Systematic assessment of the influence of quality of studies on mistletoe in cancer care on the results of a meta-analysis on overall survival.

PURPOSE: Mistletoe treatment in cancer patients is controversial, and a Cochrane review concluded that due to heterogeneity, performing a meta-analysis was not suitable. However, several systematic reviews included meta-analyses in favor of mistletoe. The aim of this work was to assess the influence of the methodological quality of controlled studies on the results of a meta-analysis regarding overall survival. METHODS: Between April and August 2022, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PsycINFO, CINAHL and Web of Science were systematically searched. In addition, reference lists of previously published meta-analyses were checked for relevant publications. A random effects meta-analysis with clustering was performed. The risk of bias within the studies was assessed using ROB 2.0 and ROBINS-I. RESULTS: The search identified 4685 hits, and 28 publications reporting on 28 298 patients were included in the quantitative analysis. Overall, the analysis led to a significant result in favor of mistletoe therapy (overall HR = 0.61 with 95% CI [0.53;0.7]). According to our subgroup analysis of randomized studies, studies of higher quality (lower risk of bias) did not lead to a significant result in favor of mistletoe therapy (HR = 0.78; CI = [0.30; 2.00]). CONCLUSIONS: In the case of mistletoe therapy, the results of the meta-analysis strongly depended on the methodological quality of the included studies. Calculating meta-analyses that include low-quality studies may lead to severe misinterpretation of the data.

Effect of the German tonsillitis guideline on indication for tonsil surgery in patients with recurrent acute tonsillitis: a population-based study.

Evidence-based indication for tonsil surgery in patients with recurrent acute tonsillitis (RAT) is an ongoing matter of debate. Since introduction of the German tonsillitis guideline in 2015, the indication criteria for tonsil surgery have become much stricter. It is unclear, if this has changed the indication policy. A retrospective population-based study was performed including all 1398 patients with RAT admitted for tonsil surgery in all Thuringian hospitals in 2011, 2015, and 2019. Changes over the years concerning patients' characteristics, number of tonsillitis episodes in the last 12 months treated with antibiotics (T12), and decision for tonsillectomy or tonsillotomy were analyzed using univariable and multivariable statistics. The surgical rates decreased from 28.56/100,000 population in 2011 to 23.57 in 2015, and to 11.60 in 2019. The relative amount of patients with ≥ 6 T12 increased from 14.1% in 2011 over 13.3% in 2015 to 35.9% in 2019. Most patients received a tonsillectomy (98% of all surgeries). Decision for tonsillotomy was seldom (1.2%). Multinomial logistic regression analysis with the year 2011 as reference showed that compared to the year 2015, the age of the patients undergoing surgery increased in 2015 (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.024; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.014-1.034; p < 0.001), and also in 2019 (OR 1.030: CI 1.017-1.043; p < 0.001). Compared to 2011, the number T12 was not higher in 2015, but in 2019 (OR 1.273; CI 1.185-1.367; p < 0.001). Stricter rules led to lower tonsil surgery rates but to a higher proportion of patients with ≥ 6 T12 before surgery. Tonsillectomy remained the dominating technique.

Malnutrition in Head and Neck Cancer: A Patient-reported Outcome Study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is associated with a high risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition is defined as acute weight loss greater than 5% and increases mortality 1.7-fold for HNC patients. The aim of the study was to investigate the social and nutritional impairments that patients face throughout cancer-survivorship. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted nationwide via the self-help network and in a single oncological center. We analysed 134 patient reported outcome (PRO) questionnaires with a mean age of 65.5±9.4 years, including 88 males, 36 females, and ten participants of undisclosed sex. The questionnaire contained 47 items enquiring about demography, weight development, and how treatment impaired nutrition. RESULTS: The patient data showed a weight loss of 8% after surgery, 13% after (chemo)radiotherapy [(C)RT] and a return to baseline weight in convalescence. However, patients with a baseline weight >100 kilogram (kg), had a 22% weight loss after (C)RT (p<0.0001) and this remained permanent at 11% (p=0.0041). Treatment-associated side-effects gradually decreased in the course compared to the time of treatment: loss of taste (55% to 21%), xerostomia (56% to 42%), dysphagia (57% to 43%), and dental problems (33%/ to 21%). (C)RT immediately led to more loss of taste (p=0.0461) and dysphagia (p=0.0334), and surgery as a singular modality scored the lowest odds ratio for side-effects. Social Impact: mood, supporting networks, and supplement satisfaction were rated "good" (Likert Scale). CONCLUSION: Malnutrition is common among HNC patients. High baseline weight and extensive multimodal treatment are important risk factors that require enhanced stewardship.

Green tea and green tea extract in oncological treatment: A systematic review.

Purpose: Teas are an essential part of traditional phytotherapy. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the clinical evidence using green tea catechins in cancer care. Methods: A systematic search was conducted searching five electronic databases concerning the effectiveness and risks of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on cancer patients. Results: Seven studies with 371 patients were included. Patients were mainly suffering from breast and prostate cancer. Dosing ranged from 28 mg to 1600 mg EGCG, intervention time from 7 days to 6 months with different applications (topical 2 studies; oral 5 studies). The studies showed heterogeneous methodological quality and results leading not to conduct a meta-analysis. There was a small decrease in prostate-specific-antigen levels in one study (N=60; T0:(mean±SD) 9.6±5.2 ng/ml, T1: 8.4±4.3 ng/ml vs. T0: 9.9±8.5 ng/ml, T1: 10.0±9.0 ng/ml; p=0.04), whereas in a second study only a trend was seen. Topical green tea was as effective as metronidazole powder in reducing the odor of fungating malignant wounds (1 study; N=30) with a consequent increase in quality of life (QoL) (p<0.001), improvement of appetite (p<0.001), malodorous control (p<0.001), social activities (p<0.001). Radiotherapy-induced diarrhea was lower in the green tea intervention group compared to placebo (1 study; N=42; week 4+5: without diarrhea p=0.002). Conclusions: The studies suggest that EGCG is as effective as a local antibiotic in malodorous control and improvement of QoL of fungating malignant wounds. Green tea could be a possible complementary method for treating acute radiation-induced diarrhea. Due to limitations, further studies with higher methodological quality and larger sample sizes are needed.

Systematic analysis of mistletoe prescriptions in clinical studies.

PURPOSE: Mistletoe treatment is discussed controversial as a complementary treatment for cancer patients. Aim of this systematic analysis is to assess the concept of mistletoe treatment in the clinical studies with respect to indication, type of mistletoe preparation, treatment schedule, aim of treatment, and assessment of treatment results. METHODS: In the period from August to December 2020, the following databases were systematically searched: Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PsycINFO, CINAHL, and "Science Citation Index Expanded" (Web of Science). We assessed all studies for study types, methods, endpoints and mistletoe preparations including their ways of application, host trees and dosage schedules. RESULTS: The search concerning mistletoe therapy revealed 3296 hits. Of these, 102 publications and at total of 19.441 patients were included. We included several study types investigating the application of mistletoe in different groups of participants (cancer patients of any type of cancer were included as well as studies conducted with healthy volunteers and pediatric patients). The most common types of cancer were breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer and malignant melanoma. Randomized controlled studies, cohort studies and case reports make up most of the included studies. A huge variety was observed concerning type and composition of mistletoe extracts (differing pharmaceutical companies and host trees), ways of applications and dosage schedules. Administration varied e. g. between using mistletoe extract as sole treatment and as concomitant therapy to cancer treatment. As the analysis of all studies shows, there is no relationship between mistletoe preparation used, host tree and dosage, and cancer type. CONCLUSIONS: Our research was not able to deviate transparent rules or guidelines with respect to mistletoe treatment in cancer care.

Early Mortality among Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosed in Thuringia, Germany, between 1996 and 2016-A Population-Based Study.

Population-based studies on early mortality in head and neck cancer (HNC) are sparse. This retrospective population-based study investigated early mortality of HNC and the influence of patients' tumor and treatment characteristics. All 8288 patients with primary HNC of the German federal state Thuringia from 1996 to 2016 were included. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify independent factors for 30-day, 90-day, and 180-day mortality. The 30-, 90-, and 180-day mortality risks were 1.8%, 5.1%, and 9.6%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, male sex (odds ratio (OR) 1.41; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08-1.84), increasing age (OR 1.81; CI 1.49-2.19), higher T (T4: OR 3.09; CI 1.96-4.88) and M1 classification (OR 1.97; CI 1.43-2.73), advanced stage (IV: OR 3.97; CI 1.97-8.00), tumors of the cavity of mouth (OR 3.47; CI 1.23-9.75), oropharynx (OR 3.01; CI 1.06-8.51), and hypopharynx (OR 3.27; CI 1.14-9.40) had a significantly greater 180-day mortality. Surgery (OR 0.51; CI 0.36-0.73), radiotherapy (OR 0.37; CI 0.25-0.53), and multimodal therapy (OR 0.10; CI 0.07-0.13) were associated with decreased 180-day mortality. Typical factors associated with worse overall survival had the most important impact on early mortality in a population-based setting.

Role of Intraparotid and Neck Lymph Node Metastasis in Primary Parotid Cancer Surgery: A Population-Based Analysis.

This population-based study investigated the prognostic role of intraparotid (PAR) and cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis on overall survival (OS) of primary parotid cancer. All 345 patients (median age: 66 years; 43% female, 49% N+, 31% stage IV) of the Thuringian cancer registries with parotid cancer from 1996 to 2016 were included. OS was assessed in relation to the total number of removed PAR and cervical LN, number of positive intraparotid (PAR+), positive cervical LN, LN ratio, log odds of positive LN (LODDS), as well as including the PAR as LODDS-PAR. PAR was assessed in 42% of the patients (22% of these PAR+). T and N classification were not independent predictors of OS. When combining T with LODDS instead of N, higher T (T3/T4) became a prognosticator (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.588; CI = 1.329−5.040; p = 0.005) but not LODDS (p > 0.05). When combining T classification with LODDS-PAR, both higher T classification (HR = 2.256; CI = 1.288−3.950; p = 0.004) and the alternative classification with LODDS-PAR (≥median −1.11; HR 2.078; CI = 1.155−3.739; p = 0.015) became independent predictors of worse OS. LODDS-PAR was the only independent prognosticator out of the LN assessment for primary parotid cancer.

Patients with non-idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss show hearing improvement more often than patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

INTRODUCTION: To compare inpatient treated patients with idiopathic (ISSNHL) and non-idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (NISSNHL) regarding frequency, hearing loss, treatment and outcome. METHODS: All 574 inpatient patients (51% male, median age: 60 years) with ISSNHL and NISSNHL, who were treated in federal state Thuringia in 2011 and 2012, were included retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: ISSNHL was diagnosed in 490 patients (85%), NISSNHL in 84 patients (15%). 49% of these cases had hearing loss due to acute otitis media, 37% through varicella-zoster infection or Lyme disease, 10% through Menière disease and 7% due to other reasons. Patients with ISSNHL and NISSNHL showed no difference between age, gender, side of hearing loss, presence of tinnitus or vertigo and their comorbidities. 45% of patients with ISSNHL and 62% with NISSNHL had an outpatient treatment prior to inpatient treatment (p < 0.001). The mean interval between onset of hearing loss to inpatient treatment was shorter in ISSNHL (7.7 days) than in NISSNHL (8.9 days; p = 0.02). The initial hearing loss of the three most affected frequencies in pure-tone average (3PTAmax) scaled 72.9 dBHL ± 31.3 dBHL in ISSNHL and 67.4 dBHL ± 30.5 dBHL in NISSNHL. In the case of acute otitis media, 3PTAmax (59.7 dBHL ± 24.6 dBHL) was lower than in the case of varicella-zoster infection or Lyme disease (80.11 dBHL ± 34.19 dBHL; p = 0.015). Mean absolute hearing gain (Δ3PTAmaxabs) was 8.1 dB ± 18.8 dB in patients with ISSNHL, and not different in NISSNHL patients with 10.2 dB ± 17.6 dB. A Δ3PTAmaxabs ≥ 10 dB was reached in 34.3% of the patients with ISSNHL and to a significantly higher rate of 48.8% in NISSNHL patients (p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: ISSNHL and NISSNHL show no relevant baseline differences. ISSNHL tends to have a higher initial hearing loss. NISSHNL shows a better outcome than ISSNHL.

Diet Changes and Underlying Motives in Cancer Patients.

With rising cancer incidence rates and numbers of long-term cancer survivors, diet increasingly comes into view of patients as well as healthcare providers. The aim was to analyze cancer patients' concepts of nutrition, changes in diet and reasons for these changes. This study is a cross-sectional single-center study. Data was collected 12/2017 - 01/2019 using a questionnaire. The study was set at an outpatient department at a German university hospital. 102 patients (male n = 47, female n = 54; age 34 to 86 years [mean = 62.3]) with cancer were included in the study. Statistical calculation was performed with Mann-Whitney-U-Test and Wilcoxon-signed-rank. p < 0.05 was considered significant. Patients were more concerned with diet after their diagnosis than before (p < 0.01). Seventy-one (70%) patients reported that they changed their diet or planned to do so. Some changes included an increased intake of vegetables or fruits. Patients who changed their diet more often were convinced that there was a positive influence of diet on the course of cancer (p < 0.05). Diet is an important topic for many cancer patients. Some patients seem to have a lack of information regarding the effect of diet on health. Physicians and dietitians should provide more education on healthy and safe diets for cancer patients.

30-day readmission rate in pediatric otorhinolaryngology inpatients: a retrospective population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Analysis of frequency and reasons for planned and unplanned 30-day readmission in hospitalized pediatric otorhinolaryngology patients using German Diagnosis Related Group (G-DRG) system data. METHODS: A retrospective population-based cohort study in Thuringia, Germany, was performed for the year 2015 with 2440 cases under 18 years (55.6% male) out of a total number of 15.271 inpatient cases. The majority of pediatric patients were from 2 to 5 years old (54.5%). The most frequent diagnoses were hyperplasia of adenoids or/and tonsils (26.6%). 36 cases (1.5%) experienced readmission within 30-days. RESULTS: 30-day readmission was planned in 9 cases (25% of all readmission) and was unplanned in 27 cases (75%). The median interval between index and readmission treatment was 8 days. Postoperative bleeding after adenoidectomy, tonsillotomy/tonsillectomy or tracheostomy (33.4%) and infectious complications after surgery like acute otitis media, abscess formation or fever (36.2%) were the most frequent reasons for 30-day readmission. Compared to adults treated in 2015 in Thuringia, the readmission rate was higher in adult patients (8.9%) than in this pediatric cohort. In contrast to children, readmissions in adults were mainly planned (65.1%) with a different spectrum of underlying diseases and reasons for readmission. CONCLUSION: The 30-day readmission rate seemed to be lower for pediatric otolaryngology patients compared to adult patients. Unplanned readmissions dominated in pediatric patients, whereas planned readmissions dominated in adults.

Long-Term Facial Nerve Outcome in Primary Parotid Cancer Surgery: A Population-Based Analysis.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To determine immediate postoperative and long-term facial nerve dysfunction after parotid cancer surgery, risk factors, and the role of facial reanimation surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Population-based long-term analysis for all new primary parotid carcinoma cases in Thuringia from 1996 to 2019. METHODS: Data of the cancer registries of Thuringia, a federal state in Germany, were analyzed in combination with hospital-based data on facial function. RESULTS: About 477 patients (42.3% women; median age: 68 years) were included. It was observed that 6.7% had a preoperative facial nerve dysfunction, 11.7% received a radical parotidectomy, that is, that 5% had a normal preoperative facial function but needed radical surgery because of intraoperative detection of tumor infiltration into the facial nerve. About 10.2% received facial nerve reconstruction surgery. Immediate postoperative facial nerve dysfunction in the other patients was observed in 34.4% of the patients. Advanced T classification (odds ratio [OR] = 2.140; confidence interval [CI] = 1.268-3.611; P = .004) and neck dissection (OR = 2.012; CI = 1.027-3.940; P = .041) were independent risk factors for immediate postoperative facial nerve dysfunction. In addition, 22.0% showed no recovery during follow-up. Advanced T classification (OR = 2.177; CI = 1.147-4.133; P = .017) and postoperative radiotherapy (OR = 2.695; CI = 1.244-5.841; P = .012) were independent risk factors for permanent postoperative facial nerve dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Patients with primary parotid cancer are at high risk for long-term facial nerve dysfunction. It seems that the possibilities of facial reanimation surgery needs to be utilized even more effectively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:2694-2700, 2021.

Systemic therapy for recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck cancer: a population-based healthcare research study in Thuringia, Germany.

PURPOSE: Systemic therapy choice for patients with recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck cancer (R/M HNC) is a challenge. Not much is known about systemic therapies used in daily clinical routine and their outcome. METHODS: Data of all 283 patients with R/M HNC (89.4% male, median age: 60 years) registered for first-line systemic therapy between 2015 and 2018 in the cancer registries of Thuringia, a federal state in Germany, were included. Patient characteristics and treatment patterns were summarized. Exploratory univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted on select of systemic therapy and prognostic factors for overall survival. RESULTS: The most frequent first-line regimens were platinum-based combinations (71.4%), mainly cetuximab + platinum + 5-fluorouracil (32.5%). 32.5, 13.1, 4.9, and 1.1%, respectively, received, a second, third, fourth, and fifth line of systemic therapy. Median follow-up was 5.5 months. Median real-world overall survival was 16.8 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 11.1-22.6]. Alcohol drinking [hazard ratio (HR) 2.375, CI 1.471-3.831; p < 0.001], no second-line therapy (HR 3.425, CI 2.082-5.635, p < 0.001), and application of three agents compared to one agent in first-line therapy (HR 2.798, CI 1.374-5.697; p = 0.005) were associated to decreased overall survival after start of first-line systemic therapy. Termination of second-line treatment because of deterioration of the general condition was the only independent negative prognostic factor (HR 4.202, CI 1.091-16.129; p = 0.037) after start of second-line systemic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers useful information, mainly prior to the availability of immunotherapy, on patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and survival in a German real-world population.

Gender Disparities in Epidemiology, Treatment, and Outcome for Head and Neck Cancer in Germany: A Population-Based Long-Term Analysis from 1996 to 2016 of the Thuringian Cancer Registry.

This study determined with focus on gender disparity whether incidence based on age, tumor characteristics, patterns of care, and survival have changed in a population-based sample of 8288 German patients with head neck cancer (HNC) registered between 1996 and 2016 in Thuringia, a federal state in Germany. The average incidence was 26.13 ± 2.89 for men and 6.23 ± 1.11 per 100,000 population per year for women. The incidence peak for men was reached with 60-64 years (63.61 ± 9.37). Highest incidence in females was reached at ≥85 years (13.93 ± 5.87). Multimodal concepts increased over time (RR = 1.33, CI = 1.26 to 1.40). Median follow-up time was 29.10 months. Overall survival (OS) rate at 5 years was 48.5%. The multivariable analysis showed that male gender (Hazard ratio [HR] = 1.44; CI = 1.32 to 1.58), tumor subsite (worst hypopharyngeal cancer: HR = 1.32; CI = 1.19 to 1.47), and tumor stage (stage IV: HR = 3.40; CI = 3.01 to 3.85) but not the year of diagnosis (HR = 1.00; CI = 0.99 to 1.01) were independent risk factors for worse OS. Gender has an influence on incidence per age group and tumor subsite, and on treatment decision, especially in advanced stage and elderly HNC patients.

Hospitalization for epistaxis: a population-based healthcare research study in Thuringia, Germany.

PURPOSE: Epistaxis is the most common ENT emergency. The aim was to determine population-based data on severe epistaxis needing inpatient treatment. METHODS: Retrospective population-based cohort study in the federal state Thuringia in 2016 performed on all 840 inpatients treated for epistaxis in otolaryngology departments (60.1% male, median age: 73 years; 63.9% under anticoagulation). The association between patients' and treatment characteristics and longer inpatient stay (≥ 4 days) as well as readmission for recurrent epistaxis was analyzed using univariable and multivariable statistics. RESULTS: The overall incidence of epistaxis needing inpatient treatment was higher for men (42 per 100,000) than for women (28 per 100,000). The highest incidence was reached for men > 85 years (222 per 100,000). Most important independent predictors for longer inpatient stay were localization of the bleeding not in the anterior nose (OR = 2.045; CI = 1.534-2.726), recurrent bleeding during inpatient treatment (OR = 2.142; CI = 1.508-3.042), no electrocoagulation (OR = 2.810; CI = 2.047-3.858), and blood transfusion (OR = 2.731; CI = 1.324-5.635). Independent predictors for later readmission because of recurrent epistaxis were male gender (OR = 1.756; CI = 1.155-2.668), oral anticoagulant use (OR = 1.731; CI = 1.046-2.865), and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (OR = 13.216; CI 5.102-34.231). CONCLUSIONS: Inpatient treatment of epistaxis seems to be variable in daily routine needing standardization by clinical guidelines and strategies to shorten inpatient treatment and to reduce the risk of readmission.

How to bridge the gap? European medical plants used for treating oral mucositis: on the search for evidence.

PURPOSE: Oral mucositis is a common, painful side effect of cancer treatment-be it locoregional (e.g. irradiation) or systemic (e. g. chemotherapy). Phytotherapy is often used by patients to alleviate symptoms. However, knowledge on which medical plants are recommended by literature about Traditional European Medicine (TEM), their effect(s) on symptoms and their efficacy is severely lacking. Therefore, we developed a novel approach to assess traditional knowledge of herbals used in TEM and searched the online databases for studies reporting effects of these plants. METHODS: At first, online research did not yield a satisfying number of studies (MESH terms: "mucositis" OR "stomatitis" AND "herbal" OR "herbal medicine"). Trials were labelled by the country conducting the study. In parallel, we compiled a list of 78 plants recommended for treating oral mucositis by screening 14 books on TEM. Then, a "hit list" of the plants most often mentioned was composed and used further for a second online investigation using the Latin plant designations as MESH term. Studies of both online searches were pooled for analysis. RESULTS: There is a gap between traditional knowledge and trials investigating medical plants used by TEM. Overall, herbal remedies alleviate oral mucositis and especially, gingivitis well. There is good evidence for using Matricaria recutita L., Salvia officinalis L., Calendula officinalis L. and Thymus spp. L. for treating oral mucositis. CONCLUSION: Clinical trials investigating medical plants known in TEM are rare. However, following our research strategy, we could extrapolate four plants with good evidence for alleviating symptoms of oral mucositis and gingivitis.

30-day unplanned readmission rate in otolaryngology patients: A population-based study in Thuringia, Germany.

PURPOSE: Analyze associations between patients' characteristics and treatment factors with 30-day unplanned readmissions in hospitalized otolaryngology patients in the German Diagnosis Related Group (D-DRG) system. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed on 15.271 otolaryngology admissions of 12.859 patients in 2015 in Thuringia, Germany. The medical records of the 1173 cases (7.6%) with readmission within 30-days were analyzed in detail. RESULTS: The 30-day readmission was planned in 747 cases (4.9%) and was unplanned in 422 cases (2.8%). The median interval between primary and next inpatient treatment was 11 days. The principal diagnosis was the same as during the primary index treatment in 72% of the cases. The most frequent reasons for readmission were: Need for non-surgical therapy (31.2%), need for further surgery (26.3%), post-surgical complaints (16.9%), and recurrence of primary complaints (10.7%). The multivariate analysis revealed that discharge due to patient's request against medical advice was a strong independent factor with high risk for unplanned readmission (Odds Ratio [OR] = 9.62]; confidence interval [CI] = 2.69-34.48). Surgery at index admission (OR = 3.33; CI = 1.86-5.96) was the second important independent risk factor for unplanned readmission. Unplanned readmission had more frequently a non-surgical treatment at readmission than a surgical treatment (OR = 3.92; CI = 2.24-6.84) and needed more frequently further diagnostics (OR = 2.34; CI = 1.34-4.11). The following index International Classification of Diseases (ICD) categories had the highest risk for unplanned readmission: Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes, ICD: S00-T98 (OR = 66.67; CI = 15.87-333.33), symptoms, signs, abnormal findings, ill-defined causes, not otherwise classified, ICD: R00-R99 (OR = 62.5; CI = 11.76-333.33), blood forming organ diseases, ICD: D50-D90 (OR = 21.276; CI = 3.508-125), and eye/ ear diseases, ICD: H00-H95 (OR = 12.66; CI = 4.29-37.03). CONCLUSIONS: The causes of unplanned 30-day readmission in German otolaryngology inpatients are multifactorial. Specific patient and treatment characteristics were identified to be targeted with health care interventions to decrease unplanned readmissions.

Whole Blood Selenium Levels and Selenium Supplementation in Patients Treated in a Family Doctor Practice in Golßen (State of Brandenburg, Germany): A Laboratory Study.

INTRODUCTION: The supply of selenium (Se) varies widely in Germany. Therefore, a laboratory study was conducted in patients treated at a family doctor practice in Brandenburg, Germany, to determine whether there is a general Se deficiency in this area; specifically, whether Se concentrations differ with age, sex, or presence of cancer. Moreover, we tested the effects of a Se supplementation on whole blood Se levels (WBSL). METHODS: In 2006, WBSL were analyzed in 871 patients (496 females, 375 males, median age: 67 years). Of these, 143 (78 females, 65 males) had cancer and were in an aftercare situation. From 2006 to 2012, 317 patients (76 with tumors, 241 without tumors) received continuous Se supplementation with sodium selenite (300 µg per day) and annual WBSL measurements. WBSL were compared by Student's t test for paired and independent samples. RESULTS: The initial WBSL of all patients was 97.2 ± 20.7 µg/L (mean ± SD). WBSL did not differ with regard to age or sex, but patients with cancer had the lowest WBSL. Se supplementation increased mean WBSL in both patients with (to 128.5 µg/L) and without (to 119.52 µg/L) cancer ( P < .001). DISCUSSION: Patients with cancer displayed significantly lower WBSL than patients without cancer, indicating a negative effect of tumors on Se uptake, absorption, or metabolism. Significant influences of age or sex were not observed. Selenite supplementation efficiently improved WBSL to concentrations considered necessary for health benefits.

Selenium in Radiation Oncology-15 Years of Experiences in Germany.

Introduction: Se measurement and supplementation in radiation oncology is a controversial issue. The German Working Group Trace Elements and Electrolytes in Oncology (AKTE) has conducted a number of studies on this issue, which are summarized in this review. Strategies have been tested and developed, aiming to stratify the patients with a potential need for supplemental Se and how best to monitor Se supplementation with respect to health effects and risks. Methods: We analyzed blood and tissue Se-levels of different tumor patients (n = 512). Two randomized phase III clinical studies were conducted for testing a potential radioprotective effect of supplemental Se during radiation therapy in patients with uterine cancer (n = 81) and head and neck tumor patients (n = 39). Results: A relative Se deficit in whole blood or serum was detected in the majority of tumor patients (carcinomas of the uterus, head and neck, lung, rectal or prostate cancer). In prostate cancer, tissue Se concentrations were relatively elevated in the carcinoma centre as compared to the surrounding compartment or as compared to tumor samples from patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Adjuvant Se supplementation successfully corrected Se-deficiency in the patients analyzed and decreased radiotherapy-induced diarrhea in a randomized study of radiotherapy patients with carcinomas of the uterus. Survival data imply that Se supplementation did not interfere with radiation success. Some positive effects of supplemental Se in the prevention of ageusia (loss of taste) and dysphagia due to radiotherapy were noted in a second randomized trial in patients with head and neck cancer. We have not observed any adverse effects of supplemental Se in our studies. Conclusions: Se supplementation yielded promising results concerning radioprotection in tumor patients and should be considered as a promising adjuvant treatment option in subjects with a relative Se deficit.

Inpatient treatment of patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a population-based healthcare research study.

PURPOSE: The aim was to determine inpatient treatment rates of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) with focus on diagnostics, treatment, and outcome. METHODS: A retrospective population-based study in the federal state Thuringia in 2011 and 2012 was performed on all 490 inpatients (51% females, median age: 60 years) treated for ISSNHL (Median duration: 7 days). The association between analyzed parameters and the probability of recovery was tested using univariable and multivariable statistics. RESULTS: The inpatient treatment rate for ISSNHL was 11.23 per 100,000. 172 patients (35%) had an outpatient treatment prior to inpatient treatment. For pure-tone audiometry of the three most affected frequencies (3PTAmax), the initial median hearing loss was 66.67 dB, the median absolute hearing gain ΔPTAabs was 10.0 dB, and the median relative hearing gain in relation with the contralateral side ΔPTArel contral was 30.86%. 51% of the patients reached a ΔPTAabs of ≥ 10 dB. About 2 of 5 patients recovered to a ΔPTArel contral ≥ 50% or reached ≤ 10 dB of contralateral ear. The multivariate analysis revealed that an ISSNHL on the left side [Hazard ratio (HR) = 1.6.88; confidence interval (CI) = 1.161-2.454], no down-sloping audiogram type (HR = 2.016; CI = 1.391-2.921), and no prior outpatient prednisolone treatment (HR = 2.374; CI = 1.505-3.745) were independent factors associated with better recovery (ΔPTAabs ≥ 10 dB). CONCLUSION: Inpatient treatment of ISSNHL is variable in daily practice. The population-based recovery rate was worse than reported in clinical trials. More standardization and clearer criteria for outpatient, inpatient, and salvage therapy are needed.

The use of complementary and alternative medicine by patients in routine care and the risk of interactions.

BACKGROUND: Patients suffering from cancer often make use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Only few data exist on the prevalence and clinical significance of interactions of a biological CAM method and conventional drugs. METHODS: From February 2014 to March 2016, consecutive patients from five oncological practices in Germany were asked to fulfill a standardized questionnaire regarding use of CAM. Data on diagnosis, date of first diagnosis, ECOG and the past and current treatment were derived from the patients' files. Interactions were evaluated by systematically using a database on potential interactions. RESULTS: From 1000 patients asked to participate, we received a total of 720 questionnaires of which 711 were completed and eligible for evaluation. 29% of the patients reported any CAM usage. Women showed a significantly higher use of CAM with 35.6 versus 23.6% of men. For 54.9% of CAM users (15.9% of all patients), we found a combination of conventional drugs and biological based CAM methods with a risk for interactions. Vitamins A, C and E were the most frequently used CAM substances in these cases (39.3%), followed by herbs with 17.5%. CONCLUSION: There was a risk of interactions between a biological CAM method and conventional drugs in 54.9% of the patients using CAM. To raise knowledge on interactions a better training for doctors with respect to CAM is strongly needed. Furthermore, patients' awareness should also be raised and communication between physician and patient on the topic improved.