Prediction of long-term mortality following hip fracture surgery: evaluation of three risk models.

INTRODUCTION: Several prognostic models have been developed for mortality in hip fracture patients, but their accuracy for long-term prediction is unclear. This study evaluates the performance of three models assessing 30-day, 1-year and 8-year mortality after hip fracture surgery: the Nottingham Hip Fracture Score (NHFS), the model developed by Holt et al. and the Hip fracture Estimator of Mortality Amsterdam (HEMA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients admitted with a fractured hip between January 2012 and June 2013 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Relevant variables used by the three models were collected, as were mortality data. Predictive performance was assessed in terms of discrimination with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and calibration with the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. Clinical usefulness was evaluated by determining risk groups for each model, comparing differences in mortality using Kaplan-Meier curves, and by assessing positive and negative predictive values. RESULTS: A total of 344 patients were included for analysis. Observed mortality rates were 6.1% after 30 days, 19.1% after 1 year and 68.6% after 8 years. The NHFS and the model by Holt et al. demonstrated good to excellent discrimination and adequate calibration for both short- and long-term mortality prediction, with similar clinical usefulness measures. The HEMA demonstrated inferior prediction of 30-day and 8-year mortality, with worse discriminative abilities and a significant lack of fit. CONCLUSIONS: The NHFS and the model by Holt et al. allowed for accurate identification of low- and high-risk patients for both short- and long-term mortality after a fracture of the hip. The HEMA performed poorly. When considering predictive performance and ease of use, the NHFS seems most suitable for implementation in daily clinical practice.

Mortality Prediction in Hip Fracture Patients: Physician Assessment Versus Prognostic Models.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate 2 prognostic models for mortality after a fracture of the hip, the Nottingham Hip Fracture Score and Hip Fracture Estimator of Mortality Amsterdam and to compare their predictive performance to physician assessment of mortality risk in hip fracture patients. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Two level-2 trauma centers located in the Netherlands. PATIENTS: Two hundred forty-four patients admitted to the Emergency Departments of both hospitals with a fractured hip. INTERVENTION: Data used in both prediction models were collected at the time of admission for each individual patient, as well as predictions of mortality by treating physicians. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Predictive performances were evaluated for 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year mortality. Discrimination was assessed with the area under the curve (AUC); calibration with the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and calibration plots; clinical usefulness in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. RESULTS: Mortality was 7.4% after 30 days, 22.1% after 1 year, and 59.4% after 5 years. There were no statistically significant differences in discrimination between the prediction methods (AUC 0.73-0.80). The Nottingham Hip Fracture Score demonstrated underfitting for 30-day mortality and failed to identify the majority of high-risk patients (sensitivity 33%). The Hip fracture Estimator of Mortality Amsterdam showed systematic overestimation and overfitting. Physicians were able to identify most high-risk patients for 30-day mortality (sensitivity 78%) but with some overestimation. Both risk models demonstrated a lack of fit when used for 1-year and 5-year mortality predictions. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, prognostic models and physicians demonstrated similar discriminating abilities when predicting mortality in hip fracture patients. Although physicians overestimated mortality, they were better at identifying high-risk patients and at predicting long-term mortality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Phyllodes tumors of the breast: a retrospective analysis of 57 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Current guidelines for the treatment of phyllodes tumors recommend wide local excision for all histopathological subtypes. However, it is unknown which subtypes have tendency to recur after marginal or incomplete excision. This may lead to over-treatment by re-excision surgery for tumors with little or no potential to recur. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with benign, borderline or malignant phyllode tumors presenting at our institution between 2000 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 57 patients could be included, of which 39 tumors were benign (60%), three were borderline (5%), and seven were malignant phyllodes tumors (12%). There were also eight phyllodes-like fibroadenomas (14%). Fifty-two patients (91%) underwent local excision as primary treatment, resulting in tumor-positive or close-resection margins in 32 patients (61.5%) of whom five patients (15.6%) had re-excision surgery. During a median follow-up of 5 years, local recurrence occurred in four patients (7.0%) with a median time-to-recurrence of 12 months. Borderline and malignant subtypes were associated with a significantly higher recurrence rate compared to other subtypes (p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Although an adequate tumor-negative resection margin should be obtained for borderline and malignant phyllodes tumors, this study confirms that wide local excision is the appropriate primary treatment for all histopathological subtypes. However, if tumor-negative margins were not obtained at first excision, a wait-and-see approach is justified for benign phyllodes tumors.

Efficacy of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Treatment-Induced Menopausal Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the effect of Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT), with or without therapist support, on the perceived impact of hot flushes and night sweats (HF/NS) and overall levels of menopausal symptoms (primary outcomes), sleep quality, HF/NS frequency, sexual functioning, psychological distress, and health-related quality of life in breast cancer survivors with treatment-induced menopausal symptoms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We randomly assigned 254 breast cancer survivors to a therapist-guided or a self-managed iCBT group or to a waiting list control group. The 6-week iCBT program included psycho-education, behavior monitoring, and cognitive restructuring. Questionnaires were administered at baseline and at 10 weeks and 24 weeks postrandomization. We used mixed-effects models to compare the intervention groups with the control group over time. Significance was set at P < .01. An effect size (ES) of .20 was considered small, .50 moderate and clinically significant, and .80 large. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the guided and self-managed iCBT groups reported a significant decrease in the perceived impact of HF/NS (ES, .63 and .56, respectively; both P < .001) and improvement in sleep quality (ES, .57 and .41; both P < .001). The guided group also reported significant improvement in overall levels of menopausal symptoms (ES, .33; P = .003), and NS frequency (ES, .64; P < .001). At longer-term follow-up (24 weeks), the effects remained significant, with a smaller ES for the guided group on perceived impact of HF/NS and sleep quality and for the self-managed group on overall levels of menopausal symptoms. Additional longer-term effects for both intervention groups were found for hot flush frequency. CONCLUSION: iCBT, with or without therapist support, has clinically significant, salutary effects on the perceived impact and frequency of HF/NS, overall levels of menopausal symptoms, and sleep quality.

Quality of Life and Persistent Symptoms After Uncomplicated Acute Diverticulitis.

BACKGROUND: Although acute diverticulitis and its recurrence are well studied, little is known about the period after these attacks have passed. Many patients appear to be affected by persistent symptoms that impair quality of life. The few published studies on this topic are mostly limited by the lack of CT confirmation of the acute diverticulitis diagnosis, low numbers of patients, or cross-sectional design. OBJECTIVE: This study longitudinally evaluated quality of life and symptoms after antibiotic or observational treatment of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis. DESIGN: This was an observational study of randomized clinical trial data. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at a single tertiary care center. PATIENTS: Patients with CT-proven, primary, left-sided, uncomplicated acute diverticulitis were randomly assigned to observational or antibiotic treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Quality of life was assessed using questionnaires (EuroQol 5D, Short Form-36, and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index) at baseline and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after random assignment. Patients were considered to have persistent symptoms when specific quality-of-life scores at the 12- and 24-month follow-ups were among the lowest 16% of scores measured in a healthy reference group. RESULTS: A total of 528 patients were included. No difference was detected between the observational and antibiotic groups in any quality-of-life score during follow-up. Overall, 32.2% to 38.2% of patients had persistent symptoms after 1 or 2 years, depending on which questionnaire (sub)score was assessed. Risk factors for persistent symptoms based on to the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life index GI symptoms score included a mean pain score ≥3.75 (OR = 2.77 (95% CI, 1.60-4.80)) during the first 10 days of disease and prolonged (≥28 d) time to recovery (OR = 2.25 (95% CI, 1.31-3.88)). Flatulence, rumblings, bloating, fullness, and many stools were the top 5 complaints at the 12- and 24-month follow-ups. LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by possible selection bias of patients included in a randomized controlled trial. CONCLUSIONS: More than one third of patients experience persistent symptoms after an episode of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis. Long-term quality of life is comparable after initial antibiotic or observational treatment. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A916.

Sexual Functioning and Relationship Satisfaction of Partners of Breast Cancer Survivors Who Receive Internet-Based Sex Therapy.

As part of a larger, randomized controlled trial, we evaluated longitudinally the sexual functioning and relationship satisfaction of 69 partners of breast cancer (BC) survivors who received Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for sexual dysfunction. The findings suggest that Internet-based CBT positively affects the partners' immediate post-CBT and longer-term overall sexual satisfaction, sexual intimacy, and sexual relationship satisfaction. No sustained changes in other areas of sexual functioning were observed. Our CBT program was focused primarily on the sexual health of the BC survivors. We recommend that future programs include more psychoeducational and behavioral elements targeted at the partners.

Mandatory imaging in the work-up of children suspected of having appendicitis reduces the rate of unnecessary surgeries.

OBJECTIVE: In children, the diagnosis "acute appendicitis" is difficult. In 2010, a new Dutch appendicitis guideline was published with the goal to reduce the negative appendectomy rate. The guideline recommended mandatory imaging (ultrasound first and CT or MRI when inconclusive) before surgery. This study examines whether the negative appendectomy rate in children has declined after the implementation of the guideline and if the number of ionising imaging procedures increased. METHODS: In this cohort study, all consecutive patients aged 17 or younger, with the suspicion of appendicitis were included. Patients were divided into two groups. Those who presented between 2006 and 2010 (before the implementation) and those between 2011 and 2016 (after implementation). RESULTS: In total, 748 children were enrolled, of which 363 children were seen before and 385 children after implementation of the guideline. Before implementation, 46% of the children with acute appendicitis underwent preoperative ultrasound compared with 95% in the post implementation group, p < 0.001. Any imaging was performed in 51% and 100%, respectively, p < 0.001. The percentage of negative appendectomy before implementation was 13% and 2.7% after implementation, p < 0.001. There was no significant increase in the number of CT scans before and after the implementation of the guideline, 3.6% versus 6.0%, respectively, p = 0.126. There was no increase in direct medical costs. CONCLUSIONS: Mandatory preoperative imaging in children with the suspicion of acute appendicitis results in a significant decrease in negative appendectomies with no increase in the number of CT scans and without a substantial increase in costs.

Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Realizes Long-Term Improvement in the Sexual Functioning and Body Image of Breast Cancer Survivors.

The study aim was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for sexual dysfunctions in 84 breast cancer survivors. The positive effects of the intervention on overall sexual functioning, sexual desire, sexual arousal, vaginal lubrication, discomfort during sex, sexual distress, and body image observed immediately posttreatment were maintained at three- and nine-month follow-ups. Although sexual pleasure decreased during follow-up, it did not return to baseline levels. Our findings provide evidence that Internet-based CBT has a sustained, positive effect on sexual functioning and body image of breast cancer survivors with a sexual dysfunction.

Predicting Early Mortality After Hip Fracture Surgery: The Hip Fracture Estimator of Mortality Amsterdam.

OBJECTIVES: Early mortality after hip fracture surgery is high and preoperative risk assessment for the individual patient is challenging. A risk model could identify patients in need of more intensive perioperative care, provide insight in the prognosis, and allow for risk adjustment in audits. This study aimed to develop and validate a risk prediction model for 30-day mortality after hip fracture surgery: the Hip fracture Estimator of Mortality Amsterdam (HEMA). METHODS: Data on 1050 consecutive patients undergoing hip fracture surgery between 2004 and 2010 were retrospectively collected and randomly split into a development cohort (746 patients) and validation cohort (304 patients). Logistic regression analysis was performed in the development cohort to determine risk factors for the HEMA. Discrimination and calibration were assessed in both cohorts using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, and by stratification into low-, medium- and high-risk groups. RESULTS: Nine predictors for 30-day mortality were identified and used in the final model: age ≥85 years, in-hospital fracture, signs of malnutrition, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, current pneumonia, renal failure, malignancy, and serum urea >9 mmol/L. The HEMA showed good discrimination in the development cohort (AUC = 0.81) and the validation cohort (AUC = 0.79). The Hosmer-Lemeshow test indicated no lack of fit in either cohort (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The HEMA is based on preoperative variables and can be used to predict the risk of 30-day mortality after hip fracture surgery for the individual patient. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Rapid genetic counseling and testing in newly diagnosed breast cancer: Patients' and health professionals' attitudes, experiences, and evaluation of effects on treatment decision making.

BACKGROUND: Rapid genetic counseling and testing (RGCT) in newly diagnosed high-risk breast cancer (BC) patients may influence surgical treatment decisions. To successfully integrate RGCT in practice, knowledge of professionals', and patients' attitudes toward RGCT is essential. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2010, we performed a randomized clinical trial evaluating the impact of RGCT. Attitudes toward and experience with RGCT were assessed in 265 patients (at diagnosis, 6- and 12-month follow-up) and 29 medical professionals (before and after the recruitment period). RESULTS: At 6-month follow-up, more patients who had been offered RGCT felt they had been actively involved in treatment decision-making than patients who had been offered usual care (67% vs 48%, P = 0.06). Patients who received DNA-test results before primary surgery reported more often that RGCT influenced treatment decisions than those who received results afterwards (P < 0.01). Eighty-seven percent felt that genetic counseling and testing (GCT) should preferably take place between diagnosis and surgery. Most professionals (72%) agreed that RGCT should be routinely offered to eligible patients. Most patients (74%) and professionals (85%) considered surgeons the most appropriate source for referral. CONCLUSIONS: RGCT is viewed as helpful for newly diagnosed high-risk BC patients in choosing their primary surgery and should be offered routinely by surgeons.

Short- and Long-Term Outcomes after a Reconstituting and Fenestrating Subtotal Cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Multiple surgical techniques are recommended to perform cholecystectomy safely in difficult cases, such as conversion to open operation or subtotal cholecystectomy (STC). Reconstituting and fenestrating STC are 2 techniques for STC. The aim of this study was to investigate the short and long-term morbidity and quality of life associated with STC and to compare the outcomes after reconstituting and fenestrating STC. STUDY DESIGN: Patients who underwent STC were identified. Short-term morbidity assessed included bile leakage, bile duct injury, intra-abdominal infection, reinterventions, and readmittance. Long-term morbidity included bile duct stenosis and recurrent biliary events. Differences in the outcomes of fenestrating and reconstituting STC were assessed. Quality of life was assessed by EuroQol 5 Dimensions, Short-Form 36 Questionnaire, and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index questionnaires. RESULTS: Subtotal cholecystectomy was performed in 191 patients, of which 102 (53%) underwent fenestrating STC and 73 (38%) underwent reconstituting STC. Bile leakage was significantly more common after fenestrating STC (18% vs 7%, respectively; p < 0.022). After a median of 6 years follow-up (interquartile range 5 to 10 years), recurrence rate of biliary events was lower after fenestrating than reconstituting STC (9% vs 18%, respectively; p < 0.022). Overall reintervention rate did not differ between the 2 groups: 32% in the fenestrating STC group and 26% in the reconstituting STC group (p = 0.211). Completion cholecystectomy was performed significantly more in patients after fenestrating STC (9% vs 4%; p < 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Subtotal cholecystectomy is a safe and feasible technique for difficult cases for which conversion only will not solve the difficulty of an inflamed hepatocystic triangle. The choice for reconstituting or fenestrating STC depends on intraoperative conditions and both techniques are associated with specific complications.

The weekend effect for hip fracture surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Increased mortality rates have been reported for emergency admissions during weekends and outside office hours. Research on the weekend effect in hip fracture patients is however limited and demonstrates conflicting results. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of weekend admission and weekend surgery on 30-day and 1-year mortality following hip fracture surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients who underwent hip fracture surgery in our hospital between 2004 and 2015 were included in this retrospective study. Patient characteristics including age, gender, fracture type, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, Nottingham Hip Fracture Score (NHFS), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and length of stay were collected. Information on admission and surgery date and time of day was recorded, as were in-hospital, 30-day and 1-year mortality. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of 30-day and 1-year mortality. RESULTS: A total of 1803 patients were included, 546 patients (30.3%) were admitted during the weekend. Patient characteristics did not differ between weekday and weekend admissions. Surgical delay was less frequent in patients undergoing weekend surgery. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that older age, higher ASA score, higher NHFS and increased surgical delay were independently associated with 30-day mortality. One-year mortality was associated with age, gender, ASA score, CCI and surgical delay. Weekend admission and weekend surgery were not associated with increased 30-day or 1-year mortality. CONCLUSIONS: There was no weekend effect for hip fracture patients in our study. These results indicate an adequate level of perioperative care outside weekday office hours within our health care system.

Are routine preoperative liver function tests in patients with uncomplicated symptomatic gallstone disease necessary?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of preoperative liver function tests (LFTs) in patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease and scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: All 1112 patients who underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstone disease during a 6-year cohort were retrospectively reviewed. Only patients who presented with uncomplicated disease were selected. Preoperative LFTs, pre-, and postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreaticographies (ERCPs) and postoperative complications were collected. RESULTS: A total of 697 patients were included. There were 629 (90.2%) patients with (group I) and 68 (9.8%) patients without (group II) preoperative LFTs. The incidence of ERCPs, ERCPs positive for bile duct stones, and postoperative complications were not significantly different between groups. Second, Group I patients were divided into four groups: 360 patients with normal LFTs (I-A1), 269 patients with at least one LFT > normal value (I-A2), 531 patients with all LFTs <2× normal (I-B1), and 98 patients with at least one LFT >2× normal (I-B2). More ERCPs were performed in group I-A2 (10%) than in group I-A1 (2.2%) and more in group I-B2 (18.4%) than I-B1 (3.2%), as a consequence of significantly more ERCPs performed preoperatively. No differences were detected between groups regarding ERCPs positive for bile duct stones or postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative LFTs do not influence the occurrence of postoperative complications nor the total rate of ERCPs in patients undergoing cholecystectomy for uncomplicated gallstone disease. Preoperative determination of LFTs seems to cause a slight shift from post- to preoperative ERCPs without further clinical consequences.

Do-not-resuscitate orders and early mortality in hip fracture patients.

Background: factors affecting mortality after hip fracture surgery have been studied extensively. It has been suggested that do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders are associated with higher mortality in surgical patients due to less aggressive treatment. However, the effect of DNR orders on mortality in hip fracture patients is unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of DNR orders on early mortality after hip fracture surgery. Methods: all patients undergoing hip fracture surgery between 2004 and 2015 were included in this retrospective study. Patient characteristics such as age, comorbidities and fracture type were collected, as were resuscitation preferences. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for early mortality. Results: a total of 1,803 patients were analysed, of which 823 (45.6%) had DNR orders. DNR patients were older, more often female, had lower haemoglobin levels and more comorbidities when compared with non-DNR patients. The unadjusted effect of DNR orders on mortality was high (OR: 2.39; P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that increased age, male gender, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score, low admission haemoglobin, living in an institution, high Charlson Comorbidity Index and delay to surgery were associated with increased early mortality after hip fracture surgery. There was no independent effect of DNR orders on mortality after adjustment for these variables (P = 0.735). Conclusions: DNR patients have higher mortality rates due to poor health status. Resuscitation preferences on their own are not associated with early mortality after hip fracture surgery.

Efficacy of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Improving Sexual Functioning of Breast Cancer Survivors: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose We evaluated the effect of Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on sexual functioning and relationship intimacy (primary outcomes) and body image, menopausal symptoms, marital functioning, psychological distress, and health-related quality of life (secondary outcomes) in breast cancer survivors (BCSs) with a DSM-IV diagnosis of a sexual dysfunction. Patients and Methods We randomly assigned 169 BCSs to either Internet-based CBT or a waiting-list control group. The CBT consisted of weekly therapist-guided sessions, with a maximum duration of 24 weeks. Self-report questionnaires were completed by the intervention group at baseline (T0), midtherapy (T1), and post-therapy (T2) and at equivalent times by the control group. We used a mixed-effect modeling approach to compare the groups over time. Results Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed a significant improvement over time in overall sexual functioning (effect size for T2 [EST2] = .43; P = .031), which was reflected in an increase in sexual desire (EST1 = .48 and EST2 = .72; P < .001), sexual arousal (EST2 = .50; P = .008), and vaginal lubrication (EST2 = .46; P = .013). The intervention group reported more improvement over time in sexual pleasure (EST1 = .32 and EST2 = .62; P = .001), less discomfort during sex (EST1 = .49 and EST2 = .66; P = .001), and less sexual distress (EST2 = .59; P = .002) compared with the control group. The intervention group reported greater improvement in body image (EST2 = .45; P = .009) and fewer menopausal symptoms (EST1 = .39; P = .007) than the control group. No significant effects were observed for orgasmic function, sexual satisfaction, intercourse frequency, relationship intimacy, marital functioning, psychological distress, or health-related quality of life. Conclusion Internet-based CBT has salutary effects on sexual functioning, body image, and menopausal symptoms in BCSs with a sexual dysfunction.

Preoperative CSF Melatonin Concentrations and the Occurrence of Delirium in Older Hip Fracture Patients: A Preliminary Study.

BACKGROUND: Delirium is characterized by disturbances in circadian rhythm. Melatonin regulates our circadian rhythm. Our aim was to compare preoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) melatonin levels in patients with and without postoperative delirium. METHODS: Prospective cohort study with hip fracture patients ≥ 65 years who were acutely admitted to the hospital for surgical treatment and received spinal anaesthesia. CSF was collected after cannulation, before administering anaesthetics. Melatonin was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Data on delirium was obtained from medical and nursing records. Nurses screened every shift for delirium using the Delirium Observation Screening Scale (DOSS). If the DOSS was ≥3, a psychiatrist was consulted to diagnose possible delirium using the DSM-IV criteria. At admission, demographic data, medical history, and information on functional and cognitive status was obtained. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients met the inclusion criteria. Sixty patients were included in the analysis. Main reasons for exclusion were technical difficulties, insufficient CSF or exogenous melatonin use. Thirteen patients (21.7%) experienced delirium during hospitalisation. Baseline characteristics did not differ between patients with and without postoperative delirium. In patients with and without postoperative delirium melatonin levels were 12.88 pg/ml (SD 6.3) and 11.72 pg/ml (SD 4.5) respectively, p-value 0.47. No differences between patients with and without delirium were found in mean melatonin levels in analyses stratified for cognitive impairment or age. CONCLUSION: Preoperative CSF melatonin levels did not differ between patients with and without postoperative delirium. This suggests that, if disturbances in melatonin secretion occur, these might occur after surgery due to postoperative inflammation.

Evaluation of scoring systems in predicting acute appendicitis in children.

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis can be difficult to diagnose, especially in children. Appendicitis scoring systems have been developed as a diagnostic tool to improve the decision-making process in patients with suspected acute appendicitis. This study evaluates the Appendicitis Inflammatory Response score, Alvarado score, and Pediatric Appendicitis Score in children suspected of acute appendicitis. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively. All children younger than 18 years suspected of acute appendicitis who presented to the emergency department between January 2006 and June 2014 were included in this study. Variables were registered to evaluate 3 different appendicitis scoring systems. The diagnostic performance of the 3 scores was analyzed using the area under the receiver-operating curve and by calculating the diagnostic performances at different cut-off points. RESULTS: The present study included 747 consecutive children. There were 399 boys (53%) and 348 girls (47%) with a mean age of 11 years (range, 1-17 years). In total, 269 children (36%) were diagnosed with acute appendicitis. The area under the receiver-operating curve of the Appendicitis Inflammatory Response score was 0.90, the Alvarado score was 0.87, and the Pediatric Appendicitis Score was 0.82 (P < .05, respectively). The specificity and positive predictive value of the Appendicitis Inflammatory Response score were better at predicting an acute appendicitis than that of the Alvarado score and Pediatric Appendicitis Score. In children with a low-risk acute appendicitis, false negative rates of 14% for the Appendicitis Inflammatory Response, 7% for the Alvarado, and 18% for the Pediatric Appendicitis Score were measured. CONCLUSION: In this study, the Appendicitis Inflammatory Response score had the highest discriminating power and outperformed the Alvarado score and Pediatric Appendicitis Score in predicting acute appendicitis in children. Excluding acute appendicitis safely in children with the scoring systems still remains uncertain.

Simultaneous bilateral hip fractures following a simple fall in an elderly patient without predilecting comorbidities.

Simultaneous bilateral hip fractures are rare, mostly being caused by violent forces or in patients with bone metabolism disorders. We present the case of an elderly patient who sustained simultaneous bilateral hip fractures following a simple fall without having any known predilecting comorbidities other than advanced age. Only four cases have been described of elderly patients without comorbidity with simultaneous bilateral hip fractures following low-energy traumas. This rareness potentially leads to misses of this diagnosis.

Intraductal papilloma of the male breast.

We report the case of a 29-year-old male patient who presented with a painless lump of his left breast that was found to be an intraductal papilloma. This is an extremely rare, but benign disease in the male breast. We subsequently discuss radiologic tests and treatment options.

Does rapid genetic counseling and testing in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients cause additional psychosocial distress? results from a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Female breast cancer patients carrying a BRCA1/2 mutation have an increased risk of second primary breast cancer. Rapid genetic counseling and testing (RGCT) before surgery may influence choice of primary surgical treatment. In this article, we report on the psychosocial impact of RGCT. METHODS: Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients at risk for carrying a BRCA1/2 mutation were randomized to an intervention group (offer of RGCT) or a usual care control group (ratio 2:1). Psychosocial impact and quality of life were assessed with the Impact of Events Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Cancer Worry Scale, and the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23. Assessments took place at study entry and at 6- and 12-month follow-up visits. RESULTS: Between 2008 and 2010, 265 patients were recruited into the study. Completeness of follow-up data was more than 90%. Of the 178 women in the intervention group, 177 had genetic counseling, of whom 71 (40%) had rapid DNA testing and 59 (33%) received test results before surgery. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses showed no statistically significant differences between groups over time in any of the psychosocial outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, RGCT in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients did not have any measurable adverse psychosocial effects.