Comparison of unilateral versus bilateral pedicle screw fixation in degenerative lumbar diseases: a meta-analysis

Purpose

Traditionally, lumbar spinal surgery is performed with bilateral pedicle screw fixation to provide stability as the fusion heals. However, many studies have reported that unilateral pedicle screw fixation is as effective as bilateral constructs. To compare the clinical outcomes, complications, and surgical trauma between the two techniques for treatment of degenerative lumbar diseases, we conducted a meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases for relevant controlled studies up to August 2013 that compared unilateral with bilateral fixation for the treatment of degenerative lumbar diseases. We independently performed title/abstract screening and full-text screening. A random effects model was used for heterogeneous data; otherwise, a fixed effect model was used, pooling data using mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes and odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous outcomes.

Results

A total of 12 articles (865 participants) were eligible. Overall, there were significant differences between the two groups for blood loss (MD = ?171.73, 95 % CI = ?281.70 to ?61.76; p = 0.002), operation time (MD = ?66.02, 95 % CI = ?115.52 to ?16.51; p = 0.009), and fusion rate (OR = 0.50, 95 % CI = 0.26–0.96; p = 0.004). However, there were no significant differences in hospital stay (MD = ?4.44, 95 % CI = ?13.37 to 4.50), ODI (MD = ?0.09, 95 % CI = ?0.59 to 0.42; p = 0.74), JOA (MD = 0.18, 95 % CI = ?0.77 to 1.14; p = 0.71), VAS (MD = ?0.04, 95 % CI = ?0.16 to 0.08; p = 0.49), SF-36 (PF: MD = ?1.11, 95 % CI = ?4.38 to 2.17, p = 0.51; GH: MD = 1.22, 95 % CI = ?2.17 to 4.60, p = 0.48; MH: MD = ?0.22, 95 % CI = ?3.83 to 3.38, p = 0.90) and complications (OR = 1.15, 95 % CI = 0.72–1.85; p = 0.56).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis shows that there was significantly less blood loss in unilateral group and less operating time; however, the fusion rate was significantly higher in the bilateral group. The outcomes of hospital stay, ODI, JOA, VAS, SF-36 score, and complications are similar in the two groups.     

Geographic and Temporal Trends in the Management of Occult Primary Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Management of occult primary breast cancer (OPBC), including the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is controversial. We conducted a pooled analysis of OPBC patients and a meta-analysis of MRI accuracy in OPBC in order to elucidate current practices.

Methods

A literature search yielded 201 studies. Patient-level data for clinically/mammographically OPBC from studies published after 1993 and from our institution were pooled; logistic regression examined associations between patient/study data and outcomes, including treatments and recurrence. We report adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) significant at 2-tailed p < 0.05. Meta-analysis included data for patients who received MRIs for workup of clinically/mammographically OPBC. We report pooled sensitivity and specificity with 95 % CIs.

Results

The pooled analysis included 92 patients (15 studies [n = 85] plus our institution [n = 7]). Patients from Asia were more likely to receive breast surgery (OR = 5.98, 95 % CI = 2.02–17.65) but not chemotherapy (OR = 0.32, 95 % CI = 0.13–0.82); patients from the United States were more likely to receive chemotherapy (OR = 13.08, 95 % CI = 2.64–64.78). Patients from studies published after 2003 were more likely to receive radiotherapy (OR = 3.86, 95 % CI = 1.41–10.55). Chemotherapy recipients were more likely to have distant recurrence (OR = 9.77, 95 % CI = 1.10–87.21). More patients with positive MRIs received chemotherapy than patients with negative MRIs (10 of 12 [83.3 %] vs 5 of 13 [38.5 %]; p = 0.0414). In the MRI-accuracy meta-analysis (10 studies, n = 262), pooled sensitivity and specificity were 96 % (95 % CI = 91–98 %) and 63 % (95 % CI = 42–81 %), respectively.

Conclusions

OPBC management varied geographically and over time. We recommend establishing an international OPBC patient registry to facilitate longitudinal study and develop global treatment standards.     

The estrogen receptor α gene (XbaI,PvuII) polymorphisms and susceptibility to idiopathic scoliosis: a meta-analysis

Study design

A genetic association meta-analysis of estrogen receptor α gene (ERα) polymorphisms with idiopathic scoliosis.

Objective

To determine whether the ERα gene polymorphisms correlate with idiopathic scoliosis.

Summary of background data

Idiopathic scoliosis represents a complex genetic trait under the influence of multiple predisposition genes. Several studies showed that single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in ERα was associated with idiopathic scoliosis, but the results from some studies were conflicting.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases from January 1994 to January 2014. All the case–control studies included should mainly study the relationship between XbaI A/G, PvuII T/C polymorphisms and the susceptibility of idiopathic scoliosis.

Results

A total of 299 articles were found, six of which fulfilled the inclusion criteria after being assessed by two reviewers. A pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) was calculated to assess the associations. Subgroup meta-analyses were performed according to ethnicity. Overall, ERα Xbal A/G polymorphism was not associated with risk of idiopathic scoliosis (G versus A, OR 1.07, 95 % CI 0.88–1.30, P = 0.51; AG versus AA, OR 1.03, 95 % CI 0.89–1.21, P = 0.67; GG versus AA, OR 1.12, 95 % CI 0.72–1.73, P = 0.61; AG/GG versus AA, OR 1.05, 95 % CI 0.91–1.22, P = 0.49; GG versus AG/AA, OR 1.10, 95 % CI 0.75–1.63, P = 0.62). ERα PvuII T/C polymorphism was also not associated with risk of idiopathic scoliosis under five models (C versus T, OR 0.93, 95 % CI 0.75–1.14, P = 0.48; TC versus TT, OR 0.99, 95 % CI 0.80–1.23, P = 0.93; CC versus TT, OR 1.05, 95 % CI 0.80–1.39, P = 0.72; TC/CC versus TT, OR 1.01, 95 % CI 0.83–1.23, P = 0.93; CC versus TC/TT, OR 1.05, 95 % CI 0.82–1.33, P = 0.72).

Conclusion

ERα Xbal and ERα PvuII polymorphisms are not obviously associated with risk of idiopathic scoliosis.     

Incidence and Predictors of Neuropathic Pain Following Breast Surgery

Purpose

Neuropathic pain (NPP) following breast surgery extends morbidity in the postoperative period. The incidence and etiology of postoperative NPP remains unclear and under-reported in literature. This study aims to define the incidence of neuropathic pain following breast surgery and to identify patient characteristics that are predictors for developing postoperative NPP.

Methods

Consecutive female patients undergoing breast resection surgery over a 5-year period (2008–2012) with 1-year minimum follow-up were included in this single-center study. Retrospective chart review was performed to identify patient specific characteristics including the development of post-operative NPP. Data was analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

A total of 470 patients were identified for study inclusion. The incidence of postoperative NPP was 14.7 % (69 of 470). Significant predictors for the development of postoperative NPP in the univariate analyses included history of diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy, or fibromyalgia, concomitant axillary surgery, axillary node dissection, and taxane-based chemotherapy regimen. Multivariate analysis identified African American race [odds ratio (OR) = 1.78; 95 % CI = 1.01–3.17; p = 0.05), history of diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.98; 95 % CI = 1.0–3.74; p = 0.01) or fibromyalgia (OR = 2.75; 95 % CI = 1.13–6.69; p = 0.03), and taxane-based chemotherapy regimen (OR = 2.85; 95 % CI = 1.23–6.58; p = 0.01) as being independently associated with the development of postoperative NPP.

Conclusions

NPP is a significant risk following breast surgery. African American race, history of either diabetes mellitus or fibromyalgia, and treatment with taxane-based chemotherapy regimens are all associated with an increased risk of NPP.     

Role of Survivin Gene Promoter Polymorphism (−31G>C) in Susceptibility and Survival of Esophageal Cancer in Northern India

Background and Aim

Survivin is an upregulated inhibitor of apoptosis protein in esophageal cancer (EC), and a promoter region polymorphism (?31G>C) in the survivin gene has been reported as a modulator of gene expression. We aim to explore the role of survivin ?31G>C polymorphism in susceptibility and survival of EC patients in northern Indian population.

Materials and Methods

A case–control study was performed in 500 subjects (250 EC patients and 250 controls), and genotyping was done by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method.

Results

Survivin CC genotype was found to be significantly associated with EC susceptibility [odds ratio (OR) = 2.29; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.27–4.14; P = 0.006], particularly in males (OR = 4.91; 95% CI = 2.19–11.02; P = 0.0001) having squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) histopathology (OR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.36–4.21; P = 0.002) at middle third esophagus location (OR = 2.60; 95% CI = 1.40–4.82; P = 0.002). Patients carrying CC genotype were found to have higher susceptibility to lymph node metastasis (OR = 2.82; 95% CI = 1.46–5.48; P = 0.002). However, on survival analysis, no prognostic role of survivin ?31G>C polymorphism was detected. In case-only analysis, no gene–environment interaction was observed.

Conclusion

Survivin promoter region polymorphism (?31G>C) is associated with susceptibility and clinical characteristics but not prognosis of esophageal cancer in northern Indian population.     

Risk factors for heterotopic ossification and spur formation after total knee arthroplasty

Introduction

The present study investigated the incidence and risk factors of heterotopic ossification (HO) after implantation of knee prosthesis.

Materials and methods

We undertook a retrospective cohort study in 434 cases (363 patients) treated with a total knee replant using a Press-Fit-Condylar (P.F.C.^®Sigma^®) prosthesis. The occurrence of HO in radiograph after a follow-up period of 11.2 ± 2.4 months was correlated in a regression model with a variety of influencing factors.

Results

21 patients (4.8 %) developed heterotopic ossifications, all located in the area of the distal femur. The only risk factor found concerning the development of HO was osteoarthritis when compared to rheumatoid arthritis (OR = 4.07, 95 % CI 1.18–14.05; p = 0.0201) and postoperative wound healing problems (OR = 11.32, 95 % CI 3.26–39.33; p = 0.0001). Notching (OR = 2.22, 95 % CI 0.92–5.36; p = 0.0765) and osteophyte forming (hypertrophic) arthrosis (OR = 2.40, 95 % CI 0.97–5.95; p = 0.0596), however, were associated with the development of a bony spur in the contact area of the femoral component of the prosthesis.

Conclusions

Our study has revealed that patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at lower risk of HO than patients with osteoarthritis. An impairment of wound healing would appear to promote the development of a HO. Notching and hypertrophic arthrosis are highly likely to be associated with the development of a bony spur in the ventral contact area of the prosthesis.     

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Comparing the Efficacy and Surgical Outcomes of Total Thyroidectomy Between Harmonic Scalpel Versus Ligasure

Background

Both ultrasonic coagulation (Harmonic Scalpel) (HS) and bipolar coagulation (Ligasure) (LS) are new energy devices commonly used in open thyroidectomy. This systematic review aimed at comparing the efficacy and surgical outcomes of total thyroidectomy (TT) between HS and. LS.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify studies comparing HS and LS. Intraoperative outcomes, surgically related complications, overall morbidity, and hospital stay were evaluated. Meta-analysis was performed using a fixed-effects model.

Results

There were 8 studies that matched the selection criteria. Of the 963 patients who underwent TT, 433 (45.0 %) used HS (HS group) while 530 (55.0 %) used LS (LS group). Compared with LS, the HS group had significantly less volume of blood loss by 2.22 ml (95 % CI = 0.26–4.23 ml) (standardized mean difference [SMD] = ?0.2, 95 % CI = ?0.38 to ?0.02) and reduced total operating time by 3.32 minutes (95 % CI = 1.62–5.03 minutes) (SMD = ?0.28, 95 % CI = ?0.42 to ?0.15). There was no significant difference in temporary postoperative hypocalcemia (OR = 1.29, 95 % CI = 0.88–1.90), permanent postoperative hypocalcemia (OR = 1.45, 95 % CI = 0.23–9.26), temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury (OR = 1.34; 95 % CI = 0.66–2.71), permanent RLN injury (OR = 1.00; 95 % CI = 0.25–4.03), hematoma (OR = 1.00; 95 % CI = 0.3–3.31), overall morbidity (OR = 1.21, 95 % CI = 0.87–1.69), and hospital stay (SMD = ?0.03; 95 % CI = ?0.07 to 0.01).

Conclusions

Compared with LS, using HS in TT significantly reduced the volume of blood loss and operating time. However, the clinical significance of these findings remained questionable because the overall mean difference appeared small. There was no significant difference in the rate of complications, overall morbidity, and hospital stay between the two devices.     

Genetic polymorphisms on 8q24.1 and 4p16.3 are not linked with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder in contrast to their association with aggressive upper urinary tract tumours

Purpose

Bladder urothelial carcinoma (bladder-UC) displays distinct genotypic differences compared to upper tract UC (UTUC). We recently reported specific 8q24 SNP variants confer susceptibility to UTUC and aggressive disease features. Herein, we evaluate a bladder-UC cohort to see whether similar polymorphisms are linked similarly same way with disease risk and aggressiveness.

Methods

231 bladder-UC patients and 261 benign controls were matched for gender, age, ethnicity and smoking habits. We retrospectively retrieved information on tumour stage, grade, size, multiplicity, carcinoma in situ and tumour number. DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded primary bladder-UC samples and blood of benign controls. Genotyping of rs9642880[T] (8q24.1) and rs798766[T] (4p16.3) was performed using commercially available Taqman^® assays and the ABI? 7000 Sequence Detector.

Results

Using a case–control analysis, bladder-UC risk was increased in individuals carrying the T/T genotype of rs9642880 [OR = 1.72 (95 % CI 1.1–2.8); p = 0.028] and rs798766 [OR = 1.84 (95 % CI 0.9–2.3); p = 0.01]. When analysing parameters of bladder-UC aggressiveness, the T/T genotypes for rs9642880 and rs798766 were not found to be associated with either grade [OR = 0.89 (95 % CI 0.52–1.32; p = 0.68) and OR = 0.95 (95 % CI 0.58–1.48; p = 0.61), respectively] or pathological stage [OR = 0.79 (95 % CI 0.42–1.48; p = 0.46) and OR = 0.90 (95 % CI 0.49–1.61; p = 0.72), respectively]. SNP variability of rs9642880[T] and rs798766[T] is associated with an increased risk of bladder-UC but we did not find an association with disease aggressiveness as we did previously for UTUC.

Conclusions

This is further evidence of the distinct genetic differences that exist between bladder-UC and UTUC, and it is not possible to extrapolate results of genetic studies between these two urothelial disease entities.     

Magnetic resonance imaging signal changes of alar and transverse ligaments not correlated with whiplash-associated disorders

Purpose

Hypothesis that loss of integrity of the membranes in the craniocervical junction might be the cause of neck pain in patients with whiplash-associated disorders (WADs) has been proposed. In recent years, with development of more detailed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, morphologic changes of the ligaments and membranes in the craniocervical junction, especially alar and transverse ligaments have been discussed. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship of MRI signal changes of alar and transverse ligaments and WADs.

Methods

A systematic search of EMBASE, PUBMED, and Cochrane Library and references from eligible articles were conducted. Comparative studies reporting on evaluating the relationship between MRI high-signal changes of alar and transverse ligaments and WADs were regarded eligible. A pooled estimate of effect size was produced.

Results

Alar ligaments: Six studies (total n = 622) were included. MRI signal changes of alar ligaments did not appear to be related with WADs (P = 0.20, OR = 1.54, 95 % CI = 0.80–2.94). Heterogeneity was present (I ² = 46 %, P = 0.10), which was eliminated upon sensitivity analysis bringing the OR to 1.27 (95 % CI = 0.87–1.86, I ² = 0 %). Transverse ligaments: Four studies (total n = 489) were included. MRI signal changes of transverse ligament did not appear to be related with WADs (P = 0.51, OR = 1.44, 95 % CI = 0.49–4.21). Heterogeneity was present (I ² = 77 %, P = 0.005), which was eliminated upon sensitivity analysis bringing the OR to 0.79 (95 % CI = 0.49–1.28, I ² = 0 %).

Conclusion

MRI signal changes of alar and transverse ligaments are not supposed to be caused by whiplash injury, and MRI examination of alar and transverse ligaments should not be used as the routine workup of patients with WADs.     

Surgical site infection after open reduction and internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for surgical site infections and to quantify the contribution of independent risk factors to the probability of developing infection after definitive fixation of tibial plateau fractures in adult patients.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed at a level I trauma center between January 2004 and December 2010. Data were collected from a review of the patient’s electronic medical records. A total of 251 consecutive patients (256 cases) were divided into two groups, those with surgical site infections and those without surgical site infections. Preoperative and perioperative variables were compared between these groups, and risk factors were determined by univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression. Variables analyzed included age, gender, smoking history, diabetes, presence of an open fracture, presence of compartment syndrome, Schatzker classification, polytrauma status, ICU stay, time from injury to surgery, use of temporary external fixation, surgical approach, surgical fixation, operative time, and use of a drain.

Results

The overall rate of surgical site infection after ORIF of tibial plateau fractures during the 7 years of this study was 7.8 % (20 of 256). The most common causative pathogens was Staphylococcus aureus (n = 15, 75 %). Independent predictors of surgical site infection identified by multivariate analyses were open tibial plateau fracture (odds ratio = 3.9; 95 % CI = 1.3–11.6; p = 0.015) and operative time (odds ratio = 2.7; 95 % CI = 1.6–4.4; p < 0.001). The presence of compartment syndrome (odds ratio = 3.4; 95 % CI = 0.7–15.9; p = 0.119), use of temporary external fixation (odds ratio = 0.5; 95 % CI = 0.2–1.7; p = 0.298), and ICU stay (odds ratio = 1.0; 95 % CI = 1.0–1.1; p = 0.074) were not determined to be independent predictors of surgical site infection.

Conclusions

Both open fracture and operative time are independent risks factors for postoperative infection.     

Disparities in Access to Surgical Care within a Lower Income Country: An Alarming Inequity

Background

Surgical care is not uniformly available worldwide. Inequities in surgical care and access may also vary within countries, and the present study aimed to explore these disparities in Pakistan.

Methods

The National Health Survey of Pakistan was analyzed. The proportion of people with a history of abdominal surgery (AS) was calculated and associated factors were determined by weighted multivariate logistic regression. Factors tested were age, gender, urban/rural residence, province, literacy, community development index (CDI), and economic status (ES). The CDI was developed for each sampling unit from select household and individual data. The ES was constructed from ownership of assets.

Results

A total of 59 million adults were represented. Abdominal surgery had been performed in 3.2 % adults (95 % confidence interval [CI] = 2.67, 3.84), which corresponded to an annual rate of 85.9 abdominal surgeries per 100,000 population. Wide disparities were noted, with annual rates of AS varying from 37.8 to 215.6 per 100,000 population. Urban residents were independently twice as likely as rural populations to have had AS (95 % CI = 1.3, 2.8). Higher age (OR = 2.6; 95 % CI = 1.7, 4.0), female gender (OR = 1.5; 95 % CI = 1.1, 2.1), and higher ES (OR = 1.9; 95 % CI = 1.2, 2.9) were also independently associated with AS. In rural populations ES was the only factor associated with surgery, whereas in urban populations gender and CDI had important roles to play.

Conclusions

Access to surgical care is disparate and grossly inadequate in Pakistan. This likely contributes to significant preventable morbidity and death. Physical access to surgical facilities, especially in rural areas and for those with a low CDI, is an important concern and should be prioritized in any forthcoming national policies.     

Usefulness of the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio measured preoperatively as a predictor of peritoneal metastasis in patients with advanced gastric cancer

Purpose

The prognosis for gastric cancer patients with peritoneal metastasis is poor. Many studies have reported that the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) might be useful to predict the degree of progression of gastric cancer. In this study, we attempted to evaluate whether the NLR and other related laboratory parameters might be reliable predictors of the presence of peritoneal metastasis in patients with advanced gastric cancer.

Methods

The data of 359 patients who underwent gastric surgery between June 2008 and December 2011 were reviewed. A retrospective analysis of the preoperative blood data in relation to the presence of peritoneal metastasis was carried out.

Results

An increased serum C-reactive protein level (P = 0.022), APTT (P = 0.017) and NLR (P < 0.001), and a decreased serum Alb (P = 0.014) were significantly related to the presence of peritoneal metastasis. A multivariate analysis showed that a NLR >2.37 (OR = 2.59, 95 % CI = 1.38–4.93, P = 0.003) and clinical T4 stage (OR = 4.36, 95 % CI = 2.33–8.24, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of the presence of peritoneal metastasis.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the preoperative NLR was a significant independent predictor of the presence of peritoneal metastasis in patients with advanced gastric cancer.     

Association between TNF-α −308G/A polymorphism and diabetic nephropathy risk: a meta-analysis

Purpose

TNF-α ?308G/A polymorphism has been implicated in the susceptibility of diabetic nephropathy, but studies have reported inconclusive results. The present study investigated the relationship between ?308G/A polymorphism in the TNF-α gene and diabetic nephropathy risk by meta-analysis.

Methods

Data from PubMed, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP and China Biology Medicine disc databases were evaluated and analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 4.2 and Stata 10.0 software.

Results

A total of 1,277 diabetic nephropathy cases and 1,740 controls in eight case-controlled studies were identified for data analysis. The results suggested that A allele carriers (GA + AA) may not have an altered risk of diabetic nephropathy when compared with homozygote GG carriers with boarder-line statistical significance (OR = 0.84, 95 % CI = 0.71–1.00, p = 0.05 for GA + AA vs. GG). However, in Asian subgroup analysis, the A allele variant was associated with a decreased diabetic nephropathy risk (OR = 0.69, 95 % CI = 0.51–0.94, p = 0.02 for GA + AA vs. GG).

Conclusions

Meta-analysis suggests that the A allele of TNF-α ?308G/A polymorphism might be protective against diabetic nephropathy with ethnic selectivity. Future studies are needed to validate these findings.     

Association between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and intervertebral disc degeneration: A meta-analysis

Background

Studies that have investigated the association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) have yielded inconsistent results.

Influence of Comorbidity and Age on 1-, 2-, and 3-Month Postoperative Mortality Rates in Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients

Background

Studies on the impact of comorbidity and age on postoperative outcome after gastrointestinal tumor resection are scarce. In this study we investigated the impact of comorbidity and age on 30-, 60-, and 90-day mortality after resection of esophageal, gastric, periampullary, colon, and rectal cancer.

Methods

The study included 8,583 patients recorded in the population-based Netherlands Cancer Registry, regions Eindhoven (Eindhoven Cancer Registry) and Mid and South Limburg, who underwent resection for cancer stage I–III. Patients were diagnosed between 2005 and 2010. Age was categorized as <65, 65–74, and ≥75 years.

Results

Comorbidity was present in more than two-thirds (n = 5,910) of patients. The 30-day mortality rates ranged from 0.5 % for rectal cancer patients <65 years to 12.8 % for gastric cancer patients ≥75 years. Patients with comorbidity who underwent esophageal tumor resection had the highest mortality rates, ranging from 8.4 % for 30-day to 12.0 % for 90-day mortality, while rectal cancer patients had the lowest rates, that is, 4.3–6.4 %, respectively. In multivariable analyses, cardiac disease (odds ratio [OR] = 1.74, 95 % confidence interval [95 % CI] = 1.32–2.30), vascular disease (OR = 1.41, 95 % CI = 1.02–1.95) and previous malignancies (OR = 1.38, 95 % CI = 1.02–1.86) in colon cancer, and cardiac disease (OR = 1.81, 95 % CI = 1.10–2.98) and vascular disease (OR = 1.95, 95 % CI = 1.11–3.42) in rectal cancer were associated with the highest 30-day mortality.

Conclusions

Postoperative mortality extends beyond 30 days. Comorbidity and older age are associated with early postoperative mortality after gastrointestinal cancer resection. Underlying comorbidity should be identified preoperatively with attention to patients’ specific needs to optimally attenuate risk prior to surgery. A less aggressive treatment approach may well be considered in these groups.     

Polymorphisms in Apoptosis-Related Genes and Survival of Patients with Early-Stage Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose

This study was conducted to determine the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in apoptosis-related genes and survival outcomes of patients with early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Three hundred ten consecutive patients with surgically resected NSCLC were enrolled. Twenty-five SNPs in 17 apoptosis-related genes were genotyped by a sequenome mass spectrometry-based genotyping assay. The genotype associations with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were analyzed.

Results

Three SNPs (TNFRSF10B rs1047266, TNFRSF1A rs4149570, and PPP1R13L rs1005165) were significantly associated with survival outcomes on multivariate analysis. When the three SNPs were combined, OS and DFS were decreased as the number of bad genotypes increased (P _trend for OS and DFS = 7 × 10^?5 and 1 × 10^?4, respectively). Patients with one bad genotype, and patients with two or three bad genotypes had significantly worse OS and DFS compared with those with no bad genotypes [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for OS = 2.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.22–4.21, P = 0.01, aHR for DFS = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.08–2.81, P = 0.02; aHR for OS = 4.11, 95% CI = 2.03–8.29, P = 8 × 10^?5; and aHR for DFS = 2.89, 95% CI = 1.64–5.11, P = 3 × 10^?4, respectively].

Conclusion

Three SNPs in apoptosis-related genes were identified as possible prognostic markers of survival in patients with early-stage NSCLC. The SNPs, and particularly their combined genotypes, can be used to identify patients at high risk for poor disease outcome.     

Treatment Efficacy with Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI): Final Analysis of the American Society of Breast Surgeons MammoSite® Breast Brachytherapy Registry Trial

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine data on treatment efficacy, cosmesis and toxicities for the final analysis of the American Society of Breast Surgeons MammoSite^® breast brachytherapy registry trial.

Methods

A total of 1,449 cases of early-stage breast cancer underwent breast conserving therapy. The single-lumen MammoSite^® device was used to deliver accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) (34 Gy in 3.4 Gy fractions). Of these, 1,255 cases (87 %) had invasive breast cancer (IBC) and 194 cases had DCIS. Median follow-up was 63.1 months with 45 % of all patients having follow-up of 6 years or longer.

Results

There were 41 cases (2.8 %) that developed an ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) for a 5-year actuarial rate of 3.8 % (3.7 % for IBC and 4.1 % for DCIS). Tumor size (odds ratio [OR] = 1.1, p = 0.03) and estrogen receptor negativity (OR = 3.0, p = 0.0009) were associated with IBTR, while a trend was noted for positive margins (OR = 2.0, p = 0.06) and cautionary/unsuitable status compared with suitable status (OR = 1.8, p = 0.07). The percentage of patients with excellent/good cosmetic results at 60, 72, and 84 months was 91.3, 90.5, and 90.6 %, respectively. The overall rates of fat necrosis and infections remained low at 2.5 and 9.6 % with few late toxicity events beyond 2 years. The overall symptomatic seroma rate was 13.4 and 0.6 % beyond 2 years.

Conclusions

The final analysis of treatment efficacy, cosmesis, and toxicity from the American Society of Breast Surgeons MammoSite^® breast brachytherapy registry trial confirms previously noted excellent results and compares favorably with other forms of APBI with similar follow-up and to outcomes seen in selected patients treated with whole breast irradiation.     

The value of serum creatine kinase in predicting the risk of rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Identifying the potential effective factors of rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is of major importance for both treatment and logistic concerns. The present study aimed to evaluate the value of creatine kinase (CK) in predicting the risk of rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI through meta-analysis.

Methods

Two reviewers searched the electronic databases of Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane library, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Data regarding study design, patient characteristics, number of cases, mean and screening characteristics of CK, and final patient outcome were extracted from relevant studies. Pooled measures of standardized mean difference, OR, and diagnostic accuracy were calculated using STATA version 11.0.

Result

5997 non-redundant studies were found (143 potentially relevant). 27 articles met the inclusion criteria but 9 were excluded due to lack of data. The correlation between serum CK and AKI occurrence was stronger in traumatic cases (SMD = 1.34, 95 % CI = 1.25–1.42, I ² = 94 %; p < 0.001). This correlation was more prominent in crush-induced AKI (adjusted OR = 14.7, 95 % CI = 7.63–28.52, I ² = 0.0 %; p = 0.001). Area under the ROC curve of CK in predicting AKI occurrence was 0.75 (95 % CI = 0.71–0.79).

Conclusion

The results of this meta-analysis declared the significant role of rhabdomyolysis etiology (traumatic/non-traumatic) in predictive performance of CK. There was a significant correlation between mean CK level and risk of crush-induced AKI. The pooled OR of CK was considerable, but its screening performance characteristics were not desirable.

     

Prophylactic sequential bronchoscopy after inhalation injury: results from a three-year prospective randomized trial

Objective

That the prophylactic, sequential use of bronchoscopy after inhalation injury as a therapeutic tool to remove secretions and carbonaceous material and to screen for the early detection of pneumonia will improve outcome.

Methods

A three-year prospective randomized trial at a regional burn center.

Results

Thirty-three patients with inhalation injury requiring mechanical ventilation were admitted over three years. The bronchoscopy group had a higher initial carboxyhemoglobin level at 11.9 % (95 % CI ± 9.6 %) versus the control group at 9.9 % (95 % CI ± 5.7 %, p = 0.7). There was no difference in the incidence of pneumonia between groups (p = 0.6). There was a trend toward fewer days of antibiotic use in the bronchoscopy group, at 4.5 days (95 % CI ± 4.5 days) versus 9.3 days (95 % CI ± 7.1 days, p = 0.3). Fewer patients were treated with antibiotics in the bronchoscopy group (4/13, 31 %) versus the control group (9/15, 60 %, p = 0.1). There was a statistically significant difference in the morbidity that favored the bronchoscopy group (3/13, 23 %) over the control group (9/15, 60 %, p = 0.04). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in days of mechanical ventilation (bronchoscopy 5.1 days, 95 % CI ± 3.6 days, control 6.7 days, 95 % CI ± 6.3 days, p = 0.7), ICU days (bronchoscopy 10 days, 95 % CI ± 10 days, control 18 days, 95 % CI ± 12 days, p = 0.4), and hospital days (bronchoscopy 21 days, 95 % CI ± 12 days, control 26 days, 95 % CI ± 12 days, p = 0.5), although the trends favored the bronchoscopy group for all of the endpoints.

Conclusions

In conclusion, this program of scheduled, sequential bronchoscopy after inhalation injury showed several strong trends towards less morbidity, fewer days of mechanical ventilation, and a shorter length of stay. There was also a strong trend towards less antibiotic use and a shorter duration of treatment. This data is promising and should promote a larger, multi-institutional trial in the future.     

Living status,economic hardship and sleep disturbance were associated with subjective shoulder pain in survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake: A cross sectional study

Background

The Great East Japan Earthquake and devastating Tsunami hit hard everything on the northeastern coast of Japan. This study aimed to determine socio-psychological factors for “subjective shoulder pain” of the survivors at 2 years evaluated by a self-report questionnaire.