Nevin Manimala

Neurosurg Focus. 2023 Sep;55(3):E7. doi: 10.3171/2023.6.FOCUS23273.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Diffusion basis spectrum imaging (DBSI) has shown promise in evaluating cervical spinal cord structural changes in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). DBSI may also be valuable in the postoperative setting by serially tracking spinal cord microstructural changes following decompressive cervical spine surgery. Currently, there is a paucity of studies investigating this topic, likely because of challenges in resolving signal distortions from spinal instrumentation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of DBSI metrics extracted from the C3 spinal level to evaluate CSM patients postoperatively.

METHODS: Fifty CSM patients and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in a single-center prospective study between 2018 and 2020. All patients and healthy controls underwent preoperative and postoperative diffusion-weighted MRI (dMRI) at a 2-year follow-up. All CSM patients underwent decompressive cervical surgery. The modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score was used to categorize CSM patients as having mild, moderate, or severe myelopathy. DBSI metrics were extracted from the C3 spinal cord level to minimize image artifact and reduce partial volume effects. DBSI anisotropic tensors evaluated white matter tracts through fractional anisotropy, axial diffusivity, radial diffusivity, and fiber fraction. DBSI isotropic tensors assessed extra-axonal pathology through restricted and nonrestricted fractions.

RESULTS: Of the 50 CSM patients, both baseline and postoperative dMR images with sufficient quality for analysis were obtained in 27 patients. These included 15 patients with mild CSM (mJOA scores 15-17), 7 with moderate CSM (scores 12-14), and 5 with severe CSM (scores 0-11), who were followed up for a mean of 23.5 (SD 4.1, range 11-31) months. All preoperative C3-level DBSI measures were significantly different between CSM patients and healthy controls (p < 0.05), except DBSI fractional anisotropy (p = 0.31). At the 2-year follow-up, the same significance pattern was found between CSM patients and healthy controls, except DBSI radial diffusivity was no longer statistically significant (p = 0.75). When assessing change (i.e., postoperative – preoperative values) in C3-level DBSI measures, CSM patients exhibited significant decreases in DBSI radial diffusivity (p = 0.02), suggesting improvement in myelin integrity (i.e., remyelination) at the 2-year follow-up. Among healthy controls, there was no significant difference in DBSI metrics over time.

CONCLUSIONS: DBSI metrics derived from dMRI at the C3 spinal level can be used to provide meaningful insights into representations of the spinal cord microstructure of CSM patients at baseline and 2-year follow-up. DBSI may have the potential to characterize white matter tract recovery and inform outcomes following decompressive cervical surgery for CSM.

PMID:37657107 | DOI:10.3171/2023.6.FOCUS23273

Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Sep 1;102(35):e34579. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034579.

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the impact of a reduced iodine load using deep learning reconstruction (DLR) on the hepatic parenchyma compared to conventional iterative reconstruction (hybrid IR) and its consequence on the radiation dose and image quality. This retrospective monocentric intraindividual comparison study included 66 patients explored at the portal phase using different multidetector computed tomography parameters: Group A, hybrid IR algorithm (hybrid IR) and a nonionic low-osmolality contrast agent (350 mgI/mL); Group B, DLR algorithm (DLR) and a nonionic iso-osmolality contrast agent (270 mgI/mL). We recorded the attenuation of the liver parenchyma, image quality, and radiation dose parameters. The mean hounsfield units (HU) value of the liver parenchyma was significantly lower in group B, at 105.9 ± 10.9 HU versus 118.5 ± 14.6 HU in group A. However, the 90%IC of mean liver attenuation in the group B (DLR) was between 100.8 HU and 109.3 HU. The signal-to-noise ratio of the liver parenchyma was significantly higher on DLR images, increasing by 56%. However, for both the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and CNR liver/PV no statistical difference was found, even if the CNR liver/PV ratio was slightly higher for group A. The mean dose-length product and computed tomography dose index volume values were significantly lower with DLR, corresponding to a radiation dose reduction of 36% for the DLR. Using a DLR algorithm for abdominal multidetector computed tomography with a low iodine load can provide sufficient enhancement of the liver parenchyma up to 100 HU in addition to the advantages of a higher image quality, a better signal-to-noise ratio and a lower radiation dose.

PMID:37657067 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000034579

Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Sep 1;102(35):e34588. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034588.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to compare the incidence of anastomotic leakage or stenosis, anastomotic bleeding, anastomosis time, postoperative exhaust time, pneumonia, gastroesophageal reflux, hospitalization and mental state after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, so as to provide a reliable basis for the safety selection of the 2 clinical anastomosis methods and postoperative care. This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 160 gastric cancer patients treated by our medical team from February 2021 to December 2021. We divided them into side-to-side anastomosis with linear stapler (linear stapler) and end-to-side anastomosis with circular stapler (circular stapler), analyzed the incidence and clinical efficacy of anastomotic complications after laparoscopic radical total gastrectomy. There was a statistically significant difference between linear stapler and the circular stapler in the incidence of anastomotic complications such as the incidence of anastomotic stenosis; The incidence of anastomotic leakage, incidence of anastomotic bleeding, without statistical significant; At the anastomosis time, time of first postoperative discharge, incidence of pneumonia, length of hospital stay, without statistical significant; The incidence of gastroesophageal reflux without statistical significant; The Anxiety Self-rating Scale score, depression self-rating scale score points, the linear stapler was significantly lower than the postoperative circular stapler. The study showed that the anastomotic complications (absolute odds ratio of 1.08; 95% CI 1.02-1.15). This 2 protocol can be used safely and effectively common methods for gastric cancer. The linear stapler after laparoscopic radical total gastrectomy was better than the circular stapler, and was better than the circular stapler in terms of postoperative exhaust time, the incidence of pneumonia and the hospital time. However, the anastomosis time was longer than that of the circular stapler, and fees are also relatively expensive.

PMID:37657064 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000034588

Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Sep 1;102(35):e34834. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034834.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electronic acupoint stimulation (TEAS) for improving postoperative recovery after gynecologic surgery.

METHODS: We performed a thorough search of 6 databases until March 2023, identifying 12 randomized controlled trials that met our predefined inclusion criteria and encompassed a total of 1510 patients. For continuous outcomes, we calculated the weighted mean difference (WMD), and for binomial outcomes, we used the risk ratio (RR). We evaluated heterogeneity among the included studies using Cochran I2 and Q statistics, utilizing a random-effects model when the I2 value exceeded 50%. To assess publication bias, we employed Egger test.

RESULTS: Our analysis found that TEAS significantly reduced the risk of postoperative nausea (RR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.43-0.83, P = .002) and postoperative vomiting (RR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.43-0.67, P < .001), visual analogue scale (WMD: -0.47, 95% CI: -0.76 to -0.17, P = .002), as well as shortened the time to first bowel movement (WMD: -18.43, 95% CI: -20.87 to -15.99, P < .001) and time to first flatus (WMD: -8.98, 95% CI: -12.46 to -5.51, P < .001) compared to the conventional group.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that TEAS may improve postoperative recovery following gynecologic surgery. However, to confirm these results, larger randomized controlled trials encompassing a more diverse range of patient populations are urgently required.

PMID:37657060 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000034834

Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Sep 1;102(35):e34678. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034678.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture by systematically reviewing the literature on colorectal cancer resection.

METHODS: Seven electronic databases were searched from inception to February 28, 2023. Randomized controlled trials on acupuncture in patients after CRC resection were included. Two reviewers independently selected relevant trials, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to obtain summary effect estimates. The data were pooled and analyzed using RevMan 5.3. The heterogeneity of selected studies was evaluated by evaluating the I-squared (I2) statistics.

RESULTS: Twenty-two studies with 1878 patients were included. Results of the meta-analysis showed there was a low level evidence that acupuncture may improve early postoperative symptoms, such as time to first flatus (n = 876, MD -0.77h, 95% CI -1.22 to -0.33 h, I2 = 89%), time to first bowel movement (n = 671, MD -1.41h, 95% CI -2.20 to -0.63 h, I2 = 95%), time to first defecation (n = 556, MD -1.03h, 95% CI -1.88 to -0.18 h, I2 = 95%), and nausea/vomiting (n = 1488, RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.59-0.89, I2 = 49%) compared with usual care and sham acupuncture. However, there were no statistically significant differences in postoperative pain (n = 1188, MD-0.21, 95% CI -0.59 to 0.17, I2 = 74%). And there was no sufficient evidence of improving long-term functional outcomes. There was substantial heterogeneity across trials. The adverse events associated with acupuncture stimulation were minor in include studies.

CONCLUSION SUBSECTIONS: There is currently low-level evidence supporting the use of acupuncture on postoperative symptoms for patients after colorectal cancer resection. More investigations should be established based on the STRICTA statement strictly.

PMID:37657054 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000034678

Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Sep 1;102(35):e34793. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034793.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Aflibercept has been approved for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer for more than a decade, but its antiangiogenesis adverse effect profile during treatment remains unclear. This study is conducted to systematically review the risk of antiangiogenic adverse events in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving aflibercept plus chemotherapy.

METHODS: We searched databases, including PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library up to September 9, 2021. Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and single-arm studies were included in the review. Statistical analyses were performed using R to calculate the summary incidence rate of antiangiogenic-related adverse events, odds ratios and 95% CIs. Heterogeneity among the included studies was assessed by subgroup analysis. Publication bias analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed to confirm the reliability of the results.

RESULTS: A total of 2889 patients from 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. The quality of the included studies was evaluated as qualified for further quantitative synthesis. In part of single-arm studies, the occurrence rates were 44.2% (95%CI, 39.7-48.7%) for hypertension, 31.3% (95% CI, 19.3-43.3%) for proteinuria, 27.3% (95%CI, 21.2-33.4%) for epistaxis, 22.5% (95%CI, 7.8-37.3%) for hemorrhage events, 8.0% (95%CI, 2.0-14 .0%) for venous thromboembolic event in all grades and 22.6% (95%CI, 19.1-26.2%) for grade III/IV hypertension, 7.4% (95%CI, 6.2-8.5%) for grade III/IV proteinuria. In part of RCT, compared to its counterpart, aflibercept containing arm was associated with the increased incidence rate in hypertension (OR:6.30, 95%CI: 3.49-11.36), proteinuria (OR:4.12, 95%CI: 1.25-13.61), epistaxis (OR:3.71, 95%CI: 2.84-4.85), III/IV hypertension (OR:7.20, 95%CI: 5.23-9.92), III/IV proteinuria (OR:5.13, 95%CI: 3.13-8.41). The funnel plot, Begg test and Egger test were carried out on the primary endpoints, III/IV hypertension rate and III/IV proteinuria rate, the result of which detected no obvious publication bias. No significant difference was observed in subgroup analysis in the primary endpoint between the subgroups stratified by treatment line (firstline or non-firstline), chemotherapy regime (FOLFIRI or others) and study design (RCTs or single-arm trials).

CONCLUSION: The available evidence suggests that using aflibercept is associated with an increased risk of antiangiogenic adverse events compared with controls. Further studies are needed to investigate this association. In the appropriate clinical scenario, the use of aflibercept in its approved indications remains justified. However, the results of this study should be interpreted with caution, as some of the evidence comes from single-arm clinical trials.

PMID:37657052 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000034793

Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Sep 1;102(35):e34405. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034405.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 has quickly spread worldwide since it first appeared in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. The most affected country in Africa was South Africa. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for death in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Africa.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched articles from the following database: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Medline, and COVID-19 Research Database. We used Google Scholar for gray literature. The language used in this article was English. The last search was conducted on January 15, 2023. Pooled HRs, or ORs, and 95% confidence intervals, were calculated separately to identify the risk factors for death in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran’s Q statistic and the I2 test. The Egger test was used to assess publication bias. Subgroup analysis was performed to determine the source of heterogeneity. Data analysis was performed using Stata version 17. A P value < .05 was considered significant.

RESULTS: A total of 16,600 articles were obtained from the database search; finally, 16 articles met the inclusion criteria and were eligible for data extraction. The analysis revealed that the pooled prevalence of mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients was 13.9%. Advanced age was a significant risk factor for death in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, with the pooled coronavirus mortality HR and OR being 3.73 (95% CI: 2.27-5.19) and 1.04 (95% CI: 1.02-1.06), respectively. In addition, male gender (pOR 1.23; 95% CI: 1.07-1.40), patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) (pOR 1.26; 95% CI: 1.01-1.51), hypertension (HTN) (pOR 1.56; 95% CI: 1.27-1.85), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (pHR 5.43; 95% CI: 0.18-10.67), severe or critical conditions (pOR 9.04; 95% CI: 3.14-14.94) had a significantly increased risk of coronavirus-related mortality. The main limitations of the present study stem from the predominant use of published studies, which could introduce publication bias.

CONCLUSION: According to this study, advanced age, male gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and severe or critical condition were clinical risk factors associated with death outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Africa.

PMID:37657047 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000034405

Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Sep 1;102(35):e34727. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034727.

ABSTRACT

Intussusception is frequently observed pediatric emergency that is often followed by recurrent intussusception after initial treatment. This study investigated the risk factors associated with recurrent intussusception in children aged ≤ 3 years. Between January 2007 and December 2015, a cohort study was conducted by linking the Taiwan Maternal and Child Health Database to the Birth Certificate Application database and the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. Patients aged ≤ 3 years with intussusception diagnosis and related treatment were included in our study. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors associated with recurrent intussusception. In total, 5341 children with intussusception aged ≤ 3 years were enrolled in our cohort. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for recurrent intussusception in children aged 2 to 3 years was 0.62 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47-0.82) compared with children aged < 1 year, and surgery decreased the risk of recurrent intussusception (aOR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.46-0.88). Male patients had higher risk of recurrent intussusception than female patients had (aOR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.13-1.75). Higher birth weight may increase the risk of recurrent intussusception, but this association was not statistically significant. Furthermore, gestational age did not seem to affect the risk of recurrent intussusception. Surgical treatment and delayed onset of intussusception are associated with a reduced risk of recurrent intussusception; males are associated with increased risk of recurrent intussusception. In addition, we suggest that in early infancy, patients who received non-surgical treatment as the initial treatment for intussusception should be closely followed up for potential recurrence of intussusception.

PMID:37657043 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000034727

Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Sep 1;102(35):e34900. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034900.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to explore efficacy of locally injected tranexamic acid (TXA) at a concentration of 1 mg/mL for reduction perioperative bleeding and postoperative complications in subcutaneous tumor excisions. We present the protocol and also compare results between the group of use antithrombotic group and not used.

METHODS: This is a retrospective study. Fifty-three patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 (n = 14): using antithrombotic drugs (antiplatelet or anticoagulants) with locally injected TXA. Group 2 (n = 17): using antithrombotic drugs without locally injected TXA. Group 3 (n = 22): not using antithrombotic drugs but with locally injected TXA. TXA was diluted to 1 mg/mL for use based on our experience. All patients were operated by 1 surgeon in 1 single medical center in Taipei from March 1st, 2020, to March 31st 2022. Outcomes such as the quality of perioperative surgical field and postoperative surgical complications were evaluated and compared. The quality of field was intraoperatively recorded by an assessment and photos from the surgeon. The statistical relationships between the complication rates were analyzed using χ2 test and a 1-way ANOVA by SPSS 25.

RESULTS: From Groups 1 and 3, a total of 36 patients, 29 patients had a clear surgical field during procedure. When comparing Groups 1 and 2, use of locally injected TXA had greater positive advantage in terms of a clearer vision whilst surgery (P = .031). Group 2 had more minor complications such as hematoma, severe ecchymosis, wound dehiscence, wound infection. By postoperatively reducing hematomas for 24 hours, it significantly reduce the incidence of abovementioned minor complications (P = .036). With the help of locally injected TXA, shorter time was required to remove drain, hence reducing duration of in-hospital stay.

CONCLUSION: The use of locally injected TXA whilst performing subcutaneous surgery on patients taking antithrombotic drugs is cost-effective. It could reduce bleeding and provide a more effective surgical field. In our study, favorable results were obtained from the use of diluted tranexamic acid (1 mg/mL) mixed with lidocaine, namely in clearing the surgical field as well as reducing postoperative surgical complications.

PMID:37657042 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000034900

Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Sep 1;102(35):e34817. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034817.

ABSTRACT

Currently, there is no comprehensive bibliometric study in the literature on Crohn’s disease (CD). The aim of this study was to analyze articles published on CD using bibliometric and statistical methods. The aim was to identify current research trends, show global productivity, and determine important players such as countries, journals, institutions, and authors. A total of 16,216 articles published on CD between 1980 and 2022 were analyzed using various statistical and bibliometric methods. Bibliometric network visualization maps were used to perform trend topic analysis, citation analysis, and international collaboration analysis. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used for correlation analysis. The top 3 contributing countries to the literature were the United States of America (USA) (n = 4344, 26.7%), the United Kingdom (UK) (n = 2036, 12.5%) and Germany (n = 1334, 8.2%). The most active institutions were Udice French Research Universities (n = 696), Assistance Publique Hopitaux Paris (n = 570), and Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale Inserm (n = 479). The most productive journals were Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (n = 1100), Journal of Crohn’s & Colitis (n = 579), and Gut (n = 510). The most prolific author was Colombel JF. (n = 290). The most frequently researched topics from past to present included infliximab, ulcerative colitis, surgery, pediatrics, adalimumab, magnetic resonance imaging, inflammation, perianal CD/perianal fistula, azathioprine, magnetic resonance enterography, small bowel, stricture/strictureplasty, recurrence, therapy/treatment, ustekinumab, mucosal healing, biomarkers, fistula, quality of life, ultrasonography, epidemiology, capsule endoscopy, laparoscopic surgery/laparoscopy, endoscopy, disease activity, postoperative recurrence, and the Nucleotide Binding Oligomerization Domain Containing 2 gene. We have seen an exponential increase in worldwide publications on CD. In recent years, the major research topics related to CD have been ustekinumab, vedolizumab, fecal calprotectin, therapeutic drug monitoring, biologics, biomarkers, exclusive enteral nutrition, microbiome/microbiota, magnetic resonance enterography, anti-TNF, postoperative complications, and mucosal healing. We determined that countries with large economies, particularly the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Canada, Italy, Japan and China, have taken the lead in research contributions to the development of CD literature.

PMID:37657036 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000034817