n=25) and 39% (n=57) patients, respectively. Pulmonary and neurological complications related to leukostasis were noted in 9.5% (n=14) and 27.3% (n=40) of cases, respectively. Infectious complications occurred in 23.2% (n=34) patients. The case-specific mortality was 20.5% (n=30). No mortality was related to early complications of hyperleukocytosis.

Prognostic Value of the Preoperative Platelet-to-leukocyte Ratio for Oncologic Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Currently, stratification of patients with bladder cancer (BC) mainly relies on histopathologic and clinical staging. Furthermore, inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of BC. With the preoperative platelet-to-leukocyte ratio (PLR), we introduce a novel prognostic marker based on routine hematologic values in patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In our cohort of 665 patients undergoing RC (2004-2015) for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB), we analyzed a variety of preoperative hematologic parameters. We investigated the effect of thrombocytosis, leukocytosis, and the PLR on the oncologic outcomes, including cancer-specific survival (CSS), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Both univariate (log-rank test) and multivariate (Cox regression) analysis were performed. The prevalence of thrombocytosis and leukocytosis and differences in the PLR was assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test. The cutoff levels for leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, and the PLR were defined using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, with the 5-year CSS as the binary classifier. RESULTS: A PLR of ≤ 28 (CSS, P = .033; OS, P = .029) and leukocytosis (CSS, P = .01; OS, P = .001; PFS, P = .003) were significantly associated with adverse oncologic outcomes using the log-rank test. On multivariate regression analysis, the PLR (CSS, P = .022; OS, P = .025) remained a significant prognostic marker among the standard staging variables and hemoglobin level. Advanced BC disease was significantly more prevalent in the patient subgroup with a low PLR (pT2-pT4, 35%; vs. pT ≤ 1, 24%; P = .006) and leukocytosis (pT2-pT4, 46%; vs. pT ≤ 1, 30%; P < .001; pN+, 49%; vs. pN0, 39%; P < .047). CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first report of the preoperative PLR as a prognostic factor in patients undergoing RC for UCB. Compared with other inflammatory markers in BC, the PLR can be assessed without additional effort. External validation and its combination with other parameters might improve current prognostication systems for UCB.

[Myeloproliferative masks of multiple myeloma: A review of literature and clinical case reports]. / Mieloproliferativnye «maski¼ mnozhestvennoi mielomy (obzor literatury i opisanie klinicheskikh nabliudenii).

Concurrences of multiple myeloma with myeloproliferative diseases or secondary myeloid leukemoid reactions are rather rare. The paper describes 3 cases of multiple myeloma: the first case concurrent with neutrophilic leukocytosis; the second case with secondary erythropoetin-dependent erythrocytosis, and the third case with chronic myeloid leukemia. In such cases, an accurate diagnosis requires molecular testing, besides routine clinical and laboratory studies. The paper discusses therapeutic strategy in cases of a concurrence of 2 competing tumors of the blood system: to treat them simultaneously or the most aggressive tumor now, as well as a relationship between multiple myeloma and chronic myeloid leukemia, other myeloproliferative disorders, and secondary myeloid leukemoid reactions.