Microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm associated with the vertebral artery

In patients with vascular compression syndromes, the preoperative recognition of the cranial nerves and compressed vessels will contribute to improved surgical results. The aim of this study was to clarify the pathophysiology of hemifacial spasm (HFS) associated with the vertebral artery (VA) and to assess the value of preoperative imaging. Fifty-three consecutive patients with HFS underwent microvascular decompression (MVD). Of these, 18 cases of HFS were associated with the VA; this case series was compared with the remaining non-VA-associated HFS. For preoperative assessment, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed. Since January 2006, fusion imaging has been performed by combining MRI and computed tomography angiography. Of the 18 cases of VA-associated HFS, 17 (94.4 %) were on the left side; this was significantly higher than in the non-VA-associated HFS cases (p?<?0.0001). The VA was attached to the root exit zone (REZ) directly in three cases. In the other 15 cases, the VA was compressing the REZ indirectly as a result of other intervening vessels. In all cases, preoperative imaging fully simulated the status of the REZ. The symptom disappeared in 17 cases (94.4 %) after MVD, and there was no significant difference in the surgical results between the VA-associated group and the non-VA-associated group (p?=?0.9925). HFS associated with VA is not a rare condition. Preoperative recognition is thus important to the improvement of surgical results. Fusion imaging is useful to determine the status of the REZ, especially in indirect VA-associated HFS.     

Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism with type 1 diabetic nephropathy: a meta-analysis

Objective: This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effect of an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) gene polymorphism on type 1 diabetic nephropathy (DN).

Methods: Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of science, Wanfang data, VIP database, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, and SinoMed were searched. A total of 17 case–control studies analyzing ACE I/D polymorphism and type 1 DN risk were included in the present meta-analysis.

Results: Overall, a significant increased risk was found in allele comparison (OR?=?1.16, 95% CI?=?1.05–1.28, p?=?0.04), dominant comparison (OR?=?1.56, 95% CI?=?1.14–2.15, p?=?0.006) and homozygote comparison (OR?=?1.52, 95% CI?=?1.06–2.19, p?=?0.02). In subgroup analyses according to ethnicity, the risk of type 1 DN in Asian population was increased in allele comparison (OR?=?1.98, 95% CI?=?1.15–3.42, p?=?0.01), recessive comparison (OR?=?2.48, 95% CI?=?1.51–4.10, p?=?0.0004), dominant comparison (OR?=?3.15, 95% CI?=?1.90–5.23, p?p?=?0.05). However, there was no association between the ACE I/D genetic variants and type 1 DN in Caucasian populations.

Conclusions: Our meta-analysis results indicate that the ACE I/D polymorphism may contribute to type 1 DN development, especially in the Asian groups with type 1 diabetes. The current findings need to be confirmed by future well-designed and larger sample size primary studies in populations with different ethnicities.     

Predictive Value of Preoperative Sarcopenia in Patients with Gastric Cancer: a Meta-analysis and Systematic Review

Purpose

The impact of preoperative sarcopenia on postoperative complications and overall survival has been recently debated. Our meta-analysis aims to ascertain whether preoperative sarcopenia increases the risk of poor outcomes and to attempt to provide new ideas for the prognosis of outcomes for patients with gastric cancer.

Methods

We searched for all relevant articles on PubMed, the EMBASE database, and Web of Science (up to September 1, 2017). Data synthesis and statistical analysis were carried out using RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

Thirteen studies involving 4262 patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer were analyzed (sarcopenia group?=?1234; non-sarcopenia group?=?3028). The results showed that preoperative sarcopenia significantly associated with poor pathological staging (high pT: OR?=?1.86, 95% CI?=?1.49–2.31; P?<?0.01; pN+: OR?=?1.61, 95% CI?=?1.33–1.94; P?<?0.01; high TNM category: OR?=?1.84, 95% CI?=?1.53–2.22; P?<?0.01). Patients with preoperative sarcopenia had an increased risk of total postoperative complications (OR?=?2.17, 95% CI?=?1.53–3.08; P?<?0.01), severe complications (OR?=?1.65, 95% CI?=?1.09–2.50; P?=?0.02), and poorer OS (HR?=?1.70, 95% CI?=?1.45–1.99; P?<?0.01). The results of subgroup analyses revealed that patients with preoperative sarcopenia over 65 years old and those from Asian populations had higher risks for total postoperative complications and severe complications.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis reveals that preoperative sarcopenia may be used as a new indicator of poor pathological staging, impaired overall survival, and increased postoperative complications. Notably, patients with gastric cancer who are over 65 years old and from Asia should be routinely screened for sarcopenia before surgery to adequately assess the risk of postoperative complications in clinical practice.

     

Feasibility of E-PASS score to predict postoperative complications in laparoscopic nephrectomy

Purpose

To evaluate the usefulness of E-PASS score to predict postoperative complications after laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Methods

Between 2008 and 2020, 424 patients (179 patients: simple nephrectomy, 158 patients: radical nephrectomy, 87 patients: donor nephrectomy) who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy in our clinic, were included in the study. Patient groups separated according to the presence of postoperative complications were compared retrospectively regarding demographic, clinical, intraoperative, and postoperative data, comorbidities, and E-PASS scores (PRS, SSS, and CRS). The relationship between postoperative complications and E-PASS scores was examined.

Results

Postoperative complications occurred in 43 (10.1%) of the patients. Age, previous abdominal/retroperitoneal surgery, radical nephrectomy rate of surgeries, operation time, amount of bleeding, need for blood transfusion, rate of conversion from laparoscopic surgery to open surgery, hospitalization time, E-PASS PRS, SSS, and CRS were statistically significantly higher in the group with postoperative complications. The cutoff value of the E-PASS CRS was ? 0.2996 to predict the development of postoperative complications (AUC?=?0.706; 95% CI 0.629–0.783; p?<?0.001). According to multivariate analysis, presence of previous abdominal/retroperitoneal surgery (OR?2.977; 95% CI?1.502–5.899; p?=?0.002), laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (OR?2.518; 95% CI?1.224–5.179; p?=?0.012), conversion from laparoscopic surgery to open surgery (OR?4.869; 95% CI?1.046–22.669; p?=?0.044) and E-PASS CRS?>?? 0.2996 (OR?2.816; 95% CI?1.321–6.004; p?=?0.007) were found to be independent risk factors predicting postoperative complications.

Conclusion

The E-PASS scoring system is an effective and convenient system for predicting postoperative complications after laparoscopic nephrectomy.

     

Laparoscopic versus traditional peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion: a meta analysis

Objective: The objective of this study is to compare the catheter-related complications as well as catheter survival between laparoscopic and traditional surgery in peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion. Results: Five randomized controlled trials and 11 cohort studies were identified. Meta-analysis showed laparoscopic catheter is superior to traditional surgery in terms of controlling catheter migration (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.08–0.33; p?p?=?0.0001; 2-year survival rate: OR 2. 07, 95% CI 1.29–3.33, p?=?0.0001), but slightly increases the risk of bleeding (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.07–4.23, p?=?0.03). The two groups were not significantly different in other catheter-related complications. As regards the quality of the analysis, only the migration analysis ranked A-level, while the rest fell into Class B or C. The overall research quality was moderate. Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery is superior to traditional surgery on reducing catheter migration and prolonging catheter survival rate according to our analysis.     

The efficacy and safety of immunosuppressive agents plus steroids compared with steroids alone in the treatment of Henoch–Schönlein purpura nephritis: A meta-analysis

Background

Henoch–Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) is the most severe symptom of Henoch–Schönlein purpura. The role of immunosuppressive agents combined with steroids is controversial in treating HSPN. Our meta-analysis was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of the combined therapy in the treatment of HSPN compared with steroids alone.

Methods

Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the literatures. Odds ratios (OR) and standard mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for dichotomous and continuous variables. A random-effect model or fixed-effect analysis was applied according to heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 9 articles were selected in our study. HSPN patients treated with combined therapy demonstrated a significant increase in complete remission rates (OR?=?1.95; 95% CI 1.17–3.23, P?=?0.010) and total remission rates (OR?=?2.30 95% CI 1.33–3.98, P?=?0.003) when compared with steroids alone. Children seemed to benefit more from combined treatment (OR?=?2.45; CI 1.20–5.02, P?=?0.014) than adults (OR?=?1.56; CI 0.76–3.20, P?=?0.225). Additionally, immunosuppressants plus steroids had an advantage on decreasing proteinuria (SMD?=?0.28; CI 0.05–0.52, P?=?0.019) and increasing the level of serum albumin (SMD?=?0.98; CI 0.35–1.60, P?=?0.002). However, significant differences were not found in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and rates of side-effects.

Conclusion

Administration of immunosuppressive agents combined with steroids may be a superior alternative for HSPN. Nevertheless, long-term, high-quality, large-sample, and multicenter RCTs are required to make the results more convincing.

     

Efficacy and safety of tacrolimus versus corticosteroid as initial monotherapy in adult-onset minimal change disease: a meta-analysis

Objective

The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus (TAC) monotherapy versus corticosteroid as initial monotherapy in adult-onset minimal change disease (MCD) patients.

Methods

Databases including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang database were searched from the inception to March 20, 2021. Eligible studies comparing TAC monotherapy and corticosteroid as initial monotherapy for adult-onset MCD patients were included. Data were analyzed using Review Manager Version 5.3.

Results

Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 196 patients were included in the meta-analysis. For initial monotherapy for adult-onset MCD, TAC and corticosteroid had similar complete remission (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.47–2.41, P?=?0.89), total remission (OR 1.30, 95% CI 0.39–4.35, P?=?0.67), relapse rate (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.28–1.42, P?=?0.26). Main drug-related adverse effects of two therapeutic regimens had no difference concerning infection (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.23–1.27, P?=?0.15), glucose intolerance (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.16–1.84, P?=?0.33) and acute renal failure (OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.36–7.31, P?=?0.71).

Conclusion

TAC monotherapy is comparable with corticosteroid monotherapy in initial therapy of MCD. To further confirm the conclusion, more large multicenter RCTs are necessary.

     

Risk factors of microtia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The pathogenesis of microtia is still unclear. Various risk factors have been studied but they remain inconclusive. We conducted the first ever systematic review and meta-analysis to look for the association between microtia and various environmental risk factors.

Methods

Relevant case-control studies published between January 2000 to October 2014 were identified through a systematic search in PubMed and EMBASE. Reference lists from relevant review articles were also searched. Studies were included if they meet our selection criteria. Out of 1706 potential articles, 12 were included in the systematic review and 8 in the meta-analysis.

Results

Risk factors which showed significant positive association with microtia were: cold-like syndrome during pregnancy (OR?=?2.15; 95 % CI?=?1.36, 3.41, P?=?0.001); multiple gestation (OR?=?1.55; 95 % CI?=?1.05, 2.29, P?=?0.03); and gestational diabetes (OR?=?1.48; 95 % CI?=?1.04, 2.10, P?=?0.03). Risk factors which showed positive association but statistically insignificant were: threatened abortion (OR?=?1.22; 95 % CI?=?0.69, 2.15, P?=?0.50); smoking during pregnancy (OR?=?1.05; 95 % CI?=?0.63, 1.77, P?=?0.84); alcohol during pregnancy (OR?=?1.08; 95 % CI?=?0.65,1.80 P?=?0.77); urinary tract infection (OR?=?1.04; 95 % CI?=?0.59, 1.84, P?=?0.89); essential hypertension (OR?=?1.04; 95 % CI?=?0.74, 1.47, P?=?0.82); maternal diabetes (OR?=?3.98; 95 % CI?=?0.72, 21.96, P?=?0.11); respiratory tract infection (OR?=?1.26,95 % CI?=?0.84,1.88, P?=?0.26); chronic disease during pregnancy (OR?=?1.29,95 % CI?=?0.99,1.69, P?=?0.06); severe nausea/vomiting (OR?=?1.16; 95 % CI?=?0.66, 2.04, P?=?0.61); NSAIDs during pregnancy (OR?=?1.17, 95 % CI?=?0.61,2.22, P?=?0.64); antihypertensives during pregnancy (OR?=?1.84,95 % CI?=?0.94,3.62, P?=?0.08); and illegal drugs during pregnancy (OR?=?1.69; 95 % CI?=?0.65, 4.39, P?=?0.28). Reduced risk for microtia was found with these factors: folic acid (OR?=?0.55; 95 % CI?=?0.33, 0.92, P?=?0.02); advanced maternal age (OR?=?0.94; 95 % CI?=?0.79, 1.11, P?=?0.45); ampicillin during pregnancy (OR?=?0.80,95 % CI?=?0.50, 1.28, P?=?0.35); and metronidazole during pregnancy (OR?=?0.77,95 % CI?=?0.40, 1.48 P?=?0.44).

Conclusions

Our study indicates cold-like syndrome, multiple gestation, and gestational diabetes as significant risk factors for microtia; whereas folic acid consumption during pregnancy is shown to be a protective factor. Studies on risk factors for microtia are still very limited to establish the definitive risk factors. Further large-scale and multicentre studies are needed to clarify the role of key risk factors for the development of microtia.Level of Evidence: Level II, risk / prognostic study.

     

Evaluation of multimodal intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring during supratentorial aneurysm surgery: a comparative study

The objective of this study is to determine the role of multimodal intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (IONM) in the overall outcome of intracranial aneurysms surgery, and the risk factors associated with ischemic complications. We grouped 268 ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms surgically treated at our institution into 2 cohorts, based on the use of IONM (180; 67.16%) or non-use of IONM (88; 32.84%). The IONM technique used was multimodal: electroencephalogram (EEG), somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs), transcranial (TES), and direct cortical (DCS) stimulation motor evoked potentials (MEPs). There was a significant difference, with a reduction in perioperative strokes (p?=?0.011) and better motor surgery-related outcome in the IONM group (p?=?0.016). Independent risk factors identified for surgery ischemic complications were temporary clipping time?≥?6′05″ (odds ratio [OR]: 3.03; 95% CI: 1.068–8.601; p?=?0.037), aneurysm size?≥?7.5 mm (OR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.127–6.235; p?=?0.026), and non-use of IONM (OR: 2.79; 95% CI: 1.171–6.636; p?=?0.021). Conversely, aneurysm rupture was not detected as an independent risk factor (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 0.55–4.55; p?=?0.4). Longer temporary clipping time, larger aneurysm size, and the non-use of IONM could be considered as risk factors for ischemic complications during microsurgical clipping. A standardized designed protocol including multimodal IONM with DCS provides continuous information about blood supply and allows reduction of treatment-related morbidity. Multimodal IONM is a valuable technique in intracranial aneurysm surgery.

     

Recurrent acute kidney injury in elderly patients is common and associated with 1-year mortality

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common among elderly patients after a first hospitalized AKI. Patients who recover are at risk for recurrence, but recurrent geriatric AKI is not well-studied.

Methods

This was a retrospective, 12-month cohort study using data from the National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases. Recurrent AKI was defined as a new spontaneous rise of?≥?0.3 mg/dl (≥?26.5 µmol/L) within 48 h or a 50% increase in serum creatinine (Scr) from the baseline within 7 days after the previous AKI episode. The outcome measured was 12-month mortality.

Results

Among 1711 study patients, 652 developed AKI. Of the 429 AKI survivors in whom recovery could be assessed, 314 patients recovered to their baseline renal function, and 115 patients developed chronic kidney disease (CKD). Of the group that recovered renal function, 90 patients (28.7%) subsequently developed recurrent AKI, while 224 (71.3%) did not. Of the 429 survivors with AKI, 103 patients (24.0%) died within 12 months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that recurrent AKI was significantly associated with coronary disease (odds ratio [OR?=?2.008; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.024–3.938; P?=?0.042), a need for mechanical ventilation (OR?=?2.265; 95% CI 1.267–4.051; P?=?0.006) and high blood urea nitrogen levels (OR?=?1.036; 95% CI 1.002–1.072; P?=?0.040) at the first AKI event. Kaplan–Meier curves showed the 12-month survival of patients with non-recurrent AKI was better than that of patients with CKD, and survival of patients with recurrent AKI was worse than that of patients with CKD (log rank P?<?0.001). In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, mortality at 12 month was higher in the patient with recurrent AKI as compared with those with a single episode (HR?=?3.375; 95% CI 2.241–5.083; P?<?0.001).

Conclusion

Recurrent AKI is common among elderly patients who recovered their renal function post-AKI and is associated with significantly higher 12-month mortality compared with CKD patients.

     

Preoperative serum cystatin C combined with dipstick proteinuria predicts acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common following cardiac surgery and is associated with poor outcomes. However, the detection of those preoperative patients who will develop AKI is still difficult. In this study, we compared serum cystatin C combined with dipstick proteinuria as early markers to predict AKI available before surgery. Methods: We prospectively followed 616 patients undergoing cardiac surgery and identified 179 that developed AKI, defined as an increase in serum creatinine (SCr) of ≥?0.3?mg/dL or ≥?50% increase in creatinine level. Preoperative values for cystatin C were categorized into quartiles. We defined proteinuria, measured with a dipstick, as mild (trace to 1+) or heavy (2?+?to 4+). Univariate as well as multivariate regression was performed. Cystatin C combined with dipstick proteinuria before surgery was assessed for its' predictive value of AKI using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: The final cohort consisted of 616 patients aged 60.7?±?13.2 years, and baseline SCr was 75.8?±?26.4?μmol/L, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 96.3?±?29.0?mL/min/1.73?m² and cystatin C 1.05?±?0.33?mg/L. Patients in higher cystatin C quartiles were older (p?p?=?0.021), hyperuricemia (p?p?p?=?0.002). Those with heavy proteinuria were more often to have diabetes mellitus (p?=?0.010), hyperuricemia (p?=?0.043), worse cardiac function (p?p?p?p?p?p?p?p?Conclusion: These data suggest that preoperative serum cystatin C combined with dipstick proteinuria may improve prediction of AKI among patients undergoing cardiac surgery.     

LBP rs2232618 polymorphism contributes to risk of sepsis after trauma

Background

Previous study revealed that rs2232618 polymorphism (Phe436Leu) within LBP gene is a functional variant and associated with susceptibility of sepsis in traumatic patients. Our aim was to confirm the reported association by enlarging the population sample size and perform a meta-analysis to find additional evidence.

Methods

Traumatic patients from Southwest (n?=?1296) and Southeast (n?=?445) of China were enrolled in our study. After genotyping, the relationship between rs2232618 and the risk of sepsis was analyzed. Furthermore, we proceeded with a comprehensive literature search and meta-analysis to determine whether the rs2232618 polymorphism conferred susceptibility to sepsis.

Results

Significance correlation was observed between rs2232618 and risk of sepsis in Southwest patients (P?=?0.002 for the dominant model, P?=?0.006 for the recessive model). The association was confirmed in Southeast cohort (P?=?0.005 for the dominant model) and overall combined cohorts (P =?4.5?×?10^?4, P?=?0.041 for the dominant and recessive model). Multiple logistical regression analyses suggested that rs2232618 polymorphism was related to higher risk of sepsis (OR?=?1.77, 95% CI?=?1.26–2.48, P?=?0.001 in Southwest patients; OR?=?2.11, 95% CI?=?1.24–3.58, P?=?0.006 in Southeast cohort; OR?=?1.54, 95% CI?=?1.34–2.08, P?=?0.006 in overall cohort). Furthermore, meta-analysis of four studies (including the present study) confirmed that rs2232618 within LBP increased the risk of sepsis (OR?=?1.75, P?<?0.001 for the dominant model; OR?=?6.08, P?=?0.003 for the recessive model; OR?=?2.72, P?<?0.001 for the allelic model).

Conclusions

The results from our replication study and meta-analysis provided firm evidence that rs2232618T allele significantly increased the risk of sepsis.

     

Postoperative Peritonitis After Digestive Tract Surgery: Surgical Management and Risk Factors for Morbidity and Mortality,a Cohort of 191 Patients

Background

Postoperative peritonitis (POP) following gastrointestinal surgery is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, with no clear management option proposed. The aim of this study was to report our surgical management of POP and identify pre- and perioperative risk factors for morbidity and mortality.

Methods

All patients with POP undergoing relaparotomy in our department between January 2004 and December 2013 were included. Pre- and perioperative data were analyzed to identify predictors of morbidity and mortality.

Results

A total of 191 patients required relaparotomy for POP, of which 16.8% required >1 reinterventions. The commonest cause of POP was anastomotic leakage (66.5%) followed by perforation (20.9%). POP was mostly treated by anastomotic takedown (51.8%), suture with derivative stoma (11.5%), enteral resection and stoma (12%), drainage of the leak (8.9%), stoma on perforation (8.4%), duodenal intubation (7.3%) or intubation of the leak (3.1%). The overall mortality rate was 14%, of which 40% died within the first 48 h. Major complications (Dindo–Clavien >?2) were seen in 47% of the cohort. Stoma formation occurred in 81.6% of patients following relaparotomy. Independent risk factors for mortality were: ASA?>?2 (OR?=?2.75, 95% CI?=?1.07–7.62, p?=?0.037), multiorgan failure (MOF) (OR?=?5.22, 95% CI?=?2.11–13.5, p?=?0.0037), perioperative transfusion (OR?=?2.7, 95% CI?=?1.05–7.47, p?=?0.04) and upper GI origin (OR?=?3.55, 95% CI?=?1.32–9.56, p?=?0.013). Independent risk factors for morbidity were: MOF (OR?=?2.74, 95% CI?=?1.26–6.19, p?=?0.013), upper GI origin (OR?=?3.74, 95% CI?=?1.59–9.44, p?=?0.0034) and delayed extubation (OR?=?0.27, 95% CI?=?0.14–0.55, p?=?0.0027).

Conclusion

Mortality following POP remains a significant issue; however, it is decreasing due to effective and aggressive surgical intervention. Predictors of poor outcomes will help tailor management options.

     

Outcome of microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm associated with the vertebral artery

We retrospectively compared the outcome of microvascular decompression (MVD) for hemifacial spasm (HFS) associated with the vertebral artery (VA) with that of MVD for HFS unrelated to the VA. Between April 2008 and April 2015, 22 patients with VA-associated HFS underwent MVD at our institution. The median follow-up period was 28 months (range, 12–90 months). Results were classified as excellent in 19 patients (86 %), good in one (5 %), fair in one (5 %), and poor in one (5 %). Immediate complications developed in five patients (23 %), and one of these complications (5 %) was permanent. The surgical outcome of MVD for VA-associated HFS was similar to that of MVD for HFS unrelated to the VA; however, the incidence of complications was significantly more frequent in patients whose VA compressed the more proximal portion of the facial nerve root exit zone from the caudal side at the pontomedullary sulcus. We conclude that preoperative evaluation of VA compression patterns is important to predict the difficulty of the planned MVD procedure.     

Effects of diuretics on intradialytic hypotension in maintenance dialysis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a serious complication in dialysis patients. Diuretics might reduce the incidence of IDH by decreasing ultrafiltration. However, the effect of diuretics on IDH in maintenance dialysis patients is still unclear.

Methods

We searched Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and clinical trials registries from 1945 to May 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or observational studies about IDH in maintenance dialysis with diuretics were included.

Results

Seven studies including 28,226 patients were included, of which 4 were RCTs involving mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) and 3 were observational studies involving loop diuretics. There was a trend that a lower incidence rate of IDH in maintenance dialysis patients who used loop diuretics than control, although the result was not statistically significant (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.34–1.22, P?=?0.18). Similarly, lower incidence rate of all-cause mortality (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87–0.99; P?=?0.02) and cardiovascular (CV) mortality (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75–0.99, P?=?0.03) in dialysis patients who used loop diuretics than control. On the contrary, there were no significant difference in the incidence of IDH (OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.78–2.34, P?=?0.29) and all-cause mortality (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.26–2.01; P?=?0.54) and CV mortality (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.14–2.25; P?=?0.42) in maintenance dialysis patients who used MRAs compared with control.

Conclusion

Loop diuretics, but not MRAs, might have a potential benefit to reduce the incidence rate of IDH, all-cause mortality and CV mortality. More high-quality studies are needed to strengthen the arguments.

     

Morbidity and Mortality After Gastrectomy: Identification of Modifiable Risk Factors

Background

Morbidity after gastrectomy remains high. The potentially modifiable risk factors have not been well described. This study considers a series of potentially modifiable patient-specific and perioperative characteristics that could be considered to reduce morbidity and mortality after gastrectomy.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study includes adults in the ACS NSQIP PUF dataset who underwent gastrectomy between 2011 and 2013. Sequential multivariable models were used to estimate effects of clinical covariates on study outcomes including morbidity, mortality, readmission, and reoperation.

Results

Three thousand six hundred and seventy-eight patients underwent gastrectomy. A majority of patients had distal gastrectomy (N?=?2,799, 76.1 %) and had resection for malignancy (N?=?2,316, 63.0 %). Seven hundred and ninety-eight patients (21.7 %) experienced a major complication. Reoperation was required in 290 patients (7.9 %). Thirty-day mortality was 5.2 %. Age (OR?=?1.01, 95 % CI?=?1.01–1.02, p?=?0.001), preoperative malnutrition (OR?=?1.65, 95 % CI?=?1.35–2.02, p?<?0.001), total gastrectomy (OR?=?1.63, 95 % CI?=?1.31–2.03, p?<?0.001), benign indication for resection (OR?=?1.60, 95 % CI?=?1.29–1.97, p?<?0.001), blood transfusion (OR?=?2.57, 95 % CI?=?2.10–3.13, p?<?0.001), and intraoperative placement of a feeding tubes (OR?=?1.28, 95 % CI?=?1.00–1.62, p?=?0.047) were independently associated with increased risk of morbidity. Association between tobacco use and morbidity was statistically marginal (OR?=?1.23, 95 % CI?=?0.99–1.53, p?=?0.064). All-cause postoperative morbidity had significant associations with reoperation, readmission, and mortality (all p?<?0.001).

Conclusions

Mitigation of perioperative risk factors including smoking and malnutrition as well as identified operative considerations may improve outcomes after gastrectomy. Postoperative morbidity has the strongest association with other measures of poor outcome: reoperation, readmission, and mortality.

     

What is the importance of “halo” phenomenon around bone cement following vertebral augmentation for osteoporotic compression fracture?

Summary

We investigated the importance, risk factors, and clinical course of the radiolucent “halo” phenomenon around bone cement following vertebral augmentation for osteoporotic compression fracture. Preoperative osteonecrosis and a lump cement pattern were the most important risk factors for the peri-cement halo phenomenon, and it was associated with vertebral recollapse.

Introduction

We observed a newly developed radiolucent area around the bone cement following vertebral augmentation for osteoporotic compression fractures. Here, we describe the importance of the peri-cement halo phenomenon, as well as any associated risk factors and long-term sequelae.

Methods

In total, 175 patients (202 treated vertebrae) were enrolled in this study. The treated vertebrae were subdivided into two groups: Group A (with halo, n?=?32) and Group B (without halo, n?=?170), and the groups were compared with respect to multiple preoperative (age, sex, BMD, preoperative osteonecrosis) and perioperative factors (operative approach: vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty; cement distribution pattern; cement leakage; cement volume), and postoperative results (VAS score, recollapse). Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between the incidence of the peri-cement halo and all of the parameters described above.

Results

Rates of osteonecrosis were also significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (62.5% vs. 31.2%, p?p?p?p?p?=?0.001), KP (OR?=?3.630; 95% CI?=?1.628–8.095; p?=?0.002), lump pattern (OR?=?13.870; 95% CI?=?2.907–66.188; p?=?0.001), and vertebral recollapse (OR?=?5.356; 95% CI?=?1.897–15.122; p?=?0.002) were significantly associated with peri-cement halo.

Conclusions

The peri-cement halo was found to be associated with vertebral recollapse, this sign likely represents a poor prognostic factor after vertebral augmentation for osteoporotic compression fractures.     

A retrospective analysis of kidney function and risk factors by Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation in elderly Chinese patients

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease accounts for much of the increased mortality, especially in the elder population. The prevalence of this disease is expected to increase significantly as the society ages. Our aim was to evaluate the kidney function and risk factors of reduced renal function among elderly Chinese patients. This study retrospectively collected clinical data from a total of 1062 inpatients aged 65 years or over. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated with the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. Renal function and risk factors were also analyzed. For all 1062 subjects, the mean eGFR was 71.0?±?24.8?mL/min/1.73?m², and the incidence rates of reduced renal function, proteinuria, hematuria and leukocyturia were 31.1%, 11.8%, 6.6% and 8.7%, respectively. The eGFR values were 83.4?±?28.4, 72.2?±?22.9, 67.8?±?24.3 and 58.8?±?29.1?mL/min/1.73?m² in the groups of 60–69, 70–79, 80–89 and ≥90 years age group (F?=?15.101, p?=?0.000), respectively; while the incidences of reduced renal function were 12.8%, 27.0%, 37.8% and 51.7% (χ²?=?36.143, p?=?0.000). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that hyperuricemia (OR?=?4.62, p?=?0.000), proteinuria (OR?=?3.96, p?=?0.000), urinary tumor (OR?=?2.92, p?=?0.015), anemia (OR?=?2.45, p?=?0.000), stroke (OR?=?1.96, p?=?0.000), hypertension (OR?=?1.83, p?=?0.006), renal cyst (OR?=?1.64, p?=?0.018), female (OR?=?1.54, p?=?0.015), coronary artery disease (OR?=?1.53, p?=?0.008) and age (OR?=?1.05, p?=?0.000) were the risk factors of reduced renal function. In conclusion, eGFR values decreased by age, while the incidence of reduced renal function, proteinuria, hematuria and leukocyturia increased with age. Treatment and control of comorbidities may slow the decline of renal function in elderly patients.     

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery thymectomy versus open thymectomy in patients with myasthenia gravis: a meta-analysis

Background: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) thymectomy has become a feasible treatment for myasthenia gravis (MG) in recent years. The objective of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the perioperative characteristics, safety, and completely stable remission rate in patients with MG who received VATS or open thymectomy (OT).

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and CNKI for related articles using combinations of the search terms video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy, transsternal thymectomy, and MG. The inter-study heterogeneity was assessed by χ²-based Q statistics, and the extent of inconsistency was generated by I² statistics.

Results: A total of 12 studies with 1173 patients were included, and there was no difference in the operation time (p?=?0.08) and ICU time (p?=?0.14) between the two groups, but VATS thymectomy was associated with less intra-operation blood loss and hospital time (p?p?=?0.03) and myasthenic crisis (OR = 0.51; 95% CI, 0.28–0.92; p?=?0.03), but the rates of pneumonia (OR = 0.59; 95% CI, 0.29–1.32; p?=?0.21) and complete remission rate (CSR) (OR = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.38–1.09; p?=?0.10) had no obvious differences between the VATS and OT groups.

Conclusion: Patients with MG undergoing VATS thymectomy achieved better surgical outcomes and fewer complications than those who received OT.     

Dynamic Change of Total Bilirubin after Portal Vein Embolization is Predictive of Major Complications and Posthepatectomy Mortality in Patients with Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the role of dynamic change in total bilirubin after portal vein embolization (PVE) in predicting major complications and 30-day mortality in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained data of 64 HCCA patients who underwent PVE before hepatectomy in our institution was used. Total bilirubin and other parameters were measured daily in peri-PVE period. The difference between them and the baseline value from days 0–5 to day ?1 (?D₁) and days 5–14 to day ?1 (?D₂) were calculated. The relationship between ?D₁ and ?D₂ of total bilirubin and major complications as well as 30-day mortality was analyzed.

Results

Out of 64 patients, 10 developed major complications (15.6 %) and 6 patients (9.3 %) had died within 30 days after surgery. The ?D₂ of total bilirubin after PVE was most significantly associated with major complications (P?<?0.001) and 30-day mortality (P?=?0.002). In addition, it was found to be an independent predictor of major complications after PVE (odds ratio (OR)?=?1.050; 95 % CI 1.017–1.084). ASA >3 (OR?=?12.048; 95 % CI 1.019–143.321), ?D₂ of total bilirubin (OR?=?1.058; 95 % CI 1.007–1.112), and ?D₂ of prealbumin (OR?=?0.975; 95 % CI 0.952–0.999) were associated with higher risk of 30-day mortality after PVE. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that ?D₂ of total bilirubin were better predictors than ?D₁ for major complications (AUC (?D₂) 0.817; P?=?0.002 vs. AUC (?D₁) 0.769; P?=?0.007) and 30-day mortality (ACU(?D₂) 0.868; P?=?0.003 vs. AUC(?D₁) 0.721;P?=?0.076).

Conclusion

Patients with increased total bilirubin in 5–14 days after PVE may indicate a higher risk of major complications and 30-day mortality if the major hepatectomy were performed.