Clinical significance of myocardial contraction fraction in significant primary mitral regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: The optimal timing for mitral valve (MV) surgery in asymptomatic patients with primary mitral regurgitation (MR) remains a matter of debate. Myocardial contraction fraction (MCF) - the ratio of the left ventricular (LV) stroke volume to that of the myocardial volume - is a volumetric measure of LV myocardial shortening independent of size or geometry. AIM: To assess the relationship between MCF and outcome in patients with significant chronic primary MR due to prolapse managed in contemporary practice. METHODS: Clinical, Doppler-echocardiographic and outcome data prospectively collected in 174 patients (mean age 62 years, 27% women) with significant primary MR and no or mild symptoms were analysed. The impact of MCF< or ≥30% on cardiac events (cardiovascular death, acute heart failure or MV surgery) was studied. RESULTS: During an estimated median follow-up of 49 (22-77) months, cardiac events occurred in 115 (66%) patients. The 4-year estimates of survival free from cardiac events were 21±5% for patients with MCF <30% and 40±6% for those with ≥30% (P<0.001). MCF <30% was associated with a considerable increased risk of cardiac events after adjustment for established clinical risk factors, MR severity and current recommended class I triggers for MV surgery (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.33, 95% confidence interval: 1.51-3.58; P<0.001). Moreover, MCF<30% improved the predictive performance of models, with better global fit, reclassification and discrimination. CONCLUSIONS: MCF<30% is strongly associated with occurrence of cardiac events in patients with significant primary MR due to prolapse. Further studies are needed to assess the direct impact of MCF on patient management and outcomes.

Perioperative Pain Management With Opioid Analgesics in Colpopexy Increases Risk of New Persistent Opioid Usage.

IMPORTANCE: Although the use of perioperative pain medications is highly investigated, limited studies have examined the usage of pain medication for post hysterectomy prolapse repair and the few that have have been restricted to smaller sample sizes. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to assess the association of perioperative opioid usage after posthysterectomy prolapse repairs with development of new persistent opioid usage. STUDY DESIGN: The TriNetX Diamond Research Network was queried to create our cohorts of opioid-naive adult women with vaginal repair or laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. The primary study outcomes were (1) the rate of perioperative opioid usage and (2) development of new persistent opioid usage. All cohorts were matched on age, race, ethnicity, chronic kidney disease, hypertensive diseases, ischemic heart disease, diseases of the liver, obstructive sleep apnea, affective mood disorders, pelvic and perineal pain, obesity, tobacco use, and utilization of office/outpatient, inpatient, or emergency department services. RESULTS: We identified 10,414 opioid-naive women who underwent laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy and 13,305 opioid-naive women who underwent vaginal reconstruction. Rates of perioperative opioid usage were higher after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. Rates of developing new opioid usage were higher in both surgical-approach populations that received perioperative opioids compared with those that did not. Rates of new and persistent opioid usage did not differ by surgical approach when stratified by perioperative opioid usage. CONCLUSIONS: We identified that opioid dependence may occur after surgery if patients are given opioids within 7 days of either approach, associating opioid dependence with perioperative opioid usage rather than the approach taken.

A stitch in time saves my (ne) (vision).

Background: Corneal melt with iris prolapse is a rare complication of autoimmune diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis. Purpose: To highlight a challenging case of a peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) with corneal melt and iris prolapse in a patient's only eye. Synopsis: A 56-year-old Asian Indian male presented with blurring of vision in the right eye and was diagnosed with cataract. He was a known type 2 diabetes mellitus and a rheumatoid arthritis patient and was not on treatment. He had been previously diagnosed with PUK in the left eye and was lost to follow-up due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty and lost his vision in that eye. Cataract surgery in the right eye was done under cover of immunosuppression. Subsequently, he developed PUK and was treated with a glue and bandage contact lens. Again, he was lost to follow-up and then presented a few months later with corneal melt with iris prolapse in the right eye. We describe in the video the surgical and medical challenges and successful salvage of both the eyeball and the vision. Highlights: Highlights include the following: 1. A rare case of corneal melt with iris prolapse. 2. Demonstration of surgical technique of patch graft. 3. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography before and after the procedure. Video link: https://youtu.be/HbgixlEAYKU.

Two Novel, Nonoperative Methods of Stoma Prolapse in Newborns: 3 Case Reports.

BACKGROUND: Prolapse is a common complication following enterostomy; the defect and consequences of a prolapse significantly affect health-related quality of life. Creative techniques must be employed to manage the prolapse. CASES: This article describes management of 3 neonates with stoma prolapse. CONCLUSION: Management of stoma prolapse should be individualized, employing successful nonoperative techniques rather than more difficult operative procedures to prevent recurrent prolapse.

A stitch in time saves my (ne) (vision).

Background: Corneal melt with iris prolapse is a rare complication of autoimmune diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis. Purpose: To highlight a challenging case of a peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) with corneal melt and iris prolapse in a patient's only eye. Synopsis: A 56-year-old Asian Indian male presented with blurring of vision in the right eye and was diagnosed with cataract. He was a known type 2 diabetes mellitus and a rheumatoid arthritis patient and was not on treatment. He had been previously diagnosed with PUK in the left eye and was lost to follow-up due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty and lost his vision in that eye. Cataract surgery in the right eye was done under cover of immunosuppression. Subsequently, he developed PUK and was treated with a glue and bandage contact lens. Again, he was lost to follow-up and then presented a few months later with corneal melt with iris prolapse in the right eye. We describe in the video the surgical and medical challenges and successful salvage of both the eyeball and the vision. Highlights: Highlights include the following: 1. A rare case of corneal melt with iris prolapse. 2. Demonstration of surgical technique of patch graft. 3. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography before and after the procedure. Video link: https://youtu.be/HbgixlEAYKU.

Comparison of meta-analytical estimates of outcomes after Alfieri or neochordal repair in isolated anterior mitral prolapse.

OBJECTIVES: Repair of the isolated degenerative anterior mitral leaflet has been considered more challenging and associated with compromised durability compared with isolated posterior leaflet in major series. Implantation of neochordae or Alfieri edge-to-edge is the most employed repair technique for isolated anterior repair currently, but little data exist comparing their relative durability. We sought to investigate this issue with this meta-analysis. METHODS: A literature search was performed (Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase and The Cochrane Library). The primary outcome was the incidence rate (IR) of reoperation, the secondary outcomes were recurrent moderately severe/severe mitral regurgitation (MR), in-hospital/30-day reoperation and mortality and follow-up mortality. A random-effect model was used. Leave-one-out, subgroup analysis (Alfieri versus neochordae) and meta-regression were done. RESULTS: Seventeen studies (including 1358 patients) were included. At a weighted mean follow-up of 5.56 ± 3.31 years, the IR for reoperation was 14.45 event per 1000 person-year and significantly lower in Alfieri than neochordae repair (9.40 vs 18.61, P = 0.04) on subgroup analysis. The IR of follow-up moderately severe/severe MR was 19.89 event per 1000 person-year and significantly lower in Alfieri than neochordae repair (10.68 and 28.63, P = 0.01). In a sensitivity analysis comparing homogenous studies, a significant difference in the recurrence of regurgitation in favour of the Alfieri approach remained. There were no differences in operative outcomes or survival. There were significant associations between increased incidence of late reoperation and New York Heart Association class III/IV and associated coronary artery bypass graft procedure for whole cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Alfieri repair may be associated with a lower incidence of recurrent MR compared with neochordae-based repair in the setting of isolated degenerative anterior mitral pathology. This is the first such meta-analysis and further inquiry into this area is needed.

A Comparative Study on the Clinical Efficacy of Simple Transobturator Midurethal Sling and Posterior Pelvic Floor Reconstruction.

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the complications, success rate and satisfaction of pelvic floor reconstruction after transobturator midurethral sling (TOT) and TOT combined with pelvic floor reconstruction in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence. To explore the pathogenesis of stress urinary incontinence after pelvic floor stress injury and improve the surgical treatment strategy. Materials and Methods: From 15 August 2018 to 24 February 2022, patients diagnosed with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and secondary prolapse of the anterior pelvis were selected to receive surgically. Participants were followed up and evaluated at 2 months, 6 months and 1 year after treatment. According to the patient's chief complaint, the patient can urinate automatically without incontinence. The number of urinary incontinence and urine leakage was significantly reduced compared with those before operation. Urinary incontinence symptoms did not improve or worsen as ineffective, observing the efficacy and complications. Results: We included 191 patients in the TOT group and 151 patients in the pelvic floor reconstruction group after TOT was combined. The operation time and hospital stay in the TOT group were short, but the TOT group needed a second operation to treat recurrent SUI. Perioperative complications were mostly dysuria, and the incidence of postoperative complications in the group of TOT combined with pelvic floor reconstruction was low. The complete success rate and effective rate of pelvic floor reconstruction after TOT in the merger group were significantly higher than those in the TOT group, and the patient satisfaction and complete success rate were also higher. Conclusions: TOT combined with posterior pelvic floor reconstruction has a definite short-term effect on patients with SUI and anterior pelvic secondary prolapse. The operation design should pay attention to the support of the posterior wall of the perineum to the bladder neck and the middle and proximal end of the urethra.

Small-bowel plication prevents ileostomy prolapse in young children with inflammatory bowel disease.

PURPOSE: Young children with medically refractory very early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO-IBD) sometimes benefit from ileostomy diversion alone or may be offered subtotal colectomy with ileostomy. Though generally well-tolerated, ileostomy complications are frequent. Prolapse is particularly frustrating as it can be difficult and painful to reduce, becomes a recurring problem is some patients, and often requires ostomy revision or bowel resection. METHODS: Over the course of the past 6 months, eight consecutive children with VEO-IBD underwent 10 creation or revision of a diverting ileostomy (two underwent subsequent colectomy with ileostomy revision). In each of these 10 cases, we plicated the ileum just proximal to the ileostomy for a distance of approximately 3 cm using a running permanent monofilament suture. RESULTS: No patient who underwent plication of bowel has developed ileostomy prolapse. There were no cases of ileostomy retraction, parastomal hernia or ostomy-level obstruction. One patient required a lysis of a single band adhesion for a more proximal small bowel obstruction. The stomas have functioned well and there have been no complications. CONCLUSION: Simple bowel plication appears to be a quick and effective way to prevent ileostomy prolapse in young children with VEO-IBD with an ileostomy who are at high risk for prolapse.

Native and Post-Repair Residual Mitral Valve Prolapse Increases Forces Exerted on the Papillary Muscles: A Possible Mechanism for Localized Fibrosis?

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have linked mitral valve prolapse to localized myocardial fibrosis, ventricular arrhythmia, and even sudden cardiac death independent of mitral regurgitation or hemodynamic dysfunction. The primary mechanistic theory is rooted in increased papillary muscle traction and forces due to prolapse, yet no biomechanical evidence exists showing increased forces. Our objective was to evaluate the biomechanical relationship between prolapse and papillary muscle forces, leveraging advances in ex vivo modeling and technologies. We hypothesized that mitral valve prolapse with limited hemodynamic dysfunction leads to significantly higher papillary muscle forces, which could be a possible trigger for cellular and electrophysiological changes in the papillary muscles and adjacent myocardium. METHODS: We developed an ex vivo papillary muscle force transduction and novel neochord length adjustment system capable of modeling targeted prolapse. Using 3 unique ovine models of mitral valve prolapse (bileaflet or posterior leaflet prolapse), we directly measured hemodynamics and forces, comparing physiologic and prolapsing valves. RESULTS: We found that bileaflet prolapse significantly increases papillary muscle forces by 5% to 15% compared with an optimally coapting valve, which are correlated with statistically significant decreases in coaptation length. Moreover, we observed significant changes in the force profiles for prolapsing valves when compared with normal controls. CONCLUSIONS: We discovered that bileaflet prolapse with the absence of hemodynamic dysfunction results in significantly elevated forces and altered dynamics on the papillary muscles. Our work suggests that the sole reduction of mitral regurgitation without addressing reduced coaptation lengths and thus increased leaflet surface area exposed to ventricular pressure gradients (ie, billowing leaflets) is insufficient for an optimal repair.

The Greek version of the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire: Cross-cultural adaptation and validation amongst women with urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVES: As in Greek settings there is a need to develop validated patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for pelvic floor dysfunction, this study's aim was to cross-culturally adapt and validate the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire (APFQ) into Greek, a 42-item PRO for routine urogynaecological evaluation of four domains; bladder, bowel, prolapse and sexual function. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-cultural translation was completed through official multistage forward and back-translation process. Validation involved administering the adapted APFQ (APFQ_GR) to women visiting Greek community-based healthcare settings. International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) was also administered. Comparison between women with and without pelvic floor dysfunction (symptomatic versus control) was also undertaken for exploring discriminatory validity. Test-retest reliability was explored by re-administering APFQ_GR 10-15 days following initial testing and internal consistency was explored against each domain separately as well as total items' score. RESULTS: Greek APFQ translation was successfully performed and piloted to a women sample with varying levels of education for comprehensibility, thus, satisfying the questionnaire's face validity. 100 women (53.7 ± 13.1 years-old) participated in validation, 63 of which predominantly complained of urinary incontinence (UI) and 37 were asymptomatic. There were no ceiling effects. Floor effects were detected for women without symptoms. Moderate to very strong correlations were yielded between APFQ_GR total score and bladder domain, respectively, with ICIQ-UI SF single-item and total score (ρ = 0.403-0.758, p < 0.001), indicating satisfactory criterion-related validity. Moderate correlations were yielded for the sexual function domain with APFQ_GR total score and weaker correlations were found in the other two domains. Independent samples t-test yielded significant differences across the questionnaire's scores (p < 0.001), indicating good discriminatory validity between symptomatic and asymptomatic women. Test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC3,1 = ≥0.998). Internal consistency was very good for each domain and total items' score (Cronbach's α = 0.714-0.924). CONCLUSIONS: The Greek APFQ was proven appropriate, comprehensible, valid and reliable for women with urinary incontinence and can thus, be used across Greek healthcare settings. Prolapse and bowel domains merit further research.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Improves Bloody Stool Associated with Polypoid Type Mucosal Prolapse Syndrome: A Case Series.

Mucosal prolapse syndrome (MPS) is a benign inflammatory disease of the rectum that causes bloody stool. Endoscopic treatment for MPS has not been established. We herein report a consecutive case series of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for MPS. There were four cases treated with ESD alone. All lesions were on the dentate line, and all were polypoid. The median procedure time was 77 minutes. No complications were observed. The median observation period was 1,108 days, and bloody stool and endoscopic recurrence of MPS were not observed.ESD for polypoid-type MPS was an effective treatment for improving bloody stool and suppressing endoscopic recurrence.

Two undesirable complications of a blowhole colostomy in left-sided colonic obstruction.

Two patients with an acute left-sided colonic obstruction had a successful decompression after construction of a blowhole transverse colostomy as a bridge to surgery. However, they presented with two rather unknown stoma-related complications during this bridging period. Patient A had a stomal prolapse with additional skin problems.Patient B complained of abdominal discomfort during follow-up. The blowhole colostomy appeared to be stenotic. Stoma dilation and irrigation was initiated to prevent complete closure.Definite resection of the left-sided obstruction and reversal of both blowhole colostomies was successful, and the patients recovered without further complications.We hypothesise that incision size may be related to prolapse and stenosis rates and that eversion of the mucosa of the blowhole may reduce the risk of stomal stenosis.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the supra-cervical fetal membrane detects an increased risk of prelabor rupture of membranes.

Objective: In 10% of term deliveries and 40% of preterm deliveries, the fetal membrane (FM) ruptures before labor. However, the ability to predict these cases of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is very limited. In this paper, our objective was to determine whether a prediction method based on T2 weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the supra-cervical FM could predict PROM and PPROM. Methods: This prospective cohort study enrolled 77 women between the 28th and 37th weeks of gestation. Two indicators of fetal membrane defects, including prolapsed depth >5 mm and signal abnormalities, are investigated for our prediction. Fisher's exact test was used to determine whether prolapsed depth >5 mm and/or signal abnormalities were associated with PROM and PPROM. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were calculated for prolapsed depth >5 mm, signal abnormalities, and the combination of prolapsed depth >5 mm and signal abnormalities. Result: Among 12 women with PROM (5 preterm and 7 term, prior to labor onset), 9 had membrane prolapse >5 mm and 5 had FM signal abnormalities. Among 65 women with rupture of membranes at term, 2 had membrane prolapse >5 mm and 1 had signal abnormalities. By Fisher's exact test both indicators, membrane prolapse >5 mm and signal abnormalities, were associated with PROM (P<0.001, P<0.001) and PPROM (P=0.001, P<0.001). Additionally, membrane prolapse >5 mm, signal abnormalities, and the combination of the two indicators all demonstrated high specificity for predicting PROM (96.9%, 98.5%, and 100%, respectively) and PPROM (90.3%, 97.2%, and 100%, respectively). Conclusion: MRI can distinguish the supra-cervical fetal membrane in vivo and may be able to identify women at high risk of PPROM.

Application of Donabedian quality-of-care framework to assess quality of neonatal resuscitation, its outcome, and associated factors among resuscitated newborns at public hospitals of East Wollega zone, Oromia, Western Ethiopia, 2021.

BACKGROUND: Globally more than 650,000 newborns died on their first day of life from birth asphyxia. The outcome of an asphyxiated newborn depends on the quality of care they received at birth. However, the quality of care newborns received at birth may be below the WHO resuscitation standard. The reason for the poor quality of care is unclear. The Donabedian model, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is an appropriate framework for health care assessment that focuses on improving the quality of care. So this study aims to assess the quality of neonatal resuscitation, outcome, and its associated factors among newborns with birth asphyxia at public hospitals in the East Wollega zone, 2021. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted to observe 410 asphyxiated newborns using consecutive sampling methods. Data was gathered using a pretested structured questionnaire and checklist. Epi-data version 3.1 was used to enter data, which was subsequently exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 for analysis. A logistic regression model was employed to determine the variables associated with the outcome variable. The adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was calculated, and all variables associated with the outcome variable with a p-value less than 0.05 in multivariable analysis were determined to be significant factors for the outcome of resuscitated newborns. RESULT: A total of 410 asphyxiated newborns were included in this study with a response rate of 97%. From this 87.6% of resuscitated newborns survived. Keeping baby warm [AOR = 6.9; CI (3.1, 15.6)] is associated significantly with increased chances of survival while meconium presence in the airway [AOR = 0.26; CI (0.1, 0.6)], prematurity [AOR = 0.24; CI (0.12, 0.48)], and presence of cord prolapse [AOR = 0.08; CI (0.03, 0.19)] were factors significantly associated with decreased survival of resuscitated newborns at 1 h of life. CONCLUSION: Newborns who were kept warm were more likely to survive compared to their counterparts. While the presence of meconium in the airway, preterm, and cord prolapse was associated with the decreased survival status of newborns. Facilitating referral linkage in the event of cord prolapse, counseling on early antenatal care initiation to decrease adverse outcomes (prematurity), and neonatal resuscitation refresher training is strongly recommended.

Floppy mitral valve/mitral valve prolapse and sudden cardiac death.

It is well appreciated today that sudden cardiac death (SCD) occurs in patients with floppy mitral valve (FMV)/mitral valve prolapse (MVP) without significant mitral regurgitation . Data from studies most likely represent a heterogeneous population and probably underestimate the true incidence of SCD in this group of patients. SCD in patients with FMV/MVP occurs mostly in young individuals without comorbidities. Over the last decade, the phenotypic expression of patients with FMV/MVP at risk for SCD (bileaflet prolapse, redundant mitral leaflets, symptomatic young women) have been defined, possible pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to SCD have been proposed, and appropriate steps to prevent the catastrophic event, though in evolution, have been suggested. In this review, state-of-the-art knowledge related to SCD in patients with FMV/MVP is summarized.

Mitral Annular Disjunction Assessed Using CMR Imaging: Insights From the UK Biobank Population Study.

BACKGROUND: Mitral annular disjunction is the atrial displacement of the mural mitral valve leaflet hinge point within the atrioventricular junction. Said to be associated with malignant ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death, its prevalence in the general population is not known. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency of occurrence and extent of mitral annular disjunction in a large population cohort. METHODS: The authors assessed the cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) images in 2,646 Caucasian subjects enrolled in the UK Biobank imaging study, measuring the length of disjunction at 4 points around the mitral annulus, assessing for presence of prolapse or billowing of the leaflets, and for curling motion of the inferolateral left ventricular wall. RESULTS: From 2,607 included participants, the authors found disjunction in 1,990 (76%) cases, most commonly at the anterior and inferior ventricular wall. The authors found inferolateral disjunction, reported as clinically important, in 134 (5%) cases. Prolapse was more frequent in subjects with disjunction (odds ratio [OR]: 2.5; P = 0.02), with positive associations found between systolic curling and disjunction at any site (OR: 3.6; P < 0.01), and systolic curling and prolapse (OR: 71.9; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This large-scale study shows that disjunction is a common finding when using CMR. Disjunction at the inferolateral ventricular wall, however, was rare. The authors found associations between disjunction and both prolapse and billowing of the mural mitral valve leaflet. These findings support the notion that only extensive inferolateral disjunction, when found, warrants consideration of further investigation, but disjunction elsewhere in the annulus should be considered a normal finding.

Novel tunnel staining technique to reduce premature entry in manual small-incision cataract surgery.

Mastering manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) for beginner surgeons is difficult. In the initial days of residency or training, surgeons struggle to make a proper scleral tunnel and keratome entry. It commonly results in premature entry and iris prolapse. Most of the literature has shed light on premature entry during tunnel construction by a crescent blade, whereas a significant majority of iris prolapse happens due to improper keratome entry. This novel trypan blue dye-assisted tunnel staining (TBTS) technique helps in proper tunnel demarcation which can reduce the incidence of premature entry with a keratome.