Prediction of long-term mortality following hip fracture surgery: evaluation of three risk models.

INTRODUCTION: Several prognostic models have been developed for mortality in hip fracture patients, but their accuracy for long-term prediction is unclear. This study evaluates the performance of three models assessing 30-day, 1-year and 8-year mortality after hip fracture surgery: the Nottingham Hip Fracture Score (NHFS), the model developed by Holt et al. and the Hip fracture Estimator of Mortality Amsterdam (HEMA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients admitted with a fractured hip between January 2012 and June 2013 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Relevant variables used by the three models were collected, as were mortality data. Predictive performance was assessed in terms of discrimination with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and calibration with the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. Clinical usefulness was evaluated by determining risk groups for each model, comparing differences in mortality using Kaplan-Meier curves, and by assessing positive and negative predictive values. RESULTS: A total of 344 patients were included for analysis. Observed mortality rates were 6.1% after 30 days, 19.1% after 1 year and 68.6% after 8 years. The NHFS and the model by Holt et al. demonstrated good to excellent discrimination and adequate calibration for both short- and long-term mortality prediction, with similar clinical usefulness measures. The HEMA demonstrated inferior prediction of 30-day and 8-year mortality, with worse discriminative abilities and a significant lack of fit. CONCLUSIONS: The NHFS and the model by Holt et al. allowed for accurate identification of low- and high-risk patients for both short- and long-term mortality after a fracture of the hip. The HEMA performed poorly. When considering predictive performance and ease of use, the NHFS seems most suitable for implementation in daily clinical practice.

Phyllodes tumors of the breast: a retrospective analysis of 57 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Current guidelines for the treatment of phyllodes tumors recommend wide local excision for all histopathological subtypes. However, it is unknown which subtypes have tendency to recur after marginal or incomplete excision. This may lead to over-treatment by re-excision surgery for tumors with little or no potential to recur. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with benign, borderline or malignant phyllode tumors presenting at our institution between 2000 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 57 patients could be included, of which 39 tumors were benign (60%), three were borderline (5%), and seven were malignant phyllodes tumors (12%). There were also eight phyllodes-like fibroadenomas (14%). Fifty-two patients (91%) underwent local excision as primary treatment, resulting in tumor-positive or close-resection margins in 32 patients (61.5%) of whom five patients (15.6%) had re-excision surgery. During a median follow-up of 5 years, local recurrence occurred in four patients (7.0%) with a median time-to-recurrence of 12 months. Borderline and malignant subtypes were associated with a significantly higher recurrence rate compared to other subtypes (p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Although an adequate tumor-negative resection margin should be obtained for borderline and malignant phyllodes tumors, this study confirms that wide local excision is the appropriate primary treatment for all histopathological subtypes. However, if tumor-negative margins were not obtained at first excision, a wait-and-see approach is justified for benign phyllodes tumors.

Quality of Life and Persistent Symptoms After Uncomplicated Acute Diverticulitis.

BACKGROUND: Although acute diverticulitis and its recurrence are well studied, little is known about the period after these attacks have passed. Many patients appear to be affected by persistent symptoms that impair quality of life. The few published studies on this topic are mostly limited by the lack of CT confirmation of the acute diverticulitis diagnosis, low numbers of patients, or cross-sectional design. OBJECTIVE: This study longitudinally evaluated quality of life and symptoms after antibiotic or observational treatment of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis. DESIGN: This was an observational study of randomized clinical trial data. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at a single tertiary care center. PATIENTS: Patients with CT-proven, primary, left-sided, uncomplicated acute diverticulitis were randomly assigned to observational or antibiotic treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Quality of life was assessed using questionnaires (EuroQol 5D, Short Form-36, and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index) at baseline and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after random assignment. Patients were considered to have persistent symptoms when specific quality-of-life scores at the 12- and 24-month follow-ups were among the lowest 16% of scores measured in a healthy reference group. RESULTS: A total of 528 patients were included. No difference was detected between the observational and antibiotic groups in any quality-of-life score during follow-up. Overall, 32.2% to 38.2% of patients had persistent symptoms after 1 or 2 years, depending on which questionnaire (sub)score was assessed. Risk factors for persistent symptoms based on to the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life index GI symptoms score included a mean pain score ≥3.75 (OR = 2.77 (95% CI, 1.60-4.80)) during the first 10 days of disease and prolonged (≥28 d) time to recovery (OR = 2.25 (95% CI, 1.31-3.88)). Flatulence, rumblings, bloating, fullness, and many stools were the top 5 complaints at the 12- and 24-month follow-ups. LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by possible selection bias of patients included in a randomized controlled trial. CONCLUSIONS: More than one third of patients experience persistent symptoms after an episode of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis. Long-term quality of life is comparable after initial antibiotic or observational treatment. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A916.

Sexual Functioning and Relationship Satisfaction of Partners of Breast Cancer Survivors Who Receive Internet-Based Sex Therapy.

As part of a larger, randomized controlled trial, we evaluated longitudinally the sexual functioning and relationship satisfaction of 69 partners of breast cancer (BC) survivors who received Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for sexual dysfunction. The findings suggest that Internet-based CBT positively affects the partners' immediate post-CBT and longer-term overall sexual satisfaction, sexual intimacy, and sexual relationship satisfaction. No sustained changes in other areas of sexual functioning were observed. Our CBT program was focused primarily on the sexual health of the BC survivors. We recommend that future programs include more psychoeducational and behavioral elements targeted at the partners.

Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Realizes Long-Term Improvement in the Sexual Functioning and Body Image of Breast Cancer Survivors.

The study aim was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for sexual dysfunctions in 84 breast cancer survivors. The positive effects of the intervention on overall sexual functioning, sexual desire, sexual arousal, vaginal lubrication, discomfort during sex, sexual distress, and body image observed immediately posttreatment were maintained at three- and nine-month follow-ups. Although sexual pleasure decreased during follow-up, it did not return to baseline levels. Our findings provide evidence that Internet-based CBT has a sustained, positive effect on sexual functioning and body image of breast cancer survivors with a sexual dysfunction.

Rapid genetic counseling and testing in newly diagnosed breast cancer: Patients' and health professionals' attitudes, experiences, and evaluation of effects on treatment decision making.

BACKGROUND: Rapid genetic counseling and testing (RGCT) in newly diagnosed high-risk breast cancer (BC) patients may influence surgical treatment decisions. To successfully integrate RGCT in practice, knowledge of professionals', and patients' attitudes toward RGCT is essential. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2010, we performed a randomized clinical trial evaluating the impact of RGCT. Attitudes toward and experience with RGCT were assessed in 265 patients (at diagnosis, 6- and 12-month follow-up) and 29 medical professionals (before and after the recruitment period). RESULTS: At 6-month follow-up, more patients who had been offered RGCT felt they had been actively involved in treatment decision-making than patients who had been offered usual care (67% vs 48%, P = 0.06). Patients who received DNA-test results before primary surgery reported more often that RGCT influenced treatment decisions than those who received results afterwards (P < 0.01). Eighty-seven percent felt that genetic counseling and testing (GCT) should preferably take place between diagnosis and surgery. Most professionals (72%) agreed that RGCT should be routinely offered to eligible patients. Most patients (74%) and professionals (85%) considered surgeons the most appropriate source for referral. CONCLUSIONS: RGCT is viewed as helpful for newly diagnosed high-risk BC patients in choosing their primary surgery and should be offered routinely by surgeons.

Do-not-resuscitate orders and early mortality in hip fracture patients.

Background: factors affecting mortality after hip fracture surgery have been studied extensively. It has been suggested that do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders are associated with higher mortality in surgical patients due to less aggressive treatment. However, the effect of DNR orders on mortality in hip fracture patients is unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of DNR orders on early mortality after hip fracture surgery. Methods: all patients undergoing hip fracture surgery between 2004 and 2015 were included in this retrospective study. Patient characteristics such as age, comorbidities and fracture type were collected, as were resuscitation preferences. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for early mortality. Results: a total of 1,803 patients were analysed, of which 823 (45.6%) had DNR orders. DNR patients were older, more often female, had lower haemoglobin levels and more comorbidities when compared with non-DNR patients. The unadjusted effect of DNR orders on mortality was high (OR: 2.39; P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that increased age, male gender, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score, low admission haemoglobin, living in an institution, high Charlson Comorbidity Index and delay to surgery were associated with increased early mortality after hip fracture surgery. There was no independent effect of DNR orders on mortality after adjustment for these variables (P = 0.735). Conclusions: DNR patients have higher mortality rates due to poor health status. Resuscitation preferences on their own are not associated with early mortality after hip fracture surgery.

Are routine preoperative liver function tests in patients with uncomplicated symptomatic gallstone disease necessary?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of preoperative liver function tests (LFTs) in patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease and scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: All 1112 patients who underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstone disease during a 6-year cohort were retrospectively reviewed. Only patients who presented with uncomplicated disease were selected. Preoperative LFTs, pre-, and postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreaticographies (ERCPs) and postoperative complications were collected. RESULTS: A total of 697 patients were included. There were 629 (90.2%) patients with (group I) and 68 (9.8%) patients without (group II) preoperative LFTs. The incidence of ERCPs, ERCPs positive for bile duct stones, and postoperative complications were not significantly different between groups. Second, Group I patients were divided into four groups: 360 patients with normal LFTs (I-A1), 269 patients with at least one LFT > normal value (I-A2), 531 patients with all LFTs <2× normal (I-B1), and 98 patients with at least one LFT >2× normal (I-B2). More ERCPs were performed in group I-A2 (10%) than in group I-A1 (2.2%) and more in group I-B2 (18.4%) than I-B1 (3.2%), as a consequence of significantly more ERCPs performed preoperatively. No differences were detected between groups regarding ERCPs positive for bile duct stones or postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative LFTs do not influence the occurrence of postoperative complications nor the total rate of ERCPs in patients undergoing cholecystectomy for uncomplicated gallstone disease. Preoperative determination of LFTs seems to cause a slight shift from post- to preoperative ERCPs without further clinical consequences.

Does rapid genetic counseling and testing in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients cause additional psychosocial distress? results from a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Female breast cancer patients carrying a BRCA1/2 mutation have an increased risk of second primary breast cancer. Rapid genetic counseling and testing (RGCT) before surgery may influence choice of primary surgical treatment. In this article, we report on the psychosocial impact of RGCT. METHODS: Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients at risk for carrying a BRCA1/2 mutation were randomized to an intervention group (offer of RGCT) or a usual care control group (ratio 2:1). Psychosocial impact and quality of life were assessed with the Impact of Events Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Cancer Worry Scale, and the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23. Assessments took place at study entry and at 6- and 12-month follow-up visits. RESULTS: Between 2008 and 2010, 265 patients were recruited into the study. Completeness of follow-up data was more than 90%. Of the 178 women in the intervention group, 177 had genetic counseling, of whom 71 (40%) had rapid DNA testing and 59 (33%) received test results before surgery. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses showed no statistically significant differences between groups over time in any of the psychosocial outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, RGCT in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients did not have any measurable adverse psychosocial effects.

Lymph Node Yield in Colon Cancer: Individuals Can Make the Difference.

AIM: To investigate the influence of individual surgeons and pathologists on examining an adequate (i.e. ≥10) number of lymph nodes in colon cancer resection specimens. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The number of lymph nodes was evaluated in surgically treated patients for colon cancer at our hospital from 2008 through 2010, excluding patients who had received neo-adjuvant treatment. The patient group consisted of 156 patients with a median age of 73 (interquartile range (IQR) 63-82 years) and a median of 12 lymph nodes per patient (IQR 8-15). In 106 patients (67.9%), 10 or more nodes were histopathologically examined. RESULTS: At univariate analysis, the examination of ≥10 nodes was influenced by tumour size (p = 0.05), tumour location (p = 0.015), type of resection (p = 0.034), individual surgeon (p = 0.023), and pathologist (p = 0.005). Neither individual surgeons nor pathologists did statistically and significantly influence the chance of finding an N+ status. Age (p = 0.044), type of resection (p = 0.007), individual surgeon (p = 0.012) and pathologist (p = 0.004) were independent prognostic factors in a multivariate model for finding ≥10 nodes. CONCLUSION: Though cancer staging was not affected in this study, individual efforts by surgeons and pathologists play a critical role in achieving optimal lymph node yield through conventional methods.

Comparison of imaging strategies with conditional contrast-enhanced CT and unenhanced MR imaging in patients suspected of having appendicitis: a multicenter diagnostic performance study.

PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic performance of imaging strategies with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and computed tomographic (CT) imaging in adult patients suspected of having appendicitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval was obtained prior to study initiation, and patients gave written informed consent. In a multicenter diagnostic performance study, adults suspected of having appendicitis were prospectively identified in the emergency department. Consenting patients underwent ultrasonography (US) and subsequent contrast-enhanced CT if US imaging yielded negative or inconclusive results. Additionally, all patients underwent unenhanced MR imaging, with the reader blinded to other findings. An expert panel assigned final diagnosis after 3 months. Diagnostic performance of three imaging strategies was evaluated: conditional CT after US, conditional MR imaging after US, and immediate MR imaging. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated by comparing findings with final diagnosis. RESULTS: Between March and September 2010, 229 US, 115 CT, and 223 MR examinations were performed in 230 patients (median age, 35 years; 40% men). Appendicitis was the final diagnosis in 118 cases. Conditional and immediate MR imaging had sensitivity and specificity comparable to that of conditional CT, which resulted in 3% (three of 118; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1%, 7%) missed appendicitis, and 8% (10 of 125; 95% CI: 4%, 14%) false-positives. Conditional MR missed appendicitis in 2% (two of 118; 95% CI: 0%, 6%) and generated 10% (13 of 129; 95% CI: 6%, 16%) false-positives. Immediate MR missed 3% (four of 117; 95% CI: 1%, 8%) appendicitis with 6% (seven of 120; 95% CI: 3%, 12%) false-positives. Conditional strategies resulted in more false-positives in women than in men (conditional CT, 17% vs 0%; P = .03; conditional MR, 19% vs 1%; P = .04), wherease immediate MR imaging did not. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of conditional or immediate MR imaging was similar to that of conditional CT in patients suspected of having appendicitis, which implied that strategies with MR imaging may replace conditional CT for appendicitis detection.

Laparoscopic partial cholecystectomy for the difficult gallbladder: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: In the setting of difficult dissection of Calot's triangle during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, conversion is commonly advocated. An alternative approach aimed at preventing bile duct injury is laparoscopic partial cholecystectomy (LPC). The safety and efficacy of this procedure are unclear. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed independently by three researchers. The outcomes were conversion rate, hospital length of stay (LOS), bile duct injury, bile leak, symptomatic gallstones in the remnant gallbladder, need for reoperation, postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP), percutaneous intervention, and mortality. RESULTS: The review included 15 publications, which reported on 625 patients. Four different operative techniques could be distinguished. Conversion to open (partial) cholecystectomy was performed in 10.4 % of the cases. The median LOS was 4.5 days (range, 0-48 days). The most common complication was postoperative bile leak, which occurred in 66 patients (10.6 %). One case of bile duct injury occurred. During the follow-up period, 2.2 % of the patients experienced recurrent symptoms of gallstones. Eight patients (2.7 %) underwent reoperation. Postoperative ERCP was performed for 26 (7.5 %) of 349 patients. A percutaneous intervention was performed for 5 (1.4 %) of 353 patients. Three deaths were described in the reviewed series (1 of pulmonary sepsis and 2 of myocardial infarctions). A rough comparison showed that fewer bile leaks, less need for ERCP, and less recurrent symptoms of gallstones seemed to occur when the cystic duct and gallbladder remnant were closed. CONCLUSIONS: Literature concerning LPC is scarce. Four different LPC techniques can be distinguished. When a difficult gallbladder is encountered during LC, LPC seems to be a safe and feasible alternative to conversion. Closing of the cystic duct, gallbladder remnant, or both seems to be preferable.

A systematic review of high-fibre dietary therapy in diverticular disease.

PURPOSE: The exact pathogenesis of diverticular disease of the sigmoid colon is not well established. However, the hypothesis that a low-fibre diet may result in diverticulosis and a high-fibre diet will prevent symptoms or complications of diverticular disease is widely accepted. The aim of this review is to assess whether a high-fibre diet can improve symptoms and/or prevent complications of diverticular disease of the sigmoid colon and/or prevent recurrent diverticulitis after a primary episode. METHODS: Clinical studies were eligible for inclusion if they assessed the treatment of diverticular disease or the prevention of recurrent diverticulitis with a high-fibre diet. The following exclusion criteria were used for study selection: studies without comparison of the patient group with a control group. RESULTS: No studies concerning prevention of recurrent diverticulitis with a high-fibre diet met our inclusion criteria. Three randomised controlled trials (RCT) and one case-control study were included in this systematic review. One RCT of moderate quality showed no difference in the primary endpoints. A second RCT of moderate quality and the case-control study found a significant difference in favour of a high-fibre diet in the treatment of symptomatic diverticular disease. The third RCT of moderate quality found a significant difference in favour of methylcellulose (fibre supplement). This study also showed a placebo effect. CONCLUSION: High-quality evidence for a high-fibre diet in the treatment of diverticular disease is lacking, and most recommendations are based on inconsistent level 2 and mostly level 3 evidence. Nevertheless, high-fibre diet is still recommended in several guidelines.

Systematic review of medical therapy to prevent recurrent diverticulitis.

AIM AND BACKGROUND: One of today's controversies remains the prevention of recurrent diverticulitis. Current guidelines advise a conservative approach, based on studies showing low recurrence rates and a high operative morbidity and mortality. Conservative measures in prevention recurrence are dietary advises and medical therapies, including probiotics and 5-aminosalicylic acid. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review is to assess whether medical or dietary therapies can prevent recurrent diverticulitis after a primary episode of acute diverticulitis. METHOD AND SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched different databases for papers published between January 1966 and January 2011. STUDY SELECTION: Clinical studies were eligible for inclusion if they assessed the prevention of recurrent diverticulitis with a medical or dietary therapy. Exclusion criteria were studies without a control group. RESULTS: Three randomized controlled trials (RCT), all with a Jadad quality score of 2 out of 5, were included in this systematic review. Mesalazine results in significantly less disease recurrence and fewer symptoms after an acute episode. The use of probiotics decreases symptoms but does not reduce recurrence. No difference in effect is seen when Balsalazide is added to probiotics compared to probiotics only. No relevant studies on dietary therapy/advices or antibiotics for prevention of recurrent diverticulitis were found. CONCLUSION: The evidence that supports medical therapy to prevent recurrent diverticulitis is of poor quality. Treatment with 5-aminosalicylic acid seems promising. Based on current data, no recommendation of any non-operative relapse prevention therapy for diverticular disease can be made.

Mortality Prediction in Hip Fracture Patients: Physician Assessment Versus Prognostic Models.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate 2 prognostic models for mortality after a fracture of the hip, the Nottingham Hip Fracture Score and Hip Fracture Estimator of Mortality Amsterdam and to compare their predictive performance to physician assessment of mortality risk in hip fracture patients. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Two level-2 trauma centers located in the Netherlands. PATIENTS: Two hundred forty-four patients admitted to the Emergency Departments of both hospitals with a fractured hip. INTERVENTION: Data used in both prediction models were collected at the time of admission for each individual patient, as well as predictions of mortality by treating physicians. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Predictive performances were evaluated for 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year mortality. Discrimination was assessed with the area under the curve (AUC); calibration with the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and calibration plots; clinical usefulness in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. RESULTS: Mortality was 7.4% after 30 days, 22.1% after 1 year, and 59.4% after 5 years. There were no statistically significant differences in discrimination between the prediction methods (AUC 0.73-0.80). The Nottingham Hip Fracture Score demonstrated underfitting for 30-day mortality and failed to identify the majority of high-risk patients (sensitivity 33%). The Hip fracture Estimator of Mortality Amsterdam showed systematic overestimation and overfitting. Physicians were able to identify most high-risk patients for 30-day mortality (sensitivity 78%) but with some overestimation. Both risk models demonstrated a lack of fit when used for 1-year and 5-year mortality predictions. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, prognostic models and physicians demonstrated similar discriminating abilities when predicting mortality in hip fracture patients. Although physicians overestimated mortality, they were better at identifying high-risk patients and at predicting long-term mortality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A multicenter randomized clinical trial investigating the cost-effectiveness of treatment strategies with or without antibiotics for uncomplicated acute diverticulitis (DIABOLO trial).

BACKGROUND: Conservative treatment of uncomplicated or mild diverticulitis usually includes antibiotic therapy. It is, however, uncertain whether patients with acute diverticulitis indeed benefit from antibiotics. In most guidelines issued by professional organizations antibiotics are considered mandatory in the treatment of mild diverticulitis. This advice lacks evidence and is merely based on experts' opinion. Adverse effects of the use of antibiotics are well known, including allergic reactions, development of bacterial resistance to antibiotics and other side-effects. METHODS: A randomized multicenter pragmatic clinical trial comparing two treatment strategies for uncomplicated acute diverticulitis. I) A conservative strategy with antibiotics: hospital admission, supportive measures and at least 48 hours of intravenous antibiotics which subsequently are switched to oral, if tolerated (for a total duration of antibiotic treatment of 10 days). II) A liberal strategy without antibiotics: admission only if needed on clinical grounds, supportive measures only. Patients are eligible for inclusion if they have a diagnosis of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis as demonstrated by radiological imaging. Only patients with stages 1a and 1b according to Hinchey's classification or "mild" diverticulitis according to the Ambrosetti criteria are included. The primary endpoint is time-to-full recovery within a 6-month follow-up period. Full recovery is defined as being discharged from the hospital, with a return to pre-illness activities, and VAS score below 4 without the use of daily pain medication. Secondary endpoints are proportion of patients who develop complicated diverticulitis requiring surgery or non-surgical intervention, morbidity, costs, health-related quality of life, readmission rate and acute diverticulitis recurrence rate. In a non-inferiority design 264 patients are needed in each study arm to detect a difference in time-to-full recovery of 5 days or more with a power of 85% and a confidence level of 95%. With an estimated one percent of patients lost to follow up, a total of 533 patients will be included. CONCLUSION: A clinically relevant difference of more than 5 days in time-to-full recovery between the two treatment strategies is not expected. The liberal strategy without antibiotics and without the strict requirement for hospital admission is anticipated to be more a more cost-effective approach. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01111253.

Toe hair-thread tourniquet syndrome.

A 5-month-old boy presented with swelling and discoloration of the right third toe because of hair-thread tourniquet syndrome. This was treated by urgent surgical release of the constricting band, with a successful outcome. The authors stress the importance of recognizing this rare condition and of prompt, complete, surgical release.

Efficacy of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Treatment-Induced Menopausal Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the effect of Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT), with or without therapist support, on the perceived impact of hot flushes and night sweats (HF/NS) and overall levels of menopausal symptoms (primary outcomes), sleep quality, HF/NS frequency, sexual functioning, psychological distress, and health-related quality of life in breast cancer survivors with treatment-induced menopausal symptoms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We randomly assigned 254 breast cancer survivors to a therapist-guided or a self-managed iCBT group or to a waiting list control group. The 6-week iCBT program included psycho-education, behavior monitoring, and cognitive restructuring. Questionnaires were administered at baseline and at 10 weeks and 24 weeks postrandomization. We used mixed-effects models to compare the intervention groups with the control group over time. Significance was set at P < .01. An effect size (ES) of .20 was considered small, .50 moderate and clinically significant, and .80 large. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the guided and self-managed iCBT groups reported a significant decrease in the perceived impact of HF/NS (ES, .63 and .56, respectively; both P < .001) and improvement in sleep quality (ES, .57 and .41; both P < .001). The guided group also reported significant improvement in overall levels of menopausal symptoms (ES, .33; P = .003), and NS frequency (ES, .64; P < .001). At longer-term follow-up (24 weeks), the effects remained significant, with a smaller ES for the guided group on perceived impact of HF/NS and sleep quality and for the self-managed group on overall levels of menopausal symptoms. Additional longer-term effects for both intervention groups were found for hot flush frequency. CONCLUSION: iCBT, with or without therapist support, has clinically significant, salutary effects on the perceived impact and frequency of HF/NS, overall levels of menopausal symptoms, and sleep quality.

Isolated limb perfusion for melanoma.

Isolated limb perfusion with high-dose chemotherapy is an accepted treatment modality to achieve locoregional control in advanced melanoma of the extremities. The drug of choice is melphalan. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha is frequently added to melphalan in bulky disease, and this combination may be an option for repeat perfusion for recurrent melanoma after a first perfusion. Results of perfusions performed with tissue temperatures between 37 degrees C and 38 degrees C seem to be equivalent to those of the perfusions performed under mild hyperthermic conditions. Perfusion cannot be recommended as an adjunct to wide local excision in patients who have primary melanoma. Adjuvant perfusion in repeatedly recurrent limb melanoma, however, may be of value because it lengthens the limb recurrence-free interval and decreases the number of lesions per recurrence significantly. Regional toxicity of perfusion should be mild when risk factors are taken into account.

Predicting Early Mortality After Hip Fracture Surgery: The Hip Fracture Estimator of Mortality Amsterdam.

OBJECTIVES: Early mortality after hip fracture surgery is high and preoperative risk assessment for the individual patient is challenging. A risk model could identify patients in need of more intensive perioperative care, provide insight in the prognosis, and allow for risk adjustment in audits. This study aimed to develop and validate a risk prediction model for 30-day mortality after hip fracture surgery: the Hip fracture Estimator of Mortality Amsterdam (HEMA). METHODS: Data on 1050 consecutive patients undergoing hip fracture surgery between 2004 and 2010 were retrospectively collected and randomly split into a development cohort (746 patients) and validation cohort (304 patients). Logistic regression analysis was performed in the development cohort to determine risk factors for the HEMA. Discrimination and calibration were assessed in both cohorts using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, and by stratification into low-, medium- and high-risk groups. RESULTS: Nine predictors for 30-day mortality were identified and used in the final model: age ≥85 years, in-hospital fracture, signs of malnutrition, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, current pneumonia, renal failure, malignancy, and serum urea >9 mmol/L. The HEMA showed good discrimination in the development cohort (AUC = 0.81) and the validation cohort (AUC = 0.79). The Hosmer-Lemeshow test indicated no lack of fit in either cohort (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The HEMA is based on preoperative variables and can be used to predict the risk of 30-day mortality after hip fracture surgery for the individual patient. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.