Improvement of nutritional status after parathyroidectomy in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis.

Aims/Introduction: Parathyroidectomy is associated with improved survival in patients with end-stage kidney disease. Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is common in patients with kidney failure and predicts poor outcomes. Recent clinical trials have linked hyperparathyroidism to PEW. The present retrospective cohort study examined whether parathyroidectomy was associated with improvement in nutritional status in maintenance hemodialysis patients. Materials and methods: One hundred twenty-nine maintenance hemodialysis patients who had successful parathyroidectomy during 2012-2018 were identified (PTX group) and matched 1:1 to 479 patients with parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels ≤1,000 pg./mL (non-PTX control group) and 187 patients with PTH levels >1,000 pg./mL (pre-PTX control group) by propensity score. The matchings yielded 120 matched pairs from PTX and non-PTX groups (cohort 1) and 76 matched pairs from PTX and pre-PTX groups (cohort 2). Baseline and follow-up nutritional parameters associated with PEW were compared over the 12-month study period. Results: In cohort 1, substantially lower serum albumin and serum creatinine/body surface area (Cr/BSA) and higher proportions of patients with serum albumin ≤38 g/L (low albumin) and serum Cr/BSA ≤380 µmol/L/m2 (low Cr/BSA) were observed in the PTX group. These parameters improved significantly after parathyroidectomy. Total lymphocyte count (TLC) was comparable at baseline but the percentage of patients with TLC <800 cells/mm3 (low TLC) decreased substantially after parathyroidectomy. At follow-up, serum albumin, serum Cr/BSA and proportions of patients with low albumin and Cr/BSA became comparable with the non-PTX control group. The percentage of patients with low TLC became lower in the PTX group. Mixed-models analysis confirmed significant differences in the changes in serum albumin, serum Cr/BSA, and proportions of patients with low albumin and TLC between the two groups. In cohort 2, nutritional parameters were comparable at baseline. At follow-up, serum Cr/BSA was higher and proportions of patients with body mass index ≤18.5 kg/m2, low TLC and low Cr/BSA were lower in the PTX group. Weight gain was more frequent and of greater magnitude in the PTX group in both cohorts. A substantial reduction in blood pressure was also observed in the PTX group. Conclusion: Severe hyperparathyroidism was associated with nutritional impairment which improved considerably after parathyroidectomy.

Parathyroidectomy is associated with slow progression of vascular calcification in maintenance haemodialysis patients: A propensity score-matched case-control study.

Parathyroidectomy has been the mainstay of treatment of severe hyperparathyroidism in patients with kidney failure until the introduction of calcimimetic. Several large observational studies demonstrated the improvement in patient outcomes after parathyroidectomy. The benefit of parathyroidectomy on vascular calcification remains largely unexplored. AIM: To examine the association between parathyroidectomy and the progression of vascular calcification as well as overall survival in maintenance haemodialysis patients. METHOD: This is a matched case-control study undertaken between 2012 and 2020. Patients who underwent parathyroidectomy were identified and matched 1:1 to non-parathyroidectomized (non-PTX) haemodialysis patients using propensity score matching method resulting in 120 patients in each arm. Aortic arch calcification (AoAC) score was determined annually in the posteroanterior chest x-ray. The average follow-up period was 38 months. RESULTS: Baseline demographic, laboratory data and AoAC score were comparable among the two groups of patients. The prevalence of AoAC was 59% in the PTX group and 54% in the non-PTX group (p = .43). Progression of AoAC occurred in 33% in the PTX group and 47% in the non-PTX group (p = .04). Multivariate generalized linear model revealed parathyroidectomy as an independent protective factor [ß (95% CI) -1.04 (-1.68, -0.41)] and increased serum calcium as a potentiating factor [ß (95% CI) 0.62 (0.25, 0.1)] for progression of AoAC. Linear mixed models revealed an increase in AoAC score in both groups but between group comparisons indicated substantially slower progression in the PTX group. Rapid progression of AoAC was also observed more frequently among non-PTX patients. Death occurred in 7 and 16% in the PTX and non-PTX groups, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival curve revealed better survival associated with parathyroidectomy (p = .01). More rapid progression of AoAC also correlated with worse survival. CONCLUSION: Parathyroidectomy was associated with slow progression of vascular calcification in maintenance haemodialysis patients.

Incidental breast lesion detected by technetium-99m sestamibi scintigraphy in a patient with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Nuclear scintigraphy is functional imaging and can be combined with anatomical imaging to improve diagnostic yield. Detection of parathyroid lesion by technetium-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile (Tc-99m MIBI) can facilitate an appropriate operative approach in a patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Tc-99m MIBI is concentrated in highly cellular or metabolically active tissues, which have abundant mitochondria. False-positive scintigraphic findings could be from head-and-neck carcinomas, thyroid neoplasm, and multinodular goiter. In addition, multiple organs outside of the neck region, such as lung and breast, can take up the Tc-99m MIBI. Herein, we report the occurrence of abnormal focal uptake in the breast region during the preoperative localization of parathyroid adenoma and later discovered breast carcinoma.

A Novel PRKAR1A Mutation Identified in a Patient with Isolated Primary Pigmented Nodular Adrenocortical Disease.

Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) is a rare cause of Cushing syndrome, especially the isolated form without Carney complex, associated with germline mutations in PRKAR1A, the protein kinase A regulatory subunit type 1 alpha gene. We report a 31-year-old female who presented with secondary amenorrhea, cushingoid appearance, and hypertension without Carney complex. Biochemical laboratory examinations confirmed the ACTH-independent adrenal Cushing syndrome with negative Liddle test. A small right adrenal adenoma of 0.8 cm was shown on computed tomography while magnetic resonance imaging revealed nodularity of both adrenal glands. The histological report confirmed PPNAD using laparoscopic right adrenalectomy, and subsequent left adrenalectomy was performed 6 months later. She had inherited heterozygosity of a novel germline mutation of the PRKAR1A gene (g.114213T≥G or c.709-5T≥G). This splice site mutation results in exon 8 skipping. Her father carrying the same mutation had no clinical features of either PPNAD or Carney complex. This novel PRKAR1A gene mutation, c.709-5T≥G, is reported here for the first time manifesting as an incomplete clinical expression of the isolated form of PPNAD and being inherited with low penetrance unlike other inherited mutations of the Carney complex which have a penetrance of almost 100%.

Single measurement of intact parathyroid hormone after thyroidectomy can predict transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Immediate postoperative hypocalcemia is the most common complication of bilateral thyroidectomy. Although hypocalcemia is usually transient, it can be fatal. This study aimed to find a predictor of immediate postoperative hypocalcemia by using intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) level at 4 hours after thyroidectomy (iPTH4hr) compared with the decline in the percentage of intact PTH (%iPTH). We also followed the subjects for evaluation of permanent hypoparathyroidism. METHODS: This was a prospective study of 65 patients (86.2% female, mean age: 43±15 years) who planned to undergo total or subtotal thyroidectomy. Preoperative and iPTH4hr were measured. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients (60%) were diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma, while the rest were multinodular goiter (21.5%) and Graves' disease (7.7%). Significant immediate hypocalcemia was observed in 25 (38.5%) patients. Both iPTH4hr <12.5 pg/mL and %iPTH decline >72% could accurately predict significant immediate hypocalcemia. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for iPTH4hr were 92%, 87.5%, 82.1%, and 94.6%, respectively. The %iPTH decline was equal in accuracy, with sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 84%, 90%, 84%, and 90%, respectively. At 6 months after surgery, 19 patients (29.2%) displayed permanent hypoparathyroidism. The iPTH4hr <12.5 pg/mL and %iPTH decline >72% could also predict permanent hypoparathyroidism, with sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 100%, 80.4%, 67.9%, and 100%, and 94.7%, 84.8%, 72%, and 97.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Only a single measurement of iPTH4hr could be helpful in identifying patients at risk of significant immediate hypocalcemia in need prompt treatment, and subsequently facilitating early discharge of patients. Also, this parameter can precisely predict permanent hypoparathyroidism.

Effect of young age, positive margins, and triple negative status on disease recurrence after breast conserving therapy.

BACKGROUND: To determine the risk factors for disease recurrence after breast conserving therapy (BCT) for breast cancer in a group of South-East Asian women. METHODS: Medical and pathological records of women who underwent BCT during the 10-year period from 2001 to 2010 were reviewed. Data collected included age ≤35 years defined as the young, type of operation, pathological data, hormonal receptor (HR) status, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) expression status, and surgical margin status. Data on adjuvant therapy were also collected. Main outcomes were overall breast cancer recurrence, locoregional, and distant recurrence. Risk factors for each type of recurrence were identified using Cox proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS: There were 294 BCTs in 290 patients during the study period. The overwhelming majority (91%) had early stage (stages I-II) breast cancers. Young age patients constituted 9% of all patients, and triple negative cancers (HR negative and HER-2 negative) were seen in 19%. Involved margins on initial surgery were found in 9% of cases, and after reoperation, only 2% had involved margins. After a median follow-up of 50 months, and a maximum follow-up of 135 months, there were 30 recurrences and 6 deaths. Of the 30 recurrences, 19 included locoregional, 20 included distant, and 13 had in-breast recurrences. The disease-free survival at 10 years was 82.5% (95% CI: 74.8% to 88.1%), and the cumulative in-breast recurrence was 9.3% (95% CI: 4.9% to 17.2%) at 10 years. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that young age, larger tumor size, involved margins, and no breast irradiation were associated with higher risk of locoregional recurrence. Triple negative status, larger tumor size, more positive nodes, and involved margins were associated with higher risk of distant recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: We found young age to be a significant prognosticator of locoregional recurrence, and triple negative status of distant recurrence. Involved surgical margin status was associated with both recurrences. Tumor size was associated with both recurrences, and axillary lymph node metastasis was associated with distant recurrence.

Paravertebral Catheter for Three-Level Injection in Radical Mastectomy: A Randomised Controlled Study.

INTRODUCTION: Paravertebral block (PVB) is an alternative to general anaesthesia (GA) for breast surgery. However, for extensive surgery multiple punctures are needed increasing the immanent risk of the method. The purpose of this study was to evaluate PVB via catheter and injections at three different levels. Primary outcome was the quality of postoperative analgesia, in particular, the number of patients requiring additional morphine. METHODS: In a randomised single blinded clinical study patients scheduled for breast surgery including axillary approach, were randomly allocated to different anaesthetic techniques, n = 35 each. Patients received either GA with sevoflurane or PVB with catheter at level Th 4. In PVB-patients a 1:2 mixture of bupivacaine 0.5% and lidocaine 2% with adrenaline was injected sequentially 10 ml each at three different levels. RESULTS: Complication-free catheter insertion was possible in all 35 scheduled patients. The need for postoperative analgesics was higher after GA compared to PVB (22 vs.14 patients); p = 0.056. Postoperative morphine consumption was 1.55 (GA) and 0.26 mg (PVB) respectively (p < 0.001). Visual rating score (VRS) for pain at rest and at movement was higher in GA patients on post anaesthesia care unit (PACU) as well as on the ward at 1-6 h and 6-12 h. Readiness for discharge was earlier after PVB (4.96 and 6.52 hours respectively). After GA the incidence and severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) was higher, though not significantly. Patients' satisfaction was comparable in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Three-level injection PVB via catheter for extensive mastectomy was efficient and well accepted. Using a catheter may enhance safety by avoiding multiple paravertebral punctures when extended spread of analgesia is required. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.ClinicalTrial.gov NCT02065947.

Spontaneous rupture of an adrenal adenoma managed by laparoscopic adrenalectomy: a case report.

Spontaneous rupture of an adrenal adenoma is a rare condition. This case report describes spontaneous rupture of the right adrenal adenoma in the women that presented with acute abdominal pain. Early suspicion of this condition, effective imaging, and prompt treatment should save the patient. Urgency laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and feasible option.

Breast cancer cells in the afferent lymphatic tracts of sentinel lymph nodes.

BACKGROUND: To identify breast cancer cells in the afferent lymphatic tracts of axillary sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs). MATERIAL AND METHOD: The authors performed a prospective study of 1 00 breast cancer patients who underwent SLN biopsy between June 2009 and January 2010. The afferent lymphatic tracts of SLNs were identified by isosulfan blue or radiocolloid or both and were examined histologically. RESULTS: One hundred three SLNs and afferent lymphatic tracts were examined. The mean age of the patients was 53.2 years (range, 24 to 78 years). The median number of SLNs was 2 (range, 1 to 7). Twenty-four (24%) patients had positive SLNs. Most patients had stage I breast cancer (67%). Three patients with positive SLNs (13%) and stages IIB-IIIC breast cancers had tumor cells in the afferent tract tissue. There were no tumor cells in the afferent tracts of negative SLNs. CONCLUSION: Only a small proportion of operable breast cancer patients have tumor cells in the afferent lymphatic tract tissue of SLNs. There was a probable trend for more advanced stage breast cancer to harbor tumor cells in the afferent lymphatic tract tissue.

The relative false negative rate of isosulfan blue in detecting sentinel lymph nodes in early breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the false negative rate of the isosulfan blue injection method of SLN detection in early breast cancer, relative to that of the combined blue dye and radiocolloid injection method. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Seventy women with early breast cancer underwent the combined method of SLN detection during the period between September 2007 and December 2008. Standard criteria for each method were used to identify SLNs. Each SLN was labeled as identified by the blue dye, the radiocolloid and as being positive or negative for cancer cells. RESULTS: Subjects were 50 years old with tumors of size 2.3 cm on the average. The average number of SLNs harvested was 2.5 nodes per subject. The detection rate for the isosulfan blue method was 91% (64/70). The relative false negative rate of the blue dye was zero (0/64). CONCLUSION: Experienced surgeons who use the isosulfan blue method of SLN detection in early breast cancer can be reasonably confident that the false negative rate of the isosulfan blue method was similar to that of the combined method.

Predictive factors of axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical, radiologic and pathologic factors significantly related to axillary lymph node (ALN) metastasis in women with operable breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Records of women with operable invasive breast cancer treated between July 2002 and May 2006 were reviewed Data on the number of axillary nodes, number of positive nodes, preoperative clinical, mammographic, and pathologic characteristics of each breast cancer were retrieved. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to identify significant predictors of ALN metastasis. RESULTS: Records of 590 patients were reviewed Positive ALNs were found in 302 patients (51%). Independent and significant predictors of ALN metastasis included younger age, larger tumor size, presence of lymphovascular invasion, category 5 mammograms and low mammographic breast density. The combination of age less than 60 years, low mammographic breast density, category 5 mammogram, tumor larger 1 cm., and presence of lymphovascular invasion, had a specificity for predicting ALN metastasis of over 95%. CONCLUSION: A combination of clinical, radiologic, and pathologic characteristics highly specific for predicting ALN metastasis was found This prediction rule might be useful for selecting breast cancer patients for full ALN dissection without a preliminary SLNB.

A randomized controlled trial of preperitoneal bupivacaine instillation for reducing pain following laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy.

The efficacy of bupivacaine instillation into preperitoneal space following laparoscopic herniorrhaphy for postoperative pain reduction is still in controversy. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to determine the efficacy of bupivacaine instillation. The 40 patients, who had an inguinal hernia with no complication, unilateral or bilateral and recurrence or no recurrence after previous hernia repair, were randomly assigned to receive bupivacaine (n = 19) and normal saline (n = 21). The intervention or placebo was instilled into the preperitoneal space after total extraperitoneal laparoscopic herniorrhaphy. Pain intensity was assessed by using a visual analogue scale and verbal rating scale after the 1st, 2nd, 6th, 12th, and 24th hour postoperatively. For the bupivacaine and placebo group, mean pain scores were 3.5 versus 5.2 (P = .059), 2.9 versus 4.5 (P = .117), 2.1 versus 3.2 (P = .101), 1.5 versus 2.7 (P = .145), and 1.6 versus 2.0 (P = .672) after the 1st, 2nd, 6th, 12th, and 24th hour, respectively. Complications developed in 4 patients in the bupivacaine group and 7 patients in the placebo group after 3 months follow-up time. There is no strong evidence to confirm that bupivacaine instillation into preperitoneal space after laparoscopic herniorrhaphy can reduce postoperative pain.

A laparoscopic versus open adrenalectomy in Ramathibodi Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the results of laparoscopic adrenalectomy with those of open adrenalectomy in Ramathibodi Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Medical charts of 41 laparoscopic and 39 open adrenalectomy patients were reviewed Baseline characteristics and outcomes of treatment were compared between these two patient groups, using univariable statistical tests and multivariable statistical procedures. RESULTS: There were significant baseline differences between the two groups in terms of gender, body mass index, ASA class, and preoperative diagnosis. The outcomes operative time, estimated blood loss and length of hospital stay were also significantly different. After adjusting for the effects of baseline differences, laparoscopic adrenalectomy was associated with a significant reduction of length of hospital stay by 40%. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and effective procedure and should help hasten postoperative recovery and may save the costs of hospitalization.

Comparative study of two bowel preparation regimens for colonoscopy: senna tablets vs sodium phosphate solution.

AIM: To compare the efficacy and acceptance of senna tablet and sodium phosphate solution for bowel preparation before colonoscopy. METHODS: One hundred and thirty four patients, who needed elective colonoscopy, were randomly allocated to take 180 mg senna tablet or 95 mL sodium phosphate solution on the day before colonoscopy. The efficacies of both laxatives were compared using the mean difference of colon-cleanliness score of the rectum, sigmoid segments, descending colon, transverse colon and cecum. The scores were rated by two observers who were blinded to the laxatives administered. The higher score means that the colon is cleaner. The efficacy of both laxatives were equivalent if the 95% confidence interval of the mean difference of the score of colon lie within -1 to +1. RESULTS: On intention-to-treat analysis, the mean cleanliness scores in the four segments of colon except the cecum were higher in the sodium phosphate group than those in senna group (7.9 +/- 1.7 vs 8.3 +/- 1.5, 8.0 +/- 1.8 vs 8.5 +/- 1.4, 7.9 +/- 2.0 vs 8.5 +/- 1.3, 7.9 +/- 2.0 vs 8.2 +/- 1.4 and 7.2 +/- 1.7 vs 6.9 +/- 1.4, respectively). The 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of mean difference in each segment of colon were not found to lie within 1 point which indicated that their efficacies were not equivalent. The taste of senna was better than sodium phosphate solution. Also, senna had fewer side effects. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of senna is not equivalent to sodium phosphate solution in bowel preparation for colonoscopy, but senna may be considered an alternative laxative.

Acute effects of postmastectomy radiotherapy after immediate TRAM flap reconstruction in breast cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES: To study the acute effects of radiotherapy after mastectomy and immediate transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap reconstruction in breast cancer patients treated at Ramathibodi Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between January 2004 and March 2005, ten breast cancer patients (age 32-51 years) were treated with postoperative radiotherapy after mastectomy and immediate TRAM flap reconstruction. Medical records of these patients were retrospectively reviewed. Radiotherapy was delivered to the chest wall and reconstructed TRAM flap using 6-MV x-ray or Cobalt-60. The total dose was 45 to 50.4 Gy delivered in 25 to 28 fractions. Patients were evaluated weekly during the course of radiation and then at 1 and 2 months after treatment completion to determine acute effects or toxicities of radiation. RESULTS: During radiation, 3 patients developed erythema or mild hyperpigmentation of the skin, and 4 developed moderate hyperpigmentation. Three patients who were treated with Cobalt-60 and/or bolus to the chest wall developed skin desquamation (1 dry desquamation, 2 moist desquamation). No patient required a treatment break because of acute side effects. One patient who received chemotherapy after radiation developed recalled moist desquamation. CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy after mastectomy and immediate TRAM flap reconstruction is well tolerated and is not associated with increased acute complication or radiation interruption. The authors have noticed that chemotherapy given after radiation was related to severe skin reaction, so it should be used with caution.