Long-term sequelae of drug-induced liver injury.

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) has a very variable clinical and biochemical phenotype and differs widely in severity, from mild injury to life-threatening liver failure. Chronic injury has also been reported to occur at a variable frequency, ranging from 3.4% to 39%, 6-12 months after discontinuing the implicated agent. This wide range is probably related to various definitions of chronic liver injury and variable selection of patients. The long-term sequalae of this chronic injury in terms of morbidity and mortality are unclear, although rare vanishing bile duct syndrome is associated with an unfavourable prognosis, with increased risk of chronic liver failure and need for liver transplantation. Other forms of long-term sequalae associated with DILI are progressive fibrosis, autoimmune-like hepatitis, secondary sclerosing cholangitis, sinusoidal obstruction syndrome and, as a common final stage, the development of cirrhosis, portal hypertension and its complications. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, which can cause an autoimmune-like phenotype have also recently been shown to cause sclerosing cholangitis with cytotoxic T CD8+ cell infiltration in biliary tracts. DILI has been shown to have a significant impact on health-related quality of life but very little is known about its psychological consequences in the long-term. Further investigations with structured long-term follow-up and periodic quality of life surveys are needed to assess the impact of DILI on psychological outcomes, particularly in those with chronic sequelae.

Aristolochia Herbs and Iatrogenic Disease: The Case of Portland's Powders.

Aristolochia herbals have a 2500-year history of medicinal use. We focused this article on Portland's Powders, an 18th-century British gout medicine containing Aristolochia herbs. The powders constitute an 18th-century iteration of an herbal remedy, which was used, with variations, since at least the fifth century BCE. The use of Portland's Powders in Great Britain may appear to be an unusual choice for investigating a public health problem currently widespread in Asia. Yet it exemplifies long-term medicinal use of Aristolochia herbs, reflecting our argument that aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) is a historically persistent iatrogenic disease. Moreover, we provide compelling evidence that individuals taking Portland's Powders for gout would have ingested toxic quantities of aristolochic acid, which causes AAN and cancer. Several factors, including long history of use, latency of toxic effects, and lack of effective regulation, perpetuate usage of Aristolochia herbals to the present day.

Deterioration of initially accepted radiological alignment of conservatively treated AO type-C distal radius fractures: mid-term outcome.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: It still remains controversial how often the once-accepted radiological alignment of an AO type-C distal radius fracture deteriorates after conservative treatment, and to what extent this deterioration is perhaps associated with patient-rated outcome measures (PROms). Thus, we aimed to evaluate this radiological deterioration and its association with mid-term functional follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 66 patients (mean age at fracture 53 years, SD 14.1, range 18-73, female 65%) with 68 C-type distal radius fractures at a mean of 6.7 years (SD 0.5 years, range 5.8-7.7 years) after primary closed reduction and cast immobilization. Radiographs of the wrists were taken and analysed for any radial shortening, dorsal tilt or step-off at the joint surface. Range of motion and grip strength were measured. In addition to the radiological result, primary outcome measures included Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QDash) and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE). RESULTS: At mid-term follow-up, an acceptable anatomical radiological result was seen in only 22 wrists (32%). Deterioration of the once-achieved and accepted primary alignment was seen in a majority of cases (68%). Radial shortening of ≥ 2 mm was found in 34 wrists (51%, mean 4 mm, range 2-8 mm), with no association with QDash (12.8 vs. 5.5, p = 0.22) or PRWE (9.1 vs. 5.7, p = 0.40). Only four patients (6%) showed step-off at the joint surface (mean 1.1 mm, range 0.5-2 mm). Twenty-two wrists (32%) showed dorsal tilt of ≥ 10° (five with volar tilt of 15°-25°), with no effect on QDash or PRWE (14.7 vs. 6.5, p = 0.241 and 10.1 vs. 5.8, p = 0.226). Altogether, patients with dorsal tilt, step-off or shortening did not show significantly worse QDash (10.3 vs. 5.7, p = 0.213) or PRWE (8.1 vs. 5.1, p = 0.126) versus those with none. Twenty-nine (43%) of the patients had deficits in range of motion (ROM), either in extension (39%), flexion (43%), supination (16%) or pronation (4%), or combinations of these. Worse extension was associated with worse QDash (15.9 vs. 5.0, p = 0.037), flexion deficit with worse PRWE (11.5 vs. 4.4, p = 0.005) and supination deficit with both QDash (21.7 vs. 6.8, p = 0.025) and PRWE (18.9 vs. 5.2, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The initially accepted radiological alignment of AO type-C radius fractures deteriorated in a majority of cases during conservative treatment. However, this deterioration was fairly mild and showed no significant association with functional outcome. Restricted ROM showed some association with PROms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Renal vascular resistance is increased in patients with kidney transplant.

BACKGROUND: Despite improvement in short-term outcome of kidney transplants, the long-term survival of kidney transplants has not changed over past decades. Kidney biopsy is the gold standard of transplant pathology but it's invasive. Quantification of transplant blood flow could provide a novel non-invasive method to evaluate transplant pathology. The aim of this retrospective cross-sectional pilot study was to evaluate positron emission tomography (PET) as a method to measure kidney transplant perfusion and find out if there is correlation between transplant perfusion and histopathology. METHODS: Renal cortical perfusion of 19 kidney transplantation patients [average time from transplantation 33 (17-54) months; eGFR 55 (47-69) ml/min] and 10 healthy controls were studied by [15 O]H2O PET. Perfusion and Doppler resistance index (RI) of transplants were compared with histology of one-year protocol transplant biopsy. RESULTS: Renal cortical perfusion of healthy control subjects and transplant patients were 2.7 (2.4-4.0) ml min- 1 g- 1 and 2.2 (2.0-3.0) ml min- 1 g- 1, respectively (p = 0.1). Renal vascular resistance (RVR) of the patients was 47.0 (36.7-51.4) mmHg mL- 1min- 1g- 1 and that of the healthy 32.4 (24.6-39.6) mmHg mL- 1min-1g-1 (p = 0.01). There was a statistically significant correlation between Doppler RI and perfusion of transplants (r = - 0.51, p = 0.026). Transplant Doppler RI of the group of mild fibrotic changes [0.73 (0.70-0.76)] and the group of no fibrotic changes [0.66 (0.61-0.72)] differed statistically significantly (p = 0.03). No statistically significant correlation was found between cortical perfusion and fibrosis of transplants (p = 0.56). CONCLUSIONS: [15 O]H2O PET showed its capability as a method in measuring perfusion of kidney transplants. RVR of transplant patients with stage 2-3 chronic kidney disease was higher than that of the healthy, although kidney perfusion values didn't differ between the groups. Doppler based RI correlated with perfusion and fibrosis of transplants.

Remote organ failure in acute kidney injury.

Despite supportive care with renal replacement therapy, acute kidney injury (AKI) remains linked with increased short and long-term mortality, not just because of renal failure but also because of accompanying remote organ dysfunction. Increasing evidence from animal studies suggests that numerous factors contribute both to the development of AKI and the impairment of various vital organs, including pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, leukocyte infiltration, vascular permeability changes, ion channel derangement, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis. Human studies have reported that AKI with concomitant multi-organ dysfunction is associated with a high death rate. We propose that persistent organ dysfunction after AKI can be considered in relation to three proposed mechanisms (1) classical uremic stress and its associated sequelae (2) systemic inflammation as a consequence of kidney injury (3) treatment-related effects. Using this framework, we discuss the known pathways through which AKI can affect the function of a number of remote organs. We review the short- and long-term clinical impact of AKI on other organ systems and potential mechanisms through which AKI may affect remote organ systems. Further elucidating the effects of AKI on remote organ function may lead to new therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes after AKI.

Long-term outcome after surgical treatment of intra-articular tibial plateau fractures in skiers.

INTRODUCTION: Tibial plateau fractures occur frequently during downhill skiing. There is a lack of information about the outcome and development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis after internal fixation of such fractures at long-term follow-up in skiers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A population of 83 skiers was followed up in a case series after internal fixation of intra-articular tibial plateau fractures AO-OTA 41 B1-B3 and C1-C3. Functional outcomes Visual Analog Scale, Tegner Activity Scale, Modified Lysholm Score, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Knee Score and X-ray images of the affected knees (preoperative, postoperative and at time of follow-up) were obtained. Radiological evaluation focused on severity of osteoarthritis according to the Kellgren and Lawrence score of the lateral, medial and retropatellar knee compartments separately. Subgroup analyses for fracture type and age were performed separately. RESULTS: Patients age was 49.8 ± 12.9 years (range 19-74 years) at the time of surgery, with a mean follow-up period of 10.3 ± 1.9 years (range 6-14 years). All tibial plateau fractures affected the lateral compartment, while the medial compartment was affected in addition as part of bicondylar fractures in two cases. Both the Tegener Activity Scale and Lysholm Score decreased significantly during the follow-up period and their median values dropped from 6 (range 3-7) to 5 (range 2-7) and from 100 (range 90-100) to 95 (range 58-100), respectively (both p < .01). The median clinical knee function at the time of follow-up revealed an HSS Knee Score of 96.5 points (range 74-100). Among the whole patient population, the radiological evaluation at follow-up revealed a significantly higher grade of osteoarthritis in all compartments of the knee joint compared to the time of the operation (p < .01). The grade of osteoarthritis in the lateral compartment was significantly higher than that in the medial and retropatellar compartments (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: In addition to physiologic aging, progression of radiologic signs of osteoarthritis following internal fixation of intra-articular tibial plateau fractures in an athletic population of skiers is most severe in the lateral knee compartment corresponding to fracture location. However, the long-term functional outcomes seem to be very satisfactory.

Temporary successful results of ventral rectopexy for enterocele surgical correction, about 138 patients.

PURPOSE: This work aimed to analyse short- and long-term results of enterocele surgical treatment by ventral rectopexy. METHODS: All females who underwent ventral rectopexy for enterocele in our department were included. All patients underwent standardized preoperative evaluation. Data was retrospectively collected, after examination of patients or by telephone survey. Postoperative evaluation was performed by an independent observer. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-eight females (median age = 63 years [21-86 years]) were included. They were postmenopausal and multiparous in 94 and 70% of cases, respectively. Pelvic pressure, vaginal prolapse, or the both were observed in 28, 16 or 56% of the patients, respectively. The most frequent associated symptoms were dyschezia (63%) and faecal incontinence (30%). On preoperative workup, enterocele was isolated in two cases. Rectocele, internal rectal prolapse and cervicocystoptosis were the most frequently associated pelvic floor disorders. Ventral rectopexy was performed through laparoscopy in 128 patients (93%). In the short term, all pelvic symptoms were significantly improved, except urinary incontinence. At the end of follow-up (56 months [7-125]), specific symptoms and dyschezia were still significantly improved. Secondary failure was reported in 31% of patients. By multivariate analysis, two predictive factors for long-term failure were found: diagnosis of rectocele on preoperative MRI (odd ratio = 15; 95% CI 1.4-163; p = 0.03) and conversion into open surgery (odd ratio = 8; 95% CI 1.4-43; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that ventral rectopexy is an effective treatment of enterocele, but secondary failure can be observed. Patients should be informed of the potential risk of long-term degradation.

Cusp Tear of Trifecta™ Aortic Bioprosthesis Resulting in Acute Heart Failure.

Herein is presented the case of an 83-year-old male patient in cardiogenic shock with acute aortic regurgitation that occurred six years after aortic valve replacement (AVR) with a 23 mm Trifecta™ valve. Prosthesis endocarditis was initially suspected because of a floating structure attached to the aortic valve that was visible on echocardiography. Emergency redo-AVR surgery was performed, but no signs of endocarditis were found intraoperatively. Hence, cusp tearing of the implanted bioprosthesis was considered to be the reason for the severe aortic regurgitation.

MitraClip Technique Five Years after Alfieri Stitch Mitral Valve Repair.

The case is described of a successful MitraClip procedure performed on an 88-year-old patient with severe mitral regurgitation (MR), five years after she had undergone mitral valve repair using the Alfieri surgical procedure. It is suggested that the MitraClip procedure is an option in patients with severe MR persisting after the Alfieri procedure. Video 1: Transesophageal echocardiography before the MitraClip procedure. Severe mitral regurgitation with preserved left ventricular systolic function. The main regurgitant jet originates from the medial commissure. Video 2: Transesophageal echocardiography: clip placement and jet reduction. A single clip placement on the medial portion of the mitral valve, resulting in elimination of the medial jet and reduction of the overall mitral regurgitant jet from grade 4+ to grade 2+.

Long-term outcomes of domiciliary intravenous iloprost in idiopathic and connective tissue disease-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There are few published data on the efficacy of i.v. iloprost in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We present long-term outcomes in PAH patients receiving i.v. iloprost in a large UK referral centre. METHODS: Eighty patients with idiopathic PAH (iPAH, n = 46) or PAH associated with connective tissue disease (CTD-PAH, n = 34) were identified as receiving domiciliary i.v. iloprost between January 1999 and April 2015. Baseline characteristics, doses achieved, functional class at follow-up and survival data were retrieved from hospital databases. RESULTS: Median maximum dose achieved was 4.6 ng/kg/min in the iPAH group and 5.0 ng/kg/min in CTD-PAH patients. Exercise capacity significantly improved in the first 6 months of therapy in IPAH patients. Overall 1-, 3- and 5-year survival was 78%, 64% and 52% in iPAH (P = 0.002) and 64%, 26% and 21% in CTD-PAH. Independent predictors of survival were age and exercise capacity. CONCLUSION: We report improved survival to that previously reported in iPAH patients treated with domiciliary i.v. iloprost. This may be in part related to higher administered doses. Patients with CTD-PAH had poorer survival, reinforcing the need for early transplantation referral in suitable patients.

Predictors of long-term compensatory response of pulmonary function following major lung resection for non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Long-term pulmonary function which might include compensatory response (CR) significantly influences quality of life of long-term survivor after major lung resection. We investigated long-term pulmonary function after major lung resection. METHODS: A total of 137 patients who had undergone lobar resection for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from May 2013 to June 2014 had spirometry at 10-14 months after surgery. Actual post-operative forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 ) (FEV1apo )/predicted post-operative FEV1 (FEV1ppo ), actual post-operative forced vital capacity (FVC) (FVCapo )/predicted post-operative FVC (FVCppo ), its relationship with clinicopathological factors and immunohistochemistry for pro-surfactant protein C (pro-SPC), thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) were investigated. RESULTS: FEV1apo /FEV1ppo showed strong correlation with FVCapo /FVCppo (r = 0.628; P < 0.001). We defined greater CR as both FEV1apo /FEV1ppo and FVCapo /FVCppo were >120%. Greater CR was significantly associated with decreased smoking index (P < 0.001) and greater resected subsegments (P = 0.037). The never-smoker group revealed significantly greater CR compared with the smoker group in both FEV1apo /FEV1ppo (119.9 ± 12.5% vs 107.5 ± 14.2%; P = 0.030) and FVCapo /FVCppo (117.9 ± 9.98% vs 107.2 ± 13.1%; P = 0.046) in case-matched comparison. The expression of pro-SPC, TTF-1 and VEGFR2 in the normal lung parenchyma of greater CR group was significantly higher than those of lesser CR group (P < 0.001 for each). In addition, pro-SPC, TTF-1 and VEGFR2 expressions showed a significant correlation to the degree of CR especially in the smoker group (r = 0.631, 0.705 and 0.732, respectively; P < 0.001 for each). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that smokers may develop lesser long-term CR after major lung resection. Decreased expression of pro-SPC, TTF-1 and VEGFR2 may indicate decreased capacity of CR, especially in patients who smoke.

Long-term functional outcomes after resection of tongue cancer: determining the optimal reconstruction method.

The appropriate tongue reconstruction method is critical for better functional outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal reconstructive method for restoring postoperative function based on the extent of resection. We retrospectively reviewed 43 patients with lateral oral tongue cancer who underwent glossectomy between January 2010 and October 2014. Tongue mobility, articulation, verbal diadochokinesis, speech intelligibility and swallowing outcomes were assessed 2-3 years postoperative and were analyzed according to resected tongue volume and the method of reconstruction. In partial glossectomy cases, the secondary intention group had better function in tongue mobility, articulation, and speech intelligibility (p < 0.001 for all) than the free flap reconstruction group. In contrast, in hemi-glossectomy cases, the free flap reconstruction group had better tongue mobility, articulation, verbal diadochokinesis and speech intelligibility (p < 0.05 for all) than the secondary intention group. There was no significant difference in swallowing outcome between the secondary intention and flap reconstruction groups in both partial glossectomy and hemi-glossectomy cases. In conclusion, secondary intention appears to be the most appropriate option after partial glossectomy. However, flap reconstruction is necessary to restore tongue volume and function in patients who undergo a resection of more than half of the tongue volume.

Comparison of long-term voice outcomes after vocal fold augmentation using autologous fat injection by direct microlaryngoscopy versus office-based calcium hydroxylapatite injection.

The objective is to compare the long-term voice outcomes of vocal fold augmentation (VFA) using autologous fat injection via direct microlaryngoscopy versus office-based calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) injection. Patients with glottal insufficiency and a gap no greater than 3 mm caused by unilateral vocal fold paralysis or vocal fold atrophy were prospectively recruited to the study from September 2012 to September 2015. From September 2012 to May 2014, VFA was only performed using autologous fat via direct microlaryngoscopy under general anesthesia (N = 14). From May 2014 to September 2015, VFA was performed as an office-based procedure using a transoral approach to inject CaHA (N = 17). Videolaryngostroboscopic evaluation, subjective satisfaction with voice, voice handicap index (VHI), and maximal phonation time (MPT) were analyzed pre-injection and 12 months after VFA. A total of 31 patients were analyzed. One year after VFA, 67.8% of the patients were satisfied with their voice, with no significant difference between groups (P = 0.247). The mean improvement in VHI in the autologous fat group was 31.6 ± 16.82 versus 35 ± 27.24 in the CaHA group (P = 0.664). MPT improvement was also similar in the two groups: 5.5 ± 2.52 for the autologous fat group versus 6.0 ± 3.98 for the CaHA group (P = 0.823). Both autologous fat injection via direct microlaryngoscopy and office-based CaHA injection have good long-term results. There were no differences in the treatment results of the two procedures 1 year after injection.

[Results of administering oral anticoagulants for treatment of patients with venous thromboembolic complications]. / Rezul'taty primeneniia peroral'nykh antikoaguliantov pri lechenii bol'nykh s venoznymi tromboémbolicheskimi oslozhneniiami.

The objective of the study was to compare safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban and dabigatran with warfarin in treatment of patients with acute venous thromboembolic complications (VTEC). The authors analysed the results of examining and treating a total of 95 patients presenting with VTEC and randomly divided into three groups. In all groups the initial anticoagulant therapy consisted in unfractionated heparin administered for 5 days, after which the patients followed by switching were switched to a 6-month course of treatment with oral anticoagulants. Patients from Group One received warfarin, Group Two patients were treated with dabigatran etexilate, and Group Three patients were treated with rivaroxaban. Relapses of the disease were diagnosed in 2 (5.7%) patients from Group One. Haemorrhagic complications were noted in 8 (22.9%) Group One patients, in 3 (10%) Group Two patients and in 2 (6.7%) Group Three patients. After the end of treatment, complete recanalization of the thrombosed veins was revealed 13 (37.1%) patients from Group One, in 15 (50%) patients from Group Two and in 14 (46.7%) patients from Group Three. One year after the end of treatment, freedom from chronic venous insufficiency was observed in 8 (23.3%) patients of Group One, in 12 (40%) patients of Group Two and in 11 (36.6%) patients of Group Three. The composite quality of life indices after the treatment course were (appeared to be) higher in Group Two and Three patients compared with those of Group One. Hence, a conclusion was drawn that dabigatran and rivaroxaban turned out to be superior by efficacy and safety to warfarin in treatment of this patient cohort. No statistically significant differences were observed while comparing dabigatran and rivaroxaban.

[Plasma management in complex treatment of late inflammatory complications after injection contour plasty with polyacrylamide gel]. / Plazmennaia obrabotka pri lechenii pozdnikh vospalitel'no-gnoinykh oslozhnenii in''ektsionnoi konturnoi plastiki poliakrilamidnym gelem.

AIM: To improve the results of treatment of late inflammatory complications after injection contour plasty with polyacrylamide gel. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors analyze treatment of 21 patients with late septic complications of body contour plasty with polyacrylamide gel (PAGE) for the period 2010-2015. Mean age of women was 47.4 years. Time after primary intervention was 10-22 years. The depth of soft tissue lesion corresponded to II-III grade by D. Ahrenholz classification (1991), length - from 67 to 180 cm2. Mammary glands were the most common area of augmentation (18 cases). Besides antibiotic therapy and surgery complex treatment included exposure with plasma flows in various modes. RESULTS: Plasma technology significantly accelerated regenerative processes and provided stable microbial decontamination in 100% patients. High-energy vaporization was associated with maximum possible removal of PAGE from the tissues that was confirmed by histological examination.

Long-term Outcomes of Sphincter-Saving Procedures for Diffuse Crohn's Disease of the Large Bowel.

BACKGROUND: Total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis for Crohn's colitis is acceptable in the presence of a suitable rectum. Intentional IPAA has been proposed for diffuse Crohn's proctocolitis without enteric or anoperineal disease. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of sphincter-saving procedures for large-bowel Crohn's disease. DESIGN: Patients with preoperative Crohn's disease diagnosis undergoing intentional IPAA and ileorectal anastomosis were included. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a tertiary care research center. PATIENTS: Ileorectal anastomosis was performed in 75 patients with Crohn's disease, whereas 32 patients underwent intentional IPAA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Long-term functional results and permanent stoma requirement of sphincter-saving operations were assessed. Quality of life and postoperative medication use were also compared with a control group of patients undergoing total proctocolectomy and end ileostomy. RESULTS: Patients undergoing ileorectal anastomosis were older and had longer disease duration, higher prevalence of perianal and penetrating disease, and history of small-bowel resection than those receiving IPAA. Indications for surgery, preoperative use of immunomodulators, and postoperative use of biologics were also significantly different. Although functional defecatory outcomes were comparable, reported quality of life 3 years after surgery was significantly better in patients who underwent IPAA than in patients with ileorectal anastomosis. Patients with IPAA were associated with significantly lower cumulative rates of surgical recurrence (HR = 0.28 (95% CI, 0.09-0.84); p = 0.017), indefinite stoma diversion (HR = 0.35 (95% CI, 0.13-0.99); p = 0.039), and proctectomy with end ileostomy (HR = 0.27 (95% CI, 0.07-0.96); p = 0.030) than those with ileorectal anastomosis. LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by its retrospective nature and small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Contemporary patients selected to have intentional IPAA for Crohn's colitis have disease characteristics very different from those selected to have ileorectal anastomosis. Long-term follow-up confirms intentional IPAA as an acceptable option in selected patients with Crohn's colitis.

Patient reported outcomes among treatment modalities for prostate cancer.

INTRODUCTION: To characterize patient reported outcomes for urinary and sexual function using International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) comparing intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), low dose rate brachytherapy (LDR), post-prostatectomy IMRT (PPRT), and radical prostatectomy (RP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients treated for prostate cancer from 2001-2012 completed self-reported SHIM and IPSS surveys. Subgroups were created by baseline score. Mean change from baseline was determined at each time point for the cohort and subgroups. Statistical analysis was performed with generalized estimating equation method. Incontinence was not captured in the questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 14,523 IPSS surveys from 3,515 men were evaluated. Patients treated with IMRT experienced a minimal decrease in IPSS score from baseline. PPRT scores did not differ from IMRT at any time point (range: +/- 3 points from baseline in IPSS score over 50 months). LDR had an initial IPSS rise (between 5-10 points on the IPSS over 1-9 months) versus IMRT but returned to comparable levels at 34 months. RP was associated with a lower IPSS versus IMRT. LDR had the largest rise from baseline, with return toward baseline. A total of 2,624 SHIM surveys from 857 men were evaluated. LDR and PPRT did not differ from IMRT at any time point (range: +/- 5 points from baseline in SHIM score for 36 months). RP experienced the largest decline from baseline (up to -7 points on SHIM score), at 3 to 7 months; RP had a larger early decrease in SHIM score versus IMRT between 3 and 22 months, after which there was no difference. CONCLUSIONS: IPSS and SHIM score patterns differed among treatment modalities. These data can be used to predict changes in urinary and sexual function over time based on modality and baseline score.

A Longitudinal Review of Gait Following Treatment for Idiopathic Clubfoot: Gait Analysis at 2 and 5 Years of Age.

BACKGROUND: Initial correction following nonoperative (NonOp) treatment for idiopathic clubfoot has been reported in 95% of feet by age 2; however, by age 4, approximately one third of feet undergo surgery due to relapse. The purpose of this study was to assess the longitudinal effect of growth and surgical (Sx) intervention on gait following NonOp and Sx treatment for clubfoot. METHODS: Children with idiopathic clubfoot were seen for gait analysis at 2 and 5 years of age. Kinematic data were collected at both visits, and kinetic data were collected at age 5 years. Group comparisons were made between feet treated with the Ponseti casting technique (Ponseti) and the French physical therapy method (PT) and between feet treated nonoperatively and surgically. Comparisons were made between feet treated with a limited release or tendon transfer (fair) and those treated with a full posteromedial release (poor). The α was set to 0.05 for all statistical analyses. RESULTS: Gait data from 181 children with 276 idiopathic clubfeet were collected at both age 2 and 5 years. Each foot was initially treated with either the Ponseti (n=132) or PT (n=144) method but by the 5-year visit, 30 Ponseti and 61 PT feet required surgery. Gait outcomes showed limitations primarily in the Sx clubfeet. Normal ankle motion was only present in 17% of Ponseti and 21% of PT feet by age 5 following Sx management. Sx PT feet showed persistent intoeing at age 2 and 5. Within the Sx group, feet initially treated with PT had a clinically significant reduction in ankle power compared with those treated initially by the Ponseti method. Feet treated with posteromedial releases had significantly less ankle power than those treated with limited surgery or that remained NonOp at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: This longitudinal study shows subtle changes between 2 and 5 years, and continues to support a NonOp approach in the treatment of clubfoot. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II-therapeutic.

Long-Term Radial Artery Patency Following Transradial Coronary Catheterization via a 7-Fr Sheath.

BACKGROUND: Radial artery occlusion (RAO) may occur following transradial catheterization, precluding future use of the vessel for vascular access or as a coronary bypass graft. Recanalization of RAO may occur; however, long-term radial artery patency when revascularization is more likely to be required has not been investigated. Transradial catheterization is usually performed via 5-Fr or 6-Fr catheters. Insertion of 7-Fr sheaths into the radial artery enables complex coronary interventions but may increase the risk of RAO. OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term radial artery patency following transradial catheterization via 7-Fr sheaths. METHODS: Antegrade radial artery blood flow was assessed by duplex ultrasound in 43 patients who had undergone transradial catheterization via a 7-Fr sheath. RESULTS: All patients had received intravenous unfractionated heparin with a mean activated clotting time (ACT) of 247 ± 56 seconds. Twenty-four patients (56%) had received a glycoprotein IIbIIIa inhibitor and no vascular site complications had occurred. Mean time interval from catheterization to duplex ultrasound was 507 ± 317 days. Asymptomatic RAO was documented in 8 subjects (19%). Reduced body weight was the only significant univariate predictor of RAO (78 ± 11 vs. 89 ± 13 kg, P = 0.031). In a bivariate model using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves, the combination of lower weight and shorter ACT offered best prediction of RAO (area under the ROC curve 0.813). CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic RAO was found at late follow-up in approximately 1 of 5 patients undergoing transradial catheterization via a 7-Fr sheath and was associated with lower body weight and shorter ACT.