Periampullary diverticula and technical success of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Introduction/aim  Periampullary diverticula (PAD) discovered incidentally during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography are usually asymptomatic, but can be a source of significant morbidity. The size of the diverticula and position of the papilla in relation to the diverticula are variable. The twofold aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of PAD in adult Indian patients and technical success of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Methods  Patients with PAD (group I) were prospectively entered into a database from May 2006 to May 2007. Diverticula were categorized based on size into small (<1.5 cm) and large (>1.5 cm). Papilla was arbitrarily defined as type A when located outside the diverticulum and type B when the position was intradiverticular. Requirement of needle knife papillotomy (NKP), sphincterotomy, and overall success/failure of the procedure were recorded. One hundred consecutive patients without PAD undergoing ERCP served as controls (group II). Results  PAD were present in 46 (7.5%) of the 600 patients undergoing ERCP for various indications (group I). Mean age of patients with PAD (51 ± 15 years) was significantly higher than control group (39 ± 17 years) (p < 0.001). Of the 46 diverticula, 26 diverticula (56.5%) were large. In small diverticula, the papilla was extradiverticular (type A) in all 20 (100%) patients, whereas in the group with diverticula >1.5 cm only 57% was extradiverticular. Successful cannulation was achieved in 97% (45/46). NKP was done in six patients, five of whom had type A papilla. There was a significant high rate of NKP inpatients without PAD compared with patients with PAD (p = 0.001), whereas the rate of endoscopic papillotomy (EPT) was similar in both groups. Complete common bile duct (CBD) clearance was achieved in 93% patients in PAD group as compared with 96% in the non-PAD group (p = nonsignificant). Complications after ERCP were similar in both groups. Conclusion  PAD were present in 7.5% of patients. Fifty-six percent of PAD were large and in the vast majority (76%) papilla was extradiverticular in location. PAD were not associated with an increased risk of EPT-related complications.     

Factors predicting outcome after selective ERCP in the laparoscopic era.

This study assessed the outcome of 342 patients with in situ gallbladders undergoing ERCP for suspected choledocholithiasis. The result of ERCP was found to play a significant role (P < 0.0001) in determining whether patients were subsequently managed conservatively (n = 152) or underwent either laparoscopic (n = 110) or open (n = 80) surgery. Those undergoing laparoscopic surgery were noted to be younger (P = 0.0001) and were less likely to be jaundiced (P = 0.0015) or have CBD stones at ERCP (P = 0.0295). In 28 patients with CBD stones remaining after ERCP, pre- rather than postoperative timing of ERCP prevented a potential second operation. The current success rate of 85% in clearing CBD stones at ERCP cannot support a routine policy of intraoperative cholangiography followed by postoperative ERCP.     

壶腹周围憩室和胆道结石的关系探讨

目的 探讨壶腹周围憩室（PAD）与胆道结石的关系以及内镜诊断PAD的应用价值。方法选择284例经内窥镜逆行胰胆管造影（ERCP）检查确诊合并有PAD的患者（PAD组）与同期经ERCP检查无PAD的患者（对照组）作为对照研究。胆道疾病根据病史、体征、给合实验室检查上超、CT以及ERCP等确诊。结果PAD组合并胆囊结石、胆总管结石、胆总管下端括约肌功能不良患者明显多于对照组,尤以胆总管结石增多为主（P<0.01）。结论PAD与胆道结石有着密切关系,PAD可能是胆道结石发生或复发的一个重要因素。     

十二指肠乳头旁憩室与胆胰疾病的关系

目的 探讨十二指肠乳头旁憩室(PAD)与胆胰疾病的关系.方法 通过十二指肠镜下逆行胰胆管造影(ERCP)镜下观察PAD的特点,分析PAD与胆胰疾病的发病关系.结果 PAD患者发病随年龄增大而升高,PAD患者胆道结石构成比明显高于非PAD组(P<0.001),其中原发性胆总管结石(P=0.004)和胆道探查术后复发性胆总管结石(P=0.022)高于非PAD组.边缘型PAD并发胆道结石高于并列型和包绕型(P=0.028),PAD直径3.0以上并发胆道结石高于PAD直径3.0以下患者(P=0.001).PAD组胰头癌发病率与非PAD组有显著统计学差异(P<0.001).结论 十二指肠乳头旁憩室可能是胆胰疾病的病因之一.     

Outcome of VATS Lobectomy for Elderly Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Propensity Score-Matched Study

Purpose: To analyze the short-term and long-term outcome of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy for elderly patients with non-small cell lung cancer.Methods: 105 patients aged ≥75 years with resected non-small cell lung cancer were matched with 105 younger patients by propensity score. Survival rates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. The cumulative incidence functions of conditional survival rate according to the age of the patients were calculated by competing risk analysis.Results: patients ≥75 years was associated with higher postoperative complication rate (p <0.001), but similar perioperative death rate (p = 0.006). Patients ≥75 years were less likely to receive adjuvant chemotherapy (p <0.001). The 5-year overall survival rates were 54.6% for patients ≥75 years and 74.1% for patients <75 years (p = 0.001). No difference was seen in disease-free survival rate (59.5% vs. 71.9% respectively = 0.117). The cumulative incidence functions of 5-year cancer-specific death were similar between the two groups (28.7% vs. 24.6% respectively, p = 0.106). The cumulative incidence functions of 5-year non-cancer-specific death was significantly higher in the elderly group (18.7% vs. 1.0%, p <0.001).Conclusions: VATS lobectomy for non–small-cell lung cancer in patients ≥75 years were feasible with increased morbidity but similar mortality. The resected elderly patients were more frequently associated with non-cancer-specific death.     

Juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula and cholelithiasis

One hundred and thirteen cases of juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula were found in 5573 cases which were examined by upper gastrointestinal barium meal X-ray examination. Seventy-nine percent of those 113 cases had complications, while 21% of the cases were suffered from juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula alone. Among the complications, cholelithiasis showed the highest incidence. (33 cases out of 113 cases, 29.2%). Twenty-four cases of juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula of which serum amylase and serum bilirubin values were found to be over the normal range, were subjected to the ERCP and hepatocholedocal RI scintigraphy using 99mTcPI. Fourteen cases out of the 24 cases had complication of cholelithiasis. In 4 cases (28.6%) in this group, delaying of bile-flow was observed. While in 3 cases (30%) out of 10 cases without cholelithiasis, bile-flow disturbance was found. According to above mentioned observations, the following steps were recommended for the treatment of juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula: When juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula is revealed, examinations should be carefully done in order to find out other complications. Treatment for juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula may be done simultaneously with operation of the complications. Surgical indication of the juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula alone should be decided by the result of bile-flow examination.     

Periampullary diverticula and pancreaticobiliary disease.

BACKGROUND: Periampullary diverticula (PAD) are extraluminal outpouchings of the duodenum arising within a radius of 2-3 cm from the ampulla of Vater. They are frequently encountered in elderly patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and contribute to failure of ERCP. This review details the relationship of PAD to pancreaticobiliary disease and the influence of PAD on the management of patients. METHODS: The United States National Library of Medicine Medline database was searched for articles on and related to PAD published in English within the past 15 years. Major earlier works were also reviewed. RESULTS: The prevalence of PAD increases with age and could be as high as 27 per cent. PAD are associated with an incompetent sphincter of Oddi and colonization of bile duct with beta-glucuronidase-producing organisms. PAD are implicated in the pathogenesis of pigment common bile duct stones, but there is no conclusive evidence to associate them with cholecystolithiasis or pancreatitis. PAD are a major cause of failure of ERCP, but success rates of more than 90 per cent have been achieved in specialist centres. CONCLUSION: With an ageing population, there will be an increase in elderly patients with PAD and symptomatic pancreaticobiliary disease. Continuing improvements in radiological and endoscopic techniques should enable this vulnerable group to be treated effectively and safely.     

Choledocholithiasis characteristics with periampullary diverticulum and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures: Comparison between two centers from Lanzhou and Kyoto

BACKGROUNDMost of study regarding periampullary diverticulum (PAD) impact on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) therapy for choledocholithiasis based on data from one endoscopy center and lacked to compare the clinical characteristic of choledocholithiasis with PAD from different geographical patients.AIMTo compare the choledocholithiasis clinical characteristics between two regional endoscopy centers and analyze impacts of clinical characteristics on ERCP methods for choledocholithiasis patients with PAD.METHODSPatients seen in two endoscopy centers (The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China, and Kyoto Second Red Cross Hospital, Kyoto, Japan) underwent ERCP treatment for the first time between January 2012 and December 2017. The characteristics of choledocholithiasis with PAD were compared between the two centers, and their ERCP procedures and therapeutic outcomes were analyzed.RESULTSA total of 829 out of 3608 patients in the Lanzhou center and 241 out of 1198 in the Kyoto center had choledocholithiasis with PAD. Lots of clinical characteristics were significantly different between the two centers. The common bile duct (CBD) diameter was wider, choledocholithiasis size was lager and multiple CBD stones were more in the Lanzhou center patients than those in the Kyoto center patients (14.8 ± 5.2 mm vs 11.6 ± 4.2 mm, 12.2 ± 6.5 mm vs 8.2 ± 5.3 mm, 45.3% vs 20.3%, P < 0.001 for all). In addition, concomitant diseases, such as acute cholangitis, gallbladder stones, obstructive jaundice, cholecystectomy, and acute pancreatitis, were significantly different between the two centers (P = 0.03 to < 0.001). In the Lanzhou center, CBD diameter and choledocholithiasis size were lower, and multiple CBD stones and acute cholangitis were less in non-PAD patients than those in PAD patients (13.4 ± 5.1 mm vs 14.8 ± 5.2 mm, 10.3 ± 5.4 mm vs 12.2 ± 6.5, 39% vs 45.3%, 13.9% vs 18.5%, P = 0.002 to < 0.001). But all these characteristics were not significantly different in the Kyoto center. The proportions of endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST), endoscopic balloon dilatation (EPBD), and EST+EPBD were 50.5%, 1.7%, and 42.5% in the Lanzhou center and 90.0%, 0.0%, and 0.4% in the Kyoto center, respectively. However, the overall post-ERCP complication rate was not significantly different between the two centers (8.9% in the Lanzhou and 5.8% in the Kyoto. P = 0.12). In the Lanzhou center, the difficulty rate in removing CBD stones in PAD was higher than in non-PAD group (35.3% vs 26.0%, P < 0.001). But the rate was no significant difference between the two groups in Kyoto center. The residual rates of choledocholithiasis were not significantly different between the two groups in both centers. Post-ERCP complications occurred in 8.9% of the PAD patients and 8.1% of the non-PAD patients in the Lanzhou Center, and it occurred in 5.8% in PAD patients and 10.0% in non-PAD patients in the Kyoto center, all P > 0.05.CONCLUSIONMany clinical characteristics of choledocholithiasis patients with PAD were significantly different between the Lanzhou and Kyoto centers. The patients had larger and multiple stones, wider CBD diameter, and more possibility of acute cholangitis and obstructive jaundice in the Lanzhou center than those in the Kyoto center. The ERCP procedures to manage native duodenal papilla were different depending on the different clinical characteristics while the overall post-ERCP complications were not significantly different between the two centers. The stone residual rate and post-ERCP complications were not significantly different between choledocholithiasis patients with PAD and without PAD in each center.     

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目的 探讨壶腹周围憩室（PAD）与胆道疾病的关系以及内镜诊断PAD铁应用价值。方法 选择284例经内镜逆行胰胆管造影（ERCP）检查确诊合并有PAD的病人（PAD组）与同期经ERCP检查无PAD的病人（对照组）作为对照研究。胆道疾病根据病史，体征，结合实验室检查，B超，CT以及ERCP等确诊。结果 PAD组合并胆囊结石，胆总管结石，胆总管下端括约肌功能不良病人明显多于对照组，尤以胆总管结石增多为著（P＜0．01）。结论 PAD与胆道疾病，尤其是胆管结石存在着密切关系，PAD可能是胆道疾病发生或复发的一个重要因素，对胆道疾病病人行ERCP检查以了解PAD与胆道的关系，从而选择合适的治疗方案，对提高胆道疾病的治愈率有重要意义。     

十二指肠乳头旁憩室与胆结石的关系（附92例分析）

目的 探讨十二指肠憩室在胆结石发病中的作用。方法 回顾性分析广州市番禺中心医院行逆行胰胆管造影检查的462例患者,其中合并乳头憩室92例（憩室组）,无合并乳头憩室370例（非憩室组）。分析比较两组患者年龄、胆结石的发病率、结石发生部位及结石成分方面的差异。结果 本组462例患者中,憩室组92例,占19.9%。憩室组平均年龄61.8岁,明显高于非憩室组(61.8 vs 51.2岁,P<0.O1),且憩室发生率随年龄的增大而增高(P<0.01)。本组发现患者中,72例十二指肠憩室合并胆结石,憩室合并胆结石发生率78.3%,而非憩室组370例中仅97例合并胆结石,占26.2%。十二指肠憩室组并结石的发生率明显高于非憩室组。本组中乳头旁憩室胆结石发生率明显高于乳头周围型憩室者,有显著性差异。乳头旁憩室患者的原发性胆总管结石发生率明显高于继发性胆总管结石及胆囊结石,且结石成分主要为胆色素结石。结论 十二指肠乳头旁憩室患者胆结石发病率显著增高,且主要与原发性胆总管结石相关。     

Surgeons' follow-up practice after resection of colorectal cancer.

Consultant surgeons in two United Kingdom Health Regions were invited to complete a questionnaire on details of their personal management of patients with colon and rectal cancer, with particular emphasis on follow-up. Replies from 140 (94%) were analysed by the surgeon's subspecialty of colorectal and gastrointestinal surgery (group 1) and all others (group 2). There was a wide variation in the duration of followup, but no difference between the two groups. More group 1 surgeons carried out investigations as a routine after colonic (P < 0.01) and rectal (P < 0.01) resection. Colonoscopy was used more frequently by group 1 (P < 0.0001) and barium enema by group 2 surgeons (P < 0.05). Investigations to detect asymptomatic metastases were used as a routine by 33.3% of surgeons, in whom there was no concordance over the choice or combination of tests and no difference between the two groups of surgeons. There is no consensus among surgeons as to the ideal duration, intensity and method of follow-up after resection for colorectal cancer and little difference between the practice of colorectal and gastrointestinal surgeons and that of other specialists, except in the use of colonoscopy and barium enema. These results reflect the continuing lack of evidence on which to base the follow-up of patients after surgery for colorectal cancer.     

十二指肠乳头旁憩室与胆道疾病（附18例报告）

目的 十二指肠乳头旁憩室尤其是乳头旁憩室在并发胆道疾病时的临床 诊治问题。方法 对我院近5年收治的18例十二指肠憩室进行分析。总结了憩室合并胆管结石的临床问题,尤其是胆囊胆管术后症状不消失,再发现十二指肠乳头旁憩室,回顾了外科手术问题。结果 十二指肠憩室18例,17例位于乳头旁,2／3以上病例年龄大于50岁。16例（88．89％）并发胆管结石,7例（38．89％）曾行胆囊切除或胆总管切开取石、T管引流术、术后仍有症状,经十二指肠低张造影和／或ERCP检查发现十二指肠乳头旁憩室。16例行不同手术治疗,效果良好。无并发症,无死亡病例。结论 十二指肠乳头旁憩室和胆管结石关系密切;十二指肠低张造影和ERCP检查是确诊本病可靠的方法;当胆道术后仍有症状或反复发生胆总管色素性结石时,应行内镜或十二指肠低张造影检查,以除外十二指肠乳头旁憩室之可能;当憩室有合并症发生时应考虑手术治疗。     

十二指肠乳头周围憩室与胆道疾病关系的探讨

目的探讨十二指肠乳头周围憩室（periampullary diverticula,PAD）与胆道疾病的关系。方法选择经内镜逆行胰胆管造影（ERCP）检查确诊合并有PAD的125例（PAD组）与同期经ERCP检查无PAD的125例（对照组）作对照研究。胆道疾病通过B型超声、CT及ERCP等检查确诊。结果PAD组合并胆囊结石、胆总管结石、胆总管下端括约肌功能不良的病人明显多于对照组,尤以胆总管结石增多为主,两组相比较有非常显著性差异（P〈0．01）。结论PAD与胆道疾病尤其是胆管结石存在着密切关系,可能是导致胆道疾病发生的一个重要因素。     

Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in patients undergoing major non-vascular abdominal surgery.

The prognostic value of myocardial perfusion scintigraphy is beginning to be recognised in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the predictive value of scintigraphy in elderly patients undergoing major non-vascular abdominal surgery. Adenosine stress thallium-201 (201Tl) single-photon emission tomography (SPET) was employed for imaging using a standard protocol. Patients over the age of 60 years (n = 55) with an intermediate to high likelihood of coronary artery disease were evaluated prospectively. The clinical outcome variables analysed were cardiac mortality and major cardiac morbidity occurring within 30 days of surgery. Cardiac events were cardiac death (n = 5), angina pectoris (n = 5), nonfatal mycardial infarction (n = 1), acute left ventricular failure (n = 2) and arrhythmias requiring treatment (n = 4). All cardiac events occurred in the first 10 postoperative days except one cardiac death which happened on the 29th postoperative day. Patients with an abnormal 201Tl SPET scan had a higher risk of postoperative death (4 vs 1) or any postoperative cardiac event (13 patients vs 4 patients; P < 0.0001) when compared with those with a normal scan. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of 201Tl imaging for perioperative ischaemia and adverse outcomes were 76%, 82% and 65%, respectively. The occurrence of an intraoperative event (P < 0.02) and the length of surgery (P < 0.01) were also predictors of a postoperative cardiac event. Clinical risk variables and an abnormal electrocardiogram in isolation were poor predictors. In conclusion, preoperative myocardial perfusion scintigraphy is a valuable technique for identifying elderly patients with a high risk for cardiac events when undergoing major non-vascular abdominal surgery.     

An Analysis of Infectious Failures in Acute Cholangitis

To determine the factors responsible for therapeutic failures in acute cholangitis, a series of 127 patients was analyzed. There were 64 females and 63 males whose mean age was 57.2 years. Ninetyfour (74.0%) of these patients were clinically cured with initial measures, whereas 33 patients (26%) failed initial therapy for an infectious reason. No differences were observed between the two groups in regard to age and gender. However, more patients in the group that failed had a malignant cause for their bile duct obstruction (72.7% vs. 42.6%, p < 0.01) and had a pretreatment positive blood culture (45.5% vs. 13.8%, p < 0.01). Patients who failed had a higher mean total bilirubin level (9.7 mg/dl vs. 5.5 mg/dl, p < 0.005) and more of them had a level greater than 2.2 mg/dl (97% vs. 69.9%, p < 0.001). Also, more bile cultures were initially positive (93.9% vs. 76.6%, p < 0.05) and more organisms were isolated per culture (3.88 vs. 2.86, p < 0.03) in the patients who failed. In addition, more patients failed who had two or more organisms in the bile (33% vs. 8.3%, p < 0.02). Patients in whom Candida, or any panresistant organism was isolated also tended to fail. Multivariant analysis showed that malignancy, bacteremia, bilirubin ≥ 2.2 mg/dl, ≥ 2 organisms in the bile and a panresistant organism were the best predictors of treatment failure with a serum bilirubin level ≥ 2.2 mg/dl being the variable that increases a patient''s log-odds ratio of failure the greatest. In conclusion, patients with acute cholangitis who have an increased chance to fail initial therapy can be identified, and treatment altered accordingly.     

One thousand liver transplants. The lessons learned.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the first 1000 liver transplants performed at UCLA Medical Center to determine factors responsible for improved results. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Liver transplant has evolved impressively since the first case was performed in 1963. The 1980s have highlighted this progress with the development of better organ preservation, standardization of operative procedure, improved immunosuppressive agents, and better understanding of patient selection. METHODS: The first 100 consecutive liver transplants (group 1) performed from February 1984 through October 1986 were compared with the last 200 (group 2) performed between September 1991 and June 1992. An analysis was made of donor use; changes in patient candidacy; patient care variables; morbidity and mortality; survival data; and hospital resource use. RESULTS: In group 1, 31% of donors were refused because of medical unsuitability compared with 4% in group 2 (p < 0.0001). In group 1, alcoholic patients comprised 1% of liver transplant candidates compared with 20% group 2 (p < 0.0001). High-risk patients (United Network for Organ Sharing criteria 4) only comprised 11% of patients in group 1 compared with 37% in group 2 (p < 0.0001). Operative time (7.6 hours compared with 5.4 hours), packed cell replacement (17 units compared with 9.5 units), intensive care unit stay (10 days compared with 5 days), and hospital stay (50 days compared with 31 days) were all significantly improved (p < 0.05). In group 1, the 1-year survival rate was 73% and improved to 88% in group 2 (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite unfavorable donor characteristics (obesity, cause of death, age, hypotension), most organs function well and should not be refused based on history alone. The older and high-risk patient (renal failure, ventilator dependence, portal vein pathology, and so on) is routinely transplanted with good success. Despite liberalization of both donor and recipient criteria, patient survival after liver transplant is improved, use of hospital resources is maximized, and cost reduction is achieved.     

The development of indications for the preoperative use of recombinant erythropoietin

Objective

To develop indications for the preoperative use of recombinant erythropoietin (rHuEPO) alone and in conjunction with preoperative autologous donation (PAD).

Design

A 2-round modified Delphi-consensus process.

Participants

Nine physicians representing multiple clinical specialties, practice environments and geographic locations.

Method

From evidence tables and a literature summary (MEDLINE database from January 1985 to August 1996) provided and using the RAND-UCLA appropriateness method, the physicians developed 264 indications for the preoperative use of rHuEPO by permuting 7 clinical factors (age, history of transfusion or antibody incompatibility, hemoglobin level, anemia of chronic disease, expected blood loss, presence of cardiovascular or cardiopulmonary disease and patient anxiety). These indications were rated on a 9-point appropriateness scale. Median scores and measures of agreement were determined.

Outcome measures

The significance of cost constraints or cost and blood supply constraints and the impact of each clinical factor on the ratings as judged by statistical analysis.

Results

Of the 264 indications, 54% were rated appropriate, 18% uncertain and 28% inappropriate. Expected blood loss had the greatest impact on the ratings (high expected blood loss had a 5.9 point more appropriate rating on the 9-point scale than low expected blood loss [p < 0.0001]). Preoperative hemoglobin level also significantly influenced the ratings (p < 0.0001). Compared with the clinical context, the ratings under the cost constraint were 1.0 less appropriate (p < 0.0001) for rHuEPO alone and 1.2 less appropriate for rHuEPO and PAD (p < 0.0001). The ratings for patients with moderate expected blood loss were significantly influenced by the cost constraint (less appropriate).

Conclusions

Expected blood loss and preoperative hemoglobin level were the best indicators of rHuEPO appropriateness. Different contexts modify the appropriateness ratings of an expensive drug like rHuEPO.     

Efficacy and safety in clinical practice of a rilpivirine,tenofovir and emtricitabine single-tablet regimen in virologically suppressed HIV-positive patients on stable antiretroviral therapy

Introduction

Switching to a rilpivirine, tenofovir and emtricitabine (RTE) single-tablet regimen (STR) has been evaluated in a limited number of virologically suppressed patients. The aim of this study was to describe clinical outcomes in HIV-positive patients switched from a suppressive antiretroviral regimen to RTE STR in routine clinical practice.

Methods

In this retrospective study of antiretroviral-treated patients with <50 copies of HIV RNA/mL switched to RTE STR, virological failure (VF) was defined as two consecutive measurements of ≥50 copies/mL or a single measurement of ≥50 copies/mL followed by any change in treatment. Treatment failure (TF) was defined as VF or discontinuation of the STR for any reason. Univariate mixed-linear models were used to identify differences in laboratory parameters over time.

Results and discussion

The analysis involved 307 patients (83% males) with a median age of 45.8 years (interquartile range (IQR 39.3–50.9), who were followed up for a median of 7.4 months (IQR 4.6–10.9). VF occurred in three patients (1%) switched from a protease inhibitor (PI)-based regimen, after a median of 2.6 months (IQR 1.6–3.0), and TF in 34 patients (11%) after a median of three months (IQR 1.4–5.8), 24 of whom (71%) were receiving a PI-based regimen at baseline. Overall, there was a slight but statistically significant improvement in the mean monthly change from baseline in CD4+ cell counts (p=0.027), the CD4+/CD8+ ratio (p=0.0001), and Hb (p=0.024), alanine amino transferase (ALT) (p=0.009), total bilirubin (p<0.0001), indirect bilirubin (p<0.0001), total cholesterol (p<0.0001) and triglyceride (p<0.0001) levels. There was also a slight but statistically significant increase in serum creatinine (p=0.0004), aspartate amino transferase (AST) (p=0.001) and liver fibrosis index (FIB-4) (p=0.002), and a decrease in eGFR_creat (p<0.0001) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (p<0.0001) values. The study limitations include its retrospective design, the relatively short follow-up, and the absence of data concerning the severity of clinical adverse events; however, it does provide new information concerning the laboratory changes that occur in patients switching from PI-based or PI-sparing regimens to RTE STR.

Conclusions

The study findings confirm the efficacy and safety in clinical practice of switching to RTE STR in virologically suppressed patients receiving other antiretrovirals.     

Ankle-Brachial Index and Bone Turnover in Patients on Dialysis

An association between atherosclerosis and osteoporosis has been reported in several studies. This association could result from local intraosseous atherosclerosis and ischemia, which is shown by limb osteoporosis in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), but also could result from bidirectional communication between the skeleton and blood vessels. Systemic bone disorders and PAD are frequent in ESRD. Here, we investigated the possible interaction of these disorders. For 65 prevalent nondiabetic patients on hemodialysis, we measured ankle-brachial pressure index (ABix) and evaluated mineral and bone disorders with bone histomorphometry. In prevalent patients on hemodialysis, PAD (ABix<0.9 or >1.4/incompressible) was associated with low bone turnover and pronounced osteoblast resistance to parathyroid hormone (PTH), which is indicated by decreased double-labeled surface and osteoblast surface (P<0.001). Higher osteoblast resistance to PTH in patients with PAD was characterized by weaker correlation coefficients (slopes) between serum PTH and double-labeled surface (P=0.02) or osteoblast surface (P=0.03). The correlations between osteoclast number or eroded surface and serum mineral parameters, including PTH, did not differ for subjects with normal ABix and PAD. Common vascular risk factors (dyslipidemia, smoking, and sex) were similar for normal, low, and incompressible ABix. Patients with PAD were older and had high C-reactive protein levels and longer hemodialysis vintage. These results indicate that, in prevalent nondiabetic patients with ESRD, PAD associates with low bone turnover and pronounced osteoblast resistance to PTH.