Castleman disease- demographics, associations, and outcomes: an analysis of adult 791 cases.

BACKGROUND: Castleman disease (CD), also known as angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia or large lymph node hyperplasia, is a rare medical condition. Despite its rarity, it exhibits diverse clinical presentations and outcomes, which pose challenges for comprehensive understanding and management. This study aims to shed light on the demographics, associations, and outcomes of CD by conducting a retrospective analysis. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample (US) was used to identify patients with the diagnosis of Castleman disease using ICD-10 diagnosis code D47.Z2, during the years 2016-2019. Data was collected on demographics, associated diagnoses, treatments and outcomes. Data analysis was performed using STATA Version 17, College Station, TX: Stata Corp LLC. RESULTS: Our study identified 791 hospitalizations involving adult CD patients. The mean age of these patients was 52.4 years, with a male predominance (56.1%). Whites comprised the largest racial group affected (50.1%). Most patients were covered by Medicare (39.6%). The majority received treatment in urban teaching hospitals (84.0%) and large-bed size facilities (62.5%). In-hospital mortality was low at 2.8%, with an average length of stay of 7.5 days and average total charges of $109,308. Common associations included acute kidney injury (27.0%), congestive heart failure (17.1%), sepsis (16.4%), and acute respiratory failure (12.6%). Hematological and lymphatic associations featured anemia (47.5%), thrombocytopenia (12.2%), and other conditions. Red blood cell transfusions were administered to 11.1% of patients. CONCLUSION: This study contributes valuable insights into CD, a rare and clinically heterogeneous disease. It underscores the importance of recognizing its associations and complications. Additionally, it highlights the need for further research and improved diagnostic and treatment guidelines to address the complexity of this condition.

Agenesis of third molar among the younger population of India born in twenty first century.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to find the prevalence of agenesis of third molar among the younger population of India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, and a younger population (13-21 years) born in the twenty-first century were included. Individuals who required an orthopantomogram, for any reason, were recruited in the study. Results: A total number of 850 orthopantomograms were studied, and 298 (35.05%) individuals showed the agenesis of at least 1 or more third molars. The most common pattern of agenesis was the missing of both maxillary third molars, followed by the agenesis of all third molars. The frequency of agenesis was 18 >28 >48 >38. The study showed a significant predilection in the maxilla as compared to the mandible. There was no statistically significant gender predilection for agenesis of third molar. Conclusion: The prevalence of third molar agenesis is increasing rapidly with time, with no significant gender predilection and changing trends of patterns of agenesis.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Patients: A Retrospective Analysis of Outcomes and Healthcare Burden in US Hospitals

Objective: Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is associated with an elevated risk of developing disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes of hospitalizations related to DIC in APL and their impact on healthcare. Materials and Methods: This study entailed a cross-sectional and retrospective analysis of the US National Inpatient Sample database. We identified adults with APL and categorized them into groups of patients with and without DIC. Our focus areas included in-hospital mortality, length of stay, charges, and complications associated with DIC. Unadjusted odds ratios/coefficients were computed in univariate analysis, followed by adjusted odds ratios (aOR)/coefficients from multivariate analysis that accounted for confounding factors. Results: Our analysis revealed that APL patients with DIC had a substantially higher aOR for mortality (aOR: 6.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.76-9.37, p<0.001) and a prolonged length of stay (coefficient: 10.28 days, 95% CI: 8.48-12.09, p<0.001) accompanied by notably elevated total hospital charges (coefficient: $215,512 [95% CI: 177,368-253,656], p<0.001), thereby emphasizing the reality of extended medical care and economic burden. The presence of DIC was associated with increased odds of sepsis, vasopressor support, pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, intubation/mechanical ventilation, and acute kidney injury, reflecting heightened vulnerability to these complications. Patients with DIC demonstrated significantly higher odds ratios for major bleeding, intracranial hemorrhage, gastrointestinal bleeding, red blood cell transfusion, platelet transfusion, fresh frozen plasma transfusion, and cryoprecipitate transfusion, highlighting the pronounced hematological risks posed by DIC. Conclusion: This study has revealed the significant associations between DIC in APL and various outcomes, underscoring the clinical and economic implications of these conditions. The hematological risks further increase patients' vulnerability to bleeding events and the need for transfusions.

Meta-Analysis Comparing Drug-Coated Balloon Versus Plain Old Balloon Angioplasty for In-Stent Restenosis of Coronary Arteries.

Despite the advent of newer stents, in-stent restenosis has been a persistent and formidable challenge. Trials have demonstrated the superiority of drug-coated balloons over plain old balloon angioplasty. A recent AGENT IDE PRESTO (Prevention of REStenosis with Tranilast and its Outcomes) trial highlighted the need for a more comprehensive understanding; therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to elucidate their respective clinical outcomes. A literature search was conducted by 2 investigators (SS and MH) using MEDLINE (EMBASE and PubMed) using a systematic search strategy by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) until November 1, 2023. CRAN-R software was used for statistical analysis. The quality assessment was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (Supplementary Table 5). We included 6 studies with a total of 1,171 patients. Our analysis showed decreased odds of multiple outcomes with statistically significant results, including target vessel revascularization (odds ratio [OR] 0.33, confidence interval [CI] 0.19 to 0.57), target vessel failure (OR 0.30, CI 0.09 to 0.99), target lesion revascularization (OR 0.22, CI 0.10 to 0.46), restenosis (OR 0.1343, CI 0.06 to 0.27), and major adverse cardiac events (OR 0.2 CI 0.12 to 0.37). Although myocardial infraction and all-cause mortality showed decreased odds with all-cause mortality at 0.8 (95% CI 0.363 to 2.09), and myocardial infarction at 0.6 (95% CI 0.0349 to 1.07), the reductions did not reach statistical significance. Our analysis by scrutinizing 6 randomized controlled trials favored drug-coated balloons over plain old balloon angioplasty. However, extensive research for deeper understanding cannot be overemphasized.

COVID-19: Post-recovery Manifestations.

Background Post-COVID-19 syndrome, also known as long COVID, is a disorder that has many characteristics, one of which is chronic fatigue following acute infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Methodology We distributed a web-based survey among patients diagnosed with COVID-19 across the world and collected 190 responses regarding their demographics, histories, COVID-19 infection courses, and common symptoms. Results We found that about 85.3% of the patients experienced some form of symptom following recovery from the infection. Among the reported symptoms, 59% of patients experienced fatigue or lethargy, 48.9% reported decreased stamina, 32.6% reported shortness of breath, 16.8% had a persistent cough, and 23.7% experienced anxiety following recovery from COVID-19. Conclusions Reported symptoms closely resembled myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS); however, a deeper biochemical understanding of ME/CFS is required to confirm causation.

Hypoxia inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors in anemic patients with non-dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

PURPOSE: Anemia persists as a challenge in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Current therapies are the injectable erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESA). Concerns have been raised regarding ESA cardiovascular safety, therefore search for an alternative, convenient and safe therapy is underway. Hypoxia inducible factors-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHI) are oral agents with promising results. Numerous small studies reported favorable effects with lack of large, powered studies. METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials to assess the efficacy and safety of HIF-PHI in non-dialysis-dependent CKD patients. Primary outcome was hemoglobin (Hb) concentration post intervention. Secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality, MACE, and changes in iron metabolism (ferritin, hepcidin). We reported total and serious adverse effects. Data were pooled using a random effect model via RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS: We identified 7 trials comprising of 8228 patients (mean age 66.5 ± 13.2 years, 42% were females, 53% used iron replacement) with a mean follow-up of 52 weeks. Compared with the standard of care (ESA), HIF-PHI were non-inferior for treatment of anemia, with comparable effect on mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events. HIF-PHI showed no major safety concerns. Main side effect of HIF-PHI was diarrhea. CONCLUSION: HIF-PHI might represent a safe, and convenient alternative to ESA in non-dialysis dependent CKD patients with anemia.

Cytokine Release Syndrome in Patients Treated With Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy: A Retrospective Study Analyzing Risks, Outcomes, and Healthcare Burden.

Background Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has emerged as a promising immunotherapy for various malignancies. However, its use is associated with challenges, including cytokine release syndrome (CRS), a potentially severe complication. This retrospective study aims to analyze the risks, outcomes, and healthcare burden of CRS in patients undergoing CAR-T therapy. Method Data from the 2020 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) were utilized, comprising 415 CAR-T-related hospitalizations. They were categorized into those with CRS (n = 68) and those without CRS (n = 347). Baseline characteristics, including age, gender, race, income, insurance status, and comorbidities, were compared. Outcomes of interest included in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), total hospital charges, and access to complications, associations, and interventions. Statistical analyses, including multivariable models, were employed to assess associations. Results Hospitalizations with CRS did not exhibit significant differences in age, gender, race, income, or insurance status compared to those without CRS. The multivariable analysis showed no statistically significant difference in mortality (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.48, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.71 to 8.69, p = 0.151), LOS (coefficient = -2.1 days, 95% CI: -5.43 to 1.21, p = 0.207), or total hospital charges (coefficient = $207,456, 95% CI: $6119 to $421,031, p = 0.057) between the two groups. The CRS group had a higher incidence of fever (aOR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.15 to 3.17, p = 0.014), acute respiratory failure (aOR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.01 to 4.40, p= 0.049), and the need for intubation/mechanical ventilation (aOR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.14 to 5.88, p = 0.024). Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) was significantly associated with CRS (aOR = 6.72, 95% CI: 2.03 to 22.18, p = 0.002). Conclusion While the development of CRS in CAR-T-treated patients did not significantly increase mortality, LOS, or total hospital charges, it was associated with specific risks and outcomes, including fever, respiratory failure, and HLH. This study emphasizes the importance of vigilance in recognizing and managing CRS in CAR-T therapy to optimize patient outcomes. The findings contribute valuable insights to guide clinical decision-making in the context of CAR-T therapy.

Gingival Biotypes and its Relation to Biologic Width, Alveolar Bone Thickness, Dehiscence and Fenestration in Mandibular Anterior Region: A CBCT Analysis Study.

Background: Gingival biotype and its relationship to biologic width and alveolar bone thickness may affect surgical periodontal therapy outcomes. Hence, it is vital to assess the gingival biotype prior to any of these treatments for its success. Aim: The study aims to compare the thick and thin gingival biotype in the mandibular anterior region concerning biologic width, buccal bone thickness, prevalence and distribution of dehiscence, and fenestration in lower anterior teeth. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 patients were selected for the study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Cone Beam Computed Tomography analysis was performed in the mandibular anterior area to assess gingival thickness (biotype), biologic width, buccal bone thickness, dehiscence, and fenestrations. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. An independent t-test was used to assess the relationship between the variables. Results: Our study identified an increased biologic width in the thick gingival biotype, a higher frequency of dehiscence in the thin gingival biotype than in the thick biotype, and a greater mean alveolar bone thickness in the thick biotype group. Conclusion: A statistical difference was not observed between the groups; however, the thick biotype showed better results than the thinner biotype for the periodontal parameters examined.

Retrospective analysis of maxillary sinus septa - A cone beam computed tomography study.

BACKGROUND: Sinus lift procedures have become a routine and reliable way to gain bone volume in the posterior maxilla for implant placement. The presence of an antral septum in the maxillary sinus increases the risk of complications and subsequent implant failure. This study was designed to estimate the prevalence of maxillary sinus septa and its correlation with age, sex, dentition status and the risk of perforating the Schneiderian membrane using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: This retrospective, cross-sectional study consisted of a total of 178 CBCT images (100 male, 78 female), 63.0% were dentate, 36.0% partially dentate and 1.1% edentate subjects with a mean age of 35 ± 45 years was analyzed to determine the prevalence, height, location, and orientation of maxillary sinus septa. The septa were classified according to the modified Al-Faraje's classification into VII septal patterns, and the risk of perforation of the Schneiderian membrane was estimated. The chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables, and Student's t-test and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare continuous variables. RESULTS: Septa were present in 25.6% of the sinus segments (37.64% of the subjects). The mean septum height was 5.22 mm ± 2.06 in males and 6.27 mm ± 3.55 in females. The majority of septa were located in the middle 76.92%, while 4.40% were anterior, and 18.68% were posterior; 76.92% were in a buccopalatal direction, whereas 23.08% were in an anteroposterior direction. Class III was the most prevalent type. Overall, 60.4% had a moderate risk of membrane perforation, 30.8% had a low risk, and only 8.8% had a high risk. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional CBCT image analyses can be used as a diagnostic tool to provide accurate information that can help avoid unnecessary intra- and postoperative complications during sinus augmentation procedures by identifying the anatomic structures inherent to the maxillary sinus.

Recurrent neutropenia and chronic diarrhea following thymectomy: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Good syndrome (GS) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome seen before or after diagnosis of thymoma, and its treatment, and is characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia. Rarely, pure white cell aplasia (PWCA) can also be seen which can present as recurrent neutropenia. We describe a 64-year-old man with recurrent sinus infections and previous thymectomy for stage 1 type B2 thymoma presenting with chronic diarrhea and recurrent neutropenia necessitating serial hospitalizations despite repeated antimicrobial treatment. Immunoglobulin levels, including IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE were undetectable. Flow cytometry also showed absent B cells. Patient was initiated on immunoglobulin replacement therapy with consequent significant clinical improvement. Despite thymectomy, patients can develop thymoma-associated paraneoplastic syndromes, including GS.

Asymptomatic HyperCKemia: A Diagnostic Trap.

Elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels are the most sensitive indicator of muscle injury. Levels >5000 U/L warns physicians to initiate aggressive hydration and prevent renal failure. We present a rare case of asymptomatic hyperCkemia with levels >80 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), refractory to fluid resuscitation. Our patient was found to have elevated macroenzymes- macroCkemia, causing decreased clearance of CK. The objective of this case report is to bring to attention a rare and benign cause of CK elevation which can lead to diagnostic and therapeutic errors.

Inter radicular bone dimensions in primary stability of immediate molar implants - A cone beam computed tomography retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to analyze the dimensions of socket morphology, interradicular bone dimensions, root length and morphology, buccal cortical bone thickness and gap defect between the implant bone in mandibular molars with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for immediate molar implant (IMI) placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sample sizes of 300 mandibular 1st and 2nd molars were each selected from the CBCT scans by inclusion and exclusion criteria. CBCT measurements were performed for socket size morphology, mesiodistal width, and buccolingual cancellous bone width at the crest at the apex. Width of the buccal cortical plate at the crest and interradicular bone (IRB) at the apex, 3 mm cervical to the apex and 6 mm cervical to the apex. Vertical parameters from the crest to furcation (L1), length from furcation to the apex (L2) and mesiodistal root morphology were measured to analyze the root configuration. RESULTS: All the parameters were analyzed for descriptive statistics for the mean and standard deviation. The majority were of Type B and C socket morphology with peri-implant bone defects of 2-2.5 mm, and the interradicular bone septum (IRB) was moderate for both first molar (1 M) and second molar (2 M) sites, but 2 M was shown to have less IRB than 1 M. Adequate buccal cortical bone thickness of 1.1 mm to 1.4 mm and buccolingual cancellous bone width were measured for both the 1 M and 2 M sites. CONCLUSION: The morphology of the molar extraction socket determines the adequate stability for IMI. In mandibular molar teeth, where interradicular bone is incompetent in providing good primary stability, in addition to interradicular bone, clinicians should look for support from the apical bone and interdental septal bone for attaining primary stability of IMI.

Influence of Inter-Radicular Septal Bone Quantity in Primary Stability of Immediate Molar Implants with Different Length and Diameter Placed in Mandibular Region. A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography-Based Simulated Implant Study.

AIM: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the influence of length and width of implant on primary stability in immediate implants in mandibular first molar. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 40 cone-beam computed tomography scans selected with defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. According to the diameter and length of implants, they were divided into nine groups (G1 to G9). The virtual implants of different diameters and length were placed in mandibular first molar and measurements were done for peri-implant horizontal and vertical gap defect, peri-implant interradicular bone support and apical bone support for all the groups. RESULTS: The study groups Diameter, (D-7 mm) showed least horizontal gap defect (Buccal-1.30 ± 0.56 mm, lingual-1.30 ± 0.56 mm, mesial-1.20 ± 0.51 mm, and distal-1.05 ± 0.59 mm) as compared to regular implant diameter (D-4.7) groups (Buccal-2.35 ± 0.483 mm, lingual-2.10 mm ± 0.44 mm, mesial-2.30 ± 0.64 mm, and distal-2.25 ± 0.43 mm). The unsupported Vertical implant gap defect at the coronal part of the socket was 2.80 mm ± 0.83 mm for all groups in both horizontal and vertical direction. The vertical peri-implant interradicular bone support showed increased bone support with increase in implant length (L). The buccal and lingual inter-radicular bone-support was least for Length (L-8.5 mm), moderate for L-11.5 mm, and highest for L-13.5 mm groups, respectively. The mesial inter-radicular bone support was least for G4G7, moderate for G1G2G5G8, and maximum for G3G6G9 groups. Similarly, the distal inter-radicular bone support was least for G4G7, moderate for G1G5G8, and maximum for G2G3G6G9 groups, respectively. There was no apical bone support in L-8.5 mm group as the tip of implant was 3.5-4 mm within the socket tip. Whereas, L-11.5 mm had decent (0.9-1 mm) and L-13.5 mm had Good (1.35-1.95 mm) apical bone support as the implant tip was beyond the socket tip. CONCLUSION: All the groups showed good interradicular bone support on buccal and lingual surfaces. Regular width implants with longer length showed satisfactory interradicular bone support on mesial and distal surfaces. Longer implants showed good apical bone support in all the four surfaces and hence good apical primary stability expected.

Faculty's Perception of Their Role as a Medical Teacher at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia.

Purpose Medical teaching is a highly demanding and complex task. The advanced integrated curriculum and modern educational practices demand the roles of the medical teacher be redefined. This study was designed to understand the perceptions of the faculty of the Dental College, Qassim University, about their key roles as a teacher. These perceptions can be used to design faculty development workshops to enhance the awareness of the faculty about their educational responsibilities and achieve their potential. Methods It was a cross-sectional descriptive survey conducted on the faculty of the College of Dentistry, Qassim University, KSA. The study used a validated 12-item e-questionnaire to measure the perceptions of faculty about their teaching roles. Results A total of 44 faculty members submitted the e-questionnaire. Most faculty members perceived the most important role of the medical teacher as an information provider (90%) in clinical settings, followed by an on-job role model (89%). The least important role perceived was curriculum evaluator (82%) followed by curriculum planner (79%). Conclusion The role of a medical teacher has extended beyond the boundaries of information providers. The faculty of Qassim University exhibited their awareness about modern-day medical education and recognized the most important role of a medical teacher to be not only an information provider but also an on-job role model and academic advisor to students.

Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis Precipitated by a Keto Diet: Importance of Dietary History in Diagnosis.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is one of the serious complications of diabetes, especially type 1. It is defined by the triad of hyperglycemia (>250 mg/dL [>13.9 mmol/L]), high anion-gap metabolic acidosis, and increased plasma ketones. Euglycemic ketoacidosis is characterized by DKA without hyperglycemia. We present a rare case of a 28-year-old type 1 diabetic male, presenting with abdominal pain, fatigue, and dizziness after one week of starting a keto diet. He was diagnosed with euglycemic DKA, managed with DKA protocol and given detailed dietary counselling to avoid the keto diet in future.

Direct Linear Measurement of Root Dentin Thickness and Dentin Volume Changes with Post Space Preparation: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study.

AIM: The purpose of the present study was direct linear measurement of dentin thickness and dentin volume changes for post space preparation with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten maxillary central incisors were scanned, before and after root canal and post space preparation, with Orthophos XG three-dimensional hybrid unit. Thirteen axial section scans of each tooth from orifice to apex and dentin thickness for buccal, lingual, mesial, and distal were measured using proprietary measuring tool and thereafter subjected to statistical analysis. Furthermore, dentin volume was evaluated using ITK-SNAP software. RESULTS: There was statistically significant difference between the dentin thickness in pre- and postinstrumentation (paired t-test) and also between different groups (one-way ANOVA). In the shortest post length of 4.5mm the post space preparation resulted in 2.17% loss of hard tissue volume, where as 11mm longest post length post space preparation resulted in >40% loss of hard tissue volume. CONCLUSION: CBCT axial section scan for direct measurements of root dentin thickness can be guideline before and after post space preparation for selection of drill length and diameter.

Stress Distribution on Root Dentin Analogous to Natural Teeth with Various Retentive Channels Design on the Face of the Root with Minimal or No Coronal Tooth Structure: A Finite Element Analysis.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate post-core design on Stress distribution in maxillary central incisor with various designs retentive channels placed on the face of the root with no remaining coronal tooth structure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3 dimensional finite element model of a maxillary central incisor was developed and seven other study modes were developed. Tooth was scanned using CBCT unit, with reverse engineering software. 3D wire mesh, with ten node tetrahedral element, developed was transferred to ANASYS software. Composite was used for post-core-crown as post endodontic restoration. Mechanical properties were assigned to each component for FEA. All the materials were assumed to be isotropic, linearly elastic, homogenous and tightly bonded. A load of 100N were applied from vertical, horizontal and lateral oblique from incisal and palatal surface respectively. RESULTS: Analysis revealed that stresses were concentrated at the point of load application on crown(vertical(V) 14.35MPa, horizontal(H) 27.04 MPa and lateral oblique(L)13.75MPa) and depending on the post core design the stresses were homogenous evenly distributed over the root dentin, core and least over the post. There was variation in stress distribution under vertical horizontal and lateral oblique load. CONCLUSION: Teeth with no remaining coronal structure and by placing retentive channels on the face of the root will enable homogenous stress distribution, promote mechanical retention and stability to the post core crown post endodontic restoration.