Characteristics and outcome in patients with non-specific symptoms and signs of cancer referred to a fast track cancer patient pathway; a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: In 2012 a new cancer patient pathway for patients with non-specific symptoms and signs of cancer (NSSC-CPP) was introduced in Denmark. Limited information is available about the patients referred to the NSSC-CPP and the investigational course. The aim was to describe the population and the investigational course, estimate the prevalence of cancer and one-year mortality, and identify factors associated with a subsequent cancer diagnosis in patients referred to the NSSC-CPP. METHOD: This cohort study included patients with at least one visit at the NSSC-CPP at North Zealand Hospital in Denmark (NOH) from October 1st 2013 to September 30th 2014. Data was based on retrospective reviews of the patient files. Logistic regression identified factors associated with a subsequent cancer diagnosis. Multivariate analyses were adjusted by age, gender, smoking status and alcohol consumption. Kaplan-Meier survival plots were made at one-year follow-up. RESULTS: Eight hundred twenty-five patients were included with a median age of 67 years, 47.4% were male. Prevalence of cancer within one year was 16.7% (138/825). 70.3% (97/138) were solid cancers and 29.7% (41/138) were haematological cancers. During the investigational course 76.7% went through advanced diagnostic imaging (ultrasound, CT, FDG-PET/CT or MRI). Anaemia (OR1.63 CI1.02-2.60), leucocytosis (OR 2.06 CI 1.34-3.15), thrombocytopenia (OR 4.13 CI 2.02-8.47) and elevated LDH (OR 1.64 CI 1.07-2.52) and CRP (OR 2.56 CI 1.66-3.95) were associated with a cancer diagnosis when adjusting for possible confounders. No single non-specific symptom was significantly associated with a cancer diagnosis. One-year mortality for those diagnosed with cancer was 44.2%. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of cancer matches that of another NSSC-CPP in Denmark. Deviations in basic biochemistry were associated with a higher probability of underlying cancer and could possibly raise the level of suspicion of malignancy among physicians. High one-year mortality was seen amongst patients diagnosed with cancer.

Sternocostoclavicular Hyperostosis: An Ill-Recognized Disease.

Sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis (SCCH) is an ill-recognized, rarely diagnosed disease. Today, SCCH is widely considered part of the synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome. SCCH develops over years with intermittent attacks of pain, swelling, and reddening of the sternocostoclavicular region. The disease causes progressive hyperostosis, fusion of the sternocostoclavicular joints, and soft tissue ossification. SCCH is chronic, non-malignant, and occurs predominantly bilaterally in middle-aged women. The incidence of the disease is unknown. We present a case of isolated SCCH, where chest radiographs showed a clear development of bilateral disease over the course of more than a decade. Whole-body bone scintigraphy was performed and was suggestive of SCCH. The diagnosis was established as late as 14 years from the onset of symptoms. During this period, the patient underwent several inconclusive examinations, resulting in a delay of diagnosis and in prolonged and aggravated symptoms. With this case report, we want to draw attention to SCCH and the importance of early diagnosis of the disease.

[Nebulized salbutamol as a possible cause of lactate acidosis in a patient with acute asthma]. / Inhaleret beta(2)-agonist som mulig årsag til laktatacidose ved akut svær astma.

A 50-year-old man was in the emergency department treated for acute asthma with repeated doses of nebulized salbutamol according to guidelines, and as a result of this treatment he developed marked lactate acidosis. Lactate acidosis is not commonly listed as a side effect to nebulized salbutamol. House officers in the emergency department handling acute asthma should be aware of this paradox, though the condition may resolve in spite of continued treatment with salbutamol.