Efficacy and safety of nano-silver dressings combined with recombinant human epidermal growth factor for deep second-degree burns: A meta-analysis

ObjectiveThe purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy and safety of nano-silver dressing combined with recombinant human epidermal growth factor for deep second-degree burns.MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and other databases were searched to identify relevant randomised controlled trials.ResultsTwelve studies that assessed nano-silver dressing combined with recombinant human epidermal growth factor were identified. Nano-silver dressing combined with recombinant human epidermal growth factor for deep second-degree burns could significantly reduce the duration of wound healing (mean difference ?5.68, 95% CI ?7.38 – ?3.99, P < 0.00001), the wound healing rate (risk ratio [RR] 0.34, 95% CI 0.23–0.48, P < 0.00001), the rate of scar hyperplasia (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.54–0.84, P = 0.0004), the wound bacterial positive rate (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.28–0.89, P = 0.02), and the adverse reactions rate (RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.16–0.58, P = 0.0003).ConclusionThis comprehensive meta-analysis of the available evidence suggest that the use of nano-silver dressing combined with recombinant human epidermal growth factor results in shorter duration of wound healing, reduced wound bacterial positive rates and adverse reactions rate, and improved wound healing rates.     

Cistectomía radical asistida por robot vs. cistectomía radical abierta: revisión sistemática de ensayos controlados aleatorizados

IntroductionSeveral randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been launched in the last decade to examine the surgical safety and oncological efficacy of robot-assisted (RARC) vs. open radical cystectomy (ORC) for patients with bladder cancer. The aim of the study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs to compare the perioperative and oncological outcomes of RARC vs. ORC.MethodsA literature search was conducted through July 2022 using PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to identify eligible studies. The outcomes were intraoperative, postoperative, and oncological outcomes of RARC vs. ORC.ResultsA total of 8 RCTs comprising 1,024 patients met our inclusion criteria. RARC was associated with longer operative time (mean 92.34 min, 95% CI: 83.83-100.84, P < 0.001) and lower blood transfusion rate (Odds ratio [OR] 0.43, 95% CI: 0.30-0.61, P < 0.001). No differences emerged in terms of 90-day overall (P = 0.28) and major (P = 0.57) complications, length of stay (P = 0.18), bowel recovery (P = 0.67), health-related quality of life (P = 0.86), disease recurrence (P = 0.77) and progression (P = 0.49) between the 2 approaches. The main limitation is represented by the low number of patients included in half of RCTs included.ConclusionsThis study supports that RARC is not inferior to ORC in terms of surgical safety and oncological outcomes. The benefit of RARC in terms of lower blood transfusion rate need to be balanced with the cost related to the procedure.     

Chest wall thickness and decompression failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing anatomic locations in needle thoracostomy

IntroductionCurrent Advanced Trauma Life Support guidelines recommend decompression for thoracic tension physiology using a 5-cm angiocatheter at the second intercostal space (ICS) on the midclavicular line (MCL). High failure rates occur. Through systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to determine the chest wall thickness (CWT) of the 2nd ICS-MCL, the 4th/5th ICS at the anterior axillary line (AAL), the 4th/5th ICS mid axillary line (MAL) and needle thoracostomy failure rates using the currently recommended 5-cm angiocatheter.MethodsA comprehensive search of several databases from their inception to July 24, 2014 was conducted. The search was limited to the English language, and all study populations were included. Studies were appraised by two independent reviewers according to a priori defined PRISMA inclusion and exclusion criteria. Continuous outcomes (CWT) were evaluated using weighted mean difference and binary outcomes (failure with 5-cm needle) were assessed using incidence rate. Outcomes were pooled using the random-effects model.ResultsThe search resulted in 34,652 studies of which 15 were included for CWT analysis, 13 for NT effectiveness. Mean CWT was 42.79 mm (95% CI, 38.78–46.81) at 2nd ICS-MCL, 39.85 mm (95% CI, 28.70–51.00) at MAL, and 34.33 mm (95% CI, 28.20–40.47) at AAL (P = .08). Mean failure rate was 38% (95% CI, 24–54) at 2nd ICS-MCL, 31% (95% CI, 10–64) at MAL, and 13% (95% CI, 8–22) at AAL (P = .01).ConclusionEvidence from observational studies suggests that the 4th/5th ICS-AAL has the lowest predicted failure rate of needle decompression in multiple populations.Level of evidenceLevel 3 SR/MA with up to two negative criteria.Study typeTherapeutic.     

Endovascular stenting for chronic femoro-iliac venous obstructive disease: Clinical efficacy and short-term outcomes

PurposeTo report the clinical efficacy and mid-term outcomes of endovascular treatment in patients with chronic, symptomatic, post-thrombotic femoro-iliac venous obstruction.Materials and methodsForty-two patients with post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) presenting with femoro-iliac venous obstructive lesions treated in our institution by endovascular approach between March 2012 and October 2017 were retrospectively included. There were 27 women and 15 men with a mean age of 47.3 ± 17 (SD) years (range: 22–86 years). Procedure included first venous recanalization, then pre-dilatation and self-expandable metallic stenting of the narrowed or occluded iliac and/or femoral veins. Severity of PTS and quality of life were assessed at baseline and 3 months after the intervention respectively, using Villalta score and Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire (CIVIQ-20) scale. Imaging follow-up evaluation of stent patency was based on the results of duplex Doppler ultrasound and computed tomography.ResultsImmediate technical success was achieved in 41/42 (97.6%) patients, without any major complications. Primary patency, primary assisted patency and secondary patency at the end of the median imaging follow-up of 18.1 months (IQR, 9.7–34.4) were achieved in 29/42 (66.7%) patients, 33/42 (78.6%) patients and 37/42 (88.1%) patients, respectively. Median Villalta and CIVIQ-20 scores decreased from 14 (IQR, 10–19) and 57 (IQR, 39–72) at baseline, respectively, to 5 (IQR, 2–9) and 30 (IQR, 24–50) 3 months after the procedure, respectively (P < 0.0001), showing significant decrease in the severity of PTS and improvement in the quality of life. The multiple linear regression model showed that both baseline Villalta and CIVIQ-20 scores ([95% CI: −7.80–3.79; P < 0.0001] and [95% CI: 0.07–0.20; P < 0.0001], respectively), age (95% CI: 0.04–0.19; P = 0.002) and stenting expanse (95% CI: 0.97–5.65; P = 0.006) were independent variables related to Villalta gain. Baseline Villalta (95% CI: 0.89–2.23; P < 0.0001) was the single independent variable related to CIVIQ-20 gain.ConclusionThis study confirms the high clinical efficacy and favorable mid-term outcomes of endovascular stenting in patients with chronic symptomatic femoro-iliac venous obstructive lesions.     

Effectiveness of arthroscopically assisted surgery for ankle fractures: A meta-analysis

IntroductionThis meta-analysis was performed to determine whether the arthroscopically assisted open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for ankle fractures is more beneficial than the conventional ORIF.MethodsArticles in electronic medial databases were searched between March 1983 and August 2016, including Pubmed and SCOPUS. We included the studies with comparative design comparing the surgical outcomes between the arthroscopically assisted ORIF for ankle fractures and the conventional ORIF. Finally, two RCTs and two retrospective comparative studies were included for analysis. Mean and standard deviation (SD) of postoperative functional scores, number of subjects, and P-values were extracted from the studies. In addition, postoperative follow-up period, fracture type, and study quality were collected.ResultsThe pooled effect size of the four studies 0.535 (95% CI, 0.247–0.823) in Hedges’s g, which favored the arthroscopically assisted ORIF over conventional ORIF. There was no evidence of publication bias in funnel plot and in Egger’s test (p = 0.534).ConclusionThe arthroscopically assisted ORIF for ankle fractures were more beneficial than the conventional ORIF in the current evidences. However, since it needs more medical cost and longer operation time, possible additional complications and cost effectiveness are to be validated in future studies.     

A meta-analysis of the efficacy of whole-body computed tomography imaging in the management of trauma and injury

BackgroundTraumatic injury is the third leading cause of death overall. To optimize the outcomes in these patients, hospitals employ whole-body computed tomography (WBCT) imaging due to the high diagnostic yield and potential to identify missed injuries. However, this delays time-critical interventions. Currently, there is an absence of any high-level evidence to support or refute either view. We present a meta-analysis of the available literature to elucidate the efficacy of WBCT in improving the outcomes of trauma, specifically the mortality rate.MethodsA systematic review of studies comparing WBCT and selective CT imaging in secondary survey was conducted, using MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Review and Scopus databases. The articles were evaluated for intervention using WBCT to reduce mortality rate, followed by subgroup analysis for other secondary measures, using Review Manager 5.3 software.ResultsEleven studies of 32,207 patients were included. There were lower overall (OR = 0.79; 95% CI 0.74,0.83, p < 0.05) and 24 h mortality rates (OR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.66,0.79, p < 0.05) in the WBCT cohort. Additionally, patients in the WBCT arm spent less time in the emergency room (MD = −14.81; 95% CI −17.02, −12.60, p < 0.00001) and needing ventilation (MD = −2.01; 95% CI −2.41, −1.62, p < 0.05) despite a higher baseline injury severity score.ConclusionThe analysis shows that WBCT is associated with better outcomes, including a lower overall and 24 h mortality rate, however the included studies are mostly observational and show considerable heterogeneity. Further work is required to make definitive clinical recommendations for a tailored algorithm in managing trauma patients.     

Arterial endofibrosis in endurance athletes: Prospective comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography and computed tomography angiography

PurposeTo prospectively compare the diagnostic capabilities of computed tomography angiography (CTA) to those of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in endurance athletes with suspicion of arterial endofibrosis.Materials and methodsForty-five athletes (39 men, 6 women; median age: 30 years, interquartile range: 23–42 years) prospectively underwent DSA and CTA without (n = 5) or with (n = 40) electrocardiogram gating. DSA was interpreted by a single expert (experience of 15 years). CTA was independently interpreted by three other readers (experience of 5–8 years). Readers assessed the presence and degree of stenoses on iliac and femoral arteries and the overall diagnosis (negative, uncertain, positive) of endofibrosis at the limb level. Sensitivities and specificities of DSA and CTA were estimated at the limb level using histological findings and long-term follow-up as reference, and compared using the McNemar test.ResultsFor diagnosing and quantifying stenoses, concordance between DSA and CTA was moderate-to-good for common and external iliac arteries, moderate for lateral circumflex arteries and poor-to-moderate for the other branches of the deep femoral artery. It was good for all readers for the overall diagnosis of endofibrosis. After long-term follow-up (median, 95 months; interquartile range: 7–109 months), DSA sensitivity and specificity were respectively 88.6% (39/44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 76–95%) and 75% (24/32; 95% CI: 57.9–86.7%); CTA sensitivity and specificity were respectively 88.6% (39/44; 95% CI: 76–95%; P > 0.99) and 84.4% (27/32; 95% CI: 68.2–93.1%; P = 0.51), 86.3% (38/44; 95% CI: 73.3–93.6%; P > 0.99) and 75% (24/32; 95% CI: 57.9–86.7%; P > 0.99), and 84.1% (37/44; 95% CI: 70.6–92.1%; P = 0.68) and 75% (24/32; 95% CI: 57.9–86.7%; P > 0.99) for the three readers.ConclusionCTA shows performances similar to those of DSA in predicting the long-term diagnosis of endofibrosis in endurance athletes with suggestive symptoms.     

There is still a care gap in osteoporosis management for patients with rheumatoid arthritis

ObjectivesTo assess compliance rates with the current Canadian osteoporosis guidelines and whether the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool score in patients with rheumatoid arthritis correlated with the likelihood of receiving osteoporosis treatment and having a bone mineral density test.MethodsCharts of serial outpatients with rheumatoid arthritis were reviewed to collect bone mineral density test data and patients’ use of calcium, vitamin D, and osteoporosis treatment. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated to determine if a higher Fracture Risk Assessment Tool score increased the likelihood of osteoporosis treatment or having a bone mineral density test.ResultsUsing the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool, the 10-year risk of major osteoporotic fracture was high in 92 (12.5%), moderate in 216 (29.3%), and low in 429 (58.2%) patients. Compared to those at low risk, patients identified as high risk were more likely to receive osteoporosis treatment (OR 16.31, 95% CI 9.45–28.13, P < 0.001); calcium (OR 3.89, 95% CI 2.43–6.25, P < 0.001); vitamin D (OR 3.46, 95% CI 2.12–5.64, P < 0.001); and to have had a bone mineral density test (OR 10.22, 95% CI 5.50–18.96, P < 0.001). Among 124 patients currently taking prednisone, half (46.8%) were prescribed a bisphosphonate.ConclusionsAlthough compliance with current osteoporosis guidelines remains low among all patients with rheumatoid arthritis, higher risk patients were more likely to have a bone mineral density test and receive treatment for osteoporosis, as indicated by the clear dose response seen along the 10-year fracture risk from low to high-risk groups.     

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.     

Diagnosis of postoperative recurrence of Crohn disease with MR-enterography: Value of diffusion-weighted imaging

PurposeTo compare the diagnostic capabilities of MR enterography (MRE) using contrast-enhanced (CE) sequences with those of MRE using diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging for the diagnosis of postoperative recurrence at the neo-terminal ileum and/or anastomosis after ileocolonic resection in patients with Crohn disease (CD), and to clarify the role of additional DW imaging to CE-MRE in this context.Material and methodsForty patients who underwent ileal resection for CD, and both endoscopy and MRE within the first year after surgery were included. There were 21 men and 19 women, with a mean age of 38 years ± 12 (SD) years (range: 18–67 years). MRE examinations were blindly analyzed independently by one senior (R1) and one junior (R2) radiologist for the presence of small bowel postoperative recurrence at the anastomotic site. During a first reading session, T2-, steady-state- and DW-MRE were reviewed (DW-MRE or set 1). During a separate distant session, T2-, steady-state- and CE-MRE were reviewed (CE-MRE or set 2). Lastly, all sequences were analyzed altogether (set 3). Performances of each reader for the diagnosis of postoperative recurrence were evaluated using endoscopic findings as the standard of reference (Rutgeerts score ≥ i2b).ResultsFifteen patients out of 40 (37.5%) had endoscopic postoperative recurrence at the anastomotic site. Sensitivity for the diagnosis of postoperative recurrence was 73% (95% CI: 51–96%) for R1 and 67% (95% CI: 43–91%) for R2 using set 1, and 80% (95% CI: 60–100%) for both readers using set 2. There was no significant differences in sensitivity between reading set 1 and reading set 2, for either R1 or R2 (R1, P  > 0.99; R2, P = 0.48). Specificity was 96% (95% CI: 88–100%) for both readers using set 1 or using set 2. Reading set 3 yielded an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.84–1) versus 0.89 (95% CI: 0.75–1) with set 1 (P = 0.18) and versus 0.89 (95% CI: 0.78–1) with set 2 (P = 0.21). No significant differences in AUC were found between set 1 or 2 and set 3 (P = 0.18), nor between set 1 and 2 (P = 0.76). Accuracies were 88% (95% CI: 74–95%) and 85% (95% CI: 71–93%) for DW-MRE for R1 and R2, respectively; 90% (95% CI: 77–96%) for CE-MRE for both readers; and 93% (95% CI: 80–97%) and 88% (95% CI: 74–95%) for R1 and R2 with set 3, respectively.ConclusionDW-MRE has diagnostic capabilities similar to those of CE-MRE for the diagnosis of postoperative recurrence of CD at the anastomotic site.     

Demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing disparities in prevalence of alcohol-related injury among underserved trauma patients in a safety-net hospital

BackgroundAlcohol-related trauma remains high among underserved patients despite ongoing preventive measures. Geographic variability in prevalence of alcohol-related injury has prompted reexamination of this burden across different regions. We sought to elucidate demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing the prevalence of alcohol-related trauma among underserved patients and determine alcohol effects on selected outcomes.MethodsA retrospective analysis examined whether patients admitted to a suburban trauma center differed according to their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) on admission. Patients were stratified based on their BAC into four categories (undetectable BAC, BAC 1–99 mg/dL, BAC 100–199 mg/dL, and BAC ≥ 200 mg/dL). T-tests and X2 tests were used to detect differences between BAC categories in terms of patient demographics and clinical outcomes. Multivariate linear and logistic regressions were used to investigate the association between patient variables and selected outcomes while controlling for confounders.ResultsOne third of 738 patients analyzed were BAC-positive, mean (SD) BAC was 211.4 (118.9) mg/dL, 80% of BAC-positive patients had levels ≥ 100 mg/dL. After risk adjustments, the following patient characteristics were predictive of having highly elevated BAC (≥ 200 mg/dL) upon admission to the Trauma Center; Hispanic patients (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.91, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14–3.21), unemployment (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.09–2.78), Medicaid beneficiaries (OR = 3.59, 95% CI: 1.96–6.59), and uninsured patients (OR = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.60–5.13). Patients with BAC of 100–199 mg/dL were likely to be more severely injured (P = 0.016) compared to undetectable-BAC patients. There was no association between being intoxicated, and being ICU–admitted or having differences in length of ICU or hospital stay.ConclusionDemographic and socioeconomic factors underlie disparities in the prevalence of alcohol-related trauma among underserved patients. These findings may guide targeted interventions toward specific populations to help reduce the burden of alcohol-related injury.     

Outcomes after resection versus non-resection management of penetrating grade III and IV pancreatic injury: A trauma quality improvement (TQIP) databank analysis

BackgroundHigh-grade traumatic pancreatic injuries are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Non-resection management is associated with fewer complications in pediatric patients. The present study evaluates outcomes following resection versus non-resection management of severe pancreatic injury caused by penetrating trauma.MethodsA retrospective study of the Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database was performed from 1/2010 to 12/2014. Patients with AAST Organ Injury Scale pancreatic grade III and IV injuries caused by penetrating trauma were included in the study. Demographics, vital signs on admission, Abbreviated Injury Scale per body region, Injury Severity Score, transfusion and therapeutic modality were obtained. Mortality, length of stay (LOS), pseudocyst, pancreatitis, sepsis, thromboembolism, renal failure, ARDS and unplanned ICU admission or re-operation were stratified according to injury grade and treatment modality. Patients were stratified into those who did/did not undergo pancreatic resection.ResultsA total of 4,098 patients had a pancreatic injury of which 15.9% (n = 653) had a grade III and 6.7% (n = 274) a grade IV pancreatic injury. There were no differences in patient demographics or overall injury severity between the resected and non-resected cohorts within each pancreatic injury grade. Forty-two percent of grade III and 38.0% of grade IV injuries underwent pancreatic resection. The total LOS was longer in the resection arm irrespective of pancreatic injury severity. There was no significant difference in morbidity between cohorts. Similarly, mortality was not significantly different between the two management approaches for grade III: 15.1% (95% CI 11.0–19.9) vs. 18.4% (95% CI 14.6–22.6), p = 0.32 and grade IV: 24.0% (95% CI: 16.2–33.4) vs. 27.1% (95% CI: 20.5–34.4), p = 0.68.ConclusionResection for treatment of grade III and IV pancreatic injury is not associated with a significant decrease in mortality but is associated with an increase in hospital LOS.     

Association between benzodiazepines use and risk of hip fracture in the elderly people: A meta-analysis of observational studies

ObjectiveHip fracture is one of the leading causes of disability, cost, morbidity, and mortality. Several studies reported that benzodiazepines (BDZs) have been associated with an increased risk of hip fracture in older individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the magnitude of hip fracture risk with BDZs.MethodsA systematic literature search on EMBASE, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus was performed between January 1, 1980, and March 31, 2019. The search strategy was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline, and an observational study design was mandatory for articles inclusion. Data were extracted by two authors independently and a random effect model was used to evaluate effect size. The random-effects model (DerSimonian-Laird) was utilized to obtain the overall risk ratio (RR) and its 95% CI for all studies. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) was also used to assess the quality of each study.ResultsOf 2315 studies screened, 33 (20 cohorts and 13 case-control) with 169,660 hip fracture cases were included in our analysis. In BDZs users, compared with non-users, the RR for hip fracture was 1.34 (95%CI: 1.26–1.44). The RR for long- and short-short acting BDZs and hip fracture risk were 1.31 (95%CI: 1.18–1.45, P < 0.0001), and 1.15 (95%CI: 1.08–1.22, P < 0.0001), respectively. When stratified by type of users, the current and recent users of BDZs had higher risk of hip fracture (RR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.46–2.28, P < 0.0001 and RR: 1.61, 95% 1.30–1.99, P < 0.0001) whereas there was no increased risk of hip fracture in past BDZs users (RR: 1.18, 95%CI: 1.07–1.29, P < 0.0001).ConclusionOur meta-analysis showed an increased risk of hip fracture in patients with BDZs compared with non-users. Physicians should be aware of the unwanted consequence of BDZs when they will prescribe BDZs for their patients, especially elderly patients because hip fractures are highly prevalent in the elderly population.     

Dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) after open and minimally invasive locked plating of proximal humerus fractures

IntroductionClosed reduction and locked plate fixation of proximal humerus fractures with the minimally invasive deltoid-splitting approach intends to minimize soft tissue damage although axillary nerve injury has been reported. The aim of this study was to assess the deltoid muscle perfusion with dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) as novel technique and evaluate its relation to the functional and neurologic outcome after open (ORIF) and minimally invasive (MIPO) fracture fixation.Patients and methods50 patients, 30 with deltopectoral ORIF and 20 with deltoid-splitting MIPO approach were examined 6–49 months after surgery. Only patients with a healthy, contralateral shoulder were selected. Shoulder function, satisfaction as well as psychosocial outcome were assessed with established scores (Constant, DASH, Simple Shoulder Test, ASES, SF-12). Electromyography (EMG) of the deltoid muscle was performed to determine axillary nerve damage. Ultrasound of both shoulders included CEUS and Power Doppler after deltoid muscle activation via active abduction for two minutes.ResultsNone of the examinations and scores showed significant differences between ORIF and MIPO patients, the psychosocial outcome was similar. The fracture types were equally distributed in both groups. The normalized Constant Score was 76.3 ± 18.6 in the ORIF and 81.6 ± 16.1 in the MIPO group (p = 0.373). Deltoid muscle perfusion in CEUS and Power Doppler revealed no differences between both approaches. EMG excluded functionally relevant axillary nerve injuries. Compared with the contralateral shoulder, Constant- and ASES-Scores (p ≤ 0.001 for both ORIF and MIPO) as well as the deltoid CEUS perfusion (ORIF p = 0.035; MIPO p = 0.030) were significantly worse for both approaches.ConclusionsConvincing consensus of functional, ultrasonographic and neurologic examinations demonstrated comparable outcomes after deltopectoral and deltoid-splitting approach. The quantification of the deltoid muscle perfusion with CEUS indicates that the proclaimed benefits of the MIPO approach on soft tissue might not be as great as expected.     

Intracranial pressure monitoring in severe traumatic brain injuries: a closer look at level 1 trauma centers in the United States

IntroductionThe Brain Trauma Foundation (BTF) recently updated recommendations for intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The effect of ICP monitoring on outcomes is controversial, and compliance with BTF guidelines is variable. The purpose of this study was to assess both compliance and outcomes at level I trauma centers.Materials and methodsThe American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program database was queried for all patients admitted to level I trauma centers with isolated blunt severe TBI (AIS > 3, GCS < 9) who met criteria for ICP monitoring. Patients who had severe extracranial injuries, craniectomy, or death in the first 24 h were excluded. Comparison between groups with and without ICP monitoring was made, analyzing demographics, comorbidities, mechanism of injury, head Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS), vital signs on admission, head CT scan findings. Outcomes included in-hospital mortality, mechanical ventilation days, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, hospital length of stay, systemic complications, and functional independence at discharge. Multivariable analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for each of the outcomes.ResultsOverall, 4880 patients were included. ICP monitoring was used in 529 patients (10.8%). Stepwise logistic regression analysis identified ICP monitor placement as an independent risk factor for mortality (OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.28–2.07; p < 0.001), mechanical ventilation (OR 5.74 95% CI 4.42–7.46; p < 0.001), ICU length of stay (OR 4.03; 95% CI 2.94–5.52; p < 0.001), systemic complications (OR 2.78; 95% CI 2.29–3.37; p < 0.001), and decreased functional independence at discharge (OR 1.71 95% CI 1.29–2.26; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis of patients with head AIS 3, 4, and 5 confirmed that ICP monitors remained an independent risk factor for mortality in both head AIS 4 and 5.ConclusionsCompliance with BTF guidelines for ICP monitoring is low, even at level I trauma centers. In this study, ICP monitoring was associated with poor outcomes, and was found to be an independent risk factor for mortality. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal role of ICP monitoring in the management of severe TBI.     

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.     

MRI combined with PSA density in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer in patients with PSA serum levels of 4∼10 ng/mL: Biparametric versus multiparametric MRI

PurposeTo compare the performance of biparametric magnetic resonance imaging (bpMRI) to that of multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) in combination with prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) in patients with PSA serum levels of 4∼10 ng/mL.Materials and methodsA total of 123 men (mean age, 66.3 ± 8.9 [SD]; range: 42–83 years) with PSA serum levels of 4∼10 ng/mL with suspected csPCa were included. All patients underwent mpMRI at 3 Tesla and transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy in their clinical workup and were followed-up for >1 year when no csPCa was found at initial biopsy. The mpMRI images were reinterpreted according to the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS, v2.1) twice in two different sessions using either mpMRI sequences or bpMRI sequences. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether csPCa was detected. The PI-RADS (mpMRI or bpMRI) categories and PSAD were used in combination to detect csPCa. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analyses were performed to compare the efficacy of the different models (mpMRI, bpMRI, PSAD, mpMRI + PSAD and bpMRI + PSAD).ResultsThirty-seven patients (30.1%, 37/123) had csPCa. ROC analysis showed that bpMRI (AUC = 0.884 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.814–0.935]) outperformed mpMRI (AUC = 0.867 [95% CI: 0.794–0.921]) (P = 0.035) and that bpMRI and mpMRI performed better than PSAD (0.682 [95% CI: 0.592–0.763]) in detecting csPCa; bpMRI + PSAD (AUC = 0.907 [95% CI: 0.841–0.952]) performed similarly to mpMRI + PSAD (AUC = 0.896 [95% CI: 0.828–0.944]) (P = 0.151) and bpMRI (P = 0.224). The sensitivity and specificity were 81.1% (95% CI: 64.8–92.0%) and 88.4% (95% CI: 79.7–94.3%), respectively for bpMRI, and 83.8% (95% CI: 68.0–93.8%) and 80.2% (95% CI: 70.2–88.0%), respectively for mpMRI (P > 0.999 for sensitivity and P = 0.016 for specificity). Among the 5 decision models, the decision curve analysis showed that all models (except for PSAD) achieved a high net benefit.ConclusionIn patients with PSA serum levels of 4∼10 ng/mL, bpMRI and bpMRI combined with PSAD achieve better performance than mpMRI in detecting csPCa; bpMRI has a higher specificity than mpMRI, which could decrease unnecessary biopsy, and may serve as a potential alternative to mpMRI to optimize clinical workup.     

Metalwork removal in elective foot and ankle practice: Does it make any difference to the patient?

BackgroundIncreasing use of metalwork in foot and ankle surgery has led to an increasing number of subsequent surgeries for metalwork removal. The aim of the current study was to determine whether removing metalwork from foot and ankle makes any difference to the patients in terms of pain, function or shoe wear related outcomes.Methods27 consecutive patients were identified from a single surgeon database that had undergone metalwork removal over a four year period and sent out a validated Visual Analogue Scale-Foot and Ankle questionnaire. Additional demographic and radiographic data were collected.Results24 patients returned completed questionnaires. Mean interval between index procedure and metalwork removal was 18 months. Overall for the whole group, only moderate satisfaction was noted after metalwork removal with mean VAS-FA scores of 60.39. The mean VAS-FA scores and the pain, function and other complaints sub-scores were significantly better in patients who had metalwork removal after 1st ray surgery (p = 0.07 for total VAS-FA score and p = 0.006, p = 0.005, and p = 0.032 for pain, function and other complaints sub-scores respectively).ConclusionWe can recommend removal of metalwork in symptomatic patients after 1st ray surgeries but other foot and ankle surgeries require further investigation.     

Safety and oncologic efficacy of percutaneous MRI-guided cryoablation of intraparenchymal renal cancers

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and oncologic efficacy of percutaneous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided cryoablation of intraparenchymal renal cancer.Materials and methodsBetween February 2009 and August 2019, 31 consecutives patients with 31 entirely intraparenchymal biopsy-proven renal cancers were treated with cryoablation under MRI-guidance in our institution, and were retrospectively included. There were 20 men and 11 women with a mean age of 68.5 ± 12.5 (SD) (range: 40–91 years). Patient, tumor- and procedure-related, and follow-up data were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Local recurrence free (LRFS), metastasis free (MFS), disease free (DFS), cancer specific (CSS), and overall survivals (OS) were calculated.ResultsPrimary and secondary technical efficacy rates were 94% and 100%, respectively. Median follow-up was 27 months. Seven (7/31; 23%) minor complications were noted in 7 patients. Patients showed a significant decline of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between baseline and nadir (mean basal eGFR 65.9 ± 22.4 [SD] mL/min/1.73 m² vs. mean nadir eGFR 52.8 ± 26.0 [SD] mL/min/1.73 m²; P < 0.001), but only two showed a clinically significant renal function decline. Three-year estimates of primary and secondary LRFS, MFS, and DFS were 64% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 47–87%), 89% (95% CI: 78–99%), 83% (95% CI: 77–98%), and 45% (95% CI: 28–73%), respectively. No patients died due to renal cancer evolution (three-year CSS of 100%; 95% CI: 100–100%). One patient died 52 months after the percutaneous treatment due to cryoablation-unrelated causes (three-year OS of 100%; 95% CI: 100–100%).ConclusionMRI-guided percutaneous cryoablation for intraparenchymal renal cancer offers good oncologic outcomes with acceptable complication rates and renal function worsening.     

The impact of helmet use on outcomes after a motorcycle crash

BackgroundHelmet use in a motorcycle collision has been shown to reduce head injury and death. Its protective effect on the cervical spine (C-spine), however, remains unclear. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between helmet use and C-spine injuries.MethodRetrospective National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) study. All motorcycle collisions between 2007 and 2014 involving either a driver or passenger were included. Data collected included demographics, vital signs, Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS), Injury Severity Score (ISS) and specific injuries. The primary outcome was the prevalence of C-spine injuries. Secondary outcomes included were overall mortality, ventilation days, intensive care unit length of stay (LOS), total hospital LOS, and in-hospital complications.ResultsA total of 270,525 patients were included. Helmets were worn by 57.6% of motorcyclists. The non-helmeted group was found to have a higher incidence of head injury with head AIS > 2 (27.6% vs 14.8%, p < 0.001). Univariate analysis showed a higher prevalence of C-spine injuries in the non-helmeted group (10.4% vs 9.4%, p < 0.001), with a higher proportion of severe C-spine injuries with AIS > 2 (3.2% vs 2.6%, p < 0.001). Additionally, traumatic brain injury (TBI) was found to be two times higher in the non-helmeted group (20.7% vs 10.9%, p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression showed helmet use to be an independent protective factor against mortality (OR = 0.832, 95% CI 0.781–0.887, p < 0.001). Although statistically significant in univariate analysis, helmet use was not associated with C-spine injuries after adjusting for relevant covariates. However, helmet use reduced the risk of severe head injuries by almost 50% (OR = 0.488, 95% CI 0.475–0.500, p < 0.001).ConclusionsHelmet use reduces the risk of head injury and death among motorcyclists; however, no association with C-spine injuries could be detected.