Lung ultrasonography as a direct measure of evolving respiratory dysfunction and disease severity in patients with acute pancreatitis

Background

The value of lung ultrasonography in the diagnosis of respiratory dysfunction and severity stratification in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) was investigated.

Methods

Over a 3-month period, 41 patients (median age: 59.1 years; 21 males) presenting with a diagnosis of potential AP were prospectively recruited. Each participant underwent lung ultrasonography and the number of comet tails was linked with contemporaneous clinical data. Group comparisons, areas under the curve (AUC) and respective measures of diagnostic accuracy were investigated.

Results

A greater number of comet tails were evident in patients with respiratory dysfunction (P = 0.021), those with severe disease (P < 0.001) and when contemporaneous and maximum CRP exceeded 100 mg/L (P = 0.048 and P = 0.003 respectively). Receiver-operator characteristic plot area under the curve (AUC) was greater when examining upper lung quadrants, using respiratory dysfunction and AP severity as variables of interest (AUC = 0.783, 95% C.I.: 0.544–0.962, and AUC = 0.996, 95% C.I.: 0.982–1.000, respectively). Examining all lung quadrants except for the lower lateral resulted in greater AUCs for contemporaneous and maximum CRP (AUC = 0.708, 95% C.I.: 0.510–0.883, and AUC = 0.800, 95% C.I.: 0.640–0.929).

Discussion

Ultrasonography of non-dependent lung parenchyma can reliably detect evolving respiratory dysfunction in AP. This simple bedside technique shows promise as an adjunct to severity stratification.     

Outcome of low body weight (<2.2 kg) infants undergoing cardiac surgery

Introduction

Infants with low body weight (LBW) following cardiac surgery are a major challenge for the post cardiac surgery care unit. It has been observed that post surgery outcome for LBW infants is worse compared to the outcome of normal body weight infants. A study was conducted to compare post operative course and outcome of infants with body weight of 2.2 kg or less against infants with normal body weight who underwent similar cardiac surgeries.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed for all infants below 2.2 kg who underwent cardiac operations at King Abdulaziz Cardiac Center from January 2001 to October 2011. Cases with LBW (Group A) were compared with matching group (Group B) of normal body weight infants who had similar cardiac surgeries and matching surgical risk category. The demographic, ICU parameters, complications, and short-term outcome of both groups were analyzed.

Results

Two groups were formed, with 37 patients in Group A, and 39 patients in Group B. Except for weight (2.13 ± 0.08 kg in Group A vs 3.17 ± 0.2 kg in Group B), there was no statistical difference in demographic data between both groups. Cardiac procedures included coarctation repair, arterial switch, ventricular septal defect (VSD) repair, tetralogy of Fallot repair, systemic to pulmonary shunt and Norwood procedures. Patients in Group A had statistically significant difference from Group B in terms of bypass time (p = 0.01), duration of inotropes (p = 0.01), duration of mechanical ventilation (p = 0.004), number of re-intubations (p = 0.015), PCICU length of stay (p = 0.007), and hospital mortality: 13.5% in Group A vs 0% in Group B (p value 0.02).

Conclusion

Patients with LBW (<2.2 kg) underwent cardiac surgery with overall satisfactory results, but with increased risk of ICU morbidity and mortality.     

Perioperative blood transfusion is not associated with overall survival or time to recurrence after resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

Background

Perioperative blood transfusions have been associated with worse oncological outcome in several types of cancer. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of perioperative blood transfusions on time to recurrence and overall survival (OS) in patients who underwent curative-intent resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with resected PHC between 1992 and 2013 in a specialized center. Patients with 90-day mortality after surgery were excluded. Patients who did and did not receive perioperative blood transfusions were compared using univariable Kaplan–Meier analysis and multivariable Cox regression.

Results

Of 145 included patients, 80 (55.2%) received perioperative blood transfusions. The median OS was 49 months for patients without and 41 months for patients with blood transfusions (P = 0.46). In risk-adjusted multivariable Cox regression analysis, blood transfusion was not associated with OS (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.59–1.68, P = 0.99) or time to recurrence (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.57–1.78, P = 0.99). In addition, no differences in effect were found between different types of blood products transfused.

Conclusion

Blood transfusion was not associated with survival or time to recurrence after curative resection of PHC in this series. The alleged association is presumably related to the circumstances necessitating blood transfusions.     

Value of E-PASS models for predicting postoperative morbidity and mortality in resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder carcinoma

Background

It has previously been reported that a general risk model, Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical Stress (E-PASS), and its modified version, mE-PASS, had a high predictive power for postoperative mortality and morbidity in a variety of gastrointestinal surgeries. This study evaluated their utilities in proximal biliary carcinoma resection.

Methods

E-PASS variables were collected in patients undergoing resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder carcinoma in Japanese referral hospitals.

Results

Analysis of 125 patients with gallbladder cancer and 97 patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (n = 222). Fifty-six patients (25%) underwent liver resection with either hemihepatectomy or extended hemihepatectomy. The E-PASS models showed a high discrimination power to predict in-hospital mortality; areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% confidence intervals) were 0.85 (0.76–0.94) for E-PASS and 0.82 (0.73–0.91) for mE-PASS. The predicted mortality rates correlated with the severity of postoperative complications (Spearman''s rank correlation coefficient: ρ = 0.51, P < 0.001 for E-PASS; ρ = 0.47, P < 0.001 for mE-PASS).

Conclusions

The E-PASS models examined herein may accurately predict postoperative morbidity and mortality in proximal biliary carcinoma resection. These models will be useful for surgical decision-making, informed consent, and risk adjustments in surgical audits.     

All cholecystectomy specimens must be sent for histopathology to detect inapparent gallbladder cancer

Objectives

Traditionally, a gallbladder removed for presumed benign disease has been sent for histopathological examination (HPE), but this practice has been the subject of controversy. This study was undertaken to compare patients in whom gallbladder cancer (GBC) was diagnosed after cholecystectomy on HPE with GBC patients in whom the gallbladder was not sent for HPE and who therefore presented late with symptoms.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data for 170 GBC patients diagnosed after cholecystectomy was conducted. All patients presented to one centre during 2000–2011. These patients were divided into two groups based on the availability of histopathology reports: Group A included patients who presented early with HPE reports (n = 93), and Group B comprised patients who presented late with symptoms and without HPE reports (n = 77).

Results

The median time to presentation in Group A was significantly lower than in Group B (29 days vs. 152 days; P < 0.001). Signs or symptoms suggestive of recurrence (pain, jaundice or gastric outlet obstruction) were present in four (4.3%) patients in Group A and all (100%) patients in Group B (P < 0.001). Patients deemed operable on preoperative evaluation included all (100%) patients in Group A and 38 (49.4%) patients in Group B (P < 0.0001). The overall resectability rate (69.9% vs. 7.8%) and median survival (54 months vs. 10 months) were significantly higher in Group A compared with Group B (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Patients in whom a cholecystectomy specimen was sent for HPE presented early, had a better R0 resection rate and longer overall survival. Hence, routine HPE of all cholecystectomy specimens should be performed.     

The Effect of Patient Race on Total Joint Replacement Recommendations and Utilization in the Orthopedic Setting

BACKGROUND

The extent to which treatment recommendations in the orthopedic setting contribute to well-established racial disparities in the utilization of total joint replacement (TJR) in the treatment of advanced knee/hip osteoarthritis has not been explored.

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether orthopedic surgeons are less likely to recommend TJR to African-American patients compared to white patients with similar clinical indications, and whether there are racial differences in the receipt of TJR within six months of study enrollment.

DESIGN

Prospective, observational study.

PARTICIPANTS

African-American (AA; n = 120) and white (n = 337) patients seeking treatment for knee or hip osteoarthritis in Veterans Affairs orthopedic clinics.

MAIN MEASURES

Patients completed surveys that assessed socio-demographic and clinical variables that could influence osteoarthritis treatment. Orthopedic surgeons’ notes were reviewed to determine whether patients had been recommended for TJR and whether they underwent the procedure within 6 months of study enrollment.

RESULTS

Rate of TJR recommendation was 19.5%. Odds of receiving a TJR recommendation were lower for AA than white patients of similar age and disease severity (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.26–0.83; P = 0.01). However, this difference was not significant after adjusting for patient preference for TJR (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.36–1.31, P = 0.25). Overall, 10.3% of patients underwent TJR within 6 months. TJR was less likely for AA patients than for white patients of similar age and disease severity (OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.16–1.05, P = 0.06), but this difference was reduced after adjusting for whether patients had received a recommendation for the procedure at the index visit (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.21–1.54, P = 0.27).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, race differences in patient preferences for TJR appeared to underlie race differences in TJR recommendations, which led to race differences in utilization of the procedure. Our findings suggest that patient treatment preferences play an important role in racial disparities in TJR utilization in the orthopedic setting.KEY WORDS: healthcare disparities, total joint replacement, orthopedic surgery, osteoarthritis, patient preference     

Patterns of recurrence after resection of gallbladder cancer without routine extrahepatic bile duct resection

Objective

Routine extrahepatic bile duct (EBD) resection in non-jaundiced patients with gallbladder cancer (GBC) is controversial. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyse patterns of recurrence in patients who underwent resection of GBC without routine EBD resection.

Methods

This analysis referred to 58 patients who had undergone explorative laparotomy for GBC during 2000–2012 at a single, tertiary referral centre. Overall survival, time to recurrence, and patterns of recurrence were assessed in patients who underwent conventional negative-margin (R0) resection without routine EBD resection.

Results

Of 58 patients submitted to explorative laparotomy for GBC, 26 (45%) patients underwent R0 resection without EBD resection (tumour stage T1b in five patients, T2 in 17, T3 in three, and T4 in one). The 3-year survival rate among these patients was 78% at a median follow-up of 33 months (range: 13–127 months). Seven patients developed recurrent disease at a median of 9 months (range: 2–25 months) after resection. No patients developed isolated recurrent disease at the EBD.

Conclusions

Of 26 patients resected for GBC, none developed isolated recurrent disease at the EBD after conventional resection of GBC without EBD resection. This finding suggests that routine EBD resection is of no additional value.     

Comparison of Modified Blumgart pancreaticojejunostomy and pancreaticogastrostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background

The aim of this study was to compare perioperative outcomes after Blumgart pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) and pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) for pancreatic-enteric reconstruction following pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Methods

Data of patients undergoing Blumgart PJ and PG were retrieved from prospectively-collected database. Matched patients in each surgical groups were included based on the Callery risk scoring system for clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) (grades B and C). Surgical parameters and risks were compared between these two groups.

Results

A total of 206 patients undergoing PD were included. Blumgart PJ was associated with shorter postoperative hospital stay (median (range) 25 (10–99) vs. 27 (10–97) days, P = 0.022). There was no surgical mortality in the Blumgart PJ group, but a 4.9% perioperative mortality in the PG, P = 0.030. The CR-POPF by Blumgrt PG is significantly lower than that by PG for overall patients (7% vs. 20%, P = 0.007), especially for those in intermediate fistula risk zone (6% vs. 21%, P = 0.048) and high fistula risk zone (14% vs. 47%, P = 0.038).

Conclusions

Blumgart PJ is superior to PG in terms of pancreatic leakage and surgical mortality. Blumgart PJ can be recommended for pancreatic reconstruction after PD for all pancreatic remnant subtypes.     

B-Type natriuretic peptide levels predict extent and severity of coronary artery disease in non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome and normal left ventricular function

Background

B-type natriuretic peptide has been used as a biological marker for prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, a relation between the quantity of BNP levels and the severity of coronary artery disease has not been systematically evaluated.

Methods

197 patients with ACS without ST elevation with normal LV systolic function were enrolled. BNP was measured in all recruited patients within 12 h of hospitalization. All patients underwent coronary angiography. We correlated BNP levels in patients with unstable angina (USAP) and non ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) with angiographic disease severity including Gensini Score.

Results

BNP levels were significantly higher in the NSTEMI group in comparison to the USAP Group (161 ± 149.3 vs 79.6 ± 94.2 pg/mL; p < 0.001). BNP levels rose significantly with increasing number of vessels involved (1-vessel = 51.4 ± 31.6; 2-vessels = 114.0 ± 67.8; 3 vessels = 265.4 ± 188.8 pg/mL, p < 0.001). Most importantly, BNP> 80 pg/ml was found to strongly predict the presence of Triple vessel disease (odds ratio 18.87; 95% confidence intervals 5.36–66.36), and Double vessel disease (odds ratio 3.62; 95% confidence intervals 1.75–7.47). In single vessel group, BNP was significantly higher when LAD was involved vessel (64.78 vs 49.76 pg/mL, p < 0.05).Gensini Score showed a strong correlation with BNP levels (r = 0.675, p < 0.01), and Gensini Score was significantly higher in those with BNP> 80 pg/ml (40.9 ± 29.7 vs 13.4 ± 16.5 p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Circulating BNP levels appear elevated in Non ST Elevation ACS, even in the absence of LV systolic dysfunction. High BNP levels are associated with multi-vessel disease and diffuse coronary atherosclerosis.     

The role of three-dimensional imaging in optimizing diagnosis,classification and surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus

Background

Accurate assessment of characteristics of tumor and portal vein tumor thrombus is crucial in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Aims

Comparison of the three-dimensional imaging with multiple-slice computed tomography in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus.

Method

Patients eligible for surgical resection were divided into the three-dimensional imaging group or the multiple-slice computed tomography group according to the type of preoperative assessment. The clinical data were collected and compared.

Results

74 patients were enrolled into this study. The weighted κ values for comparison between the thrombus type based on preoperative evaluation and intraoperative findings were 0.87 for the three-dimensional reconstruction group (n = 31) and 0.78 for the control group (n = 43). Three-dimensional reconstruction was significantly associated with a higher rate of en-bloc resection of tumor and thrombus (P = 0.025). Using three-dimensional reconstruction, significant correlation existed between the predicted and actual volumes of the resected specimens (r = 0.82, P < 0.01), as well as the predicted and actual resection margins (r = 0.97, P < 0.01). Preoperative three-dimensional reconstruction significantly decreased tumor recurrence and tumor-related death, with hazard ratios of 0.49 (95% confidential interval, 0.27–0.90) and 0.41 (95% confidential interval, 0.21–0.78), respectively.

Conclusion

For hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus, three-dimensional imaging was efficient in facilitating surgical treatment and benefiting postoperative survivals.     

Evaluation of an enhanced recovery protocol after pancreaticoduodenectomy in elderly patients

Background

Recent evidence has shown that enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols decrease hospital stay following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The aims of this study were to assess the feasibility and to evaluate the effect of introducing ERAS principles after PD in elderly patients.

Methods

Patients ≥75 years were defined as elderly. Comparison of postoperative outcome was performed between 22 elderly patients who underwent ERAS (elderly ERAS + patients) and a historical cohort of 66 elderly patients who underwent standard protocols (elderly ERAS-patients).

Results

The lowest adherence with ERAS among elderly patients was observed for starting a solid food diet within POD 4 (n = 7) and early drains removal (n = 2). The highest adherence was observed for post-operative glycemic control (n = 21), epidural analgesia (n = 21), mobilization (n = 20) and naso-gastric removal in POD 0 (n = 20). Post-operative outcomes did not differ between elderly ERAS+ and elderly ERAS- patients. In patients with an uneventful postoperative course, the median intention to discharge was earlier in elderly ERAS + patients as compared to the elderly ERAS- patients (4 days versus 8 days, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

An ERAS protocol following PD seems to be feasible and safe among elderly although it is not associated with improved postoperative outcomes.     

Correlations between brachial endothelial function and cardiovascular risk factors: a survey of 2,511 Chinese subjects

Objective

We examined the relationship of several cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) to brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) in Chinese subjects.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study. In 2,511 Chinese adults (age 46.86±9.52 years, 1,891 men and 620 women) recruited from people who underwent health screening at The Third Xiangya Hospital, patients’ CVRF [age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), cholesterol parameters, creatinine (Cr), uric acid (UA), glucose level and smoking] and prevalence of present disease (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease and hyperlipidemia) were investigated.

Results

Multivariate analysis revealed that FMD negative correlated with age (β=–0.29, P<0.001), gender (β=–0.12, P<0.001), BMI (β=–0.12, P=0.001), WC (β=–0.10, P=0.011), systolic BP (SBP) (β=–0.12, P<0.001), fasting glucose (β=–0.04, P=0.009), total cholesterol (TC) (β=–0.04, P=0.014), smoking (β=–0.05, P=0.003), and baseline brachial artery diameter (β=–0.35, P<0.001). FMD decreased with increasing age in both genders. In women, FMD was higher than men and age-related decline in FMD was steepest after age 40; FMD was similar in men above 55 years old.

Conclusions

In Chinese subjects, FMD may be a usefully marker of CVRF. Age, gender, BMI, WC, SBP, fasting glucose, TC, smoking, and baseline brachial artery diameter were independent variables related to the impairment of FMD. The influence of CVRF on endothelial function is more in women than men.     

Effects of loco regional treatments before living donor liver transplantation on overall survival and recurrence-free survival in South Korean patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

We evaluated the effects of pre-transplant locoregional treatment on survival in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), and the most accurate method for predicting survival after LDLT in patients who received pre-transplant locoregional treatment.

Methods

From December 2003 to December 2012, 234 patients underwent LDLT for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at our transplant center. We retrospectively reviewed 86 patients newly diagnosed with HCC and who received pre-transplant locoregional treatments at our hospital.

Results

Of the 33 patients with HCC initially beyond the Milan criteria, 12 experienced successful down-staging after locoregional treatments, and the 5-year recurrence-free survival was 81.8%, which was comparable to those in patients with HCC initially within the Milan criteria. A bad responder according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) [HR, 4.874 (1.059–22.442), p = 0.042], and increased AFP levels [HR 4.002 (1.540–10.397), p = 0.004] during pre-transplant locoregional treatments were independent risk factors for HCC recurrence after LDLT in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Liver transplantation may be considered after successful down-staging in patients with HCC initially beyond the Milan criteria. The mRECIST and serum AFP level changes are better selection criteria for LDLT in patients who have received locoregional treatments.     

The Effectiveness of a Physician-Only and Physician–Patient Intervention on Colorectal Cancer Screening Discussions Between Providers and African American and Latino Patients

BACKGROUND

Physician recommendation of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is a critical facilitator of screening completion. Providing patients a choice of screening options may increase CRC screening completion, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to assess the effectiveness of physician-only and physician–patient interventions on increasing rates of CRC screening discussions as compared to usual care.

DESIGN

This study was quasi-experimental. Clinics were allocated to intervention or usual care; patients in intervention clinics were randomized to receipt of patient intervention.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients aged 50 to 75 years, due for CRC screening, receiving care at either a federally qualified health care center or an academic health center participated in the study.

INTERVENTION

Intervention physicians received continuous quality improvement and communication skills training. Intervention patients watched an educational video immediately before their appointment.

MAIN MEASURES

Rates of patient-reported 1) CRC screening discussions, and 2) discussions of more than one screening test.

KEY RESULTS

The physician–patient intervention (n = 167) resulted in higher rates of CRC screening discussions compared to both physician-only intervention (n = 183; 61.1 % vs.50.3 %, p = 0.008) and usual care (n = 153; 61.1 % vs. 34.0 % p = 0.03). More discussions of specific CRC screening tests and discussions of more than one test occurred in the intervention arms than in usual care (44.6 % vs. 22.9 %,p = 0.03) and (5.1 % vs. 2.0 %, p = 0.036), respectively, but discussion of more than one test was uncommon. Across all arms, 143 patients (28.4 %) reported discussion of colonoscopy only; 21 (4.2 %) reported discussion of both colonoscopy and stool tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to usual care and a physician-only intervention, a physician–patient intervention increased rates of CRC screening discussions, yet discussions overwhelmingly focused solely on colonoscopy. In underserved patient populations where access to colonoscopy may be limited, interventions encouraging discussions of both stool tests and colonoscopy may be needed.KEY WORDS: colorectal cancer screening, health literacy, randomized trial, physician communication of preventive care     

Spirometric values and chest pain intensity three days post-operative coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Aim

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is proved to have ventilatory complications and reduction in spirometric values. This study aimed to examine the hypothesis that reduction of post-operative chest pain intensity would be associated with improvement in the spirometric values for patient underwent CABG.

Materials and method

26 cardiac patients recruited for this study. Their convenience to the study inclusion criteria decided their eligibility. Through 3 days after elective CABG their spirometric values were measured along with their perception to chest pain intensity using 0–10 numeric rating scale. Collected data were recorded and analyzed statistically.

Results

Chest pain intensity showed progressive significant (P = 0.0001) reduction through the 3 days post-operative. On the other hand spirometric values also showed progressive improvement through the 3 days post-operative. This improvement was significant for all measured spirometric values except for the ratio of forced expiratory volume in the 1st second to the forced vital capacity (P = 0.134). There was no significant relationship between the chest pain intensity and spirometric values. This was applied to all measured spirometric values and to the 3 days postoperative.

Conclusion

The current study findings rejected the examined hypothesis that reduction of post-operative chest pain intensity would be associated with improvement in the spirometric values for patient underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery. There was no significant relationship between the chest pain intensity and any of the spirometric values at any of the 3 post-operative days.     

Effectiveness of a Physical Activity and Weight Loss Intervention for Middle-Aged Women: Healthy Bodies,Healthy Hearts Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and remains highly prevalent in middle-aged women.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that an interventionist-led (IL), primary-care–based physical activity (PA) and weight loss intervention would increase PA levels and decrease weight to a greater degree than a self-guided (SG) program.

DESIGN

We conducted a randomized trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Ninety-nine inactive women aged 45–65 years and with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² were recruited from three primary care clinics.

INTERVENTIONS

The interventionist-led (IL) group (n = 49) had 12 weekly sessions of 30 min discussions with 30 min of moderate-intensity PA. The self-guided (SG) group (n = 50) received a manual for independent use.

MAIN MEASURES

Assessments were conducted at 0, 3, and 12 months; PA and weight were primary outcomes. Weight was measured with a standardized protocol. Leisure PA levels were assessed using the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire. Differences in changes by group were analyzed with a t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Mixed models were used to analyze differences in changes of outcomes by group, using an intention-to-treat principle.

KEY RESULTS

Data from 98 women were available for analysis. At baseline, mean (SD) age was 53.9 (5.4) years and 37 % were black. Mean weight was 92.3 (17.7) kg and mean BMI was 34.7 (5.9) kg/m². Median PA level was 2.8 metabolic equivalent hours per week (MET-hour/week) (IQR 0.0, 12.0). At 3 months, IL women had a significantly greater increase in PA levels (7.5 vs. 1.9 MET-hour/week; p = 0.02) than SG women; there was no significant difference in weight change. At 12 months, the difference between groups was no longer significant (4.7 vs. 0.7 MET-hour/week; p = 0.38). Mixed model analysis showed a significant (p = 0.048) difference in PA change between groups at 3 months only.

CONCLUSIONS

The IL intervention was successful in increasing the physical activity levels of obese, inactive middle-aged women in the short-term. No significant changes in weight were observed.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11606-014-3077-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.KEY WORDS: physical activity, exercise, clinical trial, intervention     

Regression methods for analyzing the risk factors for a life style disease among the young population of India

Background

With modernization, rapid urbanization and industrialization, the price that the society is paying is tremendous load of “Non-Communicable” diseases, referred to as “Lifestyle Diseases”. Coronary artery disease (CAD), one of the lifestyle diseases that manifests at a younger age can have divesting consequences for an individual, the family and society. Prevention of these diseases can be done by studying the risk factors, analyzing and interpreting them using various statistical methods.

Objective

To determine, using logistic regression the relative contribution of independent variables according to the intensity of their influence (proven by statistical significance) upon the occurrence of values of the dependent cardio vascular risk scores. Additionally, we wanted to assess whether non parametric smoothing of the cardio vascular risk scores can be used as a better statistical method as compared to the existing methods.

Materials and methods

The study includes 498 students in the age group of 18–29 years.

Findings

Prevalence of over weight (BMI 23–25 kg/m²) and obesity (BMI > 25 Kg/m²) was found among individuals of 22 years and above. Non smokers had decreased odds (OR = 0.041, CI = 0.015–0.107) and also increase in LDL Cholesterol (OR = 1.05, CI = 1.021–1.055) and BMI (OR = 1.42, CI = 1.244–1.631) were significantly contributing towards the risk of CVD. Localite students had decreased odds of developing CVD in the next 10 years (OR = 0.27, CI = 0.092–0.799) as compared to students residing in hostel or paying guests.     

ST elevation after intracoronary administration of Papaverine for fractional flow reserve estimation

Introduction

Intracoronary (IC) papaverine which is one of the commonly used agents for Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) estimation has been reported to cause transient ST elevation in some patients. This phenomenon has not been systematically studied.

Material and methods

This is a prospective, observational study. Consecutive patients, who underwent FFR at our institute using IC papaverine from May 2012 to April 2013, were included. FFR was done when clinically indicated. The procedure involved administration of 20 mg papaverine (Paparin^® – Troikaa, Ahmedabad) as a fast bolus by intracoronary route followed by a 10 cc contrast flush, following which pressure measurements were made. Continuous ECG recording by Philips Hemodynamic Laboratory was obtained for all patients throughout the procedure. Post procedure, they were observed for any delayed effects and eventual outcome was documented. Fischer''s mid-p test was used for statistical analysis.

Result

Twenty-five patients (18 males, 7 females, mean age 57.9 ± 20 years) underwent FFR using Papaverine. The mean LVEF was (51 ± 15%). Fourteen patients (56%) developed transient ST elevation ≥0.5 mm in one or more leads which resolved spontaneously in all cases without any sequelae. The presence of a significant lesion either in the coronary artery being evaluated or in a remote coronary artery did not predict the ST elevation. 70.5% of diabetics (p = 0.02), 75% of hypertensives (p = 0.008) and 75% of patients with LVH (p = 0.008) had ST elevation. None of the 5 patients without any one of these comorbidities showed ST elevation.

Conclusion

Transient ST elevation occurs in a significant proportion of cases receiving IC papaverine which is not associated with any adverse clinical outcomes. Micro vascular dysfunction is the most likely mechanism of this phenomenon.     

Elevated CA 19-9 portends poor prognosis in patients undergoing resection of biliary malignancies

Background:

Biliary tree malignancies including cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer are aggressive cancers with a high disease-specific mortality despite resection. The aim of the present study was to identify predictors of survival after resection.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all patients that underwent radical resection of biliary malignancies was performed. Demographics, elevated CA19-9 (>35 U/ml), treatment and outcome data were collected and compared according to tumour location. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were created and compared using log-rank analysis. Multivariate analysis was undertaken using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results:

Ninety-one patients with biliary malignancies underwent surgical resection between 1992 and 2007. There were 46 (50.5%) extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (EHC), 23 (25.2%) intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (IHC) and 22 (24.2%) gallbladder carcinomas (GBC). The median (range) age was 64 (24–92) years. An elevated CA19-9 was recorded in 45 (55%) patients (52% of IHC, 63% of EHC, and 41% of GBC). The overall median (range) survival was 22.5 (0.3–153.3) months. All three groups were similar in terms of age, gender, pre-operative CA 19-9 level, completeness of resection and tumour histopathological characteristics. GBC were associated with the shortest median survival (14.3 months) followed by EHC (24.8 months) and IHC (30.4 months); however, this did not meet statistical significance (P= 0.971). Only elevated pre-operative CA 19-9 level (>35 U/ml) was predictive of poor median survival by univariate (P= 0.003) and multivariate analysis (15.1 months vs. 67.4, P= 0.047).

Conclusions:

Elevated pre-operative CA 19-9 levels were found to be independent predictors of poor survival after attempted resection for biliary tree malignancies. It is recommended that CA19-9 be routinely measured prior resection.     

N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide,a surrogate biomarker of combined clinical and hemodynamic outcomes following percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy

Aim

To examine the relationship between plasma levels of N-terminal-proB type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and various echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters in patients with mitral stenosis undergoing percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy (PTMC).

Materials and methods

The study population consisted of 100 patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis who underwent PTMC. NT-proBNP levels in these patients were measured before PTMC and 48 hours after PTMC. These levels were then correlated with various echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters measured before and after PTMC.

Results

Eighty-one percent of the study population were women, and the most common presenting symptom was dyspnea which was present in 94% of the patients. Dyspnea New York Heart Association class correlated significantly with baseline NT-proBNP levels (r = 0.63; p < 0.01). The plasma NT-proBNP levels in these patients increased as echocardiogram signs of left atrial enlargement and right ventricular hypertrophy developed (r = 0.59, p < 0.01). Patients in atrial fibrillation had significantly higher NT-proBNP levels than patients in sinus rhythm. Baseline NT-proBNP levels correlated significantly with left atrial volume (r = 0.38; p < 0.01), left atrial volume index (r = 0.45; p < 0.01), systolic pulmonary artery pressures (r = 0.42; p < 0.01), and mean pulmonary artery pressures (r = 0.41; p < 0.01). All patients who underwent successful PTMC showed a significant decrease in NT-proBNP (decreased from a mean 763.8 pg/mL to 348.6 pg/mL) along with a significant improvement in all echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters (p < 0.01). The percent change in NT-proBNP correlated significantly with the percent improvement noted with left atrial volume (r = 0.39; p < 0.01), left atrial volume index (r = 0.41; p < 0.01), systolic (r = 0.32, p < 0.01), and mean pulmonary artery pressures (r = 0.31, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The decrease in NT-proBNP levels following PTMC reflects an improvement in clinical and hemodynamic status; hence, it is reasonable to suggest that NT-proBNP is helpful in evaluating the response to PTMC.