Epithelial and stromal thickness profile and lens decentration in myopic orthokeratology / Perfil de espesor epitelial y estromal y descentrado del cristalino en ortoqueratología miope

Purpose: To study topographic epithelial and total corneal thickness changes in myopic subjects undergoing successful orthokeratology treatment in connection with the objective assessment of contact lens decentration. Methods: A prospective-observational and non-randomized study in 32 Caucasian myopic eyes undergoing Ortho-k for 3 months. Total, epithelial, and stromal thicknesses were studied before and after Ortho-k treatment, using optical coherence tomography with anterior segment application software. Central, paracentral, and mid-peripheral values are taken along 8 semi-meridians. Results: The central average total corneal thickness was 4.72 ± 1.04 μm thinner after Ortho-K. The paracentral corneal thickness showed no significant changes (p = 0.137), while the mid-peripheral corneal thickness was increased by 3.25 ± 1.6 μm associating this increase exclusively to the epithelial plot (p<0.001). When lens centration was assessed, a lens fitting decentration less than 1.0 mm was found for the whole sample, predominantly horizontal-temporal (87.5%) and vertical-inferior (50%) decentring. Corneal topographical analysis revealed a horizontal and vertical epithelial thickness asymmetric change profile with paracentral temporal thinnest values, and mid-peripheral nasal thickest values. Conclusions: The present study found a central corneal thinning induced by Ortho-k lenses in subjects with moderate myopia, only associated with a change in epithelial thickness, as well as mid-peripheral thickening, that seems to be mainly epithelial in origin. The authors also found a tendency of contact lens decentration toward temporal and inferior areas conditioning an asymmetric epithelial redistribution pattern.(AU)

Factors affecting resolution of oculomotor nerve palsy following endovascular embolization of posterior communicating artery aneurysms / Factores que influyen en el tratamiento de la parálisis oculomotora con embolización endovascular de aneurismas comunicantes posteriores

Purpose: To investigate the effect of endovascular embolization of posterior communicating artery (Pcom) aneurysms on concomitant oculomotor nerve palsy (OMNP) and factors affecting the effect of treatment. Materials and methods: Patients with the Pcom aneurysms concomitant with OMNP were retrospectively enrolled for endovascular treatment of the aneurysms. All patients had the endovascular management. The clinical effect, degree of OMNP, size of the aneurysm, type of treatment, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and time from onset to treatment were analyzed on the resolution of OMNP. Results: Ninety-six patients with 99 Pcom aneurysms were enrolled and treated endovascularly, with the success rate of 100%. Immediately after endovascular treatment, 75 aneurysms (75.75%) got complete occlusion, and 24 (24.24%) nearly complete occlusion. Followed up for 3–18 (mean 8.52 ± 0.56) months, complete resolution of the OMNP was achieved in 63 patients (65.63%), partial resolution in 21 (21.88%), and non-recovery in the other 12 (12.50%). The degree of OMNP at onset, SAH, and time from onset to treatment were significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with the resolution of OMNP. Univariate analysis revealed that younger age of the patient, degree of OMNP at onset, presence of subarachnoid hemorrhage, and time from disease onset to treatment were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with the recovery of OMNP. Multivariate analysis revealed that the younger age, degree of OMNP at onset, and time from disease onset to treatment were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with the recovery of OMNP. Conclusion: Endovascular embolization of Pcom aneurysms concomitant with OMNP can effectively improve the OMNP symptoms, especially for patients with moderate and a shorter history of OMNP. Younger age, degree of oculomotor nerve palsy at onset, and time from onset to treatment may significantly affect recovery of oculomotor nerve palsy.(AU)

Objetivo: Investigar la eficacia de la embolización intravascular del aneurisma de comunicación posterior (Pcom) en pacientes con parálisis oculomotora (OMNP) y los factores que influyen en la eficacia. Materiales y métodos: Se analizaron retrospectivamente los datos clínicos de la terapia intravascular en pacientes con aneurismas Pcom con OMNP. Todos los pacientes recibieron tratamiento intravascular. Se analizaron los efectos de la eficacia clínica, el grado de OMNP, el tamaño del aneurisma, el método de tratamiento, la hemorragia subaracnoidea y el tiempo desde el inicio hasta el tratamiento en la regresión de OMNP.Resultados: Un total de 96 pacientes con 99 aneurismas Pcom fueron tratados con éxito. Inmediatamente después del tratamiento intravascular, 75 casos (75,75%) de aneurismas fueron completamente ocluidos y 24 casos (24,24%) casi completamente ocluidos. Durante el seguimiento de 3 a 18 meses (promedio: 8,52 ± 0,56 meses), se logró la resolución completa en 63 casos (65,63%), la resolución parcial en 21 (21,88%) y la no recuperación en los otros 12 (12,50%). El grado de OMNP al inicio, la hemorragia subaracnoidea y el tiempo de inicio a tratamiento se correlacionaron significativamente con la resolución de la OMNP (p < 0,05). El análisis univariado mostró que la menor edad del paciente, el grado de OMNP, la presencia de hemorragia subaracnoidea y el tiempo transcurrido desde el inicio de la enfermedad hasta el tratamiento se correlacionaron significativamente con la recuperación de OMNP (p < 0,05). Conclusión: La embolización intravascular del aneurisma Pcom combinada con OMNP puede mejorar eficazmente los síntomas de OMNP, especialmente en pacientes con OMNP a corto y mediano plazo. La edad temprana, el grado de parálisis del nervio oculomotor al inicio y el tiempo desde el inicio hasta el tratamiento tuvieron un efecto significativo en la recuperación de la parálisis del nervio oculomotor.(AU)

Concomitant treatment with safinamide and antidepressant drugs: Safety data from real clinical practice / Tratamiento concomitante de safinamida y antidepresivos: Datos de seguridad sobre la práctica en la vida real

Background and purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the possible pharmacological interactions between safinamide and antidepressants, and in particular the appearance of serotonin syndrome with data from real life. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients with Parkinson's disease from our Movement Disorders Unit, who were under treatment with any antidepressant drug and safinamide. Specifically, symptoms suggestive of serotonin syndrome were screened for. Also, we collected time of simultaneous use, doses of levodopa and other antiparkinsonian drugs. Results: Clinical records were reviewed for the study period of September 2018 to September 2019. Seventy-eight PD patients who were treated with safinamide of which 25 (32.05%) had a concomitant treatment with an antidepressant drug, being sertraline and escitalopram the most frequent. Mean age was 80 years ± 8.43 and H&Y stage was 3 [2–4]. Mean dose of levodopa used was 703.75 mg ± 233.15. Median duration of concomitant treatment with safinamide and antidepressant drug was 6 months (IQR 20.5), and over eighteen months in 5 cases. No case of serotonin syndrome was recorded, neither was any of its typical manifestations combined or in isolation. Conclusions: Our real clinical practice study suggests that concomitant use of safinamide with antidepressant drugs in PD patients seemed to be safe and well tolerated, even in the long term. However, caution is warranted, individualizing treatment regimens and monitoring the potential appearance of adverse effects.(AU)

Objetivos: El objetivo de este estudio ha sido evaluar las posibles interacciones farmacológicas entre safinamida y antidepresivos; en particular la aparición del síndrome serotoninérgico mediante datos obtenidos en la vida real. Material y métodos: Realizamos un estudio observacional retrospectivo de pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) de nuestra unidad de trastornos del movimiento, que estaban en tratamiento con algún fármaco antidepresivo y safinamida. Específicamente, se examinaron los síntomas sugestivos de síndrome serotoninérgico. Además, se recogieron tiempos de uso simultáneo, dosis de levodopa y otros fármacos antiparkinsonianos concomitantes. Resultados: Se revisaron las historias clínicas correspondientes al período de estudio de septiembre de 2018 a septiembre de 2019. Setenta y ocho pacientes con EP se encontraban en tratamiento con safinamida, de los cuales 25 (32,05%) se encontraban recibiendo además un fármaco antidepresivo, siendo sertralina y escitalopram los más frecuentes. La edad media fue de 80 años ± 8,43 y el estadio H&Y fue de 3 [2-4]. La dosis media de levodopa utilizada fue de 703,75 mg ± 233,15. La mediana de duración del tratamiento concomitante con safinamida y un fármaco antidepresivo fue de 6 meses (IQR: 20,5), y más de 18 meses en 5 casos. No se registró ningún caso de síndrome serotoninérgico, ni tampoco ninguno de sus síntomas de forma aislada. Conclusión: Nuestro estudio de práctica clínica real sugiere que el uso concomitante de safinamida con fármacos antidepresivos en pacientes con EP parece ser seguro y bien tolerado, incluso a largo plazo. Sin embargo, es necesaria precaución, individualizando los regímenes de tratamiento, y controlando la posible aparición de efectos adversos.(AU)

Non-thyroidal disease syndrome in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: relation to disease inflammatory activity.

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for the development of non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 517 SLE patients and 1034 age-and sex-matched healthy population was conducted to compare the prevalence of NTIS in these two groups, and to analyze the laboratory and clinical characteristics of SLE patients with NTIS. Finally Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors for NTIS in SLE patients. RESULTS: The prevalence of NTIS in the SLE patients was significantly higher than that in controls (39.7% vs. 1.0%, P < 0.001). In SLE patients, compared with euthyroidism patients, NTIS patients exhibited higher levels of neutrophils, hepatic enzymes, kidney damage markers, inflammatory markers and SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). They also had a higher incidence of organ insufficiency and positive antibodies such as anti-ds-DNA antibodies and anti-SSA antibodies. However, NTIS patients had lower levels of hemoglobin, lymphocytes, platelets, serum albumin, and complement. Additionally, NTIS patients had a shorter duration of lupus and lower utilization of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that elevated SLEDAI (OR = 1.060, 95%CI 1.022-1.099, P = 0.002), elevated systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) (OR = 1.003, 95%CI 1.001-1.007, P = 0.026), elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (OR = 1.019, 95%CI 1.010-1.028, P < 0.001), and hepatic insufficiency (OR = 1.916, 95% CI 1.173-3.131, P = 0.009) were independent risk factors for the development of NTIS in SLE. DMARDs treatment (OR = 0.495, 95% CI 0.306-0.799, P < 0.001) was an independent protective factor for NTIS. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory activity in SLE patients is associated with the development of NTIS. Key Points • Inflammatory activity indexes such as SLEDAI, SII, and ESR are independent risk factors for NTIS in SLE patients.

Prognostic utility and characteristics of MIB-1 labeling index as a proliferative activity marker in childhood low-grade glioma: a retrospective observational study.

PURPOSE: The prognostic utility of MIB-1 labeling index (LI) in pediatric low-grade glioma (PLGG) has not yet conclusively been described. We assess the correlation of MIB-1 LI and tumor growth velocity (TGV), aiming to contribute to the understanding of clinical implications and the predictive value of MIB-1 LI as an indicator of proliferative activity and progression-free survival (PFS) in PLGG. METHODS: MIB-1 LI of a cohort of 172 nonependymal PLGGs were comprehensively characterized. Correlation to TGV, assessed by sequential MRI-based three-dimensional volumetry, and PFS was analyzed. RESULTS: Mean MIB-1 LI accounted for 2.7% (range: < 1-10) and showed a significant decrease to 1.5% at secondary surgery (p = .0013). A significant difference of MIB-1 LI in different histopathological types and a correlation to tumor volume at diagnosis could be shown. Linear regression analysis showed a correlation between MIB-1 LI and preoperative TGV (R2 = .55, p < .0001), while correlation to TGV remarkably decreased after incomplete resection (R2 = .08, p = .013). Log-rank test showed no association of MIB-1 LI and 5-year PFS after incomplete (MIB-1 LI > 1 vs ≤ 1%: 48 vs 46%, p = .73) and gross-total resection (MIB-1 LI > 1 vs ≤ 1%: 89 vs 95%, p = .75). CONCLUSION: These data confirm a correlation of MIB-1 LI and radiologically detectable TGV in PLGG for the first time. Compared with preoperative TGV, a crucially decreasing correlation of MIB-1 LI and TGV after surgery may result in limited prognostic capability of MIB-1 LI in PLGG.

Clinicopathologic analysis of nodal T-follicular helper cell lymphomas, a multicenter retrospective study from China.

Background: Nodal T-follicular helper cell lymphomas (nTFHLs) represent a new family of peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs), and comparative studies of their constituents are rare. Methods: This study retrospectively enrolled 10 patients with nTFHL-F and 30 patients with nTFHL-NOS diagnosed between December 2017 and October 2023 at six large comprehensive tertiary hospitals; 188 patients with nTFHL-AI were diagnosed during the same period at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University for comparison. Results: Compared with nTFHL-AI, nTFHL-NOS patients exhibited better clinical manifestations, lower TFH expression levels, and a lower Ki-67 index. However, no differences in clinicopathological features were observed between nTFHL-F and nTFHL-AI patients as well as nTFHL-NOS patients. According to the survival analysis, the median OS for patients with nTFHL-NOS, nTFHL-AI, and nTFHL-F were 14.2 months, 10 months, and 5 months, respectively, whereas the median TTP were 14 months, 5 months, and 3 months, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed differences in TTP among the three subtypes(P=0.0173). Among the population of patients receiving CHOP-like induction therapy, there were significant differences in the OS and TTP among the nTFHL-NOS, nTFHL-AI, and nTFHL-F patients (P=0.0134, P=0.0205). Both the GDPT and C-PET regimens significantly improved the ORR, OS, and PFS in nTFHL patients. Conclusion: There are significant differences in the clinical manifestations, pathology, and survival outcomes among the three subtypes of nTFHLs. However, further research with a larger sample size, and involving clinical pathology and molecular genetics is needed to determine the distinctive biological characteristics of these tumors.

Reliability of thoracolumbar burst fracture classification in the Swedish Fracture Register.

BACKGROUND: The Swedish Fracture Register (SFR) is a national quality register for all types of fractures in Sweden. Spine fractures have been included since 2015 and are classified using a modified AOSpine classification. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of the classification of thoracolumbar burst fractures in the SFR. METHODS: Assessments of medical images were conducted in 277 consecutive patients with a thoracolumbar burst fracture (T10-L3) identified in the SFR. Two independent reviewers classified the fractures according to the AOSpine classification, with a third reviewer resolving disagreement. The combined results of the reviewers were considered the gold standard. The intra- and inter-rater reliability of the reviewers was determined with Cohen's kappa and percent agreement. The SFR classification was compared with the gold standard using positive predictive values (PPV), Cohen's kappa and percent agreement. RESULTS: The reliability between reviewers was  high (Cohen's kappa 0.70-0.97). The PPV for correctly classifying burst fractures in the SFR was high irrespective of physician experience (76-89%), treatment (82% non-operative, 95% operative) and hospital type (83% county, 95% university). The inter-rater reliability of B-type injuries and the overall SFR classification compared with the gold standard was low (Cohen's kappa 0.16 and 0.17 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The SFR demonstrates a high PPV for accurately classifying burst fractures, regardless of physician experience, treatment and hospital type. However, the reliability of B-type injuries and overall classification in the SFR was found to be low. Future studies on burst fractures using SFR data where classification is important should include a review of medical images to verify the diagnosis.

Restrictive annuloplasty or replacement on reverse remodeling for nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: For patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM), the indications for and results of mitral surgery remain controversial. We reviewed a strategy of mitral repair and replacement for clinically relevant secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with NIDCM. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 65 patients with advanced NIDCM (LVEF < 40%) who underwent mitral surgery. Of them, 47 (72%) underwent mitral annuloplasty and 18 (28%) replacement for secondary MR. The primary endpoint was postoperative reduction in indexed LV end-systolic volume (LVESVI). RESULTS: At baseline, there was no intergroup difference in LVESVI (123 ± 47 vs. 147 ± 37 ml/m2, P = 0.055), LVEF (27 ± 8% vs. 25 ± 6%, P = 0.41), incidence of severe MR (57% (27/47) vs. 72% (13/18), P = 0.40), or EuroSCORE II score (6.2% vs. 7.6%, P = 0.90). At 6 months, the annuloplasty group reduced LVESVI to a greater degree than the replacement group (P < 0.001), yielding significantly smaller postoperative LVESVI (96 ± 59 vs. 154 ± 61 ml/m2, P < 0.001) and better LVEF (P < 0.001). The rates of moderate/severe recurrent MR were 17% (8/47) and 0%, respectively. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that mitral annuloplasty (OR 6.10, 95% CI 1.14-32.8, P = 0.035) was significantly associated with postoperative LV reverse remodeling. Cumulative survival was not different between the groups (P = 0.26). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with NIDCM, mitral annuloplasty reduced LV volume to a greater degree than did mitral replacement. These findings may assist with surgical options for secondary MR associated with NIDCM.

Role of oxygen reserve index monitoring in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is a common surgical procedure for the treatment of prostate cancer. Although beneficial, it can lead to intraoperative hypoxia due to high-pressure pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position. This study explored the use of oxygen reserve index (ORi) to monitor and predict hypoxia during RARP. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 329 patients who underwent RARP at the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between July 2021 and March 2023. Various pre- and intraoperative variables were collected, including ORi values. The relationship between ORi values and hypoxia occurrence was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Intraoperative hypoxia occurred in 18.8% of the patients. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed a satisfactory area under the curve of 0.762, with the ideal ORi cut-off value for predicting hypoxia set at 0.16. Sensitivity and specificity were 64.5% and 75.7%, respectively. An ORi value of < 0.16 and a higher body mass index were identified as independent risk factors of hypoxia during RARP. CONCLUSIONS: ORi monitoring provides a non-invasive approach to predict intraoperative hypoxia during RARP, enabling early management. Additionally, the significant relationship between a higher body mass index and hypoxia underscores the importance of individualized patient assessment.

Hazard function analysis of prognosis after recurrent colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mean survival time (MST) is used as the indicator of prognosis in patients with a colorectal cancer (CRC) recurrence. The present study aimed to visualize the changes in death risk after a CRC recurrence using hazard function analysis (HFA) to provide an alternative prognostic indicator to MST. METHODS: The medical records of 725 consecutive patients with a recurrence following R0 radical surgery for CRC were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The five-year, post-recurrence survival rate was 37.8%, and the MST was 3.5 years while the risk of death peaked at 2.9 years post-recurrence. Seven variables were found to predict short-term survival, including the number of metastatic organs ≥ 2, non-surgical treatment for the recurrence, and a short interval before recurrence. In patients with a recurrence in one organ, the MST was four years, the peak time of death predicted by HFA was 2.9 years, and the five-year survival rate was 45.8%. In patients with a surgical resection of the recurrence, the MST was 8 years, the peak time of death was 3.3 years, and the five-year survival rate was 62%. CONCLUSIONS: The present study established a novel method of assessing changes in mortality risk over time using HFA in patients with a CRC recurrence.

Real-world evidence of treatment patterns and survival of metastatic gastric cancer patients in Germany.

BACKGROUND: Patients with metastatic gastric cancer (mGC) have poor prognosis. This real-world study aimed to describe treatment regimens and survival of mGC patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted using anonymized German claims data (AOK PLUS) covering a period from 2010 to 2021. The study population included newly diagnosed mGC cases identified from 2011 to 2020. The index date was defined as the first diagnosis of metastasis on or after gastric cancer diagnosis. Therapy regimens were identified based on inpatient and outpatient data, and subsequently stratified by line of treatment. Survival analyses were conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 5,278 mGC incident cases (mean age: 72.7 years; male: 61.9%). Nearly half of the incident cases received mGC-related treatment (49.8%). Treated patients were more often male, younger, and had fewer comorbidities compared to untreated patients. Of the 2,629 mGC patients who started the first line of treatment (1LOT), 32.8% switched to 2LOT, and 10.2% reached 3LOT. Longer survival time was observed among disease-specific treated cases compared with untreated cases (median real-world overall survival (rwOS): 12.7 months [95%CI 12.1 - 13.3 months] vs. 3.7 months [95%CI 3.4 - 4.0 months]). CONCLUSION: Systemic therapy was not received in almost half of the mGC patients. In those patients, a very short median rwOS was observed. Treatment patterns were generally in line with the guideline recommendations, however, therapy switching rates and poor prognosis indicate high unmet needs also in the treated population.

Arthroscopic inferior leaf meniscectomy of the involved anterior horn in the lateral meniscus horizontal tear via an accessary extreme far anteromedial portal.

BACKGROUND: An accessory extreme far anteromedial portal can improve visualisation and ease inferior leaf meniscectomy in patients with lateral meniscal anterior horn horizontal tears. However, the therapeutic outcomes of adding an accessory extreme far anteromedial portal remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of adding an accessory extreme far anteromedial portal for treating lateral meniscal horizontal tears involving the anterior horns. METHODS: This retrospective study included 101 patients with anterior horn involvement in lateral meniscal horizontal tears who underwent arthroscopic unstable inferior leaf meniscectomy between January 2016 and December 2020. The pathologies were diagnosed using physical examinations and magnetic resonance imaging. The anterior horn involved in the lateral meniscal horizontal tears was treated using inferior leaf meniscectomy. The primary endpoints were changes in the visual analogue scale, Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee, and Tegner scores at the final follow-up. The secondary endpoint was meniscal cure rate at 3 months postoperatively. The preoperative and postoperative functional scores were compared. The occurrence of complications was recorded. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for an average of 4.9 ± 1.2 years (range 2.3-7.5 years). After 4 months, none of the patients experienced pain, weakness, instability, or tenderness in the lateral joint line, achieving an imaging cure rate of 98%. At the final follow-up, significant postoperative improvements were observed in the average values of the visual analogue scale score (3.5 ± 0.7 vs. 0.7 ± 0.6), Lysholm score (62.7 ± 4.4 vs. 91.8 ± 3.1), International Knee Documentation Committee score (61.9 ± 3.7 vs. 91.7 ± 9.5), and Tegner score (2.0 ± 0.7 vs. 6.1 ± 0.7). Excellent Lysholm scores were obtained in 81 patients, and good outcomes were obtained in 18 patients, with an excellent-to-good rate of 98.0%. CONCLUSIONS: Inferior leaf resection via the accessory far anteromedial portal is a safe treatment option for the involved anterior horn in lateral meniscal horizontal tears. This approach enhances visibility and facilitates surgical procedures, with minimal complications.

Therapeutic advantage of teriparatide in very elderly patients with proximal femoral fractures: a functional and BMD analysis.

BACKGROUND: Teriparatide, a recombinant parathyroid hormone, is pivotal in osteoporosis treatment, particularly in post-surgical recovery for hip fractures. This study investigates its efficacy in functional recovery post-hip fracture surgery in elderly patients, a demographic particularly susceptible to osteoporotic fractures. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, 150 elderly patients with proximal femoral fractures undergoing open reduction and internal fixation were enrolled. They were categorized into two groups: receiving 20 µg of daily teriparatide injections for 18 months and receiving standard antiresorptive medications during a 24-month follow-up. Detailed records of patient demographics, Fracture Risk Assessment Tool scores, and comorbidities were kept. Key outcomes, including bone mineral density (BMD) and functional scores (Barthel Index and Visual Analog Scale for hip pain), were evaluated at 3 and 24 months post-surgery. RESULTS: Out of the original cohort, 126 patients (20 men and 106 women with an average age of 85.5 ± 9.3 years) completed the study. The teriparatide group exhibited significant enhancements in both functional scores and BMD when compared to the control group. Notably, functional improvements were less pronounced in male patients compared to female patients. Additionally, the incidence of new fractures was markedly lower in the teriparatide group. CONCLUSION: Administering teriparatide daily for 18 months post-surgery for proximal femoral fractures significantly benefits very elderly patients by improving functionality and bone density, with observed differences in recovery between genders. These results reinforce the efficacy of teriparatide as a potent option for treating osteoporosis-related fractures in the elderly and highlight the importance of considering gender-specific treatment and rehabilitation strategies.

Single-port robotic-assisted laparoscopic synchronous surgery in pediatric patent processus vaginalis.

PURPOSE: Patent processus vaginalis (PPV) is usually observed in pediatric abdominal surgery; however, robotic single-port surgery in repairing processus vaginalis has not been reported in children. Herein, we present our clinical experiences in single-port robotic surgeries for PPV repair to evaluate both efficacy and safety. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients underwent single-port robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery for genitourinary diseases from May 2020 and May 2023 in our center. Among these patients, 21 children had PPV repaired at the same time. The case characteristics and follow-up data were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-one of the 53 children were found to have PPV during genitourinary surgery. The simultaneous treatment of the primary disease and PPV with a single-port robotic-assisted platform was both convenient and safe. There was no significant increase in total operation time, and no excessive intraoperative hemorrhage was observed in any of the operations. There were no complications observed on follow-up. CONCLUSION: With a high incidence of PPV in children, a single-port robotic-assisted procedure is feasible and effective if simultaneously performed when addressing a primary abdominal disease.

A new technique for closure of pericardial defects: pericardial rug weave.

BACKGROUND: Pericardial defect that occurs after intrapericardial pneumonectomy can cause many fatal complications, and closing the defect with mesh is a widely used surgical method to prevent these complications. METHODS: Data of patients who underwent intrapericardial pneumonectomy and pericardial resection in our clinic between October 2010 and June 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups, those who had prolene mesh used to close the pericardial defect and those who underwent the "Rug Weave" technique we proposed as an alternative, and the results were compared. RESULTS: The study included 23 patients, one of whom was female. All patients underwent surgery due to malignancy. The vast majority of the patients had a diagnosis of squamous cell lung carcinoma (86.9%). Atrium was added to three patients and rib resection was added to one patient during intrapericardial pneumonectomy and pericardial resection. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of average age, gender, and length of hospital stay. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of complications, including atrial fibrillation, which is commonly seen in these patients (p = 0.795). The Rug Weave group had an average defect width of 23.96 cm2 and was found to be advantageous in terms of overall survival compared to the mesh group (p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: The "Rug Weave" technique we proposed for closing pericardial defects after pneumonectomy can be used as a cheaper method safely and effectively that reduces complications as much as the traditional method of using mesh.

Age-related increase in live-birth rates of first frozen thaw embryo versus first fresh transfer in initial assisted reproductive technology cycles without PGT.

BACKGROUND: The landscape of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has seen a significant shift towards frozen-thawed embryo transfers (FET) over fresh transfers, driven by technological advancements and clinical considerations. This study aimed to compare live birth outcomes between primary FET and fresh transfers, focusing on cycles without preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), using United States national data from the SART CORS database spanning from 2014 to 2020. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of autologous first ART cycles without PGT comparing primary embryo transfer (frozen thaw vs. fresh) success rates from the 2014-2020 SARTCORS database. Live-birth rates (LBR) and cumulative live-birth rates (CLBR) were compared between first FET versus first fresh embryo transfer from an index retrieval. Multivariate logistic regression (MLR) determined association between live birth outcomes and method of transfer. In a subsequent sub-analysis, we compared these two embryo transfer methods among patients with either diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) or male factor infertility. RESULTS: 228,171 first ART cycles resulted in primary embryo transfer. 62,100 initial FETs and 166,071 fresh transfers were compared. Initial FETs demonstrated higher LBR and CLBR compared to fresh transfers (LBR 48.3% vs. 39.8%, p < 0.001; CLBR 74.0% vs. 60.0%, p < 0.0001). MLR indicated greater chances of live birth with FET across all age groups, with adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of live-birth incrementally increasing with advancing age groups. For DOR cycles, LBR and CLBR were significantly higher for FET compared to fresh (33.9% vs. 26.0%, p < 0.001, 44.5% vs. 37.6%, p < 0.0001), respectively. MF cycles also demonstrated higher LBR and CLBR with FET (52.3% vs. 44.2%, p < 0.001, 81.2% vs. 68.9%, p < 0.0001), respectively. MLR demonstrated that in DOR cycles, initial FET was associated with greater chance of live birth in age groups ≥ 35yo (p < 0.01), with aOR of live birth increasingly considerably for those > 42yo (aOR 2.63, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Overall LBR and CLBR were greater for first FET than fresh transfers with incremental increases in odds of live birth with advancing age, suggesting the presence of a more favorable age-related change in endometrial receptivity present in frozen-thawed cycles. For both DOR and MF cycles, LBR and CLBR after primary transfer were greater for first FET than fresh. However, this was particularly evident in older ages for DOR cycles. This suggests that supraphysiologic stimulation in older DOR cycles may be detrimental to endometrial receptivity, which is in part corrected for in FET cycles.

Prediction of hematologic toxicity in luminal type breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy using CT L1 level skeletal muscle index.

This study aims to explore the correlation between the CT-L1 and L3 body composition parameters and analyze the relationship between L1 body composition and hematologic toxicity in luminal-type breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Data from 140 luminal-type breast cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment after neoadjuvant chemotherapy were analyzed retrospectively. Spearman analysis was used to assess the correlation between CT-L1 and CT-L3 body composition parameters pre-neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Additionally, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors influencing hematologic toxicity. CT-L1 body composition parameters were positively correlated with CT-L3 body composition parameters in 34 patients. Severe hematological toxicity occurred in 46 cases among the patient cohort. A skeletal muscle index (SMI) of < 32.91 cm2/m2, initial tumor size ≥ 3.335 cm, and a glucose-to-neutrophil ratio (GLR) ≥ 2.88 were identified as independent risk factors for severe hematologic toxicity during neoadjuvant chemotherapy in luminal-type breast cancer patients. The sample size in this study is small, and the predictive capacity of GLR in hematologic toxicity requires further research for comprehensive validation. CT-L1 analysis represents a viable alternative to CT-L3 analysis for body composition assessment. Patients with a low skeletal muscle index were more prone to experiencing severe hematologic toxicity during neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Improved long-term survival rate in the responders to bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, dexamethasone induction therapy in a transplant-eligible cohort of predominantly middle-age multiple myeloma patients.

BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma (MM) represents the second most common hematologic malignancy (15%). Induction with bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamthasone VCd (d: low dose dexamthasone) regimen is widely used due to its high effectiveness, low toxicity and good tolerability, particularly with renal impairment. Real-world data on the use of VCD in clinical practice is lacking. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the real-world experience of the VCD regimen. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Tumor registry database of tertiary cancer care center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: newly diagnosed MM patients who received VCD induction and underwent autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) from July 2007 to July 2020. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: response evaluation, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). SAMPLE SIZE: 87 patients. RESULTS: Of 102 patients who started induction with VCd, 87 patients experienced a partial response or more overall response rate of 85%). The median age of these 87 patients at diagnosis was 52 years, of which 29.9% presented with renal impairment and 60.3% of patients had stage 2 by the Revised International Staging System (R-ISS). Patients with a standard cytogenetic risk achieved a better response compared to those with a poor cytogenetic risk (P=.044). The post-induction response rates were 6.9% stringent complete remission (sCR), 35% complete remission (CR); 41.4% very good partial response (VGPR), and 16.1% partial response (PR), respectively; the response rates became greater for sCR and CR post-transplantation at day 100 with 16.1% sCR, 35.6% CR, 32.2% VGPR and 16.1% PR, respectively. The median PFS was 49 months and 5 years OS was 84%. PFS was better in patients who achieved sCR vs PR (83 vs 35 months, P=.037). High LDH, high-risk cytogenetic and stage 3 R-ISS showed a worse median PFS and OS. CONCLUSIONS: VCD induction in newly diagnosed MM is highly effective, convenient, tolerable and affordable regimen, especially in low and middle-income countries with limited resources, also with favorable outcomes and survival. while those who did not respond successfully shifted to VRD or VTD. LIMITATIONS: The usual limitations of a retrospective analysis using registry-level data, no data on quality of life.

Does red blood cell transfusion affect clinical outcomes in critically ill patients? A report from a large teaching hospital in south Iran.

BACKGROUND: Despite the beneficial effects, RBC transfusion can be associated with infectious and non-infectious complications in critically ill patients. OBJECTIVES: Investigate current RBC transfusion practices and their effect on the clinical outcomes of patients in intensive care units (ICUs). DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: Three mixed medical-surgical adult ICUs of a large academic tertiary hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From March 2018 to February 2020, all adult patients admitted to medical or surgical ICU. Patients who received one or more RBC transfusions during the first month of ICU admission were included in the "transfusion" group, while the remaining patients were assigned to the "non-transfusion" group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mortality and length of ICU and hospital stay. SAMPLE SIZE: 2159 patients. RESULTS: Of 594 patients who recieved transfusions, 27% of patients received red blood cell (RBC) products. The mean pre-transfusion hemoglobin (Hb) level was 8.05 (1.46) g/dL. There was a significant relationship between higher APACHE II scores and ICU mortality in patients with Hb levels of 7-9 g/dL (OR adjusted=1.05). Also, ICU mortality was associated with age (OR adjusted=1.03), APACHE II score (OR adjusted=1.08), and RBC transfusion (OR adjusted=2.01) in those whose Hb levels were >9 (g/dl). CONCLUSION: RBC transfusion was associated with an approximately doubled risk of ICU mortality in patients with Hb>9 g/dL. High APACHE II score and age increase the chance of death in the ICU by 8% and 3%, respectively. Hence, ICU physicians should consider a lower Hb threshold for RBC transfusion, and efforts must be made to optimize RBC transfusion practices. LIMITATIONS: Single-center and retrospective study.

Clinical profile of functional constipation in Saudi children.

BACKGROUND: Functional constipation (FC) is a common condition in children, and information on the clinical characteristics of FC in Saudi children is scarce. OBJECTIVE: Describe the clinical profile of FC in Saudi children. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Hospital that provides primary, intermediate and tertiary care. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All children diagnosed with FC according to the Rome IV criteria were included and had at least one follow-up clinic visit. Demographic and clinical data collected from medical records included the age at onset, duration of constipation, clinical features, treatment modalities, and factors associated with clinical response. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's chi-squared test were used in the statistical analysis to see how categorical study variables were linked to clinical response. A P value of ≤.05 was used to report statistical significance. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Compliance and clinical response to polyethylene glycol (PEG) compared with lactulose. SAMPLE SIZE: 370 children from 0.1 to 13 years of age. RESULTS: The median (IQR) age of onset was 4 (5) years and less than one year in 14%. The median (IQR) duration of constipation was 4 months (11) and less than two months in 93/370 (25%). Abdominal pain was the most commonly associated feature (44%). Screening for celiac disease and hypothyroidism was negative. A Fleet enema was the most common disimpaction method (54%) and PEG was the most common maintenance medication (63.4%). PEG was significantly better tolerated (P=.0008) and more effective than lactulose (P<.0001). Compliance was the only variable significantly associated with clinical response. CONCLUSIONS: PEG was better tolerated and more effective than lactulose in our study, a finding in agreement with the literature. Therefore, PEG should be the drug of choice in the initial management of FC in Saudi children. Prospective studies on the causes of noncompliance are needed to improve the response to treatment. LIMITATIONS: The limitations of retrospective design are missing data, recall bias, and hospital-based limitation, such as missing milder cases treated at the outpatient level. However, the sample size of 370 may have minimized these limitations.