Long-term outcomes of large artery thromboangiitis obliterans and comparison with small artery thromboangiitis obliterans

Although the distribution of arterial involvement is still the subject of controversy for defining the diagnostic criteria for thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO), several reports have described TAO involving the more proximal arterial segment. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of large artery TAO in comparison with those of small artery TAO.Between January 2007 and July 2019, 83 consecutive symptomatic patients with a diagnosis of lower extremity TAO were stratified according to the most proximal arterial involvement, with the cutoff level of the adductor canal as a reference (large artery TAO versus small artery TAO), and analyzed retrospectively. The study outcomes included any amputations and major amputations.The large artery TAO group consisted of 30 patients (36.1%), and the small artery TAO group consisted of 53 patients (63.9%). In terms of clinical symptoms and signs, the proportion of major tissue loss (Rutherford class 6) was significantly higher among patients with large artery TAO than among those with small artery TAO (13.3% versus 0%, P = .02). Any amputation rate was similar between the large and small artery TAO groups during the median follow-up period of 148 months (range, 0–376 months) (43.3% versus 28.3%, P = .16). However, the major amputation rate was significantly higher among patients with large artery TAO (13.3% versus 0%, P = .02). On Kaplan–Meier survival analysis of the cumulative event-free rates, although there was a similar 10-year amputation-free survival rate (P = .24) between the 2 groups, the large artery TAO group had a significantly lower 10-year major amputation-free survival rate (P < .01) than the small artery TAO group.Large artery TAO is a limb-threatening condition and had a worse prognosis than small artery TAO.     

Application of digital practice to improve head movement,visual perception and activities of daily living for subacute stroke patients with unilateral spatial neglect: Preliminary results of a single-blinded,randomized controlled trial

Background:Virtual reality (VR) based digital practice is an attractive way to provide a patient engagement, motivation and adaptable environment for stroke rehabilitation. However, clinical evidence of efficacy with VR-based digital practice is very limited. In this study, we investigated the effects of VR-based digital practice program on unilateral spatial neglect (USN) rehabilitation in patients with subacute stroke.Methods:Twenty-four subacute stroke patients with USN were enrolled and randomly assigned to digital practice group (n = 12) and control group (n = 12). Patients in digital practice group received training programs with VR-based applications with leap motion environment. Control group received conventional USN specific training programs. All patients were underwent 4 week practice program (3 sessions/week, a half-hour/session). We analyzed training effects before and after training by assessing the line bisection test, Catherine Bergego Scale, modified Barthel index, Motor-Free Visual Perception Test Vertical Version (MVPT-V), and horizontal head movements (rotation degree and velocity during the VR-based applications), and compared the results between the two groups.Results:Compared to control group, digital practice group showed significantly greater improvements in the line bisection test (P = .020), and visual perceptual tasks (MVPT-V, responded more on left visual task, P = .024; correctly respond more on both left and right visual tasks, P = .024 and P = .014, respectively; and faster response time, P = .014). Additionally, horizontal head movement of rotation degree and velocity during the VR based practice in the digital practice group were significantly increased more than control group (P = .007 and P = .001, respectively).Conclusions:VR-based digital practice program might be an affordable approach for visual perception and head movement recovery for subacute stroke patients with USN.     

Prognostic value of targeted temperature management on outcomes of hanging-induced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A nationwide observational study

This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of targeted temperature management (TTM) on hanging-induced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients using nationwide data of South Korea.Adult hanging-induced OHCA patients from 2008 to 2018 were included in this nationwide observational study. Patients who assigned into 2 groups based on whether they did (TTM group) or did not (non-TTM group) receive TTM. Outcome measures included survival to hospital discharge and a good neurological outcome at hospital discharge.Among the 293,852 OHCA patients, 3545 patients (non-TTM, n = 2762; TTM, n = 783) were investigated. After propensity score matching for all patients, 783 matched pairs were available for analysis. We observed no significant inter-group differences in the survival to hospital discharge (non-TTM, n = 27 [3.4%] vs TTM, n = 23 [2.9%], P = .666) or good neurological outcomes (non-TTM, n = 23 [2.9%] vs TTM, n = 14 [1.8%], P = .183). In the multivariate analysis, prehospital return of spontaneous circulation (odds ratio [OR], 22.849; 95% confidence interval [CI], 11.479–45.481, P < .001) was associated with an increase in survival to hospital discharge, and age (OR, 0.971; 95% CI, 0.944–0.998, P = .035), heart disease (OR, 16.875; 95% CI, 3.028–94.036, P = .001), and prehospital return of spontaneous circulation (OR, 133.251; 95% CI, 30.512–581.930, P < .001) were significant prognostic factors of good neurological outcome. However, TTM showed no significant association with either outcome.There were no significant differences in the survival to hospital discharge and good neurological outcomes between non-TTM and TTM groups of hanging-induced OHCA patients.     

Higher red blood cell distribution width at diagnose is a simple negative prognostic factor in chronic phase-chronic myeloid leukemia patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors: A retrospective study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of the red blood cell distribution width (RDW) to predict prognosis and treatment response in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)-chronic phase (CP) patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKIs).We retrospectively enrolled 93 newly diagnosed CML-CP patients treated with TKIs from 2009 to 2018 at the First Hospital of Lanzhou University. Patients were divided into 2 groups using an RDW of 18.65% determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. We analyzed the correlation of treatment responses and the RDW compared to common scoring systems, as well as the correlation of the RDW with disease outcome, including overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), and demographic and laboratory factors affecting outcome. Univariate analysis and Cox regression analysis were used.The median age of patients was 40 years, and 51 patients (54.8%) were men. A high RDW could predict treatment response at 3 months (P = .03) and 6 months (P = .02). The RDW was significantly lower in patients who achieved molecular response by 3 months (P < .001) and complete cytogenetic response by 6 months (P = .001) than in those who did not respond. Patients with a high RDW (>18.65%, n = 35) had significantly worse 5-year OS (77.1% vs 96.6%; P = .008) and PFS (80.0% vs 98.3%; P = .002) than those with a low RDW (≤18.65%, n = 58). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that a high RDW was an adverse predictor of OS (P = .005, HR (hazard ratio) = 9.741) and PFS (P = .009, HR = 16.735).The RDW is a readily available prognostic marker of outcome in patients with CML-CP and can predict treatment response to TKIs. Further larger and prospective studies are required.     

What are the predictors for recurrence of Crohn's disease after surgery?

Surgical resection is an unavoidable part of the current treatment options for Crohn''s disease (CD), and more than half of patients develop recurrence. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictors for recurrence in the long-term follow-up of CD patients after surgery.Medical records of consecutive CD patients who were operated on between January 2003 and January 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Data including demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. Recurrence was evaluated based on the Crohn''s Disease Activity Index or endoscopic findings.The majority of 112 patients were males (n = 64, 57.1%), and 61 (54.4%) of them were active smokers. The median follow-up was 113 (range: 61–197) months. Disease recurrence occurred in 16 (14.3%) patients at a median of 13.5 months. The endoscopic recurrence rate was 8% (n = 9) at 1 year, 12.5% (n = 14) at 5 years, and 13.4% (n = 15) at 10 years. One (0.9%) patient underwent colonoscopic balloon dilatation at 1 year, and 7 (6.3%) patients needed re-resection at a median of 36 months. The age of the patient at the time of diagnosis (P = .033), penetrating disease behavior (P = .011), intra-abdominal abscess (P = 0.040) and, concomitant fistula and intra-abdominal abscess (P = .017) were associated with disease recurrence.Our study results suggest that the patients’ age at the time of diagnosis, penetrating disease, intra-abdominal abscess, and concomitant fistula and abscess are the risk factors for CD recurrence after surgery.     

Newly Detected Pulmonary Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection and Peripheral Lung Cancers in Patients During Follow-Up of Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonia: Comparison of CT Findings

This article describes the difference between the computed tomography (CT) findings in patients with newly detected pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial infection (NTM-IIP) and Cancer-IIP.We retrospectively evaluated 35 NTM-IIP and 78 Cancer-IIP patients in reference to their null idiopathic interstitial pneumonia CT (n = 113), using >10 years of data. Two independent radiologists analyzed the CT characteristics and the axial location of the main opacity.The interobserver agreement was good (κ > 0.771). The NTM-IIP patients were older (P = 0.034). The median size of the main opacity in the NTM-IIP (27 mm; 11–73) was larger (19 mm; 5–60; P = 0.002). Consolidation (n = 30; 85.7%; odds ratio [OR], 45) and cavities (n = 14; 40%, OR, 25) were more common in NTM-IIP (all P < 0.001). The midst of the fibrotic cysts including honeycomb cysts (n = 16; 45.7%, OR, 4.95) was more common in NTM-IIP (P = 0.006).NTM-IIP appeared larger, with more frequent consolidation and cavities, and was more likely to have been located in the midst of the fibrotic cysts including honeycomb cysts at the CT, which showed that it was older than Cancer-IIP.     

Association between HBs Ag quantification and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients treated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or entecavir

This study evaluated the clinical implications of hepatitis B surface antigen quantification (qHBs Ag) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients treated with entecavir (ETV) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and identified the association between qHBs Ag and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in these patients.Between January 2007 and December 2018, the qHBs Ag and clinical data of 183 CHB patients who initially received ETV (n = 45, 24.6%) or TDF (n = 138, 75.4%) were analyzed.The mean follow-up period of the 183 CHB patients was 45.3 months, of which 59 (32.2%) patients showed a reduction in qHBs Ag by >50% after 1 year of antiviral treatment (ETV or TDF). The HCC development (P = .179) or qHBs Ag reduction (P = .524) were similar in the ETV and TDF groups. Patients with a ≥50% decrease in qHBs Ag had a significantly lower incidence of HCC or decompensated cirrhosis complications (P = .005). Multivariate analysis showed that a >50% reduction of qHBs Ag (hazard ratio 0.085, P = .018) and the presence of cirrhosis (hazard ratio 3.32, P = .016) were independent factors predicting the development of HCC.Patients whose qHBs Ag value decreased >50% at 1 year after antiviral treatment for CHB showed a significant decrease in HCC or decompensated cirrhosis events. A reduction in qHBs Ag could be used as a predictive factor of HCC development or critical complications in CHB patients treated with TDF or ETV.     

The association between sarcopenia and endotoxin in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis

We aimed to prospectively identify the risk factors of sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis.Patients (n = 193) included in a discovery cohort (January 2011 and December 2014) were categorized into alcoholic (A1; n = 55) and non-alcoholic cirrhosis (NA; n = 138) groups, and those (n = 235) in a validation cohort (January 2015 to December 2019) were categorized into alcoholic (n = 92), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-related (n = 27), and hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis groups (n = 116). Skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was determined using computed tomography (SMI-CT) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (SMI-BIA). Endotoxin activity (EA) was measured with an EA assay.SMI-CT correlated with grip strength in all the groups but significantly correlated with SMI-BIA of the men in group A1 (R = 0.64, P < .0001) and both sexes in group NA (male: R = 0.44, P = .0001; female: R = 0.35, P = .003). SMI-CT inversely correlated with the EA levels of the men in group A1 (R = −0.67, P < .0001) and myostatin levels in group NA (R = −0.53, P < .0001). Lower extremity SMI had a strong negative correlation with the EA levels of the men in group A1 (R = −0.58, P < .001), whereas upper extremity SMI showed an inverse trend with EA levels (R = −0.28, P = .08). SMI-CT also inversely correlated with the EA levels in groups A2 (R = −0.52, P = .003) and N (R = −0.67, P < .0001) and myostatin levels in group C (R = −0.65, P < .0001). Moreover, SMI-CT correlated with nutritional factors, including cholinesterase (R = 0.50, P = .005), zinc (R = 0.45, P = .01), branched amino acid-to-tyrosine ratio (R = 0.39, P = .02), and triglyceride (R = 0.33, P = .03) in group N.Sarcopenia risk factors differ among cirrhosis etiologies. Alcohol-induced, intestine-mediated peripheral endotoxemia could participate in sarcopenia development in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis.     

Analysis of related risk factors of lung metastasis after laparoscopic radical hysterectomy of cervical cancer

To explore the risk factors of lung metastasis in patients after laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH) of cervical cancer (CC).The clinical data of CC patients with clinical stage of IA₁–IIA₂ diagnosed in our hospital from April 2007 to October 2015 were collected. According to the situation of metastasis, the patients were divided into lung metastasis (n = 73) and non-lung metastasis group (n = 2076). The clinical data were compared between 2 groups, and logistic stepwise regression model was used to analyze the risk factors of lung metastasis in patients with CC after LRH.The incidence of lung metastasis after LRH of CC was 3.39%, and 67.13% of patients with lung metastases had no obvious clinical symptoms. 15.06% patients had lung metastasis in the first year, 38.35% in the second year, 43.83% in the third year and later. The postoperative lung metastasis of CC was related to tumor diameter (P < .001), pathological type (P < .001), interstitial invasion depth (P < .001), pelvic lymph node metastasis (PLNM, P < .001), vascular tumor thrombus (P = .011), tumor uterine invasion (P = .002), and abnormal preoperative tumor markers (P = .015). However, it was not related to age, clinical stage, tumor growth pattern, tumor differentiation, and para-aortic lymph node metastasis (P > .05). Logistic regression analysis revealed non-squamous cell carcinoma (P = .022), tumor diameter ≥4 cm (P = .008), interstitial invasion depth >2/3 (P = .003), PLNM (P = .007), and tumor uterine invasion (P = .037) is an independent risk factor for lung metastasis after LRH of CC.Non-squamous cell carcinoma, tumor diameter ≥4 cm, tumor interstitial invasion depth >2/3, PLNM, and tumor uterine invasion are independent risk factors for lung metastasis after LRH of CC.     

Depression among physicians and other medical employees involved in the COVID-19 outbreak: A cross-sectional study

Health care employees are the front liners whom are directly involved in the management of COVID-19 at high risk of developing psychological distress and other mental health illness. We aim to assess the burden of depression during this pandemic on health care employees treating COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia. We also will shed the light on the best solutions of how to encounter depression.A cross-sectional, hospital-based survey conducted via a region-stratified, 2-stage cluster sample was conducted for 554 participants in >15 hospitals from April 29, 2020, to June 30, 2020. Depression is measured using the established PHQ9 score system. We grade PHQ9 depression scores as: normal, 0 to 4, mild, 5 to 9, significant (moderate or severe), 10 to 27. χ²/Fisher exact test was used; significant association between level of depression and survey characteristics were made. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.A total of 554 participants completed the survey. A total of 18.9% (n = 105) were aged <29 years, 51.2% (n = 284) were between 30 to 39 years and female represent 70% of all participants. Of all participants, 53.7% (n = 298) were nurses, and 38.6% (n = 214) were physicians; 68.5% (n = 380) worked in central area hospitals in Saudi Arabia. No significant (P = .432, 95% confidence interval [CI]) association was observed between sex and depression classifications. However, female had high proportion of significant depression 75.0% (n = 76) was observed as compared to male 24.8% (n = 25). Depression was significant in Saudis 61.4% (n = 62) (P < .001, 95% CI) and medical staff who encountered corona patients 51.5% (n = 52) (P < .002, 95% CI). Hospital preparedness associated with more freedom of depression symptoms 69.1% (n = 199/288) (P < .001, 95% CI).Frontline young health care workers especially physician in Saudi Arabia reported a high rate of depression symptoms. Countermeasures for health care workers represent a key component for the mental and physical well-being as part of public health measures during this pandemic. Attention to hospital preparedness and adequacy of personal protective equipment contributed to milder depression symptoms. Further studies need to be conducted on crisis management and depression.     

Kite versus Ponseti Method in the Treatment of 235 Feet With Idiopathic Clubfoot: Results of a Single Romanian Medical Center

Congenital idiopathic clubfoot (CC) represents the fifth common most congenital malformation which may be treated conservatively or by surgery. In this article, we present the results obtained in our clinic after conservative therapy performed with 2 methods.A total of 235 consecutive feet (161 patients) were conservatively treated using Kite (n = 129) and Ponseti method (n = 106). The Dimeglio score was determined before and at 6 months after treatment to compare the 2 methods. All of the patients were treated in their first week of life.CC was more frequently diagnosed in males (n = 93; 57.76%), bilaterality being seen in 45.96% of the patients (n = 74). Although before therapy the Dimeglio score was similar in both groups (P = 0.85), it was significantly improved in patients treated by Ponseti method (P = 0.005). Duration of therapy was also longer in patients from Kite versus Ponseti group (20 vs 11 weeks). Failure of orthopedic treatment was more frequent in Kite group (30.32% vs 8.49% of the patients) and the relapses rate at 6 months was also higher (35.65% vs 11.32%).The conservative method used to treat the CC should be adapted on the patient''s age and Ponseti method seems to be the most effective type of treatment used for patients treated in their first week of life. Dimeglio score can be successfully used for evaluation of these children. This is the eighth published study that compare the efficacy of Kite versus Ponseti method.     

Fertility-preserving treatment in patients with early-stage endometrial cancer: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Endometrial cancer (EC) is the second most common malignancy of the female reproductive system worldwide, and the standard treatment for early-stage EC potentially leads to permanent infertility. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacies of different methods on fertility preservation in patients with early-stage EC.Methods:We searched the major online databases (PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) to collect the research literature on fertility preservation therapy in patients with early-stage well-differentiated EC aged ≤ 40 years from January 1999 to October 2019. The inclusion was performed using the R software (version R3.5.3) meta-analysis of a single rate. The efficacy of the following three fertility preservation treatments was evaluated from four aspects, the complete remission rate (CRR), recurrence rate (ReR), pregnancy rate (PregR), and live birth rate (LBR): a) taking oral progestin only therapy, b) hysteroscopic resection combined with progestin/levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS)/GnRH-a, c) LNG-IUS or combined with progestin/GnRH-a.Results:A total of 23 articles were included in this study, including 446 patients with early-stage EC. In the group that took oral progestin only (n = 279), CRR, ReR, PregR, and LBR were 82% (95% confidence interval [CI], 74%–92%, P = .01), 38% (95% CI, 31%-45%, P = .35), 70% (95% CI, 62%–79%, P = .68), and 63% (95% CI, 55%–73%, P = .55), respectively. Hysteroscopic resection combined with progestin/LNG-IUS/GnRH-a therapy group (n = 96) achieved a CRR, ReR, PregR, and LBR of 95% (95% CI, 90%–100%, P = .42), 16% (95% CI, 6%–39%, P = .03), 84% (95% CI, 73%–96%, P = .39), and 72% (95% CI, 59%–87%, P = .28), respectively. LNG-IUS or combined with progestin/GnRH-a therapy group (n = 91) achieved a CRR, ReR, PregR, and LBR of 69% (95% CI, 54%–89%, P < .01), 30% (95% CI, 19%–49%, P = .36), 48% (95% CI, 18%–100%, P < .01), and 36% (95% CI, 10%–100%, P < .01), respectively.Conclusion:It is safe and effective for young patients with early-stage EC to receive oral progestin, hysteroscopic resection combined with progestin/LNG-IUS/GnRH-a, LNG-IUS, or progestin/GnRH-a.INPLASY Registration number:DOI 10.37766/inplasy2020.12.0137     

Stent insertion for inoperable hilar cholangiocarcinoma: Comparison of radioactive and normal stenting

To assess effectiveness and safety associated with radioactive stenting for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) patients.This single-center retrospective study compared baseline and treatment data of recruited consecutive patients with HCCA underwent either normal or radioactive stenting between January 2016 and December 2019. Clinical success was defined by total bilirubin (TBIL) levels falling below 70% of the preoperative baseline within 2 weeks post stent insertion.Sixty-five patients with inoperable HCCA underwent normal (n = 35) or radioactive (n = 30) stenting at our center. Technical success of both types of the normal and radioactive stent insertion was 100%. Each patient received 1 stent. In the radioactive stent group, each patient received 1 radioactive seed strand (RSS), containing 10 to 12 radioactive seeds. Clinical success rates were 86.8% and 100% in normal and radioactive groups, respectively (P = .495). We observed stent dysfunction in 9 patients (normal group) and 7 patients (radioactive group) (P = .824). Median duration of stent patency was 165 days (normal group) and 226 days (radioactive group) (P < .001). During follow-up, all patients died from tumor progression, with respective median survival of 198 days (normal group) and 256 days (radioactive group) (P < .001). Seven and 5 patients in the normal and radioactive groups suffered from stent-related complications (P = .730).Radioactive stenting is effective and safe for inoperable HCCA patient and may prolong stent patency and survival.     

Risk factors for the histologic discrepancy of gastric adenomatous lesions and long-term outcome

Although endoscopic forceps biopsies (EFB) have a significant role in diagnosing gastric adenoma, there are still discrepancies between EFBs and finalized pathology results.Therefore, the objective of this study was to find the risk factors that cause this discrepancy and to analyze the effects of this discrepancy on the long-term outcome.In this study patients that had received endoscopic resection due to low-grade gastric adenoma diagnosis from EFB between January of 2011 and January of 2018 at the Chungnam National University Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether there was histological discrepancy the cumulative incidence of the metachronous lesions were analyzed.A total of 745 lesions diagnosed as low-grade gastric adenoma at EFB were enrolled, and the final pathology results were confirmed to be non-neoplastic (n = 19), low-grade adenoma (n = 614), High-grade adenoma (n = 63), and carcinoma (n = 49), and with the exception of non-neoplastic lesion, the results confirmed 84.6% (n = 614) for the concordant group and 15.4% (n = 112) for the discordant. The results of the multivariate analysis confirmed that depressed lesion (odds ratio [OR]: 2.056; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.130–3.451; P = .011), erythema (OR: 2.546; 95% CI: 1.604–4.030; P = .004), and a size >1.5 cm (OR: 1.903; 95% CI: 1.102–3.172; P = .018) were risk factors for discrepancy. The results also confirmed that for the average observation period of (SD) 39.12 (12.31) months, the cumulative incidence of metachronous neoplasm had a higher significance (P = 0.001) in the discordant group when compared to that of the concordant group.The factors related to the histologic discrepancy of low-grade gastric adenoma were depressed lesion, erythema and size >1.5 cm. In the groups with histological discrepancy, the cumulative incidence of the metachronous neoplasm was significantly higher and therefore closer observation of such patients after performing endoscopic resection is necessary.     

Postoperative recurrence of gastric cancer depends on whether the chemotherapy cycle was more than 9 cycles: Based on a retrospective and observational study of follow-up within 3 years of 843 patients

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with pathologically confirmed gastric cancer/adenocarcinoma who underwent curative surgical resection follow-up within 3 years at Shanxi cancer hospital between 2002 and 2020. The clinicopathologic parameters explored included gender, age at surgery, vascular invasion, neural invasion, Tumor infiltration depth (T stage), N stage, TNM stage, chemotherapy, Lauren classification, maximum diameter of tumor, type of gastrectomy, tumor location and survival data.With a median follow-up of 29 months (range 0–36 months), the ratio of patients with recurrence was 26.80% (n = 226) and the death rate of patients was 45.31% (n = 382) in this period. According to the results of univariate analysis, gender (P = .014), age at surgery (P = .010), vascular invasion (P = .000), neural invasion (P = .000), T stage (P = .000), N stage (P = .000), TNM stage (P = .000), chemotherapy cycle (P = .000), lauren classification (P = .000), maximum diameter of tumor (P = .000), type of gastrectomy (P = .000) were independent risk factors of recurrence of follow-up within 3 years. From the multivariate analysis by logistic regression showed that TNM Stage (P = .002), chemotherapy cycle (P = .000) were risk factors of recurrence of follow-up within 3 years. Univariate analysis of survival by Kaplan–Meier showed that gender (P = .038), vascular invasion (P = .000), neural invasion (P = .000), maximum diameter of tumor (P = .000), Lauren classification (P = .000), T stage (P = .000), N stage (P = .000), TNM Stage (P = .000) and type of gastrectomy (P = .000) were key factors linked to overall survival of follow-up within 3 years. The results of the multivariate analysis by Cox regression were clearly presented that T Stage (P = .000), TNM stage (P = .001), maximum diameter of tumor (P = .001) were key factors of overall survival of follow-up within 3 years.TNM Stage, chemotherapy cycle were closely related to recurrence and of follow-up within 3 years. More than 9 cycles of chemotherapy was able to reduce the probability of recurrence. T Stage, TNM stage, maximum diameter of tumor were independent factors associated with overall survival of gastric cancer of follow-up within 3 years. For maximum diameter of tumor, the probability of death of more than 6 cm was 1.317 times less than 6 cm within 3 years of follow-up.     

Clinical adaptation of auxiliary methods and multidisciplinary approach to changing trends in parathyroid surgery

To examine the effects of multidisciplinary approach and adjunct methods, on the surgical strategy, complications and treatment success of parathyroid surgery.Patients, who were operated for primary hyperparathyroidism (n = 411) at our institution between 2012 and 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Preoperative imaging studies, surgical method, additional diagnostic methods used during surgery, frozen section results, and histopathology findings, complications, persistence, and recurrence were examined.Localization was determined by first-line examinations in 79.9% (n = 348). Four-dimensional computed tomography was used with an 83.3% success rate. Lateralization success for angiographic selective venous sampling was 80.3% and exact localization success was 65.1%. Bilateral neck exploration was performed in 10.6% (n = 37) of the patients, and in the remaining 89.4% (n = 311), minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) was performed. While the complication rate was higher in the bilateral neck exploration group (P = .019), persistence and recurrence rates were similar between 2 groups. During the study period, annual case volume increased from 9 cases to 103 cases (P < .001) and the rate of MIP increased from 44.4% to 92.8% over the years (P < .001).Effective use of adjunct techniques has increased the rates of MIP. The multidisciplinary approach has also provided low complication rates with the increasing number of cases.     

Serum osmolarity does not predict mortality in patients with respiratory failure

We aimed to determine the parameters that affect mortality in pulmonary intensive care units that are faster and inexpensive to determine than existing scoring systems. The relationship between serum osmolarity and prognosis was demonstrated for predialysis patients, in acute pulmonary embolism, heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction, and acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in the literature. We hypothesized that serum osmolarity, which is routinely evaluated, may have prognostic significance in patients with respiratory failure.This study comprised 449 patients treated in the Pulmonary Intensive Care Clinic (PICU) of our hospital between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020. The modified Charlson Comorbidity Index (mCCI), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Assessment (APACHE II), Sequential Organ Failure Evaluation Score (SOFA), Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002), and hospitalization serum osmolarity levels were measured.Of the 449 patients included in the study, 65% (n = 292) were female and the mean age of all patients was 69.86 ± 1.72 years. About 83.1% (n = 373) of the patients included in the study were discharged with good recovery. About 4.9% (n = 22) were transferred to the ward because their intensive care needs were over. About 6.9% (n = 31) were transferred to the tertiary intensive care unit after their status deteriorated. About 5.1% (n = 23) died in the PICU. In the mortality group, APACHE II (P = .005), mCCI (P < .001), NRS-2002 total score (P < .001), and SOFA score (P < .001) were significantly higher. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of serum osmolarity levels.Although we could not determine serum osmolarity as a practical method to predict patient prognosis in this study, we assume that our results will guide future studies on this subject.     

Impact of lenvatinib on renal function compared to sorafenib for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

Anti-VEGF drugs, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, play an important role in systemic therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). We examined the effects of sorafenib and lenvatinib on proteinuria and renal function.Patients who were administered sorafenib (n = 85) or lenvatinib (n = 52) as first line treatment for uHCC from July 2009 to October 2020, were enrolled in this retrospective observational study. A propensity score analysis including 13 baseline characteristics was performed. Eighty four patients were selected (sorafenib, n = 42; lenvatinib, n = 42) by propensity score matching (one-to-one nearest neighbor matching within a caliper of 0.2). We analyzed changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) during tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment, as well as the development of proteinuria in both groups. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of a deterioration of eGFR.At 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks, ΔeGFR was significantly lower in the lenvatinib group than in the sorafenib group (P < .05). The lenvatinib group showed a significantly higher frequency of proteinuria than the sorafenib group (30.9% vs 7.1%, P = .005) and had a higher rate of decrease in eGFR than the sorafenib group (P < .05). Multivariate analysis revealed that lenvatinib use was the only predictive factor of eGFR deterioration (odds ratio 2.547 [95% CI 1.028–6.315], P = .043). In cases of proteinuria ≤1+ during lenvatinib treatment, eGFR did not decrease. However, eGFR decreased in the long term (>24 weeks) in patients who have proteinuria ≥2+.Lenvatinib has a greater effect on proteinuria and renal function than sorafenib. In performing multi-molecular targeted agent sequential therapy for uHCC, proteinuria and renal function are important factors associated with drug selection after atezolizumab-bevacizumab combination therapy currently used as the first-line treatment.     

Association of cystatin C with coronary artery calcification in patients undergoing multidetector computed tomography

Cystatin C is associated with atherosclerosis, but the relationship between cystatin C and coronary artery calcification (CAC) is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of cystatin C on the occurrence and severity of CAC.A total of 1447 hospitalized patients with coronary computed tomography angiography were selected in this study. According to the CAC score (CACS), patients were divided into calcification group (with CAC, n = 749) and control group (without CAC, n = 698). The calcification group was further divided into low calcification group (CACS < 100, n = 407), medium calcification group (CACS 100–400, n = 203), and high calcification group (CACS≥400, n = 139).Patients with CAC had higher cystatin C level than those in control group (P < .05). With the increase of calcification score, the cystatin C level showed an upward trend. The cystatin C level in the high calcification group was significantly higher than those in the low and medium calcification group (P < .05). ROC curve analysis showed that cystatin C had a high predictive value for the occurrence of CAC [area under the curve 0.640, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.591–0.690, cut-off value 0.945 mg/L, sensitivity 0.683, specificity 0.558, P < .05] and severe CAC (area under the curve 0.638, 95% CI 0.550–0.762, cut-off value 0.965 mg/L, sensitivity 0.865, specificity 0.398, P < .05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that cystatin C was an independent predictor of severe CAC (AOR 3.748, 95% CI 1.138–10.044, P < .05).Cystatin C was significantly associated with the occurrence and severity of CAC, suggesting that cystatin C had the potential as a predictor of CAC.     

Analysis of factors predicting the application of chemical pleurodesis for pneumothorax: An observational study

Chemical pleurodesis is performed in pneumothorax patients to treat nonresolving air leakage or prevent recurrence. However, factors that might predict the need for chemical pleurodesis remain unknown. Therefore, this study investigated predictive factors for the application of chemical pleurodesis for pneumothorax.We retrospectively analyzed 401 adult pneumothorax patients who underwent chest tube drain insertion during hospitalization at Fukujuji Hospital from January 2016 to December 2020. The patients were divided into 3 groups: the pleurodesis group, comprising 89 patients treated with chemical pleurodesis; the nonpleurodesis group, comprising 206 patients treated without chemical pleurodesis; and the surgical group, comprising 106 patients treated surgically. Data for patients in the pleurodesis group were compared to those in the nonpleurodesis or surgical group, and a predictive score of the application of chemical pleurodesis for pneumothorax was developed.Compared with the nonpleurodesis group, in the pleurodesis group, patient age was higher (P < .001), emphysema (n = 33 (37.1%) vs 70 (34.0%), P = .045), and interstitial pneumonitis (n = 19 (21.3%) vs 19 (9.2%), P = .022) were more common causes, and chest tube suction was more common (n = 78 (87.96%) vs n = 123 (59.7%), P < .001). Similar results were found between the pleurodesis and surgical groups. We developed a score for predicting the application of chemical pleurodesis for pneumothorax, including the following factors: age ≥55 years; presence of emphysema and/or interstitial pneumonitis; and use of chest tube suction. The score for the pleurodesis group showed a high area under the receiver operating characteristic curve compared with that for the nonpleurodesis group (0.776 [95% confidence interval]: 0.725–0.827). With a score of 2 as the cutoff value, the sensitivity was 91.0% and the specificity was 52.4%. In a comparison between the pleurodesis and surgical groups, the predicting score showed the high AUC of 0.904 (95% confidence interval: 0.863–0.945).This study reveals predictive factors for the application of chemical pleurodesis and provides a predictive score including 3 factors.