Prognostic value of serum cystatin C in patients with sepsis

Background: Early identification and diagnosis of sepsis are very important because timely and appropriate treatment can improve the survival outcomes. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the clinical signi?cance of serum cystatin C level in sepsis. Materials and Methods: The levels of serum cystatin C, C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The patients with sepsis were followed up for 30 days to record their survival conditions. Results: The expression level of cystatin C was remarkably elevated in patients with sepsis compared with that in healthy controls. The serum cystatin C level was significantly correlated with the SOFA score and CRP, PCT, and creatinine levels in patients with sepsis. The patients in death group had a markedly higher level of serum cystatin C than those in survival group. The area under curve (AUC) of cystatin C for assessing the 30-day mortality rate of sepsis patients was 0.765. Conclusion: The serum cystatin C level is elevated in patients with sepsis and it may serve as a biomarker for early diagnosis of sepsis and possess promising effects in assessing the severity of sepsis and the prognosis of patients.

Prognostic significance of ?mmunhistochemical axl expression in pancreas ductal adenocarcinomas

Introduction and Aim: Pancreas Ductal Adenocarcinomas (PDACs) are among the leading causes of cancer-related death. Tyrosine kinase receptors (TKRs) are responsible for cell plasticity, chemoresistance, immunosuppression and metastasis potential. Axl is a receptor of the TKR family, and it has come to the fore in cancer treatment in the last decade. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of immunohistochemical Axl expression with histological features and its prognostic importance in PDACs. Materials and Methods: Fifty-three patients who were operated on for PDAC between 2006-2017 were evaluated retrospectively. Features of tumors; size, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), perineural invasion (PNI), resection margin (RM), lymph node metastasis (LNM), differentiation, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte, stage and overall survival were recorded. Immunohistochemically, membranous and or cytoplasmic staining was considered positive for Axl. Statistically, Pearson Chi-Square, Cox regression and Kaplan Mayer tests were used in the SPSS 21.0 program. Results: Axl was positive in 28 patients (52.8%). Axl positivity was found to be associated with the presence of LVI (P = 0.009) and LNM (P = 0.002) and was an independent prognostic factor in short survival (P = 0.006). Conclusion: It was found that increased expression of Axl, which is known to increase EMT-mediated metastasis in carcinogenesis, may be an indicator of local spread and poor prognosis in PDAC patients. In this respect, it can be promising as a targeted molecule in PDAC patient's individualized treatments.

Warning Signs on Short Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination and Correlation With Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination Global Score in Preterm Infants: A Prospective Cohort Study

Objective: To describe the findings of short Hammersmith Neonatal Neurologic examination (HNNE) in preterm small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants at term equivalent age (TEA) and to correlate it with the global score of Hammersmith Infant Neurologic Examination (HINE) performed at 4-6 months of corrected age. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at the high risk follow-up clinic of our center. 52 preterm infants born <35 weeks gestation were examined using HNNE at TEA and followedup till 4-6 months of corrected age to estimate HINE. Results: 20 infants (38.5%) had warning signs and 9 (17.3%) had abnormal signs on short HNNE. 12 (37.5%) AGA infants and 6 (30%) SGA infants had global score <65 at mean corrected age (SD) of 4.3 (0.7) weeks and 4.5 (0.8) weeks, respectively. Very preterm, birth weight <1000 g and SGA was significantly associated with global scores <65. Conclusion: Early identification of warning signs among SGA infants using Short HNNE screening at TEA can be useful to initiate early intervention. There was no statistically significant difference in global scores by HINE among AGA and SGA infants in early infancy.

Rol de trampas extracelulares de neutrófilos en el pronóstico de las infecciones del sistema respiratorio / Role of neutrophil extracellular traps in the prognosis of respiratory tract infections

Las trampas extracelulares de neutrófilos (NET, por sus siglas en inglés) han surgido recientemente como un vínculo potencial entre la inmunidad y la inflamación, que podría cumplir un papel clave en la patogénesis de las infecciones de vías respiratorias. El objetivo de esta revisión es determinar su rol como marcador pronóstico en enfermedades infecciosas de vías respiratorias. Para la elaboración de este artículo de revisión narrativa se consultaron las publicaciones disponibles a través de una búsqueda automatizada en las bases de datos de PubMed, Scopus y Embase. Las concentraciones elevadas de trampas extracelulares de neutrófilos (cfADN, complejos de mieloperoxidasas-ADN) en pacientes con cuadro clínico grave por infecciones de vías respiratorias, se relacionan con una estancia hospitalaria más larga, periodo prolongado de administración de antibióticos, aumento del riesgo de ingreso a la UCI, necesidad de ventilación mecánica, disfunción orgánica e incluso la muerte (p ≤ 0,05). A pesar de no contar con un parámetro de medición estandarizado, el exceso de trampas extracelulares de neutrófilos se corresponde con la gravedad del daño tisular observado en pacientes con infecciones de vías respiratorias, esto revela el importante rol pronóstico de la respuesta de los neutrófilos y del proceso de la NETosis en las enfermedades infecciosas pulmonares

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) have recently emerged as a potential link between immunity and inflammation, which could play a key role in the pathogenesis of respiratory tract infections. This review aims to determine the role of neutrophil extracellular traps as prognostic markers in respiratoria tract infectious diseases. For this article a literature review was undertaken, consulting available publications through an automated search in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases. High concentrations of neutrophil extracellular traps (cfDNA, Myeloperoxidase-DNA complexes) in patients with severe clinical presentation due to respiratory tract infections are related to a longer length of hospital stay, prolonged period of antibiotic administration and increased risk of admission to the ICU, need for mechanical ventilation, organ dysfunction and even death (p ≤ 0.05). Despite not having a standardized measurement parameter, the excess of neutrophil extracellular traps corresponds to the severity of tissue damage observed in patients with respiratory tract infections, revealing the important prognostic role of the neutrophil response and NETosis process in pulmonary infectious diseases

Sensibilidad de escalas como pronóstico y necesidades paliativas en adultos mayores con enfermedad no oncológica / Sensitivity of scales as prognostic indicators and palliative needs in elderly patients with non-oncological diseases

Los cuidados paliativos tienen un enfoque multidisciplinario que mejora la calidad de vida. Tradicionalmente se centraron en pacientes oncológicos, sin embargo, pueden usarse en pacientes con cronicidad avanzada, en quienes existe falta de instrumentos validados para evaluar y determinar la atención paliativa. El objetivo de este estudio es describir la sensibilidad de las escalas NECPAL, PROFUND y Charlson para evaluar y determinar la mortalidad, y atención paliativa en adultos mayores con enfermedad crónica no oncológica mediante una revisión narrativa en las bases de datos BMJ, Elsevier, PubMed, HINARI y SciELO. Se incluyeron artículos originales, de revisión y ensayos clínicos en español e inglés, publicados en los últimos cinco años. La escala NECPAL permite identificar a los pacientes candidatos a cuidados paliativos y mide la prevalencia de personas con necesidad paliativa. El índice PROFUND es una puntuación pronóstica multidimensional que estima el riesgo de mortalidad a un año en pacientes con cronicidad avanzada. Como herramienta pronóstica evalúa el riesgo de mortalidad a treinta días. El índice de comorbilidad de Charlson, creado para predecir el riesgo de mortalidad a un año posterior a la hospitalización, es un excelente predictor en pacientes hospitalizados, no requiere pruebas de laboratorio y es aplicable en diversos escenarios clínicos

Palliative care has a multidisciplinary approach that improves the quality of life. Traditionally, palliative care focused on oncology patients; however, it can be applied to in-patients with advanced chronicity, for whom there is a lack of validated instruments to assess and determine palliative care. This study aims to describe the sensitivity of the NECPAL, PROFUND, and Charlson scales for assessing and determining mortality and palliative care in older adults with chronic non-oncologic disease through a narrative review in the BMJ, Elsevier, PubMed, HINARI, and SciELO databases. Original articles, review articles, and clinical trials in Spanish and English published in the last five years were included. The NECPAL tool identifies patients who are candidates for palliative care and measures the prevalence of palliative care needs. The PROFUND index is a multidimensional prognostic score that estimates the risk for one year mortality in patients with advanced chronicity. As a prognostic tool, it assesses 30-day mortality risk. The Charlson comorbidity index, created to predict one year mortality risk after hospitalization, is an excellent predictor in hospitalized patients, does not require laboratory tests, and is applicable in various clinical scenarios

Biomarcadores genéticos en sangre, una nueva herramienta para el diagnóstico, pronóstico y supervivencia en pacientes con gliomas de alto grado / Genetic biomarkers in blood, a new tool for diagnosis, prognosis, and survival in patients with high-grade gliomas / Biomarcadores genéticos no sangue, uma nova ferramenta para diagnóstico, prognóstico e sobrevida em pacientes com gliomas de alto grau

Durante mucho tiempo, la clasificación de los tumores del sistema nervioso central (SNC) se ha basado en hallazgos histológicos respaldados por pruebas complementarias, como la inmunohistoquímica, establecidas en tejidos. La quinta edición de la clasificación de tumores del SNC de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), publicada en 2021 (SNC-5) incorpora numerosos marcadores moleculares con utilidad clínico-patológica que son importantes para una clasificación más precisa de las neoplasias del SNC. Ello permiten ayudar a definir los gliomas difusos del adulto, oligodendroglioma mutado para el gen de la IDH (isocitrato deshidrogenasa láctica), con codeleción 1p/19q grados 2 a 3, astrocitoma mutado para IDH sin codeleción 1p/19q, grados 2 a 4 y glioblastoma (GBM) silvestre para IDH. La mediana de sobrevida en los pacientes con GBM es de solo 14.6 meses, debido a la resistencia al protocolo de terapia más utilizado en el mundo, el cual involucra cirugía, radioterapia y quimioterapia con temozolamida (TMZ), un potente alquilante genotóxico. Los criterios de selección del tratamiento y la estimación del pronóstico en pacientes con esta enfermedad son clínico-patológicos. En los últimos años se reportaron numerosas alteraciones moleculares que amplían la comprensión de la biología de estos tumores, pero solo unas pocas influyen como biomarcadores en la toma de decisiones clínicas y del tratamiento. En este artículo se revisan las alteraciones moleculares reportadas para gliomas de alto grado en sangre periférica, también se resalta la importancia de estandarizar nuevos biomarcadores junto a los hallazgos histológicos para mejorar el conocimiento de estos tumores.

For a long time, the classification of central nervous system (CNS) tumors has been based on histological findings supported by complementary tests, such as immunohistochemistry, established in tissues. The fifth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System, published in 2021 (CNS-5), incorporates numerous molecular markers with clinical-pathological utility that are important for a more accurate classification of CNS neoplasms. These markers help to define adult diffuse gliomas, including IDH-mutant oligodendroglioma with 1p/19q codeletion (grades 2-3), IDH-mutant astrocytoma without 1p/19q codeletion (grades 2-4), and wild-type IDH glioblastoma (GBM). The median survival in patients with GBM is only 14.6 months, primarily due to resistance to the most widely used treatment protocol worldwide, which involves surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ), a potent genotoxic alkylating agent. The selection criteria for treatment and the estimation of prognosis in patients with this disease are predominantly based on clinical and pathological factors. In recent years, numerous molecular alterations have been reported, expanding our understanding on the biology of these tumors. However, only a few of these molecular alterations serve as biomarkers that influence clinical decision-making and treatment strategies. This article reviews the molecular alterations reported in peripheral blood for high-grade gliomas and emphasizes the importance of standardizing new biomarkers alongside histological findings to enhance our knowledge of these tumors.

Por muito tempo, a classificação dos tumores do sistema nervoso central (SNC) baseou-se em achados histológicos respaldados por exames complementares, como a imuno-histoquímica, estabelecidos nos tecidos. A quinta edição da classificação de tumores do SNC da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), publicada em 2021 (CNS-5), incorpora inúmeros marcadores moleculares com utilidade clinicopatológica importantes para uma classificação mais precisa das neoplasias do SNC. Isso permite definir gliomas difusos adultos, oligodendroglioma mutado para o gene IDH (lactic isocitrato desidrogenase), com codeleção 1p/19q graus 2 a 3, astrocitoma mutado para IDH sem codeleção 1p/19q, graus 2 a 4 e wild- tipo glioblastoma (GBM) para IDH. A sobrevida mediana em pacientes com GBM é de apenas 14,6 meses, devido à resistência ao protocolo terapêutico mais utilizado no mundo, que envolve cirurgia, radioterapia e quimioterapia com temozolamida (TMZ), um potente alquilador genotóxico . Os critérios de seleção para o tratamento e estimativa do prognóstico em pacientes com essa doença são clínico-patológicos. Nos últimos anos, foram relatadas inúmeras alterações moleculares que ampliam o entendimento da biologia desses tumores, mas apenas algumas influenciam na decisão clínica e terapêutica como biomarcadores. Este artigo revisa as alterações moleculares relatadas para gliomas de alto grau no sangue periférico, destacando também a importância da padronização de novos biomarcadores juntamente com os achados histológicos para melhorar o conhecimento desses tumores

Renal involvement and early prognosis in patients with Covid-19 pneumonia in tertiary health care centre

Background: The corona virus disease (Covid-19) is a pandemic which is rapidly evolving and expanding, has infected a population of more than 77 million across the globe and around 10 million in India as of 25th December 2020. This virus was first recognized in December 2019 in Wuhan of China when pneumonia of unknown origin came into limelight. It was identified as Covid -19, a neo virus causing severe pneumonia that rapidly led to a major health crisis with devastating consequences not only in India but also in major developed countries of the world. Initially data from China and Italy, which was identified as caused by Covid-19, shows that death rate worsens in persons with increasing age more than 50 years and also leads to higher risk due to co-morbidities like hypertension (HTN), cardiac disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal disease, cancer, etc. Severe acute respiratory viral infections are frequently accompanied by multiple organ dysfunction, including acute kidney injury (AKI). While diffuse alveolar damage and acute respiratory failure are the main features of Covid-19, and the incidence of AKI is not well described. The present study was conducted to assess the Renal Involvement and its association with Prognosis among Patients admitted with Covid- 19 Pneumonia. Aim: To assess the renal involvement and its association with prognosis among patients admitted withCovid-19pneumonia. Materials and methods: A single centered cross-sectional study was conducted at Malla Reddy Institute of Medical Sciences during 15th March to 1stMay 2021 where 151 Patients admitted with Covid-19 Positive on RT-PCR were included. Renal function tests include Creatinine and Urea. The most commonly used endogenous marker for the assessment of glomerular function is creatinine. The calculated clearance of creatinine is used to provide an indicator of GFR. Urea is a nitrogen- containing compound formed in the liver as the end product of protein metabolism and the urea cycle. Serum urea levels increase in conditions where renal clearance decreases (in acute and chronic renal failure/ impairment). Urea may also increase in other conditions not related to renal diseases such as upper GI bleeding, dehydration, catabolic states, and high protein diets. Data entry was done using Excel 2013 and analysis using SPSS v16. Student t test and chi-square test were used to find the significant association without come. Results: A total of 151 patients who had tested positive for COVID-19 were included in the study. The mean age in years of the study participants was 47.76�.85. 72.8% were male and 27.2% were female. The mean serum creatinine was 1.44�94 and mean Blood urea was 41.35�.06. Mortality observed in the study was 44.4%. Significantly high levels of serum creatinine (2.06�10) were reported among those who died due to COVID-19 compared to those who recovered (0.93�28) (p<0.0001) in the study. Our study poses a conclusion of increase in serum creatinine in COVID 19 affected patients that shows a temporal association of SARsCOV�with AKI. Conclusion: The Covid pandemic has posed major challenge around the globe. Renal clinical presentation ranging from mild proteinuria, hematuria to progressive AKI necessitating renal replacement therapy (RRT), thrombotic microangiopathy and rhabdomyolysis. More research is needed to obtain adequate evidence to support current clinical approaches and to develop new approaches to management. Kidney failure occurs in most patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Although proteinuria, hematuria and AKI are usually resolved in such patients within 3 weeks after the onset of symptoms, kidney problems in COVID-19 have been associated with higher mortality. AKI is independent predictor of mortality in Covid-19

Factors associated with knowledge of diagnosis, prognosis & distress in cancer patients receiving palliative care – A retrospective cohort analysis

Background & objectives: Demographic attributes of cancer patients are associated with the awareness of diagnosis, the prognosis of cancer and their associated psychological distress. This study was aimed to assess the knowledge of diagnosis, prognosis and psychological distress among patients reporting to the pain and palliative care department in a tertiary cancer hospital, south India. Methods: Data of all patients visiting the palliative care outpatient department of a tertiary cancer centre in south India between January and June 2018 were included in the study (n=754). A structured pro forma was used to collect information on the sociodemographic details and clinical aspects and a distress thermometer was used to assess the level of distress. Information, thus collected, were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results: Around 16.2 per cent of the patients were unaware of their diagnosis while two third (68%) were unaware of the prognosis. More than half of the patients reported significant distress (54.1%). Gender, education, not working and being diagnosed with head-and-neck cancers were associated with knowledge of diagnosis, while educational level predicted the knowledge of prognosis. Younger age group, head-and-neck cancer, haematology cancer, state of being unaware of diagnosis and prognosis were found to be associated with distress. Interpretation & conclusions: Higher educational levels and better socio-economic status increase the likelihood of patients being aware of their diagnosis and prognosis. Being unaware of the prognosis remains associated with the higher level of distress

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma with rare distant metastasis

Metastasis accounts for the most common tumor of the central nervous system (CNS) in adults. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the common carcinoma showing brain metastasis, with a predilection for clear cell variant. Chromophobe RCC (ChRCC) in contrast to clear cell RCC shows far less common distant metastasis. When they metastasize, commonly involve the liver, lungs, and lymph nodes. ChRCC metastasizing to the brain is extremely rare. Isolated brain metastasis from RCCs is also uncommon. We report an unusual case of a 54-year-old woman with ChRCC with isolated metastasis to the brain, 2 years after radical nephrectomy for renal mass.

Zeta-associated protein 70 expression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Relevance in Indian context

Background: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is prognosticated using the Rai and the Binet's staging. In the past few years, new parameters have been considered for prognostication. One such marker that has been a subject of speculation and found useful by some western studies is zeta-associated protein 70 (ZAP-70). Aim: To investigate the prevalence of ZAP-70 and find out its association with other prognostic markers like Rai and Binet's stage and CD38 in Indian CLL patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty-nine newly diagnosed cases of CLL were selected over 1 year. Immunophenotyping was done and expression of CD38 and ZAP-70 was evaluated on gated CLL cells. Statistical Analysis: Qualitative data were expressed as frequency and percentage. Differences between groups were evaluated using Student's t-test for quantitative data and Chi-square test/Fisher's exact t-test for qualitative variables. A P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results and Conclusion: We found a lower prevalence rate of ZAP-70 (2/29, 6.89%) with no association with any of the conventional poor prognostic factors. A large number of our CLL patients fall into the good prognostic group (22/29, ZAP 70?/CD38?) with a least number in the poor prognostic group (2/29, ZAP-70 + CD38+). Also, no association was found between ZAP-70 and CD38. The findings of the present study suggest that the majority of CLL patients in India have a good prognosis, may not require treatment, and have good overall survival. Geographical variations, genetic makeup, and natural history of the CLL could be the cause of such differences from western literature.

GATA Binding Protein 3 (GATA-3) expression evaluation as prognostic factor in breast cancer and its relationship with other immunemarkers

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in which the mortality rate could be decreased by proper management. The GATA3 transcription factor is one of the most frequently mutated genes in breast cancer. Materials and Methods: We studied the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of estrogen and progesterone receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, and GATA-3 in 166 radical/partial mastectomy specimens having different histologic grades and stages of breast carcinoma. All samples were obtained from the pathology department of Sina hospital in Tehran-Iran from 2010 to 2016. Results: There was a direct relationship between the luminal subtype carcinoma and higher GATA-3 expression (P-value: 0.001) and between triple-negative carcinoma and lower GATA-3 expression (P-value: 0.001). Moreover, there was a direct relationship between the metastasis rate and the tumor's grade with GATA-3 staining (P-value: 0.000 and 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: GATA-3 expression is related to the histopathologic and prognostic factors. GATA3 can be introduced as an important predictor in breast cancer patients.

The prognostic values of the IL?10 (G1082A) and TNF?? (G308A) polymorphisms in Egyptian patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A single?center study

Background: Interleukin?10 (IL?10) and tumor necrosis factor?alpha (TNF??) genes contribute to oncogenesis. We evaluated the influence of the IL?10 (G1082A) and TNF?? (G308A) polymorphisms on the prognosis and outcomes of Egyptian patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Materials and Methods: We investigated 64 children and 76 adults with ALL, between 2016 and 2019, for the IL?10 (G1082A) and TNF?? (G308A) polymorphisms using allele?specific polymerase chain reaction and polymerase chain reaction杛estriction fragment length polymorphism. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan朚eier estimator and the log?rank test. Results: In children with ALL, the A allele of TNF?? and IL?10 polymorphisms was associated with older age (P = 0.04 and 0.03), more extramedullary disease (P = 0.02 and 0.001), positive breakpoint cluster region朅belson (BCR?ABL) rearrangement (p190; P = 0.04 and 0.001), and more relapse (P = 0.002). The IL?10 GG genotype was associated with higher overall survival in children (P = 0.026). Adults carrying the TNF?? A allele showed more extramedullary disease (P = 0.009) and relapse (P = 0.003). We also found a higher frequency of IL?10 A allele in adults with older age (P = 0.03), lower hemoglobin level (P = 0.04), positive BCR?ABL rearrangement (P = 0.001), more extramedullary disease (P = 0.001), more relapse (P = 0.002), and a longer time for the first complete remission (P = 0.003). Conclusion: A possible association exists between the A allele of IL?10 and TNF?? polymorphisms and poor prognosis in Egyptian patients with ALL, while the IL?10 GG genotype may be associated with better survival in children with ALL.

Role of Glut-1 in Tumor Progression and Prognosis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Oral cancer, one of the most common cancers worldwide constitutes a major public health problem and is one of the leading cancer sites among men and women in India. Increased uptake of glucose in cancer cells are mediated by glucose transporters. Among 14 isoforms of glucose transporters, Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1) isoform expression predominate Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Aim: To emphasize the expression of GLUT-1 in OSCC and to assess its role in tumor progression and prognosis. Materials and Methods: Hand searching and electronic databases such as PubMed/Medline, Google scholar and Science- Direct were done for mesh terms such as OSCC, GLUT-1, prognosis, tumor markers, prognostic marker and risk predictor. Studies were pooled and relevant articles were evaluated. Results: Final analysis identified thirteen articles after considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These studies evalu- ated 926 OSCC cases and 70 healthy controls for GLUT-1 immunoexpression. The data was extracted and evaluated manu- ally. GLUT-1 expression was found to be elevated in OPMDs and OSCC than in healthy controls. The pattern of expression of GLUT-1, its correlation with clinico-pathological features, role in tumour progression and prognosis, expression in tumor invasive front, correlation with other markers and role in therapeutics are also discussed in detail

Clinical and histopathological features of follicular thyroid cancer in Chile

ABSTRACT Objective: Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is less frequent but has a worse prognosis than papillary carcinoma. The available evidence on pre-operative characteristics of FTC is controversial. Our objective was to characterize the clinical, ultrasound and histopathological presentation of FTC patients treated Chile. Subjects and methods: Retrospective analysis of 97 patients treated for FTC in 6 large centers in Chile. We analyzed their ultrasonographic features and classified the nodules according to ATA risk of malignancy and TI-RADS score, as well as the cytological findings according to the Bethesda system. We described their clinical and histopathological findings at diagnosis and classified their risk of recurrence and mortality according to ATA 2015 recurrence risk category and the eighth edition of the AJCC/UICC staging system, respectively. Results: Median age was 48 years and 73.2% were females. The median diameter was 38.8 mm; only 9.5% of them were microtumors. According to ATA risk of malignancy, 86% of the nodules were low or intermediate suspicious, while 78% were category 3 or 4A nodules according to the TI-RADS. Regarding the Bethesda system, 65.9% had indeterminate cytology (20.6% category III and 45.3% category IV). At histological examination, most were minimally-invasive and angio-invasive tumors with less than 4 foci (54.7% and 28.4% respectively). More than 90% of FTC were unifocal and there was no lymphovascular or extrathyroidal invasion or lymph node involvement. Four patients (4.1%) had distant metastases at diagnosis. Most patients (95%) had stage I or II disease according to the AJCC/UICC staging system, while the risk of recurrence was low at 51.5% when using the ATA risk of recurrence scale. Conclusions: At diagnosis, most FTCs were nodules of low or intermediate suspicion at ultrasound, nearly two thirds had indeterminate cytology according to the Bethesda system, and nearly 50% of them were of low risk of recurrence.

The effect of primary tumor volume on the prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in era of volumetric modulated arc therapy: a propensity score matched cohort study

Abstract Objective The role of Primary Tumor Volume (PTV) in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) treated with Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) is still unclear. The aim of this study was to access the effect of PTV in prognosis prediction of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in era of VMAT. Methods Between January 20 and November 2011, 498 consecutive NPC patients with stage I-IVA disease who received VMAT at a single center were retrospectively analyzed. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) was performed to access the cut-off point of PTV. Univariate Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate prognostic value for PTV. The Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was used to adjust baseline potential confounders. Results The 5-year Locol-Regional Failure-Free (L-FFR), Distant Failure-Free Survival (D-FFR), Disease-Free Survival (DFS) and Overall Survival (OS) were 90.6%, 83.7%, 71.5% and 79.3%, respectively. Before PSM, the 5-year L-FFR, D-FFR, DFS, OS rates for NPC patients with PTV ≤ 38 mL vs. PTV > 38 mL were 94.1% vs. 90.4% (p= 0.063), 87.9% vs. 76.3% (p< 0.001), 78.5% vs. 58.5% (p< 0.001) and 86.3% vs. 66.7% (p< 0.001) respectively. Multivariate analysis showed PTV was an independent prognostic factor for D-FFS (p= 0.034), DFS (p= 0.002) and OS (p= 0.001). PTV classified was still an independent prognostic factor for OS after PSM (HR = 2.034, p= 0.025. Conclusions PTV had a substantial impact on the prognosis of NPC patients treated with VMAT before and after PSM simultaneously. PTV > 38 mL may be considered as an indicator of the clinical stage of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Level of evidence III.

New embracing approach for better advanced cancer patient comprehensive care / Nuevo enfoque para mejorar el cuidado integral del paciente con cáncer avanzado

Abstract Introduction: Cancer patients have multiple and complex needs. Argentina has a medium-high cancer in cidence. Only 14% of patients with palliative care needs have access to specialized services. This study aimed to develop and implement an integrated cancer care model in three hospitals and at home based care level. Methods: The NECPAL2 was a prospective longitudi nal observational study. We report a two-year health care intervention and its implementation process. The NECPAL tool was used as a screening instrument. Adult cancer patients were recruited and assessed. NECPAL+ patients are those with a positive surprise question - Would you be surprised if this patient dies in the next year? (no)- and, at least one indicator of advanced disease. Patients were reassessed periodically with validated scales. Feedback was given for clinical case management. The project was developed in three consecutive stages and six phases. Data were collected for statistical analysis with a prognosis and palliative approach. Results: 2104 cancer patients screened. 681 were NECPAL+. 21% of them presented more than six pa rameters of severity or progression. The mean general survival was 8 months. 61.9% died within the follow-up period. Survival predictors were identified. Over 65% of patients were referred to palliative care; 10% received home-care. Areas for improvement were recognized. An implementation document was created. Discussion: This study showed that a predictive model is feasible, improving chances for timely referral and needs approach. It provided the basis for further implementation research and should encourage policy makers for embracing palliative model development for better cancer patient care.

Resumen Introducción: Los pacientes con cáncer tienen necesi dades múltiples y complejas que se deben atender opor tunamente en los distintos niveles del sistema sanitario. Argentina tiene una incidencia de cáncer media-alta pero solo el 14% de los pacientes acceden a cuidados paliativos. El objetivo de este estudio fue desarrollar e implementar un modelo multicéntrico de atención integral del paciente con cáncer avanzado. Métodos: El NECPAL2 fue un estudio observacional longitudinal prospectivo de dos años. Se evaluaron pacientes adultos con cáncer avanzado. Se utilizó la herramienta NECPAL como instrumento de cribado. Los pacientes NECPAL+ son aquellos con la pregunta sorpre sa positiva -¿Le sorprendería que este paciente muriera en el próximo año? (no)- y, al menos, un indicador de enfermedad avanzada. Los pacientes fueron reevaluados periódicamente con escalas validadas para la gestión clínica de casos. El proyecto se desarrolló en tres etapas consecutivas y seis fases. Se analizaron los resultados con un enfoque pronóstico y paliativo. Resultados: Se identificaron 2104 pacientes oncológicos, 681 eran NECPAL+. El 21% presentaba más de seis paráme tros de gravedad o progresión. Más del 60% de los pacientes NECPAL+ tenían una evaluación inicial multidimensional completa y documentada. La supervivencia media general fue de 8 meses. El 61.9% falleció durante el periodo de seguimiento. Se identificaron predictores de supervivencia. Más del 65% fueron derivados a cuidados paliativos; el 10% recibió atención domiciliaria. Se reconocieron áreas de mejora. Se creó un documento de recomendaciones. Discusión: Este estudio demostró que un modelo predictivo multicéntrico y en varios niveles es factible y mejora las posibilidades de derivación oportuna para atención paliativa. A pesar de las limitaciones este es tudio puede inspirar políticas para mejorar la atención integral de pacientes con cáncer avanzado.

Development and Validation of a Bedside Dengue Severity Score for Predicting Severe Dengue in Children

Objective: To develop and validate a bedside dengue severity score in children less than 12 years for predicting severe dengue disease. Methods: We carried out an analysis of data on the clinical and laboratory parameters of patients with confirmed dengue, hospitalized in October, 2019 at our center. A comprehensive patient’s score was developed. Predictive models for severity were built using a forward step-wise method. This model was validated on the data of 312 children with dengue admitted during September- October, 2021. Results: Severe dengue was predicted by the dengue severity score with a sensitivity of 86.75% (95% CI 77.52%-93.19%), specificity of 98.25% (95% CI 95.56-99.52%), a positive predictive value of 95.34% (95% CI 92.18%-97.26%) and a negative predictive value of 94.74% (95% CI 87.16%-97.95%). The overall predictive accuracy was 95.2% (95% CI 92.19%- 97.28%). Conclusion: The proposed bedside dengue severity scoring system was found to have good validity. Validating the score in different settings and patient populations is suggested.

Glasgow coma scale pupil score (GCS-P) and the hospital mortality in severe traumatic brain injury: analysis of 1,066 Brazilian patients / Escala de coma de Glasgow com resposta pupilar (ECC-P) e mortalidade hospitalar em traumatismo cranioencefálico grave: análise de 1.066 pacientes brasileiros

Abstract Background Pupil reactivity and the Glasgow Coma Scale (CCS) score are the most clinically relevant information to predict the survival of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. Objective We evaluated the accuracy of the CCS-Pupil score (CCS-P) as a prognostic index to predict hospital mortality in Brazilian patients with severe TBI and compare it with a model combining CCS and pupil response with additional clinical and radiological prognostic factors. Methods Data from 1,066 patients with severe TBI from 5 prospective studies were analyzed. We determined the association between hospital mortality and the combination of CCS, pupil reactivity, age, glucose levels, cranial computed tomography (CT), or the CCS-P score by multivariate binary logistic regression. Results Eighty-five percent (n = 908) of patients were men. The mean age was 35 years old, and the overall hospital mortality was 32.8%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was 0.73 (0.70-0.77) for the model using the CCS-P score and 0.80 (0.77-0.83) for the model including clinical and radiological variables. The CCS-P score showed similar accuracy in predicting the mortality reported for the patients with severe TBI derived from the International Mission for Prognosis and Clinical Trials in TBI (IMPACT) and the Corticosteroid Randomization After Significant Head Injury (CRASH) studies. Conclusion Our results support the external validation of the CCS-P to predict hospital mortality following a severe TBI. The predictive value of the CCS-P for long-term mortality, functional, and neuropsychiatric outcomes in Brazilian patients with mild, moderate, and severe TBI deserves further investigation.

Resumo Antecedentes A reatividade pupilar e o escore da Escala de Coma de Glasgow (ECC) representam as informações clínicas mais relevantes para predizer a sobrevivência de pacientes com traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE). Objetivo Avaliar a acurácia da ECC com resposta pupilar (ECC-P) como índice prognóstico para predizer mortalidade hospitalar em pacientes brasileiros acometidos por TCE grave e compará-lo com um modelo combinando ECC e resposta pupilar com fatores prognósticos radiológicos. Métodos Foram analisados dados de 1.066 pacientes com TCE grave de 5 estudos prospectivos. Foi determinada a associação entre mortalidade hospitalar e a combinação de ECC, reatividade pupilar, idade, níveis glicêmicos, tomografia computadorizada (TC) de crânio ou o escore ECC-P por regressão logística binária multivariada. Resultados Oitenta e cinco por cento (n = 908) dos pacientes eram homens. A média de idade foi de 35 anos e a mortalidade hospitalar geral foi de 32,8%. A AUROC (em português, Curva Característica de Operação do Receptor) foi de 0,73 (0,70-0,77) para o modelo utilizando o escore ECC-P e de 0,80 (0,77-0,83) para o modelo incluindo variáveis clínicas e radiológicas. O escore ECC-P mostrou acurácia semelhante na previsão da mortalidade relatada para pacientes com TCE grave derivados dos estudos International Mission for Prognosis and Clinical Trials in TBI (IMPACT, na sigla em inglês) e Corticosteroid Randomization After Significant Head Injury (CRASH, na sigla em inglês). Conclusão Nossos resultados apoiam a validação externa da ECC-P para prever a mortalidade hospitalar após um TCE grave. O valor preditivo da ECC-P para mortalidade a longo prazo, resultados funcionais e neuropsiquiátricos em pacientes brasileiros com TCE leve, moderado e grave precisam ser investigados.

Morbilidad y mortalidad en pacientes llevados a gastrectomía por cáncer gástrico / Morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric cancer

Introducción. El cáncer gástrico es la cuarta causa de muerte por cáncer a nivel mundial, con más de un millón de casos diagnosticados cada año. La cirugía con intención curativa sigue siendo el pilar del manejo para los pacientes resecables. La identificación de pacientes con mayor riesgo de morbimortalidad es importante para el proceso de toma de decisiones, sin existir hasta el momento una herramienta ideal. La revisión y el análisis de la experiencia de un centro oncológico de referencia pueden generar información útil. Métodos. Estudio observacional de cohorte histórica, en el que se incluyeron los pacientes llevados a gastrectomía por adenocarcinoma gástrico en el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia, entre el 1° de enero del 2010 y el 31 de diciembre del 2017. Resultados. Se evaluaron 332 pacientes, de los cuales el 57,2 % eran hombres con edad promedio de 61 años. La mortalidad en esta serie fue del 4,5 % y la morbilidad de 34,9 %. El factor asociado con mayor riesgo de muerte fue la edad, con un HR de 1,05 (p=0,021). Se encontró un mayor riesgo en el grupo de pacientes con ASA mayor a II (p=0,009).El 17,4 % presentaron complicaciones mayores a IIIA de la clasificación de Clavien-Dindo. Conclusiones. En el presente trabajo las cifras de morbilidad y mortalidad son similares a las reportadas en la literatura. Solo la edad y la clasificación de ASA mostraron asociación con valor estadístico significativo para complicaciones postoperatorias

Introduction. Gastric cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide with more than one million cases diagnosed each year. Surgery with curative intent remains the mainstay of management for resectable patients. Identify patients at increased risk of morbidity and mortality is important for the decision making process, with no ideal tool available yet. Review and analysis of the experience of a referral cancer center may generate useful information. Methods. Historical cohort observational study. Patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma at the National Cancer Institute in Bogotá, Colombia, between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2017 were included. Results. We included 332 patients of which 57.2% were men with mean age of 61 years. Mortality in this series was 4.5% and morbidity was 34.9%. The factor associated with higher risk of death was age with a HR of 1.05 statistically significant value (p=0.021). A higher risk was found in the group of patients with ASA greater than II (p=0.009). The 17.4% presented complications greater than IIIA of the Clavien Dindo classification. Conclusions. In this study morbidity and mortality seem similar to those reported in the literature. Only age and ASA score showed an association with significant statistical value for postoperative complications

Supervivencia a dos años en pacientes con cáncer gástrico localmente avanzado en una institución de Popayán entre 2018 y 2020 / Two-year survival in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer at an institution in Popayán between 2018 and 2020

Introducción. El tratamiento oncológico perioperatorio en pacientes con cáncer gástrico localmente avanzado está indicado; aun así, no siempre es posible. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la supervivencia de los pacientes según la administración de quimioterapia perioperatoria. Métodos. Estudio observacional, tipo cohorte ambispectivo, incluyendo pacientes con cáncer gástrico localmente avanzado quienes recibieron o no quimioterapia perioperatoria. Resultados. Se incluyeron 33 pacientes, 90,9 % pertenecían al régimen subsidiado de salud y el 78,8 % en estadio T4. El grupo que recibió quimioterapia perioperatoria, que solo tuvo 5 pacientes (15,1 %), presentó mayor supervivencia global a 2 años (100 %), seguido del grupo de quimioterapia postoperatoria (58,8 %) y del grupo sin quimioterapia, que alcanzó una supervivencia global a 2 años de 54,5 %. Discusión. La supervivencia global fue mayor en el grupo de quimioterapia perioperatoria, consonante a lo descrito a nivel internacional, aunque los pacientes se encontraban en un estadío localmente más avanzado, la mayoría con T4 y N+ según AJCC VIII edición. Conclusiones. El estadío clínico es un factor pronóstico importante y, en nuestro medio, la mayoría de los pacientes consultan en estadíos localmente más avanzados. A eso se suman las dificultades en el acceso a la atención en salud. Aun así, la quimioterapia perioperatoria mostró una supervivencia mayor en pacientes con cáncer gástrico localmente avanzado

Introduction. Perioperative cancer treatment in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer is indicated; even so, it is not always possible. The objective was to evaluate survival according to time and receipt of perioperative chemotherapy. Methods. Observational study, ambispective cohort type, including patients with locally advanced gastric cancer who received or did not receive perioperative chemotherapy. Results. Thirty-three patients were included, 90.9% belonged to the subsidized regimen and 78.8% with TNM T4. The perioperative chemotherapy group, which only had five patients (15.1%), had a higher overall survival at 2 years (100%), followed by the postoperative chemotherapy group and by the group without chemotherapy, with an overall survival at 2 years of 58.8% and 54.5%, respectively. Discussion. Overall survival was higher in the perioperative chemotherapy group, consistent with what has been described internationally, although the patients were in a more advanced stage, most being with T4 and N+ according to the AJCC VIII edition. Conclusions. The clinical stage is an important prognostic factor and in our environment, most patients consult in more advanced stages, coupled with difficulties in accessing health care. Even so, perioperative chemotherapy showed a longer survival in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer, the data should not be extrapolated since the number of patients in each group is significantly different