Contrasting seasonality of the incidence of incisional surgical site infection after general and gastroenterological surgery: An analysis of 8,436 patients in a single institute.

BACKGROUND: While seasonality of hospital-acquired infections, including incisional SSI after orthopaedic surgery, is recognized, the seasonality of incisional SSI after general and gastroenterological surgeries remains unclear. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective single-institute observational study analysed the seasonality and risk factors of incisional SSI after general and gastroenterological surgeries using univariate and multivariable analyses. The evaluated variables included age, sex, surgical approach, surgical urgency, operation time, wound classification, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA-PS). RESULTS: 8,436 patients were enrolled. General surgeries (n=2,241) showed a pronounced SSI incidence in summer (3.9%; odds ratio [OR] 1.87; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-3.27; p=0.025) compared to other seasons (2.1%). Conversely, gastroenterological surgeries (n=6,195) showed a higher incidence in winter (8.3%; OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.10-1.73; p=0.005) than in other seasons (6.1%). Summer for general surgery (OR 1.90; 95% CI 1.12-3.24; p=0.018) and winter for gastroenterological surgery (OR 1.46; 95% CI 1.17-1.82; p=0.001) emerged as independent risk factors for incisional SSI. Open surgery (OR, 2.72; 95% CI 1.73-4.29, p<0.001) and an ASA-PS score ≥3 (OR, 1.64; 95% CI 1.08-2.50, p=0.021) were independent risk factors for incisional SSI in patients undergoing gastroenterological surgery during winter. CONCLUSION: Seasonality exists in the incisional SSI incidence following general and gastroenterological surgeries. Recognizing these trends may help enhance preventive strategies, highlighting the elevated risk in summer for general surgery and in winter for gastroenterological surgery.

Trends in prior antithrombotic medication and risk of in-hospital mortality after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: the J-ICH registry.

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) remains a devastating form of stroke. Prior use of antiplatelets or warfarin before SICH is associated with poor outcomes, but the effects of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify trends in prior antithrombotic use and to assess the associations between prior use of antithrombotics and in-hospital mortality using a multicenter prospective registry in Japan. In total, 1085 patients were analyzed. Prior antithrombotic medication included antiplatelets in 14.2%, oral anticoagulants in 8.1%, and both in 1.8%. Prior warfarin use was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] 5.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30-23.26, P < 0.05) compared to no prior antithrombotic use. No such association was evident between prior DOAC use and no prior antithrombotic use (OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.44-4.05, P = 0.606). Concomitant use of antiplatelets and warfarin further increased the in-hospital mortality rate (37.5%) compared to warfarin alone (17.2%), but no such association was found for antiplatelets plus DOACs (8.3%) compared to DOACs alone (11.9%). Prior use of warfarin remains an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality after SICH in the era of DOACs. Further strategies are warranted to reduce SICH among patients receiving oral anticoagulants and to prevent serious outcomes.

Effectiveness of DialBetesPlus, a self-management support system for diabetic kidney disease: Randomized controlled trial.

We evaluated the effectiveness of a mobile health (mHealth) intervention for diabetic kidney disease patients by conducting a 12-month randomized controlled trial among 126 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with moderately increased albuminuria (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR): 30-299 mg/g creatinine) recruited from eight clinical sites in Japan. Using a Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) behavior change theory framework, the intervention provides patients detailed information in order to improve patient control over exercise and dietary behaviors. In addition to standard care, the intervention group received DialBetesPlus, a self-management support system allowing patients to monitor exercise, blood glucose, diet, blood pressure, and body weight via a smartphone application. The primary outcome, change in UACR after 12 months (used as a surrogate measure of renal function), was 28.8% better than the control group's change (P = 0.029). Secondary outcomes also improved in the intervention group, including a 0.32-point better change in HbA1c percentage (P = 0.041). These improvements persisted when models were adjusted to account for the impacts of coadministration of drugs targeting albuminuria (GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT-2 inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, and ARBs) (UACR: -32.3% [95% CI: -49.2%, -9.8%] between-group difference in change, P = 0.008). Exploratory multivariate regression analysis suggests that the improvements were primarily due to levels of exercise. This is the first trial to show that a lifestyle intervention via mHealth achieved a clinically-significant improvement in moderately increased albuminuria.

Inter-reporter differences in symptom burdens in Japanese children with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies about inter-reporter differences and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in childhood cancer from Western countries showed that caregiver proxy reports tend to overestimate symptom burdens in comparison with children's self-reports. However, the results from Western countries may not be generalizable to Asian countries. METHODS: This paper is a secondary analysis of a validation study of the Japanese pediatric version of the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale including 88 dyads of children aged 7-12 years and 74 dyads of children aged 13-18 years and their caregivers. The study assessed the inter-reporter differences of eight and 31 symptom burdens calculated as symptom scores in children aged 7-12 years and 13-18 years, respectively, and the association between inter-reporter differences and the characteristics of children and caregivers. RESULTS: The majority of children and caregivers scored equally at the dyadic level for almost all symptoms. However, 37.5% of symptoms in children aged 7-12 years and 10.0% of symptoms in children aged 13-18 years showed significant inter-reporter differences, suggesting a general tendency of caregivers to underestimate their children's symptom burden. The caregiver's age was the characteristic most frequently associated with magnitude of inter-reporter differences. CONCLUSIONS: Caregiver proxy reports may be a reliable source of PROs in Japanese children with cancer, as self-reported and caregiver proxy-reported symptom burdens were generally concordant. However, as some significant inter-reporter differences were observed, an effort should be made within the medical community to evaluate the parent-child relationship to minimize inter-reporter differences and achieve better symptom management.

The effect of balloon-expandable stent and self-expanding stent on changes in mitral annular motion after aortic valve replacement in patients with aortic stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of decalcification and existence of stent at the aortic annulus on mitral annular motion after surgery. METHODS: Patients receiving Inspiris (Edwards, CA, USA, n = 117), Intuity (Edwards, n = 36), Perceval (Corcym, London, UK, n = 36), Evolut (Medtronics, MN, USA, n = 81) and Sapien 3 (Edwards, n = 250) were included in the study. Mitral annular motion was evaluated by E', using tissue doppler imaging. RESULTS: After surgery, a significant increase in E' was observed in patients receiving Inspiris (Before: 4.2 ± 1.21 cm/s vs. Discharge: 5.0 ± 1.23 cm/s, p < 0.001). Mid-term echocardiogram performed at 11.8 ± 2.2 months after the surgery, showed a significant increase in E' in patients receiving Inspiris (Before: 4.2 ± 1.21 cm/s vs. Mid-term: 5.2 ± 1.20 cm/s, p < 0.001) and Perceval (Before: 3.9 ± 1.34 cm/s vs. Mid-term: 4.5 ± 1.24 cm/s, p = 0.008). Univariable analysis showed a higher increase in E' in patients with decalcified annulus compared to those without decalcified annulus (Decalcification: 0.15 ± 1.321 cm/s vs. No Decalcification: 0.66 ± 1.420 cm/s, p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that balloon-expandable stent (ß = - 0.6960, p < 0.001) and self-expanding stent (r = - 0.3592, p = 0.042) were independent limiting factors for an increase in E' at discharge. However, balloon-expandable stent (ß = - 0.8382, p < 0.001), and not self-expanding stent (ß = - 0.3682, p = 0.089), was a remaining independent factor associated with E' at mid-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Decalcification was associated with improvement in E' after surgery. Balloon-expandable stent was an independent limiting factor for improvement in E' up to 1 year after the surgery, while self-expanding stent was not a significant factor after 1 year.

Survival benefit of living donor kidney transplantation in patients on hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Donors bravely donate their kidneys because they expect that living donor kidney transplantation (LKT) confers benefits to recipients. However, the magnitude of the survival benefit of LKT is uncertain. METHODS: This prospective cohort study used two Japanese nationwide databases for dialysis and kidney transplantation and included 862 LKT recipients and 285,242 hemodialysis (HD) patients in the main model and 5299 LKT recipients and 151,074 HD patients in the supplementary model. We employed time-dependent model in the main model and assessed the hazard ratio and the difference in the restricted mean survival time (RMST) between LKT recipients and HD patients. In the main analysis of the main model (LKT, N = 675; HD, N = 675), we matched LKT recipients with HD patients by age, sex, dialysis vintage, and cause of renal failure and excluded HD patients with dementia or performance status grades 2, 3, or 4. RESULTS: The median observational period was 8.00 (IQR 3.58-8.00) years. LKT was significantly associated with a lower risk of mortality (hazard ratios (95% confidence interval (CI)), 0.50 (0.35-0.72)) and an increase in life expectancy (7-year RMST differences (95% CI), 0.48 (0.35-0.60) years) compared with HD. In subgroup analysis, the survival benefit of LKT was greater in female patients than in male patients in the Cox model; whereas older patients gained longer life expectancy compared with younger patients. CONCLUSIONS: LKT was associated with better survival benefits than HD, and the estimated increase in life expectancy was 0.48 years for 7 years.

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate, Albuminuria, and Adverse Outcomes: An Individual-Participant Data Meta-Analysis.

Importance: Chronic kidney disease (low estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] or albuminuria) affects approximately 14% of adults in the US. Objective: To evaluate associations of lower eGFR based on creatinine alone, lower eGFR based on creatinine combined with cystatin C, and more severe albuminuria with adverse kidney outcomes, cardiovascular outcomes, and other health outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants: Individual-participant data meta-analysis of 27 503 140 individuals from 114 global cohorts (eGFR based on creatinine alone) and 720 736 individuals from 20 cohorts (eGFR based on creatinine and cystatin C) and 9 067 753 individuals from 114 cohorts (albuminuria) from 1980 to 2021. Exposures: The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration 2021 equations for eGFR based on creatinine alone and eGFR based on creatinine and cystatin C; and albuminuria estimated as urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR). Main Outcomes and Measures: The risk of kidney failure requiring replacement therapy, all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, acute kidney injury, any hospitalization, coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and peripheral artery disease. The analyses were performed within each cohort and summarized with random-effects meta-analyses. Results: Within the population using eGFR based on creatinine alone (mean age, 54 years [SD, 17 years]; 51% were women; mean follow-up time, 4.8 years [SD, 3.3 years]), the mean eGFR was 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 (SD, 22 mL/min/1.73 m2) and the median UACR was 11 mg/g (IQR, 8-16 mg/g). Within the population using eGFR based on creatinine and cystatin C (mean age, 59 years [SD, 12 years]; 53% were women; mean follow-up time, 10.8 years [SD, 4.1 years]), the mean eGFR was 88 mL/min/1.73 m2 (SD, 22 mL/min/1.73 m2) and the median UACR was 9 mg/g (IQR, 6-18 mg/g). Lower eGFR (whether based on creatinine alone or based on creatinine and cystatin C) and higher UACR were each significantly associated with higher risk for each of the 10 adverse outcomes, including those in the mildest categories of chronic kidney disease. For example, among people with a UACR less than 10 mg/g, an eGFR of 45 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m2 based on creatinine alone was associated with significantly higher hospitalization rates compared with an eGFR of 90 to 104 mL/min/1.73 m2 (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.3 [95% CI, 1.2-1.3]; 161 vs 79 events per 1000 person-years; excess absolute risk, 22 events per 1000 person-years [95% CI, 19-25 events per 1000 person-years]). Conclusions and Relevance: In this retrospective analysis of 114 cohorts, lower eGFR based on creatinine alone, lower eGFR based on creatinine and cystatin C, and more severe UACR were each associated with increased rates of 10 adverse outcomes, including adverse kidney outcomes, cardiovascular diseases, and hospitalizations.

Impact of a Time-Related Benchmark on the Adenoma Detection Rate in Surveillance Colonoscopy: A STROBE Statement-Oriented Cross-Sectional Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Colorectal adenomas are precursor lesions of globally increasing colorectal cancer. Hence, a high adenoma detection rate in colonoscopy is pivotal. We investigated the clinical impact of stratified colonoscopy observation time combined with observation time/intubation time ratio on the detection of colorectal adenomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective study including 369 consecutive patients who underwent colonoscopy following fecal immunochemical tests between May 2021 and April 2022. The primary outcome measure was the impact of the stratified observation time and observation time/ intubation time ratio (category 1: <6.0 minutes and <1.0, category 2: <6.0 minutes and ≥1.0, category 3: ≥6.0 minutes and <1.0, and category 4: ≥6.0 minutes and ≥1.0) on adenoma detection rate. RESULTS: Cecum intubation was obtained in 367 patients (99.5%). Adenomas were detected in 226 patients (61.2%). From the univariate analysis, age ≥53 years, habitual alcohol intake, colonoscopy attachment (+), and observation time with observation time/intubation time ratio categories 3 and 4 were determined as significant factors for adenoma detection rate. From the logistic regression analysis, age ≥ 53 years (odds ratio: 4.86, 95% CI: 2.25-10.52), habitual alcohol intake (odds ratio: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.33-3.82), category 3 (odds ratio: 3.66, 95% CI: 1.81-7.45), and category 4 (odds ratio: 5.60, 95% CI: 2.92-10.73) were significant factors for adenoma detection rate. CONCLUSION: We propose the observation time with observation time/intubation time ratio combined benchmark (with categories' thresholds based on observation time >6 minutes and scope withdrawal time exceeding intubation time [observation time/intubation time ratio > 1]) as a novel colonoscopy quality indicator. These findings represent an important educational message for endoscopists.

Glycemic Control, Renal Progression, and Use of Telemedicine Phone Consultations Among Japanese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Reduced or delayed medical follow-ups have been reported during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may lead to worsening clinical outcomes for patients with diabetes. The Japanese government granted special permission for medical institutions to use telephone consultations and other remote communication modes during the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate changes in the frequency of outpatient consultations, glycemic control, and renal function among patients with type 2 diabetes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This is a retrospective single-cohort study conducted in Tokyo, Japan, analyzing results for 3035 patients who visited the hospital regularly. We compared the frequency of outpatient consultations attended (both in person and via telemedicine phone consultation), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus during the 6 months from April 2020 to September 2020 (ie, during the COVID-19 pandemic) with those during the same period of the previous year, 2019, using Wilcoxon signed rank tests. We conducted a multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify factors related to the changes in glycemic control and eGFR. We also compared the changes in HbA1c and eGFR from 2019 to 2020 among telemedicine users and telemedicine nonusers using difference-in-differences design. RESULTS: The overall median number of outpatient consultations attended decreased significantly from 3 (IQR 2-3) in 2019 to 2 (IQR 2-3) in 2020 (P<.001). Median HbA1c levels deteriorated, though not to a clinically significant degree (6.90%, IQR 6.47%-7.39% vs 6.95%, IQR 6.47%-7.40%; P<.001). The decline in median eGFR was greater during the year 2019-2020 compared to the year 2018-2019 (-0.9 vs -0.5 mL/min/1.73 m2; P=.01). Changes in HbA1c and eGFR did not differ between patients who used telemedicine phone consultations and those who did not. Age and HbA1c level before the pandemic were positive predictors of worsening glycemic control during the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas the number of outpatient consultations attended was identified as a negative predictor of worsening glycemic control during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in reduced attendance of outpatient consultations among patients with type 2 diabetes, and these patients also experienced deterioration in kidney function. Difference in consultation modality (in person or by phone) did not affect glycemic control and renal progression of the patients.

Lack of significant associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms in LPAL2-LPA genetic region and all cancer incidence and mortality in Japanese population: The Japan public health center-based prospective study.

BACKGROUND: High lipoprotein (a) level is an established cardiovascular risk, but its association with non-cardiovascular diseases, especially cancer, is controversial. Serum lipoprotein (a) levels vary widely by genetic backgrounds and are largely determined by the genetic variations of apolipoprotein (a) gene, LPA. In this study, we investigate the association between SNPs in LPA region and cancer incidence and mortality in Japanese. METHODS: A genetic cohort study was conducted utilizing the data from 9923 participants in the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study (JPHC Study). Twenty-five SNPs in the LPAL2-LPA region were selected from the genome-wide genotyped data. Cox regression analysis adjusted for the covariates and competing risks of death from other causes, were used to estimate the relative risk (hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI)) of overall and site-specific cancer incidence and mortality, for each SNP. RESULTS: No significant association was found between SNPs in the LPAL2-LPA region and cancer incidence or mortality (overall/site-specific cancer). In men, however, HRs for stomach cancer incidence of 18SNPs were estimated higher than 1.5 (e.g., 2.15 for rs13202636, model free, 95%CI: 1.28-3.62) and those for stomach cancer mortality of 2SNPs (rs9365171, rs1367211) were estimated 2.13 (recessive, 95%CI:1.04-4.37) and 1.61 (additive, 95%CI: 1.00-2.59). Additionally, the minor allele for SNP rs3798220 showed increased death risk from colorectal cancer (CRC) in men (HR: 3.29, 95% CI:1.59 - 6.81) and decreased CRC incidence risk in women (HR: 0.46, 95%CI: 0.22-0.94). Minor allele carrier of any of 4SNPs could have risk of prostate cancer incidence (e.g., rs9365171 dominant, HR: 1.71, 95%CI: 1.06-2.77). CONCLUSIONS: None of the 25 SNPs in the LPAL2-LPA region was found to be significantly associated with cancer incidence or mortality. Considering the possible association between SNPs in LPAL2-LPA region and colorectal, prostate and stomach cancer incidence or mortality, further analysis using different cohorts is warranted.

Drug Survival of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Inhibitors and Switched Subsequent Biologic Agents in Patients with Psoriasis: A Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to retrospectively examine the drug survival of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors and switched subsequent biologic agents after discontinuation of TNF inhibitors. METHODS: This real-world setting study was conducted at a single academic center. We included patients who were treated with adalimumab (n = 111), certolizumab pegol (n = 12), and infliximab (n = 74) at Jichi Medical University Hospital from 1 January 2010 to 31 July 2021. RESULTS: No significant differences were noted in drug survival between the three TNF inhibitors. The 10-year drug survival rate for adalimumab and infliximab was 14% and 18%, respectively. Of the patients who discontinued TNF inhibitors for any reason (n = 137), 105 chose biologics as their subsequent treatment. The subsequent biologics included 31 cases of TNF inhibitors (adalimumab in 20, certolizumab pegol in 1, and infliximab in 10), 19 of interleukin-12/23 inhibitor (ustekinumab), 42 of interleukin-17 inhibitors (secukinumab in 19, brodalumab in 9, and ixekizumab in 14) and 13 of interleukin-23 inhibitors (guselkumab in 11, risankizumab in 1, and tildrakizumab in 1). Cox proportional hazards analysis for the subsequent drugs in cases of discontinuation due to inadequate efficacy revealed that female sex was a predictor of drug discontinuation (hazard ratio 2.58, 95% confidence interval 1.17-5.70) and that taking interleukin-17 inhibitors rather than TNF inhibitors was a predictor of drug persistence (hazard ratio 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.15-0.93). CONCLUSIONS: Interleukin-17 inhibitors may be a favorable option for patients who need to switch from TNF inhibitors due to inadequate efficacy. However, this study is limited by the small number of cases and its retrospective design.

With many biologic options available for the treatment of psoriasis, choosing the optimal drug can be challenging, especially when switching drugs. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are the oldest category of biologics used for psoriasis, with adalimumab and infliximab being available since 2010 and certolizumab pegol since 2019 in Japan. In this study, we examined the drug survival of TNF inhibitors in patients treated with adalimumab (n = 111), certolizumab pegol (n = 12), and infliximab (n = 74) at Jichi Medical University Hospital from 1 January 2010 to 31 July 2021. No significant differences were noted in drug survival between the three TNF inhibitors, and the 10-year drug survival rate for adalimumab and infliximab was 14% and 18%, respectively. We examined the drug survival of subsequent biologics used by patients who discontinued TNF inhibitors for any reason (n = 137) and found that among patients who discontinued TNF inhibitors due to inadequate efficacy, female sex was a predictor of drug discontinuation and that taking interleukin-17 inhibitors rather than TNF inhibitors was a predictor of drug continuation. The study results suggest that interleukin-17 inhibitors is a favorable option for patients who discontinue TNF inhibitors due to inadequate efficacy and need to switch to other agents. However, this study has limitations, including the small number of cases and the single-center and retrospective study design.

Single-center survey of incidental imaging findings on computed tomography in patients with psoriasis on biologic therapy.

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory disease that predominantly affects the skin and joints. Systemic therapies are required for patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis, and biologics can provide significant symptomatic improvement. Computed tomography (CT) analysis is recommended before and after biologic therapy to exclude the possibility of comorbid infections and malignancies; incidental findings are often detected in asymptomatic patients. In this study, we analyzed the common incidental findings on CT in 227 patients with psoriasis on biologic therapy and 219 living-kidney transplant donors at our hospital. Incidental findings on CT were observed in 176 (77.5%) patients with psoriasis. The most common were fatty liver (82 patients, 36.1%), urolithiasis (54 patients, 23.8%), pulmonary lesions (47 patients, 20.7%), gallstones or postoperative gallstones (38 patients, 16.7%), liver cysts (36 patients, 15.9%), renal cysts (33 patients, 14.5%), and colonic diverticulum (22 patients, 9.7%), which were observed in 38 (17.4%), eight (3.7%), 68 (31.1%), 12 (5.5%), 58 (26.5%), 88 (40.2%), and 10 (4.6%) donors, respectively. The prevalence of fatty liver, urolithiasis, gallstones, and postoperative gallstones was significantly higher in patients with psoriasis. Multivariate logistic regression showed that psoriasis was a risk factor for fatty liver disease, urolithiasis, and gallstones. Currently, incidental findings on CT in patients with psoriasis have not been well studied. The results of this survey will lead to increased awareness of the incidental findings on CT as a complication of psoriasis.

Maintenance of complete mucosal healing is associated with avoiding restenosis after endoscopic balloon dilation of Crohn's disease-related small intestinal strictures.

Background: Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) is an effective, minimally invasive treatment for Crohn's disease (CD) related intestinal strictures. However, restenosis frequently occurs and requires repetitive EBD or surgical resection. Since previous studies could not evaluate restenosis based on stricture diameter, factors affecting restenosis after EBD were unclear. This study aimed to identify these factors by precisely measuring the diameter of small intestinal strictures in patients with CD. Methods: This single-center retrospective study enrolled patients with CD with de novo small intestinal strictures who underwent two double-balloon enteroscopy sessions (EBD and follow-up) between January 2016 and October 2021. Clinical and endoscopic data were obtained from electronic medical records. A calibrated small-caliber-tip transparent hood was used to precisely measure stricture diameters. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with restenosis. Results: Forty-eight patients (37 male) were analyzed. The total number of strictures detected decreased from 162 to 143. The mean diameter of all strictures and the narrowest stricture in each patient increased significantly from 8.6 to 9.8 mm and from 7.6 to 8.7 mm, respectively. Thirty-two (67%) patients developed endoscopic restenosis. Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of ulcers at the follow-up session was a risk factor for restenosis (odds ratio 9.4, p = 0.01). Patients with complete mucosal healing at both sessions (n = 21) showed significant improvement in the narrowest stricture (+1.7 mm, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Maintenance of complete mucosal healing is significantly associated with avoiding restenosis after EBD in CD-related small intestinal strictures.

Prevention of postoperative delirium after cardiovascular surgery: A team-based approach.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the efficacy of the Delirium Team Approach program for delirium prevention after cardiovascular surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 256 patients who underwent cardiac or thoracic vascular surgery between May 2017 and May 2020. We compared the outcomes before and after implementation of the Delirium Team Approach program in December 2018. The program included the following components: (a) educational sessions for the medical team regarding delirium and its management, (b) review of preprinted physician orders for insomnia and agitation, and (c) routine screening for delirium. We investigated the early outcomes and effects of the Delirium Team Approach program on postoperative delirium. RESULTS: The incidence of postoperative delirium significantly decreased from 53.3% to 37.0% after implementation of the Delirium Team Approach program (P = .008). Although no intergroup differences were observed in the rates of stroke and reexploration for bleeding, the length of intensive care unit stay and the overall length of postoperative hospital stay were shorter in the postintervention group. Hospital costs, excluding surgery, and the cost during intensive care unit stay were lower in the postintervention group. Multivariable analysis showed that the Delirium Team Approach program was associated with a reduction in postoperative delirium (odds ratio, 0.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.21-0.67; P = .001). Other predictors of delirium included age, dementia, chronic kidney disease, and intubation time. After risk adjustment using propensity score matching, the rate of postoperative delirium was lower in the postintervention group. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of the Delirium Team Approach program was associated with a lower incidence of postoperative delirium in patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery.

Uterine contraction may not be an independent risk factor for spontaneous preterm birth before 35 weeks in women with cervical shortening.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the risk of spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) before 35 weeks in symptomatic and asymptomatic women with cervical shortening at 16-34 weeks under mid-trimester universal screening of cervical length (CL). METHOD: Multicenter retrospective cohort study involving six secondary/tertiary perinatal centers was planned in 2016. Primary outcomes were SPTB before 35 weeks. In all, 407 women were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analysis for predicting SPTB before 35 weeks while adjusting for presence/absence of uterine contraction, gestational weeks, vaginal bleeding, and CL classification (1-9, 10-14, 15-19, and 20-24 mm) at admission, the execution of cervical cerclage, and the presence/absence of past history of preterm delivery. RESULTS: SPTB before 35 weeks of pregnancy occurred in 14.5%. Presence of uterine contraction was not an independent risk factor for SPTB before 35 weeks (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67-2.20). CL of 1-9 mm, CL of 10-14 mm, and vaginal bleeding at admission were independent risk factors for SPTB before 35 weeks (aOR 5.35, 95% CI 2.11-13.6; aOR 2.79, 95% CI 1.12-6.98; and aOR 2.37, 95% CI 1.12-5.10, respectively). CONCLUSION: In women with a cervical shortening at 16-34 weeks, presence of uterine contractions at admission may not be an independent risk factor for the occurrence of SPTB before 35 weeks.

Aqueous Povidone-Iodine Versus Normal Saline For Intraoperative Wound Irrigation on The Incidence of Surgical Site Infection in Clean-Contaminated Wounds After Gastroenterological Surgery: A Single-Institute, Prospective, Blinded-Endpoint, Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This trial evaluated the superiority of intraoperative wound irrigation (IOWI) with aqueous povidone-iodine (PVP-I) compared with that with saline for reducing the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI). BACKGROUND: IOWI with aqueous PVP-I is recommended for the prevention of SSI by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although the evidence level is low. METHODS: This single institute in Japan, prospective, randomized, blinded-endpoint trial was conducted to assess the superiority of IOWI with aqueous PVP-I in comparison with IOWI with saline for reducing the incidence of SSI in clean-contaminated wounds after gastroenterological surgery. Patients 20 years or older were assessed for eligibility, and the eligible participants were randomized at a 1:1 ratio using a computer-generated block randomization. In the study group, IOWI was performed for 1 minute with 40 mL of aqueous 10% PVP-I before skin closure. In the control group, the procedure was performed with 100 mL of saline. Participants, assessors, and analysts were masked to the treatment allocation. The primary outcome was the incidence of incisional SSI in the intention-to-treat set. RESULTS: Between June 2019 and March 2022, 941 patients were randomized to the study group (473 patients) or the control group (468 patients). The incidence of incisional SSI was 7.6% in the study group and 5.1% in the control group (risk difference 0.025, 95% CI -0.006 to 0.056; risk ratio 1.484, 95% CI 0.9 to 2.448; P =0.154). CONCLUSION: The current recommendation of IOWI with aqueous PVP-I should be reconsidered.

Gross Cystic Disease Fluid Protein-15 (GCDFP-15) Expression Characterizes Breast Mucinous Carcinomas in Older Women.

The predominant histological subtype of breast mucinous carcinoma in older women is type B (hypercellular type), and, in younger women, it is type A (hypocellular type). The characteristics of mucinous carcinomas of the same histological subtype may differ between older and younger women. This study aims to systematically clarify the pathological/immunohistochemical features of mucinous carcinomas. A total of 21 surgical cases of mucinous carcinoma (type A/B: 9/12 cases) in the older group (≥65 years) and 16 cases (type A/B: 14/2 cases) in the younger group (≤55 years) (n = 37) were included. Gross cystic disease fluid protein-15 (GCDFP-15) and eight other markers were used for immunostaining. The GCDFP-15-positive rate in the older group was high regardless of the histological subtype (type A, 77.8%; type B, 91.7%). The GCDFP-15 positivity in the older group was significantly higher than that in the younger group (p < 0.001 for Allred score). Among type A, GCDFP-15 positivity was significantly higher in the older group than in the younger group (p = 0.042 for the Allred score and p = 0.007 for the positivity rate). The present results suggest that GCDFP-15 expression characterizes mucinous carcinomas in older women.

Predictive factors of distal stent graft-induced new entry after frozen elephant trunk procedure for aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVES: The incidence rate of distal stent graft-induced new entry (d-SINE) after frozen elephant trunk technique for aortic dissection remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and seek the clinical and anatomical predictive factors. METHODS: This study is a retrospective multicentre evaluation of complications including d-SINE, aortic events and reintervention after the frozen elephant trunk procedure for aortic dissection. RESULTS: Our cohort included a total of 177 consecutive patients who underwent the frozen elephant trunk procedure for acute and chronic aortic dissection at 5 centres in Japan from May 2014 to March 2021. The incidence rate of d-SINE was 14.1% (25/177 patients). The cumulative incidence of d-SINE was 7.1%, 12.4% and 21.4% after 12, 36 and 60 months, respectively. d-SINE was not associated with mid-term survival rate. After competing risk regression analysis, onset time >48 h (subdistribution hazard ratio, 3.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-12.79; P = 0.031) was detected as an independent predictor. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness that there is a relatively higher incidence of d-SINE after frozen elephant trunk procedures is important. Non-hyper-acute phase was detected as an independent risk factor. Pre-emptive endovascular repair may be appropriate to protect new entry in high-risk patients.

The effect of stent and decalcification on mitral annular motion after aortic valve replacement.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in mitral annular motion after surgery in patients with aortic stenosis. METHODS: Patients receiving Edwards (Edwards) valves were included in the study. Echocardiographic findings were compared among the three treatments postoperatively, at discharge, and at 1 year after the surgery. Mitral annular motion was evaluated by e prime, using tissue doppler imaging. RESULTS: There were 111 patients receiving Inspiris, 30 patients receiving Intuity and 241 patients receiving Sapien 3. The patients receiving Sapien 3 were significantly older, (Inspiris: 71 ± 6.7 years vs. Intuity: 75 ± 5.2 years vs. Sapien 3: 84 ± 5.1 years, p < .001), and prevalence of hemodialysis were significantly higher in patients receiving Intuity (Inspiris: 11.7% vs. Intuity: 46.7% vs. Sapien 3: 0.0%, p < .001). There was a significant improvement in mean pressure gradient in all groups (Inspiris: 55 ± 21.2-13 ± 5.2 mmHg, p < .001; Intuity: 48 ± 17.6-12 ± 4.9 mmHg, p < .001, Sapien 3: 55 ± 16.6-14 ± 5.2 mmHg, p < .001). Decalcification was associated with increase in e prime after surgery (no decalcification: 0.10 ± 1.280 cm/s vs. decalcification: 0.68 ± 1.405 cm/s, p < .001) Further, existence of stent was associated with less increase in e prime after surgery (no stent: 0.83 ± 1.210 cm/s vs. stent: 0.10 ± 1.356; p < .001). Multivariate analysis showed that existence of stent but not decalcification of the aortic valve was independently associated with changes in e prime after surgery (ß: -.4679, 95% confidence interval: -0.93389 to -0.00200, p = .049). CONCLUSIONS: Although improvement in pressure gradient was achieved in all treatments, existence of stent inhibited mitral annular motion after surgery.