Predictors of Patient Dissatisfaction after Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis Surgery: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

Introduction: Recently, patient satisfaction has gained prominence as a crucial measure for ensuring patient-centered care. Furthermore, patient satisfaction after lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LCS) surgery is an important metric for physician's decision of surgical indication and informed consent to patient. This study aimed to elucidate how patient satisfaction changed after LCS surgery to identify factors that predict patient dissatisfaction. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed time-course data of patients aged ≥40 years who underwent LCS surgery at multiple hospitals. The participants completed the Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ) and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) before surgery and then 6 months and 1 year postsurgery. Patient satisfaction was categorized according to the postoperative score of the satisfaction domain of the ZCQ: satisfied, score ≤2.0; moderately satisfied, 2.0< score ≤2.5; and dissatisfied, score >2.5. Results: The study enrolled 241 patients. Our data indicated a satisfaction rate of around 70% at 6 months and then again 1 year after LCS surgery. Among those who were dissatisfied 6 months after LCS surgery, 47.6% were more satisfied 1 year postsurgery. Furthermore, 86.2% of those who were satisfied 6 months after LCS surgery remained satisfied at 1 year. Multivariable analysis revealed that age (relative risk, 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.2-0.8) and preoperative score of psychological disorders on the JOABPEQ (relative risk, 0.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.03-0.08) were significantly associated with LCS surgery dissatisfaction. In addition, the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the cutoff value for the preoperative score of psychological disorder of the JOABPEQ was estimated at 40 for LCS surgery dissatisfaction. Conclusions: Age and psychological disorders were identified as significant predictors of dissatisfaction, with a JOABPEQ cutoff value providing potential clinical applicability.

Assessment of Surgical Outcomes in Patients with Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy Using the 25-Question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale: A Longitudinal Observational Study.

Introduction: Locomotive syndrome caused by degenerative musculoskeletal diseases is reported to improve with surgical treatment. However, it is unclear whether surgical treatment is effective for the locomotive syndrome developing in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). Thus, this study primarily aimed to longitudinally assess the change in locomotive syndrome stage before and after cervical spinal surgery for patients with DCM using the 25-question geriatric locomotive function scale (GLFS-25). A secondary objective was to identify factors associated with the postoperative improvement in the locomotive syndrome stage. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed clinical data of patients undergoing cervical spine surgery at our institution from April 2020 to May 2022 who had answered the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Assessment Questionnaire, visual analog scale, and GLFS-25 preoperatively and at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. We collected demographic data, medical history, preoperative radiographic parameters, presence or absence of posterior longitudinal ligament ossification, and surgical data. Results: We enrolled 115 patients (78 men and 37 women) in the present study. Preoperatively, using the GLFS-25, 73.9% of patients had stage 3, 10.4% had stage 2, 9.6% had stage 1, 6.1% had no locomotive syndrome. The stage distribution of locomotive syndrome improved significantly at 6-months and 1-year postoperatively. The multivariable Poisson regression analysis revealed that better preoperative lower extremity function (relative risk: 3.0; 95% confidence interval: 1.01-8.8) was significantly associated with postoperative improvement in the locomotive syndrome stage. Conclusions: This is the first study to longitudinally assess the locomotive syndrome stage in patients with DCM using GLFS-25. Our results indicated that patients with DCM experienced significant improvement in the locomotive syndrome stage following cervical spine surgery. Particularly, the preoperative lower extremity function was significant in postoperative improvement in the locomotive syndrome stage.

The Impact of Frailty on Surgical Outcome of Patients with Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis.

Introduction: Frailty is an important factor in surgical outcomes. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of preoperative frailty on postoperative outcomes in older patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS). Methods: We retrospectively examined 209 patients aged ≥65 years who underwent surgery for LSCS. Health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) tools, including the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ), Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ), and Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ), were used in the assessment conducted before surgery and at 6 months and 1 year after surgery. Frailty was categorized based on the 11-item modified frailty index (mFI-11). Patients with mFI-11 of 0, <0.21, and >0.21 were classified under the robust (R), pre-frailty (P), and frailty (F) groups, respectively. Results: According to the mFI-11, 24, 138, and 47 patients were included in the R, P, and F groups, respectively. Regarding preoperative radiographic parameters, there was a remarkable increase in the sagittal vertical axis and a significant decrease in the development of lumbar lordosis with frailty progression. The preoperative scores of RDQ and ZCQ, and lumbar function, walking ability, social life, and psychological disorder domain scores of JOABPEQ differed significantly among these groups. The frequency of revision surgery was not higher in the F group than in the other groups. After adjustment for factors have shown different distributions among the three groups, the frequency of effective surgical cases did not show a clear trend among the three groups in all domains of the JOABPEQ. Conclusions: The preoperative HRQOL scores and the radiographic parameters of patients with LSCS worsened with frailty severity. However, frailty did not affect the rate of revision surgery and surgical efficacy in patients with LSCS. Although this study has limitations, our findings indicated that even LSCS patients with frailty can be considered for surgery if they have an indication for LSCS surgery.

Polypharmacy of Older Surgical Patients With Extremity Fractures.

Introduction: Fractures are often caused by falls in older people. Among various causes of falls, polypharmacy is known to be a risk of falls. Furthermore, potentially inappropriate medicines (PIMs), which interact with polypharmacy, include the drugs involved in falls. Here, we primarily aimed to investigate the prescribed drugs in older surgical patients with extremity fractures to determine the frequency of polypharmacy and identify PIMs. The second aim was to clarify the characterization of prescribed drugs of older patients with hip fracture. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively collected the following clinical data of consecutive patients aged ≥65 years who underwent surgery for extremity fractures at our hospital between April 2019 and March 2021. A total of 19 categories were considered as PIMs. The Poisson regression models were used to examine the association between the number of prescribed drugs and hip fracture prevalence. Results: A total of 590 patients were reviewed. Our data showed that 55% of older patients with extremity fractures took ≥6 prescription drugs. The frequency of prescription of hypnotics, antithrombotic drugs, diuretics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was comparatively high among the 19 categories of PIMs. Multivariable analysis revealed that polypharmacy was significantly associated with hip fractures. Among PIMs, antithrombotic drugs and diuretics were significantly associated with the prevalence of hip fractures. Finally, we found a significant positive association between the prevalence of hip fracture and the number of drug categories of PIMs among older patients with extremity fractures. Conclusions: The present study clarified the characterization of the prescribed drugs in older surgical patients with extremity fractures. Special attention should be paid to hip fractures of older patients with polypharmacy or prescribed with many drugs categories of PIMs, particularly antithrombotic drugs and diuretics.

Relationship between working hours and sleep quality with consideration to effect modification by work style: a community-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Although longer working hours are associated with lower sleep quality, it is still necessary to work a certain number of hours to make a living. In this study, we investigated the relationship between working hours and sleep quality in a community setting. We then explored how to manage work style while maintaining the sleep quality of workers without markedly reducing working hours. METHODS: 4388 day-time workers in various occupations living in Ota ward in Tokyo were included in the analysis. The relationship between working hours and sleep quality measured by the Athens Insomnia Scale was examined by ANOVA and linear regression models. Effect modification by work style (work end time, shift in working start and end time, current work from home status, change in work place) on the relationship between working hours and sleep quality was investigated by multivariate linear regression models. RESULTS: Longer working hours were significantly associated with lower sleep quality. The magnitude of the relationship between long working hours and low sleep quality was significantly larger when work end time was later (p for trend of interaction < 0.01) and when working start and end time were shifted later (vs no change, p for interaction = 0.03). The relationship was marginally greater when the proportion of work from home was increased (vs no change, p for interaction = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: A relationship between longer working hours and lower sleep quality was observed among workers. Leaving work earlier or optimizing the work environment at home may diminish the adverse effect of long working hours on sleep quality.

Imaging Characteristics of Non-Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients With Retro-Odontoid Pseudotumor: A Multicenter Case-Control Study.

STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter case-control study. OBJECTIVE: To identify imaging characteristics of the cervical spine in patients with retro-odontoid pseudotumor (ROP) without rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and determine the pathogenesis of ROP. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: ROP results from proliferative changes in the soft tissue of the atlantoaxial junction surrounding the region of the transverse ligament, and is commonly seen in RA patients. However, the pathogenesis of ROP caused by mechanical instability of the upper cervical spine in patients without RA is yet to be explained. METHODS: We collected imaging data (preoperative radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], and computed tomography [CT]) of patients who underwent surgery between April 2011 and March 2022 at the three university hospitals for ROP (cases) and cervical spondylotic myelopathy (as age, sex, and institution matched controls). The two groups were compared for different parameters on cervical dynamic radiographs, MRI, and CT. RESULTS: The ROP group consisted of 42 patients, and the control group comprised 168 patients. C2-C7 range of motion was significantly smaller in the ROP group (25.8 ± 2.6°) compared to the control group (33.0 ± 1.0°). C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis was significantly larger in the ROP group than the control group (39.3 ± 3.6 mm versus 32.2 ± 1.3 mm). MRI and CT assessment showed progressive degeneration at all intervertebral levels in the ROP group. A significant positive correlation was observed between the thickness of the soft tissue posterior to the dental process and the atlantodental interval in the flexion position (r = 0.501). CONCLUSION: The development of ROP was associated with degeneration of facet joints and intervertebral discs in the middle and lower cervical spine. Our findings suggest that decreased mobility of the middle and lower cervical spine may cause instability in the upper cervical spine, leading to the formation of ROP.

Association between frailty and locomotive syndrome in elderly patients with lumbar spinal stenosis: A retrospective longitudinal analysis.

AIMS: With the aging society worldwide, lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) has become common, and its incidence has been increasing worldwide. Frailty and locomotive syndrome significantly overlap as disorders in older people. The current study aimed to validate the association between frailty and locomotive syndrome in patients with LSS. In particular, the involvement of frailty in locomotive syndrome following surgery was examined. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the time-course data of consecutive patients aged ≥65 years who underwent lumbar spinal surgery for LSS. The locomotive syndrome stages were determined using the 25-Question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale: stage 0, score ≤6; stage 1, score ≥7; stage 2, score ≥16; and Stage 3, score ≥24. Robust, pre-frailty, and frailty were defined as a modified frailty index-11 score of 0, <0.21, and >0.21, respectively. RESULTS: This study included 234 patients. All patients except one were diagnosed with locomotive syndrome preoperatively. Approximately 24.8% of participants were diagnosed with frailty. LSS surgery improved locomotive syndrome regardless of frailty severity. Meanwhile, multivariable analysis indicated that frailty could significantly inhibit improvement in locomotive syndrome after surgery in old patients with LSS (estimated relative risk: 0.6; 95% confidence interval: 0.4-0.9). CONCLUSIONS: This study first assessed the association between locomotive syndrome and frailty in patients with LSS. Locomotive syndrome could be managed effectively with surgery regardless of frailty severity in old patients with LSS. However, our findings emphasize the need to screen for frailty preoperatively in this patient group. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 116-122.

Impact of surgical treatment on lipid metabolism in patients with lumbar spinal disorders: Prospective observational study.

PURPOSE: It is still unclear how lumbar spinal surgery affects the lipid metabolism of patients with lumbar spinal disorders (LSDs) such as lumbar spinal canal stenosis and lumbar disk herniation. The present study aimed to assess the impact of lumbar spinal surgery on lipid metabolism in patients with LSDs and clarify the factors associated with changes in visceral fat (VF) accumulation before and after lumbar spinal surgery. METHODS: Consecutive patients with lumbar spinal surgery for LSDs were prospectively included. Abdominal computed tomography images and blood examination of the participants were evaluated before surgery and at 6 months and 1 year after surgery. The cross-sectional VF area (VFA) was measured at the level of the navel using computed tomography images. Blood examination items included triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). RESULTS: The study enrolled a total of 138 patients. Female patients with LSDs had significantly increased VFA and serum triglyceride levels after lumbar spinal surgery. On multivariable analysis, the group with > 100 cm2 of preoperative VFA and a postoperative decrease in VFA had a significantly worse preoperative walking ability based on the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (relative risk 2.1; 95% confidence intervals 1.1-4.1). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that patients with LSDs did not necessarily improve their lipid metabolism after lumbar spinal surgery. Instead, female patients with LSDs had significantly deteriorated lipid metabolism after lumbar spinal surgery. Finally, a worse preoperative walking ability was associated with the improvement in excess VF accumulation after lumbar spinal surgery.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Pneumonia in the Chronic Phase of Cervical Spinal Cord Injury with Complete Motor Paralysis.

Introduction: Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of acute- and chronic-phase mortality in patients with cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) with quadriplegia. The risk factors for chronic-phase pneumonia recurrence in CSCI are still unknown. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of pneumonia in the chronic phase after injury and to identify its risk factors. Methods: This retrospective clinical observational study included patients with CSCI with American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale grades of A or B admitted to our center within 72 h of CSCI injury who started treatment and were available for follow-up for at least 90 days. The patients were assessed for incidences of pneumonia and its associations with clinical characteristics, including risk factors at the time of injury. Patients in whom pneumonia developed within 30 days postadmission and those after 30 days of hospitalization were comparatively examined using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Pneumonia occurred in 36% of the 69 enrolled patients throughout the study period and in 20% of all patients after 30 days of hospitalization. Multivariate analysis of risk factors for pneumonia showed that atelectasis (adjusted OR [aOR], 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.9, 1.2-20.0), enteral feeding (aOR [95% CI]: 13.3 [3.0-58.9]), mechanical ventilation (aOR [95% CI]: 4.0 [1.0-15.0]), and tracheotomy (aOR [95% CI]: 14.6 [2.3-94.6]) within 30 days of admission were significantly associated with the occurrence of pneumonia even after 30 days of hospitalization. Conclusions: The risk factors for developing pneumonia in the chronic phase were atelectasis, enteral feeding, mechanical ventilation, and tracheotomy within 30 days of hospitalization. This study suggests that treatment of atelectasis, long-term respiratory muscle rehabilitation, and training to improve swallowing function are essential to prevent the recurrence of pneumonia after 30 days of hospitalization.

Severity of locomotive syndrome in surgical cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: Although cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) has a marked impact on locomotive function, few studies have evaluated this relationship in terms of locomotive syndrome. Thus, we assessed (i) the stages of locomotive syndrome in preoperative CSM patients using the 25-question geriatric locomotive function scale (GLFS-25), (ii) the correlation between GLFS-25 scores and the Japanese orthopaedic association (JOA) scores or the JOA cervical myelopathy evaluation questionnaire (JOACMEQ) scores, and (iii) the factors associated with stage 3 locomotive syndrome in preoperative CSM patients. Methods: We used clinical data from 107 patients scheduled for cervical spinal surgery for CSM. Data were collected prior to surgery, and included age, gender, body mass index, medical history, JOA score, and JOACMEQ and GLFS-25 scores. Results: Of the included CSM patients, 93.5% were diagnosed with locomotive syndrome, of whom 77.6% were stage 3 according to GLFS-25 evaluation. For the correlation between GLFS-25 and JOA or JOACMEQ, the upper and lower extremity function scores of JOACMEQ and the JOA were strongly inversely correlated with the GLFS-25 score. Finally, multivariate analysis suggested that severe lower extremity status in the JOACMEQ was significantly associated with stage 3 locomotive syndrome in preoperative CSM patients. Conclusions: Using the GLFS-25, we found that lower extremity status had the strongest association with stage 3 locomotive syndrome in preoperative CSM patients. These findings are useful for preventing CSM patients from requiring future nursing care.

Sleep quality and temperament in association with autism spectrum disorder among infants in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Sleep problems and irritable temperaments are common among infants with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The prospective association between such sleep problems and irritable temperaments and ASDs needs to be determined for elucidating the mechanism and exploring the future intervention study. Thus, in this study, we investigated whether sleep quality and temperament in 1-month-old infants are associated with the onset of ASD in 3-year-old children. We also assessed its sex-stratified associations. METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal study using data from 69,751 mothers and infants from a large-cohort study, the Japan Environment and Children's Study. We examined the prospective association between infant sleep quality and temperament at 1 month of age and ASD diagnosis by 3 years of age. RESULTS: Here we show infants with longer daytime sleep have a higher risk of later ASD than those with shorter daytime sleep (risk ratio [RR]: 1.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.75). Infants who experienced intense crying have a higher risk of ASD than those who did not (RR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.00-1.72). There is a difference in sex in the association between a bad mood and later ASD. In particular, female infants experiencing bad moods have a higher risk of ASD than others (RR: 3.59, 95% CI: 1.91-6.75). CONCLUSIONS: The study findings provide important information for future intervention to reduce the risk of future ASD.

Sleep problems and irritable temperaments are common among infants with autism. This study looked at the sleep and temperament of nearly 70,000 1-month-old infants in Japan and whether they were subsequently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder during the first three years of life. Children who had slept for longer during the day and were more prone to frequent, prolonged, or intense crying were more likely to have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder by age 3. The findings of this study might be useful for those monitoring the development of autism spectrum disorder or developing support for those with autism spectrum disorders.

10-year Longitudinal MRI Study of Intervertebral Disk Degeneration in Patients With Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis After Posterior Lumbar Decompression Surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe the progression of intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration in patients who underwent posterior decompression surgery for lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSS). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: IVD degeneration contributes to the pathogenesis of LSS; however, the long-term consequences of degenerative changes after decompression surgery remain unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 258 consecutive patients who underwent posterior lumbar decompression surgery for LSS, 62 who underwent MRI at their 10-year follow-up were included; 17 age-matched asymptomatic volunteers were analyzed as controls. Three MRI findings representing IVD degeneration were graded on their severity: decrease in signal intensity, posterior disk protrusion (PDP), and disk space narrowing (DSN). Clinical outcome was assessed using the low back pain (LBP) score from the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scoring system. We examined the association between the progression of degenerative changes on MRI and LBP/associated factors using logistic regression adjusting for age at baseline and sex. RESULTS: The severity of IVD degeneration tended to be higher in patients with LSS than asymptomatic volunteers at both baseline and follow-up. IVD degeneration progressed in all patients during the 10-year follow-up period. Progression of decrease in signal intensity and PDP was observed at L1/2 in 73% and at L2/3 in 34%, respectively (the highest frequencies in the lumbar spine). Progression of DSN was highest at L4/5 in 42%. The rates of PDP and DSN progression during the 10-year follow-up period tended to be greater in patients with LSS than in asymptomatic volunteers. No significant difference in the proportion of LBP deterioration was evident for individuals with and without MRI findings of progression. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals a natural history of the long-term postoperative course of IVD degeneration after posterior decompression surgery for LSS. Compared with healthy controls, patients with LSS seemed to be predisposed to IVD degeneration. Lumbar decompression surgery may promote the progression of DSN; however, progression of IVD degeneration after lumbar decompression surgery was not associated with worsening LBP scores.

Impact of Lumbar Surgery on Pharmacological Treatment for Patients with Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Treatment for lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS) is mainly classified into conservative and surgical therapies. Among conservative therapies, pharmacological treatment is commonly prescribed for LSCS. Meanwhile, surgical treatment is the last option for LSCS. This study aimed to examine the impact of lumbar surgery on pharmacological treatment for patients with LSCS. Consecutive patients aged ≥ 40 years who underwent lumbar surgery for LSCS were identified. A total of 142 patients were retrospectively reviewed for preoperative and 6-month and 1-year postoperative LSCS medications. The results showed that the number of LSCS medications significantly decreased after lumbar surgery. The proportion of the patients taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, pregabalin/mirogabalin, opioids, prostaglandin E1 analogs, and neurotropin was significantly decreased after lumbar surgery, but that of the patients taking mecobalamin, acetaminophen, and serotonin-noradrenalin reuptake inhibitors was not significantly changed. Additionally, around 15% of the participants showed an increase in LSCS medications even after lumbar surgery. Multivariable analysis revealed that individuals without improvements in walking ability (RR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.3-5.9) or social life (RR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1-5.0) had a greater risk of a postoperative increase in LSCS medications. The study results may provide physicians with beneficial information on treatment for LSCS.

Efficacy of surgical treatment on polypharmacy of elderly patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis: retrospective exploratory research.

BACKGROUND: Polypharmacy is a growing public health problem occurring in all healthcare settings worldwide. Elderly patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSS) who manifest low back and neuropathic pain and have a high frequency of comorbidity are predicted to take many drugs. However, no studies have reported polypharmacy in elderly patients with LSS. Thus, we aimed to review the polypharmacy among elderly LSS patients with elective surgeries and examine how the surgical treatment reduces the polypharmacy. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled all the patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent spinal surgery for LSS between April 2020 and March 2021. The prescribed drugs of participants were directly checked by pharmacists in the outpatient department preoperatively and 6-month and 1-year postoperatively. The baseline characteristics were collected beside the patient-based outcomes including Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, Zurich Claudication Questionnaire, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ). The cutoff number of drugs for polypharmacy was defined as 6. The prescription drugs were divided into 9 categories: drugs for neuropsychiatric, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine metabolic, and urinary renal diseases; blood products; pain relief medication; and others. RESULTS: A total of 102 cases were finally analyzed, with a follow-up rate of 78.0%. Of the participants, the preoperative polypharmacy prevalence was 66.7%. The number of drugs 6-month and 1-year postoperatively was significantly less than the preoperative one. The proportions of polypharmacy at 6 months and 1 year after surgery significantly decreased to 57.8% and 55.9%, respectively. When the prescribed drugs were divided into 9 categories, the number of drugs for pain relief and digestive diseases was significantly reduced after surgery. The multi-variable analysis revealed that a higher score in the psychological disorder of JOABPEQ was associated with 3 or more drugs decreased 1-year postoperatively (OR, 2.5; 95% CI: 1.0-6.1). CONCLUSION: Polypharmacy prevalence was high among elderly LSS patients indicated for lumbar spinal surgery. Additionally, our data showed that lumbar spinal surgery was effective in reducing polypharmacy among elderly LSS patients. Finally, the multi-variable analysis indicated that better psychological condition was associated with the reduction of prescribed drugs after lumbar spinal surgery.

Risk factors of AIS C incomplete cervical spinal cord injury for poor prognosis-The significance of anorectal evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Although the prognosis of incomplete cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) diagnosed as American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale grade C (AIS C) is generally favorable, some patients remain non-ambulatory. The present study explored the clinical factors associated with the non-ambulatory state of AIS C patients. METHODS: This study was a single-center retrospective observational study. Seventy-three participants with AIS C on admission were enrolled and divided into two groups according to ambulatory ability after one year. Prognostic factors of SCI were compared in ambulatory (A-group) and non-ambulatory participants (NA-group). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed on demographic information, medical history, mechanism of injury, presence of fracture, ASIA motor scores (MS) of the extremities, neurological findings, including an anorectal examination on admission, and imaging findings. RESULTS: Forty-one patients were included in the A-group and 32 in the NA-group. Univariable analysis revealed that the following factors were related to poor outcomes (p < 0.05): older age, history of cerebrovascular disorder, impairment/absence of S4-5 sensory score, deep anal pressure (DAP) (-), voluntary anal contraction (VAC) (-), anorectal tone (-), anal wink reflex (-), and low MS of the upper and lower extremities. In the multivariable analysis using age, presence or absence of sacral abnormality, and history of cerebrovascular disorders (adjusted for these three factors), older age and presence of sacral abnormality on admission were independent risk factors for a non-ambulatory state at the 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Incomplete AIS C SCI individuals with older age and/or impairment of anorectal examination could remain non-ambulatory at 1-year follow-up.

Impact of pleural effusion at an early period after posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis on future pulmonary function and lung volume.

Background: Posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has a potential risk for postoperative pleural effusion. Although pleural effusion at an early period after PSF for AIS occurs with a relatively high frequency and occasionally requires some treatments, the impact of postoperative pleural effusion on future pulmonary function or lung volume (LV) has not been clarified to date. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pleural effusion after PSF for AIS on the postoperative pulmonary function and LV. Methods: A total of 114 consecutive patients who underwent PSF for AIS followed up greater than 2 years at our institute were retrospectively reviewed. We evaluated postoperative pleural effusion by computed tomography (CT) at the 1-week follow-up and divided patients into the pleural effusion (PF) and non-pleural effusion (NP) groups. We investigated spirometry parameters recorded for testing included vital capacity (VC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), %VC, and FEV1% and measured the LV using CT images and a workstation at baseline and 2 years after surgery. Results: A total of 87 (76.3%) patients with postoperative pleural effusion were identified, but all patients were asymptomatic and did not require additional treatment for postoperative pleural effusion. All pulmonary function parameters at the 2-year follow-up exhibited no significant differences between the two groups. Although preoperative left LV (1.21±0.30 L vs. 1.36±0.34 L; p=.022) and total LV (2.68±0.62 L vs. 2.99±0.73 L; p=.031) were significantly lower in the PF group than in the NP group, all postoperative LV parameters were similar between the two groups. Conclusions: Pleural effusion at an early period after PSF for AIS was a postoperative occurrence without an impact on future pulmonary function and LV.

Three-year follow-up of the impact of Kumamoto Earthquake on acute myocardial infarctions: An interrupted time series analysis.

Study objective: This study aimed to investigate whether the incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and subsequent outcomes over the three years after the Kumamoto earthquake differed from the underlying trend before the earthquake. Design: Quasi-experimental design. Setting: Twenty-one institutions participating from the Kumamoto Prefecture and capable of receiving AMI patients and performing coronary angiography and interventions. Participants: In total 6553 consecutive patients with AMI between 2013 and 2019 were included in this study. Interventions: Interrupted time series analysis. Main outcome measures: AMI incidence and following cardiac events after the earthquake. Results: The rate ratio (RR) for AMI incidence after the earthquake was 1.12 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-1.25) with reference to that before the earthquake. AMI rates increased among people with diabetes mellitus (RR: 1.20, 95 % CI: 1.01-1.44), those with current smoking (RR: 1.27, 95 % CI: 1.03-1.56), and those with a body mass index >25 kg/m2 (RR: 1.27, 95 % CI: 1.06-1.52). Increased number of AMI patients with onset-to-door time >12 h (RR: 1.46, 95 % CI: 1.02-2.08), a high Killip class on hospital admission (RR: 1.37, 95 % CI: 1.13-1.67), and unperformed emergent coronary angiography (RR: 1.40, 95 % CI: 1.02-1.91) were frequently observed after the earthquake, which may affect following in-hospital cardiac events (RR: 1.49, 95 % CI: 1.03-2.15). Conclusions: The Kumamoto earthquake had an impact on the increase in the incidence of AMI and the following in-hospital cardiac outcomes. Emergency medical care should be ensured in such a way that high-risk patients are managed as usual, especially immediately after earthquake.

Maternal Metals Exposure and Infant Weight Trajectory: The Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS).

BACKGROUND: To our knowledge, the association of maternal exposure to metallic elements with weight trajectory pattern from the neonatal period has not been investigated. OBJECTIVES: The goals of this study were to identify infant growth trajectories in weight in the first 3 y of life and to determine the associations of maternal blood levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, selenium, and manganese with growth trajectory. METHODS: This longitudinal study, part of the Japan Environment and Children Study, enrolled 103,099 pregnant women at 15 Regional Centres across Japan between 2011 and 2014. Lead, cadmium, mercury, selenium, and manganese levels were measured in blood samples collected in the second (14-27 wk gestational age) or third trimester (≥28wk). Growth trajectory of 99,014 children was followed until age 3 y. Raw weight values were transformed to age- and sex-specific weight standard deviation (SD) scores, and latent-class group-based trajectory models were estimated to determine weight trajectories. Associations between maternal metallic element levels and weight trajectory were examined using multinomial logistic regression models after confounder adjustment. RESULTS: We identified 5 trajectory patterns based on weight SD score: 4.74% of infants were classified in Group I, very small to small; 31.26% in Group II, moderately small; 21.91% in Group III, moderately small to moderately large; 28.06% in Group IV, moderately large to normal; and 14.03% in Group V, moderately large to large. On multinomial logistic regression, higher maternal lead and selenium levels tended to be associated with increased odds ratios (ORs) of poor weight SD score trajectories (Groups I and II), in comparison with Group III. Higher levels of mercury were associated with decreased ORs, whereas higher levels of manganese were associated with increased ORs of "moderately large" trajectories (Groups IV and V). DISCUSSION: Maternal lead, mercury, selenium, and manganese blood levels affect infant growth trajectory pattern in the first 3 y of life. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10321.