Peri-operative cardiac arrest: epidemiology and clinical features of patients analysed in the 7th National Audit Project of the Royal College of Anaesthetists.

The 7th National Audit Project of the Royal College of Anaesthetists studied peri-operative cardiac arrest in the UK, a topic of importance to patients, anaesthetists and surgeons. Here we report the results of the 12-month registry, from 16 June 2021 to 15 June 2022, focusing on epidemiology and clinical features. We reviewed 881 cases of peri-operative cardiac arrest, giving an incidence of 3 in 10,000 anaesthetics (95%CI 3.0-3.5 per 10,000). Incidence varied with patient and surgical factors. Compared with denominator survey activity, patients with cardiac arrest: included more males (56% vs. 42%); were older (median (IQR) age 60.5 (40.5-80.5) vs. 50.5 (30.5-70.5) y), although the age distribution was bimodal, with infants and patients aged > 66 y overrepresented; and were notably more comorbid (73% ASA physical status 3-5 vs. 27% ASA physical status 1-2). The surgical case-mix included more weekend (14% vs. 11%), out-of-hours (19% vs. 10%), non-elective (65% vs. 30%) and major/complex cases (60% vs. 28%). Cardiac arrest was most prevalent in orthopaedic trauma (12%), lower gastrointestinal surgery (10%), cardiac surgery (9%), vascular surgery (8%) and interventional cardiology (6%). Specialities with the highest proportion of cases relative to denominator activity were: cardiac surgery (9% vs. 1%); cardiology (8% vs. 1%); and vascular surgery (8% vs. 2%). The most common causes of cardiac arrest were: major haemorrhage (17%); bradyarrhythmia (9%); and cardiac ischaemia (7%). Patient factors were judged a key cause of cardiac arrest in 82% of cases, anaesthesia in 40% and surgery in 35%.

Peri-operative cardiac arrest: management and outcomes of patients analysed in the 7th National Audit Project of the Royal College of Anaesthetists.

The 7th National Audit Project of the Royal College of Anaesthetists studied peri-operative cardiac arrest in the UK, a topic of importance to patients, anaesthetists and surgeons. We report the results of the 12-month registry phase, from 16 June 2021 to 15 June 2022, focusing on management and outcomes. Among 881 cases of peri-operative cardiac arrest, the initial rhythm was non-shockable in 723 (82%) cases, most commonly pulseless electrical activity. There were 665 (75%) patients who survived the initial event and 384 (52%) who survived to hospital discharge. A favourable functional outcome (based on modified Rankin Scale score) was reported for 249 (88%) survivors. Outcomes varied according to arrest rhythm. The highest rates of survival were seen for bradycardic cardiac arrests with 111 (86%) patients surviving the initial event and 77 (60%) patients surviving the hospital episode. The lowest survival rates were seen for patients with pulseless electrical activity, with 312 (68%) surviving the initial episode and 156 (34%) surviving to hospital discharge. Survival to hospital discharge was worse in patients at the extremes of age with 76 (40%) patients aged > 75 y and 9 (45%) neonates surviving. Hospital survival was also associated with surgical priority, with 175 (88%) elective patients and 176 (37%) non-elective patients surviving to discharge. Outcomes varied with the cause of cardiac arrest, with lower initial survival rates for pulmonary embolism (5, 31%) and bone cement implantation syndrome (9, 45%), and hospital survival of < 25% for pulmonary embolism (0), septic shock (13, 24%) and significant hyperkalaemia (1, 20%). Overall care was rated good in 464 (53%) cases, and 18 (2%) cases had overall care rated as poor. Poor care elements were present in a further 245 (28%) cases. Care before cardiac arrest was the phase most frequently rated as poor (92, 11%) with elements of poor care identified in another 186 (21%) cases. These results describe the management and outcomes of peri-operative cardiac arrest in UK practice for the first time.

Mycosis Fungoides and Granulomatous Slack Skin: A Single Entity With Distinct Clinical Phenotypes.

ABSTRACT: Granulomatous cutaneous T-cell lymphoma includes mycosis fungoides with significant granulomatous inflammation (GMF) and granulomatous slack skin (GSS), listed in the WHO classification as a subtype of mycosis fungoides (MFs). 1 These overlapping entities have shared clinical and histopathologic features which can present a diagnostic challenge. The dominance of the granulomatous infiltrate and the often sparse lymphocytic infiltrate frequently with minimal cytological atypia are features that distract from the correct diagnosis, even when raised by the clinician. We describe the clinical and histopathologic characteristics of 3 cases of granulomatous cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, illustrate the close clinical and pathologic relationship between GMF and GSS and emphasize the diagnostic difficulties that the granulomatous infiltrate can present. Furthermore, we demonstrate, for the first time, considerable elastolysis in a significant proportion of classical (Alibert-Bazin) MF lesions and therefore postulate that the differences observed between GMF and GSS are one of degree and secondary to their anatomic location rather than reflecting meaningful separate entities.

The 7th National Audit Project (NAP7) baseline survey of individual anaesthetists: preparedness for and experiences of peri-operative cardiac arrest.

The Royal College of Anaesthetists' 7th National Audit Project baseline survey assessed knowledge, attitudes, practices and experiences of peri-operative cardiac arrests among UK anaesthetists and Anaesthesia Associates. We received 10,746 responses, representing a 71% response rate. In-date training in adult and paediatric advanced life support was reported by 9646 (90%) and 7125 (66%) anaesthetists, respectively. There were 8994 (84%) respondents who were confident in leading a peri-operative cardiac arrest, with males more confident than females, but only 5985 (56%) were confident in leading a debrief and 7340 (68%) communicating with next of kin. In the previous two years, 4806 (46%) respondents had managed at least one peri-operative cardiac arrest, of which 321 (7%) and 189 (4%) of these events involved a child or an obstetric patient, respectively. Respondents estimated the most common causes of peri-operative cardiac arrest to be hypovolaemia, hypoxaemia and cardiac ischaemia, with haemorrhage coming fifth. However, the most common reported causes for the most recently attended peri-operative cardiac arrest were haemorrhage; (927, 20%); anaphylaxis (474, 10%); and cardiac ischaemia (397, 9%). Operating lists or shifts were paused or stopped after 1330 (39%) cardiac arrests and 1693 (38%) respondents attended a debrief, with 'hot' debriefs most common. Informal wellbeing support was relatively common (2458, 56%) and formal support was uncommon (472, 11%). An impact on future care delivery was reported by 196 (4%) anaesthetists, most commonly a negative psychological impact. Management of a peri-operative cardiac arrest during their career was reported by 8654 (85%) respondents. The overall impact on professional life was more often judged positive (2630, 30%) than negative (1961, 23%), but impact on personal life was more often negative.

Methods of the 7th National Audit Project (NAP7) of the Royal College of Anaesthetists: peri-operative cardiac arrest.

Cardiac arrest in the peri-operative period is rare but associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Current reporting systems do not capture many such events, so there is an incomplete understanding of incidence and outcomes. As peri-operative cardiac arrest is rare, many hospitals may only see a small number of cases over long periods, and anaesthetists may not be involved in such cases for years. Therefore, a large-scale prospective cohort is needed to gain a deep understanding of events leading up to cardiac arrest, management of the arrest itself and patient outcomes. Consequently, the Royal College of Anaesthetists chose peri-operative cardiac arrest as the 7th National Audit Project topic. The study was open to all UK hospitals offering anaesthetic services and had a three-part design. First, baseline surveys of all anaesthetic departments and anaesthetists in the UK, examining respondents' prior peri-operative cardiac arrest experience, resuscitation training and local departmental preparedness. Second, an activity survey to record anonymised details of all anaesthetic activity in each site over 4 days, enabling national estimates of annual anaesthetic activity, complexity and complication rates. Third, a case registry of all instances of peri-operative cardiac arrest in the UK, reported confidentially and anonymously, over 1 year starting 16 June 2021, followed by expert review using a structured process to minimise bias. The definition of peri-operative cardiac arrest was the delivery of five or more chest compressions and/or defibrillation in a patient having a procedure under the care of an anaesthetist. The peri-operative period began with the World Health Organization 'sign-in' checklist or first hands-on contact with the patient and ended either 24 h after the patient handover (e.g. to the recovery room or intensive care unit) or at discharge if this occured earlier than 24 h. These components described the epidemiology of peri-operative cardiac arrest in the UK and provide a basis for developing guidelines and interventional studies.

Prominent Blasts in Primary Cutaneous CD4+ Small/Medium T-Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorder. A Reconsideration of Diagnostic Criteria.

ABSTRACT: Primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (PCSM-LPD), recently downgraded from a T-cell lymphoma, is a poorly characterized histopathological entity. Presenting as a solitary lesion that often grows rapidly, it may raise suspicion for a cutaneous B-cell lymphoma. However, classically, the dermal lymphoid proliferation is predominantly CD4+ with a follicular T-helper profile and a smaller B-cell fraction. Diagnostic uncertainty may arise when B cells are present in large numbers, a B-cell clone is present, or large cell populations are seen. To meet the diagnostic criterion of PCSM-LPD, large cells should not constitute more than 30% of the infiltrate. The 2 cases presented in this article caused diagnostic uncertainty owing to the observation of high numbers of large cells and in one case the presence of a B-cell clone, on the background of otherwise typical clinicopathological features of PCSM-LPD. We review the literature specifically regarding the prevalence of large cell populations and their immunophenotypic characteristics and in light of this discuss whether a current diagnostic criterion should be reconsidered.

Primary Cutaneous CD4+ Small/Medium T-Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorder or Primary Cutaneous Marginal Zone B-Cell Lymphoma? Two Distinct Entities With Overlapping Histopathological Features.

ABSTRACT: Primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder and primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphoma are 2 distinct entities with several overlapping features which can result in diagnostic uncertainty. Clinically, they both follow an indolent course and present with solitary or multiple papules or nodules. Histologically, they are characterized by polymorphous dermal infiltrates rich in mixed populations of B cells and T cells, often in similar proportions. The histological hallmark of primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder is the presence of follicular T-helper cells within the infiltrate and has historically been used as a marker for differentiating between the 2 conditions. However, there is now mounting evidence that follicular T-helper cells are also seen in primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphoma and nodal marginal zone lymphoma. The 2 cases presented herein caused diagnostic uncertainty because they displayed appreciable features of both conditions. We discuss the potential mechanisms behind these overlapping histopathological features and hypothesize a model that explores the idea of a collective organoid response to an antigenic stimulus.

Follicular T-Helper Cells in Marginal Zone Lymphoma: Evidence of an Organoid Immune Response.

INTRODUCTION: Primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (MZL) follows an indolent clinical course. Histopathologically, there is a polymorphous infiltrate that includes small lymphocyte-like and centrocyte-like B cells and plasma cells usually with a substantial T-cell fraction. Primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder, in which the signature cells have a follicular T-helper (TFH) phenotype and are admixed with numerous B cells. Thus, both present histologies of combined B-cell and T-cell infiltrates and represent differential diagnoses. The presence of TFH in MZL has yet to be elucidated. METHODS: Forty-one biopsies from 40 cases of MZL and 7 cases of lymphoid hyperplasia cutis (LCH) were stained with antibodies to follicular T-helper cells, including Bcl-6, PD-1, ICOS, and CD10, as part of their diagnostic workup, were reviewed, and the stained slides were evaluated semiquantitively. Five reactive lymph nodes were also evaluated as controls. RESULTS: All cases of MZL and LCH contained TFH, albeit usually in low proportions. There were repeated differences in levels of expression between TFH markers, with PD1 and Bcl-6 being the most prevalent. The pattern of involvement in MZL and LCH closely mirrored that observed in the reactive lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: MZL includes TFH cells, similar to reactive lymph nodes, and a complexity of cell types. This provides evidence of an organoid immune response challenging its simple categorization as a malignancy.

[Liver abscess : case report and literature review]. / Abcès hépatique : rapport de cas et revue de la littérature.

Liver abscess is a rare condition. There are multiple etiologies and mortality linked to the infections or local complications is high. The rapid diagnosis and the implementation of an adequate and effective treatment are essential to allow healing without sequels. We report the case of a monofocal bacterial hepatic abscess in a 61-year-old patient with an iatrogenic origin. A review of the literature is proposed in order to address the incidence, the different microorganisms, the different etiologies and the different possibilities of treatment. It should be noted that mycotic abscess, which is extremely rare outside the immunocompromised patient, will not be discussed in this article.

L'abcès hépatique est une pathologie rare. Les étiologies sont multiples et la mortalité, liée au phénomène infectieux ou aux complications locales, est élevée. La rapidité diagnostique et la mise en place d'un traitement adéquat et efficace sont indispensables pour permettre la guérison sans séquelle. Nous rapportons le cas d'un abcès hépatique bactérien monofocal d'origine iatrogène à la prise en charge compliquée chez une patiente de 61 ans. Une revue de la littérature est ensuite proposée afin d'aborder l'incidence, les différents micro-organismes, les différentes étiologies et les différentes possibilités de prise en charge. A noter que l'abcès mycotique, rarissime en dehors du patient immunodéprimé, ne sera pas discuté dans cet article.

[Severe hepatitis with hypogammaglobulinaemia IgA of non-alcoholic origin]. / Le cas clinique du mois - Hépatite sévère avec hypergamma-globulinémie à IgA d'origine non alcoolique.

This clinical case describes a severe liver insufficiency associated with an IgA hypergammaglobulinaemia. The search for an etiology excluded all classical causes of hepatopathy and led to the diagnosis of celiac disease. Liver impairment improved with a gluten-free diet. This observation emphasizes the need for a careful etiological diagnosis of any hepatopathy; this may result in the discovery of a potentially reversible cause amenable to a simple therapeutic strategy.

Ce cas clinique décrit une hépatopathie sévère avec présence d'une hypergammaglobulinémie à IgA. La recherche étiologique a exclu les causes classiques d'hépatopathie et abouti au diagnostic de maladie coeliaque. L'atteinte hépatique a régressé avec le respect d'un régime alimentaire sans gluten. Ce cas illustre l'importance d'une recherche étiologique minutieuse face à une hépatopathie; elle peut parfois aboutir à une solution thérapeutique simple et efficace.

[Ulcerated duodenitis revealing Henoch-Schönlein purpura]. / LE CAS CLINIQUE DU MOIS. Duodénite ulcérée révélant un purpura rhumatoïde.

Inflammation and duodenal ulcers can meet many etiologies. We report the case of a young adult with an ulcerated duodenitis revealing Henoch-Schönlein purpura. The abdominal symptoms preceded the emergence of the classical cutaneous signs of the disease.

Chromosomal anomalies in primary cutaneous follicle center cell lymphoma do not portend a poor prognosis.

BACKGROUND: The t(14;18)(q32;q21) chromosomal translocation is found in the majority of nodal follicular lymphomas but only rarely in primary cutaneous follicle center cell lymphomas (PCFCL). Recent studies have postulated that the translocation is more prevalent in PCFCL than previously described and that it might be a molecular prognostic marker. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of our study was to analyze cases of PCFCL for the presence of a t(14;18) translocation using fluorescence in situ hybridization to detect balanced translocations involving either the BCL2 or MALT1 loci and to correlate the results with growth pattern, immunophenotype, and clinical outcome. METHOD: In all, 57 patients with PCFCL were extracted from our cutaneous lymphoma database. Retrospective analysis of clinical parameters including lesion type, location, diagnostic stage, lactate dehydrogenase, initial treatment, relapse rate, and survival was performed. RESULTS: In all, 57 patients with PCFCL were included in this study. We detected 1 BCL2 chromosomal amplification, 4 translocations of BCL2, and 1 IGH/MALT1 translocation. LIMITATIONS: This was a case series retrospective study. CONCLUSIONS: PCFCL has an excellent 5-year overall survival (100% disease-specific survival). Chromosomal abnormalities of either BCL2 or MALT1 were detected in 10% of cases but do not correlate with a specific immune pathology or clinical outcome.

U.K. consensus statement on safe clinical prescribing of bexarotene for patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Bexarotene is a synthetic retinoid from the subclass of retinoids called rexinoids which selectively activate retinoid X receptors. It has activity in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and has been approved by the European Medicines Agency since 1999 for treatment of the skin manifestations of advanced-stage (IIB-IVB) CTCL in adult patients refractory to at least one systemic treatment. In vivo bexarotene produces primary hypothyroidism which may be managed with thyroxine replacement. It also affects lipid metabolism, typically resulting in raised triglycerides, which requires prophylactic lipid-modification therapy. Effects on neutrophils, glucose and liver function may also occur. These side-effects are dose dependent and may be controlled with corrective therapy or dose adjustments. OBJECTIVES: To produce a U.K. statement outlining a bexarotene dosing schedule and monitoring protocol to enable bexarotene prescribers to deliver bexarotene safely for optimal effect. METHODS: Leaders from U.K. supraregional centres produced this consensus statement after a series of meetings and a review of the literature. RESULTS: The statement outlines a bexarotene dosing schedule and monitoring protocol. This gives instructions on monitoring and treating thyroid, lipid, liver, blood count, creatine kinase, glucose and amylase abnormalities. The statement also includes algorithms for a bexarotene protocol and lipid management, which may be used in the clinical setting. CONCLUSION: Clinical prescribing of bexarotene for patients with CTCL requires careful monitoring to allow safe administration of bexarotene at the optimal dose.

Evidence of widespread binding of HLA class I molecules to peptides.

We have tested the binding of HLA class I proteins to peptides using a solid-phase binding assay. We tested 102 peptides, mostly derived from the HIV gag and HIV pol sequences. Most peptides did not bind to any class I protein tested. The pattern of binding among the three class I proteins tested, HLA-A2, -B27, and -B8, was approximately 85% concordant. Further, all five of the known HIV-1 gag T cell epitopes detected by human CTL bound at least one class I protein. Binding of class I to the peptides could be detected either by directly iodinated class I proteins, or indirectly using monoclonal antibodies specific for class I. The binding to the plates could be blocked with MA2.1, which binds in the alpha 1 region of A2, but not by W6/32, which binds elsewhere. The data presented here show that binding of class I to peptides is specific, but that many peptides bind to more than a single class I protein.

Treatment of severe, recalcitrant, chronic plaque psoriasis with fumaric acid esters: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Fumaric acid esters (FAE) are used in Germany as a first-line systemic treatment for chronic plaque psoriasis, with proven efficacy and low toxicity. Their use in the U.K. is variable, and they remain unlicensed. Consequently, efficacy and safety data from U.K. patients is limited and their place in the psoriasis treatment armamentarium is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To examine the efficacy and safety of FAE in a prospective cohort of U.K. patients with severe, treatment-recalcitrant, chronic plaque psoriasis. METHODS: A single-centre, open, nonrandomized, prospective study was performed in a regional referral centre for patients with severe psoriasis. Outcomes were measured by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), blood investigations and adverse events monitoring. RESULTS: Eighty patients were recruited. Fifty-nine per cent were taking a concomitant oral antipsoriatic agent; 20% achieved a PASI-50, 8% a PASI-75 and 4% a PASI-90 on intention-to-treat analysis at 3 months with an overall, statistically significant, reduction in PASI from 13.9 + or - 9.0 to 11.3 + or - 9.2 (P < 0.0001). At 3 months, lymphopenia was seen in 33% of the cohort with significantly lower counts in patients responsive to FAE (P = 0.008). In addition, by 3 months, 36% of concomitant antipsoriatic medication had been stopped and 25% of doses had been reduced without loss of disease control. Side-effects (most commonly diarrhoea, abdominal pain and flushing) were reported by 74% of patients resulting in cessation of FAE in 36%. CONCLUSIONS: FAE is a useful alternative treatment option in patients with severe, treatment-resistant, chronic plaque psoriasis and can allow dose reduction, and subsequent cessation, of other, potentially more toxic agents.

Expanding the spectrum of frontal fibrosing alopecia: a unifying concept.

BACKGROUND: In frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), scalp alopecia dominates the clinical picture. However, eyebrow loss and hair loss in other body sites may also occur; this has been documented clinically, but rarely histopathologically. We describe the clinicopathological findings of 13 cases of FFA, with histopathologic data from the scalp, eyebrow, and body hair. METHODS: Thirteen patients with a diagnosis of FFA, seen between 2006 and 2008, were included. Scalp biopsies were performed in all patients for histology and direct immunofluorescence (DIF). Biopsy specimens for histology were taken from the eyebrow in 6 patients and from the upper limb in 5 patients. RESULTS: All 13 patients were female, 11 of whom were postmenopausal. The median age at onset of alopecia was 57 years. Clinical examination revealed a band of frontal hairline recession in all patients. Eyebrow loss was present clinically in all patients, with loss of body hair in 10 of 13. Histopathologic examination of the scalp, eyebrow, and upper limb skin biopsy specimens showed similar features, including a marked reduction in the number of hair follicles and a perifollicular lymphoid cell infiltrate with perifollicular fibrosis. Direct immunofluorescence was negative in all cases. LIMITATIONS: Not all patients consented to biopsies of the eyebrows or upper limbs. CONCLUSION: Eyebrow and peripheral body hair loss is not uncommon in FFA-a finding that is likely underreported. We have demonstrated that alopecia of the upper limbs in FFA is indeed common and, histopathologically, shows features of lichen planopilaris and scarring, similar to findings in the scalp and eyebrows. Consequently, the process of lichen planopilaris with scarring alopecia is generalized rather than localized only to the frontal scalp and eyebrows.

Management of skin cancer in recipients of solid organ transplants.

Recent improvements in post-transplant care have led to an increased life expectancy for recipients of organ transplants. These patients require lifelong immunosuppression, which is associated with an increased incidence of malignant disease. Skin cancers are the most common malignancies seen in recipients of organ transplants and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This review describes factors pertaining to the development and prognosis of skin cancers in recipients of organ transplants, as well as outlining prevention and management strategies in this cohort.