Mapping the Grounds for Mortalities in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Through Registry Analyses: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults Patients.

Background: Our objective was to identify non-malignant factors that contribute to mortality in children, adolescents and young adults, aiming to improve patient follow-up and reduce mortality rates to achieve better survival outcomes. Methods: We analyzed 8,239 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2019 in the USA. Using version 8.4.0.1 of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)*Stat software, we calculated the standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each cause of death. Results: Out of the 3,165 deaths observed in the study population, the majority (2,245;70.9%) were attributed to AML itself, followed by non-AML cancers (573; 18.1%) and non-cancerous causes (347; 10.9%). Conclusions: Patients with AML are at a higher risk of developing other types of cancer and granulocyte deficiencies, which increases the risk of death from non-cancerous causes such as infections. Moreover, treatment for AML carries the risk of cardiac problems. AML is commoner in males than females.

Surgical treatment of injection-induced rectus femoris muscle contracture in a child: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Quadriceps contracture, characterized by the shortening of the quadriceps muscle and reduced knee flexion, poses challenges in daily activities. The etiology of this condition includes congenital, traumatic, infective, or iatrogenic factors.Treatment typically involves surgical intervention, with various techniques described in the literature. Differentiating between isolated rectus femoris contracture and combined rectus and quadriceps contractures is crucial for appropriate management. CASE PRESENTATION: A 14-year-old female presented with gait disturbance and limitations in sitting and squatting due to rectus femoris contracture secondary to repetitive intramuscular injections. Physical examination revealed restricted knee flexion and positive Ely's test. The patient underwent rectus femoris lengthening (RFL) surgery, resulting in improved knee flexion and hip extension. Postoperatively, early mobilization and physiotherapy were initiated, leading to complete recovery with no complications during a three-year follow-up. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Quadriceps femoris muscle contracture in childhood can result from congenital factors or acquired causes such as injections, trauma, infections, or ischemia. In Syria, injection-induced contractures are prevalent due to widespread intramuscular drug administration. Differentiating between isolated rectus femoris contracture and combined quadriceps contracture is crucial for treatment selection. Surgical intervention, such as rectus femoris lengthening using the Z-plasty procedure, yields favorable outcomes. Postoperative physiotherapy is essential. Incision necrosis is a common complication, mitigated by careful incision placement. CONCLUSION: Injection-induced rectus femoris contracture is common in children due to repeated thigh injections. Healthcare providers should consider alternative administration sites and routes to prevent contractures.

Hypogammaglobulinemia and infections in patients with multiple sclerosis treated with anti-CD20 treatments: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 19,139 multiple sclerosis patients.

Background: Recent years have seen the emergence of disease-modifying therapies in multiple sclerosis (MS), such as anti-cluster of differentiation 20 (anti-CD20) monoclonal antibodies, aiming to modulate the immune response and effectively manage MS. However, the relationship between anti-CD20 treatments and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels, particularly the development of hypogammaglobulinemia and subsequent infection risks, remains a subject of scientific interest and variability. We aimed to investigate the intricate connection between anti-CD20 MS treatments, changes in IgG levels, and the associated risk of hypogammaglobulinemia and subsequent infections. Method: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases have been searched for relevant studies. The "R" software utilized to analyze the occurrence of hypogammaglobulinemia, infections and mean differences in IgG levels pre- and post-treatment. The subgrouping analyses were done based on drug type and treatment duration. The assessment of heterogeneity utilized the I2 and chi-squared tests, applying the random effect model. Results: Thirty-nine articles fulfilled our inclusion criteria and were included in our review which included a total of 20,501 MS patients. The overall prevalence rate of hypogammaglobulinemia was found to be 11% (95% CI: 0.08 to 0.15). Subgroup analysis based on drug type revealed varying prevalence rates, with rituximab showing the highest at 18%. Subgroup analysis based on drug usage duration revealed that the highest proportion of hypogammaglobulinemia occurred in individuals taking the drugs for 1 year or less (19%). The prevalence of infections in MS patients with a focus on different infection types stratified by the MS drug used revealed that pulmonary infections were the most prevalent (9%) followed by urinary tract infections (6%), gastrointestinal infections (2%), and skin and mucous membrane infections (2%). Additionally, a significant decrease in mean IgG levels after treatment compared to before treatment, with a mean difference of 0.57 (95% CI: 0.22 to 0.93). Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of anti-CD20 drugs on serum IgG levels in MS patients, exploring the prevalence of hypogammaglobulinemia, based on different drug types, treatment durations, and infection patterns. The identified rates and patterns offer a foundation for clinicians to consider in their risk-benefit. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=518239, CRD42024518239.

Large chondrosarcoma treated successfully with new surgical technique and bone grafts in a 9-year-old girl: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Chondrosarcoma is the second most common after osteosarcoma. It mostly effects adults and elderly individuals, primarily seen in the pelvic and proximal femoral bone. Pain and pathological fractures are common symptoms. The tumor is resistant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, so surgical excision is the most effective treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: A 9-year-old girl presented with vague pain in her left thigh. Physical examination and imaging revealed multiple osteolytic lesions in the thigh, and a biopsy confirmed classical chondrosarcoma. The patient underwent surgery, which involved excision of the tumor with a safety margin and the use of a Z-plasty technique. Synthetic graft granules were used to fill the excision area. The patient was followed-up over 8 years without complications and recurrence. DISCUSSION: Chondrosarcoma is classified based on histological characteristics and clinical behavior. Chondrosarcoma is resistant to chemotherapy and radiation. Treatment options depend on tumor characteristics, and reconstruction may be necessary. For low-grade chondrosarcomas in long bones, intralesional excision and curettage are commonly used, but wide excision may be necessary to minimize recurrence. Vascularized fibular autografts have the potential for weight-bearing, but complications such as fractures and donor site morbidity can occur. Allograft reconstruction may be associated with infection, fracture, delayed or nonunion. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment approaches vary based on factors such as tumor stage, grade, and location. Each option carries its own risks and complications, including infection, fracture, and delayed healing. This study suggests a new surgical technique using bone grafts.

Successful excision of a large congenital vallecular cyst in a female newborn: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Congenital laryngeal cysts are a rare cause of stridor in infants, and vallecular cysts account for 10.5-20.1% of all congenital laryngeal cysts. Large cysts can lead to airway obstruction and death. Nasopharyngolaryngoscopy is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Surgical treatment relieves symptoms and prevent serious complications. We report a congenital laryngeal cyst on the lingual surface of the epiglottis in a female newborn that was successfully excised without any complications. CASE PRESENTATION: A 15-day-old female newborn presented with stridor, dysphagia and dyspnea that worsened and eventually led to a diagnosis of a large serous cyst on the epiglottis's lingual surface, compressing the entrance to the larynx. Surgery was performed under general anesthesia and the entire cyst was excised using rigid endoscopy. After the surgery, the infant made a quick recovery with no complications or recurrence. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Vallecular cysts are a rare type of laryngeal cysts and an uncommon cause of congenital stridor that requires immediate diagnosis and management to prevent upper airway obstruction and death. Clinical features vary depending on the patient's and cyst's characteristics. Laryngoscope can help in confirming the final diagnosis. Complete excision is a better than aspiration, as it has a lower recurrence rate. CONCLUSION: Vallecular cysts are a life-threatening condition that requires early diagnosis and immediate management to avoid any potential complications. It must be taken into account in the presence of congenital stridor. Marsupialization and excision (extirpation) have equal effectiveness and low recurrence rate, making them definitive surgical treatments for vallecular cysts.

Subtrochanteric fracture in previously treated breast cancer patient handled by proximal femoral nail: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common and high mortality rate cancer in females. The main complication of BC is metastases, where bone metastases (BM) are present in 90 % of women with distant metastases and commonly recurrence after BC therapy. However, treatment options are numerous, and improving patients' quality of life (QoL) is a priority. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 58-year-old female patient presented to the emergency department with pain and movement restriction in the right lower extremity after minor trauma. Clinical history included a surgically resected BC eight years ago, besides chemotherapy and radiotherapy. After clinical and radiographic examination, we encountered a subtrochanteric femoral fracture although the patient is in the end stage, the multidisciplinary team discussed the surgery option with the patient and eventually internally fixed the fracture. DISCUSSION: Subtrochanteric femur fractures represent a challenging orthopedic issue, ranging from 10 % to 34 % of all hip fractures. Hence, after a detailed discussion, the proximal femoral nail (PFN) was the procedure of choice acording to the patient's preferences and tumor prognosis. Proximal femoral metastasis treatment aims to improve the quality of life (QoL), alleviate bone pain, and rehabilitate skeletal function. CONCLUSION: In this case report, we highlight the surgical decision consequences for a patient with end-stage cancer, as it may put their life at risk or improve their QoL, likewise the patient in this report.

Strangulated femoral hernia with appendicitis: A rare case of De Garengeot's hernia.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: De Garengeot hernia is a rare case of a femoral hernia. It occurs when a femoral hernia contains a vermiform appendix that may be inflamed and sometimes necrotic, and this requires emergency surgery. However, the hernia is usually discovered by chance in the operating theater, which poses an additional challenge for surgeons. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old man presented with a 1-week history of a painful right groin lump. The lump is irreducible and painful on exert a week ago. Ultrasound imaging showed a 1.5 × 2 cm loculated turbid liquid collection containing an edematous intestinal loop measuring 8 mm in diameter that was suspected to be the vermiform appendix. Therefore, appendectomy was performed through the hernia sac. After that, the hernia was repaired using the McVay technique and 2.0 nylon sutures. One day after the operation, the patient was discharged, and he returned to the clinic after 10 days without any complications. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The patient has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is a risk factor for a hernia. He had to live with the right femoral hernia for ten years until it became painful and irreversible. Ultrasound revealed what appears to be an appendix. To avoid possible consequences of complicated appendicitis and strangulated hernia, emergency surgery was the appropriate choice for our patient case. CONCLUSION: The presence of an appendix in the femoral hernia poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to surgeons, due to the atypical clinical picture and the lack of efficacy of radiographic methods in diagnosing the condition.