Purpose: To report our findings in 2 patients who developed a central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and were chronic users of antipsychotic medications. Case Presentation: Case 1 was a 62-year-old woman who had a sudden reduction of vision in her right eye to 20/2,000. Her fundus showed signs of an impending CRVO with marked macular edema. She had been taking antipsychotic drugs (quetiapine fumarate and risperidone) for about 2 years. She refused anti-VEGF therapy for her macular edema but selected systemic kallidinogenase. Two days later, the macular edema was significantly reduced but the number of cotton wool spots (CWS) was increased. Ten days later, the macular edema was resolved and her BCVA improved to 20/60. The CWS gradually disappeared, and her BCVA improved to 20/20. Case 2 was a 43-year-old man who presented with vision reduction in his right eye of 1 week's duration. His BCVA was 20/50 and his fundus showed signs of a CRVO-related macular edema with CWS in the peripapillary area. He had been taking sulpiride (DogmatylTM) for depression for 1 year, and his blood test showed an increase in red blood cells and hematocrit. Anti-VEGF therapy was performed, and the macular edema was resolved with vision improving to 20/20. There has been no recurrence to date in both cases. Conclusions: These results indicate that a CRVO can be a complication of chronic use of antipsychotic medications. However, early treatment can lead to good outcomes. Clinicians should question patients who develop a sudden CRVO whether they are using antipsychotic medications.
Case Rep Ophthalmol 2017;8:410–415
http://ift.tt/2eMi4yR
Cancer Medicine by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis,Anapafseos 5 Agios Nikolaos,Crete 72100,Greece,tel :00302841026182 & 00306932607174
Τρίτη 25 Ιουλίου 2017
Fundus Findings in Wernicke Encephalopathy
Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) is an acute neuropsychiatric syndrome resulting from thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, classically characterized by the triad of ophthalmoplegia, confusion, and ataxia. While commonly associated with chronic alcoholism, WE may also occur in the setting of poor nutrition or absorption. We present a 37-year-old woman who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and presented with visual disturbance with bilateral horizontal nystagmus, confusion, and postural imbalance. Fundus examination revealed bilateral optic disc edema with a retinal hemorrhage in the left eye. Metabolic workup demonstrated thiamine deficiency. Her symptoms resolved after thiamine treatment. This case raises the awareness of the possibility of posterior segment findings in WE, which are underreported in WE.
Case Rep Ophthalmol 2017;8:406–409
http://ift.tt/2h2fKUO
Non-canonical IDH1 and IDH2 mutations: a clonal and relevant event in an Italian cohort of gliomas classified according to the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) criteria
Abstract
According to the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumors of the central nervous system, assessment of exon 4 mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 or 2 genes (IDH1 or IDH2) is an essential step in the characterization of gliomas. The p.R132H mutation is the most frequent alteration in IDH genes, however other non-canonical IDH mutations can be identified. The aim of this study is to investigate in depth the prevalence of non-R132H IDH ("non-canonical") mutations in brain tumors classified according to the 2016 WHO scheme and their clonal distribution in neoplastic cells. A total of 288 consecutive cases of brain gliomas (grade II–IV) were analyzed for exon 4 IDH1 and IDH2 mutations. IDH1 and IDH2 analysis was performed using next generation sequencing. Non-canonical IDH mutations were identified in 13/52 (25.0%) grade II gliomas (astrocytomas: 8/31, 25.8%; oligodendrogliomas: 5/21, 23.8%) and in 5/40 (12.5%) grade III gliomas (astrocytomas: 3/25, 12.0%; oligodendrogliomas: 2/15, 13.3%). They were not identified in 196 grade IV gliomas (192 glioblastomas, 4 gliosarcomas). In the large majority (>80%) of tumors IDH mutations, both IDH1-R132H and the non-canonical ones, were present in the large majority (>80%) of neoplastic cells. Our data highlight the importance of investigating not only the IDH1-R132H mutation but also the non-canonical ones. These mutations are clonally distributed, with proportions of mutated neoplastic cells overlapping with those of p.R132H, a finding consistent with their driver role in gliomagenesis.
http://ift.tt/2tXSI2K
Host protein atlastin-1 promotes human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) replication
Abstract
http://ift.tt/2uvSljy
Impact of dyspnea on advanced cancer patients referred to a palliative radiotherapy clinic
Abstract
Purpose
Dyspnea is a debilitating symptom commonly experienced by advanced cancer patients that can lead to negative effects on function and quality of life (QOL). The present study aims to determine the relationship between dyspnea and other Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) symptoms in palliative cancer patients referred to a radiotherapy clinic.
Methods
The presence and severity of dyspnea was measured using the ESAS. All patients that visited a palliative radiotherapy clinic between 1999 to 2002 and 2006 to 2009 and completed the ESAS were included. ESAS scores and other demographic and clinical information were extracted from a prospectively collected database. Statistical tests including chi-squared tests, Spearman correlations, and multivariate analysis were conducted to explore the relationship between dyspnea, other ESAS items, and other demographic factors. Kaplan-Meier overall survival curves were generated based on dyspnea severity.
Results
One thousand three hundred forty-four patients were included in the dyspnea analysis; reported moderate or severe dyspnea. Dyspnea severity was significantly associated with eight other ESAS interference severities (p < 0.001). Upon multivariate analysis, greater severity of dyspnea was significantly related to higher ESAS scores for tiredness, nausea, depression, anxious, drowsiness, and poor appetite (p < 0.05). The actuarial median survival time was 6.57 months (95% CI 5.91–7.29 months). There were highly significant differences in overall survival between those with none, mild, and moderate dyspnea (p < 0.0001).
Conclusion
Cancer patients often experience dyspnea along with a multitude of other symptoms. Moderate and severe dyspnea should be assessed and optimally managed to reduce functional and QOL debilitations. As presence of increased dyspnea severity is associated with worse overall survival, interventions should occur at the end of life to reduce symptom burden in palliative patients.
http://ift.tt/2h0fzd1
Oral sucrosomial iron versus intravenous iron in anemic cancer patients without iron deficiency receiving darbepoetin alfa: a pilot study
Abstract
Purpose
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are often used in treatment of patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia. Many studies have demonstrated an improved hemoglobin (Hb) response when ESA is combined with intravenous iron supplementation and a higher effectiveness of intravenous iron over traditional oral iron formulations. A new formulation of oral sucrosomial iron featuring an increased bioavailability compared to traditional oral formulations has recently become available and could provide a valid alternative to those by intravenous (IV) route. Our study evaluated the performance of sucrosomial iron versus intravenous iron in increasing hemoglobin in anemic cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and darbepoetin alfa, as well as safety, need of transfusion, and quality of life (QoL).
Materials and methods
The present study considered a cohort of 64 patients with chemotherapy-related anemia (Hb >8 g/dL <10 g/dL) and no absolute or functional iron deficiency, scheduled to receive chemotherapy and darbepoetin. All patients received darbepoetin alfa 500 mcg once every 3 weeks and were randomly assigned to receive 8 weeks of IV ferric gluconate 125 mg weekly or oral sucrosomial iron 30 mg daily. The primary endpoint was to demonstrate the performance of oral sucrosomial iron in improving Hb response, compared to intravenous iron. The Hb response was defined as the Hb increase ≥2 g/dL from baseline or the attainment Hb ≥ 12 g/dL.
Results
There was no difference in the Hb response rate between the two treatment arms. Seventy one percent of patients treated with IV iron achieved an erythropoietic response, compared to 70% of patients treated with oral iron. By conventional criteria, this difference is considered to be not statistically significant. There were also no differences in the proportion of patients requiring red blood cell transfusions and changes in QoL. Sucrosomial oral iron was better tolerated.
Conclusion
In cancer patients with chemotherapy-related anemia receiving darbepoetin alfa, sucrosomial oral iron provides similar increase in Hb levels and Hb response, with higher tolerability without the risks or side effects of IV iron.
http://ift.tt/2tGofuV
Prevalence and impact of severe fatigue in adolescent and young adult cancer patients in comparison with population-based controls
Abstract
Purpose
The current study determined the prevalence of severe fatigue in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients (aged 18–35 years at diagnosis) consulting a multidisciplinary AYA team in comparison with gender- and age-matched population-based controls. In addition, impact of severe fatigue on quality of life and correlates of fatigue severity were examined.
Methods
AYAs with cancer (n = 83) completed questionnaires including the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS-fatigue), Quality of Life (QoL)-Cancer Survivor, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (reflecting psychological distress), and the Cancer Worry Scale (reflecting fear of cancer recurrence or progression).
Results
The vast majority of participants had been treated with chemotherapy (87%) and had no active treatment at the time of participation (73.5%). Prevalence of severe fatigue (CIS-fatigue score ≥35) in AYAs with cancer (48%, n = 40/83) was significantly higher in comparison with matched population-based controls (20%, n = 49/249; p < .001). Severely fatigued AYAs with cancer reported lower QoL compared to non-severely fatigued AYAs with cancer (p < .05). Female gender, being unemployed, higher disease stage (III–IV) at diagnosis, receiving active treatment at the time of study participation, being treated with palliative intent, having had radiotherapy, higher fear of recurrence or progression, and higher psychological distress were significantly correlated with fatigue severity (p < .05).
Conclusions
Severe fatigue based on a validated cut-off score was highly prevalent in this group of AYAs with cancer. QoL is significantly affected by severe fatigue, stressing the importance of detection and management of this symptom in those patients affected by a life-changing diagnosis of cancer in late adolescence or young adulthood.
http://ift.tt/2gZtOib
Docetaxel-related fatigue in men with metastatic prostate cancer: a descriptive analysis
Abstract
Purpose
Fatigue is a prevalent and debilitating side effect of docetaxel chemotherapy in metastatic prostate cancer. A better understanding of the kinetics and nature of docetaxel-related fatigue may provide a framework for intervention.
Methods
This secondary analysis was performed using the MOTIF database, from a phase III, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of modafinil (200 mg/day for 15 days) for docetaxel-related fatigue in men with metastatic prostate cancer [1]. The pattern of fatigue was analysed using the MDASI (MD Anderson Symptom Inventory) score. The impact of modafinil, cumulative docetaxel exposure, age and smoking status on fatigue kinetics were explored. Fatigue-related symptoms were assessed using the SOMA6 (fatigue and related symptoms) subset of the SPHERE (Somatic and Psychological Health Report). Mood was tracked using the short form 36 health survey questionnaire (SF-36).
Results
Across four docetaxel cycles, fatigue scores were higher in the first week and decreased over weeks two and three. Whilst men randomised to modafinil had reduced fatigue scores, cumulative docetaxel had little impact. Younger men (55–68 years) had significantly reduced fatigue scores, whereas current and ex-smokers had higher scores. There was no significant change in mood status or haemoglobin across treatment cycles. Men described both 'somnolence' and 'muscle fatigue' contributing significantly to their symptom complex.
Conclusions
Assessment and management of docetaxel-related fatigue remains an important challenge. Given the complex, multifactorial nature of fatigue, identification through structured interview and interventions targeted to specific 'at risk' groups may be the most beneficial. Understanding the temporal pattern (kinetics) and nature of fatigue is critical to guide this process.
http://ift.tt/2uU1bZl
Vaccination in oncology practice and predictors
Abstract
Purpose
Despite, vaccination is a highly effective and widely recommended for prevention of certain infections, vaccination coverage is very low. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the attitudes of medical oncologists towards vaccination and to identify predictors of intention to recommend vaccination in patients with cancer.
Methods
A structured questionnaire is formed to evaluate the daily practice of vaccination. Turkish medical oncologists were invited to this study via email, SMS, or phone call. Questionnaire was filled out and the data were stored in an online survey platform.
Results
Two hundred seventy-three medical oncologists participated in the survey. Influenza, Pneumococcus, and hepatitis B were the most commonly recommended vaccines (87.1, 72.8, 67.0%, respectively). Patients with lung cancer, lymphoma and breast cancer were the main malignancies that medical oncologists suggest vaccination (68.1, 68.1, 24.6%, respectively). The most common times for vaccination were during remission/follow-up period (68.4%) or before beginning chemotherapy (64.1%). Only 23.4% of the physicians thought that their recommendation for vaccination was efficient and adequate. Lack of time and lack of knowledge or experience about vaccination are the most common limitations. There is a positive correlation between experience in the field and evaluating patients for vaccination (r = 0.390, p < 0.001); on the other hand, there is negative correlation between number of patients seen per day and evaluating patients for vaccination (r = −0.080, p = 0.18). Experience with autologous or allogeneic bone marrow transplant patients is related with more tendency to evaluate patients for vaccination (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Degree of experience in oncology especially in bone marrow transplant units and total number of patients seen per day are important predictors of vaccination practice in oncology. The frequency of recommendation increases with degree of experience, knowledge, and visit time per patient.
http://ift.tt/2uy3Gy2
Counting the cost of cancer: out-of-pocket payments made by colorectal cancer survivors
Abstract
Purpose
Cancer places a significant cost burden on health services. There is increasing recognition that cancer also imposes a financial and economic burden on patients but this has rarely been quantified outside North America. We investigate out-of-pocket costs (OOPCs) incurred by colorectal (CRC) survivors in Ireland.
Methods
CRC survivors (ICD10 C18-20) diagnosed 6–30 months previously were identified from the National Cancer Registry Ireland and invited to complete a postal questionnaire. Cancer-related OOPC for tests, procedures, drugs, allied medications and household management in approximately the year following diagnosis were calculated. Robust regression was used to identify predictors of OOPC; this was done for all survivors combined and stratified by age (<70 and ≥70 years) and employment status (working and not working) at diagnosis.
Results
Four hundred ninety-seven CRC survivors completed questionnaires (response rate = 39%). Almost all (90%) respondents reported some cancer-related OOPC. The average total OOPC was €1589. Stage III at diagnosis was associated with significantly higher OOPCs than other stages in the all-survivor model, in those not working in the employment model and in those under 70 years in the age-stratified model. In all-survivor model, those under 70 also had higher OOPCs, as did those in employment. Having one or more children was associated with significantly lower OOPCs in those under 70 years.
Conclusions
Almost all CRC survivors incur cancer-related OOPCs; for some, these are not insignificant. Greater attention should be paid to the development of services to help survivors manage the financial and economic burden of cancer.
http://ift.tt/2h0fIx5
Compliance and safety of a novel home exercise program for patients with high-grade brain tumors, a prospective observational study
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to evaluate compliance with and safety of a novel independent home exercise program for patients with high-grade brain tumors. We designed this program around the preferences and individual capabilities of this population as well as the potential barriers to exercise in cancer patients. Demographics were collected to better understand those that persisted with exercise.
Methods
Subjects with high-grade brain tumor received one-time training that included watching an exercise video and live demonstration of resistance band exercises, a balance exercise, and recommendations for walking. Subjects were instructed to do the exercises every day for 1 month. Main outcome measures were percentage of subjects who exercised throughout the month, frequency of exercising, demographic factors, quality of life scores (assessed by FACT-BR), and self report of adverse events.
Results
Fourteen of the 15 (93%) subjects started the exercises during the course of the month. Nine of the fifteen (60%) continued the exercises throughout the month. Three additional subjects would have continued to exercise if formal or supervised rehabilitation had been offered. Among the subjects who continued the exercises regularly, higher frequency of exercising was significantly associated with living as married (p = 0.033), annual income >$50,000 (p = 0.047), scores of physical well-being (p = 0.047), and brain cancer specific well-being (p = 0.054) subscales. Among those who exercised frequently, there was also a trend towards increase in total FACT-BR scores (p = 0.059). The subjects who scored higher on the social well-being subscale of the FACT-BR at baseline self-reported a higher likelihood to continue the exercises after 1 month of participation in the study (p = 0.018). No adverse events were reported.
Conclusions
Our small group of subjects with high-grade brain tumors demonstrated compliance with and safety of a novel independent strength and balance exercise program in the home setting. Higher frequency of exercising was associated with life quality parameters as well as marriage and income.
http://ift.tt/2tG2Cec
Mapping French people and health professionals’ positions regarding the circumstances of morphine use to relieve cancer pain
Abstract
Background
Cancer patients suffer in part because some health professionals prescribe or administer amounts of analgesics, namely opioids, which are too small or too widely spaced to be fully effective. Patients' reluctance to use opioids for pain treatment is often mentioned as a reason not to apply the official guidelines, but very few studies have been conducted on people's attitudes about opioid use to relieve cancer pain.
Methods
One hundred twenty lay participants and 30 health professionals (7 physicians and 23 nurses) were presented with a set of vignettes describing a terminally ill woman with cancer who is in pain. The vignettes were composed according to a four within-subject factor design: (a) level of pain reported by the patient, (b) patient's explicit request for additional administration of analgesics, (c) the physicians' final decision (e.g., to use a stronger analgesic combining paracetamol and codeine), and (d) the way the decision was made (collectively or not). Participants were asked to assess the extent to which the physician's decision was, in their view, acceptable.
Results
Seven qualitatively different positions were found among participants. They were called as follows: tend to disagree with any decision (9%), increase the strength of the painkiller in any case (16%), give morphine preferentially (9%), partly depends on pain level (23%), fully depends on pain level (6%), depends on decision process and on pain level (22%), and tend not to disagree with any collective decision (25%).
Conclusions
Overall, 91% of participants agreed with the use of morphine in terminally ill cancer patients when the pain level was high (score of 7) and the decision to increase the strength of the painkiller was taken collectively. This percentage dropped to 69% when the team was not involved in the decision and to 40% when the pain level was lower (score of 4). If opposition to the use of morphine exists, it is not opposition to morphine itself but opposition to the circumstances of its use.
http://ift.tt/2uUad8D
Cancer patients’ control preferences in decision making and associations with patient-reported outcomes: a prospective study in an outpatient cancer center
Abstract
Purpose
"Shared decision making" has been proposed as a prerequisite of patient-centered care. However, little is known on factors, which may influence cancer patients' decision control preferences (DCP) in routine care. This study investigated possible determinants of the patients' DCP with respect to patient characteristics and patient-reported outcomes (PROs).
Methods
Consecutive patients presenting at a comprehensive cancer center between May 2014 and October 2014 were offered a self-administered electronic questionnaire including standardized PRO measures and patients' DCP. Results were linked with patient characteristics from the hospital information system and analyzed using cross-sectional methods.
Results
Out of 126 patients participating, 102 (81%; 65% male; mean age 62 years) completed the DCP-item. Overall, 49% (n = 50) preferred shared treatment decision responsibility, 29% (n = 30) preferred to leave the control to his/her physician, whereas 22% (n = 22) preferred to be in control of his/her treatment decision. Higher age (p = 0.035) and elevated distress levels (p = 0.038) were significantly associated with an increased willingness to leave the decision control to the physician. Further sociodemographic and PRO measures were not associated with patients' DCP.
Conclusion
Our findings demonstrate that DCP assessment in routine cancer care is possible and provides important information to the treating oncologist. Information on DCP combined with PRO may contribute to more individualized decision making in cancer care.
http://ift.tt/2eLcEUE
Assessing the prognostic features of a pain classification system in advanced cancer patients
Abstract
Purpose
The Edmonton Classification System for Cancer Pain (ECS-CP) has been shown to predict pain management complexity based on five features: pain mechanism, incident pain, psychological distress, addictive behavior, and cognitive function. The main objective of our study was to explore the association between ECS-CP features and pain treatment outcomes among outpatients managed by a palliative care specialist-led interdisciplinary team.
Methods
Initial and follow-up clinical information of 386 eligible supportive care outpatients were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed.
Results
Between the initial consultation and the first follow-up visit, the median ESAS pain intensity improved from 6 to 4.5 (p < 0.0001) and the median total symptom distress score (0–100) improved from 38 to 31 (p < 0.0001). At baseline, patients with neuropathic pain (p < 0.001) and those with at least one ECS-CP feature (p = 0.006) used a higher number of adjuvant medications. At follow-up, patients with neuropathic pain were less likely to achieve their personalized pain goal (PPG) (29 vs 72%, p = 0.015). No statistically significant association was found between increasing sum of ECS-CP features and any of the pain treatment outcomes at follow-up.
Conclusion
Neuropathy was found to be a poor prognostic feature in advanced cancer pain management. Increasing sum of ECS-CP features was not predictive of pain management complexity at the follow-up visit when pain was managed by a palliative medicine specialist. Further research is needed to further explore these observations.
http://ift.tt/2tWm4P4
Quality of life with biweekly docetaxel and capecitabine in advanced gastro-oesophageal cancer
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and tolerability of biweekly docetaxel with capecitabine as first-line treatment in advanced gastro-oesophageal cancer.
Methods
Fifty-three patients at median age of 61 years with advanced gastric cancer were included in this prospective, non-randomized, multicentre phase II trial to receive intravenous docetaxel 50 mg/m2 on days 1 and 15, and oral capecitabine 1250 mg/m2 every 12 h, on days 1–7 and 15–21 of each 28-day cycle. QOL was assessed using EORTC QLQ-C30, together with the gastric module (QLQ-STO 22).
Results
Forty-six patients were evaluable for QOL analyses. No deterioration in global health status was found. Social functioning scores improved, and eating difficulties and pain were alleviated during treatment. The most common grade 3 or 4 toxicity was neutropenia (47%), whereas neutropenic fever was uncommon (6%). The clinical benefit rate was 60%, including complete and partial responses as well as stabilized disease. Median overall survival was 8.8 months (95% CI 5.8–11.9 months), and median time to progression was 6.2 months (95% CI 4.9–7.5 months).
Conclusions
Biweekly docetaxel with capecitabine is a feasible treatment in AGC, delivered on an outpatient basis, with no need for central venous access device. No deterioration of global health status was reported. In addition, pain and eating difficulties were alleviated during study treatment. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00669370.
http://ift.tt/2uxrLEV
A prospective, observational, multicenter study on risk factors and prophylaxis for low emetic risk chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
Abstract
Purpose
The incidence of and the risk factors for nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing low emetic risk chemotherapy (LEC) are unclear. The aim of the study was to provide information on these topics by performing a multicenter, observational, prospective study.
Methods
The study consisted of patients who were administered first-time LEC that was consistent or inconsistent with current guidelines. Using the visual analog scale, patients recorded their daily food intake and the occurrence and severity of nausea over a 5-day treatment period.
Results
The overall incidence of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting did not differ significantly between patients undergoing guideline-consistent (n = 89) or guideline-inconsistent (n = 121) prophylaxis (30.3 vs. 22.3%, respectively; P = 0.19). Logistic regression analysis identified a history of nausea and LEC other than taxanes as independent risk factors associated with nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing LEC. The mean daily visual analog scale scores for nausea severity and a decrease in food intake were <25 mm throughout the entire observation period.
Conclusions
Guideline-consistent prophylaxis appeared to control nausea and vomiting effectively in patients undergoing LEC. However, patients with a history of nausea and receiving LEC other than taxanes should be carefully observed and treatment should be adjusted according to their symptoms.
http://ift.tt/2uTQt52
A scoring system to guide the decision for a new systemic treatment after at least two lines of palliative chemotherapy for metastatic cancers: a prospective study
Abstract
Purpose
A four-parameter score has been identified as associated with overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced cancer with an estimated survival inferior to 6 months. Here, we tested its prognostic value for OS in patients who had received more than two lines of systemic therapy.
Methods
We prospectively enrolled patients with advanced cancer who were going to receive a third or more therapeutic line outside classical clinical guidelines. The four parameters (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, number of metastatic sites, serum LDH, and serum albumin) were collected at baseline, allowing to calculate the score, which sorted the patients in three groups, A, B, and C (low, intermediate, and high score, respectively). We then searched for correlations between this grouping and clinicopathological features particularly OS.
Results
From August 2013 to March 2014, 65 patients were enrolled and corresponded after determining their score to 26 patients in group A, 30 in B, and 9 in C. The median OS of the cohort was 4.4 months, and the 6-month OS was 42%. Overall survival was different between the three groups, with respective 6-month OS equal to 80% in group A, 17% in group B, and 0% in group C and respective median OS of 9, 2.3, and 1.6 months. Such prognostic value persisted in multivariate analysis. Similar OS differences were observed in patients with PS ≤2.
Conclusion
This simple scoring should help oncologists identify which patients, after at least two lines of systemic therapy, might benefit from best supportive care alone.
http://ift.tt/2uy0nH6
Prospective evaluation of systematic use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC lines) for the home care after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells transplantation
Abstract
Purpose
Long-term catheters are often necessary for outpatient care after an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), However, there is paucity of data on the use of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in post-HSCT setting.
Methods
We prospectively evaluated the systematic use of PICC in 37 consecutive patients returning home after HSCT.
Results
In 6 out of 37 patients, the PICC was exclusively used for weekly blood controls. In 31 patients, the PICC line was used at home for hydration (18), antibiotics (3), intravenous human Ig (7), transfusions (10), extracorporeal photopheresis (3), chemotherapy (2), artificial nutrition (1), and/or palliative care (1). PICC complications were reported in ten patients (27%), causing eight PICC removals. At the end of the study, 35 patients had their PICC removed. PICCs were used with a median duration of 67 days. Reasons for removal were that PICC was not considered to be useful any longer (16), suspicion of infection (inflammation without documentation) (5) or infection (2), patient's wish (4), death (4), accidental withdrawal (2), puncture site bleeding (1), and catheter change due to extracorporeal photopheresis (1). Three venous thromboses were reported (8%), requesting one PICC removal because of associated infection. In other cases, an antithrombotic treatment was initiated.
Conclusions
Although the number of patients included in the study was small, our results suggest that PICC is a safe long-term venous access for home care after HSCT.
http://ift.tt/2tGb6BP
Benefits and risks of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) for decompression in patients with malignant gastrointestinal obstruction
Abstract
Purpose
Gastrointestinal obstruction presents many burdens for patients with end-stage abdominal cancer, such as nausea and vomiting. Few detailed data on the efficacy of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) for decompression exists. This retrospective cohort study investigates the quantity of symptom relief realized with PEG and the corresponding complications.
Methods
Chart reviews of 75 patients with malignant gastrointestinal obstruction, who received a PEG for decompression, were performed. Abstracted data includes symptoms (vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain) and medication up to 7 days before and after the intervention, complications, demographics, potential influencing factors and survival. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) models determined symptom reduction.
Results
PEG decreased the mean frequency of vomiting per day from 2.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7–2.7) to 0.4 (95% CI 0.3–0.6) (p < 0.001). The probability of the occurrence of nausea on a given day was 80% (95% CI 74–85%) prior to the PEG placement and 40% (95% CI 34–47%) afterwards (p < 0.001). One hundred twelve complications were reported in 56 patients (none 19/75 patients (25%), minor 52/75 (69%), major 18/75 (24%)). Stomal leakage (18/75 patients), mild wound pain (17/75) and tube occlusion (13/75) occurred most frequently. The failure of the first attempt of the PEG placement (7/75) presented as the leading major complication.
Conclusions
The PEG for decompression significantly reduces vomiting and nausea in patients with malignant gastrointestinal obstruction (p < 0.001). Minor complications are common and should be discussed prior to the intervention. Nevertheless, the PEG appears to demonstrate prevailing benefits in comparison to the risks.
http://ift.tt/2uTY9nK
Practice patterns for the prophylaxis and treatment of acute radiation dermatitis in the United States
Abstract
Purpose
Due to the inconclusive evidence for available treatment options, management of radiation dermatitis (RD) varies among practitioners. This study defines and reviews the current treatment patterns for RD in the USA, providing guidance for practicing physicians as well as directions for future research.
Methods
An online survey of 21 questions was emailed to all 5626 members of the 2013 American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) directory, which included radiation oncologists, residents, fellows, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses and other care providers. The questions were designed to evaluate demographics of responders, their training and comfort in the management RD, and their patterns of care regarding prophylaxis and treatment of RD. Data was analyzed using simple summary and descriptive statistics.
Results
Out of the 5626 emails sent, we were left with 709 physician respondents for our analysis, or a response rate of 12.9%. Although 84.7% of physicians felt that RD had a moderate or large impact on patients' quality of life during cancer treatment, only 30.1% received special training or specific instructional courses in treating RD during their medical training in residency or fellowship. Eighty-nine percent of surveyed physicians rely on observational and/or anecdotal findings to guide treatment decisions, and 51.4% reported using evidence-based treatments.
Conclusion
The results of our study show that there is great variability in the topical agents and dressings used in practice by radiation oncologists to prevent and treat RD. This information may be useful to other practitioners to develop their own personal recommendations and can guide further research into strategies to prevent and treat radiation dermatitis.
http://ift.tt/2uxw7fm
Vermeidung unbeabsichtigter perioperativer Hypothermie: ein Leitfaden
Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2017; 52: 554-562
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-103653
Die unbeabsichtigte perioperative Hypothermie (Körperkerntemperatur < 36 °C) ist ein potenziell komplikationsträchtiges, schwerwiegendes Ereignis: Sie führt zu einer erhöhten Inzidenz an Wundinfektionen und vermehrten Blutverlusten/Transfusionsbedarf. Dieser Beitrag thematisiert die praktische Umsetzung der AWMF-S3-Leitlinie „Vermeidung von perioperativer Hypothermie" von 2014 1. Er soll als Leitfaden für die tägliche klinische Arbeit dienen.
[...]
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents | Abstract | Full text
http://ift.tt/2uXdkfQ
Einfluss der Kardioanästhesie auf das Patientenoutcome
Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2017; 52: 498-511
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-118830
Die Kardioanästhesie ist ein hoch technisierter, subspezialisierter Bereich der Anästhesiologie. Die Verbesserung des Patientenoutcomes wurde untersucht für hämodynamisches Management durch zielgerichtete Therapie, Nierenprotektion durch ischämische Fernpräkonditionierung, Myokardprotektion durch pharmakologische Präkonditionierung mittels volatiler Anästhetika, Neuroprotektion durch Nahinfrarotspektrometrie und perioperative Echokardiografie.
[...]
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
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Assoziation genetischer Polymorphismen mit chronischem postoperativem Schmerz
Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2017; 52: 476-478
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-109232
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
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Anästhesie und Outcome
Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2017; 52: 484-485
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-113905
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
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Normokarbie nach Reanimation scheint mit besseren Outcomes verbunden
Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2017; 52: 478-480
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-109606
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
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Anästhesie und Outcome: Einfluss der perioperativen Prozesse
Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2017; 52: 525-541
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-118828
In den letzten Jahren hat sich die Rolle des Anästhesisten vom „Narkosearzt" zum perioperativen Mediziner und Risikospezialisten enorm gewandelt. Die Patienten sind älter, multimorbide und werden zu immer umfangreicheren Eingriffen und Interventionen aufgeboten. Sozioökonomische Aspekte haben an Bedeutung zugenommen. Der Anästhesist ist als Wegbereiter eines guten Outcomes in nahezu alle perioperativen Prozesse involviert: präoperative Evaluation, Festlegung und Optimierung der prä- und intraoperativen Bedingungen, moderne intraoperative Anästhesieführung sowie eine postoperative, medizinisch indizierte, effektive und effiziente Behandlung der teilweise hochkomplexen Patienten. Die einzelnen perioperativen Prozessschritte auf diesem Weg werden in Anlehnung an etablierte Leitlinien und die Zunahme der gegenwärtigen Anforderungen beleuchtet. Schließlich wird ein besonderer Akzent auf die Erkenntnis gelegt, dass der perioperative Prozess nicht mit dem Operationsende abgeschlossen ist – postoperatives Outcome ist nicht zuletzt von postoperativen Komplikationen auf der Normalstation negativ beeinflusst. Das Risiko für Todesfälle nach Komplikationen, „Failure to rescue", sollte frühzeitig erkannt und umgehend behandelt werden.
[...]
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
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Retrograde Kanülierung peripherer Venen bei Intensivpatienten von Vorteil
Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2017; 52: 478-478
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-112731
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
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Über 1700 hilfreiche Antworten
Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2017; 52: 482-482
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-100004
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
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Kryoablation peripherer Nerven zur Therapie von Phantomschmerz
Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2017; 52: 480-481
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-105640
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
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Entwicklung der anästhesieassoziierten Letalität und Einfluss auf das Outcome
Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2017; 52: 486-497
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-118827
Die anästhesieassoziierte Letalität konnte in den letzten Jahrzehnten deutlich gesenkt werden. Dies ermöglicht neben einer zuverlässigen Monitoringtechnik gut ausgebildetes Personal, das die patienten- und eingriffsspezifischen Risiken in das intraoperative Management mit einbezieht. Die richtige postoperative Betreuung von Patienten in Aufwachraum, PACU und Intensivstation ist ein weiterer zentraler Punkt für ein verbessertes Patienten-Outcome.
[...]
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
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Thrombozytentransfusion assoziiert mit Risiko für nosokomiale Infektionen
Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2017; 52: 480-480
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-114311
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
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Anästhesie und Outcome: Einfluss bei Kindern
Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2017; 52: 513-523
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-118829
Die operative Versorgung von Kindern birgt ein erhöhtes Risiko schwerer perioperativer Komplikationen und stellt hohe Anforderungen an die beteiligten Berufsgruppen. Um das perioperative Outcome von Kindern vonseiten der Anästhesie positiv zu beeinflussen, sind neben der Optimierung institutioneller Faktoren individuelle Möglichkeiten innerhalb der intraoperativen Phase der Narkoseeinleitung und -aufrechterhaltung bedeutend, insbesondere die Einstellung des adäquaten Blutdrucks.
[...]
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
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Der Faktenturbo für die Kitteltasche
Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2017; 52: 482-482
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-120981
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
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Remifentanil up2date – Teil 1
Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2017; 52: 543-553
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-122041
Remifentanil ist ein kurzwirksames, potentes Opioid mit guter Steuerbarkeit – und vor allem in der ambulanten Anästhesiologie nahezu unverzichtbar. Umso härter trifft uns die seit 2016 eingeschränkte Verfügbarkeit und Kontingentierung. Dieser Beitrag liefert einen Überblick über die Substanz, ihre Geschichte und pharmakologischen Eigenschaften.
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Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
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Alarm-Fatigue – wieviel Alarm verträgt der Mensch?
Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2017; 52: 564-570
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-118618
Durch zunehmende Technisierung in der Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin steigen sowohl Anzahl der Geräte als auch deren visuelle und akustische Alarme. Die meisten aller Alarme sind jedoch Fehlalarme, was bei den Mitarbeitern zu Frustration, Aggression und Fehlverhalten führt. Dieser Übersichtsartikel fasst die Risikofaktoren für die Entstehung von „Alarm-Fatigue" zusammen und gibt einen Ausblick auf mögliche Lösungsstrategien.
[...]
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
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Welche Atemunterstützung bei akuter viraler Bronchiolitis im Säuglingsalter?
Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2017; 52: 476-476
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-105624
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
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The effectiveness of a group intervention to facilitate posttraumatic growth among women with breast cancer
Abstract
Objective
This longitudinal study tested the effectiveness of a group intervention designed to facilitate Posttraumatic Growth (PTG). The effects of group participation on components of the PTG model were also explored.
Methods
Sample consisted of 205 women diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer who were either assigned to an intervention group (n = 58) or to a control group (n = 147). PTG, challenge to core beliefs, and rumination (intrusive and deliberate) were assessed at baseline (T1), at 6 months (T2) and at 12 months after baseline (T3).
Results
Results from the Latent Growth Modeling suggested that participants from the intervention group had higher levels of PTG. Significant differences were found between both groups, on challenge to core beliefs (T1-T3; T2-T3), intrusive rumination (T1-T3) and deliberate rumination (T1-T3).
Conclusions
Participation in the intervention group increased PTG and the two main components of PTG model, challenge to core beliefs and rumination.
http://ift.tt/2uX9QKi
Altered Biodistribution of 99m Tc-DPD on Bone Scan After Intravenous Iron Supplement
Abstract
We report a case with altered biodistribution of 99mTc-dicarboxypropane diphosphonate (99mTc-DPD) on whole body bone scan after intravenous iron supplement therapy. A 47-year-old male patient who had recently been detected with a hepatic mass suggestive of hepatocellular carcinoma underwent bone scan as staging work-up before surgery. Bone scan images at 3 h after injection of 99mTc-DPD demonstrated unusually increased blood pool activities in the heart, liver, and spleen with usual skeletal uptakes. The patient had been treated for severe anemia from hemorrhoid with two intravenous administration of ferric hydroxide carboxymaltose complex at approximately 22 h and 2 h prior to the 99mTc-DPD injection, which we consider as the most probable cause of altered biodistribution of 99mTc-DPD.
http://ift.tt/2uyDbs9
Dual Pathologies of Parathyroid Adenoma and Papillary Thyroid Cancer on Fluorocholine and Fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT
Abstract
18F-Fluorocholine (FCH) PET/CT is evolving as a functional imaging modality for the preoperative imaging of abnormal parathyroid tissue(s) helping to localize eutopic and ectopic parathyroid tissue and limit the extent of surgery. FCH PET/CT may show incidental uptake in various thyroid lesions necessitating further evaluation, whereas the role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT in the detection of incidental thyroid nodules is well documented. The case of a middle-aged woman with dual pathology of parathyroid adenoma and papillary thyroid cancer detected on FCH and FDG PET/CT is presented.
http://ift.tt/2uVCuvL
Multicenter analysis of transanal tube placement for prevention of anastomotic leak after low anterior resection
Background
Anastomotic leak (AL) is a serious complication of low anterior resection (LAR). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of transanal tube placement for prevention of AL.
Methods
This multicenter retrospective cohort study enrolled 328 consecutive patients who underwent LAR for rectal cancer at participating hospitals from 2009 to 2014. Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust for confounding factors.
Results
A transanal tube was placed in 205 patients (TA group) and not placed in 123 patients (non-TA group). Symptomatic AL occurred in 36 cases (11%), with significantly higher incidence of symptomatic AL in the non-TA group than in the TA group (15% vs 8.3%, odds ratio [OR] 2.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-4.06). After adjusting for confounding factors, multivariate analysis revealed that placement of a transanal tube could decrease the incidence of symptomatic AL (adjusted OR 0.37, 95%CI 0.15-0.91). There was no significant difference in postoperative morbidity, mortality, length of hospital stay, or local recurrence rate between the two groups. Local recurrence rate tended to be higher in patients with symptomatic AL (3/36) than in those without it (10/292).
Conclusions
Transanal tube placement is effective for decreasing the incidence of symptomatic AL after LAR.
http://ift.tt/2uv2jS8
Improvement and persistent disparities in completion lymph node dissection: Lessons from the National Cancer Database
Background
Completion lymph node dissection (CLND) is recommended for melanoma patients with positive sentinel lymph node biopsies (SLNB); however, 50% do not undergo CLND. We sought to determine CLND trends over time, and factors contributing to variability.
Methods
The NCDB was queried for patients undergoing wide local excision (WLE), with or without SLNB and CLND. Cohorts were created based on demographic/socioeconomic variables and era of treatment (Era 1: 2003-07, Era 2: 2008-12). Univariate and multivariate analyses identified factors associated with performance of or trends in CLND.
Results
122 849 underwent WLE with SLNB. Of 24 267 (19.8%) with +SLNB, 13 594 (56.0%) continued to CLND. In multivariate analyses, Medicaid (OR 0.78; P = 0.04) or Medicare (OR 0.79; P < 0.01) in Era 1 and patients without insurance in Era 2 (OR 0.78; P = 0.01) underwent less CLND. In both eras, Blacks (OR 0.45; P < 0.01, OR 0.59; P < 0.01), head/neck lesions (OR 0.72; P < 0.01, OR 0.66; P < 0.01) and lower extremity lesions (OR 0.75; P < 0.01, OR 0.72; P < 0.01) underwent less CLND. However, Blacks experienced greatest increase in CLND usage (+9.2%).
Conclusions
CLND usage continues to be low and racial/socioeconomic disparities persist. Until the results of MSLT-2 become available, continued focus on understanding poor adherence to, and improving rates of CLND is necessary.
http://ift.tt/2vGN1bq
Feasibility and safety of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy using 5-fluorouracil combined with cisplatin and mitomycin C in patients undergoing gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer
Background and Objectives
We conducted a dose-finding study for 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) administered with cisplatin (CDDP) and mitomycin C (MMC) to find an improved regimen for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for advanced gastric cancer (GC).
Methods
The appropriate HIPEC regimen previously determined in vitro was 5-FU (200 µg/mL), MMC (2 µg/mL), and CDDP (10 µg/mL) at hyperthermic conditions (42°C) for 30 min. This was a clinical study to determine the recommended dose of 5-FU in combination with MMC and CDDP at 42°C for 30 min and to evaluate HIPEC safety in patients at high risk of developing peritoneal metastases following GC surgery.
Results
Twelve patients were treated with surgery plus HIPEC using 5-FU at 0, 500, 750, and 1000 mg combined with MMC (10 mg) and CDDP (50 mg) in the perfusate (5 L). Dose-limiting toxicities did not develop until 1000 mg 5-FU was reached. Four patients experienced grade 1 or 2 adverse events. The recommended dose was 1000 mg 5-FU/5 L perfusate. Eight (66.7%) patients demonstrated no recurrence of peritoneal metastases; 5-year overall survival rate was 83.3%.
Conclusion
Gastrectomy and HIPEC with MMC, CDDP, and 5-FU is feasible, safe, and may protect against peritoneal metastasis following surgery for advanced GC.
http://ift.tt/2uv9s4R
Preoperative bevacizumab and volumetric recovery after resection of colorectal liver metastases
Background and Objectives
While preoperative treatment is frequently administered to CRLM patients, the impact of chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab, on liver regeneration remains controversial.
Methods
The early and late regeneration indexes were defined as the relative increase in liver volume (RLV) within 2 and 9 months from surgery. Regeneration rates of the preoperative treatment groups were compared.
Results
Preoperative chemotherapy details and volumetric data were available for 185 patients; 78 (42.2%) received preoperative chemotherapy with bevacizumab (Bev+), 46 (24.8%) received chemotherapy only (Bev−), and 61 (33%) received no chemotherapy. Patients in the Bev+ and Bev− groups received similar chemotherapy cycles (4 [3-6] vs 4 [4-6]; P = 0.499). Despite the comparable clinicopathological characteristics and Resected Volume/Total Liver Volume (TLV) at surgery (P = 0.944) of both groups, Bev+ group had higher early and late regeneration (17.2% vs 4.3%; P = 0.035 and 14.0% vs 9.4%; P = 0.091, respectively). Of note, early and late regeneration rates (3.7% and 10.9% vs 6.6% and 5.5%, respectively) were comparable between the no chemotherapy and Bev− groups (all P > 0.05). In multivariable analysis —adjusted for gender, age, portal vein embolization, preoperative chemotherapy, resected liver volume, tumor number, postoperative chemotherapy, fibrosis, steatosis— bevacizumab independently predicted early liver regeneration (P = 0.019).
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that preoperative bevacizumab administered along with chemotherapy was associated with enhanced volumetric restoration. Interestingly, this effect was more pronounced among patients who received oxaliplatin-based regimens and bevacizumab compared to those treated with irinotecan-based regimens and bevacizumab.
http://ift.tt/2vGAxkf
A quantified risk-scoring system and rating model for postsurgical gastroparesis syndrome in gastric cancer patients
Background and Objectives
The study aimed to investigate the relationship between obesity and postsurgical gastroparesis syndrome (PGS), and to construct a scoring system and a risk model to identify patients at high risk.
Methods
A total of 634 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical characteristics were evaluated via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Logistic analysis was performed to determine the independent predictive indicators of PGS. A scoring system consisting of these indicators and a risk-rating model were constructed and evaluated via ROC curve analysis.
Results
Based on the ROC curves, the visceral fat area (VFA) cutoff value for PGS was 94.00. Logistic analysis showed that visceral obesity (VFA ≥ 94.00 cm2), the reconstruction technique, and tumor size were independent prognostic factors for PGS. The scoring system could predict PGS reliably with a high area under the ROC curve ([AUC] = 0.769). A high-risk rating had a high AUC (AUC I = 0.56, AUC II = 0.65, and AUC III = 0.77), indicating that the risk-rating model could effectively screen patients at high risk of PGS.
Conclusions
Visceral obesity defined by VFA effectively predicted PGS. Our scoring system may be a reliable instrument for identifying patients most at risk of PGS.
http://ift.tt/2uuGkuE
Technique of skeletal navigation for localizing solitary pulmonary nodules
We herein detail a novel method of skeletal navigation for localizing small solitary pulmonary nodules of 8-30 mm size and at a distance of less than 15 mm from visceral pleura. Thirty-four lesions found in 29 patients were successfully localized. All 34 target nodules first underwent wedge resections, and there were no cases of technical failure of the present method. This technique incurs no additional cost and complications as caused by other localization approaches. Additionally, this approach provides a backup method in cases of mark displacement.
http://ift.tt/2vGIQfM
The prognostic utility of baseline alpha-fetoprotein for hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Introduction
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has a valuable role in postoperative surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence. The utility of pretreatment or baseline AFP remains controversial. The present study hypothesized that elevated baseline AFP levels are associated with worse overall survival in HCC patients.
Methods
Adult HCC patients were identified using the National Cancer Database (2004-2013). Patients were stratified according to baseline AFP measurements into the following groups: Negative (<20), Borderline (20-199), Elevated (200-1999), and Highly Elevated (>2000). The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), which was analyzed by log-rank test and graphed using Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate regression modeling was used to determine hazard ratios (HR) for OS.
Results
Of 41 107 patients identified, 15 809 (33.6%) were Negative. Median overall survival was highest in the Negative group, followed by Borderline, Elevated, and Highly Elevated (28.7 vs 18.9 vs 8.8 vs 3.2 months; P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, overall survival hazard ratios for the Borderline, Elevated, and Highly Elevated groups were 1.18 (P = 0.267), 1.94 (P < 0.001), and 1.77 (P = 0.007), respectively (reference Negative).
Conclusion
Baseline AFP independently predicted overall survival in HCC patients regardless of treatment plan. A baseline AFP value is a simple and effective method to assist in expected survival for HCC patients.
http://ift.tt/2uuGiD2
Prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities among women undergoing free tissue autologous breast reconstruction
Background and Objectives
Autologous breast reconstruction (BR) can be a stressful life event. Therefore, women undergoing mastectomy and autologous BR are required to have sufficient coping mechanisms. Although mental health problems are widespread, information regarding the prevalence of psychiatric diagnosis among these patients is scarce.
Methods
Retrospective analysis was performed using data from a large tertiary teaching hospital and the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Patients undergoing autologous BR after mastectomy were included and evaluated for psychiatric disorders. Prevalence of each disorder, timing of diagnosis (preoperative or postoperative), and data per age group were reviewed.
Results
Between 2004 and 2014, 817 patients were included from the institutional database and 26 399 from the NIS database. Preoperatively, 15.3% of the patients were diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder within our institution and 17.6% nationwide (P < 0.001). Postoperatively, 20.5% of the institutional patients were diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. No major differences in prevalence were seen between age groups.
Conclusions
Approximately, one in six patients were diagnosed with a psychiatric comorbidity preoperatively. Postoperatively, an additional 20.5% developed a psychiatric disorder. There was no difference in prevalence and timing of diagnosis between age groups.
http://ift.tt/2vH2Pey
Factors predictive of occult nipple-areolar complex involvement in patients with carcinoma in situ of the breast
Objectives
To investigate predictors of occult nipple-areolar complex (NAC) involvement in patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS) and to validate an online probability calculator (CancerMath; http://ift.tt/2vGBCIL).
Methods
Mastectomized patients with CIS (n = 104) were retrospectively selected. Clinicopathology and preoperative mammography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were analyzed.
Results
Histopathological NAC-positivity was confirmed in 20 (19.2%) patients. Short nipple-tumor distance and suspicious extension to the nipple by mammography were significant but ultrasound was not significant to predict NAC involvement. NAC-positive cases had MRI findings of shorter nipple-tumor distance in both the early and delayed phases. Multivariable regression model showed age >50 years and shorter tumor-nipple distance on the delay phase of MRI were statistically significant predictors of NAC involvement. Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) was 0.618 when calculated by CancerMath; however, an AUC of 0.954 was achieved when distance and age were applied together as predictor.
Conclusions
Mammographic and MRI findings were significant for predicting NAC involvement, with distance of the tumor from the nipple in delay phase MRI the most significant predictor of NAC involvement. Therefore, breast MRI could be beneficial for planning nipple-sparing mastectomy in patients with CIS.
http://ift.tt/2uv6w8C
Current trends in patient enrollment for robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy in Belgium
BACKGROUND
During the last decade, an inverse stage migration has been observed in radical prostatectomy series at tertiary centers. However, it remains unclear whether similar trends can also be observed in solely robotic practices, including nonreferral centers. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and pathological trends in robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) enrollment in Belgium over a period of 6 years through an analysis of a prospective registry.
METHODS
A prospective, multicenter database was constructed: consecutive patients undergoing RALP in Belgium from 2010 to 2015 were enrolled, and 7366 men were analyzed. Variations in clinical and pathological variables were explored as a function of the enrollment year with proportional odds for categorical variables and with linear regressions for continuous variables.
RESULTS
Net increases were observed in the prostate-specific antigen levels, cT stage, and biopsy Gleason scores across the study years (P < .001). The rate of low-risk prostate cancer (PCa) decreased from 36% in 2010 to 21% in 2015, whereas the rate of intermediate-risk PCa rose from 47% to 58%, and the rate of high-risk PCa rose from 17% to 21%. In parallel, the pT2 stage rate decreased from 76% to 64%, and the rate of Gleason 6 (3 + 3) cases was reduced from 45% to 23% (P < .001). Conversely, the pT3a stage rate rose from 16% to 24%, the pT3b stage rate rose from 7% to 11%, and the rate of Gleason 7 (4 + 3) cases rose from 7% to 21% (P < .0001). Finally, more patients underwent node dissection, and positive lymph nodes were increasingly diagnosed (from 3% in 2010 to 7% in 2015).
CONCLUSIONS
During the last 6 years of RALP implementation in Belgium, there was a significant increase in the enrollment of intermediate- and high-risk PCa patients. This yielded a significant increase in adverse pathological characteristics. These results suggest a paradigm shift in PCa treatment, with radical robotic surgery increasing for intermediate- and high-risk patients. Cancer 2017. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
http://ift.tt/2eLYmTA
HER2 mutations in lung adenocarcinomas: A report from the Lung Cancer Mutation Consortium
BACKGROUND
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) mutations have been reported in lung adenocarcinomas. Herein, the authors describe the prevalence, clinical features, and outcomes associated with HER2 mutations in 1007 patients in the Lung Cancer Mutation Consortium (LCMC).
METHODS
Patients with advanced-stage lung adenocarcinomas were enrolled to the LCMC. Tumor specimens were assessed for diagnosis and adequacy; multiplexed genotyping was performed in Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified laboratories to examine 10 oncogenic drivers. The LCMC database was queried for patients with HER2 mutations to access demographic data, treatment history, and vital status. An exploratory analysis was performed to evaluate the survival of patients with HER2 mutations who were treated with HER2-directed therapies.
RESULTS
A total of 920 patients were tested for HER2 mutations; 24 patients (3%) harbored exon 20 insertion mutations (95% confidence interval, 2%-4%). One patient had a concurrent mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) amplification. The median age of the patients was 62 years, with a slight predominance of females over males (14 females vs 10 males). The majority of the patients were never-smokers (71%) and presented with advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. The median survival for patients who received HER2-targeted therapies (12 patients) was 2.1 years compared with 1.4 years for those who did not (12 patients) (P = .48). Patients with HER2 mutations were found to have inferior survival compared with the rest of the LCMC cohort with other mutations: the median survival was 3.5 years in the LCMC population receiving targeted therapy and 2.4 years for patients not receiving targeted therapy.
CONCLUSIONS
HER2 mutations were detected in 3% of patients with lung adenocarcinoma in the LCMC. HER2-directed therapies should be investigated in this subgroup of patients. Cancer 2017. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
http://ift.tt/2h1osmh
Prognostic factors and survival outcomes in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in blast phase in the tyrosine kinase inhibitor era: Cohort study of 477 patients
BACKGROUND
Outcomes in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in blast phase (CML-BP) are historically dismal. Herein, the authors sought to analyze the characteristics, prognostic factors, and survival outcomes in patients with CML-BP in the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) era.
METHODS
A total of 477 patients with CML-BP were treated with a TKI at some point during the course of their CML. Cox proportional hazard models identified characteristics that were predictive of survival. Overall survival and failure-free survival were assessed. Optimal cutoff points for specific parameters were identified using classification and regression tree (CART) analysis.
RESULTS
The median age of the patients was 53 years (range, 16-84 years) and 64% were male. Approximately 80% of patients initially were diagnosed in the chronic phase of CML at a median of 41 months (range, 0.7-298 months) before transformation to CML-BP. De novo CML-BP occurred in 71 patients. Approximately 72% of patients received TKI therapy before CML-BP. The initial therapy for CML-BP included a TKI alone (35%), a TKI with chemotherapy (46%), and non-TKI therapies (19%). The median overall survival was 12 months and the median failure-free survival was 5 months. In multivariate analysis, myeloid immunophenotype, prior TKI, age ≥58 years, lactate dehydrogenase level ≥1227 IU/L, platelet count < 102 K/μL, no history of stem cell transplantation, transition to BP from chronic phase/accelerated phase, and the presence of chromosome 15 aberrations predicted for a significantly increased risk of death. Achievement of major hematologic response and/or complete cytogenetic response to first-line treatment was found to be predictive of better survival. The combination of a TKI with intensive chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplantation appeared to confer the best outcome.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with CML-BP continue to pose a therapeutic challenge, have dismal outcomes, and require newer treatment approaches. Cancer 2017. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
http://ift.tt/2eLY4vY
Second tyrosine kinase inhibitor discontinuation attempt in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia
BACKGROUND
Several studies have demonstrated that approximately one-half of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who receive treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and achieve and maintain a deep molecular response (DMR) are able to successfully discontinue therapy. In patients who have a molecular relapse, a DMR is rapidly regained upon treatment re-initiation.
METHODS
The authors report the results from RE-STIM, a French observational, multicenter study that evaluated treatment-free remission (TFR) in 70 patients who re-attempted TKI discontinuation after a first unsuccessful attempt. After the second TKI discontinuation attempt, the trigger for treatment re-introduction was the loss of a major molecular response in all patients.
RESULTS
The median follow-up was 38.3 months (range, 4.7-117 months), and 45 patients (64.3%) lost a major molecular response after a median time off therapy of 5.3 months (range, 2-42 months). TFR rates at 12, 24, and 36 months were 48% (95% confidence interval [CI], 37.6%-61.5%), 42% (95% CI, 31.5%-55.4%), and 35% (95% CI, 24.4%-49.4%), respectively. No progression toward advanced-phase CML occurred, and no efficacy issue was observed upon TKI re-introduction. In univariate analysis, the speed of molecular relapse after the first TKI discontinuation attempt was the only factor significantly associated with outcome. The TFR rate at 24 months was 72% (95% CI, 48.8%-100%) in patients who remained in DMR within the first 3 months after the first TKI discontinuation and 36% (95% CI, 25.8%-51.3%) for others.
CONCLUSIONS
This study is the first to demonstrate that a second TKI discontinuation attempt is safe and that a first failed attempt at discontinuing TKI does not preclude a second successful attempt. Cancer 2017. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
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Chronic hepatitis C virus infection and neurocognitive function in adult survivors of childhood cancer
BACKGROUND
Cancer survivors transfused with blood products before reliable screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) are at risk for infection. This study examined the impact of HCV on neurocognitive function and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among adult survivors of childhood cancer.
METHODS
Neurocognitive testing was conducted for 836 adult survivors of childhood cancer (mean age, 35 years [standard deviation, 7.4 years]; time since diagnosis, 29 years [standard deviation, 6.2 years]) who received blood products before universal HCV screening. No differences were observed between confirmed HCV-seropositive survivors (n = 79) and HCV-seronegative survivors (n = 757) in the primary diagnosis or neurotoxic therapies. Multivariate regression models were used to compare functional outcomes between seropositive and seronegative survivors.
RESULTS
Compared with seronegative survivors, seropositive survivors demonstrated lower performance on measures of attention (P < .001), processing speed (P = .008), long-term verbal memory (P = .01), and executive function (P = .001). After adjustments for sex, age at diagnosis, and treatment exposures, seropositive survivors had a higher prevalence of impairment in processing speed (prevalence ratio [PR], 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-1.6) and executive functioning (PR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1-1.6). Differences were not associated with the treatment of HCV or the presence of liver cirrhosis. Seropositive survivors reported worse general HRQOL (PR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.1), which was associated with the presence of liver cirrhosis (P = .001).
CONCLUSIONS
Survivors of childhood cancer with a history of HCV infection are at risk for neurocognitive impairment and reduced HRQOL beyond the known risks associated with neurotoxic cancer therapies. Cancer 2017. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
http://ift.tt/2eLYUZH
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to radical cystectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer with variant histology
BACKGROUND
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in pure urothelial bladder cancer provides a significant survival benefit. However, to the authors' knowledge, it is unknown whether this benefit persists in histological variants. The objective of the current study was to assess the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on the probability of non-organ-confined disease and overall survival after radical cystectomy (RC) in patients with histological variants.
METHODS
Querying the National Cancer Data Base, the authors identified 2018 patients with histological variants who were undergoing RC for bladder cancer between 2003 and 2012. Variants were categorized as micropapillary or sarcomatoid differentiation, squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors, and other histology. Logistic regression models estimated the odds of non-organ-confined disease at the time of RC for each histological variant, stratified by the receipt of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Cox regression models were used to examine the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on overall mortality in each variant subgroup.
RESULTS
Patients with neuroendocrine tumors (odds ratio [OR], 0.16; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.08-0.32 [P<.001]), micropapillary differentiation (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.10-0.95 [P=.041]), sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.17-0.94 [P=.035]), and adenocarcinoma (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.06-0.91 [P=.035]) were less likely to harbor non-organ-confined disease at the time of RC when treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. An overall survival benefit for neoadjuvant chemotherapy was only found in patients with neuroendocrine tumors (hazard ratio, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.33-0.74 [P=.001]).
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with neuroendocrine tumors benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy, as evidenced by better overall survival and lower rates of non-organ-confined disease at the time of RC. For tumors with micropapillary differentiation, sarcomatoid differentiation, or adenocarcinoma, neoadjuvant chemotherapy decreased the frequency of non-organ-confined disease at the time of RC. However, this favorable effect did not translate into a statistically significant overall survival benefit for these patients, potentially due to the aggressive tumor biology. Cancer 2017;000:000-000. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
http://ift.tt/2h14Tea
Contemporary use trends and survival outcomes in patients undergoing radical cystectomy or bladder-preservation therapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer
BACKGROUND
The current study was performed to examine temporal trends and compare overall survival (OS) in patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) or bladder-preservation therapy (BPT) for muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.
METHODS
The authors reviewed the National Cancer Data Base to identify patients with AJCC stage II to III urothelial carcinoma of the bladder from 2004 through 2013. Patients receiving BPT were stratified as having received any external-beam radiotherapy (any XRT), definitive XRT (50-80 grays), and definitive XRT with chemotherapy (CRT). Treatment trends and OS outcomes for the BPT and RC cohorts were evaluated using Cochran-Armitage tests, unadjusted Kaplan-Meier curves, adjusted Cox multivariate regression, and propensity score matching, using increasingly stringent selection criteria.
RESULTS
A total of 32,300 patients met the inclusion criteria and were treated with RC (22,680 patients) or BPT (9620 patients). Of the patients treated with BPT, 26.4% (2540 patients) and 15.5% (1489 patients), respectively, were treated with definitive XRT and CRT. Improved OS was observed for RC in all groups. After adjustments with more rigorous statistical models controlling for confounders and with more restrictive BPT cohorts, the magnitude of the OS benefit became attenuated on multivariate (any XRT: hazard ratio [HR], 2.115 [95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.045-2.188]; definitive XRT: HR, 1.870 [95% CI, 1.773-1.972]; and CRT: HR, 1.578 [95% CI, 1.474-1.691]) and propensity score (any XRT: HR, 2.008 [95% CI, 1.871-2.154]; definitive XRT: HR, 1.606 [95% CI, 1.453-1.776]; and CRT: HR, 1.406 [95% CI, 1.235-1.601]) analyses.
CONCLUSIONS
In the National Cancer Data Base, receipt of BPT was associated with decreased OS compared with RC in patients with stage II to III urothelial carcinoma. Increasingly stringent definitions of BPT and more rigorous statistical methods adjusting for selection biases attenuated observed survival differences. Cancer 2017. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
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Role of the Perioperative Surgical Home in Optimizing the Perioperative Use of Opioids.
Several federal agencies have recently noted that the United States is in the midst of an unprecedented "opioid epidemic," with an increasing number of opioid-related overdoses and deaths. Providers currently face 3 population-level, public health challenges in providing optimal perioperative pain care: (1) the continued lack of overall improvement in the excessive incidence of inadequately treated postoperative pain, (2) minimizing or preventing postoperative opioid-related side effects, and (3) addressing current opioid prescribing patterns, and the accompanying problematic surge in prescription opioid diversion, misuse, abuse, addiction, and overdose. In the Perioperative Surgical Home model, anesthesiologists and other pain medicine specialists are uniquely qualified and positioned to develop, implement, and coordinate a comprehensive perioperative analgesic plan, which begins with the formal preoperative patient assessment and continues throughout the postdischarge, convalescence period. The scope and practice of pain management within the Perioperative Surgical Home should thus (a) expand to include routine preoperative patient-level pain-risk stratification (including the chronic use of opioid and nonopioid analgesics), (b) address the multitude of biopsychosocial factors that contribute to interpatient pain variability, and (c) extend and be well coordinated across all 4 phases of the surgical pain experience (preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative, and postdischarge). Specifically, safe and effective perioperative pain management should include a plan of care that is tailored to the individual patient's underlying disease(s), presence of a chronic pain condition and preoperative use of opioids, and the specific surgical procedure- with evidence-based, multimodal analgesic regimens being applied in the vast majority of cases. An iteratively evolutionary component of an existing institutional Perioperative Surgical Home program can be an integrated Transitional Pain Service, which is modeled directly after the wellestablished prototype at the Toronto General Hospital in Ontario, Canada. This multidisciplinary, perioperative Transitional Pain Service seeks to modify the pain trajectories of patients who are at increased risk of (a) long-term, increasing, excessive opioid consumption and/or (b) developing chronic postsurgical pain. Like the Perioperative Surgical Home program in which it can be logically integrated, such a Transitional Pain Service can serve as the needed but missing linkage to improve the continuum of care and perioperative pain management for elective, urgent, and emergent surgery. Even if successfully and cost-efficiently embedded within an existing Perioperative Surgical Home, a new perioperative Transitional Pain Service will require additional resources. (C) 2017 International Anesthesia Research Society
http://ift.tt/2v5HA95
http://ift.tt/2v5HA95
Perioperative Amino Acid Infusion for Preventing Hypothermia and Improving Clinical Outcomes During Surgery Under General Anesthesia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Amino acid (AA) infusion is sometimes selected to avoid hypothermia during general anesthesia. However, the widespread clinical use of AA infusion therapy has not been established. This study aimed to clarify the evidence that AA infusion can increase patient body temperature and improve clinical outcomes using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Igaku Chuo Zasshi (Japana Centra Revuo Medicina) in November 2015. Studies were reviewed by 2 independent assessors to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving AA infusion compared with placebos during surgery under general or combined general/epidural anesthesia. Study quality was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system and the Cochrane methodology. The primary outcome was difference in body temperature before and after perioperative AA infusion. Shivering frequency, blood loss volume, postoperative intubation time, and hospitalization period were also assessed as clinical outcomes. We analyzed the outcome data using a random effect model. From 298 screened titles, 14 RCTs met our inclusion criteria, including 626 patients (327 in AA and 299 in placebo groups). In 626 participants from 14 RCTs, AA infusion increased body temperature by a mean difference (MD) of 0.46[degrees]C (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31-0.62, low-quality evidence). Regarding other outcomes, AA infusion decreased shivering frequency by a risk ratio of 0.34 (95% CI, 0.12-0.94; 7 RCTs, 248 participants, very low-quality evidence), shortened postoperative intubation time by MD of -125 minutes (95% CI, -210 to -38.8; 2 RCTs, 158 participants, moderate-quality evidence), and shortened the hospitalization period by MD of -1.81 days (95% CI, -2.07 to -1.55; 3 RCTs, 230 participants, low-quality evidence) compared with placebo. There was no significant difference in the volume of blood loss between the 2 groups (standardized MD, -0.20, 95% CI, -0.44 to 0.04; low-quality evidence). There was no publication bias. AA infusion in the perioperative period increased patient body temperature and improved clinical outcomes compared with placebo. However, the evidence to support the use of AA infusion is limited, and further large-scale RCTs are required. (C) 2017 International Anesthesia Research Society
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http://ift.tt/2vYdQr8
Medication Errors in Pediatric Anesthesia: A Report From the Wake Up Safe Quality Improvement Initiative.
BACKGROUND: Wake Up Safe is a quality improvement initiative of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia that contains a deidentified registry of serious adverse events occurring in pediatric anesthesia. The aim of this study was to describe and characterize reported medication errors to find common patterns amenable to preventative strategies. METHODS: In September 2016, we analyzed approximately 6 years' worth of medication error events reported to Wake Up Safe. Medication errors were classified by: (1) medication category; (2) error type by phase of administration: prescribing, preparation, or administration; (3) bolus or infusion error; (4) provider type and level of training; (5) harm as defined by the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention; and (6) perceived preventability. RESULTS: From 2010 to the time of our data analysis in September 2016, 32 institutions had joined and submitted data on 2087 adverse events during 2,316,635 anesthetics. These reports contained details of 276 medication errors, which comprised the third highest category of events behind cardiac and respiratory related events. Medication errors most commonly involved opioids and sedative/hypnotics. When categorized by phase of handling, 30 events occurred during preparation, 67 during prescribing, and 179 during administration. The most common error type was accidental administration of the wrong dose (N = 84), followed by syringe swap (accidental administration of the wrong syringe, N = 49). Fifty-seven (21%) reported medication errors involved medications prepared as infusions as opposed to 1 time bolus administrations. Medication errors were committed by all types of anesthesia providers, most commonly by attendings. Over 80% of reported medication errors reached the patient and more than half of these events caused patient harm. Fifteen events (5%) required a life sustaining intervention. Nearly all cases (97%) were judged to be either likely or certainly preventable. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings characterize the most common types of medication errors in pediatric anesthesia practice and provide guidance on future preventative strategies. Many of these errors will be almost entirely preventable with the use of prefilled medication syringes to avoid accidental ampule swap, bar-coding at the point of medication administration to prevent syringe swap and to confirm the proper dose, and 2-person checking of medication infusions for accuracy. (C) 2017 International Anesthesia Research Society
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http://ift.tt/2v5IRNz
Improving Adherence to Intraoperative Lung-Protective Ventilation Strategies at a University Medical Center.
BACKGROUND: Intraoperative lung-protective ventilation (ILPV) is defined as tidal volumes 65 kg. Surveyed providers demonstrated stronger agreement to having knowledge and practice consistent with ILPV after interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Our interventions improved anesthesia provider adherence to low tidal volume ILPV. IBW was found to be an important factor related to provider adherence to ILPV. Provider attitudes about their knowledge and practice consistent with ILPV also changed with our interventions. (C) 2017 International Anesthesia Research Society
http://ift.tt/2v6fNWb
http://ift.tt/2v6fNWb
Estimation of Stroke Volume and Stroke Volume Changes by Electrical Impedance Tomography.
BACKGROUND: Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a noninvasive imaging method that identifies changes in air and blood volume based on thoracic impedance changes. Recently, there has been growing interest in EIT to measure stroke volume (SV). The objectives of this study are as follows: (1) to evaluate the ability of systolic impedance variations ([DELTA]Zsys) to track changes in SV in relation to a baseline condition; (2) to assess the relationship of [DELTA]Zsys and SV in experimental subjects; and (3) to identify the influence of body dimensions on the relationship between [DELTA]Zsys and SV. METHODS: Twelve Agroceres pigs were instrumented with transpulmonary thermodilution catheter and EIT and were mechanically ventilated in a random order using different settings of tidal volume (VT) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP): VT 10 mL[middle dot]kg-1 and PEEP 10 cm H2O, VT 10 mL[middle dot]kg-1 and PEEP 5 cm H2O, VT 6 mL[middle dot]kg-1 and PEEP 10 cm H2O, and VT 6 mL[middle dot]kg-1 and PEEP 5 cm H2O. After baseline data collection, subjects were submitted to hemorrhagic shock and successive fluid challenges. RESULTS: A total of 204 paired measurements of SV and [DELTA]Zsys were obtained. The 4-quadrant plot showed acceptable trending ability with a concordance rate of 91.2%. Changes in [DELTA]Zsys after fluid challenges presented an area under the curve of 0.83 (95% confidence interval, 0.74-0.92) to evaluate SV changes. Conversely, the linear association between [DELTA]Zsys and SV was poor, with R2 from linear mixed model of 0.35. Adding information on body dimensions improved the linear association between [DELTA]Zsys and SV up to R2 from linear mixed model of 0.85. CONCLUSIONS: EIT showed good trending ability and is a promising hemodynamic monitoring tool. Measurements of absolute SV require that body dimensions be taken into account. (C) 2017 International Anesthesia Research Society
http://ift.tt/2vYlodd
http://ift.tt/2vYlodd
Venovenous Bypass Is Associated With a Lower Incidence of Acute Kidney Injury After Liver Transplantation in Patients With Compromised Pretransplant Renal Function.
BACKGROUND: Although the hemodynamic benefits of venovenous bypass (VVB) during liver transplantation (LT) are well appreciated, the impact of VVB on posttransplant renal function is uncertain. The aim of this study was to determine if VVB was associated with a lower incidence of posttransplant acute kidney injury (AKI). METHODS: Medical records of adult (>=18 years) patients who underwent primary LT between 2004 and 2014 at a tertiary hospital were reviewed. Patients who required pretransplant renal replacement therapy and intraoperative piggyback technique were excluded. Patients were divided into 2 groups, VVB and non-VVB. AKI, determined by the Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria, was compared between the 2 groups. Propensity match was used to control selection bias that occurred before VVB and multivariable logistic regression was used to control confounding factors during and after VVB. RESULTS: Of 1037 adult patients who met the study inclusion criteria, 247 (23.8%) received VVB. A total of 442 patients (221 patients in each group) were matched. Aftermatch patients were further divided according to a predicted probability AKI model using preoperative creatinine (Cr), VVB, and intraoperative variables into 2 subgroups: normal and compromised pretransplant renal functions. In patients with compromised pretransplant renal function (Cr >=1.2 mg/dL), the incidence of AKI was significantly lower in the VVB group compared with the non-VVB group (37.2% vs 50.8%; P = .033). VVB was an independent risk factor negatively associated with AKI (odds ratio, 0.1; 95% confidence interval, 0.1-0.4; P = .001). Renal replacement in 30 days and 1-year recipient mortality were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The incidence of posttransplant AKI was not significantly different between the 2 groups in patients with normal pretransplant renal function (Cr
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http://ift.tt/2v5FO7O
Lack of Association Between the Use of Nerve Blockade and the Risk of Persistent Opioid Use Among Patients Undergoing Shoulder Arthroplasty: Evidence From the Marketscan Database.
BACKGROUND: Persistent opioid use following surgery has received increasing attention from policymakers, researchers, and clinicians. Perioperative nerve blockade has been hypothesized to decrease the risk of persistent opioid use. We examined whether nerve blockade was associated with a decreased risk of persistent opioid use among patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty, a procedure with high rates of persistent postoperative pain. METHODS: Using health care claims data, we constructed a sample of 6695 patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty between 2002 and 2012 and used billing data to identify the utilization of nerve blockade. We then used a multivariable logistic regression to estimate the association between nerve blockade and 2 measures of opioid use: having filled at least 1 prescription for an opioid between postoperative days (PODs) 0 and 90, and between POD 91 and 365. This regression adjusted for a variety of potential confounders, such as preoperative opioid use and medical history. RESULTS: There was no association between nerve blockade and our 2 measures of persistent opioid use: adjusted odds ratio, 1.12 (97.5% confidence interval, 0.939-1.34; P = .15) for opioid use between POD 0 and 90, and adjusted odds ratio, 0.997 (97.5% confidence interval, 0.875-1.14; P = .95) for opioid use between POD 91 and 365. CONCLUSIONS: Although the use of perioperative nerve blockade may offer short-term benefits, in this study, it was not associated with a reduction in the risk of persistent opioid use for patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty. (C) 2017 International Anesthesia Research Society
http://ift.tt/2vYmXrS
http://ift.tt/2vYmXrS
A Novel Method of Evaluating Key Factors for Success in a Multifaceted Critical Care Fellowship Using Data Envelopment Analysis.
BACKGROUND: The current system of summative multi-rater evaluations and standardized tests to determine readiness to graduate from critical care fellowships has limitations. We sought to pilot the use of data envelopment analysis (DEA) to assess what aspects of the fellowship program contribute the most to an individual fellow's success. DEA is a nonparametric, operations research technique that uses linear programming to determine the technical efficiency of an entity based on its relative usage of resources in producing the outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: Critical care fellows (n = 15) in an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited fellowship at a major academic medical center in the United States. METHODS: After obtaining institutional review board approval for this retrospective study, we analyzed the data of 15 anesthesiology critical care fellows from academic years 2013-2015. The input-oriented DEA model develops a composite score for each fellow based on multiple inputs and outputs. The inputs included the didactic sessions attended, the ratio of clinical duty works hours to the procedures performed (work intensity index), and the outputs were the Multidisciplinary Critical Care Knowledge Assessment Program (MCCKAP) score and summative evaluations of fellows. RESULTS: A DEA efficiency score that ranged from 0 to 1 was generated for each of the fellows. Five fellows were rated as DEA efficient, and 10 fellows were characterized in the DEA inefficient group. The model was able to forecast the level of effort needed for each inefficient fellow, to achieve similar outputs as their best performing peers. The model also identified the work intensity index as the key element that characterized the best performers in our fellowship. CONCLUSIONS: DEA is a feasible method of objectively evaluating peer performance in a critical care fellowship beyond summative evaluations alone and can potentially be a powerful tool to guide individual performance during the fellowship. (C) 2017 International Anesthesia Research Society
http://ift.tt/2vYlTEg
http://ift.tt/2vYlTEg
End-Expiratory Occlusion Test Predicts Fluid Responsiveness in Patients With Protective Ventilation in the Operating Room.
BACKGROUND: End-expiratory occlusion test (EEOT) has been proposed to predict fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients. The utility of this test during low-tidal-volume ventilation remains uncertain. This study aimed to determine whether hemodynamic variations induced by EEOT could predict the effect of volume expansion in patients with protective ventilation in the operating room. METHODS: Forty-one patients undergoing neurosurgery were included. Stroke volume and pulse pressure variations were continuously recorded using pulse contour analysis before and immediately after a 30-second EEOT and after volume expansion (250 mL saline 0.9% given over 10 minutes). Patients with an increase in stroke volume >= 10% after volume expansion were defined as responders. RESULTS: Twenty patients were responders to fluid administration. EEOT induced a significant increase in stroke volume, which was correlated with the stroke volume changes induced by volume expansion (r2 = 0.55, P
http://ift.tt/2vYdNeW
http://ift.tt/2vYdNeW
Multicenter analysis of transanal tube placement for prevention of anastomotic leak after low anterior resection
Background
Anastomotic leak (AL) is a serious complication of low anterior resection (LAR). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of transanal tube placement for prevention of AL.
Methods
This multicenter retrospective cohort study enrolled 328 consecutive patients who underwent LAR for rectal cancer at participating hospitals from 2009 to 2014. Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust for confounding factors.
Results
A transanal tube was placed in 205 patients (TA group) and not placed in 123 patients (non-TA group). Symptomatic AL occurred in 36 cases (11%), with significantly higher incidence of symptomatic AL in the non-TA group than in the TA group (15% vs 8.3%, odds ratio [OR] 2.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-4.06). After adjusting for confounding factors, multivariate analysis revealed that placement of a transanal tube could decrease the incidence of symptomatic AL (adjusted OR 0.37, 95%CI 0.15-0.91). There was no significant difference in postoperative morbidity, mortality, length of hospital stay, or local recurrence rate between the two groups. Local recurrence rate tended to be higher in patients with symptomatic AL (3/36) than in those without it (10/292).
Conclusions
Transanal tube placement is effective for decreasing the incidence of symptomatic AL after LAR.
http://ift.tt/2uv2jS8
Improvement and persistent disparities in completion lymph node dissection: Lessons from the National Cancer Database
Background
Completion lymph node dissection (CLND) is recommended for melanoma patients with positive sentinel lymph node biopsies (SLNB); however, 50% do not undergo CLND. We sought to determine CLND trends over time, and factors contributing to variability.
Methods
The NCDB was queried for patients undergoing wide local excision (WLE), with or without SLNB and CLND. Cohorts were created based on demographic/socioeconomic variables and era of treatment (Era 1: 2003-07, Era 2: 2008-12). Univariate and multivariate analyses identified factors associated with performance of or trends in CLND.
Results
122 849 underwent WLE with SLNB. Of 24 267 (19.8%) with +SLNB, 13 594 (56.0%) continued to CLND. In multivariate analyses, Medicaid (OR 0.78; P = 0.04) or Medicare (OR 0.79; P < 0.01) in Era 1 and patients without insurance in Era 2 (OR 0.78; P = 0.01) underwent less CLND. In both eras, Blacks (OR 0.45; P < 0.01, OR 0.59; P < 0.01), head/neck lesions (OR 0.72; P < 0.01, OR 0.66; P < 0.01) and lower extremity lesions (OR 0.75; P < 0.01, OR 0.72; P < 0.01) underwent less CLND. However, Blacks experienced greatest increase in CLND usage (+9.2%).
Conclusions
CLND usage continues to be low and racial/socioeconomic disparities persist. Until the results of MSLT-2 become available, continued focus on understanding poor adherence to, and improving rates of CLND is necessary.
http://ift.tt/2vGN1bq
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