Failure among Patients with Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Infections in Skin, Soft Tissue, and Musculoskeletal System in Southern Taiwan, 2012-2015.

Background: The incidence of non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections of the skin, soft tissue, and musculoskeletal system (SSTI) has increased over the past two decades, however, relatively few studies have documented the reasons for the reported increase. Specifically, no standardized treatment protocols have been adopted, therefore, clinical prognosis of the patients with NTM SSTI has thus far remained uncertain. In our study, we sought to identify risk factors for treatment failure in southern Taiwan. Methods: Patients with NTM SSTI, who received treatment between 2012 and 2015 were included in this retrospective study; detailed medical records, images, tissue specimens for culture, and pathology reports were collected for further analysis. Risk factors for treatment failure were determined using multivariable logistic regression. Results: Forty-two patients (16 females, 26 males; aged 58 ± 14 years) with NTM SSTI were included in the study. Isolated mycobacterial species included Mycobacterium abscessus complex, Mycobacterium marinum, Mycobacterium kansasii, Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAC), Mycobacterium fortuitum, Mycobacterium gordonae, Mycobacterium haemophilum, Mycobacterium peregrinum, and Mycobacterium chelonae. The incidence of NTM SSTI was 23.6 per 100,000 inpatients. The sites of infection included the hand/wrist areas, spine, feet, lower legs, femur, knees, shoulders, and elbows, in 15, 6, 5, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 patients, respectively. The time interval between culturing the specimens and diagnosis averaged 21.2 ± 11.4 days. The main risk factors for treatment failure included treatment delays exceeding two months and infection with Mycobacterium abscessus complex. Conclusions: Improved clinical outcome of NTM with STI may be achieved by identifying the causative NTM species, and by initializing appropriate pharmacotherapy and surgical intervention. Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection should be included in the differential diagnosis of SSTI and it is recommended that patients with an increased risk of treatment failure should receive prolonged antibiotic treatment and prompt surgical intervention upon diagnosis or indication of NTM infections.

Comparison between anterolateral thigh, radial forearm, and peroneal artery flap donor site thickness in Asian patients-A sonographic study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the thicknesses of the three locations used as donor sites for radial forearm (RF), anterolateral thigh (ALT), and peroneal flaps and to determine probable contributing factors of the thickness. METHODS: This study included 201 healthy participants (mean age: 45.8 ± 17.2 years; male: 114; female: 87; BMI: 24.3 ± 4.3). Sonography was used to measure the thickness of flap donor sites. Forward stepwise regressions were conducted to determine the contributing factors of flap thickness. RESULTS: The RF flap (0.28 ± 0.08 cm) was thinner than peroneal flap (0.47 ± 0.17 cm) (P < 0.0001), and peroneal flap was thinner than ALT flap (0.98 ± 0.4 cm) (P < 0.0001). Flap type (P < 0.001, 95%CI: 0.33-0.41), BMI (P < 0.001, 95%CI: 0.02-0.033), gender (P < 0.001, 95%CI: -0.3 to -0.17), and age (P = 0.002, 95%CI: -0.005 to -0.001) were the contributing factors of flap thickness. In the subgroup analysis, BMI was the only contributing factor of RF flap thickness (P < 0.001). For ALT and peroneal flaps, age, gender, and BMI were the contributing factors (P < 0.001). The coefficient of BMI was 0.005 in RF flap, 0.01 in peroneal flap, and 0.04 in ALT flap. CONCLUSIONS: The RF flap was found thinner than peroneal flap, and peroneal flap was found thinner than ALT flap. The BMI effects on RF and peroneal flaps were much less than that on ALT flap. Therefore, the RF and peroneal flaps would be the better choice in obese patients with soft tissue defects where a thin flap is needed.

A Novel Application of Double-Paddle Peroneal Chimeric Flap as External Sentinel Monitor in Hypopharyngeal Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: Monitoring the viability of buried free flaps in hypopharyngeal reconstruction is difficult. Various methods have been proposed to monitor these buried flaps, but limitations remain. METHOD: We present a method of using double-paddle chimeric peroneal flaps that permanently externalizes a flap skin paddle as a monitoring paddle in hypopharyngeal reconstructions. This study was performed in a medical center in southern Taiwan; between 2013 and 2015, 10 patients underwent double-paddle chimeric peroneal flap reconstruction in advanced stages of hypopharyngeal cancer. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records from these surgeries, searching for either short-term postoperative complications or long-term follow-up morbidity and researched relevant articles for comparisons with other monitoring methods. RESULTS: None of the 10 flaps underwent total loss. The rate of stenosis and that of fistula formation was 10%. The average postoperative hospital stay was 39 days. Six of 10 patients were able to resume at least a soft diet after reconstruction, and none of the patients experienced significant complications. CONCLUSIONS: The peroneal flap is a useful flap because it is thin and pliable, has minimal donor site morbidity in patients without peripheral vascular disease, and has the potential of multiple skin paddles so that one skin paddle can be used for monitoring the buried flap. Using this method, direct clinical monitoring is feasible, and early detection of vascular complications is possible. Furthermore, the drawbacks of using a monitoring paddle produced by a deepithelialized bridge can be avoided.

Contributing Factors for Complications and Outcomes in Patients With Snakebite: Experience in a Medical Center in Southern Taiwan.

OBJECTIVES: Snakebite usually results in various complications, such as significant soft tissue damage, infection, hematological, and neurological deficit. Surgical intervention, usually, is indicated in patients with tissue necrosis, infection, and compartment syndrome. To identify the contributing factors for complications and outcomes in different patients with snakebite so that outcomes can be evaluated and treatment of such patients can be initiated at the earliest. METHODS: Information was collected regarding age, sex, underlying disease, species of snake, and the course of treatment of the victims of snakebite who visited the emergency department of a medical center in southern Taiwan between 2004 and 2014. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS 20.0. RESULTS: The bites from Taiwan cobra (Naja naja atra) significantly resulted in more complications than those from other snakes and required surgical intervention. The use of antivenin and antibiotics, immediate presentation to the hospital, and the location of the bite also were significant contributing factors. CONCLUSIONS: Taiwan cobra significantly results in higher possibility of prolonged hospitalization, operation, tissue necrosis, infection, and necrotizing fasciitis. Location of the bite, immediate presentation to the hospital, and use of antivenin and antibiotics affect the outcome of snakebite. Knowledge of these factors will help in a better management of patients with snakebite.

Double-paddle peroneal flap for extensive lip defect reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Today, reconstructive surgeons offer an array of options to reconstruct the lip defects. Herein we present our experience of using free double-paddle peroneal flaps for extensive lip defect reconstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1996 to 2014, 16 patients with extensive lip defects after tumor ablation were included. Free double-paddle peroneal flaps were used for reconstructions. In terms of flap design, one skin paddle superiorly placed on the lateral lower leg was used to reconstruct intraoral defects, whereas the other was inferiorly located and was used to reconstruct extraoral defects. A part of the inner skin paddle was everted, and the suture line with the outer skin paddle became the new vermilion border. A portion of the outer skin paddle could be de-epithelized and tucked into the fold of the inner skin paddle, leading to greater fullness of the new lip. RESULTS: Skin paddle sizes were 10-15 cm × 3-13 cm and 4-10.5 cm × 2.5-10.5 cm. Venous thrombosis occurred in one patient but was salvaged, and one flap had superficial necrosis over the outer paddle that was conservatively treated. In the 0.5-33 month follow-up period, all patients were able to close their mouths without obvious drooling. CONCLUSION: Free double-paddle peroneal flap transfer could augment lip definition, deepen the labial vestibule, and provide an acute-angle oral commissure, leading to satisfactory oral competency and improved cosmetic results. Therefore, this technique may be considered a viable option for extensive lip defect reconstruction.

Spontaneous Extensor Tendon Rupture in the Rheumatoid Wrist: Risk Factors and Preventive Role of Extended Tenosynovectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous extensor tendon rupture is often seen in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, but the risk factors are not clearly defined. We therefore collected the data of RA patients with previous extensor tendon rupture and those with tenosynovitis and analyzed the relationship between extended tenosynovectomy and spontaneous extensor tendon rupture. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 17 spontaneous extensor tendon rupture episodes in 15 RA patients and 14 tenosynovitis episodes that required tenosynovectomy in 12 RA patients from 1997 to 2013. Correlations between the incidence of tendon rupture, X-ray findings, and clinical findings in the affected wrists before tendon rupture were analyzed statistically using the test for proportion. RESULTS: The following parameters were significantly correlated with spontaneous extensor tendon rupture: disease duration longer than 8 years, persistent tenosynovitis longer than 1 year duration, and Larsen grade greater than 4 (P = 0.02, 0.03, and 0.01, respectively). Dislocation of the distal end of the ulna, carpal collapse, and the scallop sign on X-ray contributed to a higher spontaneous extensor tendon rupture rate among RA patients (P = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.03, respectively). Extended tenosynovectomy was performed on 14 wrists in 12 RA patients with persistent tenosynovitis longer than 6 months, and Larsen grade did not deteriorate in this group compared with those who did not undergo the surgery. No spontaneous extensor tendon rupture occurred following the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors of spontaneous extensor tendon rupture included disease duration longer than 8 years, persistent tenosynovitis longer than 1 year, and wrist Larsen grade greater than 4. Dislocation of the distal end of the ulna, carpal collapse, and the scallop sign on X-ray indicated a higher probability of extensor tendon rupture. Rheumatologists should consult with hand surgeons promptly to preserve hand function before tendon rupture. Prophylactic extended tenosynovectomy surgery to prevent more severe damage of extensor tendon should be recommended in patients who had the above risk factors.