Rate of paediatric gastrostomy insertion in England and relationship to epidemiology of cerebral palsy.

Background and objectives: Gastrostomy tubes are commonly used to provide an alternative route for enteral nutrition. Most of the gastrostomies are inserted in children with cerebral palsy. Previous studies have shown an increase in insertion rate, however, epidemiological studies reveal a stasis in prevalence of cerebral palsy. We aimed to provide an up-to-date rate of gastrostomy insertion in children in England over a 20-year period and systematically review the prevalence of cerebral palsy to ascertain an epidemiological explanation for insertion trends. Methods: Retrospective search of Hospital Episode Statistic, a database held diagnosis and procedural code from all England National Health Service hospitals from 2000 to 2021 using International Classification of Disease-10 and Office of Population Censuses and Survey's Classification-4. England Office for National Statistics data were used for population census. MEDLINE and EMBASE were systematically searched for epidemiology of cerebral palsy. Results: There were 23 079 gastrostomies inserted in children <15 years in England (2000-2021) leading to a frequency of 12.4 insertions per 100 000 children per year and 1383 gastrostomy insertions in 15-18 years age group (6 per 100 000). The overall gastrostomy insertion rate in children <15 years has increased from 3.7 procedures per 100 000 in 2000 to 18.3 per 100 000 in 2017. Prevalence of cerebral palsy remained stable (1.5-3.3 per 1000 birth) since 1985. Conclusions: There was a significant increase in the rate of gastrostomy insertion in children in England during most of the last 20 years not explained by a stable prevalence of cerebral palsy.

EndoFLIP assessment of pyloric sphincter in children: a single-center experience.

Background: Gastrointestinal complaints are common in children with neurodisabilities, vomiting, retching and poor feed tolerance are frequently reported. Endolumenal functional lumen imaging probe (EndoFLIP) is used to assess compliance and distensibility of the pylorus and can predict response to Botulinum Toxin in adult with gastroparesis. We aimed to review pyloric muscle measurements using EndoFLIP in children with neuromuscular disabilities and significant foregut symptoms and to assess the clinical response to intrapyloric Botulinum Toxin. Methods: Retrospective review of clinical notes of all children who underwent pyloric EndoFLIP assessment in Evelina London Children's Hospital from March 2019 to January 2022. EndoFLIP catheter was inserted at the time of endoscopy via existing gastrostomy tract. Results: A total of 335 measurement from 12 children were obtained, mean age 10.7±4.2 years. Measurements (pre and post Botox) were obtained with 20, 30 and 40 mL balloon volume. Diameter (6.5, 6.6), (7.8, 9.4) and (10.1, 11.2), compliance (92.3, 147.9), (89.7, 142.9) and (77, 85.4) mm3/mmHg, distensibility (2.6, 3.8), (2.7, 4.4) and (2.1, 3) mm2/mmHg and balloon pressure was (13.6, 9.6), (20.9, 16.2) and (42.3, 35) mmHg. Eleven children reported clinical symptom improvement after Botulinum Toxin injection. Balloon pressure was positively correlated to diameter (r=0.63, P<0.001). Conclusions: Children with neurodisabilities who present with symptoms suggestive of poor gastric emptying do have a low pyloric distensibility and poor compliance. EndoFLIP via existing gastrostomy tract is quick and easy to perform. Intrapyloric Botulinum Toxin appears to be safe and effective in this cohort of children leading to clinical and measurements improvement.

A review on the deeper understanding of inflammation and infection of the thoracic aorta.

OBJECTIVE: To review the current literature regarding infection and inflammation of the thoracic aorta and to summarise its aetiologies, pathogenesis and clinical presentation. Additionally, the authors sought to compare diagnostic methods and to analyse the different management options. METHOD: A comprehensive electronic search using PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus and Google Scholar was conducted to find relevant journal articles with key search terms including: 'aortitis', 'thoracic aortic infection' and 'surgical management of infected thoracic aortic aneurysms'. Prominent publications from 1995 till present (2021) were analysed to achieve a deeper understanding of thoracic aorta infection and inflammation, and the information was then collated to form this review. RESULTS: The literature review revealed that infectious causes are more prominent than non-infectious causes, with Gram positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and Streptococcus accounting for approximately 60% of the infections. The authors also noted that Staphylococcus Aureus was associated with poorer outcomes. Key diagnostic tools include MRI and multi-slice CT imaging, which are useful imaging modalities in defining the extent of the disease thus allowing for planning surgical intervention. Surgical intervention itself is extremely multifaceted and the rarity of the condition means no large-scale comparative research between all the management options exists. Until more large-scale comparative data becomes available to guide treatment, the optimal approach must be decided on a case-by-case basis, considering the benefits and drawback of each treatment option. CONCLUSION: A high index of suspicion and a comprehensive history is required to effectively diagnose and manage infection and inflammation of the thoracic aorta. Differentiating between infectious and inflammatory cases is crucial for management planning, as infectious causes typically require antibiotics and surgical intervention. Over the years, the post treatment results have shown significant improvement due to earlier diagnosis, advancement in surgical options and increasingly specific microbial therapy.

The Impact of Tocilizumab on Radiological Changes Assessed by Quantitative Chest CT in Severe COVID-19 Patients.

(1) Background: We aimed to analyze the characteristics associated with the in-hospital mortality, describe the early CT changes expressed quantitatively after tocilizumab (TOC), and assess TOC timing according to the oxygen demands. (2) Methods: We retrospectively studied 101 adult patients with severe COVID-19, who received TOC and dexamethasone. The lung involvement was assessed quantitatively using native CT examination before and 7−10 days after TOC administration. (3) Results: The in-hospital mortality was 17.8%. Logistic regression analysis found that interstitial lesions above 50% were associated with death (p = 0.01). The other variables assessed were age (p = 0.1), the presence of comorbidities (p = 0.9), the oxygen flow rate at TOC administration (p = 0.2), FiO2 (p = 0.4), lymphocyte count (p = 0.3), and D-dimers level (p = 0.2). Survivors had a statistically significant improvement at 7−10 days after TOC of interstitial (39.5 vs. 31.6%, p < 0.001), mixt (4.3 vs. 2.3%, p = 0.001) and consolidating (1.7 vs. 1.1%, p = 0.001) lesions. When TOC was administered at a FiO2 ≤ 57.5% (oxygen flow rate ≤ 13 L/min), the associated mortality was significantly lower (4.3% vs. 29.1%, p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: Quantitative imaging provides valuable information regarding the extent of lung damage which can be used to anticipate the in-hospital mortality. The timing of TOC administration is important and FiO2 could be used as a clinical predictor.

Bowel transit studies in children: evidence base, role and practicalities.

Constipation is common in children and adults with varied worldwide prevalence. The majority of children have functional constipation as defined by Rome clinical criteria and respond favourably to standard medical therapy; up to one-third can develop difficult-to-treat constipation requiring investigation and specialist treatment. Colon function tests aim to assess the neuromuscular integrity, the movement of faeces across the colon and evaluate/predict response to the therapy. The 'ideal' test should be practical, non-invasive, widely available and cost-effective. None of the available diagnostic tools is designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of colon function and clinicians often have to combine more than one test to answer different questions. In this review, we aim to assess the strengths and limitations of the commonly available diagnostic investigations (radiopaque marker studies, scintigraphy, wireless motility capsule and colonic manometry) used to assess colon transit in children and to provide guidance on the most appropriate test for particular clinical settings.

Factors Influencing Delayed Diagnosis in Oncology.

Background: In Romania there is a discrepancy between cancer incidence (last place in Europe) and mortality rate (over the medium rate in Europe), possibly due to a higher number of late diagnosis. This study aims to determine associations between delayed cancer diagnosis and psychosocial characteristics (depression, coping style, social support). Methods: Cancer patients were administered a battery of tests for depression, anxiety, coping mechanism, social support, social status, medical and family history, and time between first symptoms and diagnosis. Results: Delayed presentation was positively correlated with female gender (p=0.031), rural area (p=0.033) and law stress levels (p=0.045), depression (p=0.02). positive reassessment (p=0.002) and low positive refocusing (p=0.006). Conclusion: Coping styles, depression and gender influence delayed diagnosis of cancer, this potentially contributing to a bad prognosis of oncology patients. Further longitudinal studies and screening procedures could contribute to a better understanding of individual contribution of these factors to delayed diagnosis.

Depression and anxiety in recurrent giant cell tumor of bone.

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is a benign neoplasia more frequently encountered in young females. The pathogenic and evolutionary dynamics of the disease is strongly influenced by the presence of depression and cellular mechanisms, especially proinflammatory and immune. Although it is not a malignant tumor, it is often recurrent, which determines a high level of depression, anxiety, and fear of the patients. Cytokine mechanisms, especially through increased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), as well as the involvement of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B (RANK)-RANK ligand (RANK-L) system, can be correlated with the risk of malignancy. Unfavorable evolution is associated with persistent pain, difficulties of movement and body dysmorphic symptoms. The diagnosis is based mainly on histopathological (HP) assessment. The patients can be treated with pharmacological agents (Denosumab), surgery with tumor excision, reconstruction or osteosynthesis, and radiotherapy. Patients with GCTB require HP and imaging evaluations, especially of relapses, to detect the risk of metastasis or malignancy, simultaneously with psychological and psychiatric monitoring to detect depression, addictive behaviors, and suicide risk. It is necessary to evaluate in a multidisciplinary team to avoid unfavorable oncological and psychiatric developments. Through its clinical, HP, and therapeutic features, GCTB has multiple connections with the psychological and psychopathological dimension.

Difficulties in histopathology diagnosis and treatment of depressive disorder of breast cancer in male - clinical case presentation.

Breast cancer is less common among men than among women (about 1 in 100) and it is considered a rare disease but the evolution is significantly influenced by depression and distress. We present the case of a 63-year-old patient that was diagnosed in another Clinic with squamous skin carcinoma, but, after complete resection in our Hospital, it was proven to be breast cancer. At diagnosis, computed tomography (CT) scan showed local disease. Adjuvant treatment, consisting in chemotherapy and radiotherapy, was administered. At the beginning of hormonal therapy, the patient had a new CT scan that showed liver and bone metastases. The patient started palliative hormonal treatment with bisphosphonates. The aim of the study was to highlight both the importance of early diagnosis and treatment and the aggressiveness of male breast cancer compared with female. Depressive disorder and social distress worsens the prognosis and quality of life. Male with breast cancer has identity difficulties, body image disturbances and secondary distress.

Resilience and active coping style: Effects on the self-reported quality of life in cancer patients.

Objective This study aimed to assess the association between resilience, active coping styles and the self-perceived quality of life in cancer patients. Additionally, we evaluated the contribution brought to quality of life by demographic variables (age, gender, occupational status) and medical ones (tumour, node and metastasis [TNM] stage, time from diagnosis, number of treatment lines). Methods The study design was cross-sectional. One hundred and seventy-eight patients (94 males, 84 females; mean age 56.20, SD = 7.81) consecutively admitted to two specialty hospitals in Bucharest and displaying TNM cancer stages II-IV were administered the Brief COPE Questionnaire, the RS-14 Resilience Scale and the Rotterdam symptom checklist. Hierarchical regression was used to analyze the relationship between the study variables and the quality of life components (physical distress, psychological distress, and the ability to remain active). Results The quality of life scores were within the average limits, despite 87.6% of patients being in an advanced cancer stage. Both resilience and active coping scores were in the higher range (resilience mean = 78.10, SD = 13.31, 95%CI = 76.14-80.06; active coping mean = 18.33, SD = 4.39, 95%CI = 17.68-18.98). Resilience correlated significantly with all quality of life components (global: p < .001, physical distress: p < .04, psychological distress: p < .0005, activity level: p < .03), whereas active coping did it only indirectly, via resilience. Among other variables, occupational status and time from diagnosis correlated inversely to two of quality of life components, and TNM stage to all. Conclusions This study points out the importance of resilience in influencing the self-perception of quality of life in cancer patients. Considering that resilience can be improved through psychological intervention, our findings may be useful for the design, adjustment, and implementation of future psychotherapeutic protocols.

Burnout and Its Relationships with Alexithymia, Stress, and Social Support among Romanian Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Medical school students often experience emotional difficulties when handling the challenges of their formation, occasionally leading to burnout. In this study, we measured the prevalence of burnout and its relationships with perceived stress, perceived social support, and alexithymia in medical students from the largest academic medical community in Romania. A cross-sectional survey was administered to a randomized sample of 299 preclinical medical students at the University of Medicine in Bucharest. Participants completed four standardized questionnaires. In addition to the assessment of burnout prevalence, stepwise backward regression was used to establish which variables had the highest correlation to burnout components. Further, t-tests were run to assess gender-related differences. Overall, burnout prevalence was 15.05%. Perceived stress was found to be the strongest predictor of emotional exhaustion and lack of accomplishment, while the strongest predictors of depersonalization were low perceived social support (in women) and alexithymia (in men). Women appear to be more vulnerable to two of the components of burnout (emotional exhaustion and low personal accomplishment) and associate higher perceived stress and alexithymia. These results suggest that interventions addressing academic burnout could benefit from being gender-specific, with focus on key elements, such as perceived stress and alexithymia.

Clinical effectiveness of the activator adjusting instrument in the management of musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature investigating clinical outcomes involving the use of the Activator Adjusting Instrument (AAI) or Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique (AMCT). METHODS: A literature synthesis was performed on the available research and electronic databases, along with hand-searching of journals and reference tracking for any studies that investigated the AAI in terms of clinical effectiveness. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were evaluated using an instrument that assessed their methodological quality. RESULTS: Eight articles met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the AAI provided comparable clinically meaningful benefits to patients when compared to high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) manual manipulation or trigger point therapy for patients with acute and chronic spinal pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction and trigger points of the trapezius muscles. CONCLUSION: This systematic review of 8 clinical trials involving the use of the AAI found reported benefits to patients with a spinal pain and trigger points, although the clinical trials reviewed suffered from many methodological limitations, including small sample size, relatively brief follow-up period and lack of control or sham treatment groups.