Clinical outcomes of patients 80 years of age and older with soft tissue sarcoma

Objectives

Although soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is rare, its incidence is increasing among older patients. Few studies have compared the outcomes between conservative and surgical treatments for STS patients aged ≥80 years. We assessed the outcomes of both treatments in this population and the association between older age and surgical outcome.

Desmoid tumorsA clinical review of 30 patients with more than 20 years’ follow-up

We retrospectively studied the outcome in a consecutive series of 30 patients with desmoid tumors who were followed for more than 20 years after treatment (surgery in 29 patients). A local recurrence occurred in 12 patients and more than 1 recurrence occurred in 8. 3 patients had spontaneous complete regression of the tumor. At follow-up after mean 28 (20-54) years, all patients were tumor-free except 1 who had had a stable tumor for at least 11 years. Symptoms were related more to treatment than to the tumor. We conclude that desmoid tumors may have a high capacity for self-limitation and that conservative therapy should be considered in symptom-free patients.     

DNA content prognostic in soft tissue sarcoma: 102 patients followed for 1–10 years

In a prospective study of 102 patients with soft tissue sarcoma, the prognostic importance of DNA content and clinicopathologic features was analyzed. Based on DNA flow cytometry, 37 lesions were diploid (normal DNA content) and 65 were nondiploid (abnormal DNA content). The 5-year metastasis-free survival rate of the whole series was 0.59. The survival rate was 0.77 for patients with diploid tumors and 0.48 for those with nondiploid tumors (ρ = 0.01). Multivariate analysis identified two independent metastatic risk factors: increasing tumor size and nondiploidy. Unexpectedly, high malignancy grade (III-IV) was not found to be an independent risk factor for metastasis.

The risk of metastasis was strongly related to the number of risk factors present. Thus, the 5-year survival for the 76 patients with no or one risk factor was 0.69, as compared with 0.30 for the 26 patients with two risk factors (P < 0.0001).

Our study shows that metastatic disease in soft tissue sarcoma is closely related to nondiploidy. A prognostication model based on DNA content and tumor size was found to discriminate between patients with a good and a poor prognosis after surgical treatment. The model can be used to identify patients who should be excluded from trials with adjuvant chemotherapy.     

Clinical characteristics and treatment of burn wound sepsis in extensive burn patients: successful experience with eight cases

Eight burn wound sepsis patients, in which 6 cases were diagnosed as MODS and two as septic shock, were treated consecutively in our hospital from September 1997 to October 1998. The plasma concentration of IL-6, IL-8, TNFα and LPS were assayed before and after surgical intervention, as well as when the patients' vital signs became stable. The results showed: ①The patients' conditions abruptly deteriorated when the burn wound sepsis emerged;②The major cause related to burn wound sepsis was extensive burn injuries, with large areas of deep burn remaining open; ③Although wound swabs taken on admission revealed the presence of colonization by many pathogenic bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was one of the most frequent bacteria isolated from the subeschar tissue; ④The plasma concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, TNF and LPS before surgical intervention were significantly higher than that after surgical intervention (P＜0.05) ;⑤The lowest level of the inflammatory mediators was observed when the patients' conditions became stable, as compared with before surgical intervention (P＜0. 001).These findings suggest that the clinical characteristics of burn wound sepsis are abrupt deterioration of the general condition and prominent septic symptoms, often complicated by MODS. The main cause of burn wound sepsis is the presence of a large area of open deep burn wounds, which should be excised and covered early. LPS and pro-inflammatory mediators play an important role in the pathogenesis of burn wound sepsis. Although success in treating these patients is the result of appropriate application of multiple treatments, early, aggressive and thorough surgical excision of invasive burn infectious tissue and closure of wound play a crucial role in the successful treatment of patients complicated by burn wound sepsis. Other treatments are adjuvant but also important.     

Free flaps for lower limb soft tissue reconstruction – A systematic review of complications in ‘Silver Trauma’ patients

BackgroundThere are 12.5 million people aged 65 years and older living in the UK. The annual incidence of open fracture is 30.7 per 10,000 person-years. In females, 42.9% of all open fractures occur in patients ≥ 65 years.Methods and materialsPreferred Reporting for Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and the study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020209149). The aim was to compare the complication profiles of free fasciocutaneous flaps and free muscular flaps in patients aged over 60 years undergoing lower limb soft tissue reconstruction following an open lower limb fracture. The search strategy based on strict inclusion criteria included PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar.Results15 papers were identified, including 46 patients with 10 free fasciocutaneous flaps and 41 free muscle flaps. There were 3 complications in the fasciocutaneous group (30%) and 9 complications in the muscle group (22%). There was a total of 1 secondary procedure in the fasciocutaneous group and 4 in the muscle group.DiscussionThere is insufficient data to provide statistical comparison between free fasciocutaneous versus free muscle flaps for lower limb reconstruction performed in those aged over 60 years. This systematic review highlights evidence for the successful use of free tissue transfer in the older population following an open fracture injury and requiring lower limb reconstruction. There is no evidence to suggest the superiority of one tissue type over the other, with the inference that well vascularised tissue is the most significant factor impacting outcome.     

A review of propeller flaps for distal lower extremity soft tissue reconstruction: Is flap loss too high?

Soft tissue coverage in the distal lower extremity remains a significant challenge. While free flaps are often utilized for larger defects, local perforator‐based propeller flaps may be ideal for smaller wounds requiring coverage. Propeller flaps can provide excellent form and function for both traumatic and atraumatic defects with minimal donor site morbidity but can have concerning rates of flap loss. We reviewed the literature, identifying 21 studies presenting 310 propeller flaps for distal lower extremity reconstruction. Total flap necrosis was noted in 5.5% of flaps, with partial necrosis in 11.6%. While these flaps do enable transfer of local, healthy tissue to the defect site without the need for a microsurgical anastomosis, this rate of flap loss is concerning and appropriate patient selection is crucial. This review provides a brief history and overview of the clinical application and research into distal lower extremity perforator propeller flaps to place this technique into a clinical context. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 33:578–586, 2013.     

Evolution of walking ability after soft tissue surgery in cerebral palsy patients: what can we expect?

Eleven patients with spastic cerebral palsy were evaluated preoperatively, and 3 and 9 months postoperatively after soft tissue surgery. Evaluation included clinical examination, the Functional Mobility Scale questionnaire, and instrumented gait and center of mass trajectory analysis. A decrease in time-distance parameters after 3 months was followed by progress in all parameters at 9 months postoperatively. Push-off range of ankle motion decreased after surgery and was not restored to preoperative level until 9 months later. The center of mass vertical displacement improved significantly. The Functional Mobility Scale showed gait improvement. Despite the normalization of range of motion after surgery, there is an obvious period of functional gait deterioration in the early postoperative period and the push-off range of motion at the ankle did not recover to preoperative level until 9 months later.     

Changes in connective tissue in patients with pelvic organ prolapse—a review of the current literature

Little is known about the pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). In 1996, Jackson presented a hypothesis on pelvic floor connective tissue that tried to explain the development of POP on a molecular level. The objective of this review is to test the hypothesis against recent literature. The method used was a review of literature. The association between POP and connective tissue metabolism is well established. However, the causality of this association is unclear. The characteristics of the pelvic floor connective tissue of POP patients relate to tissue repair. To resolve the question of cause and effect, the role of fibroblasts in producing the extracellular matrix should be clarified. With these data, the use of autologous or allogenic stem cells in the treatment of POP may come in sight. Recent literature supports the hypothesis of Jackson but does not resolve long-standing questions on the aetiology of POP.     

Anaesthetic considerations in down’s syndrome: experience with 100 patients and a review of the literature

Down’s Syndrome (Trisomy 21, T21) occurs in approximately 0.15 percent of live births. In addition to the stigmata of the syndrome, other congenital defects are frequently found in these patients. Cardiac lesions are particularly prominent. To determine the complications associated with anaesthesia and surgery we examined the records of 100 consecutive patients (58 males, 42 females) who underwent surgery with general anaesthesia during a two year period, from March 1978-March 1980. In addition to the cardiac lesions, the low birth weight of Trisomy 21 infants, increased suceptibility to infections, atlanto-occipital dislocation, and reduced central nervous system catecholamine levels might be expected to result in an increased incidence of complications. This study of 100 patients with Trisomy 21 (T21) indicates that the incidence of complications is low. However, the anaesthetist must understand the pathophysiology of T21 in order to provide optimal anaesthetic care.     

Does the two-week rule pathway improve the diagnosis of soft tissue sarcoma? A retrospective review of referral patterns and outcomes over five years in a regional sarcoma centre

INTRODUCTION

The NHS Cancer Plan was introduced in 2000 and included guidelines for the rapid assessment and referral of cases of suspected malignancy. We wished to assess the efficiency and appropriateness of patients referred under the Department of Health''s general practitioner referral guidelines implemented for sarcomas in December 2000.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective case-note review was performed of all patients referred to our regional soft tissue sarcoma unit between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2008. Patients referred under the two-week guidelines and all patients referred routinely were analysed. The main outcome measures were the total number of patients referred on the basis of the two-week guidelines and the proportion they constitute of all referrals. The referring criteria were noted and compared to the observed criteria recorded. The final histo-logical diagnosis of patients referred on the basis of the two-week guidelines are documented.

RESULTS

A total of 2746 referrals for suspected sarcoma were made from January 2004 to December 2008. Of these, 154 referrals were made under the two-week rule of which 102 were referred purely on the clinical criteria for suspected soft tissue sarcoma. The remaining patients were referred after non-urgent special investigations indicated the possibility of sarcoma. Twelve patients referred under the two-week rule were proved to have sarcoma, nine after specific investigations including imaging or histological diagnosis. Of the 102 patients referred on clinical suspicion of a sarcoma, two patients had proven soft tissue sarcomas and one patient a cutaneous sarcoma. Between 2004 and 2008, the number of 2-week referrals rose 25-fold but accounted for an increase of less than 1% of the sarcomas treated in this unit.

CONCLUSIONS

The numbers of all referrals for suspected sarcoma are increasing; however, the rate of increase of 2-week referrals is increasing faster than routine referrals and will exceed it in 2012 if current trends continue. There has not been a commensurate rise in the detection of sarcoma or, more specifically, diagnosis of the deep sarcomas associated with worse prognosis. Current clinical guidelines have essentially had no impact on the early diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue sarcoma, and may negatively impact on the treatment of patients with proven sarcoma by delaying treatment within a regional centre because of redirection of a large number of patients with benign abnormalities to such centres.     

Does Kapandji wiring help in older patients? A retrospective comparative review of displaced intra-articular distal radial fractures in patients over 55 years

Forty-six patients aged 55–90 with intra-articular displaced fractures of the distal radius were reviewed retrospectively. All patients were treated with either manipulation and plaster of Paris or Kapandji wiring. Radiographic and functional review was performed by an independent observer a mean of 17 months after the fracture.

The results showed superior anatomical and functional results in the group treated with Kapandji wiring. The mean dorsal angle was significantly better in the wired group, and the improvement in dorsal angle, radial angle and radial length from presentation to final result was also significantly better. Functional results were excellent or good in 19/23 of the wired group, compared with 12/23 of the plaster group. There was a strong correlation between functional outcome and both dorsal angle and radial length at union.

These results support the use of this method of wire fixation in older patients, as the technique is simple and complications were few.     

Ten years of acute hand trauma: is day case surgery still working? A review of 726 patients

Background

Day surgery units (DSUs) have streamlined the treatment of hand trauma. This study describes how the establishment of the Birmingham Hand DSU has improved the service over a 10-year period.

Methods

Data was collected on patients requiring surgery for acute hand trauma for a period of 1 month at four separate time points: (1) prior to establishment of DSU, (2) 1 month following DSU opening, (3) 1 year following DSU opening and (4) 8 years following DSU opening. The number and types of operation performed, day case rates, and bed occupancy rates were analysed. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test.

Results

The volume of hand trauma has increased over time (77 cases/month-2002; 109-2003; 90-2004; av. 150-2011). Sharp lacerations and crush injuries remain the most common. The percentage of patients admitted has fallen (84.4% 2002; 64.2% 2003; 46.7% 2004; 33.6% 2011 p?=?0.0003) whilst the day case rate has increased (13.0% 2002; 33.9% 2003; 51.1% 2004; 67.5% 2011 p?=?0.004). Bed occupancy rate per patient has fallen (2.64 days-2002; 2.08-2003; 1.34-2004; 1.21-2011).

Conclusions

Despite an increased caseload, increased utilisation of the DSU has led to reduced patient waiting times and bed occupancy rates whilst increasing patient satisfaction and reducing costs.Level of Evidence: Level III, risk/prognostic study.

     

Is there a higher risk of dislocation of hip hemiarthroplasty in patients with neuromuscular conditions? A clinical study of 3827 patients

Aim of the studyThe aim of this study is to identify if there is any association between neuromuscular disorders and prosthetic dislocation in patients treated with hip hemiarthroplasty for neck of femur fractures.Patients and methodsOur study is a retrospective analysis of data collected over 34 years for patients with intracapsular neck of femur fracture who underwent hip hemiarthroplasty. Pathological fractures and patients treated with other treatment modalities were excluded. The study population is composed of four groups; patients with no neuromuscular disorders, patients with Parkinson's disease, patients with previous stroke, and patients with mental impairment.ResultsA total of 3827 patients were treated with hip hemiarthroplasty. For the 3371 patients with no neuromuscular condition (Group I) the dislocation rate was 1.1%. 219 patients had Parkinsonism (Group II) with a dislocation rate of 3.2%, 104 patients had a previous stroke with weakness on the fracture side with a dislocation rate of 1.0% (Group III), and 984 patients had severe mental impairment with a dislocation rate of 1.8% (Group IV). The increased dislocation rate for those with Parkinson's disease was statistically significant (p = 0.02) while none of the other neuromuscular conditions were statistically significant.ConclusionOur study demonstrates an increased risk of dislocation after hemiarthroplasty for patients with Parkinson's disease in comparison to other groups. No increase was apparent for those with mental impairment or weakness from a previous stroke.     

Eight year’s experience with soft tissue release and Alkhooly external fixator in the treatment of resistant clubfoot

From Aug 1992 to Feb 2001, thirty-two operations on the foot and ankle were performed in the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology of El-Minia University Hospital in 24 children, 16 boys and 8 girls suffering from severe clubfoot deformity. There were eight cases with bilateral and 16 with unilateral affection. Their ages ranged from three to three and a half years. One of the unilateral deformed patients was aged 13 years and had severe equinovarus deformity due to burn contracture. One case aged 14 years had bilateral deformity that was treated when she was 2 years old and upon recurrence, it was neglected until that age. They were treated by soft tissue release and skin flaps with either rotation or multiple Z-plasty supplemented with the Alkhooly external fixator. The follow-up period ranged between 4 and 8 years. The results according to Mittal (1987) were excellent in 23 feet (71.9%), good in 8 feet (25%) and poor in one foot (3.1%).     

Do current clinical trials in cystic fibrosis match the priorities of patients and clinicans? A systematic review

There are many uncertainties regarding Cystic Fibrosis (CF) treatment. Recently, the first James Lind Alliance (JLA) Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) in CF was completed, bringing clinicians, patients and carers together to identify the Top 10 research priorities. Here we investigate how well the current clinical trials landscape reflects these priorities. Trials in CF were identified through searches of research databases (Pubmed, ANZCTR, EU clinical trials register, ClinicalTrials.gov and ISRCTN). Trials meeting inclusion criteria of registered intervention studies in CF published between 01.012016 and 11.09.2017 were matched to the Top 10 priorities. We identified 259 trials, with 193 fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Only 63 (33%) of these matched one or more of the JLA priorities showing that current clinical trials poorly reflect the JLA Top 10. By increasing awareness of the Top 10 priorities, it is hoped that this will fuel future research in areas important to the CF community.