The utility of colposcopy in detecting relapse after treatment of gynaecological malignancies

Background: Vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of vault relapse in gynecological cancers. This symptom may be overlooked or attributed to other causes, such as atrophy, infection, or post-radiation changes. Colposcopy allows direct magnified visualization of vaginal mucosa and abnormal vasculature though its role in detecting relapse is unclear.Methods: It is a retrospective observational study of 31 patients who were referred for colposcopy and biopsy with complaints of abnormal vaginal bleeding during follow up of endometrial or cervical cancer.Results: Among 31 patients, 19 patients were diagnosed to have primary cervical cancer and 12 endometrial cancers. Primary treatment was surgery alone (n=10, 32.2%), chemo-radiation alone (n=4, 12.9%) and both (n=17, 54.8%). Abnormal colposcopic findings were atropic features (n=21, 67.7%), radiation changes (n=8, 25.8%), erosion (n=9, 29.0%), acetowhite areas (n=9, 29.0%), abnormal vessels (n=8, 25.8%) and iodine staining abnormality (n=16, 51.6%). According to Swede scoring system, 77.1% (n=24) were normal or low grade lesions, 22.6% (n=7) were high grade lesions. Total of 6 recurrence cases identified out of which 5 cases had high grade (Swede score >7) and one had low grade (Swede score 5-7) colposcopic features. On taking Swede score cut off of 5 or more, the sensitivity of colposcopy in detecting vault recurrence is 100%, specificity 96%, positive likelihood ratio of 25%and negative likelihood ratio of 0%. Overall the accuracy of colposcopy in detecting relapse was 96.8%.Conclusions: In our experience colposcopy is worth in detecting the cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding after treatment for endometrial and cervical cancer. Swede score is a good measure to decide on taking biopsy among these patients. Furthermore, larger studies are needed for better clarification.

Tratamiento de la recaída de pacientes pediátricos con leucemia linfoblástica aguda en la Argentina: resultados de un ensayo clínico y una cohorte prospectiva / Treatment of Relapse in Pediatric Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Argentina: Results from a Clinical Trial and a Prospective Cohort

Introducción: desde 2002, el Grupo Argentino para el Tratamiento de la Leucemia Aguda (GATLA) implementa protocolos del grupo Berlín-Frankfurt-Münster (BFM) como tratamiento estándar de las recaídas de la leucemia linfoblástica aguda (LLA). En 2010, el BFM generó el protocolo IntReALL 10, que en la Argentina se implementó con las limitaciones propias de la región. Población y métodos: 180 pacientes menores de 18 años fueron tratados entre 2010 y 2015 por una LLA recaída de alto riesgo en la Argentina siguiendo un protocolo de recaída del BFM que comparó en forma abierta el tratamiento estándar con una terapéutica innovadora (experimental); esta incluyó el fármaco clofarabina. Se evaluaron 171 pacientes, de los cuales 78 pacientes fueron aleatorizados en forma centralizada (ensayo clínico) y 93 fueron asignados a una de las ramas según el criterio del grupo tratante (cohorte prospectiva). La cohorte donde la asignación del tratamiento no fue aleatorizada fue analizada realizando un ajuste por sexo, edad y por la presencia o no de síndrome de Down, cromosoma Philadelphia e inmunofenotipo T. Resultados: los pacientes que recibieron el tratamiento experimental tuvieron peores resultados (el doble de mortalidad a cinco años) que los que recibieron tratamiento estándar. Esta diferencia alcanzó significancia estadística tanto en el ensayo clínico (p=0,001) como en la cohorte prospectiva (p=0,0009). Conclusiones: nuestros resultados avalan continuar con la rama estándar de los protocolos tipo BFM para el tratamiento de las recaídas de la LLA y fueron concordantes con las conclusiones del grupo ALLIC-REC. (AU)

Introduction: since 2002, the Grupo Argentino para el Tratamiento de la Leucemia Aguda (GATLA) has been implementing protocols from the Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster (BFM) group as the standard treatment for relapses of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In 2010, BFM developed the IntReALL 10 protocol, implemented in Argentina with the inherent limitations of the region. Population and Methods: we treated a total of 180 patients under 18 years of age between 2010 and 2015 for high-risk relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in Argentina following a BFM relapse protocol. This protocol openly compared standard treatment with an innovative (experimental) therapeutic approach that included Clofarabine. Out of these, 171 patients were assessable, with 78 patients being centrally randomized in a clinical trial, and 93 were assigned to one of the arms based on the treating group's criteria (prospective cohort). The cohort where the treatment assignment had not been randomized, was analyzed with adjustments for gender, age, and the presence or absence of Down Syndrome, Philadelphia Chromosome, and T-cell immunophenotype. Results: patients who received the experimental treatment had worse outcomes (double the five-year mortality) compared to those who received the standard treatment. This difference reached statistical significance in the clinical trial (p=0.001) and the prospective cohort (p=0.0009). Conclusions: our results support the continuation of the standard arm in BFM-type protocols for relapsed ALL treatment and were consistent with the conclusions of the ALLIC-REC group. (AU)

Study on application of modified anterior pelvic floor functional reconstruction operation in pelvic organ prolapse / 重庆医学

Objective To analyze the application value of modified anterior pelvic floor reconstruction operation in pelvic organ prolapse.Methods A retrospective analysis was adopted.A total of 141 patients with pelvic floor reconstruction surgery in the obstetrics and gynecology department of Chongqing Municipal Ma-ternal and Child Health Care Hospital from January 2020 to December 2021 were included.The patients were divided into the observation group(modified anterior pelvic floor reconstruction operation,n=78)and control group(classic anterior pelvic floor reconstruction operation,n=63)according to the operation methods.The perioperative indicators,pelvic organ prolapse quantitation(POP-Q)score before and after operation,objective cure rate after operation,recurrence situation and pelvic floor quality of life score before and after operation were compared between the two groups.Results There was no significant difference in the surgical time,bleeding volume,duration of antibacteriakl drug use,and length of hospital stay between the two groups(P＞0.05).The POP-Q scores after surgerynin the two groups were signbificantly increase compared with before operation,and the objective cure rate in postoperative 12 months in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group at 12 months after surgery(91％.0 vs.81.0％,P＜0.05).There was no recurrence in the observation group after one year follow-up,while there were two cases of recurrence in the control group.The scores of the pelvic floor distress inventory short form 20(PFDI-20),pelvic floor impact questionnake,short form 7(PFIQ-7),and pelvic organ prolapse/incontinence sexual function questionnaire-12(PISQ-12)in 1 month after surgery in the two groups had statisticallyu significant differences compared with those before surgery(P＜0.05).After one year of follow-up,the patient global impression of improvement(PGI-I)score in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P＜0.05).Con-clusion The modified anterior pelvic floor reconstruction operation can effectively improve the quality of life in the patients,moreover the patients are not easy to relapse,so which is a new type of operation worthy of promotion.

Effect of CD34+ cell dose on haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for treating malignant hematological diseases / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is associated with a higher rate of graft rejection and therefore often requires a higher CD34+ cell dose,but the findings reported in existing studies regarding the relationship between CD34+ cell dose and study endpoints after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are controversial. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of CD34+ cell dose on clinical outcomes of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for malignant hematological diseases. METHODS:135 patients who underwent haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Center,Department of Hematology,First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2019 and December 2021 were included.Combining the results of previous studies and our center's experience,the cohort was divided into two groups using a CD34+ cell count of 5.0×106/kg as the cut-off point.Clinical outcomes related to graft implantation,relapse incidence,non-relapse mortality,overall survival and progression-free survival were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)CD34+ cell dose correlated with platelet engraftment,with platelets implanted earlier in the high-dose group than in the low-dose group(14 days vs.16 days,P=0.013).(2)There was no significant difference in 3-year overall survival between the two groups(67.5%vs.53.8%,P=0.257);nor was there a significant difference in progression-free survival between the two groups(65.6%vs.44.2%,P=0.106),but stratified analysis based on disease risk index revealed an association with elevated 3-year progression-free survival in the high-dose group among low-risk patients(72.0%vs.49.3%,P=0.036).(3)The cumulative 3-year relapse incidence was smaller in the high-dose group than in the low-dose group(16.0%vs.33.5%,P=0.05).(4)The rate of non-relapse mortality within 100 days was greater in the high-dose group than in the low-dose group,but there was no significant difference(17.3%vs.6.7%,P=0.070);stratified analysis revealed that non-relapse mortality within 100 days was significantly higher in the high-dose group than in the low-dose group(20.0%vs.3.3%,P=0.046).(5)In conclusion,CD34+ cell doses>5.0×106/kg promote early platelet implantation,improve 3-year progression-free survival in low-risk patients at transplantation and reduce the cumulative relapse incidence.However,in high-risk patients,high-dose CD34+ cells result in increased non-relapse mortality within 100 days after transplantation,which is considered to be possibly associated with an increased occurrence of severe acute graft versus host disease in the early post-transplantation period.Therefore,it is considered that graft versus host disease monitoring should be enhanced in patients who transfused high-dose CD34+ cells.

The correlation between the increase of peripheral blood B cells and the recurrence of autoimmune encephalitis / 中华神经科杂志

Objective:To analyze the correlation between peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets, especially B cells, and the relapse of autoimmune encephalitis (AE).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with AE who were diagnosed and treated in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2012 to January 2023. The clinical data including gender, age and changes in related indicators of CD19 +B cells, CD16/56 +NK cells, CD3 +T cells, CD4 +T cells, CD8 +T cells, IgG, IgA, and IgM before and after recurrence were analyzed.Binary Logistic regression analysis was applied to the study of correlation between AE recurrence and gender, age, CD19 +B cells, CD16/56 +NK cells, CD3 +T cells, CD4 +T cells, CD8 +T cells, IgG, IgA and IgM. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of the cells that affect AE recurrence (CD19 +B cells, CD16/56 +NK cells, CD3 +T cells, CD4 +T cells and CD8 +T cells) were plotted separately. Results:A total of 198 eligible AE patients were included, including 98 males and 100 females, aged (39.52±17.91) years. Among these patients, 78 cases had relapses, with a recurrence rate of 39.4%. The results of Logistic regression analysis showed that CD19 +B cells ( B=0.006, P<0.001), CD16/56 +NK cells ( B=0.004, P<0.05), CD3 +T cells ( B=-0.011, P<0.05), CD4 +T cells ( B=0.014, P<0.05) and CD8 +T cells ( B=0.010, P<0.05) were highly correlated with the relapse of AE. ROC curve analysis showed that CD19 +B cells (area under the curve: 0.833, P<0.001, critical value: 73.5/μl; sensitivity: 69.2%, specificity: 86.7%), CD3 +T cells (area under the curve: 0.784, P<0.001), CD4 +T cells (area under the curve: 0.808, P<0.001), and CD8 +T cells (area under the curve: 0.742, P<0.001) all had a certain predictive value for AE relapse. Among all the indicators, the area under the curve of CD19 +B cells was the largest, which had a higher value in predicting AE recurrence. Conclusion:The increase in peripheral blood CD19 +B cells has high predictive value for the relapse of AE.

Role of Supplementing Qi and Activating Blood in Preventing Relapse After Recovery of Community-acquired Pneumonia with Syndrome of Lung Deficiency and Collateral Stasis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Community-acquired pneumonia （CAP） is a respiratory infection which takes a long time to fully recover after clinical symptoms are alleviated in the short term. It affects the physical health and quality of life of the patients in the long term and can occur repeatedly， which is related to inflammation， immunity， and the coagulation function. Lung Qi deficiency and collateral stasis are the key pathogenesis of CAP at the recovery stage. The development of CAP is accompanied by the decreased production and the increased consumption of Qi， which results in lung Qi deficiency. At the same time， heat pathogen forces the blood to move improperly， which depletes Qi and damages fluid， resulting in lung collateral stasis. Lung Qi deficiency and collateral stasis are causal and influence each other. The patients at the recovery stage of CAP generally present deficient lung Qi and healthy Qi， impaired immune function， and weakened defense function. However， pathogenic Qi， coagulation function changes， and thrombosis exist， and some coagulation factors are associated with the prognosis of CAP. The Chinese medicines for tonifying lung and supplementing Qi can help replenish healthy Qi， consolidate the body foundation， and regulate the inflammation. The Chinese medicines for activating blood and resolving stasis can dredge the lung collaterals， clear the pathogenic Qi， improve the microvascular circulation， and inhibit the inflammatory response. The Chinese medicines for supplementing Qi and activating blood can replenish healthy Qi and dispel pathogen to regulate immunity， inhibit inflammation， and alleviate the clinical symptoms， thus promoting the recovery from pneumonia. From lung Qi deficiency and collateral stasis， this paper summarizes the application and explains the scientific connotation of supplementing Qi and activating blood in preventing relapse after recovery of CAP， providing ideas for using this method to assist in preventing relapse after recovery of CAP.

Relationship between fear of relapse and illness perception and psychological flexibility in patients with lung cancer / 四川精神卫生

BackgroundLung cancer is a malignancy of high incidence rate and mortality in China. The fear of relapse can affect the patient's treatment compliance and reduce their quality of life. There have been previous studies on the relationship between fear of lung cancer relapse and disease perception， as well as disease perception and psychological flexibility. However， current research on the status quo of fear of lung cancer relapse and its correlation with illness perception and psychological flexibility is limited. ObjectiveTo explore the fear of cancer relapse and its relations with illness perception and psychological flexibility in patients with lung cancer， and to provide references for subsequent related clinical interventions. MethodsA total of 96 patients were selected as the research subjects， who were pathologically diagnosed with lung cancer and admitted to Fuyang People's Hospital from January 2021 to July 2022. Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form （FoP-Q-SF）， Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire （BIPQ） and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-Ⅱ （AAQ-Ⅱ） were used for evaluation. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the correlation between scores of various scales， and multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of relapse fear in lung cancer patients. ResultsThe total FoP-Q-SF score of lung cancer patients was （35.35±7.66） and a total of 65 cases （67.71%） had a FoP-Q-SF score≥34. As relevant analyses showed， the BIPQ total score of lung cancer patients was positively correlated with the total score， social family dimension score and physiological health dimension score of Fop-Q-SF （r=0.586， 0.445， 0.475， P<0.05）， the AAQ-Ⅱ score was positively correlated with the total score， social family dimension score and physiological health dimension score of FoP-Q-SF （r=0.485， 0.652， 0.513， P<0.05）. According to the results of single factor analysis and multiple linear regression analysis， age （β=-0.142， P<0.01）， education level （β=-0.254， P<0.01）， monthly household income （β=-0.527， P<0.01）， illness perception （β=0.847， P<0.01） and psychological flexibility （β=0.781， P<0.01） are all factors influencing the fear of relapse in lung cancer patients. ConclusionMost lung cancer patients have a fear of recurrence. It is not only related to illness perception and psychological flexibility， but also influenced by factors including age， education level and monthly family income.［Funded by Special Research Project on Business Construction of National Clinical Research Base of Traditional Chinese Medicine under the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine （number， JDZX2015074）］

Comparison of clinical characteristics between first-episode and relapse of major depressive disorder / 中国心理卫生杂志

Objective:To describe demographic,clinical and physiological characteristics,treatment between first-episode major depressive disorder(MDD)and relapse MDD,and to explore characteristics of relapse MDD.Methods:Totally 858 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for depression of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,Fifth Edition(DSM-5),were included by using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview(MINI),Clinician-Rated Dimensions of Psychosis Symptom Severity,and Hamilton Depression Scale etc.Among them,529(58.6％)were first-episode depression and 329(36.0％)were relapsed.The differences of demographic characteristics,clinical and physiological characteristics,treatment were compared byx2test and Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test.Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore the characteristics of MDD recur-rence.Results:Compared to first-episode MDD,relapse MDD had more comorbidity(OR=2.11,95％CI:1.00-4.44),more days out of role(OR=1.26,95％CI:1.01-1.56),more history of using psychiatric drug more than one month(OR=1.41,95％CI:1.02-1.97)and electroconvulsive therapy(OR=3.23,95％CI:1.42-7.36),and higher waist-hip ratio(OR=33.88,95％CI:2.88-399.32).Conclusion:Relapse MDD has positive as-sociation with comorbidity of mental disorders,out of role,and higher waist-hip ratio.

Factors affecting laryngeal cancer relapse after postoperative radiotherapy and relationship between relapse with radiotherapy dose / 中国医学物理学杂志

Objective To explore the factors associated with laryngeal cancer relapse after postoperative radiotherapy,discuss the relationship between radiotherapy dose under various surgical procedures and relapse,and analyze their effects on survival rate.Methods The clinical data of 134 patients with laryngeal cancer treated with postoperative radiotherapy in Shijiazhuang People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed.The risk factors of postoperative relapse were analyzed with univariate analysis,followed by multivariate Logistic regression analysis.The relationships between radiotherapy doses under various surgical procedures and the relapse were discussed.Kaplan-meler method and Log rank test were used to analyze the 2-year survival rate of laryngeal cancer patients.Results Thirty out of the 134 patients relapsed after treatment,and there was no recurrence in the remaining 104 patients.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis identified clinical stage(Ⅲ-Ⅳ),T stage(T3-T4),N stage(N1-N3),radiotherapy dose(low-dose),thyroid cartilage invasion(yes)and surgical margin(positive)as independent risk factors for postoperative laryngeal cancer relapse(OR>1,P<0.05).The relapse rates of patients receiving high-dose radiotherapy after laser vocal cord mass resection/partial laryngectomy and total laryngectomy under self-retaining laryngoscope were lower than those of patients receiving low-dose radiotherapy,with a statistically significant difference in overall relapse rate(P<0.05).As of June 2023,the median follow-up time of 134 patients undergoing postoperative radiotherapy for laryngeal cancer was 14.23 months(1-24 months),and there were 8 deaths in low-dose group and 2 deaths in high-dose group.The estimated median survival times in low-and high-dose groups were 19.13 months and 22.13 months.The survival curves in two groups were different(Log rank P=0.20),with high-dose group outperforming low-dose group.Conclusion The overall therapeutic effect of surgery combined with postoperative radiotherapy for laryngeal cancer is favorable.However,clinical stage,T stage,N stage,low-dose radiotherapy,tumor invasion into thyroid cartilage,positive surgical margin,and>11 weeks from postoperation to radiotherapy completion were risk factors for disease relapse.In clinical practice,the radiotherapy dose should be appropriately increased based on the patient's condition to improve prognosis and extend survival duration.

Risco de recorrência em Sistema Nervoso Central de Linfoma Difuso de grandes células B e sua profilaxia em Serviço Público de Saúde em dois centros no Brasil / Risk of recurrence in the Central Nervous System of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma and its prophylaxis in a Public Health Service in two centers in Brazil

O linfoma difuso de grandes células B (LDGCB) é o subtipo mais comum de linfoma não Hodgkin. A recaída em sistema nervoso central (SNC) é um evento raro, variando de 5% a 10%, de acordo com fatores de risco previamente definidos através do Índice Prognóstico Internacional do SNC (CNS-IPI) e sítios extranodais específicos. Apresenta desfechos insatisfatórios, com sobrevida global mediana de dois a cinco meses. Ao longo dos anos, diversas estratégias para reduzir a recaída em SNC foram avaliadas, e são cada vez mais controversas. As profilaxias para evitar recaída em SNC frequentemente utilizadas diferem na forma de administração, baseados em metotrexato intratecal (IT-MTX) ou de forma sistêmica em altas doses (HD-MTX), associado ou não a outros agentes quimioterápicos. Os estudos até então disponíveis foram realizados em países de alta renda e é questionado se limitações encontradas em países de transição econômica, com maior dificuldade de acesso a métodos diagnósticos e terapêuticos, trariam impacto ou poderiam justificar profilaxia para recaída em SNC. Realizamos um estudo retrospectivo em dois centros de saúde pública em Belo Horizonte, Brasil, entre janeiro de 2018 e julho de 2022, para avaliar a incidência de recaída em SNC em pacientes acometidos por LDGCB. Estimamos sobrevida livre de progressão e sobrevida global. Um total de 120 pacientes, com idade média de 54,4 ± 15,4 anos e predomínio do sexo masculino (60,0%) foram avaliados no estudo. Destes, apenas sete (5,8%) receberam IT-MTX e quatro (3,3%) receberam HD-MTX. Não houve pacientes que receberam as duas vias de profilaxia. O escore prognóstico para risco inicial de recaída do SNC pelo CNS-IPI foi estimado como: baixo [0-1; 37 (30,8%)], moderado [2-3; 53 (44,2%)] ou alto [≥ 4; 27 (22,5%)]. A recaída em SNC foi confirmada em quatro (3,3%) pacientes. Apesar do estudo ter sido realizado em centros de referência oncohematológicas, o n disponível foi pequeno ao considerar a raridade do evento. Não conseguimos demonstrar se há benefício ou não de profilaxia específica para recaída em SNC. Considerando a morbimortalidade desta complicação, sugere-se realizar mais estudos e investigar acometimento oculto de SNC em LDGCB ao diagnóstico.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Central nervous system (CNS) relapse is a rare event, varying from 5% to 10%, according to risk factors previously defined through the CNS International Prognostic Index(CNS-IPI) and specific extranodal sites. It presents unsatisfactory outcomes, with a median overall survival of two to five months. Over the years, several strategies to reduce CNS relapse have been evaluated, and they are increasingly controversial. Prophylaxis to prevent CNS relapse frequently used differs in the form of administration, based on intrathecal methotrexate (IT-MTX) or high-dose systemic (HD-MTX), associated or not with other chemotherapeutic agents. The studies available so far were carried out in high-income countries and it is questioned whether limitations found in economic transition countries, with greater difficulty in accessing diagnostic and therapeutic methods, would have an impact or could justify prophylaxis for CNS relapse. We carried out a retrospective study in two public health centers in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, between January 2018 and July 2022, to evaluate the incidence of CNS relapse in patients affected by DLBCL. We estimated progression-free survival and overall survival. A total of 120 patients, with a mean age of 54.4 ± 15.4 years and a predominance of males (60.0%) were evaluated in the study. Of these, only seven (5.8%) received IT-MTX and four (3.3%) received HD-MTX. There were no patients who received both routes of prophylaxis. The prognostic score for initial risk of CNS relapse by CNS-IPI was estimated as: low [0-1; 37 (30.8%)], moderate [2-3; 53 (44.2%)] or high [≥ 4; 27 (22.5%)]. CNS relapse was confirmed in four (3.3%) patients. Although the study was carried out in oncohematological reference centers, the number available was small considering the rarity of the event. We were unable to demonstrate whether or not there is benefit from specific prophylaxis for CNS relapse. Considering the morbidity and mortality of this complication, it is suggested to carry out further studies and investigate occult CNS involvement in DLBCL at diagnosis.

Parental perspective on the psychological adjustment of children in cancer relapse or remission / Perspectiva de pais sobre o ajustamento psicológico de crianças em recidiva e remissão de câncer

Abstract Objective This article aimed to evaluate the psychological adjustment of Brazilian children experiencing cancer relapse by comparing their adjustment with cancer survivors and "healthy" children, based on the reports of their parents or caregivers. Method Participants were 140 caregivers of children in relapse (n = 24), remission (n = 59), and of children considered "healthy" (control group) (n = 57). The Behavior Assessment System for Children and the Family Environment Scale were applied. Data analyses were performed through Student's t-test, Chi-square, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlations. Results The results showed that children with cancer did not present more psychopathologies than the control group; however, they had more social and leadership skills. Protective (family cohesion) and risk factors (child´s age, number of relapses, treatment duration, caregiver's income and education level) were also observed. Conclusion This study proposes the screening of psychological symptoms for risk subgroups and the design of intervention strategies for this population.

Resumo Objetivo O presente artigo visou avaliar o ajustamento psicológico de crianças brasileiras em recidiva de câncer comparando-as com sobreviventes de câncer e com crianças "saudáveis", a partir do relato de seus pais/cuidadores. Método Os participantes foram 140 cuidadores de crianças em recidiva (n = 24), remissão (n = 59) e controle (n = 57). Foram aplicadas a Escala de Avaliação Comportamental para Crianças e a Family Environment Scale. As análises de dados foram realizadas com t de Student, Qui-quadrado, análises de variância e correlações de Pearson. Resultados Os resultados mostraram que as crianças com câncer não apresentaram mais psicopatologias que o grupo controle, mas mostraram mais habilidades sociais e de liderança. Também se observaram fatores protetores (coesão familiar) e de risco (idade, número de recidivas, duração do tratamento, renda e nível educacional dos cuidadores). Conclusão Propõe-se o rastreio de sintomas psicológicos nos subgrupos de risco e o delineamento de estratégias interventivas para esta população.

Late relapses in leprosy patients in Brazil: 10-year post-trial of uniform multidrug therapy (U-MDT/CT-BR)

ABSTRACT Background: Leprosy is a neglected dermato-neurologic, infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae or M. lepromatosis. Leprosy is treatable and curable by multidrug therapy/MDT, consisting of 12 months rifampicin, dapsone and clofazimine for multibacillary/MB patients and for 6 months for paucibacillary/PB patients. The relapse rate is considered a crucial treatment outcome. A randomized Controlled Clinical Trial (U-MDT/CT-BR) conducted from 2007‒2012 compared clinical outcomes in MB patients after 12 months regular MDT/R-MDT and 6 months uniform MDT/U-MDT in two highly endemic Brazilian areas. Objectives: To estimate the 10 years relapse rate of MB patients treated with 6 months U-MDT. Methods: The statistical analyses treated the data as a case-control study, sampled from the cohort generated for the randomized trial. Analyses estimated univariate odds ratio and applied logistic regression for multivariate analysis, controlling the confounding variables. Results: The overall relapse rate was 4.08 %: 4.95 % (16 out of 323) in the U-MDT group and 3.10 % (9 out of 290) in the regular/R-MDT group. The difference in relapse proportion between U-MDT and R-MDT groups was 1.85 %, not statistically significant (Odds Ratio = 1.63, 95 % CI 0.71 to 3.74). However, misdiagnosis of relapses, may have introduced bias, underestimating the force of the association represented by the odds ratio. Conclusions: The relapse estimate of 10 years follow-up study of the first randomized, controlled study on U-MDT/CT-BR was similar to the R-MDT group, supporting strong evidence that 6 months U-MDT for MB patients is an acceptable option to be adopted by leprosy endemic countries worldwide. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00669643.

Malaria relapse with brain involvement / Recaída en malaria con compromiso cerebral

Abastract Malaria is an endemic parasitosis in more than 80 countries, with more than 200 million cases recorded in 2020. Recent literature has shown the economic impact and severity of the disease caused by the vivax variant, a species which has been underestimated. We describe the case of a 19-year-old adult male who was a previously healthy active-duty soldier who had been living in the city of Bogotá for the last six months. He presented with a four-day history of fever coupled with headache, arthralgias and several diarrheal episodes, as well as a three-minute generalized tonic-clonic seizure without sphincter relaxation. He had total amnesia of the event. The only relevant point in the interview was a history of malaria treated seven months prior to admission, while he was in Amazonas Department. A thick blood smear taken during his stay confirmed the presence of Plasmodium vivax. The patient was treated with intravenous artesu-nate and diagnosed with cerebral malaria secondary to a relapse. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2678).

Resumen La malaria es una parasitosis endémica en más de 80 países con un registro superior a los 200 millones de casos en 2020. La literatura reciente ha demostrado el impacto económico y la severidad de la enfermedad causada por la variante vivax, una especie que ha sido subestimada. Describimos el caso de un adulto masculino de 19 años, soldado activo, previamente sano, resi dente por los últimos seis meses en la ciudad de Bogotá, con cuadro febril de cuatro días asociado a cefalea, artralgias y varios episodios diarréicos con un cuadro convulsivo de tres minutos tónico clónico generalizado sin relajación de esfínteres. Amnesia total del evento. El interrogatorio resalta como único antecedente relevante la historia de malaria tratada siete meses previos a su ingreso, mientras se encontraba en el Amazonas. Una gota gruesa tomada en su estancia confirma la presen cia de Plasmodium vivax. El paciente recibe manejo con artesunato endovenoso con el diagnóstico de malaria complicada por compromiso cerebral secundario a recaída. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2678).

Factors affecting retention and relapse in orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment aims to achieve stable and harmonious occlusion by correcting malocclusions and aligning teeth. However, the long-term success of orthodontic treatment relies heavily on the effectiveness of the retention phase. Retention involves maintaining the corrected tooth positions and preventing relapse, which refers to the tendency of teeth to return to their original maloccluded positions over time. The retention phase applied after treatment is important to obtain stable results. Various factors can influence the retention phase and contribute to relapse in orthodontics. Periodontium, soft tissue pressures, growth, and occlusion are among these factors affecting stability. Understanding these factors is crucial for orthodontists to design appropriate retention protocols and enhance treatment outcomes. To achieve successful long-term stability, orthodontists must comprehensively evaluate and address the factors during the retention phase. This review article will discuss factors that affect retention and relapse in orthodontics.

Seguimiento de los pacientes con pie Bot durante la pandemia del SARS CoV-2: frecuencia y causas del abandono del tratamiento

Introducción: El pie Bot es la deformidad del pie más frecuente en pediatría. El pie se caracteriza por tener el tobillo equino, varo el retropié, aducto el antepié, y cavo el medio pie. Objetivos: describir la frecuencia y los motivos de abandono del tratamiento del pie Bot en una población pediátrica hospitalaria durante la pandemia (2020-2021). Materiales y Métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo ambispectivo. Fueron incluidos por muestreo de casos consecutivos, niños de 0 a 6 años que se encontraban en seguimiento de pie Bot en el servicio de traumatología pediátrica y abandonaron el tratamiento. Los datos fueron recogidos de las historias clínicas y por entrevista telefónica con los padres. Variables demográficas, características de la deformidad, edad y escolaridad de la madre, antecedentes familiares de pie Bot y otras malformaciones, la recurrencia, causas del abandono de tratamiento. Los datos fueron analizados en SPSS v21.Se solicitó el consentimiento informado de los padres. Resultados : El 25% (101/404) de los pacientes en seguimiento en el hospital, en el periodo de 2020-2021 abandonaron el tratamiento. Ingresaron al estudio 62 pacientes. El 95% presentaron recurrencia y recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico. La causa más frecuente de abandono del tratamiento de acuerdo con los padres fueron las dificultades derivadas de la pandemia. Conclusiones: La frecuencia de abandono de tratamiento fue del 25,2%, con predominio del sexo masculino. El 95% presentaron recaída y recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico (Tenotomía de Aquiles). La causa más frecuente de abandono de tratamiento fue la pandemia.

Introduction: Clubfoot is the most frequent foot deformity in pediatrics. The foot is characterized by having an equine ankle, a varus hindfoot, an adducted forefoot, and a dig in the midfoot. Objectives: to describe the frequency and reasons for abandoning Clubfoot treatment in a pediatric hospital population in the pandemic (2020-2021). Materials and Methods: This was an ambispective, descriptive and observational study. Consecutive case sampling included children from 0 to 6 years of age who were undergoing Clubfoot follow-up in the pediatric trauma service and abandoned treatment. Data were collected from medical records and by telephone interview with parents. The variables were: demographics, characteristics of the deformity, age and education of the mother, family history of Clubfoot and other malformations, recurrence and causes of treatment abandonment. Data were analyzed in SPSS v21. Parental informed consent was requested. Results: During the 2020-2021 period, 25% (101/404) of the patients being monitored at the hospital abandoned treatment. 62 patients were enrolled in the study. 95% presented recurrence and received surgical treatment. The most frequent cause of treatment abandonment, according to the parents, was the difficulties caused by the pandemic. Conclusions: The frequency of treatment abandonment was 25.2%, with a predominance of males. 95% presented relapse and received surgical treatment (Achilles Tenotomy). The most frequent cause of treatment abandonment was the pandemic.

A Follow up Study Among Patients on Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) in Terms of Relapse Rate, Factors Affecting Relapse Rate and HCV Incidence

Background: Many countries are facing a serious problem with opioid dependence. Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) is prescribed to dependent opioid users to diminish the use and effects of illicitly acquired opioids. The high relapse rate has been affecting the effectiveness of anti-drug work all over the world.Material & Methods:In this study, 200 patients were taken by simple random sampling technique. 100 patient on Buprenorphine substitution therapy and 100 on Methadone maintenance treatment were studied. Patients diagnosed as cases of Opioid dependence as per ICD-10 were selected within the first 3 months and followed up to 1 year at 3, 6 and 9 months. The study was conducted after approval from the institutional ethics and thesis committee. A 14-item questionnaire based on a four-point scale describing the number of times certain events had occurred in the previous week for relapse was used to find factors affecting relapse.Results:The relapse rate among patients in the BPN group at 3, 6 and 9 months relapse was 29.33%, 20.34% and 19.51% while in the Methadone group, it was 24.05%, 15.87% and 12% respectively. The overall HCV Incidence was 75% among patients on Opioid Substitution Therapy. Conclusion:The findings of the study highlight the role of multiple determinants in opioid dependence and relapse. The obtained results showed that HCV infection was an alarming problem among IV opiate drug users in Punjab.

The Socio-Demographic Factors and Causes of Substance Abuse Relapse: 36 Cases

Background: Relapse is frequent among substance abusers all across the world, and Bangladesh is no exception. Drug-related issues are gradually becoming a hot topic in Bangladesh, from a social, economic, and medical standpoint. The present study aimed to find out sociodemographic factors associated with relapse amongst substance abuser. Material & Methods: This descriptive type of observational study conducted in the Combined Military Hospital and other Government/Private Hospital/Institute especially Central Drug Addict Treatment Center, Dhaka with a total sample size of 36 participants. Detailed information was obtained in each case according to protocol through complete history from patients or their accompanying attendants using a data collection sheet which was read out to them in Bangla. All the information was recorded in the pre fixed protocol. Collected data was classified, edited, coded and entered into the computer for statistical analysis by using SPSS-23. Results: The study found that yaba was the most commonly abused drug among 36 participants, with 27.78% reporting abuse. 27.78% of participants had a psychiatric illness, with the majority being male (97.22%) and Muslim (88.89%). The largest group of participants were aged 31-40 (47.22%) and most were unemployed (83.33%) and married (94.44%). Peer pressure and family problems were the most commonly reported causes of relapse (91.67% and 83.33%, respectively). Other factors such as unemployment, depression, and failure in life also contributed to relapse. Conclusion: Yaba was the most prevalent substance of abuse and the majority of participants were male, had a psychiatric illness, and were unemployed. Peer pressure and family problems were the main causes of relapse.

Correlation between parasitemia and different complications of malaria – The clinical outlook

Background: Malaria is one of the most severe public health problems worldwide. India contributes a substantial burden of malaria. It can cause several complications. Aims and Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the association of parasitemia of current malaria with age of patients, hemoglobin level, liver function test (LFT), platelet count, previous history of malaria, and relapse/recrudescence of malaria up to 1 year. Materials and Methods: An observational study conducted in hospital settings included thin and thick smear preparation with Leishman’s staining to determine the parasitemia as per the WHO guidelines from the blood samples of 280 malaria parasite dual antigen (MPDA) kit positive patients and their details were taken during study period of 2 years. Hemoglobin, LFT, and platelet count were tested and they were correlated with parasitemia. The previous history of malaria was taken and follow-up was done up to 1 year for relapse/recrudescence and their association with parasitemia in current disease was evaluated. Statistical tool R was used for data analysis. Results: Age group 20–40 years was most commonly affected with maximum mean percentage parasitemia. Higher parasitemia was associated with higher grade of anemia, LFT derangement, and thrombocytopenia. Disease severity was maximum for mixed infection followed by falciparum and vivax malaria. About 9.28% of patients with the previous history of malaria developed lower parasitemia in current infection. Relapse rate in vivax malaria –2.325% and recrudescence rate in falciparum malaria–12.5%. Conclusion: Malaria parasitemia should be reported routinely as it carries prognostic importance.

Factors associated with relapse amongst substance abusers

Background: Relapse amongst substance abusers is common throughout the world, and Bangladesh is no exception to this. In Bangladesh, drug related problems are gradually becoming a burning issue in context of social, economical and medical perspective. The present study aimed to find out factors indicating relapse amongst substance abuser. Methods: This descriptive type of observational study was conducted in the combined military hospital and other government/private hospital/institute, especially the central drug addict treatment center, Dhaka. Informed consent was obtained prior to data collection. Collected data was classified, edited, coded, and entered into the computer for statistical analysis by using SPSS-23. The chi-Square test was used to analyze the categorical variables, and a p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The study involved 100 patients who had a history of substance abuse. The most common substance abused was Yaba (27%), followed by cannabis (21%). The average duration of abuse for Yaba was 5.8 years, while the longest mean duration was for Alcohol (14.2 years). In the 2nd admission, the largest percentage of patients was aged 21-30 years and were male. The majority of patients were Muslim and were either unemployed or had a lower socioeconomic status. Patients age, occupation, socioeconomic status, peer pressure, and family problems all had a significant association (p<0.05) with relapse at different admissions. Peer pressure and family problems were also identified as factors affecting relapse, with 67.57% and 56.76% of patients experiencing them during their 2nd admission, respectively. Conclusions: The study found Yaba to be the most commonly used drug, followed by cannabis, phensedyl, heroin, etc. Alcohol was found to have the longest duration of abuse. Most patients were aged 21-30 and unemployed in multiple admissions. Peer pressure and unemployment were major factors in substance abuse, and psychiatric illness was a common factor in relapse. The results align with global findings and highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing substance abuse, considering all relevant factors.

Factors associated with relapse amongst substance abusers

Background: Relapse amongst substance abusers is common throughout the world, and Bangladesh is no exception to this. In Bangladesh, drug related problems are gradually becoming a burning issue in context of social, economical and medical perspective. The present study aimed to find out factors indicating relapse amongst substance abuser. Methods: This descriptive type of observational study was conducted in the combined military hospital and other government/private hospital/institute, especially the central drug addict treatment center, Dhaka. Informed consent was obtained prior to data collection. Collected data was classified, edited, coded, and entered into the computer for statistical analysis by using SPSS-23. The chi-Square test was used to analyze the categorical variables, and a p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The study involved 100 patients who had a history of substance abuse. The most common substance abused was Yaba (27%), followed by cannabis (21%). The average duration of abuse for Yaba was 5.8 years, while the longest mean duration was for Alcohol (14.2 years). In the 2nd admission, the largest percentage of patients was aged 21-30 years and were male. The majority of patients were Muslim and were either unemployed or had a lower socioeconomic status. Patients age, occupation, socioeconomic status, peer pressure, and family problems all had a significant association (p<0.05) with relapse at different admissions. Peer pressure and family problems were also identified as factors affecting relapse, with 67.57% and 56.76% of patients experiencing them during their 2nd admission, respectively. Conclusions: The study found Yaba to be the most commonly used drug, followed by cannabis, phensedyl, heroin, etc. Alcohol was found to have the longest duration of abuse. Most patients were aged 21-30 and unemployed in multiple admissions. Peer pressure and unemployment were major factors in substance abuse, and psychiatric illness was a common factor in relapse. The results align with global findings and highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing substance abuse, considering all relevant factors.