Peri-operative care considerations for primary total knee arthroplasty in the obese patient

In the United States an increasing obesity epidemic compounded with growth in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) utilization is increasing the incidence of TKA in the obese population. Arthroplasty surgeons are directly affected by the obesity epidemic and need to understand how to safely offer a range of peri-operative care for these patients in order to ensure good clinical outcomes. Preoperative care for the obese patient involves nutritional counseling, weight loss methods, consideration for bariatric surgery, physical therapy, metabolic workup with diagnosis, and management of frequent comorbid conditions. Obese patients must also be counseled on their increased risk of complications following TKA. A successful surgical result is dependent on early risk mitigation techniques including weight loss, co-morbidity management, and nutritional optimization. In the operating room several steps can be taken to improve successful outcomes when performing TKA on obese patients. Peri-operative techniques including adequate surgical exposure, component positioning, and implant selection play an important role in the longevity of the implant in the obese TKA population who are at risk for post-operative tibial loosening and increased re-operation rates. Appropriate weight-adjusted antibiotic dosing, sterile surgical techniques, wound closure and coverage are essential in reducing infection in this susceptible population. Post-operative care of the obese patient following TKA involves several unique considerations. Chronic pain and obesity are frequent comorbid conditions and post-operative pain control regimens need to be tailored to these patients to improve function and surgical outcome. Obese patients can have a higher rate of all complications compared to healthy weight. All infection and deep infection increased in obese patients and patients must be counseled on their risks pre-operatively to encourage an active role in risk mitigation in the peri-operative period.     

Impact of diabetes on outcomes in hand surgery

Diabetes mellitus is associated with the development of several pathologic conditions of the hand, including carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren disease, trigger digits, and limited joint mobility or cheiroarthropathy. In recent years, across a variety of surgical disciplines, increased emphasis has been placed on the impact of diabetes on treatment outcomes. This review provides an overview of the current literature regarding the effect of diabetes on outcomes of hand surgery for these common diabetes-related conditions. Taken as a whole, the best current evidence supports the efficacy of surgical interventions for the management of these conditions in diabetic individuals; however, additional research is required to determine whether the treatment outcomes are equivalent to those of nondiabetic patients, and whether diabetes is associated with an increased risk of complications.     

The impact of youth-onset type 2 diabetes on postoperative wound healing complications

Youth-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with a more rapid decline in β cells, and earlier onset of medical complications compared to adult-onset diabetes. However, its impact on surgical wounds remains less clear. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether youth-onset diabetes is a risk factor for wound healing complications in the 30-day postoperative period. To do so, the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database years 2012–2019 was analysed. Patients aged 18–24 with non-insulin-dependent diabetes were included. Outcomes assessed included wound infections, wound dehiscence, readmissions, and reoperation. Univariate analysis identified differences between the diabetic and non-diabetic cohorts after which, multivariate logistic regression was employed to control for potential confounding. Analysis included 1589 diabetic and 196,902 non-diabetic patients ages 18–24. The diabetic cohort exhibited a higher proportion of female (83.8% vs. 55.2%, p < 0.001), non-white (22.7% vs. 19.5%, p = 0.001), and Hispanic patients (16.2% vs. 13.6%, p = 0.002). Diabetic patients were less likely to have dirty or contaminated wounds (16.2% vs. 25.2%, p < 0.001); however had increased rates of superficial surgical site infections (SSSIs; 2.0% vs. 0.8%, p < 0.001) and readmission (4.0% vs. 3.0%, p = 0.026). After regression, diabetes remained a significant positive predictor of SSSI (odds ratio: 1.546, p = 0.022); however, it no longer significantly predicted 30-day readmission. Overall, this analysis of a large multicentre surgical outcomes database found that when compared to non-diabetics, youth-onset diabetic patients exhibited a higher proportion of SSSIs in the 30-day postoperative period. These infections were found, despite the diabetic cohort exhibiting lower rates of wound contamination. After controlling for confounding variables, youth-onset diabetes remained a significant predictor of SSSI. Clinically, prevention and treatment of diabetes along with judicious wound care is recommended.     

The safety of carotid endarterectomy in diabetic patients: clinical predictors of adverse outcome

OBJECTIVES: Patients with diabetes mellitus have been shown to have an increased incidence of complications after elective major vascular surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate a large series of diabetic patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) to determine if outcome differed from nondiabetic patients and to examine predisposing factors of poor outcome among diabetic patients. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively compiled database was performed. From 1992 through 2000, 2151 CEAs were performed at our institution. Of these, 507 were in diabetic patients (23.6%), and the remaining 1644 procedures were in nondiabetic patients (76.4%). RESULTS: Diabetic patients were significantly more likely than nondiabetic patients to have hypertension (70.8% vs 64.5%, P = .01) and cardiac disease (54.6% vs 49.1%, P = .03). They were more likely than nondiabetic patients to be symptomatic before surgery (52.5% vs 47.1%, P = .04) and to have sustained a preoperative stroke (21.3% vs 17.7%, P = .07). No differences were noted in other recorded demographic factors or in intraoperative factors between diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Despite these differences, diabetic patients had similar perioperative outcomes compared with nondiabetic patients, including perioperative myocardial infarction (0.6% vs 0.4%, P = NS), perioperative death (0.8% vs 0.5%, P = NS), and perioperative neurologic events such as transient ischemic attack and stroke (3.2% vs 2.4%, P = NS). Among diabetic patients alone, cigarette smoking, general anesthesia, the use of a shunt, and the lack of clamp tolerance while under regional anesthesia predicted adverse perioperative neurologic outcome, and contralateral occlusion was associated with increased perioperative mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Despite an increased prevalence of cardiac disease and preoperative neurologic symptoms among diabetic patients undergoing CEA, the rates of perioperative cardiac morbidity, mortality, and stroke were equal to nondiabetic patients. In contrast to nondiabetic patients, current cigarette smoking appeared to predict increased adverse neurologic outcomes among diabetic patients, and the presence of contralateral occlusion among diabetic patients appeared to predispose them towards increased perioperative mortality. The use of a general anesthetic appeared to increased perioperative neurologic risk among diabetic patients; however, this may be related to surgeon bias in the selection of anesthetic technique. Although diabetic patients may have an increase in complications after other major vascular surgical procedures, the presence of diabetes mellitus does not appear to significantly increase risk.     

SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF DIABETIC FOOT COMPLICATIONS: THE FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND PROFILE

Background : Foot complications in diabetes incur huge human and medical costs. There is a high incidence of complicated diabetes mellitus in Far North Queensland, particularly in the indigenous communities. Methods : An audit of 51 patients admitted to Cairns Base Hospital from July 1992 to December 1994 with diabetic foot complications requiring surgical intervention was performed. Results : The majority of surgical procedures were for serious infections in neuropathic feet precipitated by minor trauma. Surgical procedures included debridement/drainage, minor amputation, major amputation and arterial bypass. Half of the patients required more than one procedure and/or multiple admissions. Average length of stay was 48 days. Indigenous patients were overrepresented in this audited group. Conclusions : Prevention or minimization of diabetic foot complications can be achieved only through improvement in education and vigilance at all levels of the treatment process from community to hospital. Special attention to the needs of indigenous communities with a high incidence of diabetes must be a feature of any future initiatives.     

Perioperative challenges in management of diabetic patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery

Prediabetes and diabetes are important disease processes which have several perioperative implications. About one third of the United States population is considered to have prediabetes. The prevalence in surgical patients is even higher. This is due to the associated micro and macrovascular complications of diabetes that result in the need for subsequent surgical procedures. A careful preoperative evaluation of diabetic patients and patients at risk for prediabetes is essential to reduce perioperative mortality and morbidity. This preoperative evaluation involves an optimization of preoperative comorbidities. It also includes optimization of antidiabetic medication regimens, as the avoidance of unintentional hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic episodes during the perioperative period is crucial. The focus of the perioperative management is to ensure euglycemia and thus improve postoperative outcomes. Therefore, prolonged preoperative fasting should be avoided and close monitoring of blood glucose should be initiated and continued throughout surgery. This can be accomplished with either analysis in blood gas samples, venous phlebotomy or point-of-care testing. Although capillary and arterial whole blood glucose do not meet standard guidelines for glucose testing, they can still be used to guide insulin dosing in the operating room. Intraoperative glycemic control goals may vary slightly in different protocols but overall the guidelines suggest a glucose range in the operating room should be between 140 mg/dL to 180 mg/dL. When hyperglycemia is detected in the operating room, blood glucose management may be initiated with subcutaneous rapid-acting insulin, with intravenous infusion or boluses of regular insulin. Fluid and electrolyte management are other perioperative challenges. Notably diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic state are the two most serious acute metabolic complications of diabetes that must be recognized early and treated.     

Insulin Dependence Increases the Risk of Complications and Death in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta‐(Regression) Analysis

ObjectivesTo investigate the proportion of insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients among diabetic patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA) and whether insulin dependence is associated with postoperative complications.MethodsA systematic literature search was performed in EMBASE, PubMed, Ovid, Medline, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, the China Science and Technology Journal Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from the inception dates to 10 September 2019. Observational studies reporting adverse events with IDDM following TJA were included. Primary outcomes were cardiovascular complications, pulmonary complications, kidney complications, wound complications, infection, and other complications within 30 days of surgery. Secondary outcomes were the proportion of IDDM patients among diabetic patients undergoing TJA and its time trend.ResultsA total of 19 studies involving 85,689 participants were included. Among patients undergoing TJA, 26% of diabetic patients had IDDM. Compared with non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes (NIDDM), the incidences of cardiac arrest (risk ratio [RR], 2.346; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.553 to 3.546), renal failure (relative risk [RR], 2.758; 95% CI, 1.830 to 4.156), deep incisional surgical site infection (RR, 1.968; 95% CI, 1.107 to 3.533), wound dehiscence (RR, 2.209; 95% CI, 1.830 to 4.156), and death (RR, 2.292; 95% CI, 1.568 to 3.349) were all significantly increased in IDDM. A significant time trend was witnessed for the prevalence of IDDM (P = 0.014). There was no statistical significance for organ/space surgical site infection, thrombotic events (deep venous thrombosis/ pulmonary embolism), and revision rates.ConclusionInsulin‐dependent diabetes is an independent high‐risk factor for increased adverse outcomes relative to NIDDM, suggesting that hierarchical and optimal blood glucose management may contribute to reducing the adverse complications after surgery for these patients. In addition, because the risk of sepsis, deep wound infection, organ/space surgical site infection, urinary tract infection, renal insufficiency, and renal failure significantly increase after TJA in IDDM patients, more active postoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis may be needed on the premise of protecting renal function.     

Risk of complications after bariatric surgery among individuals with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus is highly prevalent in obese individuals. Bariatric surgery, promoted for reducing the medical problems of morbid obesity, has been increasingly recognized for its particular efficacy in treating diabetes. However, before bariatric surgery can be recommended for the treatment of diabetes, its safety in the diabetic population must be known. We assessed the odds of complications after bariatric surgery in patients with and without diabetes.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study. Using an administrative database from 7 Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans, we identified 22,288 subjects who had undergone bariatric surgery from 2002 to 2008. From this cohort, we selected 6754 pairs of surgical patients (1 with and 1 without diabetes) matched by age, gender, health plan, and year of surgery. With conditional logistic regression analysis, we determined the relative odds of postoperative complications for ≤12 months after surgery in the 2 groups.ResultsThe mean age of the surgical patients was 46 years, and 79% were women. Postoperative complications were rare and comparable in those with and without diabetes. The most common complications were nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain (8.8%), the need for a gastric revision procedure (5.0%), and upper endoscopy (2.3%). Select cardiac, infectious, and renal complications occurred more frequently in the diabetic group. The incidence of cardiac complications was greater in the 2–3-month and 4–6-month postoperative periods (odds ratio [OR] 1.7, P < .001), the incidence of infectious complications was greater in the 0–1-month (OR 1.3, P < .02) and 4–6-month (OR 1.8, P < .001) periods, and the incidence of renal complications was greater in the 2–3-month postoperative period (OR 4.6, P = .01).ConclusionsOur findings support the safety of bariatric surgery in obese individuals with diabetes, although management strategies to avert postoperative cardiac, infectious, and renal complications in this population might be warranted.     

Defective intracellular antioxidant enzyme production in type 1 diabetic patients with nephropathy

There is an individual susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy, and oxidative stress is believed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Active oxygen species induce antioxidant enzyme expression in tissues, an effect considered to be a defensive mechanism. To test whether altered intracellular antioxidant enzyme production might explain the predisposition to diabetic nephropathy, we studied the effect of long-term (12 weeks) exposure to normal (5 mmol/l) or high (22 mmol/l) glucose concentrations on fibroblast antioxidant enzyme gene expression and protein activity in type 1 diabetic patients with and without nephropathy, nondiabetic nephropathic patients, and nondiabetic control subjects. Under conditions of normal glucose concentration in the culture media, CuZnSuperoxide-dismutase, MnSuperoxide-dismutase, catalase, and glutathione-peroxidase activity and mRNA expression were not different among the four groups. Under high-glucose conditions, CuZnSuperoxide-dismutase mRNA and activity increased similarly in all groups (P < 0.001 vs. basal), whereas MnSuperoxide-dismutase did not change. In contrast, catalase mRNA and activity as well as glutathione-peroxidase mRNA and activity increased in fibroblasts from type 1 diabetic patients without nephropathy (P < 0.001), in fibroblasts from nondiabetic nephropathic patients (P < 0.001), and in fibroblasts from nondiabetic control subjects (P < 0.001), but not in fibroblasts from type 1 diabetic patients with nephropathy. Exposure to high glucose concentrations significantly increased lipid peroxidation in cells, higher levels being found in cells from diabetic patients with nephropathy (P < 0.001). These data, while confirming that exposure to high glucose concentrations induces an antioxidant defense in skin fibroblasts from normal subjects, demonstrate a failure of this defensive mechanism in cells from type 1 diabetic patients with nephropathy, whereas skin fibroblasts from diabetic patients without complications or from nondiabetic nephropathic patients have an intact antioxidant response to glucose-induced oxidative stress.     

Islet transplantation in type 1 diabetic patients

Islet transplantation has been shown to improve overall glucose homeostasis and retard the progression of complications in type I diabetic patients. Also the percentage of recipients achieving complete insulin independence has progressively increased over recent years. An unsolved problem is whether the short-term graft function is secondary to progressive islet exhaustion or to recurrent autoimmunity despite the immunosuppressive therapy. The indications for this procedure remain limited to selected type I diabetic patients. The risks of the immunosuppressive therapy are only proposed to type I diabetic recipients with uncontrolled disease, despite all efforts of the diabetologist and the patient (brittle diabetes), or with a poor quality of life due to unawareness hypoglycemia or severe chronic and progressive complications.     

Evaluation of salvage surgery for type 4 gastric cancer

Patients with type 4 gastric cancer and peritoneal metastasis respond better to chemotherapy than surgery. In particular, patients without gastric stenosis who can consume a meal usually experience better quality of life (QOL). However, some patients with unsuccessful chemotherapy are unable to consume a meal because of gastric stenosis and obstruction. These patients ultimately require salvage surgery to enable them to consume food normally. We evaluated the outcomes of salvage total gastrectomy after chemotherapy in four patients with gastric stenosis. We determined clinical outcomes of four patients who underwent total gastrectomy as salvage surgery. Outcomes were time from chemotherapy to death and QOL, which was assessed using the Support Team Assessment Schedule-Japanese version (STAS-J). Three of the patients received combination chemotherapy [tegafur, gimestat and otastat potassium (TS-1); cisplatin]. Two of these patients underwent salvage chemotherapy after 12 and 4 mo of chemotherapy. Following surgery, they could consume food adequately and their STAS-J scores improved, so their treatments were continued. The third patient underwent salvage surgery after 7 mo of chemotherapy. This patient was unable to consume food adequately after surgery and developed surgical complications. His clinical outcomes at 3 mo were very poor. The fourth patient received combination chemotherapy (TS-1 and irinotecan hydrochloride) for 6 mo and then underwent received salvage surgery. After surgery, he could consume food adequately and his STAS-J score improved, so his treatment was continued. After the surgery, he enjoyed his life for 16 mo. Of four patients who received salvage total gastrectomy after unsuccessful chemotherapy, the QOL improved in three patients, but not in the other patient. Salvage surgery improves QOL in most patients, but some patients develop surgical complications that prevent improvements in QOL. If salvage surgery is indicated, the surgeon and/or oncologist must provide the patient with a clear explanation of the purpose of surgery, as well as the possible risks and benefits to allow the patient to reach an informed decision on whether to consent to the procedure.     

Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in high-risk and elderly patients

Elective open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a proven surgical therapy with acceptable rates of perioperative mortality. Open AAA repair in elderly and high-risk patients, however, carries a significantly greater risk of surgical mortality and perioperative complications. Given the steady increase of life expectancy in developed nations, assessment of surgical outcomes and clarification of the role of emerging therapies in the aging population are of significant interest to the vascular surgeon. Selection of treatment options for these patients must be based on an individual approach, and assessment of outcomes must include more subtle parameters, such as quality of life, in addition to operative survival. Recent studies assessing the applicability of endoluminal graft repair in the elderly demonstrate that this avenue of treatment may offer substantial benefit to selected patients. We review the historical data regarding operative aneurysm repair in the high-risk and elderly population, and examine the impact of endoluminal therapy of AAAs in these challenging patients.     

Optimal hemoglobin A1C target in diabetics undergoing elective cervical spine surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXTDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-established risk factor for suboptimal outcomes following cervical spine surgery. Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), a surrogate for long-term glycemic control, is a valuable assessment tool in diabetic patients.PURPOSEIn patients undergoing elective cervical spine surgery, we sought to identify optimal HbA1c levels to: (1) maximize 1-year postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and (2) predict the occurrence of medical and surgical complications.STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGA retrospective cohort study using prospectively collected data was performed in a single academic center.Patient SampleDiabetic patients undergoing elective anterior cervical fusion and posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion (PCLF) between October 2010-March 2021 were included.OUTCOME MEASURESPrimary outcomes included Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)-Neck pain, NRS-Arm pain, and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Secondary outcomes included surgical site infection (SSI), complications, readmissions, and reoperations within 90-days postoperatively.METHODSHbA1c, demographic, comorbidity, and perioperative variables were gathered in diabetic patients only. PROs were analyzed as continuous variables and minimum clinically difference (MCID) was set at 30% improvement from baseline.RESULTSOf 1992 registry patients undergoing cervical surgery, 408 diabetic patients underwent cervical fusion surgery. Anterior: A total of 259 diabetic patients underwent anterior cervical fusion, 141 of which had an available HbA1c level within one year prior to surgery. Mean age was 55.8±10.1, and mean HbA1c value was 7.2±1.4. HbA1c levels above 6.1 were associated with failure to achieve MCID for NDI (AUC=0.77, 95%CI 0.70–0.84, p<.001), and HbA1c levels above 6.8 may be associated with increased odds of reoperation (AUC=0.61, 95%CI 0.52–0.69, p=.078). Posterior: A total of 149 diabetic patients underwent PCLF, 65 of which had an available HbA1c level within 1 year. Mean age was 63.6±9.2, and mean HbA1c value was 7.2±1.5. Despite a low AUC for NRS-Arm pain and readmission, HbA1c levels above 6.8 may be associated with failure to achieve MCID for NRS-Arm pain (AUC=0.61, 95%CI 0.49–0.73, p=.094), and HbA1c levels above 7.6 may be associated with higher readmission rate (AUC=0.63, 95%CI 0.50–0.75, p=.185).CONCLUSIONSIn a cohort of diabetic patients undergoing elective cervical spine surgery, HbA1c levels above 6.1 were associated with decreased odds of achieving MCID for NDI in anterior cervical fusion surgery. Though only moderate associations were seen for the select outcomes of reoperation (6.8), readmission (7.6), and MCID for NRS-Arm pain (6.8), preoperative optimization of HbA1c using these levels as benchmarks should be considered to reduce the risk of complications and maximize PROs for patients undergoing elective cervical spine surgery.     

Complications of blood transfusions

Transfusion in any setting is associated with risk and has the potential to cause major morbidity and even mortality. Surgical patients may have a higher risk of transfusion-associated complications because of the increased likelihood of patients requiring unplanned components in an emergency setting. Risk factors for transfusion may include acute surgical bleeding or longstanding anaemia in elective patients who have pre-existing morbidity. This article outlines potential complications which can be broadly divided into immediate or delayed. Through awareness of transfusion-associated complications there can be prompt recognition and appropriate management. Where possible, prevention of complications is key to improve outcomes in surgical patients who require blood products.     

Ankle fractures in patients with diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is considered an indicator of poor prognosis for acute ankle fractures, but this risk may be specific to an identifiable subpopulation. We retrospectively reviewed 42 patients with both diabetes mellitus and an acute, closed, rotational ankle fracture. Patients were individually matched to controls by age, gender, fracture type, and surgical vs non-surgical treatment. Outcomes were major complications during the first six months of treatment. We contrasted secondarily 21 diabetic patients with and 21 without diabetic comorbidities. Diabetic patients and controls did not differ significantly in total complication rates. More diabetic patients required long-term bracing. Diabetic patients without comorbidities had complication rates equal to their controls. Diabetic patients with comorbidities had complications at a higher rate (ten patients; 47%) than matched controls (three patients; 14%, p = 0.034). A history of Charcot neuroarthropathy led to the highest rates of complication. An increased risk of complications in diabetic patients with closed rotational fractures of the ankle are specific to a subpopulation with identifiable related comorbidities.     

An analysis of surgical outcomes in patients aged 80 years and older

ObjectivesElderly patients (aged ≥ 80 years) undergo an increasing number of operations. Elderly patients undergoing operations usually develop more postoperative complications and have poorer outcomes. The aim of this study is to identify the relative importance between preoperative and intraoperative variables to predict adverse postoperative outcomes in these patients.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the records of 404 patients (aged ≥ 80 years and underwent a noncardiac surgery) collected from the quality assurance database in our department. We reviewed the patients' preoperative and intraoperative variables as well as postoperative complications and outcomes. Odds ratios of risk factors were then calculated by univariate and multivariate analyses. In addition, hazard ratios of incidence of discharge and mortality rates were analyzed.ResultsOverall, 26.4% of patients developed one or more postoperative complications, and the in-hospital mortality rate was 6.7%. The majority of these patients had pre-existing cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension (47.5%). Respiratory complication was the most common postoperative complication (12.9%). Multivariate analysis showed male sex, anesthesia method, and colloid infusion were risk factors for increased respiratory complication. Our results showed that patients who developed different kinds of postoperative complications had a different level of risks associated with prolonged hospital stay and mortality.ConclusionPatients over the age of 80 years, of male sex, under general anesthesia, and receiving colloid infusion were at a higher risk of developing respiratory complications. Postoperative respiratory complications occurred in most of the geriatric surgical patients. Efforts to improve the surgical outcomes must include measures to minimize in-hospital complications. Detailed evaluation and better communicating the aforementioned risk factors to these patients are suggested for improving anesthesia quality and surgical outcomes.     

Association between mannose-binding lectin and vascular complications in type 1 diabetes

Complement activation and inflammation have been suggested in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular lesions. We investigated serum mannose-binding lectin (MBL) levels and polymorphisms in the MBL gene in type 1 diabetic patients with and without diabetic nephropathy and associated macrovascular complications. Polymorphisms in the MBL gene and serum MBL levels were determined in 199 type 1 diabetic patients with overt nephropathy and 192 type 1 diabetic patients with persistent normoalbuminuria matched for age, sex, and duration of diabetes, as well as in 100 healthy control subjects. The frequencies of high- and low-expression MBL genotypes were similar in patients with type 1 diabetic and healthy control subjects. High MBL genotypes were significantly more frequent in diabetic patients with nephropathy than in the normoalbuminuric group, and the risk of having nephropathy given a high MBL genotype assessed by odds ratio (OR) was 1.52 (1.02-2.27, P = 0.04). Median serum MBL concentrations were significantly higher in patients with nephropathy than in patients with normoalbuminuria: 2,306 microg/l (interquartile range [IQR] 753-4,867 microg/l) vs. 1,491 microg/l (577-2,944 microg/l), P = 0.0003. In addition, even when comparing patients with identical genotypes, serum MBL levels were higher in the nephropathy group than in the normoalbuminuric group. Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease had significantly elevated MBL levels independent of nephropathy status (3,178 microg/l [IQR 636-5,231 microg/l] vs. 1,741 microg/l [656-3,149 microg/l], P = 0.02). The differences in MBL levels between patients with and without vascular complications were driven primarily by pronounced differences among carriers of high MBL genotypes (P < 0.0001). Our findings suggest that MBL may be involved in the pathogenesis of micro- and macrovascular complications in type 1 diabetes, and that determination of MBL status might be used to identify patients at increased risk of developing these complications.     

Complications associated with the approach to metatarsal head resection in diabetic foot osteomyelitis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the recovery time and the development of complications in the dorsal and plantar approach to metatarsal head resections (MHR) in patients with diabetic foot ulcers complicated by osteomyelitis. A retrospective study was carried out involving 108 patients who underwent MHRs for the treatment of diabetic foot osteomyelitis. Two cohorts were defined: dorsal approach with incision closed with sutures and plantar approach with ulcer healed using conservative treatment. The main outcomes were the weeks until healing and complications related to the approaches. Fifty‐three patients (49.1%) underwent a plantar approach and 55 (50.9%) a dorsal approach. Both approaches rendered similar healing times. However, the patients undergoing a dorsal approach developed more post‐surgical complications than patients treated through a plantar approach. The dorsal approach intervention was performed on smaller and shallower ulcers; however, more complications developed at follow up using this approach than through a plantar approach for MHR complicated with osteomyelitis.     

Bariatric Surgery is Safe for Patients After Recovery from COVID-19

BackgroundStudies of patients who have undergone surgery while infected with COVID-19 have shown increased risks for adverse outcomes in both pulmonary complications and mortality. It has become clear that the risk of complications from perioperative COVID-19 infection must be weighed against the risk from delayed surgical treatment. Studies have also shown that prior bariatric surgery conveys protection against mortality from COVID-19 and that obesity is the biggest risk factor for mortality from COVID-19 infection in adults under 45 years of age. Studies in patients who have fully recovered from COVID-19 and underwent elective surgery have not become widely available yet.ObjectivesThis multi-institutional case series is presented to highlight patients who developed COVID-19, fully recovered, and subsequently underwent elective bariatric surgery with 30-day outcomes available.SettingNine bariatric surgery centers located across the United States.MethodsThis multicenter case series is a retrospective chart review of patients who developed COVID-19, recovered, and subsequently underwent bariatric surgery. Fifty-three patients are included, and 30-day morbidity and mortality were analyzed.ResultsThirty-day complications included esophageal spasm, dehydration, and ileus. There were no cardiovascular, venous thromboembolism (VTE) or respiratory events reported. There were no 30- day mortalities.ConclusionsBariatric surgery has been safely performed in patients who made a full recovery from COVID-19 without increased complications due to cardiovascular, pulmonary, venous thromboembolism, or increased mortality rates.