Survival analysis and predictors of long-term outcomes following radical nephrectomy with inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombectomy in renal cell carcinoma

Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) presents with inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombus in 10%�% cases and surgical management forms the mainstay of the treatment. The objective of this study is to assess the outcomes of the patients undergoing radical nephrectomy with IVC thrombectomy. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing open radical nephrectomy with IVC thrombectomy between 2006 till 2018 was done. Results: A total of 56 patients were included. The mean (眘tandard deviation) age was 57.1 (�.2) years. The number of patients with levels I, II, III, and IV thrombus were 4, 29,10, and 13, respectively. The mean blood loss was 1851.8 mL, and the mean operative time was 303.3 minutes. Overall, the complication rate was 51.7%, while the perioperative mortality rate was 8.9%. The mean duration of hospital stay was 10.6 � 6.4 days. The majority of the patients had clear cell carcinoma (87.5%). There was a significant association between grade and stage of thrombus (P = 0.011). Using Kaplan朚eier survival analysis, the median overall survival (OS) was 75 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 43.5�6.5) months, and the median recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 48 (95% CI = 33.1�.3) months. Age (P = 0.03), presence of systemic symptoms (P = 0.01), radiological size (P = 0.04), histopathological grade (P = 0.01), level of thrombus (P = 0.04), and invasion of thrombus into IVC wall (P = 0.01) were found to be significant predictors of OS. Conclusion: The management of RCC with IVC thrombus poses a major surgical challenge. Experience of a center along with high-volume and multidisciplinary facility particularly cardiothoracic facility provides better perioperative outcome. Though surgically challenging, it offers good overall-survival and recurrence-free survival

Clinical outcomes of MANTA vs suture-based vascular closure devices after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: An updated meta-analysis

Objective: A recently published randomized control trial showed different results with suture-based vascular closure device (VCD) than plug-based VCD in patients undergoing transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The learning curve for MANTA device is steep, while the learning curve for suture based VCD is shallow as the devices are quite different. In this meta-analysis, we have compared suture-based (ProGlide and Prostar XL) vs plug-based VCDs (MANTA). Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of all published studies (using PubMed/Medline and Cochrane databases) reporting the clinical outcome of plug-based vs suture-based VCDs in transfemoral TAVR patients. Results: We included nine studies with a total of 2865 patients (plug-based n ¼ 1631, suture-based n ¼ 1234). There was no significant difference in primary outcome of all bleeding when using plugbased as opposed to suture-based VCDs (RR 1.14 [0.62e2.06] I2 ¼ 72%). There was no significant difference in the incidence of secondary outcomes between two groups including major life threatening bleeding (RR 1.16 [0.38e3.58] I2 ¼ 65%), major vascular complications (RR 0.84 [0.35e2.00] I2 ¼ 55%), minor vascular complications (RR 1.05 [0.56e1.95] I2 ¼ 42%), pseudo aneurysm (RR 1.84 [0.11e29.98] I 2 ¼ 44%), stenosis-dissection (RR 0.98 [0.66e1.47] I2 ¼ 0%), VCD failure (RR 1.71 [0.96e3.04] I2 ¼ 0%), and blood transfusion (RR 1.01 [0.38e2.71], I2 ¼ 61%). Conclusion: Large bore arteriotomy closure with plug-based VCD was not superior to suture-based VCDs in this transfemoral TAVR population. There was very frequent use of secondary VCDs in suture-based VCD group which is not practical when using MANTA. Additional high-powered studies are required to determine the safety and efficacy of MANTA device.

Comparison of Weight for Height and BMI for Age for Estimating Overnutrition Burden in Under-Five Populations With High Stunting Prevalence

Background: Overnourished under-five children are anthropometrically classified as either being at possible risk of overweight, overweight or obese and defined so, when either weight for height or body mass index for age (BMI-for-age) are >1SD to 2SD, >2SD to 3SD and >3SD, respectively of the analogous World Health Organization standards. Aim: To compare weight for height and BMI for age definitions for quantifying overnutrition burden. Methods: Theoretical consequences of ignoring age were evaluated by comparing, at varying height for age z-scores, the age- and sex-specific cutoffs of BMI that would define overnutrition with these two metrics. Overnutrition prevalence was then compared in simulated populations (short, intermediate and tall) and real-life datasets from India. Results: In short (-2SD) children, the BMI cutoffs with weight for height criteria were lower in comparison to BMI for age till 7-8 months, but higher at later ages. In National Family Health Survey-4, India dataset (short population), overnutrition (>1SD) prevalence with weight for height was higher from 0-0.5 years (exclusive breastfeeding age), but lower at subsequent ages. The prevalence difference (weight for height - BMI for age) in 0.5-5 years was -2.26% (6.57% vs 8.83%); this attenuated in 0-5 years (-1.55%; 7.23% vs 8.78%). The discrepancy was maximal for stunted children and was lower in girls. A similar pattern, of lower magnitude, was observed for overweight (>2SD) comparison. In intermediate and tall populations, there were no meaningful differences. Conclusion: The two definitions produce cutoffs, and hence estimates of overnutrition, that differ with the age, sex, and height of under-five children. The relative invariance, with age and height, of BMI for age, favors its use.

Dissimilar Associations Between Stunting and Low Ponderosity Defined Through Weight for Height (Wasting) or Body Mass Index for Age (Thinness) in Under-Five Children

Background: Wasting and stunting commonly coexist, supposedly due to biological and social mechanisms. In under-five children, low-ponderosity is defined as <–2SD of WHO standards for either weight for height (wasted) or body mass index for age (thin) metrics. Unlike body mass index for age, weight for height ignores physiological changes in ponderosity with age, resulting in overestimation of wasting in comparison to thinness in under-5 populations with high stunting prevalence. This suggests a plausible statistical explanation for the wasting-stunting association. Aim: To test the null hypothesis that wasting-stunting (WaSt) and thinness-stunting (ThSt) associations are similar. Methods: Demographic Health Survey datasets (2010-2020) from South and South-East Asia (7 countries) and Sub-Saharan Africa (13 countries) were evaluated. WaSt and ThSt associations were estimated as odds ratio (OR) for individual datasets, which was pooled (random-effects meta-analysis). Stratified analyses were done for sex, age and region. Results: Young infants (0-6 months) comprised 8-14% of underfive children, with equal representation of boys and girls. Participants, especially Asians, were mostly shorter with lower ponderosity than WHO standards. WaSt prevalence was higher than ThSt in the 6-59 months age group, but lower in young infants. Pooled WaSt estimates were not significant: Asia (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.75-1.14), Africa (1.17; 0.95-1.40), and combined (1.09; 0.93-1.24). In contrast, pooled ThSt associations were significantly negative: Asia (0.63; 0.50-0.76), Africa (0.82; 0.68-0.96), and combined (0.75; 0.65-0.85). In girls, these associations were attenuated for WaSt (0.96; 0.8-1.1), but enhanced for ThSt (0.6; 0.5-0.7). Conclusion: WaSt and ThSt associations are dissimilar. This suggests a primary statistical explanation for the reported wasting-stunting association, originating from ignoring physiological changes with age.

Right ventricular systolic pressure – Non-invasive bedside predictor of mortality and readmission in heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction hospitalization

Objective: To study the prognostic role of right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) in patients with heart failure (HF). Background: Although RVSP is a readily available echocardiographic parameter, it is often underused. Its prognostic role in patients with heart failure is not well established compared with pulmonary artery pressure measured by right heart catheterization. Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study included patients with acute heart failure hospitalization admitted to the hospital from January 2005 to December 2018. The primary predictor was right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) obtained from bedside transthoracic echocardiography at admission. We divided RVSP into two groups, RVSP <40 mm Hg (reference group) and RVSP 40 mm Hg. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were all-cause readmission and cardiac readmission. We conducted propensity-score matching and applied cox-proportional hazard model to compute hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Out of 972 HF patients, 534 patients had RVSP <40 mm Hg and 438 patients had RVSP 40 mm Hg. Patients with RVSP 40 mm Hg compared with RVSP <40 mm Hg were associated with higher rates of death [HR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.22e2.09, P-value ¼ 0.001], all-cause readmissions [HR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.09 e1.73, P-value ¼ 0.008] and cardiac readmissions [HR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.07e1.85, P-value ¼ 0.014]. Conclusion: Higher RVSP (40 mm Hg) in HF patients was associated with higher rates of death, allcause readmissions, and cardiac readmissions. RVSP can be considered as a prognostic marker for mortality and readmission.P

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of topical timolol and oral propranolol for the treatment of Superficial Infantile Haemangiomas

Background: Infantile haemangiomas (IHs) are the most common vascular tumours of infancy. In recenttime oral propranolol has achieved great success in treating IHs. To minimize the systemic side events caused by oral propranolol, topical timolol started to be applied in the treatment of IHs, especially for superficial lesions. Methods: We treated 50 children with superficial IHs using oral propranolol on 25 patients and, topical timolol on 25 patients and investigated the efficacy and safety of the two treatment patterns. Results: Both oral propranolol and topical timolol achieved a satisfactory therapeutic outcome, with an effective response rate of 96 and 95.4%, respectively. No significant differences in visual analogy scale (VAS) improvement between the two groups were observed. Systemic adverse events for patients treated with oral propranolol (3.9%) was significantly higher than that for patients treated with topical timolol. Clinical response was not associated with gender, duration of treatment, lesion location, lesion size, and gestational age but closely associated with age at treatment initiation, which indicated that younger age at treatment initiation predicted for a better regression rate. Conclusion: Topical timolol could be the first-line therapy for superficial IHs because of its good efficacy and improved safety profile.

Meta-analysis of ProGlide versus MANTA vascular closure devices for large-bore access site management

Introduction: The comparative effectiveness of ProGlide® compared with MANTA® vascular closure devices (VCDs) in large-bore access site management is not entirely certain, and has only been evaluated in underpowered studies. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the outcomes of ProGlide® compared with MANTA® VCDs. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched systematically for relevant articles from the inception of the database until August 27, 2021. The outcomes of interest were all bleeding events, major bleeding, major and minor vascular complications, pseudoaneurysm, stenosis or dissection, and VCD failure. Risk ratios were used as point estimates of endpoints. All statistical analyses were carried out using R version 4.0.3. Results: Four observational studies and 1 pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) were included in the final analysis. There was no significant difference between the ProGlide® and MANTA® groups in the risk of all bleeding events, major/life-threatening bleeding, major vascular complications, minor vascular complications, pseudoaneurysms, and/or stenosis or dissection of the entry site vessel. However, the incidence of VCD failure was higher in the ProGlide® group compared with the MANTA® group (RR 1.94; 95% CI 1.31e2.84; I2 ¼ 0%). Conclusion: In conclusion, both VCDs (ProGlide® and MANTA®) have comparable outcomes with regard to risk of bleeding, vascular complications, pseudoaneurysms, and/or stenosis or dissection of entry vessel. ProGlide® was however associated with higher device failure.

Meta-analysis of incidence and outcomes of life-threatening arrhythmias in takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Background: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) or stress-induced cardiomyopathy is a transient heart condition that clinically resembles an acute coronary syndrome. This study aims to assess the incidence of life-threatening arrhythmias in patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and evaluate the outcomes of patients with life-threatening arrhythmias (LTAs) in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy compared with those without LTA. Methods: We comprehensively searched the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Embase databases from inception to February 2021. The primary aim of the study was to determine the incidence of LTAs in TC patients. Other outcomes of interest were the odds of in-hospital, long-term mortality, and cardiogenic shock (CS) in TC patients with LTAs versus those without LTAs. For all statistical analyses, ReviewManager and MedCalc were used. Results: Eighteen studies were included in this study involving 55,557 participants (2,185 with LTAs and 53,372 without LTAs). The pooled incidence of LTAs in the patients of TC was found to be 6.29% (CI: 4.70 e8.08%; I2 ¼ 94.67%). There was a statistically significant increased risk of in-hospital mortality (OR ¼ 4.74; CI: 2.24e10.04; I2 ¼ 77%, p < 0.0001) and cardiogenic shock (OR ¼ 5.60; CI: 3.51e8.95; I2 ¼ 0%, p < 0.00001) in the LTA group versus the non-LTA group. LTA was not associated with long-term mortality (OR ¼ 2.23; CI: 0.94e5.28; I2 ¼ 53%, p ¼ 0.07). Conclusion: The pooled incidence of life-threatening arrhythmias in the patients of TC was found to be 6.29%. In the group of TC patients with LTAs, the odds of in-hospital mortality and CS, was higher than in the TC patients without LTAs.

Prospective study on outcome and advantage of primary skin grafting in cases of avulsion scalp injury following trauma

Background: Traumatic avulsion injury poses severe risk as the overlying protective covering is lost and the raw tissue is exposed to the environment. Avulsion injuries involving the scalp are even more complicated to treat because of significant cosmetic concern involved. Aim of the study was to find a better solution than the existing method, we conducted a prospective study involving 13 patients with isolated traumatic scalp avulsion injury.Methods: This prospective study was conducted in Motilal Nehru Medical College and associated Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital, Prayagraj,  after taking written and informed consents from the patients, between June 2017 and June 2019.These were divided into two groups (A and B) based on whether the underlying periosteum was intact or not.Results: Patients with intact periosteum (Group A) underwent primary thin thickness skin grafting within a few hours of their admission while the other group (Group B) was treated with a traditional conservative approach. We compared the results of both the groups and found that Group A patients not only had satisfactory graft uptake (≥85 TBSA) but also had significant decreased risk of infection, lesser hospital stay, overall decreased healthcare cost, better cosmoses and early return to routine activity.Conclusions: For the surgeon, this single step procedure is safe and technically easy. Thus this approach was found to be superior than the current traditional approach.

Role Of Mri In Diagnostic Evaluation Of Bih

Objective:To study the role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in diagnostic evaluation of benign intracranial hypertension (BIH).Materials and methods:The present study was carried out in the Department of Radiodiagnosis, ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Faridabad. The study included twenty seven patients who were diagnosed with benign intracranial hypertension(BIH) based on modified Dandy's criteria.Results:Middle aged females were more commonly affected. Most common radiological findings were slit like frontal horns of lateral ventricles and empty sella, present in all of our patients. Findings involving optic nerve were present in 13 out of 27 (48%) of our patients, while 2 of 27 (7%) patients had spontaneous csf leak in presence of BIH. On manometry, CSF opening pressure[OP] was more than 25cm of H2O in all the patients.Conclusion:Slit like ventricles, empty sella, vertical kinking of optic nerve and distension of the perioptic subarachnoid space are important radiological markers of BIH that contribute to its diagnosis

Histopathological and Endoscopic Correlation of Gastric Lesions in Endoscopic Gastric Biopsies

ackground: There are a number of lesions that could affect the stomach varying from dyspepsia to highly lethal cancers; that can be chronic and incapacitating or merely an occasional discomfort or asymptomatic. Objective: The study was done to establish a correlation between endoscopic findings and histopathological characteristics of the various pathological gastric lesions. Methods: The study was a prospective study and done on 150 affected patients in 2 years. The endoscopic biopsy was taken from number of points of suspicious lesion for histopathologic diagnosis of the type of gastric lesions. The biopsies were fixed in formalin and adequately processed. The sections were stained with routine Haematoxylin and Eosin stain. Giemsa staining for H.pylori was also done. Results: In this study the most common clinical indications for endoscopic biopsy were pain epigastrium (82.0%) and dyspepsia (67.3%) with mean age of 54.25 and male predominance (1.9:1). The various gastric lesions were chronic gastritis (66.0%), adenocarcinoma (8.0%), no specific diagnosis (8.0%), dysplasia (4.7%), hyperplastic polyp (4.7%), acute on chronic gastritis (3.3%), eosinophilic gastritis (2.0%), acute gastritis (1.3%), intestinal metaplasia (1.3%) and chronic atrophic gastritis (0.7%). Conclusion: H. pylori is most commonly associated with acute on chronic gastritis.

Standardization Of In House Prepared Polyherbal Formulation Raja Pravartini Churna

The present study is to set up and check the standardization parameter for a poly-herbal formulation Raja Pravartini Churna. The marketed formulation and in house prepared formulation with same formula is taken for study. The parameter for standardization are organoleptic character, loss on drying, bulk density, tapped density, angle of repose, carr’s index, husner’s ratio, florescence analysis, powder microscopy, Phytochemical screening, ash values, extractive values etc were evaluated during the study on both formulation. The set parameters were found to be sufficient to standardize the Raja Pravartini Churna and can be used as reference standards for the quality control/ quality assurance study mostly on plant drugs for their primary health care needs.

An Experience with a Different Conservative Management of Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumor.

Background: The aim of our study is to share our experience with conservative management of odontogenic keratocyst, and also to study the role of carnoy’s solution in prevention of recurrence of small keratocystic odontogenic tumour (KCOT). Methods: 29 consecutive patients with 30 KCOT treated in department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Teerthanker Mahaveer Dental college, Moradabad, UP. Initial biopsy was carried out in all patients and the OKCs were diagnosed after histological examination by the Oral Pathology Department. Out of 26 KCOT which were treated with enucleation alone, 14 patients were subjected to additional burning of cyst epithelium by carnoy’s solution. 4 large OKC which might undergone pathological fracture were treated by two stage surgery marsupialization followed by enucleation. Results: The majority of the lesions (17 patients, 56.7%) occurred in the mandibular third molar region. Recurrence occurred in 4 patients, in which 3 of them were from enucleation group and one of marsuplization and enucleation group.All the caseswere monitored continuously with panoramic radiographies and clinical evaluations.curettage of the remaining lesion. The average follow-up was 15 months. Conclusion: Use of carnoy’s solution with enucleation has definite advantage over the conventional enucleation. Further large KCOT can be conservatively treated with low morbidity with Marsupilization followed by enucleation successfully. The systematic and long-term post-surgical follow-up is considered to be a key element for successful results.

A rare anomaly of the foot presented as polydactyly.

Presence of one or more digit is called as polydactyly and may manifest singly or with other genetic disorders. The frequency of polydactyly varies widely among populations. It can occur as an isolated condition or as a feature of a congenital condition. Polydactyly is a rare condition, but still rare is in form of triple great toes. We describe a case in a 4‑year‑old child diagnosed as triphalangism foot with no other obvious visible anomaly. Osteoplasty‑combined surgery, which was ideal for anatomical reconstruction. In a 16‑month follow‑up period child recovered very well.

Pharmacognostic investigation on roots & leaves extract of Abutilon indicum linn.

Herbal medicines are natural products and their phytoconstitutents vary depending on time and region, processing and storage. Variations in the collection, processing or storage of an herb could impact its efficacy profile. Since prior knowledge regarding appropriate collection and usage of most medicinal plants exists in tradition, it can be used as a guide to quality standardization. The present study is aimed to carry out research work to evaluate Pharmacognostic investigation on Root & Leaf extract of Abutilon indicum. From the literature study it is found that a very little work is done on root & leaf part of plant for setting standardization limits. So, our aim is to find out again various standardization limits according WHO guideline like macroscopic & microscopic study, to find out LOD, ash values, extractive values etc. for root & leaf part of drug with a view to control the quality of crude drug.

Steatosis in chronic hepatitis B: Prevalence and correlation with biochemical, histologic, viral, and metabolic parameters.

Background and Aims: Hepatic steatosis (HS) is highly prevalent in chronic hepatitis C and is an important variable predicting progression of histological injury, insulin resistance, and reduced response to antiviral therapy. There are limited data on HS in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This is relevant since response to current antiviral therapies for CHB is rather limited. We investigated the spectrum and predictors of HS in CHB patients. Materials and Methods: Liver biopsies of consecutive patients of chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection were studied and were categorized as: Group I - hepatosteatosis (>5%) and Group II - no steatosis (£5%). Anthropometric, histological, biochemical, virological, and metabolic determinants were compared. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify variables that were independently associated with the presence of steatosis. Results: Of the 350 patients, 118 (33.7%) liver biopsies showed steatosis (Group I); 65 (55.1%) had mild (6 to <25%) and 53 (44.9%) had moderate to severe steatosis (325%). Patients in group I, compared with group II, were older (35.5 ± 10.5 vs 27.9 ± 14.0 years, P < 0.01), predominantly male (M: F, 10.8: 1 vs 4.8: 1, P = 0.035), obese (75.0% vs 23.4%, P < 0.01), with higher body mass index (25.2 ± 4.8 vs 20.4 ± 3.5, P < 0.01), with higher triglycerides (138.8 ± 62.1 vs 88.0 ± 27.9, P = 0.02), with higher cholesterol (171.9 ± 43.5 vs 139.3 ± 37.6, P = 0.017), and with higher serum insulin (13.1 ± 9.1 vs 9.1 ± 6.0, P < .027) levels. HBV DNA level was significantly lower in group I than group II; however, HBV genotype did not influence HS. By multivariate regression analysis, only high serum triglyceride level was independent parameter associated with HS. Conclusions: Steatosis is seen in one-third cases with HBV-related chronic liver disease and is associated with host metabolic factors, especially serum triglyceride levels, whereas HBV DNA level negatively correlated with HS.

Osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle.

Osteochondroma (OC) of the mandibular condyle is a relatively rare condition that causes a progressive enlargement of the condyle, usually resulting in facial asymmetry, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, and malocclusion. Radiographically, there is a unilaterally enlarged condyle usually with an exophytic outgrowth of the tumor from the condylar head. We present a case of a left mandibular condylar OC that created a major facial asymmetry, malocclusion, and TMJ dysfunction. Discussion includes the rationale for treatment and the method used in this case. In actively growing OCs, surgical intervention is indicated to remove the tumor stopping the benign growth process and improve facial symmetry, occlusion, and jaw function.

Metastatic adenocarcinoma of bilateral cavernous sinus and optic nerve with unknown primary mimicking orbital pseudotumor.

Bilateral cavernous sinus and optic nerve metastases is extremely rare. We report an extremely rare case of metastatic adenocarcinoma of bilateral cavernous sinus and optic nerve with unknown primary presenting as orbital pseudotumor. She underwent bilateral optic nerve decompression and the diagnosis was established by biopsy.