Effect of physical exercise on cognitive function after chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer: a randomized controlled trial (PAM study).

BACKGROUND: Up to 60% of breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy is confronted with cognitive problems, which can have a significant impact on daily activities and quality of life (QoL). We investigated whether exercise training improves cognition in chemotherapy-exposed breast cancer patients 2-4 years after diagnosis. METHODS: Chemotherapy-exposed breast cancer patients, with both self-reported cognitive problems and lower than expected performance on neuropsychological tests, were randomized to an exercise or control group. The 6-month exercise intervention consisted of supervised aerobic and strength training (2 h/week), and Nordic/power walking (2 h/week). Our primary outcome was memory functioning (Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised; HVLT-R). Secondary outcomes included online neuropsychological tests (Amsterdam Cognition Scan; ACS), self-reported cognition (MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for multiple myeloma; MDASI-MM), physical fitness (relative maximum oxygen uptake; VO2peak), fatigue (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory), QoL (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire; EORTC QLQ C-30), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; HADS), and anxiety (HADS). HVLT-R total recall was analyzed with a Fisher exact test for clinically relevant improvement (≥ 5 words). Other outcomes were analyzed using multiple regression analyses adjusted for baseline and stratification factors. RESULTS: We randomized 181 patients to the exercise (n = 91) or control group (n = 90). Two-third of the patients attended ≥ 80% of the exercise sessions, and physical fitness significantly improved compared to control patients (B VO2peak 1.4 ml/min/kg, 95%CI:0.6;2.2). No difference in favor of the intervention group was seen on the primary outcome. Significant beneficial intervention effects were found for self-reported cognitive functioning [MDASI-MM severity (B-0.7, 95% CI - 1.2; - 0.1)], fatigue, QoL, and depression. A hypothesis-driven analysis in highly fatigued patients showed positive exercise effects on tested cognitive functioning [ACS Reaction Time (B-26.8, 95% CI - 52.9; - 0.6) and ACS Wordlist Learning (B4.4, 95% CI 0.5; 8.3)]. CONCLUSIONS: A 6-month exercise intervention improved self-reported cognitive functioning, physical fitness, fatigue, QoL, and depression in chemotherapy-exposed breast cancer patients with cognitive problems. Tested cognitive functioning was not affected. However, subgroup analysis indicated a positive effect of exercise on tested cognitive functioning in highly fatigued patients. Trial Registration Netherlands Trial Registry: Trial NL5924 (NTR6104). Registered 24 October 2016, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/5924 .

Addition of the nuclear export inhibitor selinexor to standard intensive treatment for elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia and high risk myelodysplastic syndrome.

Treatment results of AML in elderly patients are unsatisfactory. In an open label randomized phase II study, we investigated whether addition of the XPO1 inhibitor selinexor to intensive chemotherapy would improve outcome in this population. 102 AML patients > 65 years of age (median 69 (65-80)) were randomly assigned to standard chemotherapy (3 + 7) with or without oral selinexor 60 mg twice weekly (both arms n = 51), days 1-24. In the second cycle, cytarabine 1000 mg/m2 twice daily, days 1-6 with or without selinexor was given. CR/CRi rates were significantly higher in the control arm than in the investigational arm (80% (95% C.I. 69-91%) vs. 59% (45-72%; p = 0.018), respectively). At 18 months, event-free survival was 45% for the control arm versus 26% for the investigational arm (Cox-p = 0.012) and overall survival 58% vs. 33%, respectively (p = 0.009). AML and infectious complications accounted for an increased death rate in the investigational arm. Irrespective of treatment, MRD status after two cycles appeared to be correlated with survival. We conclude that the addition of selinexor to standard chemotherapy does negatively affect the therapeutic outcome of elderly AML patients. (Netherlands Trial Registry number NL5748 (NTR5902), www.trialregister.nl ).

Correction: Lenalidomide added to standard intensive treatment for older patients with AML and high-risk MDS.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Lenalidomide added to standard intensive treatment for older patients with AML and high-risk MDS.

More effective treatment modalities are urgently needed in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) of older age. We hypothesized that adding lenalidomide to intensive standard chemotherapy might improve their outcome. After establishing a safe lenalidomide, dose elderly patients with AML were randomly assigned in this randomized Phase 2 study (n = 222) to receive standard chemotherapy ("3 + 7") with or without lenalidomide at a dose of 20 mg/day 1-21. In the second cycle, patients received cytarabine 1000 mg/m2 twice daily on days 1-6 with or without lenalidomide (20 mg/day 1-21). The CR/CRi rates in the two arms were not different (69 vs. 66%). Event-free survival (EFS) at 36 months was 19% for the standard arm versus 21% for the lenalidomide arm and overall survival (OS) 35% vs. 30%, respectively. The frequencies and grade of adverse events were not significantly different between the treatment arms. Cardiovascular toxicities were rare and equally distributed between the arms. The results of the present study show that the addition of lenalidomide to standard remission induction chemotherapy does not improve the therapeutic outcome of older AML patients. This trial is registered as number NTR2294 in The NederlandsTrial Register (www.trialregister.nl).

High D-dimer levels increase the likelihood of pulmonary embolism.

Objective. To determine the utility of high quantitative D-dimer levels in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Methods. D-dimer testing was performed in consecutive patients with suspected pulmonary embolism. We included patients with suspected pulmonary embolism with a high risk for venous thromboembolism, i.e. hospitalized patients, patients older than 80 years, with malignancy or previous surgery. Presence of pulmonary embolism was based on a diagnostic management strategy using a clinical decision rule (CDR), D-dimer testing and computed tomography. Results. A total of 1515 patients were included with an overall pulmonary embolism prevalence of 21%. The pulmonary embolism prevalence was strongly associated with the height of the D-dimer level, and increased fourfold with D-dimer levels greater than 4000 ng mL(-1) compared to levels between 500 and 1000 ng mL(-1). Patients with D-dimer levels higher than 2000 ng mL(-1) and an unlikely CDR had a pulmonary embolism prevalence of 36%. This prevalence is comparable to the pulmonary embolism likely CDR group. When D-dimer levels were above 4000 ng mL(-1), the observed pulmonary embolism prevalence was very high, independent of CDR score. Conclusion. Strongly elevated D-dimer levels substantially increase the likelihood of pulmonary embolism. Whether this should translate into more intensive diagnostic and therapeutic measures in patients with high D-dimer levels irrespective of CDR remains to be studied.

Clinical and economic impact of compression in the acute phase of deep vein thrombosis.

Essentials The value of compression therapy in acute phase of deep vein thrombosis is still unclear. Patients with deep vein thrombosis received acute compression hosiery, bandaging, or none. Acute compression reduces irreversible skin signs related to post thrombotic syndrome. Compression hosiery may be the preferred choice for the acute phase SUMMARY: Background The effectiveness of compression therapy in the acute phase of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is not yet determined. Objectives To investigate the impact of compression therapy in the acute phase of DVT on determinants of the Villalta score, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and costs. Patients/Methods Eight hundred and sixty-five patients with proximal DVT (substudy of the IDEAL DVT study) received, immediately after DVT diagnosis, either no compression, multilayer bandaging, or hosiery. In the acute phase and 3 months after diagnosis, HRQOL was determined by use of the EQ-5D, SF6D, and VEINES-QoL intrinsic method (VEINES-QoLint ). At 3 months, signs and symptoms were assessed for the total and separate items of the Villalta score, and healthcare costs were calculated. Results The compression groups had lower overall objective Villalta scores than the no-compression group (1.47 [standard deviation (SD) 1.570] and 1.59 [SD 1.64] versus 2.21 [SD 2.15]). The differences were mainly attributable to irreversible skin signs (induration, hyperpigmentation, and venectasia) and pain on calf compression. Subjective and total Villalta scores were similar across groups. Differences in HRQOL were only observed at 1 month; HRQOL was better for hosiery (EQ-5D 0.86 [SD 0.18]; VEINES-QoLint  0.66 [SD 0.18]) than for multilayer compression bandaging (EQ-5D 0.81 [SD 0.23; VEINES-QoLint  0.62 [SD 0.19]). Mean healthcare costs per patient were €417.08 (€354.10 to €489.30) for bandaging, €114.25 (€92.50 to €198.43) for hosiery, and €105.86 (€34.63 to €199.30) for no compression. Conclusions Initial compression reduces irreversible skin signs, edema, and pain on calf compression. Multilayer bandaging is slightly more effective than hosiery, but has substantially higher costs, without a gain in HRQOL. From a patient and economic perspective, compression hosiery would be preferred when initial compression is applied. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IDEAL DVT study ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01429714.

Accuracy of clinical decision rule, D-dimer and spiral computed tomography in patients with malignancy, previous venous thromboembolism, COPD or heart failure and in older patients with suspected pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND: The diagnostic work-up of patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) has been optimized and simplified by the use of clinical decision rules (CDR), D-dimer (DD) testing and spiral computed tomography (s-CT). Whether this strategy is equally safe and efficient in specific subgroups of patients is evaluated in this study. METHODS: A diagnostic strategy including a CDR, DD test and s-CT was evaluated in patients with malignancy, previous venous thromboembolism (VTE), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart failure and in older patients. PE was ruled out by either an unlikely CDR and a normal DD or a s-CT negative for PE. The safety of these tests was assessed by the 3-month incidence rate of symptomatic VTE in those without PE at baseline. The efficiency was evaluated by calculating the numbers needed to test for the different subgroups. RESULTS: The venous thromboembolic incidence rate after the combination of an unlikely CDR and a normal DD varied from 0% (95% CI: 0-7.9%) in the 482 patients older than 75 years of age to 2% (95% CI: 0.05-10.9%) in the 474 patients with a malignancy. For s-CT these incidences varied from 0.3% to 1.8%. The number needed to test in order to rule out one patient from PE with the studied strategy was highest in cancer patients and in the elderly patients (approximately 10). CONCLUSION: It appears to be safe to rule out PE by either the combination of an unlikely CDR and a normal DD or by a negative s-CT in various subgroups of patients with suspected PE. However, the clinical usefulness of the CDR in combination with the DD as the initial step in the diagnostic process varied among these patient groups.

Natural language processing and the representation of clinical data.

OBJECTIVE: Develop a representation of clinical observations and actions and a method of processing free-text patient documents to facilitate applications such as quality assurance. DESIGN: The Linguistic String Project (LSP) system of New York University utilizes syntactic analysis, augmented by a sublanguage grammar and an information structure that are specific to the clinical narrative, to map free-text documents into a database for querying. MEASUREMENTS: Information precision (I-P) and information recall (I-R) were measured for queries for the presence of 13 asthma-health-care quality assurance criteria in a database generated from 59 discharge letters. RESULTS: I-P, using counts of major errors only, was 95.7% for the 28-letter training set and 98.6% for the 31-letter test set. I-R, using counts of major omissions only, was 93.9% for the training set and 92.5% for the test set.

The application of natural-language processing to healthcare quality assessment.

This paper describes the automatic extraction of information from hospital discharge letters. The computer analysis and extraction process, designed to eliminate much of the manual effort required to review patient documents, are presented.

Medical language processing: applications to patient data representation and automatic encoding.

A linguistic approach is presented to develop a representation of patient data. Semantic categories developed for computer processing of narrative clinical reports are shown to be similar to the Medical Concepts used manually to extract data from narrative in Exercises of the Computer-based Patient Record Institute. Clinical statement types composed of these categories are used in the Linguistic String Project (LSP) medical language processing (MLP) system to convert narrative information into relational database tables of patient information. A procedure for mapping the output of the LSP MLP system into SNOMED International codes was developed. Preliminary results and further requirements are discussed.

Incidentally detected diffuse signal alterations of bone marrow on MRI: is bone marrow biopsy indicated?

BACKGROUND: Advanced imaging techniques as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are increasingly performed in the diagnostic workup of patients. Incidentally, diffuse signal alterations of the bone marrow are detected because MRI visualises various components of the bone marrow. The clinical significance of these signal alterations is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The main goal of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of a bone marrow biopsy in patients with incidentally found diffuse signal alterations of the bone marrow. METHODS: We retrospectively examined all bone marrow biopsies performed from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013 (n = 1947). Patients were included when the biopsy was obtained following an MRI with a diffuse abnormal bone marrow signal. Patients who underwent MRI for suspected malignancy were excluded. Histological and cytological results of the bone marrow examinations were analysed. RESULTS: 15 of the 1947 bone marrow biopsies (0.77%) were performed because of diffuse signal alterations on MRI. In seven of these 15 bone marrow biopsies (47%) a clinically important haematological disorder was found. Eight patients had a normal bone marrow evaluation. CONCLUSION: Based on this retrospective study, a bone marrow examination in patients with incidentally detected diffuse signal alterations should be considered to exclude haematological pathology. Prospective studies have to be performed to further investigate the best diagnostic strategy.

Cardiac involvement in hypereosinophilic syndrome.

Hypereosinophilic syndrome is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterised by hypereosinophilia and organ involvement of varying intensity. We describe involvement of the heart in patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome,and the diagnostic and therapeutic clinical management of these patients.

Predictors of the post-thrombotic syndrome with non-invasive venous examinations in patients 6 weeks after a first episode of deep vein thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a chronic complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) affecting a large number of patients. Because of its potential debilitating effects, identification of patients at high risk for the development of this syndrome is relevant, and only a few predictors are known. OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence and potential predictors of PTS. METHODS: We prospectively followed 111 consecutive patients for 2 years after a first episode of objectively documented DVT of the leg. With non-invasive venous examinations, residual thrombosis, valvular reflux, calf muscle pump function and venous outflow resistance were assessed at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. The Clinical, Etiologic, Anatomic, and Pathophysiologi classification was used to record the occurrence and severity of PTS. Regression analysis with area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to identify potential predictors. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of PTS was 46% after 3 months, and the incidence and severity did not increase further. Men appeared to be at increased risk as compared with women (risk ratio [RR] 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.9-2.2), as were patients over 50 years as compared with younger patients (RR 1.4%, 95% CI 0.9-2.1). Patients with thrombosis localized in the proximal veins at diagnosis had an increased risk of PTS as compared with patients with distal thrombosis (RR 2.3%, 95% CI 1.0-5.6). PTS developed in 32 of 52 patients (62%) with residual thrombosis in the proximal veins 6 weeks after diagnosis, as compared with 17 of 45 patients (38%) without residual proximal thrombosis, leading to a 1.6-fold increased risk (95% CI 1.0-2.5). The presence of valvular reflux in the superficial veins was also a predictor at 6 weeks, with a 1.6-fold increased risk as compared with patients without superficial reflux (95% CI 1.1-2.3). A multivariate analysis of these predictors yielded an area under the ROC curve of 0.72 (95% CI 0.62-0.82). CONCLUSIONS: PTS develops in half of all patients within 3 months, with no further increase being seen up to 2 years of follow-up. Male sex, age over 50 years, proximal localization of the thrombus at entry, residual proximal thrombosis and superficial valvular reflux at 6 weeks seem to be the most important predictors of PTS in patients with a first episode of DVT. Duplex scanning 6 weeks after diagnosis appears to be clinically useful for the identification of patients at risk of PTS.

Risk factors for post-thrombotic syndrome in patients with a first deep venous thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a chronic complication of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). OBJECTIVES: To determine the risk of PTS after DVT and to assess risk factors for PTS. METHODS: Patients were recruited from the Multiple Environmental and Genetic Assessment (MEGA) study of risk factors for venous thrombosis. Consecutive patients who suffered a first DVT of the leg were included in a follow-up study. All patients completed a questionnaire and DNA was obtained. PTS was ascertained in a structured interview using a clinical classification score. RESULTS: The 1-year cumulative incidence of PTS was 25% and 7% for severe PTS. Elastic compression stockings were prescribed in 1412 (85%) patients. The majority used their stockings every day. Women were at an increased risk compared with men [risk ratio (RR) 1.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-1.8]. Similarly, obese patients had a 1.5-fold increased risk of PTS compared with normal weight patients (RR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-1.9), with a 1-year cumulative incidence of 34% compared with 22%. Patients who already had varicose veins had an increased risk (RR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-1.8) of PTS. DVT in the femoral and iliac vein was associated with a 1.3-fold increased risk of PTS compared with popliteal vein thrombosis (RR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.6). Patients over 60 years were less likely to develop PTS than patients below the age of 30 (RR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4-0.9). Malignancy, surgery, minor injury, plaster cast, pregnancy or hormone use did not influence the risk of PTS neither did factor (F)V Leiden nor the prothrombin 20210A mutation. CONCLUSIONS: PTS is a frequent complication of DVT, despite the widespread use of elastic compression stockings. Women, obese patients, patients with proximal DVT and those with varicose veins have an increased risk of PTS, whereas the elderly appeared to have a decreased risk.

A simple diagnostic strategy in hospitalized patients with clinically suspected pulmonary embolism.

OBJECTIVES: Diagnostic strategies in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism have been extensively studied in outpatients; their value in hospitalized patients has not been well established. Our aim was to determine the safety and clinical utility of a simple diagnostic strategy in hospitalized patients with suspected pulmonary embolism. DESIGN: Prospective management study. SETTING: Twelve teaching hospitals (five academic, seven general hospitals). SUBJECT: A total of 605 hospitalized patients with clinically suspected pulmonary embolism. All patients completed the study. INTERVENTIONS: First the clinical decision rule (CDR)-score was calculated. An unlikely CDR-score in combination with a normal D-dimer excluded pulmonary embolism. All other patients underwent helical computed tomography (CT). CT either diagnosed or excluded pulmonary embolism, in which case anticoagulants were started or withheld. All patients were instructed to report symptoms of venous thrombosis. Objective tests were performed to confirm venous thromboembolism. The primary outcome was the incidence of symptomatic venous thrombosis during 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: The combination of an unlikely CDR-score and a normal D-dimer excluded pulmonary embolism in 60 patients (10% of all patients); no venous thromboembolic event occurred during follow-up (0%; 95% CI 0-6.7%). CT excluded pulmonary embolism in 380 patients; during follow-up venous thromboembolism occurred in five patients (1.4%; 95% CI 0.4-3.1%). CONCLUSIONS: An unlikely CDR-score in combination with a normal D-dimer appears to exclude pulmonary embolism safely in hospitalized patients. Before clinical implementation it is important this safety is confirmed by others. CT testing was obviated in only 10% of patients. CT can safely exclude pulmonary embolism in hospitalized patients.

Analyses of the FlashTrack DNA probe and UTIscreen bioluminescence tests for bacteriuria.

Five hundred urine specimens were selected at random and screened for bacteriuria by a DNA probe method, FlashTrack (Gen-Probe, San Diego, Calif.), and an automated bioluminescence method, UTIscreen (Los Alamos Diagnostics, Los Alamos, N.M.), and the results were compared with those of the semiquantitative plate culture method. The performance of each test versus culturing was evaluated at colony counts of greater than or equal to 10(4), greater than or equal to 5 x 10(4), and greater than or equal to 10(5) CFU/ml. Since the interpretive breakpoint of each test was user selectable, the results were reported as receiver operator characteristic curves. Optimum interpretive breakpoints were determined for each test at each colony count by calculating a performance index that emphasized sensitivity over specificity in a 70:30 ratio. Although both tests had less-than-optimal sensitivities and specificities, the performance of FlashTrack was significantly better than that of UTIscreen at two of the three colony counts (10(4) and 10(5) CFU/ml); however, FlashTrack costs more and is a labor-intensive procedure. Neither method was evaluated for the detection of colony counts of less than 10(4) CFU/ml.

Natural language processing of asthma discharge summaries for the monitoring of patient care.

A technique for monitoring healthcare via the processing of routinely collected narrative documentation is presented. A checklist of important details of asthma management in use in the Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI) was translated into SQL queries and applied to a database of 59 GRI discharge summaries analyzed by the New York University Linguistic String Project medical language processor. Tables of retrieved information obtained for each query were compared with the text of the original documents by physician reviewers. Categories (unit = document) were: (1) information present, retrieved correctly; (2) information not present; (3) information present, retrieved with minor or major error; (4) information present, retrieved with minor or major omissions. Category 2 (physician "documentation score") could be used to prioritize manual review and guide feedback to physicians to improve documentation. The semantic structuring and relative completeness of retrieved data suggest their potential use as input to further quality assurance procedures.

Recovery of mycobacteria from blood in mycobacteria growth indicator tube and Lowenstein-Jensen slant after lysis-centrifugation.

Five hundred five blood samples for culture were processed in the Isolator lysis-centrifugation system and were then inoculated into a Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) and onto a Lowenstein-Jensen (L-J) slant. Forty-nine isolates of Mycobacterium avium complex and three isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis were recovered from 50 of the blood culture specimens. Forty-five isolates from 43 specimens were recovered in the MGIT, with a mean time to detection of 21 days. Forty-one isolates from 40 specimens were recovered in the L-J slants, and the mean time to detection was 36 days. Nine specimens were positive in the MGIT alone, while seven specimens were positive only in L-J medium.

Automatic encoding into SNOMED III: a preliminary investigation.

The Linguistic String Project (LSP) medical language processing (MLP) system converts narrative clinical reports into database tables of patient data. A procedure for mapping the output of the LSP MLP system into SNOMED III codes was developed. Preliminary results and further requirements are discussed.

Medical language processing with SGML display.

The paper demonstrates several ways that medical language processing can be combined with emerging display technologies to facilitate the extraction of data from free-text patient documents. The techniques allow rapid review via highlighting of the results of processing. Coupling of text markup with further procedures is envisioned.