Reduction of ventricular arrhythmias with synchronized LV pacing—fact,fiction, or fortuitous

Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology -     

Chronic tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) use in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC): can this lead to the adverse effect of hypogonadism?

Background: Patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) are commonly treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). An adverse effect frequently suffered by patients is lethargy, which often leads to dose reduction or drug cessation. We aimed to assess whether hypogonadism is related to treatment with TKIs.

Methods: We prospectively assessed gonadal function in 41 consecutive males with mRCC treated with TKIs. Demographic, clinical, and biochemical variables were collected, and statistical analyses performed to assess correlation and survival. Data Capture for each patient was perfomred at the time of entry in the study.

Results: There was a 77% incidence of hypogonadism in this cohort. Assessment of testosterone level and time on TKI treatment revealed a correlation with linear regression R² of 0.24 and regression coefficient of ?0.003 (p = 0.019). Odds ratio for hypogonadism at >30 months on TKIs was 12.1 (p = 0.011). Odds ratios above and below this value showed a confirmatory trend, suggesting that this may be a chronic adverse effect.

Conclusions: Our findings provide an important and robust hypothesis for a prospective clinical trial to be performed.

Expert Opinion: Given the present data, patients who have symptoms suggestive of hypogonadism must have an assessment of gonadal function and be treated.     

Acute Ischemic Stroke Therapy in Infective Endocarditis: Case Series and Systematic Review

Objectives: To evaluate the safety of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) therapy in patients with infective endocarditis (IE) with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) or endovascular therapy (EVT) such as mechanical thrombectomy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients who underwent AIS therapy with IVT or EVT at a tertiary referral center from 2013 to 2017, that were later diagnosed with acute IE as the causative mechanism. We then performed a systematic review of reports of acute ischemic reperfusion therapy in IE since 1995 for their success rates in terms of neurological outcome, and mortality, and their risk of hemorrhagic complication. Results: In the retrospective portion, 8 participants met criteria, of whom 4 received IVT and 4 received EVT. Through systematic review, 24 publications of 32 participants met criteria. Combined, a total of 40 participants were analyzed: 18 received IVT alone, 1 received combined IVT plus EVT, and 21 received EVT alone. IVT compared to EVT were similar in rates of good neurologic outcomes (58% versus 76%, P= .22) and mortality (21% versus 19%, P= .87), but had higher post-therapy intracranial hemorrhage (63% versus 18% [P= .006]). Conclusion: IV thrombolysis has a higher rate of post-therapy intracranial hemorrhage compared to EVT. EVT should be considered as first-line AIS therapy for patients with known, or suspected, IE who present with a large vessel occlusion.     

Virtual preoperative planning and 3D printing are valuable for the management of complex orthopaedic trauma

Purpose: The technology of 3D printing (3DP) exists for quite some time, but it is still not utilized to its full potential in the field of orthopaedics and traumatology, such as underestimating its worth in virtual preoperative planning (VPP) and designing various models, templates, and jigs. It can be a significant tool in the reduction of surgical morbidity and better surgical outcome avoiding various associated complications. Methods: An observational study was done including 91 cases of complex trauma presented in our institution requiring operative fixation. Virtual preoperative planning and 3DP were used in the management of these fractures. Surgeons managing these cases were given a set of questionnaire and responses were recorded and assessed as a quantitative data. Results: In all the 91 cases, where VPP and 3DP were used, the surgeons were satisfied with the outcome which they got intraoperatively and postoperatively. Surgical time was reduced, with a better outcome. Three dimensional models of complex fracture were helpful in understanding the anatomy and sketching out the plans for optimum reduction and fixation. The average score of the questionnaire was 4.5, out of a maximum of 6, suggesting a positive role of 3DP in orthopaedics. Conclusion: 3DP is useful in complex trauma management by accurate reduction and placement of implants, reduction of surgical time and with a better outcome. Although there is an initial learning curve to understand and execute the VPP and 3DP, these become easier with practice and experience.     

Extent of re-excision,sequence/timing of salvage re-irradiation,and disease-free interval impact upon clinical outcomes in recurrent/progressive ependymoma

Journal of Neuro-Oncology - To report clinical outcomes of salvage re-irradiation (re-RT) in recurrent/progressive ependymoma. Medical records of patients treated with curative-intent re-RT as...     

Urinary Dysfunction Assessment in Long-Term Survivors of Carcinoma Cervix Using LENT SOMA Scale: An Indian Study Addressing Quality of Life Issues

Background: Carcinoma cervix is the second most common type of cancer in the world. With the increasingproportion of women surviving carcinoma of the cervix, quality of life has been an important clinical issue. Sincethere are very few studies from India, this study is to assess urinary dysfunction issues in patients of carcinoma cervixtreated with multimodality therapy using the LENT SOMA scores. Methods: The study was prospective and patientstreated between 1995 - 2007 on follow up were included in this study after ethical clearance. A total of 85 patientswere accrued comprising 6 stage IB, 6 stage II A, 25 stage II B, 2 stage IIIA, 45 stage III B and 1 stage IV A disease.Sixty-six patients were treated with radiotherapy in which 46 patients received chemoradiotherapy and 19 had surgeryprior to post-operative radiotherapy. The mean age was 47.81 years with a range of 25-68 years. Completion of LENTSOMA scale and Statistical analysis was done. Results: Mean score for BU (Bladder/Urethra) was highest (0.0758) infifth year of treatment whereas UK (Ureter/Kidney score was highest (0.0408) after 4 years. Bladder score was more in60-69 years of age and in stage IIIB patients of cervical cancers. Bladder morbidity was more in patients who receivedchemoradiotherapy and in patients who received radiotherapy with boost where Bladder and Urethra morbidity was morein patients who were treated with Extended Field radiation. Conclusions: The LENT SOMA system was acceptableand feasible to use and gave us an insight into the morbidity in our patients and to develop effective management plansto reduce the post treatment symptoms and improve quality of life.