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1.
Indian J Ophthalmol ; 2024 May 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38767552

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess the severity of glaucoma and its worsening using Spaeth/Richman contrast sensitivity (SPARCS). To evaluate its correlation with retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) and perimetry. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, 90 eyes of primary open-angle glaucoma were categorized into mild, moderate, and severe glaucoma (30 each). All eyes were subjected to contrast sensitivity measurements by using the Pelli-Robson (PR) chart and SPARCS, Humphrey automated perimetry, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) RNFL, along with routine ophthalmological evaluation at baseline. Contrast sensitivity was repeated at 1, 3, and 6 months. Other investigations were repeated at 6 months. The correlation between contrast sensitivity and other parameters was analyzed at baseline and 6 months. RESULTS: Total SPARCS showed a significant positive correlation with visual field index, pattern standard deviation, mean deviation, OCT RNFL, and a negative correlation with best corrected visual acuity. Central SPARCS and PR scores exhibited strong positive correlations. Both total and quadrantic SPARCS significantly reduced from mild to moderate to severe glaucoma. The quadrant-wise SPARCS also correlated well with opposite-side RNFL thickness. At 6 months, SPARCS showed a significant reduction along with RNFL measurements preceding any significant changes in visual field parameters. CONCLUSION: This study establishes SPARCS as a reliable and reproducible tool in assessing the deterioration of visual function in glaucoma patients even before significant perimetric changes. The specific relationship of quadrantic SPARCS with opposite-side RNFL is a novel yet expected finding. The findings advocate integrating SPARCS into routine glaucoma assessment for timely detection of any worsening and prompt intervention, improving the visual outcomes in these patients.

2.
Nat Med ; 30(3): 837-849, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38504016

ABSTRACT

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical image interpretation requires effective collaboration between clinicians and AI algorithms. Although previous studies demonstrated the potential of AI assistance in improving overall clinician performance, the individual impact on clinicians remains unclear. This large-scale study examined the heterogeneous effects of AI assistance on 140 radiologists across 15 chest X-ray diagnostic tasks and identified predictors of these effects. Surprisingly, conventional experience-based factors, such as years of experience, subspecialty and familiarity with AI tools, fail to reliably predict the impact of AI assistance. Additionally, lower-performing radiologists do not consistently benefit more from AI assistance, challenging prevailing assumptions. Instead, we found that the occurrence of AI errors strongly influences treatment outcomes, with inaccurate AI predictions adversely affecting radiologist performance on the aggregate of all pathologies and on half of the individual pathologies investigated. Our findings highlight the importance of personalized approaches to clinician-AI collaboration and the importance of accurate AI models. By understanding the factors that shape the effectiveness of AI assistance, this study provides valuable insights for targeted implementation of AI, enabling maximum benefits for individual clinicians in clinical practice.


Subject(s)
Algorithms , Artificial Intelligence , Humans , Radiologists
3.
Transfusion ; 64(4): 638-645, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38506497

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Healthcare activities significantly contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Blood transfusions require complex, interlinked processes to collect, manufacture, and supply. Their contribution to healthcare emissions and avenues for mitigation is unknown. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a life cycle assessment (LCA) for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions across England where 1.36 million units are transfused annually. We defined the process flow with seven categories: donation, transportation, manufacturing, testing, stockholding, hospital transfusion, and disposal. We used direct measurements, manufacturer data, bioengineering databases, and surveys to assess electrical power usage, embodied carbon in disposable materials and reagents, and direct emissions through transportation, refrigerant leakage, and disposal. RESULTS: The central estimate of carbon footprint per unit of RBC transfused was 7.56 kg CO2 equivalent (CO2eq). The largest contribution was from transportation (2.8 kg CO2eq, 36% of total). The second largest was from hospital transfusion processes (1.9 kg CO2eq, 26%), driven mostly by refrigeration. The third largest was donation (1.3 kg CO2eq, 17%) due to the plastic blood packs. Total emissions from RBC transfusion are ~10.3 million kg CO2eq/year. DISCUSSION: This is the first study to estimate GHG emissions attributable to RBC transfusion, quantifying the contributions of each stage of the process. Primary areas for mitigation may include electric vehicles for the blood service fleet, improving the energy efficiency of refrigeration, using renewable sources of electricity, changing the plastic of blood packs, and using methods of disposal other than incineration.


Subject(s)
Carbon Footprint , Greenhouse Effect , Humans , Animals , Blood Transfusion , Life Cycle Stages , England
4.
Musculoskeletal Care ; 22(1): e1863, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38353351

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to determine if after hip fracture surgery (1) early mobilisation is associated with improved clinical outcomes, and if so (2) are benefits directly proportional to how soon after surgery the patient mobilises. METHODS: A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses systematic review was conducted using four databases to identify all studies that compared postoperative early mobilisation with delayed mobilisation, in patients after hip fracture surgery. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist was employed for critical appraisal and evaluation of all studies that met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies, including 297,435 patients were identified, of which 235,275 patients were mobilised early and 62,160 were mobilised late. Six studies assessed 30-day mortality, of which two also investigated 30-day complication rates. Pooled meta-analysis demonstrated that there were significantly lower 30-day mortality rates (odds ratio [OR] 0.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.31-0.41, p < 0.001) and complication rates (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.36-0.51, p < 0.001) in patients mobilising early after hip fracture surgery. Five studies investigated length of stay (LOS) and meta-analysis revealed no difference between groups (mean difference -0.57 days, 95% CI -1.89-0.74, p = 0.39). CONCLUSION: Early mobilisation in hip fracture patients is associated with a reduction in 30-day mortality and complication rates compared to delayed mobilisation, but no difference in LOS. These findings illustrate that early mobilisation is associated with superior post operative outcomes. However, a direct casual effect remains to be demonstrated, and further work on the factors underlying delayed mobilisation is required.


Subject(s)
Early Ambulation , Hip Fractures , Humans , Hip Fractures/surgery , Physical Therapy Modalities , Length of Stay , Program Evaluation
5.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38031770

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cardiomyopathy is a global health crisis that affects people all over the world. Consequently, scientists felt compelled to look for and develop ever-more-powerful pharmaceuticals. For ATTR-CM, the only drug currently recommended by the European Society of Cardiology is Tafamidis. OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this review article is to understand the chemistry, pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and bio-analytical methods available for Tafamidis Methods: A systematic review of the existing resources was accomplished up to 2022, comprising existing studies forming the database covering the existing resources from Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and PubMed. RESULTS: The review was based on a systematic review of all the existing studies used to formulate the database. The study also illustrated the PRISMA design that systematically analyses the prevalent resources. CONCLUSION: Minimal analytical techniques are observed for quantifying the Tafamidis and transthyretin kinetic stabiliser. Therapeutic, pharmacological, and analytical considerations for the novel drug Tafamidis are discussed in this review. Particular attention is paid to the many different analytical and bioanalytical methods currently available for estimating Tafamidis, and the need is highlighted to develop a straightforward, validated technique that meets green chemistry standards.

6.
Curr Diabetes Rev ; 2023 Oct 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37855361

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: WHO indicates that diabetes will become the 7th leading reason for death by 2030. The physiopathology of dysfunctioning is associated with obesity, weight gain and predominantly insulin resistance in insulin-sensitive cells and continuous deterioration of pancreatic beta cell function. Imeglimin is an investigational novel oral anti-diabetic drug Objectives: The motive of the review is to comprehensively explore the chemistry, biological and analytical analysis of the Imeglimin hydrochloride. METHODS: To enhance the understanding a systematic review was conducted by forming a database of relevant existing studies from electronic resources like Web of Science, ScienceDirect and PubMed. The methodology is reflected in the PRISMA design. RESULT: The drug was approved in the year 2021 for therapeutic purposes in Japan. It is the novel and first approved drug for this type of Anti-diabetic treatment. It is a small molecular drug whose molecular weight is 191.6 grams per mole utilized for oral administration. Imeglimin is thought to have both activities, as the amount of glucose is dependent on insulin secretory impact and insulin sensitivity is increased. CONCLUSION: Therapeutic, pharmacological, and analytical considerations for the novel drug Imeglimin hydrochloride are discussed in this review.

7.
World J Orthop ; 13(7): 662-675, 2022 Jul 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36051377

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction has been a successful treatment for ACL rupture. However ongoing rotational instability can be an issue. Several surgical techniques have been recommended to overcome this including lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) and more recently anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR). AIM: To compare the clinical outcomes following ACL reconstruction (ACLR) alone or ACLR with either LET or ALLR. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted by means of four databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane and Clinical.Trials.Gov), and the Reference Citaion Analysis (https://www.referencecitationanalysis.com/) to identify all studies investigating either or both of LET and ALLR. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for cohort studies was employed for critical appraisal and evaluation of all twenty-four studies which met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Pooled meta-analyses illustrated that ACLR with additional LET or ALLR results in improved pivot shift test scores, compared to isolated ACLR. There was no statistically significant difference in International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) clinical scores with addition of either LET or ALLR. ACL re-rupture rates were compared between LET and ALLR techniques. There was a statistically significant difference between techniques, with a 1.14% rupture rate in ACLR +ALLR, and 4.03% rupture rate in ACLR + LET. Isolated ACLR re-rupture rates were 12.59%, significantly higher than when augmented with either ALLR or LET (P < 0.0001 for both groups). There were no statistical differences in pivot shift test or IKDC scores between LET and ALLR techniques. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis has found that use of either LET or ALLR in addition to ACLR results in improved mechanical outcomes suggesting surgeons should consider augmenting ACLR with an extra-articular procedure in patients with rotatory instability. Furthermore, both anterolateral extra articular procedures in addition to ACLR lead to reduced ACL re-rupture rates compared to isolated ACLR. Moreover, ALLR results in reduced ACL re-rupture rates, compared to LET. More research is needed to compare the two respective extra-articular procedures.

8.
Econometrica ; 89(1): 37-76, 2021 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34294944

ABSTRACT

Waitlists are often used to ration scarce resources, but the trade-offs in designing these mechanisms depend on agents' preferences. We study equilibrium allocations under alternative designs for the deceased donor kidney waitlist. We model the decision to accept an organ or wait for a preferable one as an optimal stopping problem and estimate preferences using administrative data from the New York City area. Our estimates show that while some kidney types are desirable for all patients, there is substantial match-specific heterogeneity in values. We then develop methods to evaluate alternative mechanisms, comparing their effects on patient welfare to an equivalent change in donor supply. Past reforms to the kidney waitlist primarily resulted in redistribution, with similar welfare and organ discard rates to the benchmark first come first served mechanism. These mechanisms and other commonly studied theoretical benchmarks remain far from optimal. We design a mechanism that increases patient welfare by the equivalent of an 18.2 percent increase in donor supply.

9.
Cells ; 10(6)2021 06 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34206010

ABSTRACT

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disorder associated with cartilage loss and is a leading cause of disability around the world. In old age, the capacity of cartilage to regenerate is diminished. With an aging population, the burden of OA is set to rise. Currently, there is no definitive treatment for OA. However, cell-based therapies derived from adipose tissue are promising. A PRISMA systematic review was conducted employing four databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science) to identify all clinical studies that utilized adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) or stromal vascular fraction (SVF) for the treatment of knee OA. Eighteen studies were included, which met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses were conducted on fourteen of these studies, which all documented WOMAC scores after the administration of AMSCs. Pooled analysis revealed that cell-based treatments definitively improve WOMAC scores, post treatment. These improvements increased with time. The studies in this meta-analysis have established the safety and efficacy of both AMSC therapy and SVF therapy for knee OA in old adults and show that they reduce pain and improve knee function in symptomatic knee OA suggesting that they may be effective therapies to improve mobility in an aging population.


Subject(s)
Adipose Tissue/metabolism , Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism , Osteoarthritis, Knee , Regeneration , Adipose Tissue/pathology , Humans , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/pathology , Osteoarthritis, Knee/metabolism , Osteoarthritis, Knee/pathology , Osteoarthritis, Knee/therapy
10.
EFORT Open Rev ; 6(5): 305-315, 2021 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34150325

ABSTRACT

Cost-utility analysis (CUA) studies are becoming increasingly important due to the need to reduce healthcare spending, especially in the field of trauma and orthopaedics.There is an increasing need for trauma and orthopaedic surgeons to understand these economic evaluations to ensure informed cost-effective decisions can be made to benefit the patient and funding body.This review discusses the fundamental principles required to understand CUA studies in the literature, including a discussion of the different methods employed to assess the health outcomes associated with different management options and the various approaches used to calculate the costs involved.Different types of model design may be used to conduct a CUA which can be broadly categorized into real-life clinical studies and computer-simulated modelling. We discuss the main types of study designs used within each category. We also cover the different types of sensitivity analysis used to quantify uncertainty in these studies and the commonly employed instruments used to assess the quality of CUAs. Finally, we discuss some of the important limitations of CUAs that need to be considered.This review outlines the main concepts required to understand the CUA literature and provides a basic framework for their future conduct. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:305-315. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200115.

11.
BMC Nurs ; 20(1): 32, 2021 Feb 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33593320

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Inadequate health human resources is a key challenge to advancing child survival in Ghana. Nurses are an essential human resource to target because they represent the largest portion of the health workforce. Building on lessons learned from our pilot pediatric nurse training project and World Health Organization guidelines for transforming and scaling up health professional education, this project aimed to; train 500 pediatric nurse specialists through a one-year training program; develop and integrate a critical mass of pediatric nursing faculty and establish a national standardized pediatric nursing curriculum. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a national pediatric nurse training program in Ghana at the end of 4 years, including eight cohorts with 330 graduates. METHODS: This was a mixed-method evaluation with surveys, focus groups and a pre-test/post-test design. Before and after surveys were used to measure knowledge and confidence at baseline and graduation. Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE) were used to measure clinical skills at baseline, graduation, and 14 months follow-up. At the end of every module, surveys were used to measure students' satisfaction. Focus groups at graduation qualitatively measured program outcomes. Repeat focus groups and surveys at 14 months after graduation captured the graduates' career progress, experiences reintegrating into the health system and long-term program outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, the graduates completed the program with significantly increased knowledge, confidence, and clinical skills. They also had increased job satisfaction and were able to apply what they learned to their jobs, including leadership skills and gender-sensitive care. Data from 14-month follow-up OSCEs showed that all graduates remained competent in communication, physical assessment, and emergency care, although some obtained a lower mark compared to their performance at graduation. This finding is linked with the observation that the amount of mentorship, support from leadership and equipment that the graduates accessed from their respective facilities varied. CONCLUSIONS: Mixed-methods evaluations demonstrated significant increases in knowledge confidence and skills by completing the program and maintenance of skills more than 1 year after graduation. Findings have implications for those working on the design, implementation, and evaluation of nursing education interventions in low- and middle-income countries.

12.
Int J Obes (Lond) ; 45(4): 715-724, 2021 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33214703

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patients with end-stage single compartment osteoarthritis benefit from the less invasive unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). With increasing financial restraints, some healthcare services have set specific BMI cut-offs when determining patient eligibility for knee arthroplasty due to perceived obesity-related complications. The aim of this systematic review is to determine the effect obesity has on outcomes following UKA, and thus elucidate whether obesity should be a contraindication for UKA. METHODS: A PRISMA systematic review was conducted using five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, PubMed and Web of Science) to identify all clinical studies that examined the effect of obesity on outcomes following UKA. Quantitative meta-analysis was carried out using RevMan 5.3 software. Quality assessment was carried out using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. RESULTS: Thirty studies, including a total of 80 798 patients were analysed. The mean follow- up duration was 5.42 years. Subgroup meta-analyses showed no statistically significant difference following UKA between patients cohorts with and without obesity in overall complication rates (95% CI, P = 0.52), infection rates (95% CI, P = 0.81), and revision surgeries (95% CI, P = 0.06). When further analysing complications, no differences were identified in minor (95% CI, P = 0.23) and major complications (95% CI, P = 0.68), or venous thromboembolism rates (95% CI, P = 0.06). When further analysing revision surgeries, no differences were identified for revisions specifically for infection (95% CI, P = 0.71) or aseptic loosening (95% CI, P = 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis shows that obesity does not result in poorer post-operative outcomes following UKA and should not be considered a contraindication for UKA. Future studies, including long-term follow-up RCTs and registry-level analyses, should examine factors associated with obesity and consider stratifying obesity to better delineate any potential differences in outcomes.


Subject(s)
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee , Obesity/complications , Osteoarthritis, Knee/surgery , Humans , Reoperation/statistics & numerical data , Treatment Outcome
13.
Int J Clin Pract ; 75(2): e13806, 2021 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33128841

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Healthcare services are facing economic constraints globally with an increasingly elderly population, and greater burdens of osteoarthritis. Because of the chronic nature of osteoarthritis and the costs associated with surgery, arthroplasty is seen as potentially cost saving. There have been no systematic reviews conducted on cost effectiveness analysis (CEA) studies of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the management of osteoarthritis. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate CEAs conducted on THA for osteoarthritis to determine if THA is a cost-effective intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using five databases to identify all clinical CEAs of THA for osteoarthritis conducted after 1 January 1997. Twenty-eight studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria. The Quality of Health Economic Analysis (QHES) checklist was employed to assess the quality of the studies. RESULTS: The average QHES score was 86 indicating high quality studies. All studies reviewed concluded that THA was a cost-effective intervention. In younger patients, cementless THA and ceramic on polyethylene implants were found to be most cost effective. Hybrid THA and metal on polyethylene implants had the greatest cost utility in older patients. In patients with acetabular defects, cemented cup with impaction bone grafting was most cost effective, while dual mobility THA was most cost effective in patients with high risk of dislocation. CONCLUSION: We have shown that THA is a cost-effective treatment for hip osteoarthritis. These findings should be implemented into clinical practice to improve cost utility in health services across the world.


Subject(s)
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip , Hip Prosthesis , Osteoarthritis, Hip , Aged , Cost-Benefit Analysis , Humans , Osteoarthritis, Hip/surgery , Treatment Outcome
14.
J Arthroplasty ; 35(11): 3393-3409.e2, 2020 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32234326

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The aim of this systematic review is to determine if robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RATKA) results in improved clinical and radiological outcomes, and to elucidate the breadth and depth of studies conducted on this topic. METHODS: A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses systematic review was conducted using 4 databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science) to identify all clinical studies that investigate clinical or radiological outcomes using RATKA. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist for cohort studies was employed for critical appraisal and evaluation of all 22 studies that met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: All studies reviewed determined that knee arthroplasty improved clinical outcomes. Twelve studies found statistically better clinical outcomes with RATKA compared with conventional TKA, whereas 9 studies found no difference. One study did not assess clinical outcomes. When assessing radiological outcomes, 14 studies reported that RATKA resulted in more consistent and accurate postoperative mechanical alignment, whereas 2 studies reported no difference. Six studies did not assess radiological outcomes. CONCLUSION: Although knee arthroplasty is one of the most commonly performed orthopedic operations, the level of patient satisfaction varies. The meta-analyses conducted in our systematic review shows that RATKA results in greater improvements in postoperative Hospital for Special Surgery score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities scores compared to conventional TKA. Furthermore, it shows that RATKA results in more accurate postoperative alignment of prostheses. These together can explain the improved postoperative outcomes. More randomized controlled trials must be conducted before this technique is integrated into routine clinical practice.


Subject(s)
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee , Robotic Surgical Procedures , Humans , Knee Joint/surgery , Ontario , Patient Satisfaction , Radiography
16.
J Perioper Pract ; 30(9): 265-270, 2020 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31694466

ABSTRACT

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease which is characterised by systemic inflammation. In the recent decades, the advent of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs have reduced the need for orthopaedic procedures. However, there are numerous patients in which pharmacological treatment fails and these patients require surgical intervention. Complications can arise due to the underlying pathology and multitude of medications these patients can be on, specifically increased infection rates due to use of immunosuppressive agents. An understanding into the disease itself, as well as perioperative management, may improve overall patient outcomes and prevent future complications.


Subject(s)
Arthritis, Rheumatoid/surgery , Orthopedic Procedures/methods , Antirheumatic Agents/therapeutic use , Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip/adverse effects , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/adverse effects , Biomarkers/metabolism , Disease Progression , Humans , Postoperative Complications , Surgical Wound Infection/prevention & control
17.
J Perioper Pract ; 30(7-8): 199-203, 2020 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31694472

ABSTRACT

Despite the introduction and use of latex-free gloves, natural rubber latex hypersensitivity is still an issue in hospital medicine both for patients and healthcare professionals. Clear understanding of the groups at risk as well as perioperative assessment and management is key to reducing complications and improving safety. In this literature review, we cover the perioperative management of patients with latex hypersensitivity, as well as the implications for healthcare professionals. We also review the cost analyses of latex hypersensitivity in the healthcare system and the evidence available.


Subject(s)
Gloves, Protective/adverse effects , Latex Hypersensitivity/prevention & control , Perioperative Care , Costs and Cost Analysis , Health Personnel , Humans , Latex Hypersensitivity/economics , Latex Hypersensitivity/etiology , Patients , Risk Factors
18.
J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth ; 34(9): 2513-2523, 2020 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31883688

ABSTRACT

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is rare but complex pathophysiological disease with hallmark features of chronic thrombotic mechanical obstruction, right ventricular dysfunction, and secondary pulmonary arteriopathy. It increasingly is being understood that chronic infection/inflammation, abnormal fibrinolysis, and cytokines play an important role in pathogenesis such that only a subset of patients with pulmonary embolism develop CTEPH. Diagnosis remains challenging given the lack of early clinical signs and overlap with other cardiopulmonary conditions. Pulmonary endarterectomy is the surgical procedure of choice with good postoperative survival and functional outcomes, especially when done at high-volume centers with a multidisciplinary approach. There has been a resurgence of balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) as salvage therapy for inoperable CTEPH or in its newfound hybrid role for persistent postoperative pulmonary hypertension with excellent 1-year and 3-year survival. Use of riociguat has shown promising improvements in functional outcomes up to 2 years after initiation. Endothelin receptor antagonists serve a supplemental role postoperatively or in inoperable CTEPH. The role of drug therapy preoperatively or in tandem with BPA is currently under investigation.


Subject(s)
Angioplasty, Balloon , Hypertension, Pulmonary , Pulmonary Embolism , Endarterectomy , Humans , Hypertension, Pulmonary/diagnosis , Hypertension, Pulmonary/therapy , Pulmonary Embolism/complications , Pulmonary Embolism/therapy
19.
J Hepatobiliary Pancreat Sci ; 26(11): 524-533, 2019 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31532900

ABSTRACT

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes following upfront pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in severely jaundiced (serum bilirubin level ≥15 mg/dl) patients with malignant distal common bile duct (CBD) obstruction. BACKGROUND: Recent studies have failed to show the benefits of preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) before PD. In addition, there is limited data on the impact of upfront PD on perioperative outcomes in severely jaundiced patients. METHODS: We reviewed the prospectively collected data of 177 patients who had undergone PD for the malignant distal CBD obstruction from May 2009 to May 2018. Study subjects were divided into Group A (severely jaundiced patients with upfront PD; n = 20), Group B (patients with serum bilirubin <15 mg/dl and no PBD; n = 88) and Group C (PBD prior to PD; n = 69). Overall morbidity, in-hospital mortality, and postoperative hospital stay were compared. RESULTS: No significant differences were noted between the three groups regarding sex, tumor size and stage, comorbidities, and surgical technique. The intra-operative blood loss was more in severely jaundiced patients as compared to Groups B and C (605 vs. 300 vs. 350 ml, P = 0.0001), but similar operative times, blood transfusions, and rates of post-pancreatectomy leak and hemorrhage. The infective complications were significantly less with upfront surgery. The overall morbidity, in-hospital mortality, and hospital stay were comparable between the three groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis failed to identify both the presence of preoperative jaundice and hyperbilirubinemia ≥15 mg/dl as independent risk factors for post-PD major morbidity. CONCLUSION: Upfront PD can be performed safely in the selected severely jaundiced patients and is associated with significantly lower infective complications.


Subject(s)
Bile Duct Neoplasms/surgery , Bilirubin/blood , Jaundice, Obstructive/surgery , Pancreaticoduodenectomy , Adult , Aged , Bile Duct Neoplasms/blood , Bile Duct Neoplasms/complications , Bile Ducts/surgery , Common Bile Duct/pathology , Common Bile Duct/surgery , Drainage , Female , Hospital Mortality , Humans , Jaundice, Obstructive/blood , Jaundice, Obstructive/etiology , Length of Stay , Male , Middle Aged , Pancreaticoduodenectomy/mortality , Preoperative Care , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome , Young Adult
20.
ACG Case Rep J ; 4: e13, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28144618

ABSTRACT

Human anisakiasis is acquired through eating raw or undercooked saltwater fish or squid. Infestation with living larvae caused by eating parasitized fish often times results in gastroenteritis. It mainly involves the stomach and small intestine with no reported cases of eosinophilic esophagitis caused by Anisakidea. A 41-year-old man presented for the evaluation of 1 year of dysphagia to solid foods and was found to have endoscopic findings consistent with eosinophilic esophagitis with pathology showing 100 eosinophils per high-power field. During endoscopy, a roundworm, later identified as Anisakidae species, was found. Patient was treated with a 6-week course of albendazole with symptomatic, endoscopic, and histologic improvement.

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