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.     

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.     

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.     

Laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy versus open gastrectomy for resectable gastric cancer: an update meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials

Background

We carry out a meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy (LAG) versus open gastrectomy for resectable gastric cancer.

Methods

We searched EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Science Citation Index (SCI), Chinese biomedicine literature database to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from their inception to April 2012. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.0 software. It was in line with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses statement. The quality of evidence was assessed by GRADEpro 3.6.

Results

Eight RCTs totaling 784 patients were analyzed. Compared with open gastrectomy group, no significant differences were found in postoperative mortality (OR = 1.49; 95 % CI 0.29–7.79), anastomotic leakage (OR = 1.02; 95 % CI 0.24–4.27) , overall mean number of harvested lymph nodes [weighed mean difference (MD) = ?3.17; 95 % CI ?6.39 to 0.05]; the overall postoperative complication morbidity (OR = 0.54; 95 % CI 0.36–0.82), estimated blood loss (MD = ?107.23; 95 % CI ?148.56 to ?65.89,) frequency of analgesic administration (MD = ?1.69; 95 % CI ?2.18 to ?1.21, P < 0.00001), incidence of pulmonary complications (OR = 0.43, 95 % CI 0.20–0.93, P = 0.03) were significantly less in LAG group; LAG had shorter time to start first flatus (MD = ?0.23; 95 % CI ?0.41 to ?0.05) and decreased hospital stay (MD = ?1.72; 95 % CI ?3.40 to 0.04), but, LAG still had longer operation time (MD = 76.70; 95 % CI 51.54–101.87).

Conclusions

On the basis of this meta-analysis we conclude that although LAG was still a time-consuming and technically dependent procedure, it has the advantage of better short-term outcome. Long term survival data from other studies are urgently needed to estimate the survival benefit of this technique.     

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.     

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.     

Factors that impact the outcome of endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux: a multivariate analysis

Purpose

To identify independent factors that may predict vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) resolution after endoscopic treatment using dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (Deflux^®) in children free of anatomical anomalies.

Materials and methods

A retrospective study was conducted in our pediatric referral center from 1998 to 2011 on children with primary VUR who underwent endoscopic injection of Deflux^® with or without concomitant autologous blood injection (called HABIT or HIT, respectively). Children with secondary VUR or incomplete records were excluded from the study. Potential factors were divided into three categories including preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative. Success was defined as no sign of VUR on postoperative voiding cystourethrogram. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to identify independent factors that may predict success. Odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) for prediction of success were estimated for each factor.

Results

From 485 children received Deflux^® injection, a total of 372 with a mean age of 3.10 years (ranged from 6 months to 12 years) were included in the study and endoscopic management was successful in 322 (86.6 %) of them. Of the patients, 185 (49.7 %) underwent HIT and 187 (50.3 %) underwent HABIT technique. On univariate analysis, VUR grade from preoperative category (OR = 4.79, 95 % CI = 2.22–10.30, p = 0.000), operation technique (OR = 0.33, 95 % CI = 0.17–0.64, p = 0.001) and presence of mound on postoperative sonography (OR = 0.06, 95 % CI = 0.02–0.16, p = 0.000) were associated with success. On multivariate analysis, preoperative VUR grade (OR = 4.85, 95 % CI = 2.49–8.96, p = 0.000) and identification of mound on postoperative sonography (OR = 0.07, 95 % CI = 0.01–0.18, p = 0.000) remained as independent success predictors.

Conclusion

Based on this study, successful VUR correction after the endoscopic injection of Deflux^® can be predicted with respect to preoperative VUR grade and presence of mound after operation.     

The effect of 5α-reductase inhibitors on prostate growth in men receiving testosterone replacement therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

Androgen replacement therapy is a widely accepted form of treatment worldwide for aging men with late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) syndrome. Urologists have been concerned with the use of androgen supplements due to the possibility of enhancing prostate growth. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effect of 5α-reductase inhibitors on prostate growth in men receiving testosterone replacement therapy.

Methods

A literature review was performed to identify all published randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCT) that used exogenous testosterone combined with 5α-reductase inhibitor therapy for the treatment of hypogonadism. The search included the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. The reference lists of the retrieved studies were also investigated, and a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted.

Results

Five publications involving a total of 250 patients were used in the analysis, including 4 RCTs that were short-term (≤6 mo) comparisons of testosterone plus a 5α-reductase inhibitor with testosterone plus placebo and 3 RCTs that were long-term (18–36 mo) comparisons of testosterone plus a 5α-reductase inhibitor with testosterone plus placebo. In our meta-analysis, we found that testosterone plus a 5α-reductase inhibitor may slow the progression of prostate growth. For the comparison of short-term testosterone plus 5α-reductase inhibitor treatment with testosterone plus placebo therapy, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level (the standardized mean difference (SMD) = ?0.24, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = ?0.45 to 0.04, p = 0.02)) and the prostate volume (SMD = ?1.66, 95 % CI = ?4.54 to 1.22, p = 0.26) indicated that, compared with testosterone plus placebo therapy, the testosterone plus 5α-reductase inhibitor may decrease the PSA level. For the comparison of long-term testosterone plus 5α-reductase inhibitor with testosterone plus placebo, the PSA level (SMD = ?0.53, 95 % CI = ?0.84 to 0.21, p = 0.001) and the prostate volume (SMD = ?8.53, 95 % CI = ?15.51 to 1.54, p = 0.02) showed that, compared with testosterone plus placebo therapy, the testosterone plus 5α-reductase inhibitor treatment may slow the progression of prostate growth.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis indicates that the treatment of LOH patients with short-term testosterone plus 5α-reductase inhibitor therapy does not lead to prostate growth; however, this treatment could effectively decrease the PSA level. Additionally, long-term testosterone plus 5α-reductase inhibitor therapy could slow the progression of prostate growth.     

True benefit or selection bias: an analysis of laparoscopic versus open splenectomy from the ACS-NSQIP

Background

By virtue of the benefits associated with minimally invasive approaches, laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is believed to have better patient-related outcomes compared to open splenectomy (OS). However, there are limited data directly comparing the two techniques.

Methods

Patients who underwent elective LS and OS between 2005 and 2010 were identified from the public use file of the ACS-NSQIP database using the Current Procedural Terminology codes 38120 and 38100. Patients who had concomitant procedures were excluded. Because of the nonrandom assignment of surgical techniques, a selection bias could have been responsible for the differences in patient outcomes. Therefore, patient characteristics and comorbidities that were available and could have been potential confounders were compared and regression analysis was performed to determine independent risk factors associated with serious and overall morbidity as well as mortality.

Results

During the study period 1,644 and 851 patients underwent LS and OS, respectively. Compared to patients who underwent LS, patients who had OS had a longer median length of hospital stay (3 vs. 6 days, P < 0.0001) and higher incidences of serious (7 vs. 17 %, P < 0.0001) and overall morbidity (12 vs. 25 %, P < 0.0001) and mortality (1.4 vs. 3.3 %, P = 0.02). However, there were certain significant differences in the characteristics and comorbidities of the patients that could have confounded outcomes. On regression analysis, OS was not associated with higher mortality (OR = 1.43, 95 % CI 0.7–2.7, P = 0.28) but was associated with higher serious morbidity (OR = 1.8, 95 % CI 1.4–2.3, P = 0.001) and overall morbidity (OR = 2.0, 95 % CI 1.6–2.4, P = 0.0001).

Conclusion

After adjusting for available confounders, patients who underwent LS had lower morbidity and similar mortality rates. Although certain confounders such as previous surgical history, underlying pathology, and spleen size could still have potentially influenced outcomes, the data suggest that patient outcomes after LS are excellent and when technically possible a minimally invasive technique should be the preferred approach for splenectomy.     

One-port video-assisted thoracic surgery versus three-port video-assisted thoracic surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax: a meta-analysis

Objective

To further understand the effects of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) with one-port versus three-port VATS for primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP).

Methods

In this study, we searched information from the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Data databases from inception to September 2015 to collect data of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies about one-port VATS versus three-port VATS for PSP. Two independent authors were committed to screen literature, extract data, and assess the risk of bias of related studies. Then, we used the RevMan 5.20 software for a meta-analysis of one-port VATS versus three-port VATS for PSP.

Results

Six cohort studies involving 310 patients were finally selected in this meta-analysis. The results of our study indicate that one-port VATS had a shorter hospital stay (SMD = ?0.39, 95 % CI ?0.69 to 0.09, P = 0.01), lower VAS score of 24-h post-operative pain (SMD = ?0.78, 95 % CI ?1.40 to ?0.52, P < 0.00001), shorter chest drainage time (SMD = ?0.68, 95 % CI ?1.15 to ?0.22, P = 0.004), and lower incidence of post-operative paraesthesia (OR = 0.13, 95 % CI 0.06 to 0.29, P < 0.00001) compared with three-port VATS. However, one-port VATS had a lower patient satisfaction score at 24 h (SMD = ?0.65, 95 % CI ?0.95 to ?0.35, P < 0.0001) and 48 h (SMD = ?0.46, 95 % CI ?0.71 to ?0.21, P = 0.0002). No differences in the recurrence of pneumothorax (OR = 0.58, 95 % CI 0.20 to 1.67, P = 0.32), the operation time (SMD = 1.01, 95 % CI ?4.63 to 2.60, P = 0.58), and the satisfaction score at 72 h (SMD = ?0.11, 95 % CI ?0.44 to 0.22, P < 0.00001) were noted between the groups.

Conclusion

Current evidence suggests that one-port VATS may have certain advantages over three-port VATS for PSP. More large-scale and high-quality studies are needed for authentication.

     

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.     

Should an Involved but Functioning Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve be Shaved or Resected in a Locally Advanced Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma?

Background

The issue of whether an involved but functioning recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) should be shaved or resected in locally advanced papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remains controversial. Our study aimed to compare the early and late outcomes between those who underwent shaving and those who underwent resection and also to identify independent prognostic factors in this subset of patients.

Methods

Of the 77 patients with 1 RLN involved by PTC, 39 (50.6 %) underwent RLN preservation (group I) while 38 (49.4 %) underwent RLN resection (group II). Early and late vocal cord function (as assessed by flexible laryngoscopy) and disease status were compared between the 2 groups. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was carried out to identify independent factors.

Results

Baseline characteristics were comparable between the 2 groups. Although temporary vocal cord palsy rate was similar between the 2 groups (p = 0.532), 5 patients in group II (13.2 %) suffered temporary bilateral vocal cord palsies with 1 requiring a tracheostomy lasting for 1 month. After a median follow-up of 113.8 months, 1 patient from each group developed new onset vocal cord palsy. Presence of distant metastases (hazard ratio [HR] = 5.892, 95 % CI = 1.971–17.604, p = 0.001) and incomplete surgical resection in non-RLN concomitant sites (HR = 2.491, 95 % CI = 1.181–5.476, p = 0.024) were the 2 independent predictors for a poor cancer-specific survival.

Conclusions

Our data suggested that shaving could preserve the normal functionality in most of the involved RLNs (>90 %) in the short to medium term. In the presence of distant metastases or incomplete resection in other non-RLN concomitant sites, the argument for shaving over resection appears even stronger.     

Meta-analysis of the Efficacies of Extended and Standard Pancreatoduodenectomy for Ductal Adenocarcinoma of the Head of the Pancreas

Background

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of extended pancreatoduodenectomy (EPD) and standard pancreatoduodenectomy (SPD) for ductal adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas via meta-analysis.

Methods

Relevant articles (published between 1995 and 2012) were compiled from online data sources. A total of nine studies satisfied the selection criteria, including a total of 973 patients (478 in the SPD group and 495 in the EPD group). Evaluation parameters included 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival, as well as mortality, morbidity, and specific morbidity outcomes.

Results

Meta-analysis revealed (1) differences in morbidity (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.740; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.840–3.600; P = 0.140), mortality (OR = 0.890; 95 % CI, 0.560–1.400; P = 0.620), 1-year overall survival (OS) rate (OR = 1.20; 95 % CI, 0.490–2.930; P = 0.69), 3-year OS rate (OR = 0.770; 95 % CI, 0.460–1.280; P = 0.190), and 5-year OS rate (OR = 1.12; 95 % CI, 0.690–1.810; P = 0.560) were not significant between EPD and SPD. (2) For bile leak (OR = 2.640; 95 % CI, 1.040–6.700; P = 0.040), pancreatic leak (OR = 1.740; 95 % CI, 1.040–2.91; P = 0.030), delayed gastric emptying (OR = 2.090; 95 % CI, 1.240–3.520; P = 0.006), and lymphatic fistula (OR = 6.120; 95 % CI, 1.06–35.320; P = 0.040) differences between EPD and SPD were significant, whereas other specific morbidities were not significantly different.

Conclusions

Extended pancreatoduodenectomy does not improve 1-, 3-, 5-year OS rates compared to SPD and there is a trend toward increased bile leak, pancreatic leak, delayed gastric emptying, and lymphatic fistula after EPD.     

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.     

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.

A meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of intravenous acetaminophen for pain management in knee or hip arthroplasty

Background

The objective of this study was to assess whether intravenous acetaminophen for patients undergoing knee or hip arthroplasty could reduce the opioid consumption and improve pain management.

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.