Treatment-free survival after discontinuation of immune checkpoint inhibitors in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

While immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) can lead to sustained responses in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), the optimal duration of therapy remains unknown. We aimed to examine treatment-free survival (TFS) in objective responders who discontinued ICI and to explore factors that may impact objective response rate (ORR) and TFS. MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for prospective studies reporting individual outcomes after ICI discontinuation in patients with mRCC. Pooled ORR and TFS were estimated using random-effects meta-analyses, and associations between ICI regimen type or treatment line and ORR or TFS were evaluated. Sixteen cohorts comprising 1833 patients treated with ICI were included. The pooled ORR was 43% (95% CI 33% to 53%), and significant differences in summary estimates existed among patients who received ICI monotherapy (22%, 95% CI 18% to 26%), ICI plus a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway inhibitor (57%, 95% CI 48% to 65%), and dual ICI (40%, 95% CI 36% to 44%). Of 572 responders who had available data, 327 stopped ICI, with 86 (26%) continuing to respond off-treatment. Pooled TFS rates at 6 and 12 months were 35% (95% CI 20% to 50%) and 20% (95% CI 8% to 35%), respectively, and were highest for responders treated with dual ICI and lowest for those treated with ICI plus a VEGF pathway inhibitor. Thus, a subset of patients with mRCC who are treated with ICI-based therapy can have durable TFS after therapy discontinuation. Prospective clinical trials and biomarkers are needed to identify patients who can discontinue ICI therapy without compromising clinical outcomes.

Rheumatoid Arthritis vs Osteoarthritis: Comparison of Demographics and Trends of Joint Replacement Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

Current literature regarding complications following total joint arthroplasty have primarily focused on patients with osteoarthritis (OA), with less emphasis on the trends and in-hospital outcomes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients undergoing these procedures. The purpose of this study is to analyze the outcomes and trends of RA patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA) compared to OA patients. Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2006 to 2011 was extracted using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes for patients that received a TKA or THA. Outcome measures included cardiovascular complications, cerebrovascular complications, pulmonary complications, wound dehiscence, and infection. Inpatient and hospital demographics including primary diagnosis, age, gender, primary payer, hospital teaching status, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, hospital bed size, location, and median household income were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis of OA vs RA patients with patient outcomes revealed that osteoarthritic THA candidates had lower risk for cardiovascular complications, pulmonary complications, wound dehiscence, infections, and systemic complications, compared to rheumatoid patients. There was a significantly elevated risk of cerebrovascular complication in osteoarthritic THA compared to RA THA. OA patients undergoing TKA had significantly higher risk for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications. There were significant decreases in mechanical wounds, infection, and systemic complications in the OA TKA patients. RA patients are at higher risk for postoperative infection, wound dehiscence, and systemic complications after TKA and THA compared to OA patients. These findings highlight the importance of preoperative medical clearance and management to optimize RA patients and improve the postoperative outcomes.

Recent advances in the modification of taste and food preferences following bariatric surgery.

There is a large body of evidence indicating that bariatric surgery provides durable weight loss and health benefits to patients who are obese and have comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, there are still many questions related to mechanisms of metabolic improvement, predictors of success/failure, and long term consequences, which need to be answered. More recently, there has been a particular interest in the modulation of taste and food preferences that occurs after bariatric surgery and how this affects weight loss in different individuals. Animal models as well as human studies have shed some light on the role of taste in changing food preferences and how these changes may affect weight loss after surgery. The goal of this review is to discuss the physiological and behavioral consequences of bariatric surgery as a treatment for obesity and T2D, with particular emphasis on recent studies describing bariatric surgery-induced modifications in taste perception and food preferences.

Perioperative Treatment of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease mediated by a widespread, chronic, and systematic inflammatory process that causes joint deterioration, which leads to pain, disability, and poor quality of life. The increased use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs has been shown to markedly slow disease progression, which has translated into a decrease in the need for orthopaedic intervention in this population. However, in a substantial percentage of patients with the disease, optimal pharmacologic treatment fails and surgical intervention is required. A thorough understanding of medical considerations in these patients and improved knowledge of the medical complications caused by the disease process and the pharmacologic therapy used to treat it may lead to improved preoperative planning and medical clearance, which may ultimately improve the overall postoperative outcome.

Effect of Smoking on Joint Replacement Outcomes: Opportunities for Improvement Through Preoperative Smoking Cessation.

Because orthopaedic surgeons focus on identifying serious potential complications, such as heart attack, stroke, and deep vein thrombosis, during the preoperative assessment, correctable factors, such as smoking, may be overlooked. Chronic exposure to nicotine has been correlated with perioperative complications that lead to worse outcomes, including decreased patient satisfaction, longer hospitalization periods, and an increased rate of hospital readmission. It has been proven that smoking is a negative risk factor for decreased bone mineral density, which leads to increased fracture risk, heightened pain, postoperative wound and bone healing complications, decreased fusion rates, and postoperative tendon and ligament healing complications. Physician-led preoperative smoking cessation programs that include, but are not limited to, pharmacotherapy plans have been shown to improve primary surgical outcomes and smoking cessation rates. Smoking has detrimental effects on specialty-specific physiology; however, there are many effective options for intervention that can improve primary outcomes.

Effect of Vitamin D on Joint Replacement Outcomes.

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that affects not only bone metabolism and strength but also a variety of musculoskeletal health and surgical outcomes that are relevant to orthopaedic medicine. Risk factors for vitamin D deficiency include sex, age, skin pigmentation, obesity, and preexisting conditions such as nephritic syndrome and malabsorption syndrome. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency is associated with the development of postoperative complications, such as an increased risk of infection, morbidity, and mortality. The standardization of vitamin D terminology as well as a thorough understanding of the medical considerations associated with vitamin D deficiency can improve preoperative planning and clearance, and, ultimately, patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Acrylic bone cement in total joint arthroplasty: A review.

Acrylic bone cement has a variety of applications in orthopedic surgery. Primary uses in total arthroplasties are limited to prostheses fixation and antibiotic delivery. With the large number of total joint arthroplasties expected to continue to rise, understanding the role bone cement plays in the success of total joint arthroplasty can have a significant impact on daily practice. The literature is inconclusive on whether cemented or cementless fixation technique is superior, and choice of fixation type is mainly determined by surgeon preference and experience. Surgeons should understand that if poor techniques exist, short-term outcomes of the replaced joint may be at risk. Statement of clinical significance: This article attempts to clarify some points of bone cement use through a review of the mechanical properties related to bone cement, a comparison to alternative materials, influence of additives, and the effects on surgical outcomes. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:737-744, 2016.

Caring for the surgically anxious patient: a review of the interventions and a guide to optimizing surgical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative surgical anxiety is an unpleasant and common reaction exhibited by patients who are scheduled for surgical procedures. Beyond emotional effects on the patient, it can also have negative repercussions on the surgery including longer hospital stays and poorer outcomes. Given the widespread impacts of preoperative anxiety, it is critical for surgeons to gain a better understanding of how to identify and reduce surgical anxiety in their patients. DATA SOURCES: This study used the PubMed database to review the current literature to evaluate screening tools and interventions for surgically anxious patients. CONCLUSIONS: Psychiatric anxiety surveys are currently the most appropriate form of assessment for surgical anxiety. Patient education is important for preventing and reducing anxiety levels in patients. Both nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing patient anxiety and treatment should be based on patient preference, resources available, and the surgeon's experience.

Differences in short-term food preferences following vertical sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

Bariatric surgery is effective in reducing body weight and obesity-related comorbidities. This study examined differences in the short-term effect of Roux en Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) on the hedonic rating of food. Predominantly black women with complicated obesity and a BMI>50 g/m(2) completed a validated food preference questionnaire before and 1-3 months following surgery. Analysis of preference scores indicated that the preference for fat decreased with both surgeries. VSG also decreased the preference for sugar. Further studies are needed to evaluate long term effects of surgery on food preferences and to elucidate physiological mechanisms.

Perioperative Treatment of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease mediated by a widespread chronic systematic inflammatory process that causes joint deterioration, which leads to pain, disability, and poor quality of life. The increased use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs has been shown to markedly slow disease progression, which has translated into a decrease in the need for orthopaedic intervention in this population. However, a substantial percentage of patients with the disease fail optimal pharmacologic treatment and still require surgical intervention. A thorough understanding of medical considerations in these patients and improved knowledge of the medical complications caused by the disease process and the pharmacologic therapy used to treat it may lead to improved preoperative planning and medical clearance, which may ultimately improve the overall postoperative outcome.

Biomaterial hypersensitivity: is it real? Supportive evidence and approach considerations for metal allergic patients following total knee arthroplasty.

The prospect of biomaterial hypersensitivity developing in response to joint implant materials was first presented more than 30 years ago. Many studies have established probable causation between first-generation metal-on-metal hip implants and hypersensitivity reactions. In a limited patient population, implant failure may ultimately be related to metal hypersensitivity. The examination of hypersensitivity reactions in current-generation metal-on-metal knee implants is comparatively limited. The purpose of this study is to summarize all available literature regarding biomaterial hypersensitivity after total knee arthroplasty, elucidate overall trends about this topic in the current literature, and provide a foundation for clinical approach considerations when biomaterial hypersensitivity is suspected.

Diagnosis and Management of Extra-articular Causes of Pain After Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Postoperative pain, which has been attributed to poor outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), remains problematic for many patients. Although the source of TKA pain can often be delineated, establishing a precise diagnosis can be challenging. It is often classified as intra-articular or extra-articular pain, depending on etiology. After intra-articular causes, such as instability, aseptic loosening, infection, or osteolysis, have been ruled out, extra-articular sources of pain should be considered. Physical examination of the other joints may reveal sources of localized knee pain, including diseases of the spine, hip, foot, and ankle. Additional extra-articular pathologies that have potential to instigate pain after TKA include vascular pathologies, tendinitis, bursitis, and iliotibial band friction syndrome. Patients with medical comorbidities, such as metabolic bone disease and psychological illness, may also experience prolonged postoperative pain. By better understanding the diagnosis and treatment options for extra-articular causes of pain after TKA, orthopaedic surgeons may better treat patients with this potentially debilitating complication.

Diagnosis and Management of Intra-articular Causes of Pain After Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an effective procedure for decreasing pain, improving functional capability, and increasing the overall quality of life for thousands of people with chronic knee osteoarthritis. Although patient outcomes and satisfaction remain high, a substantial percentage of patients report residual pain after TKA. Sources of postoperative pain include intra- and extra-articular etiologies as well as factors unrelated to the implants themselves. A patient-centered approach to the painful TKA may aid clinicians in diagnosing and treating patients with intra-articular causes of pain after TKA. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms involved may lead to improved preoperative planning and patient selection, ultimately decreasing the number of patients with less than optimal postoperative outcomes.

Treating periprosthetic joint infections as biofilms: key diagnosis and management strategies.

Considerable evidence suggests that microbial biofilms play an important role in periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) pathogenesis. Compared to free-floating planktonic bacteria, biofilm bacteria are more difficult to culture and possess additional immune-evasive and antibiotic resistance mechanisms, making infections harder to detect and eradicate. This article reviews cutting-edge advances in biofilm-associated infection diagnosis and treatment in the context of current PJI guidelines and highlights emerging technologies that may improve the efficacy and reduce costs associated with PJI. Promising PJI diagnostic tools include culture-independent methods based on sequence comparisons of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene, which offer higher throughput and greater sensitivity than culture-based methods. For therapy, novel methods based on disrupting biofilm-specific properties include quorum quenchers, bacteriophages, and ultrasound/electrotherapy. Since biofilm infections are not easily detected or treated by conventional approaches, molecular diagnostic techniques and next-generation antibiofilm treatments should be integrated into PJI clinical practice guidelines in the near future.

Impact of diabetes on early postoperative outcomes after total elbow arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is known to be associated with poorer perioperative outcomes after hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty. This study is the first, to our knowledge, to examine the association between diabetes and in-hospital complications, length of stay, non-homebound discharge, transfusion risk, and total charges after total elbow arthroplasty (TEA). METHODS: By use of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes, epidemiologic as well as patient and hospital demographic data for all patients undergoing TEA were extracted from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2007 through 2011. We found 13,698 patients who underwent TEA and subsequently separated them into 2 cohorts, those patients with (16.5%) and without (83.5%) diabetes. Specific outcome measures between the diabetic and nondiabetic cohorts were compared through bivariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Diabetic patients had significantly longer lengths of stay, increased rates of needing a transfusion perioperatively, and higher rates of a number of complications after TEA compared with the nondiabetic group. Significant differences in demographic factors in diabetic patients compared with nondiabetic patients included age, gender, insurance type, and geography. Diabetes was an independent predictor of both prolonged hospital stay and non-homebound discharge after TEA. DISCUSSION: Diabetic patients have significantly higher rates of several perioperative complications, and diabetes is an independent risk factor for prolonged hospital stay, as well as increased risk of non-homebound discharge. Future studies need to further investigate this relationship between diabetes and poorer TEA outcomes.

The impact of tort reform and quality improvements on medical liability claims: a tale of 2 States.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of tort reform and quality improvement measures on medical liability claims in 2 groups of hospitals within the same multihospital organization: one in Texas, which implemented medical liability tort reform caps on noneconomic damages in 2003, and one in Louisiana, which did not undergo significant tort reform during the same time period. Significant reduction in medical liability claims per quarter in Texas was found after tort reform implementation (7.27 to 1.4; P<.05). A significant correlation was found between the increase in mean Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services performance score and the decrease in the frequency of claims observed in Louisiana (P<.05). Although tort reform caps on noneconomic damages in Texas caused the largest initial decrease, increasing quality improvement measures without increasing financial burden also decreased liability claims in Louisiana. Uniquely, this study showed that increasing patient quality resulted in decreased medical liability claims.

Evaluation and management of metal hypersensitivity in total joint arthroplasty: a systematic review.

Metal hypersensitivity has been an identified problem in orthopedics for nearly half a century, but its implications remain unclear. Establishing which total joint arthroplasty (TJA) candidates may do poorly with conventional implants and which patients would benefit from revision to an allergen-free implant remains challenging. Our systematic search of the MEDLINE database identified 52 articles for inclusion in our review. Case reports revealed that half of patients presented with pain and swelling, while only one-third presented with cutaneous symptoms. All patients were symptomatic within the first post-operative year; 90% were symptomatic within 3 months. Reports of patch testing revealed that patients with TJAs were positive for metal sensitivity more often than patients without TJAs (OR 1.3). Those with poorly functioning arthroplasties and those who had already had revisions tested positive more often than those with well-functioning TJAs (OR 1.7) and those without TJAs (OR 3.1). Lymphocyte transformation testing (LTT) shows promise in diagnosing metal allergy, and components of bone cement are also being recognized as potential allergens. Further work is necessary to delineate which patients should be tested for metal allergy and which patients would benefit from allergen-free implants.