Outcomes with and without outpatient SARS-CoV-2 treatment for patients with COVID-19 and systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases: A retrospective cohort study

ObjectiveTo investigate temporal trends, severe outcomes, and rebound among systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease (SARD) patients according to outpatient SARS-CoV-2 treatment. MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study investigating outpatient SARS-CoV-2 treatments among SARD patients at Mass General Brigham (23/Jan/2022-30/May/2022). We identified SARS-CoV-2 infection by positive PCR or antigen test (index date=first positive test) and SARDs using diagnosis codes and immunomodulator prescription. Outpatient treatments were confirmed by medical record review. The primary outcome was hospitalization or death within 30 days following the index date. COVID-19 rebound was defined as documentation of negative then newly-positive SARS-CoV-2 tests. The association of any vs. no outpatient treatment with hospitalization/death was assessed using multivariable logistic regression. ResultsWe analyzed 704 SARD patients with COVID-19 (mean age 58.4 years, 76% female, 49% with rheumatoid arthritis). Treatment as outpatient increased over calendar time (p<0.001). A total of 426(61%) received outpatient treatment: 307(44%) with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, 105(15%) with monoclonal antibodies, 5(0.7%) with molnupiravir, 3(0.4%) with outpatient remdesivir, and 6(0.9%) with combinations. There were 9/426 (2.1%) hospitalizations/deaths among those treated as outpatient compared to 49/278 (17.6%) among those with no outpatient treatment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.12, 0.05 to 0.25). 25/318 (8%) of patients who received oral outpatient treatment had documented COVID-19 rebound. ConclusionOutpatient treatment was strongly associated with lower odds of severe COVID-19 compared to no outpatient treatment. At least 8% of SARD patients experienced COVID-19 rebound. These findings highlight the importance of outpatient COVID-19 treatment for SARD patients and the need for further research on rebound. KEY MESSAGES What is already known on this topic?O_LIPrevious studies suggest that monoclonal antibodies are an effective outpatient treatment option for patients at high-risk of severe COVID-19, including those with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs). C_LIO_LINirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir are recently-authorized effective oral outpatient SARS-CoV-2 treatment options, but clinical trials were performed among the general population, mostly among unvaccinated and prior to Omicron viral variants. C_LIO_LIOral outpatient SARS-CoV-2 treatments may result in COVID-19 rebound, characterized by newly-positive COVID-19 testing and recurrent symptoms, but no studies have investigated rebound prevalence among SARD patients. C_LI What this study adds?O_LIThis is one of the first studies investigating outpatient SARS-CoV-2 treatments among SARD patients that includes oral options and quantifies the prevalence of COVID-19 rebound. C_LIO_LIOutpatient treatment was associated with 88% reduced odds of severe COVID-19 compared to no treatment. C_LIO_LIAt least 8% of SARDs receiving oral outpatient treatment experienced COVID-19 rebound. C_LI How this study might affect research, practice, or policy?O_LIThese results should encourage clinicians to prescribe and SARD patients to seek prompt outpatient COVID-19 treatment. C_LIO_LIThis research provides an early estimate of the prevalence of COVID-19 rebound after oral outpatient treatment to quantify this risk to clinicians and SARD patients and encourage future research. C_LI

Impact of vaccination on post-acute sequelae of SARS CoV-2 infection in patients with rheumatic diseases

ObjectiveVaccination decreases the risk of severe COVID-19 but its impact on post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) is unclear among patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) who may have blunted vaccine immunogenicity and be vulnerable to PASC. MethodsWe prospectively enrolled SARD patients from a large healthcare system who survived acute infection to complete surveys. The symptom-free duration and the odds of PASC (any symptom lasting [≥] 28 or 90 days) were evaluated using restricted mean survival time and multivariable logistic regression, respectively, among those with and without breakthrough infection ([≥] 14 days after initial vaccine series). ResultsAmong 280 patients, the mean age was 53 years, 80% were female, and 82% were white. The most common SARDs were inflammatory arthritis (59%) and connective tissue disease (24%). Those with breakthrough infection had more upper respiratory symptoms, and those with non-breakthrough infection had more anosmia, dysgeusia, and joint pain. Compared to those with non-breakthrough COVID-19 infection (n=164), those with breakthrough infection (n=116) had significantly more symptom-free days over the follow-up period (+28.9 days, 95% CI: 8.83, 48.89; p=0.005) and lower odds of PASC at 28 and 90 days (aOR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.83 and aOR 0.10, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.22, respectively). ConclusionVaccinated patients with SARDs were less likely to experience PASC compared to those not fully vaccinated. These findings support the benefits of vaccination for patients with SARDs and suggest that the immune response to acute infection is important in the pathogenesis of PASC in SARD patients. Key MessagesO_ST_ABSWhat is already known on this topic?C_ST_ABSO_LIPost-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) affects 20-50% of COVID-19 survivors, though the impact of vaccination on the risk and severity of PASC is unclear, especially among those with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) who may have impaired responses to vaccines and be particularly vulnerable to PASC. C_LI What this study adds?O_LIIn this prospective cohort of SARD patients recovering from COVID-19, we found that those with breakthrough vs non-breakthrough infection had more symptom-free days over the follow-up period (adjusted difference +28.9 days, 95% CI: 8.38, 48.89; p=0.005) and a lower odds of PASC at 28 days (aOR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.83) and at 90 days (aOR 0.10, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.22). C_LIO_LIPatient-reported pain and fatigue scores were lower, reflecting less severe pain and fatigue, in those with breakthrough infection compared to those with non-breakthrough infection. C_LI How this study might affect research, practice, or policy?O_LIThis study extends our understanding of the benefits of vaccination against COVID-19 in patients living with SARDs and reinforces the importance of vaccinating this vulnerable population. C_LIO_LIOur findings suggest that the initial immune response to acute SARS-CoV-2, as influenced by vaccination, affects PASC risk but this requires further study. C_LI

Factors Associated with COVID-19 Breakthrough Infection in the Pre-Omicron Era Among Vaccinated Patients with Rheumatic Diseases: A Cohort Study

ObjectiveRheumatic disease patients on certain immunomodulators are at increased risk of impaired humoral response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. We aimed to identify factors associated with breakthrough infection among patients with rheumatic diseases. MethodsWe identified patients with rheumatic diseases being treated with immunomodulators in a large healthcare system who received at least two doses of either the mRNA-1273 (Moderna) or BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccines or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson-Janssen (J&J) vaccine. We followed patients until SARS-CoV-2 infection, death, or December 15, 2021, when the Omicron variant became dominant in our region. We estimated the association of baseline characteristics with the risk of breakthrough infection using multivariable Cox regression. ResultsWe analyzed 11,468 patients (75% female, mean age 60 years). Compared to antimalarial monotherapy, multiple immunomodulators were associated with higher risk of infection: anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (aHR 5.20, 95% CI: 2.85, 9.48), CTLA-4 Ig (aHR 3.52, 95% CI: 1.90, 6.51), mycophenolate (aHR 2.31, 95% CI: 1.25, 4.27), IL-6 inhibitors (aHR 2.15, 95% CI: 1.09, 4.24), JAK inhibitors (aHR 2.02, 95% CI: 1.01, 4.06), and TNF inhibitors (aHR 1.70, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.66). mRNA-1273 recipients had a lower risk of breakthrough infection compared to BNT162b2 recipients (aHR 0.66, 95% CI: 0.50, 0.86). There was no association of sex, body mass index, smoking status, race, or ethnicity with risk of breakthrough infection. ConclusionAmong patients with rheumatic diseases, multiple immunomodulators were associated with increased risk of breakthrough infection. These results highlight the need for additional mitigation strategies in this vulnerable population.

Temporal trends in COVID-19 outcomes among patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases: From the first wave to Omicron

ObjectivesTo investigate temporal trends in incidence and severity of COVID-19 among patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) from the first wave through the Omicron wave. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study investigating COVID-19 outcomes among SARD patients systematically identified to have confirmed COVID-19 from March 1, 2020 to January 31, 2022 at a large healthcare system in Massachusetts. We tabulated COVID-19 counts of total and severe cases (hospitalizations or deaths) and compared the proportion with severe COVID-19 by calendar period and by vaccination status. We used logistic regression to estimate the ORs for severe COVID-19 for each period compared to the early COVID-19 period (reference group). ResultsWe identified 1449 SARD patients with COVID-19 (mean age 58.4 years, 75.2% female, 33.9% rheumatoid arthritis). There were 399 (27.5%) cases of severe COVID-19. The proportion of severe COVID-19 outcomes declined over calendar time (p for trend <0.001); 45.6% of cases were severe in the early COVID-19 period (March 1-June 30, 2020) vs. 14.7% in the Omicron wave (December 17, 2021-January 31, 2022; adjusted odds ratio 0.29, 95%CI 0.19-0.43). A higher proportion of those unvaccinated were severe compared to not severe cases (78.4% vs. 59.5%). ConclusionsThe proportion of SARD patients with severe COVID-19 has diminished since early in the pandemic, particularly during the most recent time periods, including the Omicron wave. Advances in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19 may have improved outcomes among SARD patients. KEY MESSAGESO_ST_ABSWhat is already known about this subject?C_ST_ABSO_LIPatients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) may be at increased risk for severe COVID-19, defined as hospitalization or death. C_LIO_LIPrevious studies of SARD patients suggested improving COVID-19 outcomes over calendar time, but most were performed prior to the wide availability of COVID-19 vaccines or the Omicron wave that was characterized by high infectivity. C_LI What does this study add?O_LIThe proportion of SARD patients with severe COVID-19 outcomes was lower over calendar time C_LIO_LIThe adjusted odds ratio of severe COVID-19 in the Omicron wave was 0.29 (95%CI 0.19-0.43) compared to early COVID-19 period. C_LIO_LIThe absolute number of severe COVID-19 cases during the peak of the Omicron variant wave was similar to the peaks of other waves. C_LIO_LISARD patients with severe vs. not severe COVID-19 were more likely to be unvaccinated. C_LI How might this impact on clinical practice or future developments?O_LIThese findings suggest that advances in COVID-19 prevention, diagnosis, and treatment have contributed to improved outcomes among SARD patients over calendar time. C_LIO_LIFuture studies should extend findings into future viral variants and consider the roles of waning immunity after vaccination or natural infection among SARD patients who may still be vulnerable to severe COVID-19. C_LI

Correlation analysis between SUV index in 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging and invasiveness of early lung adenocarcinoma / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To investigate the correlation between the SUV index (SUV max of the lesion/SUV mean of the liver) in 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging and the invasiveness of early lung adenocarcinoma presenting as ground-glass nodule (GGN). Methods:From January 2012 to March 2020, 167 GGN patients (49 males, 118 females; age: (61.5±9.0) years) with early lung adenocarcinoma who underwent PET/CT imaging in Changzhou First People′s Hospital were retrospectively enrolled. The image parameters including the GGN number, location, type, edge, shape, abnormal bronchus sign, vacuole sign, pleural depression, vessel convergence sign, GGN diameter ( DGGN), solid component diameter ( Dsolid), consolidation to tumor ratio (CTR, Dsolid/ DGGN), CT values (CT value of ground-glass opacity (CT GGO), CT value of lung parenchyma (CT LP), ΔCT GGO-LP (CT GGO-CT LP)) and SUV index were analyzed. Single and multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze the correlation between SUV index and infiltration. The generalized additive model was used for curve fitting, and the piece-wise regression model was used to further explain the nonlinearity. Results:In 189 GGNs, invasive adenocarcinoma accounted for 85.2% (161/189). Single logistic regression showed that the GGN number, type, shape, edge, abnormal bronchus sign, pleural depression, vessel convergence sign, DGGN, Dsolid, CTR, CT GGO, ΔCT GGO-LP and SUV index were related factors of infiltration (odds ratio ( OR) values: 0.396-224.083, P<0.001 or P<0.05). After fully adjusting for confounding factors, SUV index was significantly correlated with increased risk of invasion ( OR=2.162 (95% CI: 1.191-3.923), P=0.011). Curve fitting showed that the SUV index was non-linearly related to the risk of infiltration, and the risk of infiltration increased significantly only when the SUV index was greater than 0.43 ( OR=3.509 (95% CI: 1.429-8.620), P=0.006). The correlation between SUV index and infiltration had no interaction between age, vacuoles, pleural depression and CTR subgroups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:SUV index is an independent factor related to the invasiveness of early lung adenocarcinoma. The higher the SUV index, the greater the risk of invasion; but the two are not simply linearly correlated.

Risk Factors for Anorectal Dysfunction After Interspincteric Resection in Patients With Low Rectal Cancer.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to explore the risk factors for anorectal dysfunction after intersphincteric resection in patients with low rectal cancer. Methods: A total of 251 patients who underwent intersphincteric resection from July 2014 to June 2020 were included in this study, for which the Kirwan's grade, Wexner score, and anorectal manometric index were used to evaluate the anorectal function and other parameters including demographics, surgical features, and clinical and pathological characteristics. These parameters were analysed to explore the potential risk factors for anorectal function after intersphincteric resection. Results: In the 251 included patients, 98 patients underwent partial intersphincteric resection, 87 patients underwent subtotal intersphincteric resection, and 66 patients underwent total intersphincteric resection. There were 53 (21.1%) patients who had postoperative complications, while no significant difference was observed between the three groups. Furthermore, 30 patients (45.5%) in the total intersphincteric resection group were classified as having anorectal dysfunction (Kirwan's grade 3-5), which was significantly higher than that in the partial intersphincteric resection group (27.6%) and subtotal intersphincteric resection group (29.9%). The mean Wexner score of patients that underwent total intersphincteric resection was 7.9, which was higher than that of patients that had partial intersphincteric resection (5.9, p = 0.002) and subtotal intersphincteric resection (6.4, p = 0.027). The initial perceived volume was lower in the total intersphincteric resection group than in the partial and subtotal intersphincteric resection groups at 1, 3, and 6 months after intersphincteric resection. In addition, the resting pressure, maximum squeeze pressure, and maximum tolerated volume in the total intersphincteric resection group were worse than those in the partial and subtotal groups at 3 and 6 months after intersphincteric resection. Univariate and multivariate analyses suggested that an age ≥65, total intersphincteric resection, and preoperative chemoradiotherapy were independent risk factors for anorectal dysfunction (P = 0.023, P = 0.003, and P = 0.008, respectively). Among the 66 patients who underwent total intersphincteric resection, 17 patients received preoperative chemoradiotherapy, of which 12 patients (70.6%) were classified as having anorectal dysfunction. Conclusion: The current study concluded that age ≥65, total intersphincteric resection, and preoperative chemoradiotherapy were risk factors for anorectal dysfunction after intersphincteric resection. The morbidity of anorectal dysfunction after total intersphincteric resection for patients who received preoperative chemoradiotherapy was relatively high, and the indication should be carefully evaluated.

Short-term outcomes of pelvic floor peritoneum closure in endoscopic low anterior resection of rectal cancer: A propensity score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of pelvic floor peritoneum closure (PC) during endoscopic low anterior resection (E-LAR) of rectal cancer remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify whether pelvic floor PC affected short-term outcomes. METHODS: The study group comprised patients with the pathologically confirmed diagnosis of rectal cancer who underwent E-LAR with pelvic floor PC or with no PC (NPC) between January 2013 and December 2018 in Southwest Hospital. After propensity score matching (PSM), 584 patients (292 who underwent PC and 292 who underwent NPC) were evaluated. Postoperative indicators, including the rates of complications, anastomotic leakage (AL), reoperation, and inflammation, were observed in the two groups. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in the rates of postoperative complications between the PC and NPC groups. The rates of AL were similar (11.3% vs. 9.2%, p = .414). However, the reoperation rate of patients in the PC group was significantly lower than that of patients in the NPC group after AL (36.4% vs. 11.1%, p = .025). The hospital costs were higher in the NPC leakage subgroup (p = .001). Additionally, the serum C-reactive protein levels were lower in the PC group on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 3, and 5, whereas procalcitonin levels on POD 1 and 3 were lower in the PC group but did not differ significantly on POD 5. CONCLUSION: Pelvic peritonization did not affect the rate of complications, especially AL; however, it effectively reduced the reoperation and inflammation rates and reduced hospitalization costs. Other short-term outcomes were similar, which warrant the increased use of pelvic peritonization in endoscopic surgery.

First dorsal metatarsal-dorsal phalangeal artery flap in repairing large area of soft tissue defect on the palmar side of finger / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of the first dorsal metatarsal-dorsal phalangeal artery flap in repairing large area of soft tissue defect on the palmar side of finger.Methods:From February, 2016 to June, 2018, 11 fingers of 11 patients (7 males and 4 females, aged 19-46 years old with an average of 32.5 years old) with large area of soft tissue defect on the palmar side of the finger were repaired with the first dorsal metatarsal-dorsal phalangeal artery flap. These included 3 with the first dorsal metatarsal-first dorsal phalangeal artery blood supply, and 8 with the first dorsal metatarsal-second dorsal phalangeal artery blood supply. In which 3 with retained finger pulp was for repairing the defects and bridging arteries, including 1 flexor tendon defect repaired by the extensor digitorum brevis tendon of the second toe with the flap. The type of blood vessel was Gilbert I detected by CDU before surgery. The area of the flaps was from 1.5 cm×5.0 cm to 3.0 cm×8.0 cm. The donor area of the flaps was compressed with full thickness skin grafts of the shank. The follow-up data was collected by outpatient clinic visits and telephone interviews.Results:All the 11 flaps survived and were followed-up for an average of 14 months, ranged from 6 months to 24 months. The colour and texture of the flaps were good. Sensing of temperature, pain and touch restored, without swelling. Function of the fingers was well restored. The range of motion of distal and proximal interphalangeal joints was closed to normal. The TPD of the flaps was 5-11 mm, with an average of 8 mm. Ten had primary wound healing in the donor sites of foot. One case had necrosis of the proximal toe of the skin graft and healed after dressing change. Long-term follow-up of the skin grafting area was wear-resistant, and does not hinder walking without rupture.Conclusion:Application of the first dorsal metatarsal-dorsal toe artery flap to repair large area of soft tissue defect on the palmar side of finger has number of advantages such as it, covers the wound and carry the tendons, bridges the arteries at the same time, plus delivers satisfactory outcome.

Value of 18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters of primary lesions for predicting occult lymph node metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT metabolic parameters for occult lymph node metastasis (OLM) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods:A total of 183 patients (72 males, 111 females; age (61.5±8.4) years) who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT and preoperatively diagnosed with clinical N0 stage (cN0) in Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2013 to December 2018 were retrospectively enrolled. All patients underwent anatomical pulmonary resection with systematic lymph node dissections within 3 weeks after 18F-FDG PET/CT examinations. According to the presence or absence of lymph node metastasis, patients were divided into OLM positive (OLM+ ) group and OLM negative (OLM-) group. Parameters of primary lesions, such as the maximum diameter (D max), tumor sites, morphological features, maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max), mean standardized uptake value (SUV mean), metabolic total volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), tumor SUV max to liver SUV mean (TLR max), tumor TLG to liver SUV mean (TLR TLG) were analyzed. Mann-Whitney U test and χ2 test were used to compare the parameters between groups. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors for OLM. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of different parameters. Results:Among 183 patients, 25 (13.7%, 25/183) of them were diagnosed as OLM. In OLM+ group, 46 lymph nodes were pathologically positive for metastasis, including 15 N1 disease and 31 N2 disease. D max (2.9(2.3, 3.7) vs 2.3(1.7, 2.8) cm), lobulation ((76.0%(19/25) vs 37.3%(59/158)), SUV max (11.1(7.9, 17.7) vs 4.7(2.3, 9.2)), TLG (41.5(10.2, 91.1) vs 15.6(6.5, 23.8) ml), TLR max (4.7(3.5, 7.6) vs 2.1(0.9, 4.0)) and TLR TLG (18.1(5.0, 44.3) vs 6.1(3.0, 11.4) ml) of the primary lesions in OLM+ group were significantly higher than those in OLM-group ( z values: from -4.709 to -3.247, χ2=13.190, all P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that TLR max (odds ratio ( OR)=15.145, 95% CI: 3.381-67.830, P<0.001) and D max ( OR=3.220, 95% CI: 1.192-8.701, P=0.021) were independent risk factors for OLM. TLR max yielded the highest area under curve (AUC; AUC=0.794) with the threshold of 3.12, and the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for predicting OLM were 92.0%(23/25), 63.3%(100/158), 67.2%(123/183), 28.4%(23/81) and 98.0%(100/102), respectively. Conclusions:TLR max of tumor is the independent risk factor for OLM in NSCLC patients. TLR max can sensitively predict OLM preoperatively in patients with NSCLC.

Predictive value of intratumoral heterogeneity measured by preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT for regional lymph node metastasis of cN0 colorectal cancer / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To investigate whether the intratumoral heterogeneity measured by preoperative 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT could predict regional lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with clinical (c)N0 colorectal cancer. Methods:A total of 70 patients with cN0 colorectal cancer were consecutively enrolled from January 2012 to December 2019. All patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT followed by radical resection of colorectal cancer within one month. Whether the regional LNM existed was confirmed pathologically. Volume of interest (VOI) was drawn with the threshold of the standardized uptake value (SUV) of 2.5. The area under the cumulative SUV histograms curve (AUC-CSH) of the primary lesion was calculated by PMOD software, as well as the maximum SUV (SUV max), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG). Differences of AUC-CSH and metabolic parameters between groups were compared by using independent-sample t test and Mann-Whitney U test. Whether AUC-CSH was the independent predictor of regional LNM was analyzed with multivariate logistic regression model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of AUC-CSH. Results:Among 70 patients with cN0 colorectal cancer, 16(22.9%) patients were pathologically confirmed to have regional LNM. The AUC-CSH of metastasis group was significantly lower than that of non-metastasis group (0.372±0.089 vs 0.464±0.121; t=2.831, P=0.006). There were no significant differences in SUV max(21.0±9.6 vs 23.9±10.9), MTV (33.0(20.8, 50.2) vs 28.3(16.0, 47.1) cm 3) and TLG (203.3(117.2, 467.5) vs 184.5(105.6, 434.3) g) of the primary tumor between those two groups( t=0.980, U values: 0.517, 0.028, all P>0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed AUC-CSH was the independent predictor of regional lymph node matastasis (odds ratios ( OR)=5.04, 95% CI: 1.37-18.60, P=0.015). The ROC curve analysis showed the area under the curve of AUC-CSH was 0.73 (95% CI: 0.59-0.86, P=0.006). When the cut-off value of AUC-CSH was 0.409, the sensitivity and specificity of predicting regional LNM was 12/16 and 66.7%(36/54), respectively. Conclusions:The intratumoral heterogeneity of primary tumor is strongly associated with regional LNM in cN0 colorectal cancer. AUC-CSH measured by preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT has a potential in prediction of regional LNM in patients with cN0 colorectal cancer.

Technical points of 4K laparoscopic intersphincteric resection of low rectal cancer / 中华消化外科杂志

Intersphincteric resection (ISR) is a limited sphincter preserving surgery for low rectal cancer. The 4K laparoscopic system has the advantage of enhancing the accurate recognition of anatomical structures for operators. The authors investigate the imaging evaluation and technical standard of 4K laparoscopic ISR of low rectal cancer through surgical examples.

Postoperative Functional Management Contributes to Anal Functional Recovery in Patients With Low Rectal Cancer After Robotic Total Intersphincteric Resection.

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of the comprehensive post-operative management including low-frequency endo-anal electrical stimulation and daily suppository usage on post-operative anal functional recovery for low rectal cancer patients who underwent robotic total intersphincteric resection (ISR). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 42 low rectal cancer patients who underwent robotic total ISR, of which 23 patients received comprehensive post-operative management, including biofeedback low-frequency endo-anal electrical stimulation and daily suppository usage (management group). Wexner score and anorectal manometric values, including resting pressure (RP), maximum squeeze pressure (MSP), initial perceived volume (IPV), and maximum tolerated volume (MTV), were assessed and compared. Results: A total of 42 low rectal cancer patients were included in our study. The RP at 6 months after ISR (40.95 ± 6.95 mmHg vs. 33.29 ± 5.40 mmHg, p = 0.002) and MSP at 3 and 6 months after ISR (72.05 ± 10.16 mmHg vs. 69.05 ± 8.67 mmHg, p = 0.031; 91.57 ± 15.47 mmHg vs. 84.05 ± 12.94 mmHg, p = 0.039, respectively) were significantly higher in the management group. The median IPV at 1 and 3 months after ISR (17.81 ± 3.61 ml vs. 15.43 ± 5.08 ml, p = 0.038; 20.19 ± 4.35 ml vs. 17.67 ± 5.16 ml, p = 0.044, respectively) and MTV at 3 months after ISR (83.71 ± 5.44 ml vs. 76.10 ± 8.42 ml, p = 0.012) were significantly higher in the management group. Wexner scores at 1 and 3 months after closure of stoma (COS) in the management group were significantly lower (11.3 ± 2.9 vs. 13.4 ± 3.0, p = 0.041; 8.9 ± 2.0 vs. 10.6 ± 2.4, p = 0.036, respectively). Conclusions: Comprehensive post-operative management could accelerate the recovery of sphincteric function and anal sensitivity after robotic total ISR and could also contribute to treatment of fecal incontinence followed by COS.

Lymph node dissection along the left gastroepiploic vessels region in 4K laparoscopic radical gastrectomy with the surgeon on left position / 中华消化外科杂志

Minimally invasive surgery experienced a rapid development in the past thirty years, of which the laparoscopy has been widely used in gastrointestinal surgery. Lymph node dissection is one of the difficulties of laparoscopic radical resection of gastric cancer. The lymph node dissection along the left gastroepiploic vessels is a difficult part, which usually causes bleeding and splenic injury. This article mainly introduce the indications, contraindications, surgical preparations, the difficulties and techniques during the lymph nodes dissection when the operator stood on the left side of the patients, and perioperative complications of lymph nodes dissection along the left gastroepiploic vessels.

Lymph node dissection along the left gastroepiploic vessels region in 4K laparoscopic radical gastrectomy with the surgeon on left position / 中华消化外科杂志

Minimally invasive surgery experienced a rapid development in the past thirty years, of which the laparoscopy has been widely used in gastrointestinal surgery. Lymph node dissection is one of the difficulties of laparoscopic radical resection of gastric cancer. The lymph node dissection along the left gastroepiploic vessels is a difficult part, which usually causes bleeding and splenic injury. This article mainly introduce the indications, contraindications, surgical preparations, the difficulties and techniques during the lymph nodes dissection when the operator stood on the left side of the patients, and perioperative complications of lymph nodes dissection along the left gastroepiploic vessels.

Risk Factors for Relapse of Hyperglycemia after Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in T2DM Obese Patients: a 5-Year Follow-Up of 24 Cases.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the risk factors for relapse of hyperglycemia in obese patients with type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who received laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) surgery. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on all obese patients with T2DM who underwent a LRYGB during the period 2011-2013. Demographics, preoperative body mass index (BMI), preoperative glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), adherence to lifestyle intervention, preoperative medication of insulin, and the time interval between surgery and diagnosis of T2DM were investigated and compared. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients were included in our study. The median age was 45.5 years, the median BMI was 29.9 kg/m2, and the median HbA1c was 7.9%. Out of 24 patients, 54.2% (13/24) experienced a relapse of hyperglycemia. The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year relapse rates were 4.2%, 12.5%, and 50.0%, respectively. The preoperative HbA1c level, C-peptide (2 h) level, and C-peptide (3 h) level were identified as independent variables for the relapse of hyperglycemia (8.11 ± 0.48 vs 7.72 ± 0.37 kg/m2, p = 0.036; 4.35 ± 1.46 vs 7.13 ± 4.10 ng/ml, p = 0.032; 3.76 ± 0.61 vs 5.99 ± 3.39 ng/ml, p = 0.029). Lifestyle intervention could reduce the hyperglycemia relapse rate (66.7 vs 41.7%) after LRYGB surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative HbA1c level and C-peptide level at surgery have an important significance in predicting the relapse of hyperglycemia after LRYGB surgery; lifestyle intervention is crucial for these patients.

Analysis on the technical characteristics and clinical efficacy of robotic-assisted intersphincteric resection for patients with low rectal cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective@#To explore the technical characteristics and short-term clinical efficacy of robotic-assisted intersphincteric resection (ISR) for patients with low rectal cancer.@*Methods@#A retrospective cohort study was used. Inclusion criteria: (1) rigid colonoscopy showed lower margin of the tumor ≤5 cm from the anal verge; (2) preoperative rectal MRI or endorectal ultrasound revealed staging T1-2, or T3 patients receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy; (3) patients less than 70 years old with good function of anal sphincter before surgery; (4) no synchronous multiple primary carcinoma, and no distant metastasis; (5) the method of operation was agreed by the patient. Exclusion criteria: (1) T4 stage tumors; (2) sphincter dysfunction before operation; (3) recurrent tumors; (4) lower edge of tumors beyond the dentate line; (5) death due to non-rectal cancer during follow-up and unsatisfactory follow-up data. The clinical data of 21 patients with low rectal cancer meeting inclusion criteria undergoing robotic-assisted ISR at our department from January 2015 to June 2018 were collected. Parameters during and after operation were observed. Anorectal manometry was performed at 3, 6, and 12 months after the operation, and anal function was evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months after the closure of the stoma by Kirwan classification and Wexner fecal incontinence score. The key steps of the operation are as follows: according to the principle of total mesorectal excision, the robot continued to enter into the levator ani hiatusdistally, and dissectin the sphincter space; according to the scope of sphincter resection, ISRwas divided into partial ISR, subtotal ISR, and total ISR; subtotal and total ISR usually needed to be combined with transanal pathway. The reconstruction of digestive tract was performed by double stapler anastomosis under laparoscope orhand-sewnanastomosis under direct vision, and preventive ileostomy was completed in the right lower abdomen.@*Results@#Of 21 patients, 13 were male and 8 were female with mean age of (57.5±16.3) years. All the patients successfully completed the operation without conversion to laparotomy. Fourteen cases (66.7%) adopted partial ISR through complete transabdominal approach, 6 cases (28.6%) adopted the subtotal ISR through combined transabdominal and transanal approachs, and 1 case (4.8%) adopted the total ISR through the combined transabdominal and transanal approachs. The total operation time was (213.1±56.3) minutes, including (27.3±5.4) minutes for mechanical arm installation and (175.7±51.6) minutes for robotic operation. The amount of intraoperative hemorrhage was (62.8±23.2) ml, and no blood transfusion was performed in any patient. All patients underwent prophylactic ileostomy, and the stoma was closed 3-6 months after the operation. Except one case of anastomotic leakage, all other stomas were closed successfully. The postoperative hospitalization time was (7.6±2.2) days, and time to fluid intake was (3.3±0.9) days. One case of anastomotic leakage, one case of anastomotic stenosis, one case of inflammatory external hemorrhoids and one case of urinary retention occurred after surgery,and all of them were cured by conservative treatment. The mean diameter of tumors was (2.9±1.2) cm, and the number of harvested lymph node was 12.8 ± 3.3. In the whole group, the circumcision margin was negative, the proximal margin was (12.2 ± 2.1) cm, the distal margin was (1.1 ± 0.4) with all negative, and the R0 resection rate was 100%. The results of anorectal manometry showed that the preoperative rest pressure, rectal maximum squeeze pressure, initial sensory volume and maximum tolerated volume were (45.19±8.46) mmHg, (128.18±18.80) mmHg, (44.33±10.11) ml and (119.00±19.28) ml, respectively;these parameters reduced significantly 3 months after operation and they were (23.44±5.54) mmHg, (93.72±12.15) mmHg, (17.72±5.32) ml and (70.44±10.9) ml, respectively. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.001). The resting pressure and the rectal maximum squeeze pressure returned to preoperative levels 12 months after operation, which were (39.33±6.64) mmHg and (120.58±16.47) mmHg, respectively (both P>0.05), while the initial sensory volume and the maximum tolerated volume failed to reach the preoperative state, which were (30.67±7.45) ml and (92.25±10.32) ml, respectively (both P<0.05). The patients were followed up for (22.1±10.6) months without local recurrence and distant metastasis. Eighteen patients were evaluated for anal function: Kirwan classification was grade I for 6 cases, grade II for 7 cases, grade III for 4 cases, and grade IV for 1 case; Wexner incontinence score was 8.6±0.8; 14 cases had good defecation control.@*Conclusion@#The clinical efficacy of ISR with Da Vinci robot in the treatment of low rectal cancer is satisfactory.

Safety and efficacy of microvascular decompression in elderly patients with cranial neuropathy / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To investigate the safety and clinical efficacies of microvascular decompression(MVD) on cranial neuropathy such as trigeminal neuralgia (TN),hemifacial spasm (HFS)and glossopharyngeal neuralgia(GN)in elderly patients.Methods Clinical data of 72 patients aged 70 years and over diagnosed as cranial neuropathy and undergoing microvascular decompression in our department from January 2015 to August 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.The curative effect and complications were analyzed after treatment.Results All patients successfully underwent MVD under general anesthesia.The facial pain completely disappeared or was significantly improved in 85.7 ％ (30/35)of TN patients one year after operation.The intermittent tonic contractions of the facial muscles were completely disappeared in 94.3％ (33/35)of HFS patients.Clinical symptoms were completely disappeared in 2 patients with GN,4 patients with TN and HFS and 1 patients with TN and GN.Conclusions The surgery goes well and the patients have good postoperative recovery,with no severe complications such as intracranial hematoma,infarction,cerebrospinal fluid leakage,acute hydrocephalus and death.After an adequate preoperative evaluation,MVD is safe and effective with a few complications.It can significantly improve the quality of life in elderly patients with trigeminal neuralgia,hemifacial spasm,and glossopharyngeal neuralgia.

Clinical study of microsurgery treatment for glossopharyngeal neuralgia in aged patients / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To investigate the safety and efficacy of microsurgery for glossopharyngeal neuralgia in aged patients by analyzing short-term and long-term follow-up outcomes.Methods Clinical data of 55 glossopharyngeal neuralgia patients treated with microsurgery were retrospectively analyzed.Among them,25 patients aged over 65 years were assigned into the observation group,and 30 patients under 65 years were assigned into the control group.Clinical characteristics,postoperative complications,short-term efficacy and long-term prognosis were compared between the two groups.Results There was a significant difference in the average age between the observation group and the control group[(71.88 ± 5.95) years vs.(52.57 ± 5.88)years,(t =12.052,P＜0.001)].The incidence of concomitant diseases was higher in the observation group than in the control group (56.0 ％ vs.13.3 ％,x2 =9.421,P =0.001).No significant difference was found in length of hospital stay or postoperative complications between the two groups(t =0.268,P=0.551;x2=0.068,P =0.562).There was no significant difference in short-and long-term prognosis at 1,3,6 months and 1 year after microsurgery (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions Clinical characteristics,prognosis after microsurgery and surgery risks in aged glossopharyngeal neuralgia patients are comparable to those in younger glossopharyngeal neuralgia patients.Therefore,microsurgery is safe and effective in treating glossopharyngeal neuralgia in aged patients and should be encouraged in clinical practice.

Clinical value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in assessing muscular inflammation of dermatomyositis / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective@#To analyze the imaging characteristics and diagnostic value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT in muscular inflammation in dermatomyositis (DM), as well as the relationship between maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and activity of muscular inflammation.@*Methods@#From July 2013 to November 2016, 17 hospitalized DM patients (8 males, 9 females, age range: 35-78 years) who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT were retrospectively reviewed, including 13 typical DM (TDM) and 4 amyopathic DM (ADM). Seventeen healthy volunteers (8 males, 9 females, age range: 35-78 years) in the same period were enrolled as the control group. The proximal limb muscles of whole body were divided into 7 areas, and the SUVmax of each was measured and recorded. Two-sample t test, one-way analysis of variance, Dunnett-t test and Spearman correlation analysis were used to analyze data.@*Results@#Five TDM cases showed diffuse increased FDG uptake in global muscles; 8 TDM cases showed increased FDG uptake in local muscles, mainly in the shoulder and hip. The FDG uptake by muscles of 4 ADM patients was similar with that of controls. The SUVmax was lower and lower in the order of shoulder and back muscles, hip muscles, thoracic vertebra muscles, cervical vertebra muscles, biceps, proximal quadriceps and lumbar vertebra muscles in DM group. The muscle SUVmax of DM, TDM, ADM and the controls were 1.92±0.86, 2.14±0.85, 1.19±0.44 and 0.93±0.26, respectively (F=69.50, P<0.001). Muscle SUVmax of DM group was higher than that of controls, muscle SUVmax of TDM was higher than that of ADM, and muscle SUVmax of ADM was higher than that of controls (t values: 4.102-11.970, all P<0.05). Muscle SUVmax of 9 DM patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) was lower than that of patients without ILD (1.73±0.09 vs 2.13±0.13; t=5.857, P<0.001). Muscle SUVmax of DM was positive correlated with serum levels of creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase isoenzyme composed by M and B subunits (CK-MB) (rs values: 0.814 and 0.751, both P<0.001).@*Conclusion@#18F-FDG PET/CT is helpful to detect muscular inflammation of DM and it can reflect the activity and severity with SUVmax, and meanwhile evaluate the condition of ILD associated with DM.

Repair of fingertip defect with free second toe tibial flap anastomosed by the dorsal nerve of the toe / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To report the operation methods and clinical effects of repairing finger tip defect with the free tibial dorsal nerve flap of the second toe.@*Methods@#13 patients with finger tip defects were repaired by the tibial dorsal nerve flap of the second toe. The area of finger tip defect was 2.5 cm×1.5 cm-1.3 cm×1.0 cm, and the area of cutting flap was 2.7 cm×1.7 cm-1.5 cm×1.1 cm. All donor site defects on the second toe were covered with full-thickness skin graft.@*Results@#There were 13 cases in this group, and all the flaps and skin grafts were survived. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 6 to 18 months, with an average of 13 months. The appearance of the fingers was satisfied and the sensory recovery was good. Two-point discrimination of the flaps returned to 7-13 mm, with an average of 9 mm. According to the total active move(TAM)scale, results were excellent in 11 fingers, good in 1 finger, and fair in 1 finger. The donor site skin graft was well healed, the second toe pulp was full, and the two-point discrimination of the toe pulps were 6-10 mm, with an average of 8 mm.@*Conclusions@#Compared to the traditional method of repairing finger tip defect with the tibial inherent nerve flap of the second toe, our new method can reduce the damage to the donor site, and we can repair finger tip defect as well as the traditional one at the same time. So it was a better operative method to repair finger tip defect with the tibial dorsal nerve flap of the second toe.