Tag: pubmed

J Ultrasound Med. 2022 Mar 26. doi: 10.1002/jum.15981. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to evaluate the clinical application values of ultrasound real-time shear wave elastography (SWE) in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of cervical cancer (CC).

METHODS: A total of 285 married female patients were screened and divided into three groups according to the results of the pathological examination and the cervical ThinPrep cytologic test: 1) the CC group (n = 94); 2) the cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) group (n = 91); and 3) the normal control group (n = 100). The maximum Young’s modulus (Emax), mean Young’s modulus (Emean), minimum Young’s modulus (Emin), and Young’s modulus stability (Esd) in each group were measured and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in Emax, Emean, Emin, and Esd values between the anterior and posterior cervical walls, premenopausal and postmenopausal women, and nonparturient and parturient women in the normal control group. The Emax, Emean, Emin, and Esd values in the CIN group showed no statistically significant differences in different periods when compared with the control group. The differences between the normal control group and the CC group were statistically significant; the CC group showed no statistically significant differences in Emax, Emean, Emin, and Esd values at different clinical stages and in different pathological types. The cutoff value of Emax for CC diagnosis, which was of the highest accuracy (89.7%), was 43.48 kpa.

CONCLUSION: Ultrasound real-time SWE can be applied to CC diagnosis.

PMID:35338721 | DOI:10.1002/jum.15981

Mol Oncol. 2022 Mar 26. doi: 10.1002/1878-0261.13216. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) outcomes vary according to breast cancer (BC) subtype. Since pathologic complete response is one of the most important target endpoints of NACT, further investigation of NACT outcomes in BC is crucial. Thus, identifying sensitive and specific predictors of treatment response for each phenotype would enable early detection of chemoresistance and residual disease, decreasing exposures to ineffective therapies and enhancing overall survival rates. We used liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS)-based untargeted metabolomics to detect molecular changes in plasma of three different BC subtypes following the same NACT regimen, with the aim of searching for potential predictors of response. The metabolomics dataset was analyzed by combining univariate and multivariate statistical strategies. By using ANOVA-simultaneous component analysis (ASCA), we were able to determine the prognostic value of potential biomarker candidates of response to NACT in the triple-negative (TN) subtype. Higher concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid and secondary bile acids were found at basal and pre-surgery samples, respectively, in the responders group. In addition, the glycohyocholic and glycodeoxycholic acids were able to classify TN patients according to response to treatment and overall survival with an AUC model >0.77. In relation to luminal B (LB) and HER2+ subjects, it should be noted that significant differences were related to time and individual factors. Specifically, tryptophan was identified to be decreased over time in HER2+ patients, whereas LysoPE(22:6) appeared to be increased, but could not be associated with response to NACT. Therefore, the combination of untargeted-based metabolomics along with longitudinal statistical approaches may represent a very useful tool for the improvement of treatment and in administering a more personalized BC follow-up in the clinical practice.

PMID:35338693 | DOI:10.1002/1878-0261.13216

Transfusion. 2022 Mar 26. doi: 10.1111/trf.16864. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Allogenic blood transfusions can lead to immunomodulation. Our purpose was to investigate whether perioperative transfusions were associated with postoperative infections and any other adverse events (AEs), after adjusting for potential confounding factors, following common elective lumbar spinal surgery procedures.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a multivariate, propensity-score matched, regression-adjusted retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database between 2012 and 2016. All lumbar spinal surgery procedures were identified (n = 174,891). A transfusion group (perioperative transfusion within 72 h before, during, or after principal surgery; n = 1992) and a control group (no transfusion; n = 1992) were formed. Following adjustment for between-group baseline features, adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using a multivariate logistic regression model for any surgical site infection (SSI), superficial SSI, deep SSI, wound dehiscence, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, sepsis, any infection, mortality, and any AEs.

RESULTS: Transfusion was associated with an increased risk of each specific infection, mortality, and any AEs. Statistically significant between-group differences were demonstrated with respect to any SSI (aOR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.01-2.16), deep SSI (aOR: 1.66; 95% CI: 0.98-2.85), sepsis (aOR: 2.69; 95% CI: 1.43-5.03), wound dehiscence (aOR: 2.27; 95% CI: 0.86-6.01), any infection (aOR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.13-1.88), any AEs (aOR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.48-2.18), and mortality (aOR: 2.17; 95% CI: 0.77-6.36).

CONCLUSION: We showed an association between transfusion and infection in lumbar spine surgery after adjustment for various applicable covariates. Sepsis had the highest association with transfusion. Our results reinforce a growing trend toward minimizing perioperative transfusions, which may lead to reduced infections following lumbar spine surgery.

PMID:35338708 | DOI:10.1111/trf.16864

ANZ J Surg. 2022 Mar 26. doi: 10.1111/ans.17594. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The aim of this review is to compare the outcomes of surgical repair versus watchful waiting in asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic inguinal hernias.

METHODS: Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines were employed. We analysed primary outcomes: pain, quality of life, pain during daily activities and visual analogue scale (VAS that measures pain at rest and on movement) and secondary outcomes: postoperative complications and recurrence.

RESULTS: Pain and quality of life were not comparable due to differences in the parameters used in different articles. Pain interfering with normal daily activity was evaluated in one study and appears more favourable in the post-repair group respect to the watchful waiting (WW) group (5.1% versus 2.2%). VAS, measured in one study, at 6 months was more favourable in the surgery group (37% versus 44%). After 12 months the outcome was better in the control group than in the repair group (28% versus 30%). Conversion rate of the patient cohorts from watchful waiting to elective surgery was between 35.03% and 57.8%. The meta-analysis did not find significant statistical differences in the two groups examined for postoperative complications [RR = 0.95, 95% CI (0.50, 1.80), P = 0.88], as for hernia recurrence [RR = 1.01, 95% CI (0.50, 2.02), P = 0.98].

CONCLUSION: WW seems to be an acceptable option for the patient with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic inguinal hernias. Delaying surgical repair until symptoms appear is safe. Acute hernia incarcerations are not particularly frequent. The incidence of chronic pain after the repair is high. Physicians must select patients carefully and explain to them the risks and benefits of surgery.

PMID:35338686 | DOI:10.1111/ans.17594

Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2022 Mar 26. doi: 10.1111/aas.14063. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We aimed at investigating the incidence, characteristics and outcome of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in patients after cardiac arrest (CA) and its potential association with mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH). We hypothesised, that MTH might increase the risk of VAP.

METHODS: Prospective observational study including comatose adult patients after successful resuscitation from out-of-hospital or in-hospital CA with presumed cardiac cause admitted to ICU and treated with MTH at 33°C for 24h or normothermia (NT) with treatment of fever ≥ 38°C by pharmacological means. The primary outcome measure was the development of VAP. VAP diagnosis included mechanical ventilation >48h combined with clinical and radiologic criteria. For a microbiologically confirmed VAP (mcVAP) a positive respiratory culture was required.

RESULTS: 23% of 171 patients developed VAP, 6% presented with mcVAP. VAP was associated with increased ICU-LOS (9 (IQR 5-14) vs. 6 (IQR 3-9) days; p<0.01), ventilator-dependent days (6 (IQR 4-9) vs. 4 (IQR 2-7) days; p<0.01) and duration of antibiotic treatment (9 (IQR 5-13) vs. 5 (IQR 2-9) days; p<0.01), but not with mortality (OR 0.88 (95% CI: 0.43-1.81); p=0.74). Patients treated with MTH (47%) presented higher VAP (30 vs. 17%; p=0.04) and mcVAP rates (11 vs. 2%; p=0.03). MTH was associated with VAP in multivariable logistic regression analysis with an OR of 2.67 (95% CI: 1.22-5.86); p=0.01.

CONCLUSIONS: VAP appears to be a common complication in patients after CA, accompanied by more ventilator-dependent days, prolonged antibiotic treatment and ICU-LOS. Treatment with MTH is significantly associated with development of VAP.

PMID:35338658 | DOI:10.1111/aas.14063

Med J Malaysia. 2022 Mar;77(2):237-240.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Isolation of SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals is an important COVID-19 pandemic control measure. While most cases have uncomplicated infection, a small proportion of them has developed life-threatening disease. We set up a retrospective study to determine preadmission triaging tool to predict the development of severe COVID-19.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted from 1 October 2020 to 31 January 2021 with enrolment of all SARS-CoV-2 PCR-confirmed persons aged ≥13 years. The disease severity was assessed on admission and daily throughout the hospitalisation. Test-positive individuals were considered as having “severe COVID-19” if they had ≥1 of the following: room air oxygen saturation 30 breaths/minute, signs of severe respiratory distress, or received mechanical ventilation and/or vasopressor therapy. Uni- and multi-variate analyses using SPSS Statistics Ver. 26 were performed.

RESULTS: We showed that age ≥ 60 years, BMI ≥ 30.0, presentation on days 7-12 of illness, and ≥1 comorbidity were associated with development of severe COVID-19. A scoring system based on the four variables is a useful COVID-19 risk assessment tool. A total score ≥2 had a sensitivity of 60.9%, specificity of 88.2%, positive predictive value of 37.8% and negative predictive value of 95.0%.

CONCLUSION: Development of preadmission triaging tool can help health care providers (HCPs) decide on the placement of test-positive individuals to appropriate isolation facilities according to the risk of developing severe COVID-19.

PMID:35338633

Laryngoscope. 2022 Mar 26. doi: 10.1002/lary.30113. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: (1) Measure the cartilaginous Eustachian tube (ET) length using a computed tomography (CT) scan and (2) develop a prediction model to measure this length without the need of a CT scan.

STUDY DESIGN: CT measurements in children.

SETTING: Children’s Hospital.

METHODS: CT scans were reformatted to project the cranial and caudal limits of the cartilaginous ET. The length was measured in 193 children who underwent a neck CT scan for nonotologic indications. Five physicians independently reviewed all or some of these measures. Four different models based on age, age ranges, weight, and height were created and compared to predict ET length.

RESULTS: The cartilaginous ET length was 25.3 ± 3.1 mm for the right and for the left ear. The mean ET length for the females was statistically significantly less than the length in males. The lower ET lengths in children as old as 5 years of age were less than the 2 cm adult criteria used for catheter insertion. All 4 models performed equally well in predicting ET length. Model number 4, which is based on height, was the easiest to calculate ET length.

CONCLUSION: The cartilaginous portion of the pediatric ET can be measured with good precision using reformatted CT images. We caution against using the “adult” criteria of 2 cm for catheter insertion in children, especially those younger than 5 years of age. We recommend using a model utilizing height measures to estimate ET length or direct measurements from a reformatted CT scan.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 2022.

PMID:35338653 | DOI:10.1002/lary.30113

Med J Malaysia. 2022 Mar;77(2):224-231.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: In Malaysia, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus has been increasing annually, currently affecting 18.3% of the population. Diabetic foot ulcer, a common complication of diabetes, is associated with high morbidity and mortality, consequently increasing health care expenditure. A previous study showed that foot care knowledge and foot self-care practices help to reduce the development of ulcers.1,2 This study aims to identify the level of foot care knowledge and self-care practices among diabetic patients in the primary care setting.

OBJECTIVE: This study was to determine the level of foot care knowledge and foot self-care practices among diabetic patients in the primary care setting in Penang Island and its determinants and the correlation between level of foot care knowledge and self-care practices among diabetic patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross sectional study was performed on 311 diabetic patients who were registered to two government health clinics in Penang. Information regarding respondents’ demographic status, foot care knowledge, and foot self-care practices were gathered using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 22. The Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test were applied to the analysis. Multiple linear regression was performed to identify the determinants. Correlation between knowledge and self-care practice was determined using the linear regression model.

RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-five (53.1%) respondents achieved good knowledge scores and 196 respondents (63%) achieved good self-care practice scores. The median age of respondents was 61 years, who were mostly females (56.6%), Malays (41.2%), and unemployed (48.6%). Median HbA1c level was 7.5%, and 42.8% of respondents had diabetes for 5 to 10 years. Lowest scores for knowledge and self-care practices were observed in foot skin care questions. Formal foot care education was found to be a significant predictor of foot care knowledge (p<0.05, 95% CI -1.102, -0.098). Foot care knowledge was significantly and positively correlated with foot self-care practices (p<0.001, 95% CI 0.548, 0.727).

CONCLUSION: Foot care knowledge has significant positive correlation with foot self-care practices. Empowering diabetic patients with foot care knowledge may lead to significantly better foot self-care practices.

PMID:35338631

Med J Malaysia. 2022 Mar;77(2):137-142.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Down Syndrome (DS) children attending the DS clinic at Child Development Centre Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (CDC-UKMMC) and to assess the appropriateness of using an M-CHAT as an ASD screener in this population. We traced the karyotype results of our study population from their medical record and compared this to study participant with a dual diagnosis of Down Syndrome- Autism Spectrum Disorder (DS-ASD). Lastly, we assessed the awareness among parents attending our DS follow up clinic regarding the possibility of an ASD diagnosis in DS children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This a single-centre cross-sectional study among DS children aged 18-60 months who attend the DS follow up clinic in UKMMC. Overall, 24 children were recruited to our study. The accompanying parent was given the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) questionnaire and a data collection sheet prior to their consultation. The chromosomal study was traced from their medical case notes. Children that were eligible for the study had their development assessed using the tool Schedule of Growing Skills II. The diagnosis of ASD was determined by the attending paediatrician using The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5) criteria.

RESULTS: The prevalence of dual diagnoses DS-ASD in our study population was 4.2%. Using M-CHAT as a screener, 8 children failed the M-CHAT, of whom only one was diagnosed with ASD. None of the children that passed the MCHAT was diagnosed with ASD. Only 17 chromosomal study results were available for analysis, 2 children had mosaic DS whereas the remaining was caused by non-disjunction; the only DS-ASD patient had non-disjunction. Regarding parental awareness of dual diagnoses of ASD and DS, about 60% of the parents attending UKMMC clinic were aware of the possibility of ASD-DS diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that ASD prevalence in our DS study population is consistent with those previously reported, and that paediatricians managing DS children should be aware of the dual diagnoses of ASD and DS when managing these patients. Even though, we are unable to make a definitive conclusion regarding the use of M-CHAT in this population of children due to the very small sample size, possibly a multi-centre research in the future may help elucidate this issue.

PMID:35338618

Cancer Med. 2022 Mar 26. doi: 10.1002/cam4.4658. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Older patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are a heterogeneous population with varying degrees of frailty. An electronic frailty index such as the Veterans Affairs Frailty Index (VA-FI) can potentially help identify vulnerable patients at high risk of poor outcomes.

METHODS: NSCLC patients ≥65 years old and diagnosed in 2002-2017 were identified using the VA Central Cancer Registry. The VA-FI was calculated using administrative codes from VA electronic health records data linked with Medicare and Medicaid data. We assessed associations between the VA-FI and times to mortality, hospitalization, and emergency room (ER) visit following diagnosis by Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariable stratified Cox models. We also evaluated the change in discrimination and calibration of reference prognostic models after adding VA-FI.

RESULTS: We identified a cohort of 42,204 older NSCLC VA patients, in which 55.5% were classified as frail (VA-FI >0.2). After adjustment, there was a strong association between VA-FI and the risk of mortality (HR = 1.23 for an increase of four deficits or, equivalently, an increase of 0.129 on VA-FI, p < 0.001), hospitalization (HR = 1.16 for four deficits, p < 0.001), and ER visit (HR = 1.18 for four deficits, p < 0.001). Adding VA-FI to baseline prognostic models led to statistically significant improvements in time-dependent area under curves and did not have a strong impact on calibration.

CONCLUSION: Older NSCLC patients with higher VA-FI have significantly elevated risks of mortality, hospitalizations, and ER visits following diagnosis. An electronic frailty index can serve as an accessible tool to identify patients with vulnerabilities to inform clinical care and research.

PMID:35338613 | DOI:10.1002/cam4.4658