Age at diagnosis predicts local recurrence in women treated with breast-conserving surgery and postoperative radiation therapy for ductal carcinoma in situ: a population-based outcomes analysis.

PURPOSE: The main goal of treating ductal carcinoma in situ (dcis) is to prevent the development of invasive breast cancer. Most women are treated with breast-conserving surgery (bcs) and radiotherapy. Age at diagnosis may be a risk factor for recurrence, leading to concerns that additional treatment may be necessary for younger women. We report a population-based study of women with dcis treated with bcs and radiotherapy and an evaluation of the effect of age on local recurrence (lr). METHODS: All women diagnosed with dcis in Ontario from 1994 to 2003 were identified. Treatments and outcomes were collected through administrative databases and validated by chart review. Women treated with bcs and radiotherapy were included. Survival analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of age on outcomes. RESULTS: We identified 5752 cases of dcis; 1607 women received bcs and radiotherapy. The median follow-up was 10.0 years. The 10-year cumulative lr rate was 27% for women younger than 45 years, 14% for women 45-50 years, and 11% for women more than 50 years of age (p < 0.0001). The 10-year cumulative invasive lr rate was 22% for women younger than 45 years, 10% for women 45-50 years, and 7% for women more than 50 years of age (p < 0.0001). On multivariate analyses, young age (<45 years) was significantly associated with lr and invasive lr [hazard ratio (hr) for lr: 2.6; 95% confidence interval (ci): 1.9 to 3.7; p < 0.0001; hr for invasive lr: 3.0; 95% ci: 2.0 to 4.4; p < 0.0001]. An age of 45-50 years was also significantly associated with invasive lr (hr: 1.6; 95% ci: 1.0 to 2.4; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Age at diagnosis is a strong predictor of lr in women with dcis after treatment with bcs and radiotherapy.

HER2/neu and Ki-67 expression predict non-invasive recurrence following breast-conserving therapy for ductal carcinoma in situ.

BACKGROUND: Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive form of breast cancer that may progress to invasive cancer. Identification of factors that predict recurrence and distinguish DCIS from invasive recurrence would facilitate treatment recommendations. We examined the prognostic value of nine molecular markers on the risks of local recurrence (DCIS and invasive) among women treated with breast-conserving therapy. METHODS: A total of 213 women who were treated with breast-conserving therapy between 1982 and 2000 were included; 141 received breast-conserving surgery alone and 72 cases received radiotherapy. We performed immunohistochemical staining on the DCIS specimen for nine markers: oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, Ki-67, p53, p21, cyclinD1, HER2/neu, calgranulin and psoriasin. We performed univariable and multivariable survival analyses to identify markers associated with the recurrence. RESULTS: The rate of recurrence at 10 years was 36% for patients treated with breast-conserving surgery alone and 18% for women who received breast-conserving surgery and radiotherapy. HER2/neu+/Ki-67+ expression was associated with an increased risk of DCIS recurrence, independent of grade and age (HR=3.22; 95% CI: 1.47-7.03; P=0.003). None of the nine markers were predictive of invasive recurrence. CONCLUSION: Women with a HER2/neu/neu+/Ki67+ DCIS have a higher risk of developing DCIS local recurrence after breast-conserving surgery.

Torsion of the gallbladder.

Torsion of the gallbladder is an uncommon condition that is rarely diagnosed pre-operatively. Here, we present the case of a 76 year old male who was found to have a complete torsion of the gallbladder, and was successfully treated with cholecystectomy.

In-hospital myocardial infarction following acute ischaemic stroke: an observational study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Acute myocardial infarction is expected to be an important medical complication following ischaemic stroke. We sought to describe the frequency and clinical impact of in-hospital myocardial infarction following acute ischaemic stroke. METHODS: Consecutive patients with acute ischaemic stroke were identified from the Registry of the Canadian Stroke Network (2003-2006). Stroke severity was measured using the Canadian Neurological Scale (CNS). Functional status at discharge was measured with the modified-Rankin Scale, and categorized into strokes with no or mild-moderate dependency (m-Rankin 0-3) and those with severe dependence or death (m-Rankin 4-6). Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between myocardial infarction and clinical outcome (death or severe dependence at hospital discharge and 1 year mortality), independent of co-morbidities and in-hospital medical complications. RESULTS: In total, 9180 patients with acute ischaemic stroke were included. The mean age was 72 years (SD 13.9) and 48% were female. Overall, 211 (2.3%) patients were reported to have myocardial infarction during hospitalization. At hospital discharge, 64.9% of patients with in-hospital myocardial infarction had died or were severely disabled, compared with 35.8% in the entire cohort. Mortality at 1 year after ischaemic stroke was 56.4% in patients with myocardial infarction and 21.9% in the entire cohort. On multivariable analyses, myocardial infarction was also associated with death or severe dependence at discharge (OR 2.51; 95%CI 1.75-3.59) and mortality within 1 year (HR 1.83; 95%CI 1.51-2.23). Previous history of myocardial infarction (OR 1.50; 95%CI 1.05-2.15), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.55; 95%CI 1.42-2.10), stroke severity (OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.09-1.17) and peripheral vascular disease (OR 1.61; 95%CI 1.04-2.49) were independently associated with myocardial infarction during hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Myocardial infarction is an important medical complication after acute ischaemic stroke.

Moderators and mediators of long-term adherence to stimulant treatment in children with ADHD.

OBJECTIVE: To identify moderators and mediators of long-term adherence to stimulant medication in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHOD: Seventy-one children with ADHD were prescribed methylphenidate, followed prospectively on an annual basis for 3 years, and evaluated for adherence to stimulant treatment. The study occurred in Toronto between 1993 and 1997. Adherents were those who took methylphenidate, or another psychostimulant, for 5 or more days per week throughout the follow-up period, except for "drug holidays." Children who adhered at consecutive evaluations were compared with those who did not. Severity of ADHD, presence of oppositional defiant disorder/conduct disorder, learning difficulties, anxiety, age, family dysfunction, and socioeconomic adversity at baseline were investigated as moderators of adherence. Response to treatment at school, measured at 12 months, was investigated as a mediator of adherence. RESULTS: Fifty-two percent of children adhered to stimulant treatment for 3 years. Absence of teacher-rated oppositional defiant disorder, more teacher-rated ADHD symptoms, and younger age at baseline predicted adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to stimulant medications is a significant factor in the long-term treatment of children with ADHD.