Can we predict favourable quality of life after surgically treated vertebral osteomyelitis? Analysis of a prospective study.

PURPOSE: Vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is a severe clinical entity associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Several studies have showed that successful treatment of VO patients leads to significantly improved quality of life (QoL). Nevertheless, QoL levels of these patients remained below those of the general population. There are rarely studies focusing on predicting factors for favourable QoL after surgically treated VO. The aim of this study was to identify factors influencing positively the QoL of patients undergoing surgery for VO. METHODS: We conducted a prospective monocentric study including surgically treated VO patients from 2008 to 2016. Data were collected before (T0) and 1 year (T1) after surgery. Primary outcome was favourable QoL defined as back pain with disability restricting normal life activity with a cutoff value ≥ 12 on Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). ETHICS: Ethical approval was given by the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Cologne (09-182). RESULTS: A total of 119 patients surviving 1 year after surgically treated VO were analysed. Favourable QoL was achieved in 35/119 patients. On multivariate analysis, younger age (hazard ratio = HR: 0.95; 95% CI 0.91-0.99; p = 0.022), lower albumin (HR: 0.9; 0.83-0.98; p = 0.019) an ASA score ≤ 2 (HR:4.24; 95%CI 1.42-12.68; p = 0.010), and a lower preoperative leg pain on the VAS (HR: 0.86; 95% CI 0.76-0.97; p = 0.018) were identified as independent risk factors for favourable QoL. Interestingly, the absence of neurological deficits was not predictive for a favourable outcome by means of QoL. CONCLUSION: One-third of surgically treated VO patients (29%) in our cohort achieved favourable QoL by means of ODI. Our findings can facilitate an estimation of the prognosis when informing the patient before surgery, and underscore that spine disability questionnaires, such as ODI, measuring QoL, are mandatory to evaluate comprehensively the outcome of this entity.

Factors associated with pathological tumor stage and T3a upstage in clinical T1-2 renal cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Considering the oncological outcomes, understanding the preoperative factors associated with and predicting advanced stage and T3a upstage will help in risk assessment and selection of the right treatment. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Patients with postoperative pathology of Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) and stage T1-2 N0M0 were included in the study. Demographic and pathological characteristics of the patients, Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and De Ritis- the ratio of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were recorded. Patients were classified according to T stage (T1-2 vs T3-4) and T3a upstage (T3a upstaged vs non-T3a upstaged). RESULTS: A total of 289 patients participated in the study when inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. No difference was found between the groups in terms of age, gender, body mass index, laterality, ABO blood group, Rh positivity and comorbidities. According to multivariate analysis, PLR, AST/ALT, Fuhrman grade, open radical nephrectomy (RN) and Clear Cell pathological subtype were found to be significant-independent factors in predicting advanced stage (T3-4) and T3a upstage (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: It was found that higher PLR and AST/ALT ratios were associated with more advanced stage and postoperative T3a upstage in RCC patients. In addition, these patients more frequently had open RN and had higher Fuhrman grades, while the clear cell subtype was less common.

Predicting Severity of Acute Pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis has a diverse etiology and natural history, and some patients have severe complications with a high risk of mortality. The prediction of the severity of acute pancreatitis should be achieved by a careful ongoing clinical assessment coupled with the use of a multiple-factor scoring system and imaging studies. Over the past 40 years, various scoring systems have been suggested to predict the severity of acute pancreatitis. However, there is no definite and ideal scoring system with a high sensitivity and specificity. The interest in new biological markers and predictive models for identifying severe acute pancreatitis testifies to the continued clinical importance of early severity prediction. Although contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) is considered the gold standard for diagnosing pancreatic necrosis, early scanning for the prediction of severity is limited because the full extent of pancreatic necrosis may not develop within the first 48 h of presentation. This article provides an overview of the available scoring systems and biochemical markers for predicting severe acute pancreatitis, with a focus on their characteristics and limitations.

Predictors of prolonged hypotension requiring vasopressor support after resection of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma.

OBJECTIVE: Prolonged hypotension is a common complication after resection of pheochromocytoma (PCC) or paraganglioma (PGL). The objective of our study was to identify preoperative or intraoperative clinical factors that can predict prolonged hypotension after PCC/PGL resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 414 patients who underwent resection of PCC or PGL at our institution between January 2013 and January 2020 were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not vasopressor support was required postoperatively. Associations between preoperative and intraoperative variables and prolonged hypotension were evaluated. RESULTS: Two hundred and one (48.6%) patients had postoperative hypotension that required vasopressor support with a median duration of 20 h. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that increased 24-h urinary norepinephrine (NE) levels (odds ratio [OR] = 1.091, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.052-1.132, p < .001), longer operative time (OR = 1.008, CI: 1.004-1.011, p < .001) and lower preoperative phenoxybenzamine dose (OR = 0.336, CI: 0.150-0.753, p = .008) were predictors of prolonged hypotension. Moreover, operative time, body mass index, 24-h urinary level of NE and preoperative phenoxybenzamine dose were significantly correlated with the duration of postoperative vasopressor support. CONCLUSIONS: Increased urine NE level, longer operative time and lower preoperative phenoxybenzamine dose were predictors of prolonged hypotension requiring vasopressor support. Clinicians can identify these factors to manage their patients better and prevent severe complications.

Magnetic resonance imaging parameters in predicting the ablative efficiency of high-intensity focused ultrasound for uterine fibroids.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of quantitative MRI parameters in predicting HIFU ablation results for uterine fibroids. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 245 patients with uterine fibroids who underwent HIFU treatment in Chongqing Haifu Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups according to the non-perfused volume (NPV) ratio which was either higher or lower than 80%. The MRI parameters were measured, and a logistical regression analysis was performed to investigate the potential predictors associated with the NPV ratio. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to determine the cut off value for MRI parameters in predicting a high NPV ratio. RESULTS: The subcutaneous fat thickness in the group of patients with an NPV ratio over 80% was significantly thinner than that in the group of patients with an NPV ratio less than 80% (15 mm versus 21 mm). The signal intensity ratio of fibroids to skeletal muscle on T2WI was significantly lower in the group of patients with an NPV ratio over 80% compared with the group with an NPV ratio lower than 80% (2.46 versus 3.23). The signal intensity ratio of fibroid to skeletal muscle correlated negatively with the NPV ratio and positively with the energy efficiency factor (EEF). The cut off value of signal intensity ratio of fibroid to muscle for predicting the NPV ratio over 80% is 3.045. CONCLUSION: The signal intensity ratio of fibroid to skeletal muscle on T2WI can be used as a factor for predicting the effectiveness of HIFU ablation of uterine fibroids.

Modified endometriosis fertility index is more accurate to predict the non-ART pregnancy rate following surgery: a cohort of Chinese women.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether a modified endometriosis fertility index (EFI) can better predict the rate of pregnancy without assisted reproductive technologies (ART) after laparoscopic surgery in infertile Chinese women with endometriosis. METHODS: 564 infertile women undergoing laparoscopy for endometriosis were retrospectively collected from January 2014 to December 2018. 472 patients were used to modify the EFI based on new, optimal cutoffs for its predictor variables. The predictive accuracy of the modified EFI was examined in the other 92 patients. RESULTS: Among the patients for the EFI modification, the multivariable Cox regression results showed that historical factors made more contribution in predicting non-ART pregnancy rate than surgical factors both in modified EFI (C-index: historical factors 0.617 vs surgical factors 0.558) and original EFI (C-index: historical factors 0.600 vs surgical factors 0.549). No significant relationship between the prior pregnancy and post-operative non-ART pregnancy rates was detected by both modified EFI and original EFI (p = 0.530 and 0.802, respectively). To assess the predictive effect of modified EFI, the two versions of modified EFI not only had higher predictive accuracy (C-index: 0.627 and 0.632) for non-ART pregnancy rates than that of the original EFI (C-index: 0.602) in the patients undergoing surgery during 2014-2017, but also higher than that of the original EFI (C-index: 0.638 and 0.612 vs 0.560) in the externally validated population in 2018. CONCLUSIONS: A modified EFI based on population-specific optimal cutoffs and weights might be more suitable for estimating the rate of non-ART pregnancy after laparoscopic surgery in infertile women with endometriosis.

Predicting response of ischemic central retinal vein occlusion to bevacizumab injections: 1 year follow-up.

PURPOSE: To identify baseline optical coherence tomography (OCT) factors in ischemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) that predict response to bevacizumab injections. METHODS: Patients underwent OCT at diagnosis and the central macular thickness, subretinal fluid width and height as well as the presence of intraretinal cysts were measured. The extent of disorganized retinal inner layers, outer plexiform layer (OPL), external limiting membrane, ellipsoid zone and cone outer segment tips (COST) was recorded. Patients received three consecutive monthly injections of bevacizumab followed by pro re nata treatment. RESULTS: Overall 32 eyes of 32 patients aging 69.4 ± 12.7 years were included. In univariate correlational analyses baseline OPL disruption (- 41, p = 0.02), EZ disruption (r = - 0.36, p = 0.05) and COST disruption (r = - 0.37, p = 0.04) correlated with deterioration in BCVA at 1 year. Partial least squares demonstrated that the factors most largely associated with deterioration in BCVA were COST disruption and OPL disruption followed by EZ disruption, while worst vision at baseline was associated with improvement in vision. CONCLUSION: In patients with ischemic CRVO treated with bevacizumab, BCVA improvement at 1 year can be partially predicted from baseline OCT measurements by the extent of COST, OPL and EZ disruption.

Premature Atrial Contractions and Their Association with Stroke Features and Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Frequent premature atrial contractions (PACs) are associated with atrial fibrillation, stroke, and mortality. However, the cut-off value for PAC counts that could identify patients with different stroke features is unclear, and the association of PACs to outcome is not determined. METHODS: The study retrospectively included patients with acute ischemic stroke who had underwent both a 24 h Holter recording and a brain MRI in Taipei Veterans General Hospital from January 2015 to May 2016. Patients were categorized into four groups according to their PAC frequencies on 24 h Holter recording. We compared the clinical severity, neuroimage features, stroke subtypes, and functional outcome among the four groups of patients. RESULTS: Among the 278 patients, the lower, middle, and upper quartiles of the PAC counts were 23, 74, and 459.5, respectively. In contrast to the 1st quartile of patients, the 3rd (PAC 75-459/24 h) and the 4th (PAC ≥460/24 h) quartiles of patients had higher NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission (p = 0.014 and p = 0.002, respectively). The frequencies of cryptogenic stroke were not different among the 4 quartiles of the patients, but cryptogenic stroke patients with ≥ 75PACs/24hours had higher stroke severity compared to those with PACs < 75counts/24 h (NIHSS 9.1 vs. 5.2, p = 0.043). There was an increased trend in infarcts of multiple vascular territories and in mortality at 1 year among the four groups of patients with increased PAC frequency (p = 0.045 and p = 0.002, respectively). The 4th PAC quartile was associated with poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≥ 4) at 3 months in univariate analysis (OR: 5.66, CI: 2.69-11.91, p < 0.001), but was not an independent predictor after controlling for initial stroke severity. CONCLUSIONS: PACs ≥ 75 counts/24 h was associated with higher clinical severity in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

The factors predicting pneumonia in COVID-19 patients: preliminary results from a university hospital in Turkey

Background/aim: Pneumonia is the most serious clinical presentation of COVID-19. This study aimed to determine the demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings that can properly predict COVID-19 pneumonia. Materials and methods: This study was conducted in the Gazi University hospital. All hospitalized patients with confirmed and suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection between 16 March 2020 and 30 April 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. COVID-19 patients were separated into two groups, pneumonia and nonpneumonia, and then compared to determine predicting factors for COVID-19 pneumonia. Variables that had a P-value of less than 0.20 and were not correlated with each other were included in the logistic regression model. Results: Of the 247 patients included in the study 58% were female, and the median age was 40. COVID-19 was confirmed in 70.9% of these patients. Among the confirmed COVID-19 cases, 21.4% had pneumonia. In the multivariate analysis male sex (P = 0.028), hypertension (P = 0.022), and shortness of breath on hospital admission (P = 0.025) were significant factors predicting COVID-19 pneumonia. Conclusion: Shortness of breath, male sex, and hypertension were significant for predicting COVID-19 pneumonia on admission. Patients with these factors should be evaluated more carefully for diagnostic procedures, such as thorax CT.

Prognosis of surgical treatment of the tethered cord syndrome in children.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify the factors relevant to the prognosis of the outcome of the surgical treatment of the tethered cord syndrome (TCS). METHODS: The results of surgical treatment performed on 58 children with TCS were analyzed, with follow-up periods ranging from 6 months to 5 years. The data of preoperative clinical and instrumental examinations, as well as those of intraoperative electrophysiological diagnostics and morphometry, were compared with the dynamics of the TCS clinical presentation. RESULTS: The recovery rate was significantly higher in children with filum terminale abnormality (p = 0.014), as well as grade I tethering (p = 0.0037), and when the spinal cord tracts at the level of intervention were intact (p = 0.018). Complete untethering (p = 0.04) and a low threshold value of amperage in direct stimulation (< 1 mA) (p = 0.016) were identified as factors for a favorable outcome. Worsening of neurological symptoms was more frequent in children operated over the age of 10 (p = 0.03), when the TCS was manifested exclusively through the pelvic dysfunction (p = 0.00004), if the F-wave block is less than 30% (p = 0.0045) and the stimulation threshold during root mapping ranged from 1 to 5 mA (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The operation is recommended when structural changes are minimal. In case of severe structural changes, if the spinal cord tracts are intact, the indications for operation are determined by the risk of irreversible structural changes due to the natural course of the disease, although the risks are substantially higher.

What are the predicting factors for the therapeutic effects of dutasteride in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms? Investigation using a urodynamic study.

AIMS: We investigated predicting factors for the therapeutic effects of dutasteride in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) based on a urodynamic study (UDS). METHODS: This was a single-center, prospective study involving 120 male outpatients with LUTS. They received 0.5 mg of dutasteride per day for 12 months. IPSS, OABSS, IPSS-QOL, and UDS were used for assessing subjective and objective symptoms prior to and 12 months after administration. Patient's age, PSA level, prostate volume, IPSS, OABSS, maximum flow rate, and post-void residual urine volume, and intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) were set as pre-administration parameters to predict the therapeutic effect. We evaluated the relationship between these parameters and the therapeutic effects, depending on the extent of improvement of IPSS and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). RESULTS: A total of 104 patients with mean age of 68.9 years and mean prostate volume of 58.9 mL were included in the analysis. Thirty-two patients (30.8%) showed an insignificant IPSS improvement of <25%, while 41 patients (39.4%) showed excellent IPSS improvement of 50% or greater. On the multivariate logistic regression analysis, IPP (95% confidence interval: 0.606-0.810) was found to be the only factor related to the improvement in IPSS. Additionally, the multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that IPP was the most powerful factor for predicting improvement of BOO (r = -0.51, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: IPP is considered a useful predictor of the therapeutic effects of dutasteride for both subjective symptoms and BOO.

Mental health assessed by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for children born extremely preterm without severe disabilities at 11 years of age: a Norwegian, national population-based study.

The aims were to investigate mental health problems with the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in children born extremely preterm/extremely low birth weight (EP/ELBW) without severe disabilities compared to controls, and to identify peri-, or neonatal factors possibly predicting later mental health problems. A national Norwegian cohort of 11-year-old EP/ELBW children, excluding those with intellectual disabilities, non-ambulatory cerebral palsy, blindness and/or deafness, was assessed. Parents and teachers completed the SDQ. Mean scores and scores ≥90th percentile for the control group, combined (parent and/or teacher reporting the child ≥90th percentile), and pervasive ratings (both parent and teacher reporting the child ≥90th percentile) were presented. The controls consisted of an unselected population of all 11-year-old children born in 1995 who attended public or private schools in Bergen. Of the eligible children, 216 (64%) EP/ELBW and 1882 (61%) control children participated. The EP/ELBW children had significantly higher scores and/or increased risk of parent, teacher, combined, and pervasive rated hyperactivity/inattention, emotional-, and peer problems (OR 2.1-6.3). Only parents reported the EP/ELBW children to be at an increased risk of conduct problems (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.6). Only low maternal education at birth was significantly associated with mental health problems at 11 years of age (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2-5.4). EP/ELBW children without severe disabilities had increased risk of symptoms of hyperactivity/inattention, emotional-, and peer problems. None of the peri- or neonatal factors were significantly associated with later mental health problems, except for low maternal education.

Breech presentation at term and associated obstetric risks factors-a nationwide population based cohort study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to estimate whether breech presentation at term was associated with known individual obstetric risk factors for adverse fetal outcome. METHODS: This was a retrospective, nationwide Finnish population-based cohort study. Obstetric risks in all breech and vertex singleton deliveries at term were compared between the years 2005 and 2014. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine significant risk factors. RESULTS: The breech presentation rate at term for singleton pregnancies was 2.4%. The stillbirth rate in term breech presentation was significantly higher compared to cephalic presentation (0.2 vs 0.1%). The odds ratios (95% CIs) for fetal growth restriction, oligohydramnios, gestational diabetes, a history of cesarean section and congenital fetal abnormalities were 1.19 CI (1.07-1.32), 1.42 CI (1.27-1.57), 1.06 CI (1.00-1.13), 2.13 (1.98-2.29) and 2.01 CI (1.92-2.11). CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that breech presentation at term on its own was significantly associated with antenatal stillbirth and a number of individual obstetric risk factors for adverse perinatal outcomes. The risk factors included oligohydramnios, fetal growth restriction, gestational diabetes, history of caesarean section and congenital anomalies.

Intravesical prostatic protrusion can predict therapeutic response to silodosin in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the predicting factors of therapeutic response to α1-blockers in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostate enlargement based on a urodynamic study. METHODS: This was a prospective study involving 125 outpatients with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostate enlargement. They received 8 mg of silodosin for 12 months. International Prostate Symptom Score, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, International Prostate Symptom Score quality of life assessment, and urodynamic study were used to assess subjective and objective symptoms. Patient age, prostate-specific antigen level, prostate volume, International Prostate Symptom Score, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, maximum flow rate and post-void residual urine volume, and intravesical prostatic protrusion were investigated as potential parameters to predict the therapeutic response. Baseline parameters that influenced the improvement of International Prostate Symptom Score and bladder outlet obstruction were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 103 patients with mean age of 69.2 years and mean prostate volume of 46.8 mL were included in the analysis. A total of 39 patients (37.9%) showed insignificant improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score (<25%), whereas 36 patients (35.0%) showed insufficient improvement in bladder outlet obstruction index (less than 25%). Prostate volume, maximum flow rate and intravesical prostatic protrusion were independent predictors of ineffective treatment. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, intravesical prostatic protrusion was found to be the only factor related to improvement of both the International Prostate Symptom Score and bladder outlet obstruction. Additionally, multiple linear regression analysis showed that intravesical prostatic protrusion was the only significant factor for predicting improvement of the International Prostate Symptom Score (r = -0.56, P < 0.001) and bladder outlet obstruction (r = -0.59, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Intravesical prostatic protrusion can be considered a useful predictor of therapeutic response to silodosin for subjective symptoms and bladder outlet obstruction in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostate enlargement.

Lack of improvement following endovascular therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Recent randomized trials have consistently demonstrated a clinical benefit of endovascular therapy (ET) over best medical therapy (including intravenous (IV) thrombolysis in eligible patients) or IV thrombolysis only in selected patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to proximal occlusion in the carotid territory. Previous study demonstrates that lack of improvement (LOI) at 24 hours is an independent predictor of poor outcome and death at 3 months in patients with AIS treated with IV alteplase. However, LOI at 24 hours following ET has not been studied systematically. The purpose of this study is to identify predictors of LOI at 24 hours in patients with AIS after ET as well as the relationship between LOI and unfavorable outcome at 3 months. METHODS: A total of 98 consecutive patients with AIS treated with ET in two separate stroke centers from 2010 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Data on demographics, preexisting vascular risk factors, occlusion site, pre- and post-treatment modified Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia (mTICI) classification, collaterals and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission as well as 24 hours after the endovascular procedurals were collected. LOI was defined as a reduction of 3 points or less on the NIHSS at 24 hours compared with baseline. A 3-month functional outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin scale (mRS). Unfavorable outcome was prespecified as a score of more than 2 on the mRS. The onset-to-reperfusion time (ORT) was defined as time to mTICI 2b or 3 or end of procedure. Long ORT was defined as time to reperfusion beyond 6 hours. Poor reperfusion was defined as mTICI ≦2a. The pretreatment collateral circulation extent was graded as poor (grades 0-1) or good (grades 2-4). RESULTS: Among the 98 patients with AIS who were treated with ET, LOI was present in 48 (49%) subjects. Multivariate analysis indicated that poor collaterals (odds ratio [OR] 3.25; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29-8.19; p = 0.012) and long ORT (OR 3.97, 95% CI: 1.66-9.54; p = 0.002) were independent predictors of LOI. LOI (OR 7.18, 95% CI: 2.39-21.61; p < 0.001) was independently associated with unfavorable outcome at 3 months. CONCLUSION: Among patients with AIS treated with ET, as an independent predictor of unfavorable outcome, LOI at 24 hours is associated with poor collaterals and long ORT.

Pre-operative factors influence the recovery of range of motion following reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Recently the use of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has increased because of a clinical perception of durable functional outcome. However, some patients unexpectedly have a poor recovery of range of motion (ROM) after surgery. Objective factors such as initial diagnosis, pre- and intra-operative ROM, deltoid impairment or arm lengthening have previously been associated with anterior forward flexion (AFF). This study sought to determine if subjective pre-operative factors influence the rate and timing of ROM recovery after RSA. METHODS: Between January 2011 to January 2012, all RSAs performed by a single surgeon were prospectively enrolled in this study. The cohort was divided into two groups based on AFF <90 or ≥90 after surgery. A multivariate analysis was performed to define independent predictive factors of post-operative ROM. Factors assessed included: age, sex, dominant arm, patient activity, body mass index (BMI), pre-operative diagnosis, deltoid status, pain and Constant scores, subjective shoulder value (SSV), simple shoulder test (SST) and radiographic findings. Patients were reviewed at six weeks, and three, six, 12 and 24 months. RESULTS: One hundred and one RSAs were available for analysis. Poor post-operative AFF at six weeks was significantly related to poor pre-operative deltoid strength. Poor post-operative AFF at one-year follow-up was related to surgery of non-dominant arm, pre-operative poor AFF, pre-operative activity, poor subjective shoulder value (SSV), and a low contralateral Constant score. AFF and Constant score improved until six months and then plateaued. In contrast, both external and internal rotation continued to improve beyond six months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: AFF and Constant scores after RSA plateau at six months after surgery whereas internal and external rotation continue to improve up to two years post operation. Several pre-operative factors including poor pre-operative AFF, surgery on the non-dominant arm, and lower SSV and Constant scores are correlated with post-operative ROM following RSA. Identification of these factors may be useful for counseling on functional expectations as well as customizing rehabilitation plans. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, Prospective Cohort Study, Treatment Study.

Vitamin D levels and influencing predictors in refugee children in Sherbrooke (Quebec), Canada.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Suboptimal vitamin D levels and associated complications are on the rise. Vulnerable populations, like refugee children, are further at risk. Studies on the vitamin D levels in refugee children are limited. The primary objective of this cross-sectional retrospective study was to determine the level of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-(OH)D) in the paediatric refugee population residing in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada. The secondary objective was to determine variables predicting vitamin D levels. METHODS: Refugees under the age of 19 years arriving in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada, evaluated by the refugee clinic between March 2013 and April 2014, were included in the study. Vitamin D levels upon arrival and variables including age, sex, body mass index, season of arrival and season of test, ethnicity, previous country of residence and duration of stay in Canada from time of arrival were recorded. The protocol was approved by the scientific and ethics board of respective institutions. RESULTS: A total of 138 subjects were included in the study from the Middle East, Central Asia and South East Asia, Africa and South America. The mean 25-(OH)D serum value was 55 nmol/L (insufficient). Fourteen per cent of subjects were vitamin D deficient and 64% were vitamin D insufficient as per Canadian Paediatric Society threshold guidelines. Gender (P=0.022), age (P<0.001), latitude (P<0.001) and season of testing (P=0.022) predict vitamin D status. CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that refugee children have insufficient vitamin D levels. Gender, age, latitude and season of testing have an impact in predicting vitamin D status.

Factors predicting efficacy and adverse effects of enzalutamide in Japanese patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer: results of retrospective multi-institutional study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the factors predicting efficacy and adverse effects of enzalutamide in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated data on 345 patients who had received enzalutamide for castration-resistant prostate cancer in 20 hospitals (Kyoto University Hospital and other satellite hospitals). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to identify factors predicting prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression after enzalutamide treatment and logistic regression analysis for those associated with development of adverse effects. RESULTS: PSA titers decreased by >50 % in 197 patients (57 %). The median PSA progression free survival was 163 days. Gleason score >8 (HR 2.078, 95 % CI 1.37-3.153, P = 0.00058), performance status ≥1 (HR 2.292, 95 % CI 1.463-3.592, P = 0.000296), presence of bone metastasis (HR 1.774, 95 % CI 1.019-3.090, P = 0.0429), visceral metastasis (HR 2.127, 95 % CI 1.215-3.722, P = 0.00823), previous steroid treatment (HR 1.780, 95 % CI 1.207-2.626, P = 0.00361) and docetaxel treatment (HR 1.602, 95 % CI 1.051-2.442, P = 0.0284) significantly predicted the efficacy of enzalutamide. Adverse effects, including fatigue or appetite loss, occurred in 169 patients (49 %), 48 (18 %) of whom stopped enzalutamide. Age >75 years (HR 1.980, 95 % CI 1.270-3.09, P = 0.00246) and lower enzalutamide dose (HR 0.437, 95 % CI 0.255-1.270, P = 0.00249) were significantly associated with development of adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Enzalutamide treatment is effective in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer with low Gleason scores, good performance status, without bone or visceral metastasis and no prior steroid or docetaxel treatment. Lower doses of enzalutamide decrease the incidence of adverse effects, especially in older patients.

Publication rate of studies presented at veterinary anaesthesia specialty meetings during the years 2003-2008.

OBJECTIVE: To assess publication rates, factors predicting publication, and discrepancies between conference abstracts and subsequent full-text publications of abstracts from the veterinary meetings of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists and the Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists from 2003 to 2008. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: A total of 607 abstracts were identified and a database search (Scopus, PubMed, CAB) was conducted to identify matching publications. Authors of nonmatching abstracts were contacted to participate in a confidential online survey. Risk ratios were used to assess factors predicting publication and these were tested for significance (p < 0.05) using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: The overall publication rate was 63.3% and the mean (± SD) time to publication was 25 ± 19 months. Factors significantly associated with subsequent full publication (i.e. publication of a full manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal) were continent of origin (North America), study design (experimental studies), specialty (analgesia) and the presence of a source of funding. The principal reasons why studies remained unpublished were lack of time and responsibility lying with co-authors. Minor changes compared with the original abstract were found in 71.6% of all publications. Major changes were noted in 34.6% and the outcome of the study changed in 7.6%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These data suggest that some of the abstracts reported preliminary findings. Therefore, caution is warranted when quoting abstracts as references in scientific publications. To date, major veterinary journals have not issued recommendations in their author guidelines addressing the use of abstracts as a reference. The authors propose the inclusion of such a statement in author guidelines.

The use and costs of formal care in newly diagnosed dementia: a three-year prospective follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of formal care during the first three years after diagnosis of mild dementia and identify cost-predicting factors. DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal study over three years. SETTING: An incidence-based bottom-up cost-of-illness study where information about formal health care services was drawn from the municipalities' registers during the first three years after the diagnosis of mild dementia. PARTICIPANTS: 109 patients with mild dementia at baseline, diagnosed according to consensus criteria based on standardized assessments. MEASUREMENT: The use of formal care as registered by the municipalities' registration systems. Costs were estimated by applying unit costs, including municipal expenses and out-of-pocket contributions. Clinical data were collected at baseline to identify cost-predicting factors. RESULTS: Costs for formal care were increasing from € 535 per month of survival (MOS) at baseline to € 3,611 per MOS during the third year, with a mean of € 2,420 during the whole observation period. The major cost driver (74%) was institutional care. The costs for people with dementia with Lewy bodies (€ 3,247 per MOS) were significantly higher than for people with Alzheimer disease (€ 1,855 per MOS). The most important cost-predicting factors we identified were the living situation, a diagnosis of non-Alzheimer disease, comorbidity, and daily living functioning. The use of cholinesterase inhibitors was related to lower costs. CONCLUSION: Formal care costs increased significantly over time with institutional care being the heaviest cost driver. Studies with longer observation periods will be necessary to evaluate the complete socioeconomic impact of the course of dementia.