Pre-Transplant Hyperparathyroidism and Graft or Patient Outcomes After Kidney Transplantation.

The impact of pre-transplant parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels on early or long-term kidney function after kidney transplantation is subject of debate. We assessed whether severe hyperparathyroidism is associated with delayed graft function (DGF), death-censored graft failure (DCGF), or all-cause mortality. In this single-center cohort study, we studied the relationship between PTH and other parameters related to bone and mineral metabolism, including serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) at time of transplantation with the subsequent risk of DGF, DCGF and all-cause mortality using multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses. In 1,576 kidney transplant recipients (51.6 ± 14.0 years, 57.3% male), severe hyperparathyroidism characterized by pre-transplant PTH ≥771 pg/mL (>9 times the upper limit) was present in 121 patients. During 5.2 [0.2-30.0] years follow-up, 278 (15.7%) patients developed DGF, 150 (9.9%) DCGF and 432 (28.6%) died. A higher pre-transplant PTH was not associated with DGF (HR 1.06 [0.90-1.25]), DCGF (HR 0.98 [0.87-1.13]), or all-cause mortality (HR 1.02 [0.93-1.11]). Results were consistent in sensitivity analyses. The same applied to other parameters related to bone and mineral metabolism, including ALP. Severe pre-transplant hyperparathyroidism was not associated with an increased risk of DGF, DCGF or all-cause mortality, not supporting the need of correction before kidney transplantation to improve graft or patient survival.

Postoperative muscle loss, protein intake, physical activity and outcome associations.

BACKGROUND: Skeletal muscle loss is often observed in intensive care patients. However, little is known about postoperative muscle loss, its associated risk factors, and its long-term consequences. The aim of this prospective observational study is to identify the incidence of and risk factors for surgery-related muscle loss (SRML) after major abdominal surgery, and to study the impact of SRML on fatigue and survival. METHODS: Patients undergoing major abdominal cancer surgery were included in the MUSCLE POWER STUDY. Muscle thickness was measured by ultrasound in three muscles bilaterally (biceps brachii, rectus femoris, and vastus intermedius). SRML was defined as a decline of 10 per cent or more in diameter in at least one arm and leg muscle within 1 week postoperatively. Postoperative physical activity and nutritional intake were assessed using motility devices and nutritional diaries. Fatigue was measured with questionnaires and 1-year survival was assessed with Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 173 patients (55 per cent male; mean (s.d.) age 64.3 (11.9) years) were included, 68 of whom patients (39 per cent) showed SRML. Preoperative weight loss and postoperative nutritional intake were statistically significantly associated with SRML in multivariable logistic regression analysis (P < 0.050). The combination of insufficient postoperative physical activity and nutritional intake had an odds ratio of 4.00 (95 per cent c.i. 1.03 to 15.47) of developing SRML (P = 0.045). No association with fatigue was observed. SRML was associated with decreased 1-year survival (hazard ratio 4.54, 95 per cent c.i. 1.42 to 14.58; P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: SRML occurred in 39 per cent of patients after major abdominal cancer surgery, and was associated with a decreased 1-year survival.

Association of time-updated plasma calcium and phosphate with graft and patient outcomes after kidney transplantation.

Disturbances in calcium-phosphate homeostasis are common after kidney transplantation. We aimed to assess the relationship between deregulations in plasma calcium and phosphate over time and mortality and death-censored graft failure (DCGF). In this prospective cohort study, we included kidney transplant recipients with ≥2 plasma calcium and phosphate measurements. Data were analyzed using time-updated Cox regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders including time-updated kidney function. We included 2769 patients (mean age 47 ± 14 years, 42.3% female) with 138 496 plasma calcium and phosphate levels (median [IQR] 43 [31-61] measurements per patient). During follow-up of 16.3 [8.7-25.2] years, 17.2% developed DCGF and 7.9% died. Posttransplant hypercalcemia was associated with an increased risk of mortality (1.63 [1.31-2.00], p < 0.0001), but not with DCGF. Hyperphosphatemia was associated with both DCGF (2.59 [2.05-3.27], p < .0001) and mortality (3.14 [2.58-3.82], p <  .0001). Only the association between hypercalcemia and mortality remained significant in sensitivity analyses censored by a simultaneous eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 . Hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia were not consistently associated with either outcome. Posttransplant hypercalcemia, even in the presence of preserved kidney function, was associated with an increased mortality risk. Associations of hyperphosphatemia with DCGF and mortality may be driven by eGFR.

Surgeons' Ability to Predict the Extent of Surgery Prior to Cytoreductive Surgery with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The extent of surgery (ES) during cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC) is a well-known risk factor for major postoperative morbidity. Interestingly, the reliability of surgeons to predict the ES prior to CRS + HIPEC is unknown. METHODS: In this prospective, observational cohort study, five surgeons predicted the ES prior to surgery in all consecutive patients with peritoneal metastases (PM) who were scheduled for CRS + HIPEC between March 2018 and May 2019. After the preoperative work-up for CRS + HIPEC was completed, all surgeons independently predicted, for each individual patient, the resection or preservation of 22 different anatomical structures and the presence of a stoma post-HIPEC according to a standardized ES form. The actual ES during CRS + HIPEC was extracted from the surgical procedure report and compared with the predicted ES. Overall and individual positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) for each anatomical structure were calculated. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-one ES forms were collected from 32 patients who successfully underwent CRS + HIPEC. The number of resections was predicted correctly 24 times (18.3%), overestimated 57 times (43.5%), and underestimated 50 times (38.2%). Overall PPVs for the different anatomical structures ranged between 33.3 and 87.8%. Overall, NPVs ranged between 54.9 and 100%, and an NPV > 90% was observed for 12 anatomical structures. CONCLUSIONS: Experienced surgeons seem to be able to better predict the anatomical structures that remain in situ after CRS + HIPEC, rather than predict the resections that were necessary to achieve a complete cytoreduction.

Outcomes of parathyroidectomy versus calcimimetics for secondary hyperparathyroidism and kidney transplantation: a propensity-matched analysis.

PURPOSE: Calcimimetics are currently indicated for severe secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). However, the role of parathyroidectomy (PTX) for these patients is still under debate, and its impact on subsequent kidney transplantation (KTX) is unclear. In this study, we compare the outcomes of kidney transplantation after PTX or medical treatment. METHODS: Patients who underwent KTX and had SHPT were analyzed retrospectively. Two groups were selected (patients who had either PTX or calcimimetics prior to KTX) using a propensity score for sex, age, donor type, and parathyroid hormone levels (PTH) during dialysis. The primary outcome was graft failure, and secondary outcomes were surgical KTX complications, survival, serum PTH, serum calcium, and serum phosphate levels post-KTX. RESULTS: Matching succeeded for 92 patients. After PTX, PTH was significantly lower on the day of KTX as well as at 1 and 3 years post-KTX (14.00 pmol/L (3.80-34.00) vs. 71.30 pmol/L (30.70-108.30), p < 0.01, 10.10 pmol/L (2.00-21.00) vs. 32.35 pmol/L (21.58-51.76), p < 0.01 and 13.00 pmol/L (6.00-16.60) vs. 19.25 pmol/L (13.03-31.88), p = 0.027, respectively). No significant differences in post-KTX calcium and phosphate levels were noted between groups. Severe KTX complications were more common in the calcimimetics group (56.5% vs. 30.4%, p = 0.047). There were no differences in 10-year graft failure and overall survival. CONCLUSION: PTX resulted in lower PTH after KTX in comparison to patients who received calcimimetics. Severe complications were more common after calcimimetics, but graft failure and overall survival were similar.

Impact of Synchronous Versus Metachronous Onset of Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases on Survival Outcomes After Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC): A Multicenter, Retrospective, Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Careful selection of patients with colorectal peritoneal metastases (PM) for cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is crucial. It remains unknown whether the time of onset of colorectal PM (synchronous vs metachronous) influences surgical morbidity and survival outcomes after CRS with HIPEC. METHODS: Patients with histologically proven colorectal PM who underwent CRS with HIPEC between February 2006 and December 2017 in two Dutch tertiary referral hospitals were retrospectively included from a prospectively maintained database. The onset of colorectal PM was classified as synchronous (PM diagnosed at the initiational presentation with colorectal cancer) or metachronous (PM diagnosed after initial curative colorectal resection). Major postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3), overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared between patients with synchronous colorectal PM and those with metachronous colorectal PM using Kaplan-Meier analyses, proportional hazard analyses, and a multivariate Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: The study enrolled 433 patients, of whom 231 (53%) had synchronous colorectal PM and 202 (47%) had metachronous colorectal PM. The major postoperative complication rate and median OS were similar between the patients with synchronous colorectal PM and those with metachronous colorectal PM (26.8% vs 29.7%; p = 0.693 and 34 vs 33 months, respectively; p = 0.819). The median DFS was significantly decreased for the patients with metachronous colorectal PM and those with synchronous colorectal PM (11 vs 15 months; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-2.26). CONCLUSIONS: Metachronous onset of colorectal PM is associated with early recurrence after CRS with HIPEC compared with synchronous colorectal PM, without a difference in OS or major postoperative complications. Time to onset of colorectal PM should be taken into consideration to optimize patient selection for this major procedure.

Timing of Parathyroidectomy Does Not Influence Renal Function After Kidney Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Parathyroidectomy (PTx) is the treatment of choice for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with therapy-resistant hyperparathyroidism (HPT). The optimal timing of PTx for ESRD-related HPT-before or after kidney transplantation (KTx)-is subject of debate. METHODS: Patients with ESRD-related HPT who underwent both PTx and KTx between 1994 and 2015 were included in a multicenter retrospective study in four university hospitals. Two groups were formed according to treatment sequence: PTx before KTx (PTxKTx) and PTx after KTx (KTxPTx). Primary endpoint was renal function (eGFR, CKD-EPI) between both groups at several time points post-transplantation. Correlation between the timing of PTx and KTx and the course of eGFR was assessed using generalized estimating equations (GEE). RESULTS: The PTxKTx group consisted of 102 (55.1%) and the KTxPTx group of 83 (44.9%) patients. Recipient age, donor type, PTx type, and pre-KTx PTH levels were significantly different between groups. At 5 years after transplantation, eGFR was similar in the PTxKTx group (eGFR 44.5 ± 4.0 ml/min/1.73 m2) and KTxPTx group (40.0 ± 6.4 ml/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.43). The unadjusted GEE model showed that timing of PTx was not correlated with graft function over time (mean difference -1.0 ml/min/1.73 m2, 95% confidence interval -8.4 to 6.4, p = 0.79). Adjustment for potential confounders including recipient age and sex, various donor characteristics, PTx type, and PTH levels did not materially influence the results. CONCLUSIONS: In this multicenter cohort study, timing of PTx before or after KTx does not independently impact graft function over time.

Molecular fluorescence-guided surgery of peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal origin: A narrative review.

Patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from colorectal origin may undergo cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) as a curative approach. One major prognostic factor that affects survival is completeness of cytoreduction. Molecular Fluorescence Guided Surgery (MFGS) is a novel intraoperative imaging technique that may improve tumor identification in the future, potentially preventing over- and under-treatment in these patients. This narrative review outlines a chronological overview of MFGS development in patients with PC of colorectal origin.

Safety and efficacy of subtotal or total parathyroidectomy for patients with secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism in four academic centers in the Netherlands.

PURPOSE: Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is a common abnormality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Since the introduction of cinacalcet in 2004, a shift from surgery toward predominantly medical treatment has occurred. Surgery is thought to be associated with more complications than oral medication. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate 30-day outcomes and effectiveness of parathyroidectomy (PTx) in ESRD patients in the Netherlands. METHODS: A national database containing data from four academic medical centers in the Netherlands of patients with ESRD-related HPT, who had undergone PTx and kidney transplantation between 1994 and 2015, was established. Primary endpoints were 30-day mortality and complication rate. Secondary endpoints were biochemical measurements. RESULTS: We identified 187 HPT patients undergoing PTx, with a median age of 46 years. Median preoperative PTH level was 866 pg/mL (interquartile range [IQR] 407-1547 pg/mL). At 3 months, the median PTH drop from baseline was 93% (IQR, 71-98%) to a median of 61 pg/mL (IQR, 23-148 pg/mL, p < 0.001). Over the 25-year inclusion period, 13 patients (7.0%) required re-exploration for persistent or recurrent disease. Thirty-day mortality and complication rate were 0.0% and 7.9% respectively. Median serum calcium levels improved significantly postoperatively from 2.6 (2.4-2.8) mmol/L to 2.3 (2.1-2.5) mmol/L (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PTx is a safe and effective procedure in the frail ESRD population. These data show that there should be no reluctance for surgical intervention and when indicated, nephrologists can safely refer these patients for PTx.

Impact of the Introduction of Calcimimetics on Timing of Parathyroidectomy in Secondary and Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Hyperparathyroidism (HPT), both secondary and tertiary, is common in patients with end-stage renal disease, and is associated with severe bone disorders, cardiovascular complications, and increased mortality. Since the introduction of calcimimetics in 2004, treatment of HPT has shifted from surgery to predominantly medical therapy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of this change of management on the HPT patient population before undergoing (sub-)total parathyroidectomy (PTx). METHODS: Overall, 119 patients with secondary or tertiary HPT undergoing PTx were included in a retrospective, single-center cohort. Group A, who underwent PTx before January 2005, was compared with group B, who underwent PTx after January 2005. Patient characteristics, time interval between HPT diagnosis and PTx, and postoperative complications were compared. RESULTS: Group A comprised 70 (58.8 %) patients and group B comprised 49 (41.2 %) patients. The median interval between HPT diagnosis and PTx was 27 (interquartile range [IQR] 12.5-48.0) and 49 (IQR 21.0-75.0) months for group A and B, respectively (p = 0.007). Baseline characteristics were similar among both groups. The median preoperative serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was 936 pg/mL (IQR 600-1273) for group A versus 1091 pg/mL (IQR 482-1373) for group B (p = 0.38). PTx resulted in a dramatic PTH reduction (less than twofold the upper limit: A, 80.0 %; B, 85.4 %), and postoperative complication rates were low in both groups (A: 7.8 %; B: 10.2 %) [p = 0.66]. CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of calcimimetics in 2004 is associated with a significant 2-year delay of surgery with continuously elevated preoperative PTH levels, while parathyroid surgery, even in a fragile population, is considered a safe and effective procedure.

Effect of parathyroidectomy and cinacalcet on quality of life in patients with end-stage renal disease-related hyperparathyroidism: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have a decreased quality of life (QoL), which is attributable in part to ESRD-related hyperparathyroidism (HPT). Both cinacalcet and parathyroidectomy (PTx) are treatments for advanced HPT, but their effects on QoL are unclear. We performed a systematic review to evaluate the impact of cinacalcet and PTx on QoL. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed and EMBASE databases to identify relevant articles. The search was based on the following keywords: 'parathyroidectomy' or 'cinacalcet', 'secondary hyperparathyroidism' or 'renal hyperparathyroidism' combined with 'quality of life' or 'SF-36' or 'symptomatology'. Only studies reporting on QoL at baseline and during follow-up were included. QoL scores were extracted from the selected manuscripts and weighted means were calculated. Due to a lack of available data on QoL improvement in patients using cinacalcet, a meta-analysis could not be performed. RESULTS: In all, eight articles reached our inclusion criteria. Of this, five articles reported the effect of PTx on QoL. All PTx studies were observational and non-controlled. The physical component scores of the 36-item Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form Health Survey increased significantly with a weighted mean of 35.5% (P < 0.05). Mental component scores increased with 13.7% (P < 0.05). Parathyroidectomy assessment of symptom scores improved from 561 preoperatively to 302 postoperatively (-259 points; -46.2%). Visual analogue scale scores decreased significantly for skin itching (46.6%), joint pain (30.4%) and muscle weakness (28.7%) (P < 0.05). Three studies on the effect of cinacalcet on QoL were included, including one randomized controlled trial. None of these studies showed significant improvement of physical component and mental component scores. CONCLUSIONS: PTx improved QoL in patients treated for ESRD-related HPT, whereas cinacalcet did not. The difference in impact between PTx and cinacalcet on QoL has not been compared directly.

Actual physical activity after major abdominal cancer surgery: Far from optimal.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols emphasize the importance of early postoperative mobilization. However, literature quantifying actual physical activity after major abdominal cancer surgery is scarce and inconclusive. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-center prospective cohort study was conducted at the University Medical Center Groningen from 2019 to 2021. Patients' postoperative physical activity was measured using an accelerometer, with the primary aim of assessing daily physical activity. Secondary aims were identifying patient-related factors associated with low physical activity and studying the consequences of low physical activity in terms of complication rate and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: 143 patients included (48 % male; mean age 65 years), 38.5 %, 24.5 %, 19.6 %, and 14 % underwent pancreatic, hepatic, colorectal, or cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, respectively. Median daily step count was low; from median 71 steps on the first to 918 steps on the seventh postoperative day. An association between physical activity and age (OR 3.597, p = 0.013), preoperative weight loss ≥10 % (OR 4.984, p = 0.004), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥2 (OR 4.016, p = 0.001), midline laparotomy (OR 2.851, p = 0.025), and operation duration (OR 1.003, p = 0.044) was found. An association was observed between physical activity and the occurrence of complications (OR 3.197, p = 0.039) and prolonged hospital stay (ß 4.068, p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: Postoperative physical activity is low in patients undergoing major abdominal cancer surgery and is linked to postoperative outcomes. Although physical activity should be encouraged in all patients, patient-specific risk factors were identified that can aid early recognition of patients at risk of low physical activity.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Time to Treatment in Surgical Oncology: A National Registry Study in The Netherlands.

To avoid delay in oncological treatment, a 6-weeks norm for time to treatment has been agreed on in The Netherlands. However, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health systems resulted in reduced capacity for regular surgical care. In this study, we investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on time to treatment in surgical oncology in The Netherlands. METHODS: A population-based analysis of data derived from five surgical audits, including patients who underwent surgery for lung cancer, colorectal cancer, upper gastro-intestinal, and hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) malignancies, was performed. The COVID-19 cohort of 2020 was compared to the historic cohorts of 2018 and 2019. Primary endpoints were time to treatment initiation and the proportion of patients whose treatment started within 6 weeks. The secondary objective was to evaluate the differences in characteristics and tumour stage distribution between patients treated before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: A total of 14,567 surgical cancer patients were included in this study, of these 3292 treatments were started during the COVID-19 pandemic. The median time to treatment decreased during the pandemic (26 vs. 27 days, p < 0.001) and the proportion of patients whose treatment started within 6 weeks increased (76% vs. 73%, p < 0.001). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusting for patient characteristics, no significant difference in post-operative outcomes between patients who started treatment before or after 6 weeks was found. Overall, the number of procedures performed per week decreased by 8.1% during the pandemic. This reduction was most profound for patients with stage I lung carcinoma and colorectal carcinoma. There were fewer patients with pulmonary comorbidities in the pandemic cohort (11% vs. 13%, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Despite pressure on the capacity of the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic, a larger proportion of surgical oncological patients started treatment within six weeks, possibly due to prioritisation of cancer care and reductions in elective procedures. However, during the pandemic, a decrease in the number of surgical oncological procedures performed in The Netherlands was observed, especially for patients with stage I disease.

Surgery-Related Muscle Loss after Pancreatic Resection and Its Association with Postoperative Nutritional Intake.

To study the occurrence of surgery-related muscle loss (SRML) and its association with in-hospital nutritional intake, we conducted a prospective observational cohort study including patients who underwent pancreatic surgery because of (suspected) malignant diseases. Muscle diameter was measured by using bedside ultrasound 1 day prior to surgery and 7 days postoperatively. Clinically relevant SRML was defined as ≥10% muscle diameter loss in minimally one arm and leg muscle within 1 week after surgery. Protein and caloric intake was measured by nutritional diaries. The primary endpoint included the number of patients with SRML. Secondary endpoints included the association between SRML and postoperative nutritional intake. Of the 63 included patients (60.3% men; age 67.1 ± 10.2 years), a total of 24 patients (38.1%) showed SRML. No differences were observed in severe complication rate or length of hospital stay between patients with and without SRML. During the first postoperative week, patients with clinically relevant SRML experienced more days without any nutritional intake compared with the non-SRML group (1 [0-4] versus 0 [0-1] days, p = 0.007). Significantly lower nutritional intake was found in the SRML group at postoperative days 2, 3 and 5 (p < 0.05). Since this study shows that SRML occurred in 38.1% of the patients and most of the patients failed to reach internationally set nutritional goals, it is suggested that more awareness concerning direct postoperative nutritional intake is needed in our surgical community.

Thickness of Biceps and Quadriceps Femoris Muscle Measured Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound as a Representation of Total Skeletal Muscle Mass.

Generalized loss of muscle mass is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. The gold standard to measure muscle mass is by using computed tomography (CT). However, the aim of this prospective observational cohort study was to determine whether point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) could be an easy-to-use, bedside measurement alternative to evaluate muscle status. Patients scheduled for major abdominal cancer surgery with a recent preoperative CT scan available were included. POCUS was used to measure the muscle thickness of mm. biceps brachii, mm. recti femoris, and mm. vasti intermedius 1 day prior to surgery. The total skeletal muscle index (SMI) was derived from patients' abdominal CT scan at the third lumbar level. Muscle force of the upper and lower extremities was measured using a handheld dynamometer. A total of 165 patients were included (55% male; 65 ± 12 years). All POCUS measurements of muscle thickness had a statistically significant correlation with CT-derived SMI (r ≥ 0.48; p < 0.001). The strongest correlation between POCUS muscle measurements and SMI was observed when all POCUS muscle groups were added together (r = 0.73; p < 0.001). Muscle strength had a stronger correlation with POCUS-measured muscle thickness than with CT-derived SMI. To conclude, this study indicated a strong correlation between combined muscle thickness measurements performed by POCUS- and CT-derived SMI and measurements of muscle strength. These results suggest that handheld ultrasound is a valid tool for the assessment of skeletal muscle status.

Actual postoperative protein and calorie intake in patients undergoing major open abdominal cancer surgery: A prospective, observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Adequate nutritional protein and energy intake are required for optimal postoperative recovery. There are limited studies reporting the actual postoperative protein and energy intake within the first week after major abdominal cancer surgery. The main objective of this study was to quantify the protein and energy intake after major abdominal cancer surgery. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study. Nutrition intake was assessed with a nutrition diary. The amount of protein and energy consumed through oral, enteral, and parenteral nutrition was recorded and calculated separately. Based on the recommendations of the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN), protein and energy intake were considered insufficient when patients received <1.5 g/kg protein and 25 kcal/kg for 2 or more days during the first postoperative week. RESULTS: Fifty patients were enrolled in this study. Mean daily protein and energy intake was 0.61 ± 0.44 g/kg/day and 9.58 ± 3.33 kcal/kg/day within the first postoperative week, respectively. Protein and energy intake were insufficient in 45 [90%] and 41 [82%] of the 50 patients, respectively. Patients with Clavien-Dindo grade ≥III complications consumed less daily protein compared with the group of patients without complications and patients with grade I or II complications. CONCLUSION: During the first week after major abdominal cancer surgery, the majority of patients do not consume an adequate amount of protein and energy. Incorporating a registered dietitian into postoperative care and adequate nutrition support after major abdominal cancer surgery should be a standard therapeutic goal to improve nutrition intake.

Impact of parathyroidectomy on quality of life in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1.

Background: Potential influences of parathyroidectomy (PTx) on the quality of life (QoL) in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1-related primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT/MEN1) are unknown. Method: Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire was prospectively applied to 30 HPT/MEN1 patients submitted to PTx (20, subtotal; 10, total with autograft) before, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Parameters that were analyzed included QoL, age, HPT-related symptoms, general pain, comorbidities, biochemical/hormonal response, PTx type and parathyroid volume. Results: Asymptomatic patients were younger (30 vs 38 years; P = 0.04) and presented higher QoL scores than symptomatic ones: Physical Component Summary score (PCS) 92.5 vs 61.2, P = 0.0051; Mental Component Summary score (MCS) 82.0 vs 56.0, P = 0.04. In both groups, QoL remained stable 1 year after PTx, independently of the number of comorbidities. Preoperative general pain was negatively correlated with PCS (r = -0.60, P = 0.0004) and MCS (r = -0.57, P = 0.0009). Also, moderate/intense pain was progressively (6/12 months) more frequent in cases developing hypoparathyroidism. The PTx type and hypoparathyroidism did not affect the QoL at 12 months although remnant parathyroid tissue volume did have a positive correlation (P = 0.0490; r = 0.3625) to PCS 12 months after surgery. Patients with one to two comorbidities had as pre-PTx PCS (P = 0.0015) as 12 months and post-PTx PCS (P = 0.0031) and MCS (P = 0.0365) better than patients with three to four comorbidities. Conclusion: A variable QoL profile was underscored in HPT/MEN1 reflecting multiple factors associated with this complex disorder as comorbidities, advanced age at PTx and presence of preoperative symptoms or of general pain perception. Our data encourage the early indication of PTx in HPT/MEN1 by providing known metabolic benefits to target organs and avoiding potential negative impact on QoL.

Perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infections increase mortality, pulmonary complications, and thromboembolic events: A Dutch, multicenter, matched-cohort clinical study.

BACKGROUND: A direct comparison of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive patients with a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 negative control group undergoing an operative intervention during the current pandemic is lacking, and a reliable estimate of the assumed difference in morbidity and mortality between both patient categories remains unknown. METHODS: We included all consecutive patients with a confirmed pre- or postoperative severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive status (operated in 27 hospitals) and negative control patients (operated in 4 hospitals) undergoing emergency or elective operations. A propensity score-matched comparison of clinical outcomes was performed between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive and negative tested patients (control group). Primary outcome was overall 30-day mortality rate between both groups. Main secondary outcomes were overall, pulmonary, and thromboembolic complications. RESULTS: In total, 161 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive and 342 control severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 negative patients were included in this study. The 30-day overall postoperative mortality rate was greater in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive cohort compared with the negative control group (16% vs 4% respectively; P = .007). After propensity score matching, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive group consisted of 123 patients (median 70 years of age [interquartile range 59-77] and 55% male) were compared with 196 patients in the matched control group (median 69 years (interquartile range 58-75] and 53% male). The 30-day mortality rate and risk were greater in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive group compared with the matched control group (12% vs 4%; P = .009 and odds ratio 3.4 [95% confidence interval 1.5-8.5]; P = .005, respectively). Overall, pulmonary and thromboembolic complications occurred more often in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive patients (P < .01). CONCLUSION: Patients diagnosed with perioperative severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 have an increased risk of 30-day mortality, pulmonary complications, and thromboembolic events. These findings serve as an evidence-based argument to postpone elective surgery and selected emergency cases.

The increased need for palliative cancer care in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Although palliative care as a discipline in high income countries is maturing, it is still somewhat in its infancy in sub-Saharan Africa, an area where this type of care is needed the most: more than 80% of people in urgent need of palliative care live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We will describe why the development of palliative care in LMICs is increasingly essential, and how it is currently still underdeveloped. In this manuscript, we discuss the challenges in organizing palliative care in LMICs in regard to the four WHO palliative care pillars: policy, education, medication, and implementation. We will illustrate how several Sub-Saharan African countries are increasingly able to provide palliative care analyzed in terms of these pillars. Ultimately, scientific research and cost-effectiveness analyses of well-developed palliative programs, should encourage both local and international governments and authorities to provide more capital and human recourses for palliative care in the future.