Addressing disparities in health outcomes for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and limited English proficiency.

INTRODUCTION: There are significant challenges and a lack of data related to culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) cancer patients. We compared patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer that required an interpreter. METHODS: Registry data was extracted for advanced pancreatic cancer patients from a single health institution with a comprehensive Transcultural and Language Service (TALS). Demographic and clinicopathologic characteristics were compared. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates with log-rank testing, and univariate and multivariable regression analysis were performed to compare the group with limited English proficiency (LEP) to the English proficient (EP) group. RESULTS: Of 155 patients, 32.9% (n = 51) required the TALS. The LEP group had a higher mean age (71.2 vs. 76.8 years; p = 0.005) and received less chemotherapy (42.3% vs. 31.4%, p = 0.220). Univariate analysis revealed a shorter median overall survival (OS) in the LEP group (3.6 vs. 5.0 months), with a hazard ratio [HR] of 1.51 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-2.21, p = 0.033). Upon multivariable analysis, adjusting for Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance scale, the number of sites of metastatic disease and chemotherapy use, the strength of association between LEP and OS reduced marginally (HR 1.42, 95% CI: 0.93-2.16), and was no longer statistically significant (p = 0.103). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with advanced pancreatic cancer utilizing a comprehensive TALS, there was a trend to poorer survival with limited English proficiency, although this association was not statistically significant. An ongoing research commitment to the CALD experience is necessary to build a granular understanding of this population and ensure equitable outcomes.

Haemoglobin drift in patients following Whipple's procedure.

BACKGROUNDS: This study aims to identify the objective findings of haemoglobin (Hb) drift in patients that had a Whipple's procedure in the last 10 years, their transfusion status intraoperatively and post-operatively, the potential factors affecting Hb drift, and the outcomes following Hb drift. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted at Northern Health, Melbourne. All adult patients who were admitted for a Whipple's procedure from 2010 to 2020 were included and information collected retrospectively for demographics, pre-operative, operative and post-operative details. RESULTS: A total of 103 patients were identified. The median Hb drift calculated from a Hb level at the end of operation was 27.0 g/L (IQR 18.0-34.0), and 21.4% of patients received a packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion during the post-operative period. Patients received a large amount of intraoperative fluid with a median of 4500 mL (IQR 3400-5600). Hb drift was statistically associated with intraoperative and post-operative fluid infusion leading to concurrent issues with electrolyte imbalance and diuresis. CONCLUSION: Hb drift is a phenomenon that does happen in major operations such as a Whipple's procedure, likely secondary to fluid over-resuscitation. Considering the risk of fluid overload and blood transfusion, Hb drift in the setting of fluid over-resuscitation needs to be kept in mind prior to blood transfusion to avoid unnecessary complications and wasting of other precious resources.

Radioembolization for Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Evidence and Patterns of Utilization.

Primary liver malignancy, of which hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type, is the second most common cause of death due to cancer worldwide. Given the historically poor prognosis of liver cancer, there has been major research on its treatment options, with significant advancements over the last decade. Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) is a locoregional treatment option for HCC that involves transarterial delivery of the ß-emitter yttrium-90 via resin or glass microspheres to arterialized tumor vasculature, delivering a tumoricidal dose to the tumor. The recent 2022 update of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) treatment algorithm features a more prominent role for locoregional treatment, including the incorporation of radioembolization for very-early-stage (BCLC-0) and early-stage (BCLC-A) diseases. This review provides a contemporary summary of the evolving role of TARE in treatment of HCC in light of recent and upcoming trials.

Comparing Stone Recurrence Following Surgical Common Bile Duct Exploration or Endoscopic Stone Extraction for Patients with Common Bile Duct Stones.

Background: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are two methods of retrieving common bile duct (CBD) stones. Aspects of CBD stone management, such as sphincterotomy, have been implicated as risks for CBD stone recurrence although evidence is weak. The aim of this study was to compare stone recurrence following LCBDE and/or ERCP. Methods: Data were collected retrospectively for patients undergoing LCBDE and/or ERCP for CBD stones at a single center from 2008 to 2018. Primary outcome was stone recurrence (>6 months after duct clearance). Risk factors for recurrence were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: A total of 445 patients underwent LCBDE-only, 79 patients underwent ERCP-only and 80 patients underwent LCBDE-ERCP. LCBDE-only patients were younger and preoperatively less morbid than ERCP-only patients. Although there was no significant difference for recurrence, there was a trend toward higher recurrence with ERCP-only compared with LCBDE-only and LCBDE-ERCP (5.1% versus 2.0% and 2.5%, P = .280). On univariate comparison, patients with a recurrence were significantly older, had a higher admission white cell count, higher number of ERCPs, increased transampullary stent use, and higher maximum CBD diameter. Total number of ERCP was the only independent predictor of stone recurrence (odds ratio 6.85 [2.55-18.42], P < .001) following multivariate regression. Conclusion: Management plan was not associated with stone recurrence. The total number of ERCP was the only independent predictor of recurrence. Within the limitations of case selection and bias toward LCBDE, this study suggests that limiting repeated ERCP may reduce CBD stone recurrence.

How to do a laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy.

This paper describes our technique of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy and our experience in performing this procedure.

Should Common Bile Duct Exploration for Choledocholithiasis Be a Specialist-Only Procedure?

Background: Common bile duct exploration (CBDE) is performed uncommonly. Issues surrounding its uptake in the laparoscopic era include perceived difficulty and lack of training. We aim to determine the success of CBDE performed by "specialist" and "nonspecialist" common bile duct (CBD) surgeons to determine whether there is a substantial difference in success and safety. Methods: A 10-year retrospective audit was performed of patients undergoing CBD exploration for choledocholithiasis. Northern Health maintains an on-call available "specialist" CBD surgeon roster to aid with CBDE. Results: Five hundred fifty-one patients were identified, of which 489/551 (88.7%) patients had stones successfully cleared. Specialists had a higher success rate (90.8% versus 82.6%, P = .008), associated with a longer surgical time. Method (transcystic or transductal), approach (laparoscopic or open), and indication for operation were similar between groups. There was no significant difference in complications. To be confident of a surgeon having an 80% success rate, 70 procedures over 10 years were required, however, an "in-control" 50% success rate may only require 1 procedure per year. Conclusion: While specialist CBDE surgeons have improved success rates, nonspecialist general surgeons also have a good and comparable success rate with an equivalent complication rate. With realistic annual targets, nonspecialist CBD surgeons should be encouraged to perform CBDE in centers without specialist support.

Factors That Predict the Success of Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration for Choledocholithiasis: A 10-Year Study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) can be performed to treat choledocholithiasis at the time of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The aim of this study was to identify factors that predict the success of LCBDE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective audit was performed on patients who underwent LCBDE for the management of choledocholithiasis at Northern Health between 2008 and 2018. RESULTS: A total of 513 patients were identified with an overall success rate of 90.8%. Most LCBDE were done through a transcystic approach with the remainder through a choledochotomy. When comparing patients with a successful operation to those that were unsuccessful, univariate analysis demonstrated significant differences in preoperative white cell count and number of duct stones found. Age and elevated nonbilirubin liver function tests were found to be significant factors associated with the failure of LCBDE on multivariate analysis. The likelihood of a failed operation in those with multiple stones was observed to be almost halved compared with patients with single stone although this did not reach significance [odds ratio (OR): 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.28-1.01, P=0.055]. Multivariate analysis indicated that unsuccessful procedures (OR: 10.13, 95% CI: 4.34-23.65, P<0.001) and multiple duct stones (OR: 3.79, 95% CI: 1.66-8.67, P=0.002) were associated with an increased risk of severe complications. CONCLUSIONS: A single impacted stone may be more difficult to remove, however complications were more likely to be associated with multiple duct stones. With no other clinically relevant predictive factors, and because of the high success of the procedure and the low morbidity, LCBDE remains an option for all patients with choledocholithiasis.

Hyponatraemia Associated with Tramadol Use: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Hyponatraemia is frequently encountered in clinical practice and is common among hospitalized patients. Tramadol is a commonly prescribed analgesia with a few adverse effects. However, on rare occasions, tramadol has been found to be associated with hyponatraemia. CASE REPORT: In two patients described in this report, tramadol use was associated with symptomatic hyponatraemia which required hospitalization. Hyponatraemia was corrected after discontinuation of tramadol. A small number of patients with tramadol-associated hyponatraemia have been reported in the English-language medical literature. Hyponatraemia associated with tramadol is thought to be related to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion. The association between tramadol and symptomatic hyponatraemia emphasizes the need to evaluate patients' electrolytes when they present with new symptoms after commencing on this drug.

Diabetic muscle infarction in end-stage renal disease: A scoping review on epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment.

Diabetic muscle infarction (DMI) refers to spontaneous ischemic necrosis of skeletal muscle among people with diabetes mellitus, unrelated to arterial occlusion. People with DMI may have coexisting end-stage renal disease (ESRD) but little is known about its epidemiology and clinical outcomes in this setting. This scoping review seeks to investigate the characteristics, clinical features, diagnostic evaluation, management and outcomes of DMI among people with ESRD. Electronic database (PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, SCOPUS and EMBASE) searches were conducted for ("diabetic muscle infarction" or "diabetic myonecrosis") and ("chronic kidney disease" or "renal impairment" or "dialysis" or "renal replacement therapy" or "kidney transplant") from January 1980 to June 2017. Relevant cases from reviewed bibliographies in reports retrieved were also included. Data were extracted in a standardized form. A total of 24 publications with 41 patients who have ESRD were included. The mean age at the time of presentation with DMI was 44.2 years. Type 2 diabetes was present in 53.7% of patients while type 1 in 41.5%. In this cohort, 60.1% were receiving hemodialysis, 21% on peritoneal dialysis and 12.2% had kidney transplantation. The proximal lower limb musculature was the most commonly affected site. Muscle pain and swelling were the most frequent manifestation on presentation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provided the most specific findings for DMI. Laboratory investigation findings are usually non-specific. Non-surgical therapy is usually used in the management of DMI. Short-term prognosis of DMI is good but recurrence occurred in 43.9%. DMI is an uncommon complication in patients with diabetes mellitus, including those affected by ESRD. In comparison with unselected patients with DMI, the characteristics and outcomes of those with ESRD are generally similar. DMI may also occur in kidney transplant recipients, including pancreas-kidney transplantation. MRI is the most useful diagnostic investigation. Non-surgical treatment involving analgesia, optimization of glycemic control and initial bed rest can help to improve recovery rate. However, recurrence of DMI is relatively frequent.

Recurrent common bile duct stones as a late complication of endoscopic sphincterotomy.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) has become well established as a modality for the management of common bile duct stones (CBDS), especially in the setting of associated cholangitis. Our study aims to determine the rate of long term morbidity of recurrent CBDS post ES. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent ERCP and ES (ERCP+ES) was undertaken on a prospectively maintained database from 1998 to 2012 at the Northern Hospital, Melbourne. Primary CBDS were defined as those detected at least 6 months after complete clearance of the CBD. Prior cholecystectomy was a requirement for inclusion and patients with primary CBD stones in the setting of an intact sphincter were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 1148 patients underwent ERCP, of which 573 had an ES. Fifty-one patients underwent an ES prior to developing primary CBDS (8.9%). The time to recurrence ranged from 6 months to 15 years (mean 3.3 years). The number of procedures per patient ranged from 2 to 11, with 51% requiring 3 or more ERCPs. Factors associated with primary CBDS recurrence included a dilated CBD > 12 mm, stricture of the major papilla post ES to 2 - 5 mm and presence of the ampulla within or on the edge of a duodenal diverticulum. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that ERCP + ES has an inherent long-term complication of recurrent primary CBDS formation. While this can be managed with repeat ERCP, the advent of laparoscopic bile duct exploration should lead us to re-examine the role of ERCP + ES in younger patients.

Anatomy of hepatic lymphatics and its implications in hepatic malignancies.

Hepatic malignancy with regional lymph node involvement is generally associated with poor prognosis. Lymphatic drainage from the liver to extrahepatic lymph nodes follows a complex and unpredictable pathway. To add to the complexity of management of regional lymph nodes in hepatic malignancies, not all liver cancers have the same propensity to metastasize through lymphatics. Lymphadenectomy has had mixed results in terms of improving patient survival. Other therapies especially anti-lymphogenic agents might play a role in the near future.

Diagnosing an atypical site of giant cell arteritis with magnetic resonance angiography: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Giant cell arteritis typically involves the temporal arteries, but can involve other cranial arteries. Temporal artery biopsy is the mainstay for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis; however, biopsy may be problematic if giant cell arteritis involves other cranial arteries that are inaccessible for sampling. In these situations, magnetic resonance angiography is a useful, non-invasive adjunctive method in the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis. In this case report, we describe a case of giant cell arteritis involving only the occipital artery which was revealed by magnetic resonance angiography. CASE PRESENTATION: A 67-year-old Caucasian man was admitted to our hospital with a 4-week history of malaise, fever, and mild occipital headaches. There were no other positive findings on physical examination. Laboratory studies were remarkable for normocytic anemia, raised inflammatory markers, and mildly deranged liver function tests. To exclude intracranial pathology, he underwent a cranial magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium, which demonstrated a thickened wall and mural enhancement of his right occipital artery, consistent with giant cell arteritis. His temporal arteries were normal. His occipital arteries were not accessible for biopsy and he was commenced on high-dose prednisolone (60 mg daily). His symptoms resolved completely after a week of glucocorticoid steroid treatment and he was well on 5 mg of prednisolone once a day on follow-up. CONCLUSION: While magnetic resonance angiography may not replace the need for biopsy, it may have a diagnostic role in suspected giant cell arteritis, such as when the involved arteries are inaccessible for biopsy.

Identifying risk factors and patterns for unplanned readmission to a general medical service.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors and patterns associated with 7- and 28-day readmission for general medicine patients at a tertiary public hospital. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted using an administrative database at a general medicine service in a tertiary public hospital between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2011. Demographic and clinical factors, as well as readmission patterns, were evaluated for the association with 7- and 28-day readmission. RESULTS: The study cohort included 13 802 patients and the 28-day readmission rate was 10.9%. In multivariate analysis, longer hospital stay of the index admission (adjusted relative risk (ARR) 1.34), Charlson index ≥ 3 (ARR 1.28), discharge against medical advice (ARR 1.87), active malignancy (ARR 1.83), cardiac failure (ARR 1.48) and incomplete discharge summaries (ARR 1.61) were independently associated with increased risk of 28-day readmission. Patients with diseases of the respiratory system, neurological or genitourinary disease, injury and unclassifiable conditions were likely to be readmitted within 7 days. Patients with circulatory and respiratory disease were likely to be readmitted with the same system diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Readmission of general medicine patients within 28 days is relatively common and is associated with clinical factors and patterns. Identification of these risk factors and patterns will enable the interventions to reduce potentially preventable readmissions.

Non-contiguous multifocal vertebral osteomyelitis caused by Serratia marcescens.

Serratia marcescens is a common nosocomial infection but a rare cause of osteomyelitis and more so of vertebral osteomyelitis. Vertebral osteomyelitis caused by this organism has been reported in few studies. We report a case of S. marcescens vertebral discitis and osteomyelitis affecting multiple non-contiguous vertebras. Although Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of vertebral osteomyelitis, rare causes, such as S. marcescens, need to be considered, especially when risk factors such as intravenous heroin use, post-spinal surgery and immunosuppression are present. Therefore, blood culture and where necessary biopsy of the infected region should be undertaken to establish the causative organism and determine appropriate antibiotic susceptibility. Prompt diagnosis of S. marcescens vertebral osteomyelitis followed by the appropriate treatment can achieve successful outcomes.

Atypical femoral fracture in a patient treated with denosumab.

Atypical fractures of the femur (AFF) have been reported in the literature at an increasing rate over the past decade, especially in patients who have been on prolonged courses of bisphosphonates. However, there have only been a few reported cases of AFF in those treated with other antiresorptive medications. In this case report, a 72-year-old woman with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and osteoporosis presented with an atraumatic right femoral fracture in the setting of denosumab use. In contrast with other reports, this patient had received bisphosphonate therapy for a short duration before the switch to denosumab. While causality between the fracture and denosumab use cannot be established in this case, there is a growing number of reports of a similar association. Ongoing vigilance is required to determine whether denosumab is associated with or potentially a cause of AFF.

Chyle leak following biliary pancreatitis.

Chylous ascites is a rare clinical entity that historically has been accompanied by high mortality due to the association with malignancy. Here we present a case of chylous ascites as a complication of mild pancreatitis in a young woman. We review the literature of similar cases, which revealed four similar cases with a range of outcomes. Treatment options vary from dietary restriction of medium chain fatty acids, total parental nutrition, radiological intervention and surgery.

Dipping your feet in the water: podocytes in urine.

Podocyte injury and loss plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of many kidney diseases. Studies have shown that podocyte-related markers and products can be detected in the urine of patients with glomerular diseases such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, IgA nephropathy, lupus nephritis, diabetic nephropathy and pre-eclampsia. Therefore, detecting the loss of podocytes in the urine provides a useful noninvasive technique of gathering information about the disease type and/or activity of glomerular diseases. Currently, urine podocyte-related protein markers, mRNA, microRNA and exosomes have been used with varying degrees of success to study glomerular diseases. The determination of urinary podocyte loss may become an important noninvasive tool in the evaluation of glomerular diseases.