Contemporary trends and in-hospital outcomes of catheter and stand-alone surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation.

AIMS: The contemporary trends in catheter ablation (CA) and surgical ablation (SA) utilization and surgical techniques [open vs. thoracoscopic, with or without left atrial appendage closure (LAAC)] are unclear. In addition, the in-hospital outcomes of stand-alone SA compared with CA are not well-described. METHODS AND RESULTS: The National Inpatient Sample 2010-18 was queried for atrial fibrillation (AF) hospitalizations with CA or stand-alone SA. Complex samples multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to compare the association between stand-alone SA vs. CA and the primary outcomes of in-hospital mortality and stroke. Of 180 243 hospitalizations included within the study, 167 242 were for CA and 13 000 were for stand-alone SA. Catheter ablation and stand-alone SA hospitalizations decreased throughout the study period (Ptrend < 0.001). Surgical ablation had higher rates of in-hospital mortality [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.26; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.41-3.61; P = 0.001] and stroke (aOR 4.64; 95% CI 3.25-6.64; P < 0.001) compared with CA. When examining different surgical approaches, thoracoscopic SA was associated with similar in-hospital mortality (aOR 1.53; 95% CI 0.60-3.89; P = 0.369) and similar risk of stroke (aOR 1.75; 95% CI 1.00-3.07; P = 0.051) compared with CA. CONCLUSION: Stand-alone SA comprises a minority of AF ablation procedures and is associated with increased risk of mortality, stroke, and other in-hospital complications compared to CA. However, when a thoracoscopic approach was utilized, the risks of mortality and stroke appear to be reduced.

Fluvoxamine in Nonhospitalized Patients With Acute COVID-19 Infection and the Lack of Efficacy in Reducing Rates of Hospitalization, Mechanical Ventilation, and Mortality in Placebo-Controlled Trials: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Recent clinical trials have investigated the use of fluvoxamine in preventing clinical deterioration in nonhospitalized patients with acute COVID-19 infection via stimulation of sigma-1 receptors, which regulates cytokine production and functional inhibition of acid sphingomyelinase activity, which may prevent infection of epithelial cells with SARS-CoV-2. However, the role of fluvoxamine is currently unclear because of a paucity of studies, particularly because the drug is being repurposed as an immunomodulatory and antiviral agent. STUDY QUESTION: Aim of our meta-analysis was to investigate the efficacy of fluvoxamine in nonhospitalized patients with acute COVID-19 infection. DATA SOURCE: Comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library databases, and Web of Science was performed from inception to February 10, 2022, for studies comparing fluvoxamine versus placebo for outpatient management of COVID-19. STUDY DESIGN: The primary outcome of interest was rate of hospitalization. The secondary outcomes were rates of patients requiring mechanical ventilation and mortality. The random-effects model was used to calculate the risk ratios (RR) and confidence intervals (CI). A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Higgins I2 index. RESULTS: Three studies (2 randomized controlled trials and one prospective cohort trial) involving 1762 patients were included in the meta-analysis. In patients who received fluvoxamine compared with placebo, there was no significant difference in rates of hospitalization (RR 0.26, 95% CI, 0.04-1.73, P = 0.16, I2 = 62%), mechanical ventilation (RR 0.73, 95% CI, 0.45-1.19, P = 0.21, I2 = 0%), and mortality (RR 0.67, 95% CI, 0.37-1.22, P = 0.19, I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: Current evidence does not indicate a significant effect of fluvoxamine on the rates of hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, and mortality of patients with COVID-19 infection.

The Content of US Plastic Surgery Private Practices' Websites.

INTRODUCTION: Connecting patients with healthcare providers continues to grow as the digital era evolves. A successful website has the power to influence patients on choosing a practice and provider. The objectives of this study were to characterize information provided on private practice websites of plastics surgeons in the United States and to assess the relationship among the websites based on the number of years that the physicians have been in practice. METHODS: Newly board-certified plastic surgeons by the American Board of Plastic Surgery in 2005, 2010, and 2015 were identified. A Google search was conducted on all participants, and only those in private practice were included in this study. Each webpage was quantitatively and qualitatively assessed for the presence or absence of 23 criteria that were categorized as practice, physician, patient, or procedure information. χ2 was used for statistical analysis using Microsoft Excel (PSPP 1.2.0). A P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Most plastic surgeons in each cohort were currently in private practice. A total of 532 plastic surgery private practice websites were analyzed. The data points found on 100% of the websites were directions to the facility and the contact for any billing questions. Most websites provided information on the practice and its surgeons. The most common web-based data points included online consultations and links to their social media. Information on expenses incurred by patients, such as cancellation policies and consultation fees, was least commonly listed. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that the number of years in practice is not associated with comprehensiveness of their website's content. This study provides insight into the content of plastic surgery private practices' websites in the United States in relation to the practice, the physician, the patient, and the procedures. This information may be useful for expanding and optimizing their websites. This has the potential to increase patient satisfaction and visibility of the practice. The success of these businesses is vital as the private sector in plastic surgery continues to grow.

Isobaric Labeling Strategy Utilizing 4-Plex N,N-Dimethyl Leucine (DiLeu) Tags Reveals Proteomic Changes Induced by Chemotherapy in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Children with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

The use of mass spectrometry for protein identification and quantification in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is at the forefront of research efforts to identify and explore biomarkers for the early diagnosis and prognosis of neurologic disorders. Here we implemented a 4-plex N,N-dimethyl leucine (DiLeu) isobaric labeling strategy in a longitudinal study aiming to investigate protein dynamics in children with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-cell ALL) undergoing chemotherapy. The temporal profile of CSF proteome during chemotherapy treatment at weeks 5, 10-14, and 24-28 highlighted many differentially expressed proteins, such as neural cell adhesion molecule, neuronal growth regulator 1, and secretogranin-3, all of which play important roles in neurodegenerative diseases. A total of 63 proteins were significantly altered across all of the time points investigated. The most over-represented biological processes from gene ontology analysis included platelet degranulation, complement activation, cell adhesion, fibrinolysis, neuron projection, regeneration, and regulation of neuron death. We expect that results from this and future studies will provide a means to monitor neurotoxicity and develop strategies to prevent central nervous system injury in response to chemotherapy in children.

Role of Aspirin for Primary Prevention in Persons with Diabetes Mellitus and in the Elderly.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the clinical evidence of the effect of aspirin as primary prevention for patients with diabetes mellitus and in healthy elderly. RECENT FINDINGS: Two trials were performed to study these two patient populations: ASCEND showed that the use of low-dose aspirin in persons with diabetes, who did not have prior cardiovascular disease, led to a lower risk of cardiovascular events than placebo (8.5% vs 9.6%, rate ratio 0.88, 95% CI 0.79-0.97; p = 0.01). However, it showed a similar magnitude of increased risk of major bleeding among the aspirin group compared with placebo (4.1% vs 3.2%, rate ratio 1.29, 95% CI 1.09-1.52; p = 0.003). ASPREE showed that the use of low-dose aspirin in healthy elderly did not prolong disability-free survival (21.5% vs 21.2%, HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.92-1.11; p = 0.79); however, the rate of major hemorrhage was higher in the aspirin group than in the placebo group (3.8% vs 2.8%, HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.18-1.62; p < 0.001). Additionally, further analyses of secondary end points of death, cardiovascular disease, and major hemorrhage were also studied. Higher all-cause mortality was seen among healthy elderly who received aspirin compared with placebo (12.7% vs 11.1%, HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01-1.29) and was primarily attributed to cancer-related deaths. Similar risk of cardiovascular disease was seen among elderly who received aspirin compared with placebo (10.7% vs 11.3%, HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.83-1.08) and resulted in a significantly higher risk of major hemorrhage (8.6% vs 6.8%, HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.18-1.62; p < 0.001). These studies show that the use of low-dose aspirin as primary prevention in patients with diabetes and in the elderly does not have overall beneficial effect compared with its use in secondary prevention. In patients with diabetes without prior cardiovascular disease, the benefits of aspirin use were counterbalanced by the bleeding risk. Additionally, in healthy elderly, the use of aspirin did not prolong disability-free survival and instead led to a higher rate of major hemorrhage.

Neck Rhabdoid Tumors: Clinical Features and Consideration of Autologous Stem Cell Transplant.

Extrarenal malignant rhabdoid tumors (MRT) have a poor prognosis despite aggressive therapy. Adding high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue (HDC-ASCR) as consolidative therapy for MRT is controversial. We describe 2 patients, age 13 years and 19 months, with unresectable neck MRT. After chemotherapy and radiotherapy, both underwent HDC-ASCR and remain in remission over 4 years later. We reviewed all published cases of neck MRT, and found poorer outcomes and more variable age of presentation and time to progression than MRT at other sites. Neck MRT may represent a higher-risk subset of MRT, and addition of HDC-ASCR merits consideration.

Synchronous Presentation of Renal Cell Carcinoma and Hodgkin Lymphoma in an Adolescent.

BACKGROUND: Coincidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and hematologic malignancies has been reported in adults but not in children. OBSERVATION: We report a case of a 16-year-old girl in whom RCC was incidentally discovered on the computed tomography scan that was performed to stage her underlying Hodgkin lymphoma. Analysis of constitutional cytogenetics for common genetic aberrations that predispose to RCC did not reveal any mutations or genetic variations. However, cytogenetics on the RCC tumor demonstrated a rare reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 6 and 11, t(6;11)(p21;q12). After undergoing partial nephrectomy with regional lymphadenectomy and treatment with multiagent chemotherapy, patient is cancer-free, now 33 months from end of therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the importance for histologic confirmation of a renal mass when concurrently discovered during the diagnostic evaluation of other malignancies.

Safety and Technical Efficacy of Pediatric Brainstem Biopsies: An Updated Meta-Analysis of 1000+ Children.

BACKGROUND: Brainstem tumors represent ∼10% of pediatric brain tumors, ∼80% of these are diffuse midline glioma. Given invariably poor prognosis in diffuse midline glioma, there continues to be immense variation worldwide in performing biopsy of these lesions. Several contemporary studies in recent years have provided new data to elucidate the safety profile of biopsy and an updated meta-analysis is thus indicated. METHODS: We found 29 studies of pediatric brainstem biopsy in the last 20 years (2003-2023, 1002 children). We applied meta-analysis of proportions using a random-effects model to generate point estimates, confidence intervals, and measures of heterogeneity. RESULTS: Eighty-seven percent of procedures were stereotactic needle biopsies (of these, 62% with a frame, 14% without frame, and 24% robotic.) Biopsy resulted in a histological diagnosis ("technical yield") in 96.8% of cases (95% CI 95.4-98.2). Temporary complications were seen in 6% (95 CI 4-8), with the most common neurological complications being 1) cranial nerve dysfunction, 2) worsening or new ataxia, and 3) limb weakness. Permanent complications (excluding death) were seen in 1% (95% CI 0.5-2), most commonly including cranial nerve dysfunction and limb weakness. Five deaths were reported in the entire pooled cohort of 1002 children (0.5%). CONCLUSIONS: When counseling families on the merits of brainstem biopsy in children, it is reasonable to state that permanent morbidity is rare (<2%). If biopsy is performed specifically to facilitate enrollment in clinical trials requiring a molecular diagnosis, the risks of biopsy outlined here should be weighed against potential benefits of trial enrollment.

Extensive sinovenous thrombosis and hemorrhagic infarction during therapy for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Sinovenous thrombosis (SVT) is a well-recognized and serious complication in children treated for acute leukemia. This frequently occurs during or immediately upon completion of induction therapy and is commonly attributed to asparaginase therapy.Headache is the first and most common clinical symptom to occur during the early development of SVT. With advancement of the thrombosis, the clinical symptoms can progress to increased sleepiness, focal neurological deficit, seizures, and altered consciousness. We report the case of a 4-year-old girl who presented after several days of headaches and anorexia, which then progressed to seizures, left-sided weakness, and altered consciousness. She was later found to have a widespread and occlusive SVT with right cerebral hemorrhagic infarction. This case is notable for the extensive nature of the cerebral SVT and the child's complete clinical recovery from the neurological event. The report discusses the relation of the thrombosis and leukemia and also emphasizes the importance of early recognition and prompt management, while incorporating a collaborative multidisciplinary approach to prevent long-term consequences.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Diagnosis of Infective Endocarditis in the COVID-19 Era.

In the COVID-19 pandemic, to minimize aerosol-generating procedures, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) was utilized at our institution as an alternative to transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for diagnosing infective endocarditis (IE). This retrospective study evaluated the clinical utility of CMR for detecting IE among 14 patients growing typical microorganisms on blood cultures or meeting modified Duke Criteria. Seven cases were treated for IE. In 2 cases, CMR results were notable for possible leaflet vegetations and were clinically meaningful in guiding antibiotic therapy, obtaining further imaging, and/or pursuing surgical intervention. In 2 cases, vegetations were missed on CMR but detected on TEE. In 3 cases, CMR was non-diagnostic, but patients were treated empirically. There was no difference in antibiotic duration or outcomes over 1 year. CMR demonstrated mixed results in diagnosing valvular vegetations and guiding clinical decision-making. Further prospective controlled trials of CMR Vs TEE are warranted.

Creating an Extraordinary Experience for Women Undergoing Cystoscopy: A Patient-Centered Approach to Process Improvement.

OBJECTIVE: To re-examine and improve the cystoscopy process for women based on patient input. While cystoscopy is a common urological procedure, women perceive it as invasive, personal, and fear-inducing. Patients want to be treated as individuals and not just another "procedure." METHODS: Women's perspectives on cystoscopy were collected using experience-based design. Observations and timings, emotion word lists, debrief forms, patient surveys, simulation, and interviews were used. A structured 2-day quality improvement event included both in-person and virtual patient participation to gain a deeper understanding of patients' perspectives. Ideas for process improvements were generated using brainstorming, creativity exercises, and prioritization. These changes were implemented and refined using an iterative process based on feedback. RESULTS: Patients who reported feeling grateful for the positive impact of their care tended to minimize procedure-associated wait times, inconvenience, and discomfort. Women in the evaluation phase of their treatment and those who were unhappy with their symptoms tended to magnify the negative emotions associated with their procedure. Patient feedback and areas for improvement specific to women's needs were identified. Actionable changes were implemented including engaging clinic staff, updating the cystoscopy workflow, and physical changes to enhance patient privacy. CONCLUSION: Identifying and addressing the needs of women undergoing cystoscopy improves satisfaction as their emotional, physical, and knowledge-based needs are addressed. Active participation in the health care process empowers patients to have a voice in their care. An extraordinary experience with cystoscopy may decrease anxiety of the unknown and help patients have control over the experience.

A novel t(3;8)(p13;q21.1) translocation in a case of lipoblastoma.

Lipoblastoma is a rare benign neoplasm of embryonic white fatty tissue primarily found in the extremities of children <3 years old (Batanian et al., Cancer Genet Cytogenet 125(1):10-13, 2001; McVay MR et al., J Pediatr Surg 41(6):1067-1071, 2006; Kamal et al., J Pediatr Surg 46(7):E9-E12, 2011). Translocations affecting the 8q11-13 region are commonly reported with lipoblastoma and proper diagnosis requires cytogenetic analysis to distinguish it from malignant myxoid liposarcoma (Miller et al., J Pediatr Surg 32(12):1771-1772, 1997; Morerio et al., Pediatr Blood Cancer 52(1):132-134, 2009). We describe an additional case of lipoblastoma containing a new translocation t(3;8)(p13;q21.1), which has not previously been reported in a healthy asymptomatic child.

Epididymo-orchitis secondary to colovesical fistula.

Epididymo-orchitis is a common urological condition that can be caused by a variety of etiologies, including retrograde extension of a urinary tract infection. Colovesical fistulas are frequent sequelae of diverticulitis that allow for communication between the colon and urinary bladder. Such fistulas facilitate the spread of enteric bacteria into the urinary bladder, with possible subsequent spread throughout the rest of the genitourinary system. Retrograde extension into the epididymis and testis is very rare, however. We present the case of a 38 year old man with epididymo-orchitis secondary to a colovesical fistula.

Norepinephrine and nitric oxide promote cell survival signaling in hippocampal neurons.

Nitric oxide (NO), physical exercise and/or antidepressant drugs, through the increased release of norepinephrine and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), have been shown to exert profound protective, pro-survival effects on neurons otherwise compromised by injury, disease, prolonged stress, and subsequent depression in vivo. We sought, therefore, to evaluate such survival and neuroprotection in hippocampal neurons in culture, which, in an analogous model of in vivo cellular stress, was deprived of several vital nutrients. We assessed pro-survival outcomes following the application of norepinephrine or the noradrenergic partial agonist, clonidine, a general nitric oxide synthase inhibitor and NO donor, using a cell survival assay and quantitative Western blotting of the survival signaling molecules, BDNF, P-CREB, P-Akt, and P-MAPK in hippocampal neuronal lysates. We demonstrate that norepinephrine, clonidine, the NO donor and various combinations of these drugs increased cell survival and the immunoreactivity of the four survival signaling molecules in the face of nutrient deprivation stress, whereas the NO synthase inhibitor, and each of several survival signaling pathway inhibitors all decreased cell survival even below that of controls without nutrient supplementation. These results demonstrate that conditions that make cells vulnerable to environmental/toxic insult can be offset by norepinephrine and its related drugs or by NO donors and exacerbated by drugs that specifically inhibit a key survival signaling pathway. These results indicate that pharmacological intervention can promote neuroprotection and survival signaling in the face of nutrient withdrawal, but that this may require that several pathways remain intact.