Coagulopathy and Venous Thromboembolic Events Following Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Coagulopathy after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is recognized but few details have been studied. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate changes in coagulation biomarkers and their predictive ability for venous thromboembolism (VTE). METHODS: Patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC at Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden, from 2004 to 2014 were included in a prospective study of coagulation biomarkers. Prothrombin time international normalized ratio (PT-INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen, antithrombin, D-dimer, and platelets were sampled on postoperative days 1, 2, 5, and 10. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate predictive capacity for coagulation-related complications. RESULTS: Overall, 380 patients were included (214 females, mean age 56 years); 38 patients had a history of thromboembolism and 57 were active smokers. Mean perioperative blood loss was 1228 mL and 231 (61%) received perioperative blood transfusions. PT-INR and APTT were elevated directly after surgery but returned to normal levels on postoperative day 5. Conversely, fibrinogen, platelet count, D-dimer, and antithrombin increased by postoperative day 5 and continued to increase up to day 10. There were 23 radiologically verified cases of VTE within 6 months. The multivariate analysis identified a completeness of cytoreduction score of 2-3 (p = 0.047) and day 2 D-dimer (p = 0.0082) as independent risk factors for postoperative VTE. CONCLUSION: Significant postoperative changes in coagulation biomarkers occur with dynamic changes over 10 days postoperatively. The incidence of symptomatic VTE was low. Residual tumor at completion of surgery and elevated D-dimer on day 2 were independent risk factors for postoperative VTE.

Prognostic factors in patients with loco-regionally advanced gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate epidemiologic and prognostic factors relevant to the treatment of loco-regionally advanced gastric cancer (GC). METHODS: Two hundred and fifty-five patients with GC were identified in Uppsala County between 2000 and 2009. Patient records were analyzed for loco-regionally advanced GC defined as tumor with peritoneal involvement, excluding serosal invasion from the primary tumor only, at primary diagnosis or during follow-up. The presence or not of distant metastasis (DM), including hematogenous metastases (e.g., liver, lung, and bone) and/or distant lymph node metastases, was also analyzed. The Cox proportional hazard model was used for multivariate analysis of factors influencing survival. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty patients (47% of all patients with GC; median age 70.5 years) had loco-regionally advanced disease, corresponding to an incidence of 3.8 per 100,000 person-years. Forty-one percent of these also had DM. Median overall survival (mOS) from the time of the diagnosis of loco-regionally advanced disease was 4.8 months for the total patient cohort, 5.1 months for the subgroup of patients without DM, and 4.7 months for the subgroup with DM. There was no significant difference in mOS between the subgroups with synchronous versus metachronous loco-regionally advanced GC: 4.8 months (range 0.0-67.4) versus 4.7 months (range 0.0-28.3). Using multivariate Cox analysis, positive prognostic factors for survival were good performance status at diagnosis and treatment with palliative chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Synchronous DM was a negative prognostic factor. The mOS did not differ when comparing the time period 2000-2004 (5.1 months, range 0-67.4) with the period 2005-2009 (4.0 months, range 0.0-28.3). CONCLUSION: Peritoneal involvement occurred in almost half of the patients with GC in this study and was associated with short life expectancy. New treatment strategies are warranted.

Assessment of health system challenges and opportunities for possible integration of diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis services in South-Eastern Amhara Region, Ethiopia: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The double burden of tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant public health problem in low and middle income countries. However, despite the known synergy between the two disease conditions, services for TB and DM have separately been provided. The objective of this study was to explore health system challenges and opportunities for possible integration of DM and TB services. METHODS: This was a descriptive qualitative study which was conducted in South-Eastern Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Study participants included health workers (HWs), program managers and other stakeholders involved in TB and DM prevention and control activities. Purposive sampling was applied to select respondents. In order to capture diversity of opinions among participants, maximum variation sampling strategy was applied in the recruitment of study subjects. Data were collected by conducting four focus group discussions and 12 in-depth interviews. Collected data were transcribed verbatim and were thematically analyzed using NVivo 10 software program. RESULT: A total of 44 (12 in-depth interviews and 32 focus group discussion) participants were included in the study. The study participants identified a number of health system challenges and opportunities affecting the integration of TB-DM services. The main themes identified were: 1. Unavailability of system for continuity of DM care. 2. Inadequate knowledge and skills of health workers. 3. Frequent stockouts of DM supplies. 4. Patient's inability to pay for DM services. 5. Poor DM data management. 6. Less attention given to DM care. 7. Presence of a well-established TB control program up to the community level. 8. High level of interest and readiness among HWs, program managers and leaders at different levels of the health care delivery system. CONCLUSION: The study provided insights into potential health systems challenges and opportunities that need to be considered in the integration of TB-DM services. Piloting TB and DM integrated services in selected HFs of the study area is needed to assess feasibility for possible full scale integration of services for the two comorbid conditions.

Drug Sensitivity Testing in Cytoreductive Surgery and Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy of Pseudomyxoma Peritonei.

BACKGROUND: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) is an established therapy for pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP). However, the role of IPC is unclear. By ex vivo assessment of PMP tumor cell sensitivity to cytotoxic drugs, we investigated the basis for IPC drug selection and the role of IPC in the management of PMP. METHODS: Tumor cells were prepared by collagenase digestion of tumor tissue from 133 PMP patients planned for CRS and IPC. Tumor cell sensitivity to oxaliplatin, 5FU, mitomycin C, doxorubicin, irinotecan, and cisplatin was assessed in a 72-h cell-viability assay. Drug sensitivity was correlated to progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Samples from 92 patients were analyzed successfully. Drug sensitivity varied considerably between samples. Peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis (PMCA), compared with PMCA intermediate or disseminated peritoneal adenomucinosis, was slightly more resistant to platinum and 5FU and tumor cells from patients previously treated with chemotherapy were generally less sensitive than those from untreated patients. Multivariate analysis showed patient performance status and completeness of CRS to be prognostic for OS. Among patients with complete CRS (n = 61), PFS tended to be associated with sensitivity to mitomycin C and cisplatin (p ≈ 0.06). At the highest drug concentration tested, the hazard ratio for disease relapse increased stepwise with drug resistance for all drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Ex vivo assessment of drug sensitivity in PMP provides prognostic information. The results suggest a role for IPC as therapeutic adjunct to CRS and for individualization of IPC by pretreatment assessment of drug sensitivity.

Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy treatment of colorectal peritoneal metastases: cohort analysis of high volume disease and cure rate.

BACKGROUND: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) treatment of colorectal peritoneal metastases (PM) is an established treatment alternative. The study aim was, first, to investigate the outcome of high-volume disease defined by the peritoneal cancer index (PCI) 20; second, to report the long-term disease-free survival of patients with >5 years observation. METHODS: Consecutive patients with colorectal PM from a prospective HIPEC database between 2004 and 2010 were included, 67 patients. Clinicopathological and outcome parameters were compared between low PCI (n = 40) and high PCI (n = 27). A subgroup analysis on patients with >5 years observation was performed (n = 32). Disease-free survival after 5 years defined cure. RESULTS: Median overall survival (OS) was 28 months, low PCI-group 33 months versus high PCI-group 17 months (P = 0.03). Median OS of patients with complete CRS (n = 56) was 30 months, low PCI-group 37 months versus high PCI-group 27 months (P = 0.2), with 5-year survival of 31% and 21%, respectively. No difference in morbidity/mortality. The cure rate was 22% in the subgroup (7/32) and 28% in those with complete CRS (7/25). Two patients in the cured group had PCI 29 and 34. DISCUSSION: Treatment of high-volume disease may result in long-term survival and even cure. The key is to reach a complete CRS. The overall cure rate is 22%.

Chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity of primary cultures of epithelial ovarian cancer cells from patients in relation to tumour characteristics and therapeutic outcome.

BACKGROUND: A number of chemotherapeutic drugs are active in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) but so far choice of drugs for treatment is mostly empirically based. Testing of drug activity in tumour cells from patients might provide a rationale for a more individualised approach for drug selection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sensitivity of EOC to chemotherapeutic drugs was analysed in 125 tumour samples from 112 patients using a short-term primary culture assay based on the concept of total cell kill. Sensitivity was related to tumour histology, treatment status and clinical tumour response. RESULTS: For most EOC standard drugs serous high grade and clear cell EOC were the most sensitive subtypes and the mucinous tumours the most resistant subtype. Docetaxel, however, tended to show the opposite pattern. Samples from previously treated patients tended to be more resistant than those from treatment naïve patients. The activity of cisplatin correlated with that of other drugs with the exception of docetaxel. Tumour samples from two sites in the same patient at the same occasion showed similar cisplatin sensitivity in contrast to samples taken at different occasions. Samples from patients responding in the clinic to treatment were more sensitive to most drugs than samples from non-responding patients. At the individual patient level, drug sensitivity in vitro compared with clinical response showed sensitivities and specificities in the 83-100% and 55-83% ranges, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of EOC tumour cell drug sensitivity in vitro provides clinically relevant and potentially useful information for the optimisation of drug treatment.

Comparison of prognostic scores for patients with colorectal cancer peritoneal metastases treated with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: There are three prognostic scores for the cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) treatment of colorectal cancer peritoneal metastases: the newly introduced COREP (colorectal peritoneal) score, the peritoneal surface disease severity score (PSDS), and the prognostic score (PS). The aim was to determine which prognostic score had the best prognostic value. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2010, a total of 77 patients with peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer underwent CRS/HIPEC treatment. The COREP, PSDS, and PS scores were successfully applied to 56 patients (73 %) having sufficient data. The end points were prediction of open-and-close cases (n = 9), R1 resections (n = 41), and survival of <12 months (n = 18). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (accuracy) was compared. Subgroup analysis was performed on patients not previously used for the development of the COREP score (n = 24). Multivariable logistic regressions of the three end points were performed as well as Cox regression for overall survival. Furthermore, COREP and peritoneal cancer index were compared. RESULTS: For open-and-close case prediction, accuracy for the whole group (n = 56) and subgroup (n = 24) was 87 and 88 %, respectively for COREP; 66 and 77 % for PSDS; and 68 and 78 % for PS. For R1 resection prediction, accuracy was 81 and 81 %, 76 and 78 %, and 75 and 77 %, respectively. For prediction of survival of <12 months, accuracy was 83 and 84, 54 and 67 %, and 55 and 56 %, respectively. The COREP score was the only independent prognostic factor in all four multivariable analyses. A COREP score of ≥6 identified patients with poor survival more accurately than a PCI of >20. CONCLUSIONS: The COREP score predicted open-and-close cases, R1 resections, and poor survival better than PSDS and PS. COREP better identifies patients with poor survival than intraoperative PCI.

Activity ex vivo of cytotoxic drugs in patient samples of peritoneal carcinomatosis with special focus on colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The optimal choice of cytotoxic drugs for intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) in conjunction with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) for treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is poorly defined. We investigated drug sensitivity ex vivo in patient samples of various PC tumor types and correlated clinical outcome to drug sensitivity within the subset of PC from colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: PC tissue samples (n = 174) from mesothelioma, pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), ovarian cancer, CRC or appendix cancer were analyzed ex vivo for sensitivity to oxaliplatin, cisplatin, mitomycin C, melphalan, irinotecan, docetaxel, doxorubicin and 5-FU. Clinicopathological variables and outcome data were collected for the CRC subset. RESULTS: Mesothelioma and ovarian cancer were generally more drug sensitive than CRC, appendix cancer and PMP. Oxaliplatin showed the most favorable ratio between achievable IPC concentration and ex vivo drug sensitivity. Drug sensitivity in CRC varied considerably between individual samples. Ex vivo drug sensitivity did not obviously correlate to time-to-progression (TTP) in individual patients. CONCLUSIONS: Drug-sensitivity varies considerably between PC diagnoses and individual patients arguing for individualized therapy in IPC rather than standard diagnosis-specific therapy. However, in the current paradigm of treatment according to diagnosis, oxaliplatin is seemingly the preferred drug for IPC from a drug sensitivity and concentration perspective. In the CRC subset, analysis of correlation between ex vivo drug sensitivity and TTP was inconclusive due to the heterogeneous nature of the data.

Phase II study of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastric cancer treated with preoperative systemic chemotherapy followed by peritonectomy and intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to evaluate the feasibility and the effectiveness of neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy followed by cytoreductive surgery (CRS), hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (EPIC) in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from gastric cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen patients (median age 57 years, range 38-74) were scheduled for three months' neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy followed by CRS + HIPEC + EPIC. RESULTS: At the time of surgery, the peritoneal tumor burden was extensive with tumor growth on the entire peritoneal cavity. Only eight patients received the entire treatment and OS was 14.3 months (range 6.1-34.3, 95% CI 6.6-20.3). Six patients had macroscopically radical (CC0) surgery and for this subgroup OS was 19.1 months (range 6.1-34.3, 95% CI 6.9-27.1). Postoperative 90-day mortality was 10% (one patient) and the perioperative grades II-IV adverse events (AE) rate was 62.5%. DISCUSSION: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by CRS + HIPEC + EPIC does not seem to be associated with prolonged OS in patients with extensive PC growth from gastric cancer unless macroscopically radical surgery is achieved. However, morbidity from this treatment is considerable and it cannot be recommended for routine care until a prospective randomized trial has been performed.

Patient selection for cytoreductive surgery in colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis using serum tumor markers: an observational cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: There were 2 objectives: first, to investigate how many patients were excluded from surgery on the basis of the radiological extent of the peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) or the clinical examination; and second, to develop a score based primarily on serum tumor markers (STMs) that could predict short cancer-specific survival (<12 months). BACKGROUND: Patient selection and prediction of prognosis is crucial for successful treatment of colorectal PC. METHODS: All patients with colorectal PC referred for cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy (2005-2008) at Uppsala University hospital were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups-nonsurgery and surgery. Clinicopathological and laboratory parameters were collected in the surgery group. A Corep (COloREctal-Pc) score was developed using hazard ratios from histology, hematological status, serial serum tumor markers (STMs), and STM changes over time. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predicted value (PPV), and negative predicted value (NPV) were calculated in a second validating dataset (n = 24) with a survival cutoff of less than 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 107 patients were included in the study, 42 in the nonsurgery group and 65 in the surgery group. In the nonsurgery group, 2 patients were excluded solely on the basis of the radiological extent of PC and 7 patients on clinical examination. The Corep score ranged from 0 to 18. A score of 6 or more showed a validated sensitivity of 80%, specificity 100%, PPV 1.0, and NPV 0.93. CONCLUSIONS: Radiological extent of PC was not a main deciding factor for treatment decisions and had less impact than the clinical examination. The Corep score identified patients with short cancer-specific survival that may not be suitable for treatment.

Costs and clinical outcome of neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy followed by cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: The costs for loco-regional treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastric cancer are not well investigated. The aims of this study were to evaluate the costs and clinical outcome of systemic chemotherapy followed by cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy compared to systemic chemotherapy only in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastric cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten patients were scheduled for systemic chemotherapy followed by loco-regional treatment. A reference group of 10 matched control patients treated with systemic chemotherapy only were used and both groups were evaluated with respect to clinical outcome and cost. RESULTS: The mean overall cost in the loco-regional group was $145,700 (range $49,900-$487,800) and $59,300 (range $23,000-$94,800) for the control group. The mean overall survival for the loco-regional group was 17.4 months (range 6.0-34.3), and 11.1 months (range 0.1-24.2) for the systemic chemotherapy only group. The gain in life-years was 0.52 and in quality-adjusted life-years 0.49, leading to incremental cost per life-year and quality-adjusted life-years gained of $166,716 and $175,164, for loco-regional group compared to systemic chemotherapy. DISCUSSION: Treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastric cancer is costly irrespective of treatment modality. If the survival benefit from adding loco-regional treatment to systemic chemotherapy indicated from this comparison is true, the incremental cost is considered high.

Pulmonary influences on early post-operative recovery in patients after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy treatment: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The combination of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a curative treatment option for peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). There have been few studies on the pulmonary adverse events (AEs) affecting patient recovery after this treatment, thus this study investigated these factors. METHODS: Between January 2005 and December 2006, clinical data on all pulmonary AEs and the recovery progress were reviewed for 76 patients with after CRS and HIPEC. Patients with pulmonary interventions (thoracocenthesis and chest tubes) were compared with the non-intervention patients. Two senior radiologists, blinded to the post-operative clinical course, separately graded the occurrence of pulmonary AEs. RESULTS: Of the 76 patients, 6 had needed thoracocentesis and another 6 needed chest tubes. There were no differences in post-operative recovery between the intervention and non-intervention groups. The total number of days on mechanical ventilation, the length of stay in the intensive care unit, total length of hospital stay, tumor burden, and an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade of greater than 2 were correlated with the occurrence of atelectasis and pleural effusion. Extensive atelectasis (grade 3 or higher) was seen in six patients, major pleural effusion (grade 3) in seven patients, and signs of heart failure (grade 1-2) in nine patients. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and radiological post-operative pulmonary AEs are common after CRS and HIPEC. However, most of the pulmonary AEs did not affect post-operative recovery.

Novel activity of acriflavine against colorectal cancer tumor cells.

A high-throughput screen of the cytotoxic activity of 2000 molecules from a commercial library in three human colon cancer cell lines and two normal cell types identified the acridine acriflavin to be a colorectal cancer (CRC) active drug. Acriflavine was active in cell spheroids, indicating good drug penetration and activity against hypoxic cells. In a validation step based on primary cultures of patient tumor cells, acriflavine was found to be more active against CRC than ovarian cancer and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. This contrasted to the activity pattern of the CRC active standard drugs 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan and oxaliplatin. Mechanistic studies indicated acriflavine to be a dual topoisomerase I and II inhibitor. In conclusion, the strategy used seems promising for identification of new diagnosis-specific cancer drugs.

Sinus excision and primary closure versus laying open in pilonidal disease: a prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Surgical excision is the standard treatment for chronic pilonidal disease, but all excisional techniques are associated with tissue loss, risk of wound break down, and chronic healing problems. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare sinus excision and primary closure vs a laying open technique in a prospective randomized trial. DESIGN, PATIENTS, AND INTERVENTIONS: Eighty patients were randomly assigned to sinus excision and primary closure (n = 39) or laying open (n = 41). Follow-up was performed 1, 3, and 12 months after surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The main outcome measure was the healing rate after 1 year. RESULTS: The healing rate was significantly higher after excision and closure than after laying open at 1 month (20 of 39 vs 8 of 41; P = .005) and 3 months (36 of 38 vs 28 of 39; P = .013) after surgery. At follow-up 12 months after surgery no difference was seen in healing rate between the treatment arms (33 of 37 vs 37 of 38; P = .198). CONCLUSIONS: This prospective randomized trial shows that sinus excision and primary closure results in faster healing than laying open does, but there is no difference in healing rate after 1 year. The laying open procedure is minimally invasive with small risks for the patient, and it might therefore be considered more frequently as the first choice of treatment (www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00997048).

Pharmacology of perioperative 5-fluorouracil.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze our current pharmacologic data regarding the perioperative use of 5-fluorouracil in the treatment of peritoneal surface malignancies. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from appendiceal malignancy were included in this pharmacological study. RESULTS: In the nine patients who received early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy, the area under the curve for intraperitoneal 5-fluorouracil was 43,000 (±20,300) µg/ml × min and for intravenous 5-fluorouracil was 157 (±99) µg/ml × min. The area under the curve ratio was 422 (±360). In 20 patients who received intravenous 5-fluorouracil in the operating room intraperitoneal 5-fluorouracil levels maintained a higher level as compared to the intravenous drug level over the 90 min of drug sampling. The area under the curve ratio of peritoneal fluid to plasma was 2.3 (±1.3). The area under curve ratio of peritoneal fluid to tumor nodules was 9.9 (±9.8). The area under the curve ratio of plasma to tumor nodules was 5.2 (±4.7). CONCLUSIONS: By modulating the route or timing of administration of 5-fluorouracil, it becomes a pharmacologic advantageous molecule in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis of an appendiceal malignancy. 5-fluorouracil remains the cornerstone of the perioperative management of peritoneal carcinomatosis of gastrointestinal origin.

Prevalence and associated factors of tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus comorbidity: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: The dual burden of tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) has become a major global public health concern. There is mounting evidence from different countries on the burden of TB and DM comorbidity. The objective of this systematic review was to summarize the existing evidence on prevalence and associated/risk factors of TBDM comorbidity at global and regional levels. METHODS: Ovid Medline, Embase, Global health, Cochrane library, Web of science and Scopus Elsevier databases were searched to identify eligible articles for the systematic review. Data were extracted using standardized excel form and pilot tested. Median with interquartile range (IQR) was used to estimate prevalence of TBDM comorbidity. Associated/risk factors that were identified from individual studies were thematically analyzed and described. RESULTS: The prevalence of DM among TB patients ranged from 1.9% to 45%. The overall median global prevalence was 16% (IQR 9.0%-25.3%) Similarly, the prevalence of TB among DM patients ranged from 0.38% to 14% and the overall median global prevalence was 4.1% (IQR 1.8%-6.2%). The highest prevalence of DM among TB patients is observed in the studied countries of Asia, North America and Oceania. On the contrary, the prevalence of TB among DM patients is low globally, but relatively higher in the studied countries of Asia and the African continents. Sex, older age, urban residence, tobacco smoking, sedentary lifestyle, poor glycemic control, having family history of DM and TB illness were among the variables identified as associated/risk factors for TBDM comorbidity. CONCLUSION: This systematic review revealed that there is a high burden of DM among TB patients at global level. On the contrary, the global prevalence of TB among DM patients is low. Assessing the magnitude and risk/associated factors of TBDM comorbidity at country/local level is crucial before making decisions to undertake TBDM integrated services.

Prophylactic Resorbable Synthetic Mesh to Prevent Wound Dehiscence and Incisional Hernia in High High-risk Laparotomy: A Pilot Study of Using TIGR Matrix Mesh.

BACKGROUND: Wound dehiscence and incisional hernia are potentially serious complications following abdominal surgery, especially if performed through a midline incision. Although prophylactic reinforcement with on-lay mesh has been shown to reduce this risk, a permanent mesh carries the risk of seroma formation, infection, and persistent pain. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of a reabsorbable on-lay mesh to reinforce the midline suture in patients with high risk for wound dehiscence or incisional hernia. METHOD: Sixteen patients with three or more risk factors for wound dehiscence or incisional hernia were included. A TIGR(®) Matrix mesh, composed of a mixture of 40% copolymer fibers of polyglycolide, polylactide, and polytrimethylene carbonate and 60% copolymer fibers of polylactide and polytrimethylene carbonate, was placed on the aponeurosis with an overlap of five on either side and fixated with continuous monofilament polydioxanone suture. All postoperative complications were registered at clinical follow-up. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 9 months. One patient developed a seroma that needed drainage and antibiotic treatment. One patient had a wound infection that needed antibiotic treatment. There was no complication requiring a reoperation. No wound dehiscence or incisional hernia was seen. CONCLUSION: On-lay placement of TIGR(®) Matrix is safe and may provide a feasible way of reinforcing the suture line in patients with high risk for postoperative wound dehiscence or incisional hernia. Larger samples are required, however, if one is to draw any conclusion regarding the safety and effectiveness of this technique.

Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased mortality during tuberculosis treatment: a prospective cohort study among tuberculosis patients in South-Eastern Amahra Region, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence suggesting that diabetes mellitus (DM) affects disease presentation and treatment outcome in tuberculosis (TB) patients. This study aimed at investigating the role of DM on clinical presentations and treatment outcomes among newly diagnosed TB patients. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted in South-Eastern Amhara Region, Ethiopia from September 2013 till March 2015. Study subjects were consecutively recruited from 44 randomly selected health facilities in the study area. Participants were categorized into two patient groups, namely, patients with TB and DM (TBDM) and TB patients without DM (TBNDM). Findings on clinical presentations and treatment outcomes were compared between the two patient groups. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was applied to identify factors associated with death. RESULTS: Out of 1314 TB patients enrolled in the study, 109 (8.3 %) had coexisting DM. TBDM comorbidity [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) 3.96; 95 % confidence interval (C.I.) (1.76-8.89)], and TB coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) [AHR 2.59; 95 % C.I. (1.21-5.59)] were associated with increased death. TBDM and TBNDM patients did not show significant difference in clinical symptoms at baseline and during anti-TB treatment period. However, at the 2(nd) month of treatment, TBDM patients were more symptomatic compared to patients in the TBNDM group. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that DM is associated with increased death during TB treatment. DM has no association with clinical presentation of TB except at the end of the intensive phase treatment. Routine screening of TB patients for DM is recommended for early diagnosis and treatment of patients with TBDM comorbidity.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Diabetes Mellitus among Tuberculosis Patients in South-Eastern Amhara Region, Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and tuberculosis (TB) is re-emerging worldwide. Recently, the prevalence of DM is increasing in resource poor countries where TB is of high burden. The objective of the current study was to determine the prevalence and analyze associated factors of TB and DM comorbidity in South-Eastern Amhara Region, Ethiopia. METHODS: This was a facility based cross-sectional study. All newly diagnosed TB patients attending selected health facilities in the study area were consecutively screened for DM. DM was diagnosed based on the World Health Organization diagnostic criteria. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic, lifestyles and clinical data. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with TB and DM comorbidity. RESULT: Among a total of 1314 patients who participated in the study, the prevalence of DM was estimated at 109 (8.3%). Being female [odds ratio (OR) 1.70; 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.10-2.62)], patients age [41-64 years (OR 3.35; 95% CI (2.01-5.57), 65-89 years (OR 3.18; 95% CI (1.52-6.64)], being a pulmonary TB case [(OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.09-2.63)] and having a family history of DM [(OR 4.54; 95% CI (2.36-8.73)] were associated factors identified with TB and DM comorbidity. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of DM among TB patients in South-Eastern Amahra Region is high. Routine screening of TB patients for DM is recommended in the study area.