Oncologic treatment support via a dedicated mobile app: a prospective feasibility evaluation (OPTIMISE-1).

BACKGROUND: Mobile health (mhealth) is gaining interest, with mobile devices and apps being ever more available among medical facilities and patients. However, in the field of radiation oncology, the medical benefits of mhealth apps are still underexplored. As an additional approach to patient care during radiotherapy, we designed a mobile treatment surveillance app based on patient-reported outcomes. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the feasibility of app-based treatment surveillance in patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT). Alongside technical practicability and acceptance, we assessed patient satisfaction and quality of life during treatment. METHODS: This prospective single-center study was performed at Heidelberg University Hospital between August 2018 and January 2020. During RT we measured patients' quality of life, symptoms, and treatment satisfaction. Respective questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30 with diagnosis-specific modules, RAND PSQ-18) were presented to patients via a mobile app running on a designated tablet device. The primary endpoint was determined by the fraction of patients who completed at least 80% of the items. Secondary endpoints were disease-related quality of life and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 49 cancer patients (14 breast, 13 pelvic, 12 lung, 10 prostate) were eligible for analysis. 79.6% (95% confidence interval: 66.4-88.5%; n = 39) of all patients completed at least 80% of the items received by the mobile app. A mean of 227.5 ± 48.25 questions were answered per patient. Breast cancer patients showed the highest rate of answered questions, with 92.9% (n = 13) completing at least 80% of the items. CONCLUSION: Patients showed high acceptance, with 79.6% (n = 39) completing at least 80% of the given items. The use of a mobile app for reporting symptoms and quality of life during RT is feasible and well accepted by patients. It may allow for resource-efficient, detailed feedback to the medical staff and assist in the assessment of side effects over time.

Primary care patients' experiences of video consultations for depression and anxiety: a qualitative interview study embedded in a randomized feasibility trial.

BACKGROUND: Integrated mental health care models that provide rapid access to video consultations with mental health specialists for primary care patients are a promising short-term, low-threshold treatment option and may reduce waiting times for specialist care. This qualitative study, nested within a randomized feasibility trial, aimed to explore participants' views on this type of care model, its influence on the lived experience of patients, and barriers and facilitators for its delivery. METHODS: In five primary care practices, 50 adults with depression and/or anxiety were randomly assigned to either an integrated care model (maximum of five video consultations with a mental health specialist) or usual care (primary care or another treatment option). Prior to obtaining the trial results, interviews were held with participants who had received video consultations. Interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically. RESULTS: Twenty of the 23 patients who received video consultations participated in the interviews. Patients engaged well with the care model and reported positive effects on their most pressing needs, while denying safety concerns. Generally, they perceived the usability of video consultations as high, and temporary connectivity failures were not considered a substantial barrier. We identified two key mechanisms of impacts on the patients' lived experience: fast access to specialist mental healthcare and the emerging rapport with the specialist. In particular, patients with no prior mental healthcare experience indicated that familiarity with the primary practice and their physician as a gatekeeper were important facilitators of proactive treatment. CONCLUSIONS: From the patients' perspective, mental health care models integrating video consultations with mental health specialists into primary care are linked to positive lived experiences. Our findings imply that primary care physicians should promote their role as gatekeepers to (1) actively engage patients, (2) apply integrated care models to provide a familiar and safe environment for conducting mental health care video consultations, and (3) be able to regularly assess whether certain patients need in-person services. Scaling up such models may be worthwhile in real-world service settings, where primary care physicians are faced with high workloads and limited specialist services. TRIAL REGISTRATION: DRKS00015812.

A 10-Year Single-Center Experience With the GORE TAG Conformable Thoracic Stent Graft in the Treatment of Thoracic Aortic Disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report 10-year real-world single-center experience with the GORE TAG conformable thoracic aortic graft (CTAG), focusing on rupture-free survival, aortic-related reintervention, and device-related complications during midterm and long-term follow-up (FU). METHODS: This retrospective study analyzes results of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) performed between January 2009 and December 2018. Out of 419 TEVAR procedures within this period, 194 patients (male 57.2%, 111/194), with a mean age of 65 ± 13 years, were treated with the CTAG device. Indication for TEVAR was a thoracic aortic aneurysm in 24.7% (48/194), type B aortic dissection in 32.5% (63/194), penetrating aortic ulcer 15.5% (30/194), and miscellaneous 27.3% (53/194). Emergently were operated 43.8% (85/194) patients. Median follow-up (FU) including computed tomography imaging was 43.5 months (Q1-Q3: 8.6-67.0) and was completed in 91.2% (177/194) of patients. RESULTS: Overall survival rates were 75.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.76-0.70]) and 56.6% (95% CI = [0.57-0.50]) at 12 and 60 months, respectively. Cumulative incidence for aortic rupture was 11.9% (95% CI = [0.07-0.17]) at 60 and 90 months, respectively. Cumulative incidence for aortic-related reintervention was 27.5% (95% CI = [0.21-0.34]) at 60 and 90 months. Cumulative incidence for migration was 2.8% (95% CI = [0.004-0.05]) and 3.9% (95% CI = [0.007-0.07]) at 60 and 90 months, respectively. New endograft infections or material fatigue were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: The herein reported 10-year real-world single-center experience with the CTAG observed favorable long-term outcome. Thus, the device demonstrates appropriate persistent safety, efficacy, and clinical durability up to long-term FU in the treatment of diverse thoracic aortic pathologies.

Editor's Choice - Association Between Peri-OPerative Aspirin ResisTance and CardioVascular Outcome (POPART-CVO): a Prospective Non-Interventional Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: New onset aspirin resistance during surgery, known as peri-operative aspirin resistance, is observed in up to 30% of vascular surgery patients and is associated with post-operative myocardial damage; questioning aspirin effectiveness towards peri-operative cardiovascular events. The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate whether peri-operative aspirin resistance in vascular surgery is associated with an adverse cardiovascular outcome. METHODS: Based on a sample size calculation, 194 adult elective vascular or endovascular surgery patients receiving aspirin were analysed in this prospective, single centred, non-interventional cohort study. Platelet function was measured before surgery, one hour after incision, four hours post-operatively, and on the morning of the first and second post-operative days using the Multiplate analyser. The primary outcome was myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery (MINS). Secondary outcomes included major bleeding, admission to intensive care unit, length of hospital stay, and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events. Subgroup analyses were performed for patients with different cardiovascular risk and for patients who underwent endovascular surgery. RESULTS: Peri-operative aspirin resistance was observed in 27.8% of patients but was not associated with MINS (27.8% vs. 32.1%, aspirin resistance vs. no aspirin resistance, OR 0.812, 95% CI 0.406 - 1.624, p = .56) or with any of the secondary endpoints (all p > .050). In nine of the 10 subgroup analyses, aspirin resistance was not associated with a difference in MINS rate. However, in patients with a low cardiovascular risk profile (RCRI 0-2), MINS occurred more frequently in patients without aspirin resistance (p = .049). CONCLUSION: This study confirmed previous reports demonstrating that peri-operative aspirin resistance is common in patients undergoing vascular or endovascular surgery. However, in patients who continue aspirin throughout the peri-operative period, aspirin resistance is a phenomenon, which does not appear to be related to MINS. Measuring peri-operative platelet function using the Multiplate analyser with the intention to identify and potentially prevent or treat peri-operative aspirin resistance seems to be dispensable.

Implementation fidelity in a multifaceted program to foster rational antibiotics use in primary care: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: The ARena study (Sustainable Reduction of Antimicrobial Resistance in German Ambulatory Care) is a three-arm, cluster randomized trial to evaluate a multifaceted implementation program in a German primary care setting. In the context of a prospective process evaluation conducted alongside ARena, this study aimed to document and explore fidelity of the implementation program. METHODS: This observational study is based on data generated in a three-wave survey of 312 participating physicians in the ARena program and attendance documentation. Measures concerned persistence of participation in the ARena program and adherence to intervention components (thematic quality circles, e-learning, basic expenditure reimbursements, additional bonus payments and a computerized decision support system). Participants' views on five domains of the implementation were also measured. Binary logistic and multiple linear regression analyses were used to explore which views on the implementation were associated with participants' adherence to quality circles and use of additional bonus compensation. RESULTS: The analysis of fidelity showed overall high persistence of participation in the intervention components across the three intervention arms (90,1%; 97,9%; 92,9%). 96.4% of planned quality circles were delivered to study participants and, across waves, 30.4% to 93% of practices participated; 56.1% of physicians attended the maximum of four quality circles. 84% of the practices (n = 158) with a minimum of one index patient received a performance-based additional bonus payment at least once. In total, bonus compensation was triggered for 51.8% of affected patients. Participation rate for e-learning (a prerequisite for reimbursement of project-related expenditure) covered 90.8% of practices across all intervention arms, with the highest rate in arm II (96.5%). Uptake of expenditure reimbursement was heterogeneous across study arms, with a mean rate of 86.5% (89.1% in arm I, 96.4% in arm II and 74.1% in arm III). Participants' views regarding participant responsiveness (OR = 2.298) 95% CI [1.598, 3.305] and Context (OR = 2.146) 95% CI [1.135, 4.055] affected additional bonus payment. Participants' views on participant responsiveness (Beta = 0.718) 95% CI [0.479, 0.957], Context (Beta = 0.323) 95% CI [0.055, 0.590] and Culture of shared decision-making (Beta = -0.334) 95% CI [-0.614, -0.053] affected quality circle attendance. CONCLUSION: This study showed an overall high fidelity to the implementation program. Participants' views on the implementation were associated with degree of intervention fidelity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN, ISRCTN58150046.

Risk Factors for Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation and Weaning Failure: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) and weaning failure are factors associated with prolonged hospital length of stay and increased morbidity and mortality. In addition to the burden these places on patients and their families, it also imposes high costs on the public health system. The aim of this systematic review was to identify risk factors for PMV and weaning failure. METHODS: The study was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. After a comprehensive search of the COCHRANE Library, CINHAL, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and the LILACS Database a PubMed request was made on June 8, 2020. Studies that examined risk factors for PMV, defined as mechanical ventilation ≥96 h, weaning failure, and prolonged weaning in German and English were considered eligible; reviews, meta-analyses, and studies in very specific patient populations whose results are not necessarily applicable to the majority of ICU patients as well as pediatric studies were excluded from the analysis. This systematic review was registered in the PROSPERO register under the number CRD42021271038. RESULTS: Of 532 articles identified, 23 studies with a total of 23,418 patients met the inclusion criteria. Fourteen studies investigated risk factors of PMV including prolonged weaning, 9 studies analyzed risk factors of weaning failure. The concrete definitions of these outcomes varied considerably between studies. For PMV, a variety of risk factors were identified, including comorbidities, site of intubation, various laboratory or blood gas parameters, ventilator settings, functional parameters, and critical care scoring systems. The risk of weaning failure was mainly related to age, previous home mechanical ventilation (HMV), cause of ventilation, and preexisting underlying diseases. Elevated PaCO2 values during spontaneous breathing trials were indicative of prolonged weaning and weaning failure. CONCLUSION: A direct comparison of risk factors was not possible because of the heterogeneity of the studies. The large number of different definitions and relevant parameters reflects the heterogeneity of patients undergoing PMV and those discharged to HMV after unsuccessful weaning. Multidimensional scores are more likely to reflect the full spectrum of patients ventilated in different ICUs than single risk factors.

Quantitative assessment of contrast-enhancement patterns of the healthy dental pulp by magnetic resonance imaging: A prospective in vivo study.

AIM: This prospective in vivo study aimed to optimize the assessment of pulpal contrast-enhancement (PCE) on dental magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) and investigate physiological PCE patterns. METHODOLOGY: In 70 study participants, 1585 healthy teeth were examined using 3-Tesla dMRI before and after contrast agent administration. For all teeth, the quotient of post- and pre-contrast pulp signal intensity (Q-PSI) was calculated to quantify PCE. First, pulp chambers were analysed in 10 participants to compare the coefficient of variation of mean versus maximum Q-PSI values (Q-PSImean versus Q-PSImax ). Second, dynamic PCE was evaluated in 10 subjects to optimize the time interval between contrast agent application and image acquisition. Finally, 50 participants (age groups: 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60-69 years) were examined to analyse age, gender, tooth types and maxilla versus mandible as independent factors of PCE. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon signed rank test and linear mixed models. RESULTS: PCE assessment based on Q-PSImax was associated with a significantly smaller coefficient of variation compared with Q-PSImean , with median values of 0.17 versus 0.21 (p = .002). Analysis of dynamic PCE revealed an optimal timing interval for image acquisition 4 min after contrast media application. No significant differences in PCE were observed by comparing age groups, female versus male participants and maxillary versus mandibular teeth (p > .05). Differences between tooth types were small (median Q-PSImax values of 2.52/2.32/2.30/2.20 for molars/premolars/canines/incisors) but significant (p < .05), except for the comparison of canines versus premolars (p = .80). CONCLUSIONS: PCE in dMRI was a stable intra-individual marker with only minor differences between different tooth types, thus forming an important basis for intra-individual controls when assessing teeth with suspected endodontic pathosis. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that PCE is independent of age, gender and jaw type. These findings indicate that dMRI-based PCE analysis could be a valuable diagnostic tool for the identification of various pulp diseases in future patient studies.

Development of a prognostic tool: based on risk factors for tooth loss after active periodontal therapy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to develop a prognostic tool to estimate long-term tooth retention in periodontitis patients at the beginning of active periodontal therapy (APT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Tooth-related factors (type, location, bone loss (BL), infrabony defects, furcation involvement (FI), abutment status), and patient-related factors (age, gender, smoking, diabetes, plaque control record) were investigated in patients who had completed APT 10 years before. Descriptive analysis was performed, and a generalized linear-mixed model-tree was used to identify predictors for the main outcome variable tooth loss. To evaluate goodness-of-fit, the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated using cross-validation. A bootstrap approach was used to robustly identify risk factors while avoiding overfitting. RESULTS: Only a small percentage of teeth was lost during 10 years of supportive periodontal therapy (SPT; 0.15/year/patient). The risk factors abutment function, diabetes, and the risk indicator BL, FI, and age (≤ 61 vs. > 61) were identified to predict tooth loss. The prediction model reached an AUC of 0.77. CONCLUSION: This quantitative prognostic model supports data-driven decision-making while establishing a treatment plan in periodontitis patients. In light of this, the presented prognostic tool may be of supporting value. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In daily clinical practice, a quantitative prognostic tool may support dentists with data-based decision-making. However, it should be stressed that treatment planning is strongly associated with the patient's wishes and adherence. The tool described here may support establishment of an individual treatment plan for periodontally compromised patients.

Low-dose CBCT imaging of alveolar buccal bone adjacent to mandibular anterior teeth- a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: Accurate description of buccal bone adjacent to mandibular anterior teeth is helpful for planning and monitoring periodontal and orthodontic treatment. Low-dose cone beam computed tomography (LD-CBCT) imaging has shown promising results for very small dental structures in animals. This study asserts that LD-CBCT is sufficiently accurate to measure buccal alveolar bone adjacent to human mandibular anterior teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Buccal bone level adjacent to 16 mandibular anterior teeth from four human cadavers was measured radiographically using one high-dose (HD) CBCT protocol and two LD-CBCT protocols. The resulting radiographic measurements of buccal bone height (bl) and thickness (bt) were compared with reference probe and reflected-light microscopy measurements. Measurement medians and Bland-Altman plots were calculated, and a linear mixed model was used to compare raters and imaging modalities. RESULTS: All regression coefficients were approximately 0, indicating high interrater, intrarater, and intermodality agreement. No significant differences were found between reference measurements and CBCT protocols. The mean differences for bl measurements were 0.07 mm (rater 1 [r1]) and 0.12 mm (rater 2 [r2]) for HD-CBCT; 0.07 mm (r1) and 0.13 mm (r2) for LD-CBCT-1; and 0.02 mm (r1) and 0.01 mm (r2) for LD-CBCT-2. For bt measurements, mean differences were 0.02 mm (r1) and 0.02 mm (r2) for HD-CBCT; 0.01 mm (r1) and 0.01 mm (r2) for LD-CBCT-1; and 0.00 mm (r1) and 0.01 mm (r2) for LD-CBCT-2. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the present study, LD-CBCT seems to be a precise method for describing buccal bone and its thickness adjacent to mandibular anterior teeth in this experimental setting. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For the first time, this study showed LD-CBCT produces excellent results and is a reliable modality for imaging buccal bone in vitro. If clinical studies confirm these results, LD-CBCT could enable better treatment planning and monitoring at a radiation dose that is far lower than that of conventional HD-CBCT but similar to that of panoramic views.

Prophylactic anticoagulation in patients with glioblastoma or brain metastases and atrial fibrillation: an increased risk for intracranial hemorrhage?

PURPOSE: Patients with glioblastoma (GBM) or brain metastases (MET) and atrial fibrillation (AF) might be at an increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) due to anticoagulation (AC). Our aim was to assess this risk. METHODS: Our institution's database (from 2005 to 2017) was screened for patients with GBM or MET and AF with an indication for AC according to their CHA2DS2VASc stroke risk score (≥ 2). Required follow-up was at least 3 months. AC was either performed with heparins, phenprocoumon or non-Vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants. Applying the propensity score approach, patient cohorts (matched according to primary tumor, age, sex) were generated (GBM [or MET] with AF ± AC, GBM [or MET] without AF/AC, no GBM [or MET] but AF on AC). ICH was defined as clinical deterioration caused by new blood on imaging. A log rank test was performed to compare the risk for ICH between the three groups. RESULTS: In total, 104 patients were identified of which 49 with GBM (37% on AC) and 37 with MET (46% on AC) were successfully matched. Median follow up was 8.6 and 7.2 months, respectively. ICH occurred in 10.2% of GBM + AF and 12.2% GBM-AF, whereas 8% of patients with AF on AC suffered ICH (p = 0.076). 13.5% of patients with MET + AF had ICHs, in the controls it was 16% for MET-AF and 8% for AF on AC (p = 0.11). CONCLUSION: AC did not seem to influence the incidence of ICH in patients with glioblastoma or brain metastases within follow up of just under 9 months.

Antibiotic prescribing for acute, non-complicated infections in primary care in Germany: baseline assessment in the cluster randomized trial ARena.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance is fueled by inappropriate use of antibiotics. Global and national strategies support rational use of antibiotics to retain treatment options and reduce resistance. In Germany, the ARena project (Sustainable reduction of antibiotic-induced antimicrobial resistance) intended to promote rational use of antibiotics for acute non-complicated infections by addressing network-affiliated physicians, primary care teams and patients through multiple interacting interventions. The present study documented patterns of antibiotic prescribing for patients with acute non-complicated infections who consulted a physician in these networks at the start of the ARena project. It explored variation across subgroups of patients and draws comparisons to prescribing patterns of non-targeted physicians. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional analysis used mixed logistic regression models to explore factors associated with the primary outcome, which was the percentage of patient cases with acute non-complicated respiratory tract infections consulting primary care practices who were treated with antibiotics. Secondary outcomes concerned the prescribing of different types of antibiotics. Descriptive methods were used to summarize the data referring to targeted physicians in primary care networks, non-targeted physicians (reference group), and patient subgroups. RESULTS: Overall, antibiotic prescribing rates were 32.0% in primary care networks and 31.7% in the reference group. General practitioners prescribed antibiotics more frequently than other medical specialist groups (otolaryngologists vs. General practitioners OR = 0.465 CI = [0.302; 0.719], p < 0.001, pediatricians vs. General practitioners: OR = 0.369 CI = [0.135; 1.011], p = 0.053). Quinolone prescribing rates were 9.9% in primary care networks and 8.1% in reference group. Patients with comorbidities had a higher likelihood of receiving an antibiotic and quinolone prescription and were less likely to receive a guideline-recommended substance. Younger patients were less likely to receive antibiotics (OR = 0.771 CI = [0.636; 0.933], p = 0.008). Female gender was more likely to receive an antibiotic prescription (OR = 1.293 CI = [1.201, 1.392], p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study provided an overview of observed antibiotic prescribing for acute non-complicated respiratory tract infections in German primary care at the start of the ARena project. Findings indicate potential for improvement and will serve as comparator for the post-interventional outcome evaluation to facilitate describing of potential changes.

Long-term prognosis of teeth with class III furcation involvement.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of survival of teeth with class III furcation involvement (FI) ≥5 years after active periodontal treatment (APT) and identification of prognostic factors. METHODS: All charts of patients who completed APT at the Department of Periodontology of Goethe-University Frankfurt, Germany, beginning October 2004 were screened for teeth with class III FI. APT had to be accomplished for ≥5 years. Charts were analysed for data of class III FI teeth at baseline (T0), at accomplishment of APT (T1), and at the last supportive periodontal care (T2). Baseline radiographic bone loss (RBL) and treatment were assessed. RESULTS: One-hundred and sixty patients (age: 54.4 ± 9.8 years; 82 females; 39 active smokers; 9 diabetics, 85 stage III, 75 stage IV, 59 grade B, 101 grade C) presented 265 teeth with class III FI. Ninety-eight teeth (37%) were lost during 110, 78/137 (median, lower/upper quartile) months. Logistic mixed-model regression and mixed Cox proportional hazard model associated adjunctive systemic antibiotics with fewer tooth loss (26% vs. 42%; p = .019/.004) and RBL (p = .014/.024) and mean probing pocket depth (PPD) at T1 (p < .001) with more tooth loss. CONCLUSIONS: Subgingival instrumentation with adjunctive systemic antibiotics favours retention of class III furcation-involved teeth. Baseline RBL and PPD at T1 deteriorate long-term prognosis.

Effect of previous implant failure on the prognosis of subsequent implants: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the long-term survival of dental implants placed in patients with and without a history of implant failure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Within a retrospective analysis, an experimental group was selected consisting of 59 patients with 137 implants placed after previous failure. The control group included 1,072 patients with 2,664 implants without previous failure. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to describe the group-specific long-term implant survival. Mixed-effects Cox regression models were applied to examine the effects of patient- and site-specific risk factors. To take multiple implants into account, a random intercept model was applied. RESULTS: During the observation period of up to 15 years, 11 implants (8%) failed in the experimental group and 74 implants (2.5%) in the control group (p < .001). Five-year cumulative survival was 96.8% (95% CI 0.96-0.98) in the control group and 91.5% (95% CI 0.86-0.97) in the experimental group. The variables group assignment and simultaneous augmentation had a significant effect on survival, but this effect was lost in the random intercept model. The effect of implant location remained, whereby the risk of failure was five times lower for mandible implants, irrespective of group (p = .013; 95% CI 0.103-0.767; HR: 0.281). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term implant survival was lower in the experimental group than in the control group. The effect of previous failure was negligible. However, a patient-specific "clustering effect" was observed. Irrespective of previous implant failure, the risk of long-term failure is two times higher for maxillary implants than for mandibular implants.

Three-dimensional accuracy of partially guided implant surgery based on dental magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVES: To measure in vivo 3D accuracy of backward-planned partially guided implant surgery (PGIS) based on dental magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-four patients underwent dMRI examinations. Tooth-supported templates were backward planned using standard dental software, 3D-printed, and placed intraorally during a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan. Treatment plans were verified for surgical viability in CBCT, and implants were placed with guiding of the pilot drill. High-precision impressions were taken after healing. The 3D accuracy of 41 implants was evaluated by comparing the virtually planned and definitive implant positions with respect to implant entry point, apex, and axis. Deviations from the dMRI-based implant plans were compared with the maximum deviations calculated for a typical single implant. RESULTS: Twenty-eight implants were placed as planned in dMRI. Evaluation of 3D accuracy revealed mean deviations (99% confidence intervals) of 1.7 ± 0.9mm (1.2-2.1mm) / 2.3 ± 1.1mm (1.8-2.9 mm) / 7.1 ± 4.8° (4.6-9.6°) for entry point / apex / axis. The maximum deviations calculated for the typical single implant surpassed the upper bounds of the 99% CIs for the apex and axis, but not for the entry point. In the 13 other implants, dMRI-based implant plans were optimized after CBCT. Here, deviations between the initial dMRI plan and definitive implant position were only in part higher than in the unaltered group (1.9 ± 1.7 mm [0.5-3.4 mm] / 2.5 ± 1.5 mm [1.2-3.8 mm] / 6.8 ± 3.8° [3.6-10.1°] for entry point / apex / axis). CONCLUSIONS: The 3D accuracy of dMRI-based PGIS was lower than that previously reported for CBCT-based PGIS. Nonetheless, the values seem promising to facilitate backward planning without ionizing radiation.

Hemodynamic Status During Endovascular Stroke Treatment: Association of Blood Pressure with Functional Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Optimal blood pressure (BP) management during endovascular stroke treatment in patients with large-vessel occlusion is not well established. We aimed to investigate associations of BP during different phases of endovascular therapy with reperfusion and functional outcome. METHODS: We performed a post hoc analysis of a single-center prospective study that evaluated a new simplified procedural sedation standard during endovascular therapy (Keep Evaluating Protocol Simplification in Managing Periinterventional Light Sedation for Endovascular Stroke Treatment). BP during endovascular therapy in patients was managed according to protocol. Data from four different phases (baseline, pre-recanalization, post recanalization, and post intervention) were obtained, and mean BP values, as well as changes in BP between different phases and reductions in systolic BP (SBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) from baseline to pre-recanalization, were used as exposure variables. The main outcome was a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2 three months after admission. Secondary outcomes were successful reperfusion and change in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score after 24 h. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Functional outcomes were analyzed in 139 patients with successful reperfusion (defined as thrombolysis in cerebral infarction grade 2b-3). The mean (standard deviation) age was 76 (10.9) years, the mean (standard deviation) National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 14.3 (7.5), and 70 (43.5%) patients had a left-sided vessel occlusion. Favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) was less likely with every 10-mm Hg increase in baseline (odds ratio [OR] 0.76, P = 0.04) and pre-recanalization (OR 0.65, P = 0.011) SBP. This was also found for baseline (OR 0.76, P = 0.05) and pre-recanalization MAP (OR 0.66, P = 0.03). The maximum Youden index in a receiver operating characteristics analysis revealed an SBP of 163 mm Hg and MAP of 117 mm Hg as discriminatory thresholds during the pre-recanalization phase to predict functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In our protocol-based setting, intraprocedural pre-recanalization BP reductions during endovascular therapy were not associated with functional outcome. However, higher intraprocedural pre-recanalization SBP and MAP were associated with worse functional outcome. Prospective randomized controlled studies are needed to determine whether BP is a feasible treatment target for the modification of outcomes.

Targeted Metabolomics in High Performance Sports: Differences between the Resting Metabolic Profile of Endurance- and Strength-Trained Athletes in Comparison with Sedentary Subjects over the Course of a Training Year.

Little is known about the metabolic differences between endurance and strength athletes in comparison with sedentary subjects under controlled conditions and about variation of the metabolome throughout one year. We hypothesized that (1) the resting metabolic profile differs between sedentary subjects and athletes and between perennially endurance- and strength-trained athletes and (2) varies throughout one year of training. We performed quantitative, targeted metabolomics (Biocrates MxP® Quant 500, Biocrates Life Sciences AG, Innsbruck, Austria) in plasma samples at rest in three groups of male adults, 12 strength-trained (weightlifters, 20 ± 3 years), 10 endurance-trained athletes (runners, 24 ± 3 years), and 12 sedentary subjects (25 ± 4 years) at the end of three training phases (regeneration, preparation, and competition) within one training year. Performance and anthropometric data showed significant (p < 0.05) differences between the groups. Metabolomic analysis revealed different resting metabolic profiles between the groups with acetylcarnitines, di- and triacylglycerols, and glycerophospho- and sphingolipids, as well as several amino acids as the most robust metabolites. Furthermore, we observed changes in free carnitine and 3-methylhistidine in strength-trained athletes throughout the training year. Regular endurance or strength training induces changes in the concentration of several metabolites associated with adaptations of the mitochondrial energy and glycolytic metabolism with concomitant changes in amino acid metabolism and cell signaling.

Outcome analysis for patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage and vasospasm including endovascular treatment.

As a complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), vasospasm substantially contributes to its morbidity and mortality. We aimed at analyzing predictors of outcome for these patients including the role of endovascular treatment (ET). Our database was screened for patients with SAH treated in our Neuro-ICU from 2009 to 2019. Clinical parameters including functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale, mRS of 0-2 or 3-6 at discharge and after a median follow-up of 18 months) and details about ET were gathered on 465 patients, 241 (52%) of whom experienced vasospasm. Descriptive analyses were performed to identify explanatory variables for the dichotomized mRS score. A logistic regression model was fitted on 241 patients with vasospasm including age, Hunt and Hess Score, extraventricular drainage (EVD), forced hypertension, ET and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). The model found a Hunt and Hess Score of 5 (OR = 0.043, p = 0.008), requirement of EVD (OR = 0.161, p < 0.001), forced hypertension (OR = 0.242, p = 0.001), ET (OR = 0.431, p = 0.043) and DCI (OR = 0.229, p < 0.001) to be negative predictors of outcome while age was not. Use of intraarterial nimodipine alone (OR = 0.778, p = 0.705) or including balloon angioplasty (OR = 0.894, p = 0.902) and number of ETs per patient (OR = 0.757, p = 0.416) were not significant in a separate model with otherwise identical variables. While DCI is clearly associated with poor outcome, the influence of ET on outcome remains inconclusive. Limited by their retrospective nature and an indication bias, these data encourage a randomized assessment of ET.

Upfront and Repeated Stereotactic Radiosurgery in Patients With Brain Metastases From NSCLC.

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 40% of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients develop brain metastases (BM). Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) instead of whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is increasingly administered as an upfront treatment to patients with a limited number of BM. We present outcomes and validation of prognostic scores for these patients treated with upfront SRS. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 199 patients with a total of 268 SRS courses for 539 brain metastases. Median patient age was 63 years. For larger BM, dose reduction to 18 Gy or hypofractionated SRS in 6 fractions was applied. We analyzed the BMV-, the RPA-, the GPA- and the lung-mol GPA score. Cox proportional hazards models with univariate and multivariate analyses were fitted for overall survival (OS) and intracranial progression-free survival (icPFS). RESULTS: Sixty-four patients died, 7 of them of neurological causes. Thirty eight patients (19,3%) required a salvage WBRT. Median OS was 38, 8 months (IQR: 6-NA). In univariate analysis as well as multivariate analysis, the Karnofsky performance scale index (KPI) ≥90% (P = 0, 012 and P = 0, 041) remained as independent prognostic factor for longer OS. All 4 prognostic scoring indices could be validated for OS assessment (BMV P = 0, 007; RPA P = 0, 026; GPA P = 0, 003; lung-mol GPA P = 0, 05). CONCLUSION: In this large cohort of NSCLC patients with BM treated with upfront and repeated SRS, OS was markedly favourable, in comparison to literature. Upfront SRS is an effective treatment approach in those patients and can decidedly reduce the impact of BM on overall prognosis. Furthermore, the analysed scores are useful prognostic tools for OS prediction.

Optimizing Antibiotic Prescribing for Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in German Primary Care: Results of the Regional Intervention Study CHANGE-3 and the Nested cRCT.

Within primary care, acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) are the most common reason for prescribing antibiotics. The aim of the CHANGE-3 study was to investigate how antibiotic prescribing for non-complicated ARTIs can be reduced to a reasonable level. The trial was conducted as a prospective study consisting of a regional public awareness intervention in two regions of Germany and a nested cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT) of a complex implementation strategy. The study involved 114 primary care practices and comprised an intervention period of six winter months for the nested cRCT and two times six winter months for the regional intervention. The primary outcome was the percentage of antibiotic prescribing for ARTIs between baseline and the two following winter seasons. The regression analysis confirmed a general trend toward the restrained use of antibiotics in German primary care. This trend was found in both groups of the cRCT without significant differences between groups. At the same time, antibiotic prescribing was higher in routine care (with the public campaign only) than in both groups of the cRCT. With regard to secondary outcomes, in the nested cRCT, the prescribing of quinolones was reduced, and the proportion of guideline-recommended antibiotics increased.