Determinants of Postoperative Spinal Height Change among Adult Spinal Deformity Patients with Long Construct Circumferential Fusion

Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and imaging data of ASD patients who underwent lumbar corrective circumferential fusion of ≥3 levels (n=106). SH was defined as the vertical distance between C2 and S1 on a standing lateral image. As potential predictors of postoperative height change, the number of lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) levels, change in spino-pelvic parameters, total number of levels fused, and pedicle subtraction osteotomies (PSO) were documented. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to identify the predictors of postoperative height change. @*Results@#The mean SH change was −2.39±50.8 mm (range, −160 to 172 mm). The univariate analyses showed that the number of LLIF levels (coefficient=10.9, p=0.03), the absolute coronal vertical axis change (coefficient=0.6, p=0.01), and the absolute Cobb angle change (coefficient=−0.9, p=0.03) were significant predictors for height change. Patients with PSOs (n=14) tended to have a shorter height postoperatively (coefficient=−26.1); however, this difference was not significant (p=0.07). Multivariate analyses conducted with variables of pp=0.04, R2=0.11). @*Conclusions@#Utilizing a modified definition of SH used in previous AIS studies, we demonstrated that patients with ASD lose SH postoperatively and that PT change was an independent contributor of SH change.

Determinants of Postoperative Spinal Height Change among Adult Spinal Deformity Patients with Long Construct Circumferential Fusion

Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and imaging data of ASD patients who underwent lumbar corrective circumferential fusion of ≥3 levels (n=106). SH was defined as the vertical distance between C2 and S1 on a standing lateral image. As potential predictors of postoperative height change, the number of lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) levels, change in spino-pelvic parameters, total number of levels fused, and pedicle subtraction osteotomies (PSO) were documented. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to identify the predictors of postoperative height change. @*Results@#The mean SH change was −2.39±50.8 mm (range, −160 to 172 mm). The univariate analyses showed that the number of LLIF levels (coefficient=10.9, p=0.03), the absolute coronal vertical axis change (coefficient=0.6, p=0.01), and the absolute Cobb angle change (coefficient=−0.9, p=0.03) were significant predictors for height change. Patients with PSOs (n=14) tended to have a shorter height postoperatively (coefficient=−26.1); however, this difference was not significant (p=0.07). Multivariate analyses conducted with variables of pp=0.04, R2=0.11). @*Conclusions@#Utilizing a modified definition of SH used in previous AIS studies, we demonstrated that patients with ASD lose SH postoperatively and that PT change was an independent contributor of SH change.

Performance and Impact of Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen-Based Diagnostics in the Management of Men with Biochemical Recurrence of Prostate Cancer and its Role in Salvage Lymph Node Dissection

Preoperative Therapy Regimen Influences the Incidence and Implication of Nodal Downstaging in Patients with Gastric Cancer

Purpose@#Nodal downstaging after preoperative therapy for gastric cancer has been shown to impart excellent prognosis, but this has not been validated in a national cohort. The role of neoadjuvant chemoradiation (NACR) in nodal downstaging remains unclear when compared with that of neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone (NAC). Furthermore, it is unknown whether the prognostic implications of nodal downstaging differ by preoperative regimen. @*Materials and Methods@#Using the National Cancer Database, overall survival (OS) duration was compared among natural N0 (cN0/ypN0), downstaged N0 (cN+/ypN0), and nodepositive (ypN+) gastric cancer patients treated with NACR or NAC. Factors associated with nodal downstaging were examined in a propensity score-matched cohort of cN+ patients, matched 1:1 by receipt of NACR or NAC. @*Results@#Of 7,426 patients (natural N0 [n=1,858, 25.4%], downstaged N0 [n=1,813, 24.4%], node-positive [n=3,755, 50.4%]), 58.2% received NACR, and 41.9% received NAC. The median OS durations of downstaged N0 (5.1 years) and natural N0 (5.6 years) patients were similar to one another and longer than that of node-positive patients (2.1 years) (P<0.001). In the matched cohort of cN+ patients, more recent diagnosis (2010–2015 vs. 2004–2009) (odds ratio [OR], 2.57; P<0.001) and NACR (OR, 2.02; P<0.001) were independently associated with nodal downstaging. The 5-year OS rate of downstaged N0 patients was significantly lower after NACR (46.4%) than after NAC (57.7%) (P=0.003). @*Conclusions@#Downstaged N0 patients have the same prognosis as natural N0 patients.Nodal downstaging occurred more frequently after NACR; however, the survival benefit of nodal downstaging after NACR may be less than that when such is achieved by NAC.

Artificial Intelligence in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly integrating into modern technology and clinical practice. Although in its nascency, AI has become a hot topic of investigation for applications in clinical practice. Multiple fields of medicine have embraced the possibility of a future with AI assisting in diagnosis and pathology applications.In the field of gastroenterology, AI has been studied as a tool to assist in risk stratification, diagnosis, and pathologic identification. Specifically, AI has become of great interest in endoscopy as a technology with substantial potential to revolutionize the practice of a modern gastroenterologist. From cancer screening to automated report generation, AI has touched upon all aspects of modern endoscopy.Here, we review landmark AI developments in endoscopy. Starting with broad definitions to develop understanding, we will summarize the current state of AI research and its potential applications. With innovation developing rapidly, this article touches upon the remarkable advances in AI-assisted endoscopy since its initial evaluation at the turn of the millennium, and the potential impact these AI models may have on the modern clinical practice. As with any discussion of new technology, its limitations must also be understood to apply clinical AI tools successfully.

Serotonergic Antidepressants Are Associated with Increased Blood Loss and Risk for Transfusion in Single-Level Lumbar Fusion Surgery

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of antidepressants on blood loss and transfusion requirements in spinal surgery patients. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Several studies have shown an increase in perioperative bleeding in orthopedic surgery patients on antidepressant drug therapy, yet no study has examined the impact of these agents on spinal surgery patients. METHODS: Charts of patients who underwent single-level spinal fusion (posterior lumbar interbody fusion with posterior instrumentation) performed by five fellowship-trained surgeons at a tertiary spine center between 2008 and 2013, were retrospectively reviewed. Exclusion criteria included select medical comorbidities, select drug therapy, and Amercian Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification score of greater than 2. Serotonergic antidepressants were examined in multivariate analysis to assess their predictive value on estimated blood loss and risk of transfusion. RESULTS: A total of 235 patients, of which 52% were female, were included. Allogeneic blood was transfused in 7% of patients. The average estimated blood loss was 682±463 mL. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were taken by 10% of all patients. Multivariable regression analysis showed that intake of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors was a significant predictor for blood loss (average increase of 34%, p=0.015) and for the need of allogeneic blood transfusion (odds ratio, 4.550; p=0.029). CONCLUSIONS: There was a statistically significant association between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and both increased blood loss and risk of allogeneic red blood cell transfusion. Surgeons and perioperative providers should take these findings into account when assessing patients' preoperative risk for blood loss and transfusion.

A Comparative Study of Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

STUDY DESIGN: Level 4 retrospective review. PURPOSE: To compare the radiographic and clinical outcomes between posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) with posterior segmental spinal instrumentation (SSI) for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Both PLIF and LLIF have been performed for degenerative spondylolisthesis with good results, but no study has directly compared these two techniques so far. METHODS: The electronic medical and radiographic records of 78 matched patients were analyzed. In one group, 39 patients underwent PLIF with SSI at 41 levels (L3-4/L4-5), while in the other group, 39 patients underwent the LLIF procedure at 48 levels (L3-4/L4-5). Radiological outcomes such as restoration of disc height and neuroforaminal height, segmental lumbar lordosis, total lumbar lordosis, incidence of endplate fracture, and subsidence were measured. Perioperative parameters were also recorded in each group. Clinical outcome in both groups was assessed by the short form-12, Oswestry disability index and visual analogue scale scores. The average follow-up period was 16.1 months in the LLIF group and 21 months in the PLIF group. RESULTS: The restoration of disc height, foraminal height, and segmental lumbar lordosis was significantly better in the LLIF group (p<0.001). The duration of the operation was similar in both groups, but the average blood loss was significantly lower in the LLIF group (p<0.001). However, clinical outcome scores were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Safe, effective interbody fusion can be achieved at multiple levels with neuromonitoring by the lateral approach. LLIF is a viable treatment option in patients with new onset symptoms due to degenerative spondylolisthesis who have had previous lumbar spine surgery, and it results in improved sagittal alignment and indirect foraminal decompression.

Intravenous immunoglobulin in the treatment of vancomycin-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis

Toxic epidermal necrolysis [TEN], an uncommon but potentially life-threatening skin reaction, is frequently induced by drugs. The mucocutaneous reaction is characterised by bullous detachment of the epidermis and mucous membranes. We present a 9-month-old male with methylmalonic acidaemia, generalised hypotonia, and global developmental delay. He presented with a 3-day history of fever, cough, shortness of breath, and vomiting. Eruption appeared after 5 days of vancomycin treatment. The eruption involved almost 60% of the total body surface area and both eyes. He was successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulin [IVIG], antibiotics, and appropriate wound management and made a full recovery with negligible sequelae despite the severity of his disease. Important components of successful treatment include early recognition, intensive care, prompt withdrawal of the causative agent, early administration of IVIG, appropriate fluid resuscitation, and control of infection. IVIG might be beneficial in the treatment of TEN; however, controlled studies are needed to evaluate IVIG compared to other modalities

Nephropathic cystinosis: first reported case in Oman

Cystinosis is an autosomal recessive, lysosomal storage disease characterised by the accumulation of the amino acid cystine in different organs and tissues. It is a multisystemic disease that can present with renal and extra renal manifestations. There are three types of cystinosis, infantile nephropathic cystinosis being the most severe form. In this report we present the classic clinical features of nephropathic cystinosis in an Omani child. This condition remains quite rare in the Middle East and is the first reported case of nephropathic cystinosis in the Omani population

Clinical profile of myasthenia gravis in the sultanate of Oman

Clinical study and follow up of myasthenia gravis patients in Oman. Follow up of 50 consecutive myasthenia gravis patients referred to the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman for a median period of 3 years from 1997 to 2000. We based the diagnosis on the clinical picture, repetitive nerve stimulation tests and edrophonium test. We performed a computerized tomography scan of the chest and anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies. We reviewed the results of immuno modulatory treatment including thymectomy and compared these with other studies. Of 50 patients, 6 had purely ocular myasthenia. Of the 44 with generalized myasthenia, 28 had bulbar involvement and 12 required ventilatory support. Eight out of 29 thymectomized patients had drug free remission after 2 years. There was worsening of myasthenic symptoms in only one out of 8 pregnancies and deliveries. Bulbar and ventilatory involvement are more common in our series as compared with western data. Pregnancy and delivery were well tolerated

Dilatação endoscópica de esôfago sem o auxílio de fluoroscopia: experiência en 1.358 sessões / Endoscopic dilation of esophagus without fluoroscopy: report on 1.358 procedures

Introdução e objetivos: A dilatação esofágica é considerada a terapêutica de escolha para a maioria dos casos de estenose benigna de esôfago; contudo permanece controversa a utilização da fluoroscipia neste procedimento, bem como qua a etiologia de estenose que melhor responde a esse tratamento. Neste estudo, os autores pretendem expor sua experiência coletada prospectivamente, em 1.358 sessões de dilatação endoscópica esofágica (DEE) sem auxílio fluoroscópico, e comparar os resultados deste método em pacientes de diferentes etiologias de estenose e graus de disfagia. Métodos: Entre 1992 e 2000, 241 pacientes foram submetidos à DEE sem auxílio fluoroscópico. O grau de disfagia dessses pacientes foi graduado de 0, sem disfagia a 4, quando não opto a ingerir líquidos em quantidade suficiente. A resposta de tratamento endoscópica era considerada ótima se fosse inserido um dilatador maior ou igual a 45Fr pela estemose e houvesse leve disfagia ou desaparecimento desta ( graus 0 e 1), e ruim mesmo que fosse inserido um dilatador maior ou igual a 45Fr pela estemose e houvesse disfagia (graus 2, 3 e 4). Resultados: obteve-se seguimento médio de 18,1 meses (1-82) em 207 pacientes (131 M, 76 F, idade média de 55,8 anos) que foram submetidos a 1.358 sessões de dilatação (mediana= 4, elastério de 1-75). A etiologia da estenose era pós-operatória em 125 pacientes, péptica em 46, cáustica em 16 e 20 por outras causas. O grau médio de disfagia antes do tratamento foi de 3,4 e 0,8 após a terapêutica (p=0,001). Resposta ótima ao tratamento foi obtida em 82por cento dos pacientes com estenoses pós-operatórias, em85porm cento dos casos de estenose péptica e em 61por cento dos pacientes com estenose cáustica (p= 0,08). Pacientes com estenose cáustica necessitaram de um número significante maior de sesões (mediana = 5,5) em relação aos casos de estenose pós-operatória (mediana =4) e péptica(mediana=3). Resposta ótima foi obtida em 84por cento dos pacientes que apresentavam disfagia a sólidos em em 41por cento dos casos com disfagia a líquidos à apresentação clínica (p= 0,0001)

Chemoprevention of Mammary, Cervix and Nervous system Carcinogenesis in Animals using Cultured Panax ginseng Drugs and Preliminary Clinical Trials in Patients with Precancerous Lesions of the Esophagus and Endometrium

The anticarcinogenic effects and mechanisms of the biotechnological drugs of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer cultivated in Russia, bioginseng, panaxel and panaxel- 5, were studied. Bioginseng was produced from a tissue culture of ginseng root cultured on standard medium, whereas panaxel and panaxel-5 were produced from ginseng tissue root cultures using standard mediums enriched with 2-carboxyethylgermanium sesquioxide and 1-hydroxygermatran-monohydrate respectively. All three ginseng drugs inhibited the development of mammary tumors induced by intramammary injections of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) in rats, the development of the brain and spinal cord tumors induced by transplacental administration of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) in rats, and the development of uterine, cervical and vaginal tumors induced by intravaginal applications of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) in mice. The ginseng drugs induced the cytotoxic activity of macrophages in mice, enhanced T-lymphocyte rosette formation in guinea pigs exposed to cyclophosphamide, and stimulated the production of thyroid hormones in rats. These mechanisms may contribute to the anticarcinogenic action of the ginseng drugs. The organic germanium compounds present in panaxel and panaxel-5 did not potentiate the anticarcinogenic or immuno- stimulatory effects as much as biogeinseng. Preliminary clinical trials with panaxel and bioginseng were carried out in patients with precancerous lesions of the esophagus and endometrium. Panaxel was found to have a strong therapeutic effect in patients suffering from chronic erosive esophagitis. Bioginseng induced the regression of adenomatous-cystic hyperplasia of the endometrium in some patients. Thus, we conclude that the drugs of ginseng appear to hold considerable promise for future cancer chemoprevention.

Role of anxiety and personality in non-ulcer dyspepsia: a comparative study with duodenal ulcer.

BACKGROUND: Though emotional factors are known to influence gut functions, studies evaluating the role of anxiety and personality in non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) are few and have not yielded consistent results. AIMS: To find out whether anxiety and abnormal personality pattern are specifically associated with NUD. METHODS: 33 patients with NUD and 30 patients with duodenal ulcer, who were randomly selected from among those attending a gastroenterology out-patient clinic, were administered a) the Eyesenck Personality Inventory, to measure neuroticism and extroversion; and b) a short self-rating scale for anxiety, to measure state and trait anxiety. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups in state anxiety, neuroticism and extroversion. Trait anxiety, however, was significantly higher in the NUD group (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Though the difference in trait anxiety score between the two groups attained significance, this finding needs further support to indicate a causal role for anxiety in NUD. There is need for further studies about the role of anxiety in various subgroups of NUD.

Coagulant and fibrinolytic activities of a metastasising and non-metastasising tumour line.

The two types of transplantable methyl cholanthrene induced fibrosarcoma in rats was used to find out the possible relationship between the fibrinolytic, procoagulant activities and the metastasizing capacity of the tumours. The highly metastatic tumour seems to possess high fibrinolytic activity as compared to the low metastatic one. Interestingly enough, it was found that the procoagulant and fibrinolytic activities in the highly metastasising tumour bear inverse relationship with each other in relation to time of tumour growth. The procoagulant activity of the tumour bypasses factor VII and acts at factor X level. The plasminogen activator present in the tumour tissue has been characterized by sephadex G-200 column chromatography and PAGE.