Delineating and sparing the ileal conduit in adjuvant radiotherapy for bladder cancer with modulated radiotherapy.

Purpose: We undertook a prospective planning study to describe the delineation of ileal conduit (IC) loop on radiotherapy planning computed tomography (RTP CT) scan as an organ at risk (OAR) and its sparing using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) during adjuvant irradiation of bladder malignancies. Materials and Methods: Fifteen patients with bladder malignancy needing adjuvant radiotherapy postoperatively and having normal renal function underwent delayed phase RTP CT from June 2020 to March 2021, with certain modifications (Foley's catheter through stoma, additional delayed scans). We identified the course of ureters, external stoma, IC, and uretero-ileal (right and left) anastomotic sites. VMAT plans were generated. Results: A step-by-step description is given. Genitourinary OARs include kidneys, ureters, uretero-ileal anastomoses, and IC. The contrast on delayed scan opacifies ureters and IC. IC can be seen three-dimensionally as a structure with two fixed ends (blind proximal end anterior to the right sacroiliac joint and the open distal end over the right anterior abdominal wall in parasagittal location) and a 15-20 cm hanging intraabdominal loop that lies adjacent to the right iliac vessels. For prescription doses (PD) of 50.4 gray and 54 gray, respectively, VMAT plan achieved IC dose maximum to less than PD and V50 lower than 10 cc. Stoma sparing traditionally used as a surrogate for IC sparing is insufficient due to the variable intraabdominal location of IC loop. Conclusions: Delineation of IC as an OAR is feasible with slight modifications in the RTP protocols. VMAT (or other forms of intensity modulated radiation therapy) can help IC sparing and should be considered when it lies in close proximity to target volumes and the risk of additional morbidity is considerable.

Managing patients of shock and acute kidney injury in tertiary care cardiac ICU: Experience with continuous renal replacement therapy.

BACKGROUND: Clinical experience on details of CRRT initiation and outcomes in cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients is not available from developing countries like India. This study shares the 5-year clinical experience of managing CICU patients requiring CRRT in a tertiary care cardiac center of North India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of all CICU patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) managed by CRRT from October 2011 to September 2016 at tertiary referral center in North India were retrospectively reviewed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of post-CRRT mortality. RESULTS: A total of 630 patients received CRRT during the study period. Most commonly AKI developed in patients with acute coronary syndrome (30.2 %) with cardiogenic shock. 55.9 % of the CRRT patients were >60 years of age, and/or on multiple supports in ICU including, mechanical ventilation, high doses of inotropes & vasopressors and other cardiovascular support. Of those on CRRT, 130 (20.6 %) patients had died, 215 (34.1 %) were discharged and 285 (45.2 %) could not complete the desired course. Multivariate regression analysis showed independent association of mortality with high vasoactive-inotropic score, single CRRT cycle and low mean arterial pressure in CRRT patients. CONCLUSION: About 34.1 % of patients receiving CRRT were alive at discharge, emphasizing the feasibility and utility of CRRT as a promising modality in this population for improving outcomes.