Incidence, associated disease burden and healthcare utilization due to Staphylococcus aureus prosthetic joint infection in European hospitals: the COMBACTE-NET ARTHR-IS multi-centre study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence, associated disease burden and healthcare utilization due to Staphylococcus aureus prosthetic joint infections (SA-PJI) after primary hip and knee arthroplasty in European centres. METHODS: This study was conducted in patients who underwent primary hip and knee arthroplasty in 19 European hospitals between 2014 and 2016. The global incidence of PJI and SA-PJI was calculated. The associated disease burden was measured indirectly as infection-related mortality plus loss of function. For healthcare utilization, number and duration of hospitalizations, number and type of surgical procedures, duration of antibiotic treatments, and number of outpatient visits were collected. Subgroup and regression analyses were used to evaluate the impact of SA-PJI on healthcare utilization, controlling for confounding variables. RESULTS: The incidence of PJI caused by any micro-organism was 1.41%, and 0.40% for SA-PJI. Among SA-PJI, 20.7% were due to MRSA with substantial regional differences, and were more frequent in partial hip arthroplasty (PHA). Related deaths and loss of function occurred in 7.0% and 10.2% of SA-PJI cases, respectively, and were higher in patients with PHA. Compared with patients without PJI, patients with SA-PJI had a mean of 1.4 more readmissions, 25.1 more days of hospitalization, underwent 1.8 more surgical procedures, and had 5.4 more outpatient visits, controlling for confounding variables. Healthcare utilization was higher in patients who failed surgical treatment of SA-PJI. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed that the SA-PJI burden is high, especially in PHA, and provided a solid basis for planning interventions to prevent SA-PJI.

Vertebral osteomyelitis after spine instrumentation surgery: risk factors and management.

BACKGROUND: Vertebral osteomyelitis after spine instrumentation surgery (pVOM) is a rare complication. Most cases of infection occur early after surgery that involve skin and soft tissue and can be managed with debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR). AIM: To identify pVOM risk factors and evaluate management strategies. METHODS: From a multicentre cohort of deep infection after spine instrumentation (IASI) cases (2010-2016), pVOM cases were compared with those without vertebral involvement. Early and late infections were defined (<60 days and >60 days after surgery, respectively). Multivariate analysis was used to explore risk factors. FINDINGS: Among 410 IASI cases, 19 (4.6%) presented with pVOM, ranging from 2% (7/347) in early to 19.1% (12/63) in late IASIs. After multivariate analysis, age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.10; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-1.18), interbody fusion (aOR: 6.96; 95% CI: 2-24.18) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) infection (aOR: 3.83; 95% CI: 1.01-14.53) remained independent risk factors for pVOM. Cases with pVOM had worse prognoses than those without (failure rate; 26.3% vs 10.8%; P = 0.038). Material removal was the preferred strategy (57.9%), mainly in early cases, without better outcomes (failure rate; 33.3% vs 50% compared with DAIR). Late cases managed with removal had greater success compared with DAIR (failure rate; 0% vs 40%; P = 0.067). CONCLUSION: Risk factors for pVOM are old age, use of interbody fusion devices and CoNS aetiology. Although the diagnosis leads to a worse prognosis, material withdrawn should be reserved for late cases or when spinal fusion is achieved.

P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy versus dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing coronary stenting: rationale and design of the NEOMINDSET Trial

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is currently the standard of care after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Recent studies suggest that reducing DAPT to 1-3 months followed by an aspirin-free single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) strategy with a potent P2Y12 inhibitor is safe and associated with less bleeding. However, to date, no randomised trial has tested the impact of initiating SAPT immediately after PCI, particularly in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). NEOMINDSET is a multicentre, randomised, open-label trial with a blinded outcome assessment designed to compare SAPT versus DAPT in 3,400 ACS patients undergoing PCI with the latest-generation drug-eluting stents (DES). After successful PCI and up to 4 days following hospital admission, patients are randomised to receive SAPT with a potent P2Y12 inhibitor (ticagrelor or prasugrel) or DAPT (aspirin plus a potent P2Y12 inhibitor) for 12 months. Aspirin is discontinued immediately after randomisation in the SAPT group. The choice between ticagrelor and prasugrel is at the investigator's discretion. The primary hypothesis is that SAPT will be non-inferior to DAPT with respect to the composite endpoint of all-cause mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction or urgent target vessel revascularisation, but superior to DAPT on rates of bleeding defined by Bleeding Academic Research Consortium 2, 3 or 5 criteria. NEOMINDSET is the first study that is specifically designed to test SAPT versus DAPT immediately following PCI with DES in ACS patients. This trial will provide important insights on the efficacy and safety of withdrawing aspirin in the early phase of ACS.

P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy versus dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing coronary stenting: rationale and design of the NEOMINDSET Trial.

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is currently the standard of care after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Recent studies suggest that reducing DAPT to 1-3 months followed by an aspirin-free single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) strategy with a potent P2Y12 inhibitor is safe and associated with less bleeding. However, to date, no randomised trial has tested the impact of initiating SAPT immediately after PCI, particularly in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). NEOMINDSET is a multicentre, randomised, open-label trial with a blinded outcome assessment designed to compare SAPT versus DAPT in 3,400 ACS patients undergoing PCI with the latest-generation drug-eluting stents (DES). After successful PCI and up to 4 days following hospital admission, patients are randomised to receive SAPT with a potent P2Y12 inhibitor (ticagrelor or prasugrel) or DAPT (aspirin plus a potent P2Y12 inhibitor) for 12 months. Aspirin is discontinued immediately after randomisation in the SAPT group. The choice between ticagrelor and prasugrel is at the investigator's discretion. The primary hypothesis is that SAPT will be non-inferior to DAPT with respect to the composite endpoint of all-cause mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction or urgent target vessel revascularisation, but superior to DAPT on rates of bleeding defined by Bleeding Academic Research Consortium 2, 3 or 5 criteria. NEOMINDSET is the first study that is specifically designed to test SAPT versus DAPT immediately following PCI with DES in ACS patients. This trial will provide important insights on the efficacy and safety of withdrawing aspirin in the early phase of ACS. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04360720).

Tofacitinib in Patients Hospitalized with Covid-19 Pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of tofacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor, in patients who are hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pneumonia are unclear. METHODS: We randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, hospitalized adults with Covid-19 pneumonia to receive either tofacitinib at a dose of 10 mg or placebo twice daily for up to 14 days or until hospital discharge. The primary outcome was the occurrence of death or respiratory failure through day 28 as assessed with the use of an eight-level ordinal scale (with scores ranging from 1 to 8 and higher scores indicating a worse condition). All-cause mortality and safety were also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 289 patients underwent randomization at 15 sites in Brazil. Overall, 89.3% of the patients received glucocorticoids during hospitalization. The cumulative incidence of death or respiratory failure through day 28 was 18.1% in the tofacitinib group and 29.0% in the placebo group (risk ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41 to 0.97; P = 0.04). Death from any cause through day 28 occurred in 2.8% of the patients in the tofacitinib group and in 5.5% of those in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.15 to 1.63). The proportional odds of having a worse score on the eight-level ordinal scale with tofacitinib, as compared with placebo, was 0.60 (95% CI, 0.36 to 1.00) at day 14 and 0.54 (95% CI, 0.27 to 1.06) at day 28. Serious adverse events occurred in 20 patients (14.1%) in the tofacitinib group and in 17 (12.0%) in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients hospitalized with Covid-19 pneumonia, tofacitinib led to a lower risk of death or respiratory failure through day 28 than placebo. (Funded by Pfizer; STOP-COVID ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04469114.).

Suppressive antibiotic therapy in prosthetic joint infections: a multicentre cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to describe the effectiveness of suppressive antibiotic treatment (SAT) in routine clinical practice when used in situations in which removal of a prosthetic implant is considered essential for the eradication of an infection, and it cannot be performed. METHODS: This was a descriptive retrospective and multicentre cohort study of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) cases managed with SAT. SAT was considered to have failed if a fistula appeared or persisted, if debridement was necessary, if the prosthesis was removed due to persistence of the infection or if uncontrolled symptoms were present. RESULTS: In total, 302 patients were analysed. Two hundred and three of these patients (67.2%) received monotherapy. The most commonly used drugs were tetracyclines (39.7% of patients) (120/302) and cotrimoxazole (35.4% of patients) (107/302). SAT was considered successful in 58.6% (177/302) of the patients (median time administered, 36.5 months; IQR 20.75-59.25). Infection was controlled in 50% of patients at 5 years according to Kaplan-Meier analysis. Resistance development was documented in 15 of 65 (23.1%) of the microbiologically documented cases. SAT failure was associated with age <70 years (sub-hazard ratio (SHR) 1.61, 95% CI 1.1-2.33), aetiology other than Gram-positive cocci (SHR 1.56, 95% CI 1.09-2.27) and location of the prosthesis in the upper limb (SHR 2.4, 95% CI 1.5-3.84). SAT suspension was necessary due to adverse effects in 17 of 302 patients (5.6%). CONCLUSIONS: SAT offers acceptable results for patients with PJI when surgical treatment is not performed or when it fails to eradicate the infection.

Estudio antropométrico de la glena humana en una población española normal / Anthropometrical study of the human glenoid in a normal Spanish population

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el tamaño de la glena en una población española normal, compararla con resultados previos en otras poblaciones y relacionarlo con los tamaños de implante que se comercializan para la artroplastia invertida de hombro. Material y métodos: Estudio antropométrico de la glena humana utilizando tomografías computarizadas de 154 pacientes con edades superiores a 30 años, realizados entre enero de 2015 y diciembre de 2017. Se valoran tomografías computarizadas de hombro con cortes de 2mm de grosor y 0mm de intervalo entre cortes, en algoritmo óseo y de partes blandas, realizándose reconstrucción 3D sobre la cual se obtienen mediciones de longitud y anchura de la glena. El punto superior de la glena se determinó en la zona superior del ovoide de la glena, en el tubérculo supraglenoideo, justo por debajo del reborde circunferencial que rodea la glena. El punto inferior se determinó como el punto más alejado del punto superior en el contorno de la glena, a nivel superior del reborde circunferencial que rodea la glena. Los puntos anterior y posterior fueron determinados como los extremos del eje transversal mayor en un plano perpendicular al eje superoinferior, por dentro del reborde circunferencial que rodea la glena. Las diferencias entre sexos, edad, altura, peso y relaciones de tamaños fueron evaluados. Resultados: La glena tiene un eje longitudinal medio de 28,78mm y una anchura de 20,27mm. Los valores del tamaño de la glena son significativamente diferentes en hombres y mujeres, siendo mayor en hombres. El tamaño de la glena está bien correlacionado con la estatura del paciente, existiendo una asociación positiva entre la estatura y la longitud y anchura de la superficie glenoidea. Las metaglenas circulares disponibles hoy en el mercado presentan tamaños no inferiores a 24-25mm de diámetro. Conclusión: La población del sur de España presenta un tamaño de la superficie glenoidea inferior a la población americana y semejante a la cohorte asiática. Los datos antropométricos expresados pueden ser útiles para la elección de la metaglena más apropiada en la población del sur de España

Objective: To evaluate the size of the glenoid in a southern Spanish population, to compare it with previous results from other populations and determine the size of the implants that are marketed for shoulder arthroplasty. Material and methods: Between January 2015 and December 2017, an anthropometrical study of the human glenoid was performed using computed axial tomography scans (CT) of 154 patients over 30 years old. The glenoid dimensions were analysed 3-dimensionally using 2mm interval thicknesses, determining the average height and width of the glenoid. The upper point of the glenoid geometry was determined as the supraglenoid tubercle of the ovoid glenoid surface, where the long head of the biceps tendon is thought to originate. The lower point was then positioned at the furthest point from the upper point on the glenoid contour. Anterior and posterior points were determined such that the 3-dimensional anterior-posterior distance was maximized on the plane perpendicular to the upper-lower axis. Sex differences and correlations between sides and among the respective parameters in the glenohumeral dimensions were also evaluated. Results: The glenoid had an average height of 28.78mm and width of 20.27mm. The values were significantly different between the men and the women, being greater in the men. The glenoid size is well correlated with the patient's size. Direct correlations exist between the glenoid height and width and the glenoid size and the patient's height. The available metaglenoids currently on the market are no bigger than 25-24mm. Conclusion: In comparison, the southern Spanish population have a glenoid size similar to the Caucasian population, but smaller than that of the American population. The data shown could be useful to improve the design of shoulder prostheses for the southern Spanish population

Anthropometrical study of the human glenoid in a normal Spanish population. / Estudio antropométrico de la glena humana en una población española normal.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the size of the glenoid in a southern Spanish population, to compare it with previous results from other populations and determine the size of the implants that are marketed for shoulder arthroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 2015 and December 2017, an anthropometrical study of the human glenoid was performed using computed axial tomography scans (CT) of 154 patients over 30 years old. The glenoid dimensions were analysed 3-dimensionally using 2mm interval thicknesses, determining the average height and width of the glenoid. The upper point of the glenoid geometry was determined as the supraglenoid tubercle of the ovoid glenoid surface, where the long head of the biceps tendon is thought to originate. The lower point was then positioned at the furthest point from the upper point on the glenoid contour. Anterior and posterior points were determined such that the 3-dimensional anterior-posterior distance was maximized on the plane perpendicular to the upper-lower axis. Sex differences and correlations between sides and among the respective parameters in the glenohumeral dimensions were also evaluated. RESULTS: The glenoid had an average height of 28.78mm and width of 20.27mm. The values were significantly different between the men and the women, being greater in the men. The glenoid size is well correlated with the patient's size. Direct correlations exist between the glenoid height and width and the glenoid size and the patient's height. The available metaglenoids currently on the market are no bigger than 25-24mm. CONCLUSION: In comparison, the southern Spanish population have a glenoid size similar to the Caucasian population, but smaller than that of the American population. The data shown could be useful to improve the design of shoulder prostheses for the southern Spanish population.

Resultados de la cirugía de refuerzo del manguito rotador con fascia lata autógena / Outcomes of rotator cuff augmentation surgery with autologous fascia lata

Objetivo: Evaluar si el injerto de refuerzo con fascia lata autógena mejora los resultados funcionales en las reparaciones del manguito rotador y si disminuye la tasa de rerroturas en comparación con las realizadas sin refuerzo. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo sobre una muestra piloto de 20 pacientes con una rotura completa sintomática del manguito de los rotadores. Los pacientes fueron intervenidos mediante un abordaje superior, realizándose una reparación completa sin tensión de la rotura mediante sutura reforzada con injerto autógeno procedente de fascia lata del propio paciente a 10 de ellos y sutura sin refuerzo a los otros 10. El tiempo de seguimiento fue de un año desde la intervención. Se han medido variables sobre la tipología de la lesión, la funcionalidad y el dolor mediante la escala de Constant-Murley, tanto basalmente como a los 6 y 12 meses de seguimiento. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de todas las variables en ambos grupos de intervención y un análisis de normalidad. Se evaluó la incidencia de rerroturas al año en ambos grupos. Resultados: Hay una mejoría significativa de las puntuaciones medias de Constant-Murley y del dolor al año de seguimiento en ambos grupos de tratamiento respecto al inicio, pero sin cambios significativos entre los valores de dolor y función al año de seguimiento en ambos grupos de intervención. La mejoría del dolor en el grupo de no injertados se produce paulatinamente a lo largo del tiempo, mientras que en el grupo de injertados a los 6 meses ya se alcanzan valores medios por encima de 10 de la escala de Constant-Murley, que se mantienen hasta los 12 meses. Se produjo una rerrotura en el grupo con injerto y 2 en el grupo sin injerto, no apareciendo diferencias significativas. Conclusión: Nuestros resultados preliminares de la cirugía de refuerzo del maguito rotador con fascia lata autógena muestran una mejoría significativa del dolor a los 6 meses, que se mantiene en el tiempo respecto a los pacientes sin refuerzo quienes requirieron 12 meses para obtener los mismos valores y a pesar de no hallar diferencias significativas respecto a función ni cicatrización, los pacientes con refuerzo de fascia lata se benefician de una más rápida mejoría del dolor. El número de reroturas en el grupo sin injerto fue mayor que en el grupo con injerto, aunque la diferencia no fue significativa

Objective: To evaluate whether augmentation grafts using autologous fascia lata improve functional results for rotator cuff repairs and reduce the retear rate compared to those without augmentation. Material and methods: This is a prospective evaluation comprising 20 patients with a complete symptomatic rotator cuff tear. The operations were carried out from a superior approach performing a total cuff repair, for 10 patients we used a suture augmented with an autologous graft taken from their own fascia lata while unaugmented sutures were used for the other 10 patients. The follow-up period lasted for one year post-intervention. We measured variables for tear type, functionality and pain, both baseline and at 6 and 12-month follow ups. We evaluated retear incidence in each group as well as each group's pain and functionality response. Results: The improved pain levels in the non-graft group evolved gradually over time. Conversely, in the group with the augmentation grafts, average Constant-Murley shoulder outcome scores at six months were already above 10 and were maintained at 12 months. One retear occurred in the graft group and 2 in the group without grafts, thus presenting no significant differences. There were no significant changes in pain and function values at the one year follow up in either group. Conclusion: Our preliminary results regarding rotator cuff augmentation surgery with autologous fascia lata showed a significant improvement in pain levels after 6 months compared to the patients with no augmentation, who required 12 months to reach the same values. After a year of follow up, there were no differences between the mean Constant and pain scores in either intervention group The number of retears in the non-graft group was greater than that in the group with grafts although the difference was not significant

Outcomes of rotator cuff augmentation surgery with autologous fascia lata. / Resultados de la cirugía de refuerzo del manguito rotador con fascia lata autógena.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether augmentation grafts using autologous fascia lata improve functional results for rotator cuff repairs and reduce the retear rate compared to those without augmentation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective evaluation comprising 20 patients with a complete symptomatic rotator cuff tear. The operations were carried out from a superior approach performing a total cuff repair, for 10 patients we used a suture augmented with an autologous graft taken from their own fascia lata while unaugmented sutures were used for the other 10 patients. The follow-up period lasted for one year post-intervention. We measured variables for tear type, functionality and pain, both baseline and at 6 and 12-month follow ups. We evaluated retear incidence in each group as well as each group's pain and functionality response. RESULTS: The improved pain levels in the non-graft group evolved gradually over time. Conversely, in the group with the augmentation grafts, average Constant-Murley shoulder outcome scores at six months were already above 10 and were maintained at 12 months. One retear occurred in the graft group and 2 in the group without grafts, thus presenting no significant differences. There were no significant changes in pain and function values at the one year follow up in either group. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results regarding rotator cuff augmentation surgery with autologous fascia lata showed a significant improvement in pain levels after 6 months compared to the patients with no augmentation, who required 12 months to reach the same values. After a year of follow up, there were no differences between the mean Constant and pain scores in either intervention group The number of retears in the non-graft group was greater than that in the group with grafts although the difference was not significant.

Efecto de dosis única intravenosa de ácido tranexámico sobre el sangrado en artroplastia total de cadera. Estudio prospectivo, controlado y aleatorizado / Effect of tranexamic acid administration on bleeding in primary total hip arthroplasty

Objetivo. Estudiar la efectividad del ácido tranexámico como método para disminuir el sangrado perioperatorio en pacientes intervenidos de artroplastia total primaria de cadera, así como su seguridad. Material y métodos. Estudio prospectivo, aleatorizado y controlado sobre la eficacia del ácido tranexámico como método para disminuir el sangrado en cirugía protésica primaria de cadera. Se han incluido 134 pacientes intervenidos durante el año 2014 en nuestro centro, los cuales se han dividido en 2 grupos según se le ha administrado o no ácido tranexámico. Las variables principales del estudio fueron los niveles de hemoglobina y hematocrito posquirúrgicos a las 24horas, la cantidad de sangre recogida en el drenaje postoperatorio a las 12, 24 y 48horas, así como las necesidades transfusionales. Resultados. Los niveles de hemoglobina y hematocrito posquirúrgicos fueron estadísticamente superiores (p<0,001) en el grupo al que se le administró ácido tranexámico. En las primeras 48horas los valores de sangrado del grupo control fueron mayores con respecto a los pacientes tratados con ácido tranexámico. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p=0,001) en cuanto a la necesidad de transfusión en función del grupo, siendo superior en el grupo control (25,37% frente a 4,48% del grupo tratado). No se registraron eventos adversos relacionados con la administración de ácido tranexámico. Conclusiones. La administración de ácido tranexámico ha demostrado ser un método efectivo y seguro para disminuir el sangrado perioperatorio en pacientes intervenidos de artroplastia total primaria de cadera, y así disminuir las necesidades transfusionales (AU)

Objective. To study the efficacy of tranexamic acid to decrease perioperative bleeding in patients who have undergone a total hip arthroplasty operation and to evaluate drug safety. Material and methods. Observational, prospective, controlled and randomized study on the efficacy of tranexamic acid as a method to reduce bleeding in primary hip replacement surgery. We included 134 patients operated during 2014 in our centre, who were divided into 2 groups according to whether or not they had received tranexamic acid. The main study variables were haemoglobin and haematocrit levels, the amount of blood collected from the post-operative drain in the first 12, 24 and 48hours and transfusion requirements. Results. Post-operative haemoglobin and haematocrit levels were statistically higher (P<.001) in the group with treatment. During the first 48hours bleeding values from the group that did not receive TAX were higher compared to patients treated with tranexamic acid. Statistically significant differences (P=.001) were found as to the need for transfusion according to group, more transfusions were performed in the cohort that had not received tranexamic acid: 25.37% compared to 4.48% for the group with tranexamic acid. No adverse events related to administration of tranexamic acid were recorded. Conclusions. Administration of tranexamic acid has proved to be an effective and safe method to reduce peri-operative bleeding in patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty and avoids allogenic blood transfusion. Therefore, tranexamic acid treatment could entail a financial saving for the healthcare system and expose the patient to less risk (AU)

Effect of tranexamic acid administration on bleeding in primary total hip arthroplasty. / Efecto de dosis única intravenosa de ácido tranexámico sobre el sangrado en artroplastia total de cadera. Estudio prospectivo, controlado y aleatorizado.

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of tranexamic acid to decrease perioperative bleeding in patients who have undergone a total hip arthroplasty operation and to evaluate drug safety. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, prospective, controlled and randomized study on the efficacy of tranexamic acid as a method to reduce bleeding in primary hip replacement surgery. We included 134 patients operated during 2014 in our centre, who were divided into 2 groups according to whether or not they had received tranexamic acid. The main study variables were haemoglobin and haematocrit levels, the amount of blood collected from the post-operative drain in the first 12, 24 and 48hours and transfusion requirements. RESULTS: Post-operative haemoglobin and haematocrit levels were statistically higher (P<.001) in the group with treatment. During the first 48hours bleeding values from the group that did not receive TAX were higher compared to patients treated with tranexamic acid. Statistically significant differences (P=.001) were found as to the need for transfusion according to group, more transfusions were performed in the cohort that had not received tranexamic acid: 25.37% compared to 4.48% for the group with tranexamic acid. No adverse events related to administration of tranexamic acid were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of tranexamic acid has proved to be an effective and safe method to reduce peri-operative bleeding in patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty and avoids allogenic blood transfusion. Therefore, tranexamic acid treatment could entail a financial saving for the healthcare system and expose the patient to less risk.

La osteotomía patelar coronal de la faceta externa asociada a liberación del retináculo lateral mejora los resultados clínicos de la liberación lateral aislada en el síndrome de compresión lateral de rótula / Coronal patellar osteotomy of the external facet combined with the release of the lateral retinaculum improves the clinical outcomes of isolated lateral release in lateral knee compartment syndrome

Objetivo. Descripción de una nueva osteotomía coronal de la faceta externa de la rótula y valorar si los resultados del tratamiento del síndrome de compresión lateral de la rótula (SCLR) con nuestra osteotomía junto a la liberación del retináculo lateral externo son mejores que la liberación aislada del retináculo lateral. Material y métodos. Estudio prospectivo con 2 años de seguimiento, donde tratamos 70 pacientes diagnosticados de SCLR y distribuidos en 2 grupos: un primer grupo de 50 pacientes en los que se realizó la liberación del retináculo lateral asociada a osteotomía, y un segundo grupo de 20 pacientes en los que se realizó una liberación aislada del retináculo lateral. Se midió la escala funcional de Werner de forma preoperatoria y a los 3, 12 y 24 meses. Resultados. Existen diferencias significativas en el estado funcional global postoperatorio entre grupos (mejor el grupo de osteotomía en todos los intervalos, p<0,05). La mejoría, que es progresiva hasta los 12 meses, experimenta un ligero retroceso a los 24, aunque los valores siguen siendo mejores que los preoperatorios en ambos grupos. Todas las variables muestran valores mejores en el grupo de la osteotomía. La variable con mayor mejoría es aparición del dolor. Los pacientes con SCLR con signos degenerativos presentaron un beneficio en todos los casos. Conclusión. Los resultados muestran que la técnica de osteotomía rotuliana descrita asociado a la liberación del retináculo lateral mejora de forma significativa el dolor y la escala funcional de pacientes con SCLR a los 2 años de seguimiento, en mayor grado que lo hace la liberación aislada del retináculo lateral, incluso en aquellos en los que existe evidencia de signos degenerativos (AU)

Objective. To describe a novel coronal osteotomy of the external facet of the patella, and to evaluate if the outcomes of the treatment of lateral knee compartment syndrome (LKCS) with this osteotomy, combined with the release of the external lateral retinaculum, are better than the isolated lateral retinacular release. Material and methods. A prospective study with a 2 year follow up that included 70 patients diagnosed with LKCS, distributed into 2 groups. The first group included 50 patients on whom the lateral retinacular release combined with osteotomy was performed, and a second group on whom an isolated retinacular release was performed. Measurements were made using the Werner functional scale before the surgery and at 3, 12, and 24 months follow-up. Results. There were significant differences in the overall functional state between the two groups after the surgery (better in the osteotomy group at all the intervals, P<.05). The improvement, which was progressive up to 12 months, was slightly less at 24 months, although the values were still better than the pre-surgical ones in both groups. Pain was the variable that showed most improvement. The patients with LKCS with degenerative signs showed a benefit in all cases. Conclusion. The results demonstrate that the described patellar osteotomy technique, combined with lateral retinacular release, significantly improves the pain and the functional scale score of patients with LKCS after 2 years of follow-up, to a greater extent than isolated lateral retinacular release, including those in which there was evidence of degenerative signs (AU)

Coronal patellar osteotomy of the external facet combined with the release of the lateral retinaculum improves the clinical outcomes of isolated lateral release in lateral knee compartment syndrome. / La osteotomía patelar coronal de la faceta externa asociada a liberación del retináculo lateral mejora los resultados clínicos de la liberación lateral aislada en el síndrome de compresión lateral de rótula.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel coronal osteotomy of the external facet of the patella, and to evaluate if the outcomes of the treatment of lateral knee compartment syndrome (LKCS) with this osteotomy, combined with the release of the external lateral retinaculum, are better than the isolated lateral retinacular release. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study with a 2 year follow up that included 70 patients diagnosed with LKCS, distributed into 2 groups. The first group included 50 patients on whom the lateral retinacular release combined with osteotomy was performed, and a second group on whom an isolated retinacular release was performed. Measurements were made using the Werner functional scale before the surgery and at 3, 12, and 24 months follow-up. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the overall functional state between the two groups after the surgery (better in the osteotomy group at all the intervals, P<.05). The improvement, which was progressive up to 12 months, was slightly less at 24 months, although the values were still better than the pre-surgical ones in both groups. Pain was the variable that showed most improvement. The patients with LKCS with degenerative signs showed a benefit in all cases. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that the described patellar osteotomy technique, combined with lateral retinacular release, significantly improves the pain and the functional scale score of patients with LKCS after 2 years of follow-up, to a greater extent than isolated lateral retinacular release, including those in which there was evidence of degenerative signs.

Acute Effects of Nasal CPAP in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common genetic disease that may cause left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction, heart failure, and sudden death. Recent studies have shown a high prevalence of OSA among patients with HCM. Because the hemodynamics in patients with LVOT obstruction are unstable and depend on the loading conditions of the heart, we evaluated the acute effects of CPAP on hemodynamics and cardiac performance in patients with HCM. METHODS: We studied 26 stable patients with HCM divided into nonobstructive HCM (n = 12) and obstructive HCM (n = 14) groups (LVOT gradient pressure lower or higher than 30 mm Hg, respectively). Patients in the supine position while awake were continuously monitored with beat-to-beat BP measurements and electrocardiography. Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed at rest (baseline) and after 20 min of nasal CPAP at 1.5 cm H2O and 10 cm H2O, which was applied in a random order interposed by 10 min without CPAP. RESULTS: BP, cardiac output, stroke volume, heart rate, left ventricular ejection fraction, and LVOT gradient did not change during the study period in either group. CPAP at 10 cm H2O decreased right atrial size and right ventricular relaxation in all patients. It also decreased left atrial volume significantly and decreased right ventricular outflow acceleration time, suggesting an increase in pulmonary artery pressure in patients with obstructive HCM. CONCLUSIONS: The acute application of CPAP is apparently safe in patients with HCM, because CPAP does not lead to hemodynamic compromise. Long-term studies in patients with HCM and sleep apnea and nocturnal CPAP are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRY: ClinicalTrials.gov; No. NCT01631006; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Malaria in Pregnancy Interacts with and Alters the Angiogenic Profiles of the Placenta

Malaria in pregnancy remains a substantial public health problem in malaria-endemic areaswith detrimental outcomes for both the mother and the foetus. The placental changes that lead to some of these detrimental outcomes have been studied, but the mechanisms that lead to these changes are still not fully elucidated. There is some indication that imbalancesin cytokine cascades, complement activation and angiogenic dysregulation might be involved in the placental changes observed. Nevertheless, the majority of studies on malaria in pregnancy (MiP) have come from areas where malaria transmission is high and usually restricted to Plasmodium falciparum, the most pathogenic of the malaria parasite species. We conducted a cross-sectional study in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre state, Brazil, an area of low transmission and where both P. vivax and P. falciparum circulate. We collected peripheral and placental blood and placental biopsies, at delivery from 137 primigravid women and measured levels of the angiogenic factors angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2, their receptor Tie-2, and several cytokines and chemokines. We measured 4 placental parameters (placental weight, syncytial knots, placental barrier thickness and mononuclear cells) and associated these with the levels of angiogenic factors and cytokines. In this study, MiP was not associated with severe outcomes. An increased ratio of peripheral Tie-2:Ang-1 was associated with the occurrence of MiP. Both Ang-1 and Ang-2 had similar magnitudes but inverse associations with placental barrier thickness. Malaria in pregnancy is an effect modifier of the association between Ang-1 and placental barrier thickness...

The changing epidemiology of bacteraemic osteoarticular infections in the early 21st century.

Osteoarticular infections (OAI), which are often associated with bacteraemia, seem to be increasing. We studied all patients with bacteraemia and concomitant OAI: septic arthritis (SA), vertebral osteomyelitis (VOM) or peripheral osteomyelitis (POM), which were seen at our institution (1985-2011). Data were extracted from a prospective protocol of bacteraemia cases recorded. Trends in main findings were considered in five periods. Major antibiotic resistance patterns were studied. A total of 601 cases of bacteraemic OAI, accounting for 1.8% of total bactaeremias, were studied: SA (48%), VOM (40%) and POM (17%). When comparing the 1985-91 and 2007-11 periods, the incidence of bacteraemic OAI increased from 2.34 to 5.78 episodes/100 000 inhabitants per year (p <0.001); and nosocomial and healthcare-related cases increased from 18% to 30% (p <0.001) and from 10% to 25% (p <0.001), respectively. Also, there was an increase of age (median, from 49 to 65 years, p <0.001), patients with comorbidities (23% to 59%, p <0.001), and device-related OAI (7% to 28%, p <0.001). Patterns of OAI were changing over time. Compared with younger patients, older adults (≥ 65 years) had more VOM, prosthetic-joint infections and enterococcal OAI. The percentage of OAI caused by methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus decreased, while those caused by methicillin-resistant S. aureus, streptococci, enterococci, and Gram-negative bacilli increased. There was a link between certain microorganisms with specific OAI and age of patients. Over the past three decades, bacteraemic OAI increased in association with aging and use of orthopaedic devices. Nosocomial and healthcare-related OAI increased, with a rise in multidrug-resistant bacteria. These trends should be considered when planning diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines for OAI.

Clinical and microbiological findings in prosthetic joint replacement due to aseptic loosening.

OBJECTIVES: A role for microorganisms in aseptic prosthetic loosening (AL) is postulated. We analyse the microbiological and clinical findings of patients with suspected AL, and compare them with patients with chronic prosthetic joint infection (PJI). METHODS: Prospective study (2011-2012) of patients with presumed AL. Evaluation of tissue samples (≥5; TS) at the time of surgery and sonication fluid (SF) of prosthesis. RESULTS: According to positive culture in TS/SF, 89 patients were divided into: Group1: (≥2 positive-TS; n = 12); Group2: single positive-TS and concordant SF (n = 10); Group3: one positive or non-concordant TS or SF (n = 38); and Group4: cultures negative (n = 29). Positive-SF was always concordant with TS in Group 1 (75%); it was positive in 74% in Group 3. Median months (prosthesis-age: implantation to revision arthroplasty) for PJI and Group 1-4 was 21, 46, 65, 63 and 81, respectively (P < 0.001); they also had a different dynamic trend in prosthesis failure (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Several patients with suspected AL are misdiagnosed PJI. Results from SF correlated well with TS in Group 1, led us to consider single positive-TS as significant (Group 2) and to suggest that microorganisms were on the prosthesis (Group 3). We observed a correlation between microbiology and prosthesis-age, which supports that early loosening is more often caused by hidden PJI than late loosening.