The Introduction of Magtrace® Lymphatic Tracer for Axillary Sentinel Node Biopsy for Breast Cancer in a Rural Scottish District General Hospital: Initial Experience, Perspectives, Outcomes and Learning Curves.

BACKGROUND: Magtrace is a supraparamagnetic iron lymphatic tracer that has had increasing use in sentinel node biopsy (SNB) for breast cancer and has theoretical logistical benefits in centres where nanocolloid use may be associated with such issues. We describe our initial experience with the introduction of Magtrace into our routine practice by dual localisation with nanocolloid, comparing performance, and concordance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was prospective study of the first patients undergoing axillary SNB using Magtrace in a single centre. These patients had dual localisation with nanocolloid and Magtrace. Subjective global assessments of Magtrace and nanocolloid performance as well as objective signal strength and anatomical concordance were compared across multiple timepoints in the operative journey. RESULTS: A total of 30 consecutive patients underwent SNB within the timeframe of this study. While there were no failed SNB, 8 issues were reported including 4 issues of perceived imperfect localisation on global assessment. No patient had a failed or abandoned SNB, and only 1 case had a potential challenge in subsequent management after histopathological examination of the retrieved nodes. The majority of these issues occurred in the first half of the study period. There was overall weak to moderate positive correlation between Magtrace and nanocolloid signals of the retrieved sentinel nodes (Spearman's ρ = 0.392, P = .043). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that introducing Magtrace was feasible and safe in the context of a rural breast cancer service. A possible strategy to ameliorate the learning curve associated with these procedures is the routine dual localisation in the initial phases of performing Magtrace localisation.

Bevacizumab, Irinotecan, or Topotecan Added to Temozolomide for Children With Relapsed and Refractory Neuroblastoma: Results of the ITCC-SIOPEN BEACON-Neuroblastoma Trial.

PURPOSE: Outcomes for children with relapsed and refractory high-risk neuroblastoma (RR-HRNB) remain dismal. The BEACON Neuroblastoma trial (EudraCT 2012-000072-42) evaluated three backbone chemotherapy regimens and the addition of the antiangiogenic agent bevacizumab (B). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients age 1-21 years with RR-HRNB with adequate organ function and performance status were randomly assigned in a 3 × 2 factorial design to temozolomide (T), irinotecan-temozolomide (IT), or topotecan-temozolomide (TTo) with or without B. The primary end point was best overall response (complete or partial) rate (ORR) during the first six courses, by RECIST or International Neuroblastoma Response Criteria for patients with measurable or evaluable disease, respectively. Safety, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) time were secondary end points. RESULTS: One hundred sixty patients with RR-HRNB were included. For B random assignment (n = 160), the ORR was 26% (95% CI, 17 to 37) with B and 18% (95% CI, 10 to 28) without B (risk ratio [RR], 1.52 [95% CI, 0.83 to 2.77]; P = .17). Adjusted hazard ratio for PFS and OS were 0.89 (95% CI, 0.63 to 1.27) and 1.01 (95% CI, 0.70 to 1.45), respectively. For irinotecan ([I]; n = 121) and topotecan (n = 60) random assignments, RRs for ORR were 0.94 and 1.22, respectively. A potential interaction between I and B was identified. For patients in the bevacizumab-irinotecan-temozolomide (BIT) arm, the ORR was 23% (95% CI, 10 to 42), and the 1-year PFS estimate was 0.67 (95% CI, 0.47 to 0.80). CONCLUSION: The addition of B met protocol-defined success criteria for ORR and appeared to improve PFS. Within this phase II trial, BIT showed signals of antitumor activity with acceptable tolerability. Future trials will confirm these results in the chemoimmunotherapy era.

Presentation and outcomes of paediatric craniopharyngioma in the west of Scotland: a 25 year experience.

PURPOSE: Craniopharyngiomas can be aggressive leading to significant complications and morbidity. It is not clear whether there are any predictive factors for incidence or outcomes. Our aim was therefore to record the incidence, presentation, characteristics and progression of paediatric craniopharyngiomas in the West of Scotland. METHOD: Retrospective case note review for children diagnosed with paediatric craniopharyngiomas at the Royal Hospital for Children Glasgow, from 1995 to 2021 was conducted. All analyses were conducted using GraphPad Prism 9.4.0. RESULTS: Of 21 patients diagnosed with craniopharyngiomas, the most common presenting symptoms were headaches (17/21, 81%); visual impairment (13/21, 62%); vomiting (9/21, 43%) and growth failure (7/21, 33%). Seventeen (81%) patients underwent hydrocephalus and/or resection surgery within 3 months of diagnosis, usually within the first 2 weeks (13/21, 62%). Subtotal resection surgeries were performed in 71% of patients, and median time between subsequent resection surgeries for tumour recurrence was 4 years (0,11). BMI SDS increased at 5 year follow-up (p = 0.021) with 43% being obese (BMI > + 2SD). More patients acquired hypopituitarism post-operatively (14/16, 88%) compared to pre-operatively (4/15, 27%). A greater incidence of craniopharyngiomas were reported in more affluent areas (10/21, 48%) (SIMD score 8-10) compared to more deprived areas (6/10, 29%) (SIMD score 1-3). Five patients (24%) died with a median time between diagnosis and death of 9 years (6,13). CONCLUSION: Over 25 years the management of craniopharyngioma has changed substantially. Co-morbidities such as obesity are difficult to manage post-operatively and mortality risk can be up to 25% according to our cohort.

Incidence and outcomes of thromboembolic and bleeding events in patients with liver cirrhosis in the USA.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Understanding the epidemiology of bleeding and thromboembolism (clotting) in liver cirrhosis provides important data for future studies and policymaking; however, head-to-head comparisons of bleeding and clotting remain limited. METHODS: This is a populational retrospective cohort study using the US National Readmission Database of 2018 to compare the incidence and outcomes of bleeding and clotting events in patients with liver cirrhosis. The primary outcomes were the 11-month incidence proportion of bleeding and clotting events. RESULTS: Of 1 304 815 participants, 26 569 had liver cirrhosis (45.0% women, mean age 57.2 [SD, 12.7] years). During the 11-month follow-up, in patients with cirrhosis, for bleeding and clotting events, the incidence proportions was 15.3% and 6.6%; the risk-standardized all-cause mortality rates were 2.4% and 1.0%; the rates of intensive care intervention were 4.1% and 1.9%; the rates of rehabilitation transfer were .2% and .2%; the cumulative length of stays were 45 100 and 23 566 days; total hospital costs were 147 and 84 million US dollars; total hospital charges were 620 and 365 million US dollars. Compared to non-cirrhosis, liver cirrhosis was associated with higher rates of bleeding (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.02 [95% CI, 2.85-3.20]) and portal vein thrombosis (PVT) (18.46 [14.86-22.92]), and slightly lower risks of other non-PVT venous thromboembolic events (.82 [.75-.89]). CONCLUSIONS: Bleeding is more common than thromboembolism in patients with liver cirrhosis, causes higher morbidity, mortality and resource utilization. Liver cirrhosis is an independent risk factor for bleeding and PVT, but not non-PVT thromboembolism including venous thromboembolism, acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke.

Thirty-Day Readmission Among Patients With Uncomplicated Choledocholithiasis: A Nationwide Readmission Database Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: We aimed to determine the rate of 30-day hospital readmissions of uncomplicated choledocholithiasis and its impact on mortality and health care use in the United States. METHODS: Nonelective admissions for adults with uncomplicated choledocholithiasis were selected from the Nationwide Readmission Database 2016-2018. The primary outcome was the all-cause 30-day readmission rate. Secondary outcomes were reasons for readmission, readmission mortality rate, procedures, and resource use (length of stay and total hospitalization costs and charges). Independent risk factors for readmission were identified using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: The 30-day rate of readmission was 9.3%. Biliary and pancreatic disorders and postprocedural complications accounted for 36.6% and 10.3% of readmission, respectively. The mortality rate among patients readmitted to the hospital was higher than that for index admissions (2.0% vs. 0.4%, P <0.01). Readmitted patients were less likely to receive endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (61% vs. 69%, P <0.01) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (12.5% vs. 26%, P <0.01) during the index admissions. A total of 42,150 hospital days was associated with readmission, and the total health care in-hospital economic burden was $112 million (in costs) and $470 million (in charges). Independent predictors of readmission were male sex, Medicare (compared with private) insurance, higher Elixhauser Comorbidity Index score, no endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or laparoscopic cholecystectomy, postprocedural complications of the digestive system, hemodynamic or respiratory support, urban hospitals, and lower hospital volume of uncomplicated choledocholithiasis. CONCLUSIONS: The uncomplicated choledocholithiasis 30-day readmission rate is 9.3%. Readmission was associated with higher mortality, morbidity, and resource use. Multiple independent predictors of readmission were identified.

Comparison of clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients undergoing early versus late intubation from initial hospital admission: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The true impact of intubation and mechanical ventilation in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients remains controversial. METHODS: We searched Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases from inception to October 30th, 2021 for studies containing comparative data of COVID-19 patients undergoing early versus late intubation from initial hospital admission. Early intubation was defined as intubation within 48 h of hospital admission. The primary outcomes assessed were all-cause in-hospital mortality, renal replacement therapy (RRT), and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) duration. RESULTS: Four cohort studies with 498 COVID-19 patients were included between February to August 2020, in which 28.6% had early intubation, and 36.0% underwent late intubation. Although the pooled hospital mortality rate was 32.1%, no significant difference in mortality rate was observed (odds ratio [OR] 0.81; 95% confidence interval 0.32-2.00; P = 0.64) among those undergoing early and late intubation. IMV duration (mean 9.62 vs. 11.77 days; P = 0.25) and RRT requirement (18.3% vs. 14.6%; OR 1.19; P = 0.59) were similar regardless of intubation timing. While age, sex, diabetes, and body mass index were comparable, patients undergoing early intubation had higher sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores (mean 7.00 vs. 5.17; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The timing of intubation from initial hospital admission did not significantly alter clinical outcomes during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Higher SOFA scores could explain early intubation. With the advancements in COVID-19 therapies, more research is required to determine optimal intubation time beyond the first wave of the pandemic.

Characteristics and outcome of pediatric renal cell carcinoma patients registered in the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) 93-01, 2001 and UK-IMPORT database: A report of the SIOP-Renal Tumor Study Group.

In children, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is rare. This study is the first report of pediatric patients with RCC registered by the International Society of Pediatric Oncology-Renal Tumor Study Group (SIOP-RTSG). Pediatric patients with histologically confirmed RCC, registered in SIOP 93-01, 2001 and UK-IMPORT databases, were included. Event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Between 1993 and 2019, 122 pediatric patients with RCC were registered. Available detailed data (n = 111) revealed 56 localized, 30 regionally advanced, 25 metastatic and no bilateral cases. Histological classification according to World Health Organization 2004, including immunohistochemical and molecular testing for transcription factor E3 (TFE3) and/or EB (TFEB) translocation, was available for 65/122 patients. In this group, the most common histological subtypes were translocation type RCC (MiT-RCC) (36/64, 56.3%), papillary type (19/64, 29.7%) and clear cell type (4/64, 6.3%). One histological subtype was not reported. In the remaining 57 patients, translocation testing could not be performed, or TFE-cytogenetics and/or immunohistochemistry results were missing. In this group, the most common RCC histological subtypes were papillary type (21/47, 44.7%) and clear cell type (11/47, 23.4%). Ten histological subtypes were not reported. Estimated 5-year (5y) EFS and 5y OS of the total group was 70.5% (95% CI = 61.7%-80.6%) and 84.5% (95% CI = 77.5%-92.2%), respectively. Estimated 5y OS for localized, regionally advanced, and metastatic disease was 96.8%, 92.3%, and 45.6%, respectively. In conclusion, the registered pediatric patients with RCC showed a reasonable outcome. Survival was substantially lower for patients with metastatic disease. This descriptive study stresses the importance of full, prospective registration including TFE-testing.

Pediatric and young adult renal cell carcinoma.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is rare in children but is the most common renal tumor in adults. Pediatric RCC has different clinical characteristics, histopathology, and treatment compared with adult disease. Databases were reviewed from inception to February 2020, identifying 32 publications pertaining to 350 patients under 27 years. Surgery is the cornerstone for cure in localized RCC. Lymph node dissection remains controversial. Conventional radiotherapy has no curative role in RCC; similarly, conventional chemotherapy has not proven to be effective in large cohorts. Pediatric metastatic RCC has a poor outlook. There are no published prospective studies demonstrating which adjuvant therapy could improve outcome. Sunitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is recommended in this group despite limited evidence. This review provides an overview for pediatric RCC, including the evolving role of precision medicine.

HIV-associated Burkitt lymphoma.

Burkitt lymphoma is a rare and aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma with three classifications: endemic, sporadic, and immunodeficiency-related. High-intensity chemotherapeutic regimens have considerably improved overall survival for patients with Burkitt lymphoma. In this Review of HIV-associated Burkitt lymphoma, we summarise expert opinion and provide general recommendations for the treatment of Burkitt lymphoma in patients with HIV on the basis of retrospective and prospective studies, taking into consideration immune status, CD4 cell counts, the presence of systemic disease, and the risk of CNS involvement or relapse. We also discuss the role of rituximab and antiretroviral therapy. We highlight the reasons behind the possible different mechanisms of lymphomagenesis in HIV-associated Burkitt lymphoma and endemic Burkitt lymphoma, which indicate that HIV might have either a direct or indirect oncogenic role in Burkitt lymphoma. We discuss the possible mechanisms by which HIV and HIV proteins could directly contribute to lymphomagenesis. Identifying these mechanisms might lead to the development of therapies that have fewer toxic effects than high-intensity chemotherapeutic regimens.

Characteristics and Outcome of Children with Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Narrative Review.

Pediatric renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a rare type of kidney cancer, most commonly occurring in teenagers and young adolescents. Few relatively large series of pediatric RCC have been reported. Knowledge of clinical characteristics, outcome and treatment strategies are often based on the more frequently occurring adult types of RCC. However, published pediatric data suggest that clinical, molecular and histological characteristics of pediatric RCC differ from adult RCC. This paper summarizes reported series consisting of ≥10 RCC pediatric patients in order to create an up-to-date overview of the clinical and histopathological characteristics, treatment and outcome of pediatric RCC patients.

Plerixafor combined with standard regimens for hematopoietic stem cell mobilization in pediatric patients with solid tumors eligible for autologous transplants: two-arm phase I/II study (MOZAIC).

This study (NCT01288573) investigated plerixafor's safety and efficacy in children with cancer. Stage 1 investigated the dosage, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and safety of plerixafor + standard mobilization (G-CSF ± chemotherapy). The stage 2 primary endpoint was successful mobilization (doubling of peripheral blood CD34+ cell count in the 24 h prior to first apheresis) in patients treated with plerixafor + standard mobilization vs. standard mobilization alone. In stage 1, three patients per age group (2-<6, 6-<12, and 12-<18 years) were treated at each dose level (160, 240, and 320 µg/kg). Based on PK and PD data, the dose proposed for stage 2 was 240 µg/kg (patients 1-<18 years), in which 45 patients were enrolled (30 plerixafor arm, 15 standard arm). Patient demographics and characteristics were well balanced across treatment arms. More patients in the plerixafor arm (24/30, 80%) met the primary endpoint of successful mobilization than in the standard arm (4/14, 28.6%, p = 0.0019). Adverse events reported as related to study treatment were mild, and no new safety concerns were identified. Plerixafor + standard G-CSF ± chemotherapy mobilization was generally well tolerated and efficacious when used to mobilize CD34+ cells in pediatric cancer patients.

Detection of Circulating and Disseminated Neuroblastoma Cells Using the ImageStream Flow Cytometer for Use as Predictive and Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers.

PURPOSE: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) serve as noninvasive tumor biomarkers in many types of cancer. Our aim was to detect CTCs from patients with neuroblastoma for use as predictive and pharmacodynamic biomarkers. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We collected matched blood and bone marrow samples from 40 patients with neuroblastoma to detect GD2 +/CD45- neuroblastoma CTCs from blood and disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) from bone marrow using the Imagestream Imaging flow cytometer (ISx). In six cases, circulating free DNA (cfDNA) extracted from plasma isolated from the CTC sample was analyzed by high-density single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays. RESULTS: CTCs were detected in 26 of 42 blood samples (1-264/mL) and DTCs in 25 of 35 bone marrow samples (57-291,544/mL). Higher numbers of CTCs in patients with newly diagnosed, high-risk neuroblastoma correlated with failure to obtain a complete bone marrow (BM) metastatic response after induction chemotherapy (P < 0.01). Ex vivo Nutlin-3 (MDM2 inhibitor) treatment of blood and BM increased p53 and p21 expression in CTCs and DTCs compared with DMSO controls. In five of six cases, cfDNA analyzed by SNP arrays revealed copy number abnormalities associated with neuroblastoma. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to show that CTCs and DTCs are detectable in neuroblastoma using the ISx, with concurrently extracted cfDNA used for copy number profiling, and may be useful as pharmacodynamic biomarkers in early-phase clinical trials. Further investigation is required to determine whether CTC numbers are predictive biomarkers of BM response to first-line induction chemotherapy.

Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia Presenting with an Elevated Procalcitonin Level: A Rare Laboratory Finding.

BACKGROUND We present the case of a 33-year-old female who was transferred to a tertiary care hospital because of acute respiratory failure. CASE REPORT History, imaging, and laboratory testing (including an elevated procalcitonin level) were consistent with a diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia. However, despite broad spectrum intravenous antibiotics, her condition worsened. Shortly after transfer to our hospital, she required intubation and mechanical ventilation. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed and a diagnosis of acute eosinophilic pneumonia was made. After discontinuation of antibiotics and initiation of steroids she improved quickly. CONCLUSIONS Our case highlights the importance of considering alternative diagnoses in patients who appear to have bacterial lower respiratory tract infection, even in those with elevated procalcitonin levels.

Rotating-hinge knee prosthesis as a viable option in primary surgery: Literature review & meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Rotating-hinge knee replacements are usually reserved for revision surgeries, when the extent of soft tissue loss makes a constrained implant more suitable. They remain an uncommon choice in primary surgery when the soft tissue loss is not as extensive. METHODS: We completed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess patients who underwent a Total Knee Replacement (TKR) with the rotating-hinge prosthesis in the primary setting. We searched PubMed and Embase for articles published in the ten years prior June 2017: Prosthesis survival rates, causes of failure, and clinical/functional scores were the primary outcomes. Twenty-one articles met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. Articles were grouped into (1) non-tumour (n=11) and (2) tumour indications (n=10). Survival data was summarized in forest plots, generated using Stata. RESULTS: We found that for certain indications the prosthesis has impressive survival rates and functional outcomes. Short-term (1-5 year) prosthesis survival in non-tumour cases was 92% (95% CI, 87-98%) and 77% (95% CI, 68-87%) in tumour cases. Mid-term (6-10 year) survival was 82% (95% CI, 74-89%) and 69% (95% CI, 57-81%) in non-tumour and tumour studies respectively. In analysis of clinical scores, patients showed a significant improvement in their pain score. Infection was the most commonly cited cause of prosthesis failure in both non-tumour and tumour studies, attributing to 31.5% and 37.6% of failures respectively. Aseptic loosening, dislocation and fracture were also commonly cited complications. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the rotating-hinge knee prosthesis is a viable option in primary surgery when there is extensive soft tissue destruction surrounding the joint. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Plasmablastic lymphoma achieving sustained remission with antiretroviral therapy alone.

Despite advances in the treatment of most human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related lymphomas, the outcomes for patients with HIV-related plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) remain poor. While studies have shown an increased survival for patients with most kinds of HIV-related lymphomas since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the impact of HAART on survival in patients with HIV-related PBL is unclear, mainly because the condition is rare and the number of published studies is small. Few case reports have shown regression of PBL after initiation of HAART, however, usually followed by recurrence of PBL or achieved with a need for chemotherapy. We report the first case of PBL in a 38-year-old man with newly diagnosed HIV who achieved sustained remission after the initiation of HAART alone and who remains in remission seven years after diagnosis, without a need for chemotherapy or radiation. We illustrate the importance of initiating HAART therapy under the supervision of infectious disease specialists as soon as the PBL is diagnosed until future studies provide clear evidence in the management of HIV-related PBL.

Do Inflammatory Indices Play a Role in Distinguishing between Uncomplicated and Complicated Diverticulitis?

BACKGROUND: The usefulness of inflammatory indices in assessment of the severity of acute diverticulitis remains unestablished. The aim of this study was to determine whether inflammatory indices and hematological ratios could be utilised to differentiate between uncomplicated and complicated diverticulitis. METHODS: Hematological and inflammatory indices were recorded for each admission with CT confirmed acute diverticulitis (101 complicated, 127 uncomplicated). Cases were divided into training (n = 57) and test sets (n = 171). A classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was employed in the training set to identify optimal inflammatory marker cut-off points associated with complicated diverticulitis. Samples (test set) were then categorized as (A) greater than and (B) less than CART identified cut-off points. The predictive properties of inflammatory marker cut-off points in distinguishing severity of diverticulitis were assessed using a univariate logistic regression analysis, summary receiver operating characteristic curves and confusion matrix generation. RESULTS: C-reactive protein >109 mg/ml (OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.43-6.61, p = 0.004, area under the curve; AUC = 0.64) and white cell lymphocyte ratio (WLR) >17.72 (OR 4.23, 95% CI 1.95-9.17, p < 0.001, AUC = 0.64) were the most accurate parameters in distinguishing complicated and uncomplicated disease. WCC >21 × 109/l (p = 0.02, AUC = 0.60) and lymphocyte count >0.55 × 109/l (p = 0.009, AUC = 0.60) were less accurate. CONCLUSION: Widely used inflammatory indices are useful in the depiction of complicated diverticulitis. The indices cut-off points highlighted in this study should be considered at the time of diagnosis in combination with radiological features of complicated diverticulitis.

Do Conversion Total Hip Arthroplasty Yield Comparable Results to Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: The incidence of hip fractures is growing with the increasing elderly population. Typically, hip fractures are treated with open reduction internal fixation, hemiarthroplasty, or total hip arthroplasty (THA). Failed hip fracture fixation is often salvaged by conversion THA. The total number of conversion THA procedures is also supplemented by its use in treating different failed surgical hip treatments such as acetabular fracture fixation, Perthes disease, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, and developmental dysplasia of the hip. As the incidence of conversion THA rises, it is important to understand the perioperative characteristics of conversion THA. Some studies have demonstrated higher complication rates in conversion THAs than primary THAs, but research distinguishing the 2 groups is still limited. METHODS: Perioperative data for 119 conversion THAs and 251 primary THAs were collected at 2 centers. Multivariable linear regression was performed for continuous variables, multivariable logistic regression for dichotomous variables, and chi-square test for categorical variables. RESULTS: Outcomes for conversion THAs were significantly different (P < .05) compared to primary THA and had longer hospital length of stay (average 3.8 days for conversion THA, average 2.8 days for primary THA), longer operative time (168 minutes conversion THA, 129 minutes primary THA), greater likelihood of requiring metaphysis/diaphysis fixation, and greater likelihood of requiring revision type implant components. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that conversion THAs require more resources than primary THAs, as well as advanced revision type components. Based on these findings, conversion THAs should be reclassified to reflect the greater burden borne by treatment centers.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Total Joint Arthroplasty: The Risk for Infection Is Reduced.

BACKGROUND: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has changed the face of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and allowed patients to live for many decades. HIV and HAART are known risk factors for osteonecrosis of bone, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. Therefore, the demand for total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in HIV-infected patients is on the rise. We attempted to determine whether modern treatments for HIV have impacted the rate of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). METHODS: Conducting a systematic review, 25 studies with a total of 722 TJAs were identified. We extracted data on rates of PJI after primary TJA in HIV-infected patients with and without hemophilia and data on administration of HAART at the time of arthroplasty. RESULTS: Three hundred eighty-one TJAs were performed in 293 patients with HIV infection without hemophilia. The follow-up ranged between 1.5 months and 11 years. Nine patients developed PJI. In patients with both HIV and hemophilia, 341 primary TJAs were performed. Forty-five received treatment for PJI. Follow-up ranged between 1 year and 26 years. Rates of PJI were 2.28% and 10.98% for HIV-only patients and patients with HIV and hemophilia, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (P < .0001) with a 5.28 odds ratio for hemophilia. HAART was associated with fewer infections overall (odds ratio, 0.12). CONCLUSION: The rates of PJI after TJA in HIV-only patients are lower than those in patients with both HIV and hemophilia. Treatment of patients with HAART and optimization of underlying comorbidities appears to lower the rate of PJI in this patient population.