Redefining the golden hour for severe head injury in an urban setting: The effect of prehospital arrival times on patient outcomes

BackgroundIn patients with severe head injuries, transportation to a trauma centre within the “golden hour” are important markers of trauma system effectiveness but evidence regarding impacts on patient outcomes is limited.ObjectiveTo determine the effect of patient arrival within the golden hour on patient outcomes.MethodsA retrospective cohort of adult patients with severe head injuries (head AIS ≥ 3) arriving within 24 h of injury was identified using the trauma registry from 2000 to 2011. Survival analysis was used to determine the effect of patient arrival time on overall mortality. Study outcomes were in hospital mortality and survival to hospital discharge without requiring transfer for ongoing rehabilitation or nursing home care.ResultsThere was a significant association with mortality with each incremental minute of patient arrival (HR 1.002, 95%CI 1.001–1.004, p = 0.001). There was however no survival benefit observed for patients arriving within 60 min of injury time (HR 0.77, 95%CI 0.50–1.18, p = 0.22) but an apparent benefit for those presenting within 2 h of injury time (HR 0.31, 95%CI 0.15–0.66, p = 0.002). Patient arrival within 60 min of injury time was associated with increased odds of survival to hospital discharge without requiring ongoing rehabilitation (OR 1.78, 95%CI 1.14–2.79, p = 0.01).ConclusionA survival benefit exists in patients arriving earlier to hospital after severe head injury but the benefit may extend beyond the golden hour. There was evidence of improved functional outcomes in patients arriving within 60 min of injury time.     

Resección transuretral en bloque vs. resección transuretral convencional para el cáncer de vejiga primario no músculo-infiltrante: metaanálisis

IntroductionWe performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of en-bloc transurethral resection vs. conventional transurethral resection for primary non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.MethodsA systematic literature search up to January 2022 was done and 28 studies included 3714 primary non-muscle invasive bladder cancer subjects at the start of the study; 1870 of them were en-bloc transurethral resection, and 1844 were conventional transurethral resection for primary non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. We calculated the odds-ratio (OR) and mean-difference (MD) with 95% confidence-intervals (CIs) to evaluate the effect of en-bloc transurethral resection compared with conventional transurethral resection for primary non-muscle invasive bladder cancer by the dichotomous or continuous methods with random or fixed-effects models.ResultsEn-bloc transurethral resection had significantly lower twenty-four-month recurrence (OR: 0.63; 95%CI: 0.50-0.78; P < 0.001), catheterization-time (MD: –0.66; 95%CI: –1.02-[–0.29]; P < 0.001), length of hospital stay (MD: –0.95; 95%CI: –1.55-[–0.34]; P = 0.002), postoperative bladder irrigation duration (MD: –6.06; 95%CI: –9.45-[–2.67]; P < 0.001), obturator nerve reflex (OR: 0.08; 95%CI: 0.02-0.34; P = 0.03), and bladder perforation (OR: 0.14; 95%CI: 0.06-0.36: P < 0.001) and no significant difference in the 12-month-recurrence (OR: 0.79; 95%CI: 0.61-1.04; P = 0.09), the operation time (MD: 0.67; 95%CI: –1.92-3.25; P = 0.61), and urethral stricture (OR: 0.46; 95%CI: 0.14-1.47; P = 0.19) compared with conventional transurethral resection for primary non-muscle invasive bladder cancer subjects.ConclusionsEn-bloc transurethral resection had a significantly lower twenty-four-month recurrence, catheterization time, length of hospital stay, postoperative bladder irrigation duration, obturator nerve reflex, bladder perforation, and no significant difference in the twelve-month recurrence, operation time, and urethral stricture compared with conventional transurethral resection for primary non-muscle invasive bladder cancer subjects. Further studies are required.     

Association of IL-2RA and IL-2RB genes with erosive status in early rheumatoid arthritis patients (ESPOIR and RMP cohorts)

ObjectivesTo assess the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL-2RA (rs2104286) and IL-2RB (rs743777 and rs3218253) genes on the risk of erosions in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.MethodsThis work is derived from 2 prospective cohorts of early RA: ESPOIR (n = 439) and RMP (n = 180). The proportions of patients with erosions at baseline and 1 year according to the genotypes of IL2RA (rs2104286) or the haplotypes constructed with the 2 SNPs of IL2RB were compared in the whole population and in ACPA positive patients. A meta-analysis assessing the risk of erosion depending on the haplotypes of the 2 SNPs of IL-2RB was performed using the Mantel-Haenszel method. A multivariate model was used to assess the independent effect of the haplotypes of IL-2RB on the risk of erosions.ResultsThe AC haplotype of IL-2RB carriage was significantly associated with the rate of erosions in ACPA positive patients in ESPOIR cohort (rate of erosions: AC/AC: 78% versus GC or GT/GC or GT: 44%, p = 0.001). A meta-analysis of ESPOIR and RMP cohorts confirmed that the carriage of AC haplotype was significantly associated with the rate of erosions at 1 year in the whole sample (OR[95%CI] = 1.92[1.14–3.22], p = 0.01) and in ACPA positive patients (OR[95%CI] = 3.34[1.68–6.67], p = 0.0006). A multivariate model in ESPOIR cohort demonstrated the independent effect of the carriage of the AC haplotype (6.03[1.94–18.69], p = 0.002) on the risk of erosions in ACPA+ patients.ConclusionA haplotype constructed with 2 SNPs located on IL-2RB gene was associated with erosive status in early RA.     

Is obesity a risk factor in percutaneous hallux valgus surgery?

BackgroundObesity and its relationship with higher rate of complications in orthopedic surgeries have been reported. There is no evidence of the relation between obesity and percutaneous foot surgery. Our objective was to evaluate obesity as a risk factor for complications and reoperations in percutaneous surgery of the hallux valgus.MethodsA total 532 feet were retrospectively reviewed in which a percutaneous hallux valgus correction was performed. Complications and surgical reoperations were recorded. Patients were divided into 2 groups: BMI less and greater than 30 kg/m².ResultsThere were no differences in the rate of complications or reoperations. The total complication rate was 8%. Obesity as an isolated risk factor, presented aOR = 1.14 (95%CI 0.54–2.4, p = .714). The overall rate of reoperations was 9%. Obesity presented an aOR = 0.64 (95%CI 0.27–1.49, p = .31).ConclusionObesity has not been associated with a higher rate of complications and reoperations in percutaneous hallux valgus surgery. It is a safe procedure and BMI should not influence in the prognosis.Level of evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.     

The baseline glomerular filtration rate,predictive of six-year survival in sub-Saharan African patients on antiretroviral therapy for HIV: Cohort study

BackgroundRecently, serious morbidity events associated with initial glomerular filtration rate (GFR) have been described during HIV infection, but this is insufficiently investigated in sub-Saharan Africa very affected by HIV.ObjectiveTo assess the impact of baseline GFR prevailing during the first semester of the HIV infection management on six-year survival in peoples taking antiretroviral therapy.Patients and methodsClosed retrospective cohort study. The death was the expected outcome, the baseline GFR (mL/min/1.73 m²) in the first semester of the follow-up was the main exposure. Kaplan–Meier method, Cox regression were used for analysis.ResultsAccording to baseline GFR: < 60, 60–89 and ≥ 90, the six-year survival was 81.6%; 95.8% and 96.4% (P = 0.067 Breslow). Adjusted hazard ratio for baseline GFR < 60 and 60–89 (vs. ≥ 90) were respectively 5.4 (95%CI: 1.4–19.9; P = 0.012) and 1.2 (95%CI: 0.3–4.0; P = 0.754). The etiological fraction of deaths attributable to baseline GFR: GFR < 60: 81% (95%CI: 0.31–0.95), GFR = 60–89: 18.0% (95%CI: −0.7–0.8). Prognostic concordance index = 0.84 (95%CI: 0.59–0.95) for GFR < 60 and 0.55 (95%CI: 0.27–0.81) for GFR 60–89.DiscussionThe etiological fraction of death and prognostic concordance index associated to baseline GFR level increase significantly with decline of baseline GFR.ConclusionBaseline GFR seems to predict the six-year survival in African sub-Saharan patients treated for HIV.     

Association between common risk factors and molecular subtypes in breast cancer patients

BackgroundBreast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide and characterized its by molecular and clinical heterogeneity. Gene expression profiling studies have classified breast cancers into five subtypes: luminal A, luminal B, HER-2 overexpressing, basal-like, and normal breast-like. Although clinical differences between subtypes have been well described in the literature, etiologic heterogeneity have not been fully studied. The aim of this study was to assess the associations between several hormonal and nonhormonal risk factors and molecular subtypes of breast cancer.MethodsThis cross-sectional study consisted of 1884 invasive breast cancer cases. Variables studied included family history, age at first full-term pregnancy, number of children, duration of lactation, menstruation history, menopausal status, blood type, smoking, obesity, oral contraceptive use, hormone replacement therapy and in vitro fertilization. The odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsThousand two-hundred and forty nine patients had luminal A, 234 had luminal B, 169 had HER-2 overexpressing and 232 had triple negative breast cancer. The age of ≥40 years was found to be a risk factor for luminal A (OR 1.41 95% CI 1.15–1.74; p = 0.001) and HER-2 overexpressing subtype (OR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.01–2.25; p = 0.04). Women who were nulliparous (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.03–2.13; p = 0.03) or who had their first full-term pregnancy at age 30 years or older (OR 1.25 95% CI 0.83–1.88; p = 0.04) were at increased risk of luminal breast cancer, whereas women with more than two children had a decreased risk (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.47–0.97; p = 0.03). Breast-feeding was also a protective factor for luminal subtype (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.53–1.04; p = 0.04) when compared to non-luminal breast cancer. We found increased risks for postmenopausal women with HER-2 overexpressing (OR 2.20, 95% CI 0.93–5.17; p = 0.04) and luminal A (OR 1.87, 95% CI 0.93–3.90, p = 0.02) breast cancers, who used hormone replacement therapy for 5 years or more. Overweight and obesity significantly increased the risk of triple negative subtype (OR 1.89 95% CI 1.06–3.37; p = 0.04 and OR 1.90 95% CI 1.00–3.61; p = 0.03), on the contrary, decreased the risk of luminal breast cancer (OR 0.63 95% CI 0.43–0.95; p = 0.02 and OR 0.50 95% CI 0.32–0.76; p = 0.002, respectively) in premenopausal women. There were no significant differences between risk of breast cancer subtypes and early menarche, late menopause, family history, postmenopausal obesity, oral contraseptive use, smoking, in vitro fertilization, blood groups and use of hands.ConclusionsReproductive and hormonal characteristics (breastfeeding, parity, age at first full-term birth, hormone replacement therapy) were associated with luminal subtype, compared to non-luminal breast cancer, as consistent with previous studies. Obesity and overweight increased the risk of triple negative subtype, particularly in premenopausal women. Older age and use of hormone replacement therapy were related to the risk of HER-2 overexpressing breast cancer. Our data suggest a significant heterogeneity in association of traditional breast cancer risk factors and tumor subtypes.     

Rheumatoid arthritis risk in periodontitis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveMany clinical studies have been carried out to investigate the relationship between periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Owing to limited evidence and inconsistent findings among these studies, it is unclear whether periodontitis would increase the risk for RA. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate whether periodontitis represents a risk factor for RA.MethodsPubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and Wanfang were searched for eligible studies that compared periodontitis patients with controls. A pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to assess the association between periodontitis and RA.ResultsThirteen studies including a total of 706611 periodontitis patients and 349983 control subjects were included. The pooled OR of RA risk between periodontitis and controls was (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.31–2.17; P < 0.0001), indicating that the patients in periodontitis group had a 69% greater risk for RA than people in control group. When stratified by disease type, the pooled results showed periodontitis represents a risk factor for incident RA (OR = 1.70, 95%CI: 0.75–3.85, P < 0.001) and mixed RA (OR = 1.61, 95%CI: 1.26–2.06; P < 0.001). When stratified by disease duration, the pooled results showed periodontitis represents a risk factor for RA disease duration > 5 years (OR = 2.88, 95%CI: 0.66–12.62, P = 0.018), disease duration < 5 years (OR = 2.59, 95%CI: 0.83–8.11, P < 0.001), mixed disease duration (OR = 1.53; 95%CI: 1.05–2.22, P < 0.001).ConclusionOur meta-analysis revealed an increased risk of RA in patients with periodontitis compared to healthy controls. Moreover, when stratified by disease type, there was a higher risk between incident RA and periodontitis. When stratified by disease duration, the patients with periodontitis might be more closely associated with the RA patients with disease duration >5 years.     

Oncological outcomes of laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with pluck method for distal ureter resection

ObjectiveTo report the oncologic outcomes of upper tract urothelial carcinoma treated with laparoscopic nephroureterectomy and pluck method for distal ureter resection.Materials and methodsBetween May 2004 and November 2015, 118 patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma received laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy with endoscopic bladder cuff excision at our institution. The medical records were reviewed retrospectively for clinical and pathological results. Cox regression analyses were performed on factors related to oncological outcomes.ResultsThe median follow-up was 26 months. Bladder recurrence was found in 27 patients (22.9%), extravesical retroperitoneal recurrence in four patients (3.4%), and metastases in 17 patients (14.4%). Multivariate analyses showed that male sex was associated with higher bladder recurrence [odds ratio (OR) = 2.2; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02–4.78; p = 0.045)], tumor size had significant correlation with locoregional recurrence (OR = 1.29; 95% CI, 1.07–3.43; p = 0.029), tumor stage was significantly correlated with subsequent metastasis (OR = 2.08; 95% CI, 1.21–3.56; p = 0.008) and overall survival (OR = 1.84; 95% CI, 1.06–3.22 ; p = 0.031), and tumor size correlated significantly with cancer-specific survival (OR = 2.57; 95% CI, 1.16–5.72; p = 0.021).ConclusionsTumor size and tumor stage were significantly associated with survival (cancer-specific and overall survival) in patients receiving nephroureterectomy with pluck method.     

“Obesity paradox” has not an impact on minimally invasive anatomical lung resection

IntroductionThe paradoxical benefit of obesity, the ‘obesity paradox’, has been analyzed in lung surgical populations with contradictory results. Our goal was assessing the relationship of body mass index (BMI) to acute outcomes after minimally invasive major pulmonary resections.MethodsRetrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent pulmonary anatomical resection through a minimally invasive approach for the period 2014–2019. Patients were grouped as underweight, normal, overweight and obese type I, II and III. Adjusted odds ratios regarding postoperative complications (overall, respiratory, cardiovascular and surgical morbidity) were produced with their exact 95% confidence intervals. All tests were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05.ResultsAmong 722 patients included in the study, 37.7% had a normal BMI and 61.8% were overweight or obese patients. When compared with that of normal BMI patients, adjusted pulmonary complications were significantly higher in obese type I patients (2.6% vs 10.6%, OR: 4.53 [95%CI: 1.86–12.11]) and obese type II–III (2.6% vs 10%, OR: 6.09 [95%CI: 1.38–26.89]). No significant differences were found regarding overall, cardiovascular or surgical complications among groups.ConclusionsObesity has not favourable effects on early outcomes in patients undergoing minimally invasive anatomical lung resections, since the risk of respiratory complications in patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² and BMI ≥ 35 kg/m² is 4.5 and 6 times higher than that of patients with normal BMI.     

Quilty in biopsy is associated with poor prognosis after heart transplantation

We tested if Quilty (endocardial infiltration of lymphocytes) in routinely processed endomyocardial biopsy is associated with poor outcome after heart transplantation (HTx).Biopsies (n = 9829) harvested within the first post-transplant year from 938 patients (778 men, mean age 49 years) were evaluated for Quilty and acute cellular rejection (according to the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, ISHLT, classification). Transplant vasculopathy was evaluated by coronary angiography, and severe stenosis was found in 19% of patients. Survival was tested by Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses for all-cause mortality and major cardiac events (lethal acute cellular rejection, graft loss or myocardial infarction).We found 1840 (19%) Quilty-positive biopsies in 487 Quilty-positive patients (52%). Quilty was more prevalent in women (p = 0.038) and younger men (p = 0.001), and was correlated with ISHLT grade 1R (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.36–1.55; p < 0.001) and ISHLT grade 2R (OR 2.48, 95% CI 2.21–3.41; p < 0.001). Quilty in any biopsy was associated with a higher all-cause mortality (log rank p = 0.045) due to a higher risk for major cardiac event (p = 0.0001). Multivariate regression analysis showed Quilty (RR 1.69, 95%CI 1.05–2.73) and transplant vasculopathy (RR 2.78, 95%CI 1.68–4.61) as risk factors for major cardiac events and treated hyperlipidemia as lowering the risk for major cardiac events (RR 0.47, 95%CI 0.28–0.77).Quilty is associated with graft loss and poor outcome post HTx. Index biopsy during the first post-transplant year is a useful tool to identify patients at risk and is recommended during routine post-transplant management.     

Trauma surgery by general surgeons: Still an option for proximal femoral fractures?

IntroductionSurgery for proximal femoral fractures in the Netherlands is performed by trauma surgeons, general surgeons and orthopaedic surgeons. The aim of this study was to assess whether there is a difference in outcome for patients with proximal femoral fractures operated by trauma surgeons versus general surgeons. Secondly, the relation between hospital and surgeon volume and postoperative complications was explored.MethodsPatients of 18 years and older were included if operated for a proximal femoral fracture by a trauma surgeon or a general surgeon in two academic, eight teaching and two non-teaching hospitals in the Netherlands from January 2010 until December 2013. The combined endpoint was defined as reoperation or surgical site infection. Multivariate analysis was used to adjust for patient and fracture characteristics and hospital and surgeon volume. Categories for hospital volume were >170/year (high volume), 96–170/year (medium volume) and <96/year (low volume).ResultsIn 4552 included patients 2382 (52.3%) had surgery by a trauma surgeon. Postoperative complications occurred in 276 (11.6%) patients operated by a trauma surgeon and in 258 (11.9%) operated by a general surgeon (p = 0.751). When considering confounders in a multivariate analysis, surgery by trauma surgeons was associated with less postoperative complications (OR 0.746; 95%CI 0.580–0.958; p = 0.022). Surgery in high volume hospitals was also associated with less complications (OR 0.997; 95%CI 0.995–0.999; p = 0.012). Surgeon volume was not associated with complications (OR 1.008; 95%CI 0.997–1.018; p = 0.175).ConclusionSurgery by trauma surgeons and high hospital volume are associated with less reoperations and surgical site infections for patients with proximal femoral fractures.     

Computer-aided diagnosis system for characterizing ISUP grade ≥ 2 prostate cancers at multiparametric MRI: A cross-vendor evaluation

PurposeTo assess the performance of a computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) system trained at characterizing International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade ≥ 2 peripheral zone (PZ) prostate cancers on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) examinations from a different institution and acquired on different scanners than those used for the training database.Patients and methodsPreoperative mpMRIs of 74 men (median age, 65.7 years) treated by prostatectomy between 2014 and 2017 were retrospectively selected. One radiologist outlined suspicious lesions and scored them using Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADSv2); their CADx score was calculated using a classifier trained on an independent database of 106 patients treated by prostatectomy in another institution. The lesions’ nature was assessed by comparison with prostatectomy whole-mounts. Diagnostic accuracy was estimated with areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs). Sensitivity and specificity were calculated using a CADx threshold (≥0.21) that yielded 95% sensitivity in the training database, and a PI-RADSv2 ≥ 3 threshold.ResultsA total of 127 lesions (PZ, n = 104; transition zone [TZ], n = 23) were described. In PZ, CADx and PI-RADSv2 scores had similar AUCs for characterizing ISUP grade ≥ 2 cancers (0.78 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.69–0.87] vs. 0.74 [95%CI: 0.62–0.82], respectively) (P = 0.59). Sensitivity and specificity were respectively 89% (95%CI: 82–97%) and 42% (95%CI: 26–58%) for the CADx score, and 97% (95%CI: 93–100%) and 37% (95%CI: 22–52%) for the PI-RADSv2 score. In TZ, both scores showed poor specificity.ConclusionIn this external cohort, the CADx and PI-RADSv2 scores showed similar performances in characterizing ISUP grade ≥ 2 cancers.     

Do patients prefer optional follow-up for simple upper extremity fractures: A pilot study

IntroductionWe aimed to evaluate the results of offering patients optional follow-up for simple upper extremity fractures. Specifically this study tested if there is a difference in (1) upper extremity disability, (2) return to work, and (3) satisfaction with delivered care at 2–6 months after enrollment between patients who choose and do not choose a return visit for an adequately aligned metacarpal, distal radius, or radial head fracture. Additionally we assessed if there was a difference in overall evaluation of the visit at enrollment between those patients and what factors were associated with returning after initially choosing not to schedule a follow-up visit.Patients and methodsWe prospectively enrolled all adult patients (n = 120) with adequately aligned metacarpal fractures, non-or minimally displaced distal radius fractures, and isolated non- or minimally displaced radial head fractures of whom 82 (68%) were available at 2–6 months after enrollment. Subjects chose to have a scheduled (n = 56) or optional (n = 64) return visit. Subsequently, we recorded patient demographics and overall evaluation of the visit. Between two and six months after enrollment we measured QuickDASH, satisfaction with care, and current employment status.ResultsAccounting for potential differences in baseline characteristics by multivariable analysis, return choice was not associated with QuickDASH (β regression coefficient [β] −0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] −7.4 to 6.4, standard error [SE] 3.5, P = 0.88), return to work (odds ratio [OR] −1.3, 95%CI −3.5 to 0.95, SE 1.1, P = 0.26), satisfaction with care (β −0.084, 95%CI −0.51 to 0.35, SE 0.22, P = 0.70), or overall evaluation of the initial visit (β 0.18, 95%CI −0.38 to 0.73, SE 0.28, P = 0.53). Of the 64 people choosing optional follow-up, 11 patients returned (17%). The only factor independently associated with returning after initially not choosing to return was greater disability at enrollment (OR 1.05, 95%CI 1.0050–1.098, SE 0.024, P = 0.029).ConclusionsA majority of patients prefer optional follow-up for simple upper extremity fractures with a good prognosis. Hand surgeons can consider offering patients with low-risk hand fractures an optional second visit. Eliminating unnecessary visits, tests and imaging could lower the cost of care.Level of evidenceTherapeutic level II.     

Risk factors for achilles tendon rupture: A matched case control study

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to elucidate whether body mass index (BMI), activity level, and other risk factors predispose patients to Achilles tendon ruptures.Materials and methodsA retrospective review of 279 subjects was performed (93 with Achilles tendon rupture, matched 1:2 with 186 age/sex matched controls with ankle sprains). Demographic variables and risk factors for rupture were tabulated and compared.ResultsThe rupture group mean BMI was 27.77 (95% CI, 26.94–28.49), and the control group mean BMI was 26.66 (95% CI, 26.06–27.27). These populations were found to be statistically equivalent (p = 0.047 and p < 0.001 by two one-sided t-test). A significantly higher proportion of those suffering ruptures reported regular athletic activity at baseline (74%) versus controls (59%, p = 0.013).ConclusionThere was no clinically significant difference found in BMI between patients with ruptures and controls. Furthermore, it was found that patients who sustained ruptures were also more likely to be active at baseline than their ankle sprain counterparts.     

Incidence and risk factors of acute kidney injury in the Japanese trauma population: A prospective cohort study

IntroductionPrevious studies have reported the prevalence and risk factors of acute kidney injury (AKI) in relatively young trauma patients. The aims of this study were to identify the prevalence and risk factors of AKI among older Japanese trauma patients.MethodsWe conducted a prospective observational study in the 8-bed intensive care unit (ICU) of a Japanese tertiary-care hospital. Participants comprised trauma patients aged 18 years or older admitted to the ICU. Our primary outcome was the incidence of AKI within 10 days of admission, according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria.ResultsAmong 333 patients, 66 (19.8%) developed AKI (Stage 1, n = 54; Stages 2, n = 5; and Stage 3, n = 7). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the incidence of AKI was associated with increased age (odds ratio (OR), 1.38; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15–1.65), male sex (OR, 2.06; 95%CI, 1.04–4.07), greater amount of red blood cell transfusions (OR, 1.61; 95%CI, 1.04–1.17), and presence of underlying chronic kidney disease (CKD) (OR, 3.97; 95%CI, 1.78-8.83). Length of stay in the ICU was significantly longer in patients with AKI (6 days) than in those without (3 days; p < 0.001). Patients ≥65 years old were more likely to develop AKI (26.2% vs 11.6%; p < 0.001). No significant differences in ICU stay (median, 4 vs 4 days; p = 0.70), hospital stay (median, 24 vs 21 days; p = 0.45), or 28-day mortality (2.1% vs 1.4%; p = 0.19) were evident between age groups.ConclusionsApproximately 20% of trauma patients developed AKI, and the elderly were more likely to develop AKI. Older age, male, greater units of red blood cell transfusions, and underlying CKD were associated with incidence of AKI.     

Papel de la terapia presión negativa en la prevención de infección del sitio quirúrgico en cirugía colorrectal

BackgroundSurgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most frequent complications in colorectal surgery. It is diagnosed in 10 - 20% of colorectal procedures. Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) has shown efficacy in the treatment of chronic and traumatic wounds, wound dehiscence, flaps and grafts. The main objective of this study is to assess NPWT in the prevention of SSI in colorectal surgery. Hospital stay reduction and SSI risk factors are secondary objectives.MethodsWe present a prospective case-control study including 80 patients after a colorectal diagnosis and surgical procedure (elective and non-elective) in 2017. Forty patients were treated with prevention NPWT for one week. Forty patients were treated according to the standard postoperative surgical wound care protocol.ResultsNo significant differences were found in demographic variables, comorbidities, surgical approach, elective or non-elective surgery, mechanical bowel preparation and surgical procedure. Three patients has SSI in the NPWT group (8%) (95%CI 0 – 17.5). Ten patients presented SSI in the control group (25%) (95%CI 12.5 – 37.5) (p = 0.034); OR 0.7 (95%CI 0.006-0.964). Hospital stay in the NPWT group was 8 days versus 12 days in the non-NPWT group (p = 0.22). In the multivariate analysis, mechanical bowel preparation was found to be the only risk factor for SSI (p = 0.047; OR: 0.8, CI 0.45-0.93).ConclusionsNPWT is a useful SSI prevention treatment in colorectal surgery.     

Diagnostic performance of ultra-low dose versus standard dose CT for non-traumatic abdominal emergencies

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of ultra-low dose (ULD) to that of standard (STD) computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of non-traumatic abdominal emergencies using clinical follow-up as reference standard.Materials and methodsAll consecutive patients requiring emergency abdomen-pelvic CT examination from March 2017 to September 2017 were prospectively included. ULD and STD CTs were acquired after intravenous administration iodinated contrast medium (portal phase). CT acquisitions were performed at 125 mAs for STD and 55 mAs for ULD. Diagnostic performance was retrospectively evaluated on ULD and STD CTs using clinical follow-up as a reference diagnosis.ResultsA total of 308 CT examinations from 308 patients (145 men; mean age 59.1 ± 20.7 (SD) years; age range: 18–96 years) were included; among which 241/308 (78.2%) showed abnormal findings. The effective dose was significantly lower with the ULD protocol (1.55 ± 1.03 [SD] mSv) than with the STD (3.67 ± 2.56 [SD] mSv) (P < 0.001). Sensitivity was significantly lower for the ULD protocol (85.5% [95%CI: 80.4–89.4]) than for the STD (93.4% [95%CI: 89.4–95.9], P < 0.001) whereas specificities were similar (94.0% [95%CI: 85.1–98.0] vs. 95.5% [95%CI: 87.0–98.9], respectively). ULD sensitivity was equivalent to STD for bowel obstruction and colitis/diverticulitis (96.4% [95%CI: 87.0–99.6] and 86.5% [95%CI: 74.3–93.5] for ULD vs. 96.4% [95%CI: 87.0–99.6] and 88.5% [95%CI: 76.5–94.9] for STD, respectively) but lower for appendicitis, pyelonephritis, abscesses and renal colic (75.0% [95%CI: 57.6–86.9]; 77.3% [95%CI: 56.0–90.1]; 90.5% [95%CI: 69.6–98.4] and 85% [95%CI: 62.9–95.4] for ULD vs. 93.8% [95%CI: 78.6–99.2]; 95.5% [95%CI: 76.2–100.0]; 100.0% [95%CI: 81.4–100.0] and 100.0% [95%CI: 80.6–100.0] for STD, respectively). Sensitivities were significantly different between the two protocols only for appendicitis (P = 0.041).ConclusionIn an emergency context, for patients with non-traumatic abdominal emergencies, ULD-CT showed inferior diagnostic performance compared to STD-CT for most abdominal conditions except for bowel obstruction and colitis/diverticulitis detection.     

Factors associated with patient satisfaction with foot and ankle surgery in a large prospective study

BackgroundThere is minimal published research on outcomes and satisfaction with foot and ankle surgery.ObjectiveTo investigate patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction, and investigate which factors influence satisfaction at 9 months following foot or ankle surgery.MethodsProspective study of 671 adult patients having foot or ankle surgery. Pre-and post-surgery, patients self-completed MOXFQ, SF-36 and EQ-5D questionnaires. Using ratings to a satisfaction item, patients who were ‘very pleased’ with the outcome were compared with everyone else, using multiple logistic regression, regarding their pre-, peri- and post-operative characteristics.ResultsOf 628 eligible patients, 491 (73%) completed pre-and post-operative questionnaires. Following adjustment, satisfaction with surgery was influenced by patients’ perceptions of their foot/ankle's appearance (OR 0.12, 95% CIs 0.06–0.23, p < 0.001); wearable range of shoes (OR 0.36, 95% CIs 0.17–0.79, p = 0.01); continued foot/ankle pain (OR 0.06, 95% CIs 0.03–0.14, p < 0.001); impairment in Social-Interaction (MOXFQ SI scale) (OR 0.98, 95% CIs 0.96–0.99, p = 0.009). The final explanatory model explained 67% of the variance in patient satisfaction.ConclusionsFoot appearance, wearable shoe range, the (full) alleviation of pain and the ability/confidence to interact socially are crucial to peoples’ satisfaction with their foot or ankle surgery.     

Abdominal aortic calcification and risk of fracture among older women — The SOF study

Data concerning the link between severity of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) and fracture risk in postmenopausal women are discordant. This association may vary by skeletal site and duration of follow-up. Our aim was to assess the association between the AAC severity and fracture risk in older women over the short- and long term. This is a case–cohort study nested in a large multicenter prospective cohort study. The association between AAC and fracture was assessed using Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for vertebral fractures and using Hazard Risks (HR) and 95%CI for non-vertebral and hip fractures. AAC severity was evaluated from lateral spine radiographs using Kauppila's semiquantitative score. Severe AAC (AAC score 5 +) was associated with higher risk of vertebral fracture during 4 years of follow-up, after adjustment for confounders (age, BMI, walking, smoking, hip bone mineral density, prevalent vertebral fracture, systolic blood pressure, hormone replacement therapy) (OR = 2.31, 95%CI: 1.24–4.30, p < 0.01). In a similar model, severe AAC was associated with an increase in the hip fracture risk (HR = 2.88, 95%CI: 1.00–8.36, p = 0.05). AAC was not associated with the risk of any non-vertebral fracture. AAC was not associated with the fracture risk after 15 years of follow-up. In elderly women, severe AAC is associated with higher short-term risk of vertebral and hip fractures, but not with the long-term risk of these fractures. There is no association between AAC and risk of non-vertebral-non-hip fracture in older women. Our findings lend further support to the hypothesis that AAC and skeletal fragility are related.     

Systematic assessment of heart valves and cardiac function by echocardiography in axial spondyloarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesAxial Spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)-specific deaths. We aimed to assess the prevalence of left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic dysfunction and valvular heart disease (VHD) by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in ax-SpA patients without history of CVD.MethodsA systematic literature review was performed in PUBMED, Embase, Cochrane Library databases published before April 2020. We included all controlled studies assessing myocardial function and heart valve by TTE in ax-SpA without history of CVD. A meta-analysis was performed with random or fixed effects model estimating mean differences (MD) and odds ratio (OR).ResultsLiterature search selected 189 abstracts and 28 articles were included (1471 ax-SpA and 1115 controls). ax-SpA had a statistically slight alteration of LV ejection fraction (MD = 0.64%, 95%CI: 0.14–1.14). ax-SpA had more frequently LV diastolic dysfunction (OR = 3.43, 95%CI: 1.78–6.59) and an alteration of E/A ratio (MD = 0.15, 95%CI: 0.08–0.21), deceleration time (MD = 13.07ms, 95%CI: 7.75–18.40), isovolumetric relaxation time (MD = 7.90ms, 95%CI: 4.50–11.30), left-ventricular end diastolic (MD = 0.57 mm, 95%CI: 0.19–0.95) and systolic (MD = 0.77 mm, 95%CI: 0.36–1.17) diameters. Three studies (15%) used a combination of TTE parameters to diagnose LV diastolic dysfunction. Prevalence of mitral regurgitation and aortic regurgitation were similar in ax-SpA patients and healthy individuals.Conclusionax-SpA have a non-clinically relevant alteration of LV ejection fraction and similar prevalence of VHD compared to healthy individuals. LV diastolic TTE parameters are altered in ax-SpA. However, most studies do not combine set of parameters to recognize diastolic dysfunction. The clinical relevance of diastolic dysfunction observed by TTE remains to be determined in future longitudinal studies.