Association between Epstein-Barr Virus Gene Polymorphism and Breast Cancer Risk among Egyptian Females.

BACKGROUND: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been implicated in the development of breast cancer (BC) since 1995. It is classified into A/B genotypes, C/D subtypes, and F/f variants according to variations in its genome. AIM: To determine the distribution difference of EBV types between BC patients and healthy controls in Egypt and to detect the association between different EBV types and BC characteristics. METHODS: Three hundred and sixty-two participants (142 BC patients and 220 controls) were enrolled in this study. All participants were screened for EBV infection by determination of viral-capsid-IgG antibodies in their sera. EBNA-1 gene was detected by PCR in tumor biopsies of seropositive patients and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of controls. A/B genotyping of EBV was performed by nested-PCR targeting the EBNA-2 gene. C/D subtypes and F/f variants were identified by Restriction fragment length polymorphism at BamHI-I W1/I1 and BamHI-F regions of EBV genome, respectively. RESULTS: Among 362 participants, 300(82.9%) were EBV-seropositive, including 120/142(84.5%) of the BC patients and 180/220(81.8 %) of the controls. EBNA-1 gene was positive in 54(45%) of seropositive BC patients and in 38(21.1%) of seropositive controls. There was a significant association of EBNA-1 gene with breast cancer (OR=3.05, 95%CI=1.84-5.07). Moreover, EBNA-1 gene positivity was significantly associated with the more aggressive tumors. Genotype-A and prototype-F were predominant among patients (90.4%, 100%, respectively) as well as among controls (91.7%, 100%, respectively) with no statistical significant association with BC risk.  However, subtype-D was significantly more frequent in patients (95.6%) than in controls (64.7%) and was significantly associated with a higher BC risk as compared to subtype-C (OR=11.7, 95%CI=2.4-57.08). Subtype-D was significantly associated with higher grades tumors (100% among grade III),  with progesteron receptor-negative tumors and with HER2-positive tumors (100% for each). The combined genotypes that significantly associated with BC risk were ADF (OR=4.9) and BDF (OR=5.5). CONCLUSIONS: Subtype-D of EBV could be the only EBV type implicated in BC development among Egyptian females and associated more with poor prognosis.

Effects of oral premedication with tramadol, pregabalin or clonidine on shivering after spinal anaesthesia in patients undergoing hysteroscopic procedures.

BACKGROUND: Shivering is a common complication of neuraxial anaesthesia. We compared the efficacy of tramadol, clonidine and pregabalin in preventing post-spinal anaes-thesia shivering in hysteroscopic procedures. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, triple-blind, controlled clinical trial involving 120 ASA I-II women, aged 18-60 years. The patients were randomly allocated to receive either oral clonidine 0.2 mg (group C), tramadol 100 mg (group T), pregabalin 150 mg (group P) or placebo (group O) 90 minutes before spinal anaesthesia. The body tempe-rature was monitored at the forehead and tympanic membrane. The primary outcome was the occurrence of perioperative shivering. The secondary outcomes were the side effects and meperidine requirements to treat shivering. RESULTS: All groups had comparable demographic data. Group C showed the lowest incidence, severity and number of intraoperative and postoperative shivering attacks. The time to the first shivering attack was significantly longer in group C than the other groups and in group T than groups P and O. The severity of shivering attacks was comparable among groups C, T and P while being significantly lower than group O. Meperidine requirements were significantly lower in group C. Groups C, T and P had a significantly higher sedation score than group O. The incidences of dizziness, nausea and vomiting were highest in group T. CONCLUSIONS: Tramadol, pregabalin and clonidine seem to be effective oral premedications to reduce the incidence, frequency and severity of post-spinal shivering but clonidine proved to be more effective and tolerable.

Thyroid cancer associated with Hashimoto thyroiditis: similarities and differences in an endemic area.

BACKGROUND: Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune lymphocytic thyroiditis and is the most common form of thyroid inflammatory diseases. The association of HT with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has been described. PTC is the most common form of malignancy associated with HT. When papillary carcinoma develops on top of Hashimoto thyroiditis, the disease tends to be less aggressive and lymph node and extra-thyroidal invasion are infrequent. RESULTS: We retrospectively examined the pathological features of our patients who were diagnosed with concomitant HT and thyroid cancer. In Egyptian patients, PTC was the main type of malignancy associated with HT (96.2%) and was often multifocal (46.2%). In contrast to the published literature, lymph node invasion and extra-thyroidal extension were as frequent in association with HT as in other cancer cohorts. We also observed the frequent occurrence of Hürthle cell metaplasia (23.1%) and the appreciable incidence of aggressive histological types of PTC (32%). CONCLUSION: Thyroid carcinoma with HT may have some aggressive features in areas with endemic goiter background.

Efficacy of intraperitoneal bupivacaine, hydrocortisone, and magnesium sulfate in different combinations for pain relief after laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of intraperitoneal different combinations for postoperative pain relief in patients undergoing laparoscopic unilateral ovarian cystectomy. METHODS: We conducted a double-blind randomized controlled trial that enrolled patients who were included to undergo laparoscopic unilateral ovarian cystectomy. Patients received one of the following combinations (30 patients each): group I: received bupivacaine plus magnesium sulfate, group II: received bupivacaine plus hydrocortisone, group III: received magnesium sulfate plus hydrocortisone, and group IV: received saline 0.9% only. The primary outcomes in the present study were the severity of postoperative abdominal and shoulder pain assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) every two hours till the end of the first day, and time for first postoperative analgesia requirement. RESULTS: Group I had statistically significant lower abdominal static and dynamic pain scores than the other groups till 18 hours postoperatively (P<0.001). In addition, group II had statistically significant lower abdominal static and dynamic pain scores than group III in the most of assessment points (P<0.05). The time for first required analgesics was significantly longer in group I (336.2±67.54 minutes) than other groups (P<0.001). The proportion of patients who required two or more doses of ketorolac was significantly lower in group I than other groups (P<0.001). The proportion of patients with nausea or vomiting was not significantly different across study's groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal bupivacaine-magnesium combination provides better analgesia and reduces postoperative morphine consumption than bupivacaine-hydrocortisone or magnesium-hydrocortisone combinations after laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy.

Endotracheal Intubation Criteria and Stress Response: Airtraq versus Macintosh Laryngoscopes - A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Airtraq® is a single-use video laryngoscope used to facilitate tracheal intubation in both expected and unexpected difficult airways. AIMS: We hypothesized that Airtraq laryngoscope would facilitate better intubation criteria and lower stress response to laryngoscopy in comparison to the Macintosh laryngoscope. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized, single-blinded, prospective study, 70 adult patients were randomly assigned to be intubated with either Airtraq (Group AT) or Macintosh (Group M) laryngoscope (35 patients in each). The primary outcomes involved intubation time, first-attempt success rate, time to best laryngoscopic view, and percentage of glottic opening (POGO) score. Other recorded parameters involved the hemodynamic and intraocular pressure (IOP) responses to laryngoscopy and intubation and complications during and after laryngoscopy and after extubation. Serum samples were collected before anesthesia induction and 2 min after intubation and analyzed for epinephrine, cortisol, and glucose. RESULTS: Group AT had significantly higher POGO score and significantly shorter intubation time and time to best laryngoscopic view than Group M (P < 0.001). The first-attempt success rate was 97.1% in Group AT and 94.3% in Group M (P = 0.55). Postoperatively, laryngospasm and sore throat were encountered in 2.9% of Group M patients compared to 0% in Group AT (P = 1.00). The heart rate, mean arterial pressure, IOP, serum epinephrine, and cortisol were significantly increased in Group M than Group AT. CONCLUSION: In comparison to the Macintosh laryngoscope, Airtraq conferred significantly better intubation criteria and lesser stress response to laryngoscopy and intubation.

Ultrasound-Guided Serratus Plane Block Versus Erector Spinae Block for Postoperative Analgesia After Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: There is no gold standard for the management of postoperative pain after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Interfascial nerve blocks were proposed as simple and effective options. DESIGN: The present pilot randomized trial aimed to compare the perioperative analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESB) with serratus plane block (SPB) in patients undergoing VATS. SETTING: University hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty adult patients scheduled to undergo VATS were enrolled in the study. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either single-shot ultrasound-guided ESB or SPB. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcomes were pain severity, time to first postoperative analgesia, and intraoperative and postoperative analgesic requirements. Data analysis was performed with MedCalc, Version 15.8 (MedCalc, Ostend, Belgium. The ESB group showed a significantly lower VASstatic score than the SPB group from the 4th hour (p = 0.04) to the 6th hour postoperatively (p = 0.002), and the VASdynamic score was significantly lower in ESB group than the SPB group because the patients were alert (p < 0.001); this trend was consistent until the 20th hour postoperatively. Similarly, the time for first required analgesic was significantly longer in the ESB group (p < 0.001). The mean arterial pressure was significantly higher in the SPB group than in the ESB group 12 hours postoperatively (p < 0.001). No major side effects were observed in either of the study groups. CONCLUSION: ESB provided superior analgesia and longer time to first required analgesic than did SPB.

Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Using the Unilateral Axillo-breast Approach Versus the Modified Anterior Chest Wall Approach: A Prospective Comparative Study.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic thyroidectomy (ET) has become a well-established surgical technique that is mainly performed for benign thyroid lesions. Several endoscopic approaches are available, such as transaxillary, unilateral axillo-breast approach (UABA), modified anterior chest wall approach (MACWA), bilateral axillo-breast approach, and most recently the transoral approach and the robotic-assisted techniques. There is no recommended approach, because each approach has its own positive and negative attributes. We, herein, compare between UABA and MACWA in terms of surgical and cosmetic outcomes. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted from April 2016 to August 2017. Forty patients with unilateral benign thyroid lesions were selected. Of them, 20 patients underwent ET using UABA, and 20 patients underwent ET using MACWA. Gas insufflation was implemented for all patients. Clinicopathologic data, surgical outcomes, and cosmetic outcomes in both groups were analyzed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between both groups in the clinicopathologic characteristics. The mean surgical time was significantly longer in the UABA group compared with the chest wall group (147.3 vs. 124.3 min). The postoperative pain scores were relatively lower in the UABA group compared with the MACWA group. We reported a higher rate of persistent paresthesia, neck contracture with swallowing discomfort, and hypertrophic scars in the MACWA group. Cosmetic satisfaction scores for patients who underwent UABA were higher than for those who underwent MACWA. CONCLUSIONS: Both approaches were similar in terms of safety, feasibility, and operative complications. Even though the surgical time was longer, patients who underwent the UABA reported relatively less postoperative pain, superior cosmetic results, scar perception, and patient satisfaction compared with MACWA.

Clinical Impact of a Surgical Energy Device in Advanced Ovarian Cancer Surgery Including Bowel Resection.

AIM: To evaluate the clinical impact of the use of the Caiman® articulating energy device in advanced ovarian cancer (AOC) including rectosigmoid resection [e.g. modified posterior exenteration (MPE)]. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective single-institution observational study with women undergoing MPE where all soft-tissue dissections and vessel ligations were performed using the Caiman® device. Intraoperative and postoperative surgical data were collected. Bladder function after nerve-sparing surgery was analyzed before and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Forty patients were registered in the study. The median time for specimen removal using Caiman® was 86 min (range=70-120 min). Major vessel ligation was successful in all patients with a median of a single (range=1-4) Caiman® application to seal major vessels. No intraoperative or postoperative complications or bladder dysfunctions associated with the use of Caiman® were noted. CONCLUSION: Caiman® can be safely used in AOC surgery and may save time through faster dissection. However, comparative studies with other energy devices are needed to confirm this finding.

The effect of intravenous infusion of N-acetyl cysteine in cirrhotic patients undergoing liver resection: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Liver resection can lead to hepatocellular dysfunction. The aim was to evaluate the effect of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) on liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST]), international normalized ratio (INR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM 1) in cirrhotic patients undergoing liver resection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized controlled trial (RCT), Pan African Clinical Trial registry (PACTR201508001251260). 60 Child A patients were studied. NAC group (n = 30) received intravenous infusion of NAC 10 g/24 h in 250 ml of 5% dextrose during surgery and for 2 days. Controls (C) (n = 30) received a similar volume of 5% dextrose. All above parameter were measured during and after surgery. RESULTS: ALT and AST were significantly elevated after surgery, but to a less extent with NAC versus C (day 3; 118.3 ± 18.6 vs. 145.4 ± 14.0 U/L. P < 0.01) and (121.5 ± 19.5 vs. 146.6 ± 15.1 U/L, P = 0.00), respectively. Lower serum CRP and ICAM 1 with NAC versus C on day 3 (44.2 ± 13.4 vs. 68.7 ± 48.2 mg/l, P = 0.003), (308.8 ± 38.2 vs. 352.8 ± 59.4 ng/ml, P = 0.002), respectively. Hospital stay was shorter with NAC versus C (6.1 ± 0.8 vs. 6.9 ± 1.2 days, P = 0.006). Duration of surgery, INR, and hemodynamics were comparable. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic NAC in hepatic patients undergoing liver surgery attenuated postoperative increase in transaminases, ICAM 1, and CRP blood levels. The impact of these findings and the cost benefit of reduced hospital stay on enhanced recovery after surgery needs to be evaluated.

Etiologic revelation and outcome of the surgical management of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis; An Egyptian centre experience.

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a chronic inflammatory condition that is confused with cancer. It usually affects women in child bearing age. The exact aetiology and pathogenesis are still unknown, and the optimal therapeutic modality has not yet been established. Treatment most frequently includes Antibiotics, corticosteroids and immunosuppressant, surgical excision, and even mastectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied a thirty cases diagnosed with IGM in our locality to find out the leading risk factors and the outcome of our surgical approach which involves excision of the lesion in continuity with duct system. Patients demographic data, history related to lactation and outcome were recorded. RESULTS: All patients were parous women with history of previous breast feeding for all kids. Twenty-six patients (86.66%) had a history of early incomplete nursing care to the affected breast. After our surgical approach, Twenty eight (93.3%) patients showed fast recovery with no detectable recurrences in the median follow up period (18 months) with acceptable cosmoses. CONCLUSION: History of breast feeding together with early failure of complete nursing from a single breast is the most important risk factors for development of IGM in young aged women. Surgery plays an important role in treating IGM, however, it should be directed towards excision of the present mass (s) together with the pathological and colonized duct system.

Effects of perineural administration of dexmedetomidine in combination with bupivacaine in a femoral-sciatic nerve block.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Perineural administration of dexmedetomidine, a α2-adrenoceptor agonist, prolongs the duration of analgesia. We hypothesized that adding dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine would prolong postoperative analgesia after below knee surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After ethical approval, 60 patients scheduled for below knee surgery under combined femoral-sciatic nerve block were randomly allocated into two groups to have their block performed using bupivacaine 0.5% alone (group B) or bupivacaine 0.5% combined with 100 µg bupivacaine-dexmedetomidine (group BD). Motor and sensory block onset times; durations of blockades and analgesia were recorded. RESULTS: Sensory and motor block onset times were shorter by 20% in group BD than in group B (P < 0.01). Sensory and motor blockade durations were longer in group BD (+45% and +40%, respectively) than in group B (P < 0.01). Duration of analgesia was longer in group BD by 75% than in group B (P < 0.01). Systolic, diastolic arterial blood pressure levels, and heart rate were significantly less in group BD, six patients in group BD, and no patients in group B developed bradycardia (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The addition of dexmedetomidine 100 µg to bupivacaine 0.5% during ultrasound-guided combined femoral and sciatic block for below knee surgery was associated with a prolonged duration of analgesia. However, this may be associated with significant bradycardia requiring treatment.