Well-defined survival outcome disparity across age cutoffs at 45 and 60 for medullary thyroid carcinoma: a long-term retrospective cohort study of 3601 patients.

Background: Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a challenging malignancy. The survival outcome of MTC based on AJCC staging system does not render a discriminant classifier among early stages. Methods: 3601 MTC patients from 2000 to 2018 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Smooth curve fitting, Cox proportional hazard regression and competing risk analysis were applied. Results: A linear correlation between age and log RR (relative risk of overall death) was detected. Overlaps were observed between K-M curves representing patients aged 45-50, 50-55, and 55-60. The study cohort was divided into 3 subgroups with 2 age cutoffs set at 45 and 60. Each further advanced age cutoff population resulted in a roughly "5%" increase in MTC-specific death risks and an approximately "3 times" increase in non-MTC-specific death risks. Conclusions: The survival outcome disparity across age cutoffs at 45 and 60 for MTC has been well defined.

Continuous theta burst stimulation for bipolar depression: A multicenter, double-blind randomized controlled study exploring treatment efficacy and predictive potential of kynurenine metabolites.

BACKGROUND: While theta burst stimulation (TBS) shows promise in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), its effectiveness in bipolar depression (BD-D) remains uncertain. Optimizing treatment parameters is crucial in the pursuit of rapid symptom relief. Moreover, aligning with personalized treatment strategies and increased interest in immunopsychiatry, biomarker-based stratification of patients most likely to benefit from TBS might improve remission rates. We investigated treatment effectiveness of continuous TBS (cTBS) compared to sham in BD-D, and assessed the capacity of plasma kynurenine pathway metabolites to predict treatment outcome. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with BD-D underwent accelerated active or sham cTBS treatment in a multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Depressive symptoms were measured with the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) before treatment (T0), 3-4 days posttreatment (T1) and 10-11 days posttreatment (T2). Plasma tryptophan, kynurenine, kynurenic acid and quinolinic acid concentrations were quantified with ELISA. Linear mixed models were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Although the total sample showed depressive symptom improvement, active cTBS did not demonstrate greater symptom alleviation compared to sham. However, higher baseline quinolinic acid significantly predicted symptom improvement in the active treatment group, not in sham-stimulated patients. LIMITATIONS: The modest sample size limited the power to detect significant differences with regard to treatment effect. Also, the follow-up period was 10-11 days, whereas similar studies usually follow up for at least one month. CONCLUSION: More research is required to optimize cTBS for BD-D and explore the involvement of quinolinic acid in treatment outcome.

Paravertebral Muscular Neurophysiological Function as an Independent Outcome Predictor of Recurring Herniation/Low Back Pain after Radiofrequency Ablation: A Prospective Follow-Up and Case-Control Study Based on Surface Electromyography.

OBJECTIVE: Spinal endoscopy radiofrequency is a minimally invasive technique for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and low back pain (LBP). However, recurring LDH/LBP following spinal endoscopy radiofrequency is a significant problem. Paravertebral musculature plays a crucial role in spine stability and motor function, and the purpose of the present study was to identify whether patients' baseline lumbar muscular electrophysiological function could be a predictor of recurring LDH/LBP. METHODS: This was a prospective follow-up and case-control study focusing on elderly patients with LDH who were treated in our department between January 1, 2018, and October 31, 2021. The end of follow-up was recurring LBP, recurring LDH, death, missing to follow-up or 2 years postoperation. The surface electromyography test was performed before the endoscopy C-arm radiofrequency (ECRF) operation to detect the flexion-relaxation ratio (FRR) of the lumbar multifidus (FRRLM ) and the longissimus erector spinae (FRRES ), and the other baseline parameters included the general characteristics, the visual analogue scale, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, and the Oswestry Disability Index. Intergroup comparisons were performed by independent t-test and χ2 -test, and further binary logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients completed the 2-year follow-up and were retrospectively divided into a recurring LDH/LBP group (Group R) (n = 21) and a no recurring group (Group N) (n = 33) according to their clinical outcomes. FRRLM and FRRES in Group N were much higher than those in Group R (p < 0.001, p = 0.009). Logistic regression analysis showed that only the FRRLM (odds ratio [OR] = 0.123, p = 0.011) and FRRES (OR = 0.115, p = 0.036) were independent factors associated with the ECRF outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Lumbar disc herniation patients' baseline FRRLM and FRRES are independent outcome predictors of recurring LDH/LBP after ECRF. For every unit increase in baseline FRRLM , the risk of recurring LDH/LBP is decreased by 87.7%, and for every unit increase in baseline FRRES , the risk of recurring LDH/LBP is decreased by 88.5%.

Quality Performance Evaluation of the Largest COVID-19-Designated Intensive Care Unit in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Mortality is generally higher among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) than non-COVID-19 patients, especially critically ill patients. The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV (APACHE IV) predicts mortality rate (MR); however, it was not designed for COVID-19 patients. Multiple indicators have been utilized in healthcare to measure the performance of intensive care unit (ICU) departments, including length of stay (LOS) and MR. The 4C mortality score was recently developed using the ISARIC WHO clinical characterization protocol. This study aims to evaluate intensive care unit performance using LOS, MR, and 4C mortality scores at East Arafat Hospital (EAH), Makkah region, which is considered the largest COVID-19-designated intensive care unit in the Western region of Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted on data from patients' records during the COVID-19 pandemic, from March 1, 2020, to October 31, 2021, at EAH, Makkah Health Affairs. Data to calculate LOS, MR, and 4C mortality scores were collected from the eligible patients' files by a trained team. Demographic (age and gender) and clinical data on admission were collected for statistical purposes. Results A total of 1298 patient records were included in the study; 417 (32%) of the patients were female and 872 (68%) were male. The cohort included 399 deaths (total MR=30.7%). Most deaths occurred in the 50-69-year age group, with significantly more deaths among female patients than male patients (p=0.004). A significant association was found between the 4C mortality score and death (p<0.000). Furthermore, the mortality odds ratio (OR) was significant (OR=1.3, 95% CI=1.178-1.447) for each added 4C score. Conclusion Our study metrics regarding LOS were generally higher than most internationally reported values and slightly lower than locally reported values. Our reported MR was comparable with overall published MRs. The ISARIC 4C mortality score was highly compatible with our reported MR between scores 4 and 14; however, the MR was higher for scores 0-3 and lower for scores ≤15. The overall performance of the ICU department was considered generally good. Our findings are helpful for benchmarking and motivating better outcomes.

Predictors of 30-day mortality after endovascular thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion in the elderly.

OBJECTIVES: Elderly acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients (≥80 years) would have dismal clinical outcomes even after successful endovascular revascularization for large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the anterior circulation. We aimed to identify predictors of 30-day mortality after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in the elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included older patients who underwent EVT for AIS due to LVO within 6 h after stroke onset in the anterior circulation between 2017 and 2019. Patients due to posterior circulation stroke, with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) or pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 4 and 5 were excluded. The primary outcome was mortality within 30 days of EVT. The association between clinical, imaging, procedural, follow-up imaging and mortality were analyzed. Successful reperfusion was defined as modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score of 2b or 3. Possible predictors of 30-day mortality were assessed by univariate and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Total 238 AIS patients eligible for EVT were identified with 58 patients aged 80 years or more. 48 patients met inclusion criteria. Median age was 86 years (age range, 82-102 years). Successful reperfusion was achieved in 38 (79.2%) patients. The 30-day and 90-day mortality rate were 25% and 33.3%, respectively. The independent predictors of 30-day mortality were collateral scores <3 on mCTA (adjusted OR, 16.571; 95% CI, 1.041-263.868; p = 0.047) and number of passes (adjusted OR, 2.475; 95% CI, 1.047-5.847; p = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Lower collateral scores on mCTA and higher number of passes in thrombectomy were independently predictive of 30-day mortality in the elderly.

Clinical and Laboratory Predictors of Mortality in COVID-19 Infection: A Retrospective Observational Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Eastern India.

Introduction COVID-19 is associated with huge morbidity and mortality in India. Identification of factors associated with mortality would make a difference in the management of COVID-19 infection-related illness. Objective To assess clinical & laboratory parameters associated with adverse outcomes among 984 patients with COVID-19 infection admitted to a tertiary care hospital in eastern India. Materials and methods All patients with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) or rapid antigen positive for COVID-19 admitted at our All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Patna between 1st July to 30th Aug 2020 were included for analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata, version 10 (Stata Corp, College Station, USA). Four subgroup regression models have been analyzed to predict the odds of death. Results A total of 984 COVID-19 cases admitted to our hospital during the given period were analyzed. Out of 984 cases, 762 (77.44%) were males and 222 (22.56%) females. The overall case-fatality rate among admitted cases was 254 (25.81%) [males (26.64%) and females (22.96%)]. The final logistic regression model showed that patients presenting with severe COVID-19 disease (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 17.81), cough (aOR: 3.83), dyspnea (aOR:2.35), age 60-75 (aOR:1.47), age >75 years (aOR:3.97), presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (aOR:2.95), were found to be significantly associated with a high risk of mortality after controlling for the confounders (p<0.05). Among lab variable, total leukocyte count (TLC) (>10,000/mm3) (aOR: 1.74), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (>3.3) (aOR:2.37), serum albumin (<3.4 g/dl) (aOR : 2.3), blood urea (>43 gm/dl) (aOR:3.72), ferritin (>322) (aOR:2.39), and D-dimer (>0.5) (aOR:5.58) were significantly associated with higher mortality (p<0.05) Conclusion Age 60 years plus, presence of CKD, and severe covid infection carried the highest risk of mortality. Lab markers such as raised TLC, ferritin, D-dimer, and low albumin were associated with worse outcomes in our subset of COVID-19-related illness.

SARS-COV-2 Infection in Children and Red Blood Cell Distribution Width.

SARS-COV-2 infection due to Coronavirus is highly contagious and causes varying degrees of illness throughout the world. Recent literature has shown an association between red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and adverse outcomes among adult patients with COVID-19. Multiple hypotheses can explain the potential prognostic role of RDW in COVID-19 infection. The aim of this study is to describe RDW values in SARS-COV-2 infected children admitted to the Pediatric Emergency Department to shed light on the potential role of RDW as a prognostic factor in this specific group. Of 1086 tested children observed from March 2020 to April 2021, 36 positive SARS-COV-2 children (0-16 years) did not show clinically significant differences in RDW values according to illness categories, days of hospitalization, presence of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), or viral load (cycle threshold (CT) values). This study is the first to investigate this issue in a SARS-COV-2 infected pediatric population. Despite our negative results, given the high incidence of Delta variant in children, the low cost of the examination, its prognostic role described in adults, and its association to other pediatric illnesses, we believe that the role of RDW in SARS-COV-2 infected children should be deeper assessed and that larger collaborative studies on this issue are required.

Predictors for 2-Year Functional and Morphological Outcomes of a Treat-and-Extend Regimen with Ranibizumab in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to investigate longer term functional and morphological outcomes and their predictors in diabetic macular edema (DME) following a treat-and-extend regimen (TER) without loading dose under ranibizumab. METHODS: Patient data were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively over a period of 24 months after initiation of TER. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), treatment frequency, and quantitative and qualitative spectral-domain optical coherence tomography parameters were assessed. RESULTS: 118 eyes of 87 patients were included. A mean of 9.74 ± 2.13 injections in the first and 7.63 ± 2.29 in the second year were applied. There were significant gains of BCVA and reductions in central retinal thickness from baseline to 12 and 24 months (all p < 0.001). Percentage of eyes with an intact inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction increased from 15.3% at baseline to 42.1% at 24 months (p < 0.001). An intact IS/OS junction at baseline increased the probability of having a dry retina after 12 months by 79.3% (p = 0.017) and after 24 months by 88.1% (p = 0.040). Less IS/OS disruption at baseline predicted longer maximum recurrence-free treatment intervals at 2 years (r = -0.345, p < 0.001) and better BCVA at 1 year (r = -0.347, p < 0.001). Baseline bigger intraretinal cysts were associated with more IS/OS disruption at 24 months (r = 0.305, p = 0.007). Younger age and lower BCVA at baseline were predictive for a higher BCVA gain at 24 months (p = 0.046, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Ranibizumab applied in a TER without loading dose in DME significantly improves visual acuity and retinal anatomical structure throughout 2 years. The evaluated predictors might help guide routine clinical treatment in DME.

Predictors of Catastrophic Outcome after Endovascular Thrombectomy in Elderly Patients with Acute Anterior Circulation Stroke.

OBJECTIVE: Avoiding a catastrophic outcome may be a more realistic goal than achieving functional independence in the treatment of acute stroke in octogenarians. This study aimed to investigate predictors of catastrophic outcome in elderly patients after an endovascular thrombectomy with an acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 82 patients aged ≥ 80 years, who were treated with thrombectomy for acute anterior circulation LVO, were analyzed. The association between clinical/imaging variables and catastrophic outcomes was assessed. A catastrophic outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 4-6 at 90 days. RESULTS: Successful reperfusion was achieved in 61 patients (74.4%), while 47 patients (57.3%) had a catastrophic outcome. The 90-day mortality rate of the treated patients was 15.9% (13/82). The catastrophic outcome group had a significantly lower baseline diffusion-weighted imaging-Alberta stroke program early CT score (DWI-ASPECTS) (7 vs. 8, p = 0.014) and a longer procedure time (42 minutes vs. 29 minutes, p = 0.031) compared to the non-catastrophic outcome group. Successful reperfusion was significantly less frequent in the catastrophic outcome group (63.8% vs. 88.6%, p = 0.011) compared to the non-catastrophic outcome group. In a binary logistic regression analysis, DWI-ASPECTS (odds ratio [OR], 0.709; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.524-0.960; p = 0.026) and successful reperfusion (OR, 0.242; 95% CI, 0.071-0.822; p = 0.023) were independent predictors of a catastrophic outcome. CONCLUSION: Baseline infarct size and reperfusion status were independently associated with a catastrophic outcome after endovascular thrombectomy in elderly patients aged ≥ 80 years with acute anterior circulation LVO.

Machine Learning to Predict In-Hospital Morbidity and Mortality after Traumatic Brain Injury.

Recently, successful predictions using machine learning (ML) algorithms have been reported in various fields. However, in traumatic brain injury (TBI) cohorts, few studies have examined modern ML algorithms. To develop a simple ML model for TBI outcome prediction, we conducted a performance comparison of nine algorithms: ridge regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, random forest, gradient boosting, extra trees, decision tree, Gaussian naïve Bayes, multi-nomial naïve Bayes, and support vector machine. Fourteen feasible parameters were introduced in the ML models, including age, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), systolic blood pressure (SBP), abnormal pupillary response, major extracranial injury, computed tomography (CT) findings, and routinely collected laboratory values (glucose, C-reactive protein [CRP], and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products [FDP]). Data from 232 patients with TBI were randomly divided into a training sample (80%) for hyperparameter tuning and validation sample (20%). The bootstrap method was used for validation. Random forest demonstrated the best performance for in-hospital poor outcome prediction and ridge regression for in-hospital mortality prediction: the mean statistical measures were 100% sensitivity, 72.3% specificity, 91.7% accuracy, and 0.895 area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC); and 88.4% sensitivity, 88.2% specificity, 88.6% accuracy, and 0.875 AUC, respectively. Based on the feature selection method using the tree-based ensemble algorithm, age, Glasgow Coma Scale, fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products, and glucose were identified as the most important prognostic factors for poor outcome and mortality. Our results indicate the relatively good predictive performance of modern ML for TBI outcome. Further external validation is required for more heterogeneous samples to confirm our results.

Predictors of Catastrophic Outcome after Endovascular Thrombectomy in Elderly Patients with Acute Anterior Circulation Stroke

The Therapeutic Relationship as Predictor of Change in Music Therapy with Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This study examined whether the therapeutic relationship in music therapy with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder predicts generalized changes in social skills. Participants (4-7 years, N = 48) were assessed at baseline, 5 and 12 months. The therapeutic relationship, as observed from session videos, and the generalized change in social skills, as judged by independent blinded assessors and parents, were evaluated using standardized tools (Assessment of the Quality of Relationship; ADOS; SRS). Linear mixed effect models showed significant interaction effects between the therapeutic relationship and several outcomes at 5 and 12 months. We found the music therapeutic relationship to be an important predictor of the development of social skills, as well as communication and language specifically.

Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging as an outcome predictor for lung-volume reduction surgery in patients with severe emphysema†.

OBJECTIVES: We hypothesize a significant correlation between parameters of preoperative dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and postoperative outcomes measured by pulmonary function tests. METHODS: Dynamic MRI of the lungs was prospectively performed during 2 breath cycles 1 day before and 3 months after surgery, herein termed as pre- and post-lung-volume reduction surgery (LVRS) MRI. Quantitative measurements were performed on sagittal planes for the left lung and right lung: lung height, anteroposterior diameter, hemidiaphragm height and area as well as perimeter. Additionally, dynamic changes in hemidiaphragmatic area and height were measured. Parameters were normalized by patients' height. Pulmonary function test pre-LVRS and post-LVRS was performed. The cut-off value for treatment benefit was defined as a 30% increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 s. RESULTS: Thirty-nine consecutive patients (15 women, median age 61 years) were included. On expiration, the mean lung area on both sides (Pright = 0.001 and Pleft = 0.016) and anteroposterior diameter of the right lung (Pright = 0.003) improved post-LVRS. Dynamic measurements showed differences pre- and post-LVRS on the right lung but not on the left lung (Pright < 0.001 and Pleft = 0.090). There were no significant changes in lung height for both sides, in hemidiaphragmatic height on the right as well as diaphragmatic area pre- and post-LVRS (P > 0.05). Except for hemidiaphragmatic height on the left lung (P = 0.039), no significant differences were found on inspiration. Considering the 30% cut-off for treatment benefit, the receiver operating curves analysis indicated a height-normalized expiratory lung area ≥35 793 mm2 as the most sensitive preoperative outcome predictor (sensitivity = 86%; specificity = 61%). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative dynamic MRI can be used as an additional outcome predictor for patient selection in LVRS. A height-normalized total lung area in expiration ≥35 793 mm2 correlates with a 30% increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 s. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: SNCTP000000480.

Westley score and clinical factors in predicting the outcome of croup in the pediatric emergency department.

BACKGROUND: Westley croup score has been generally used to assess the severity of croup. This study aimed to identify the individual factors associated with Westley score (WS) and other clinical factors in predicting the outcomes in the pediatric emergency department (PED). POPULATION AND METHOD: We prospectively recruited patients with croup from the PED. The individual factors of WS, fever, age, and the length of hospital stay were analyzed to predict clinical outcomes. We calculated all the areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to determine the cutoff values of initial WS discriminating the need for admission to the wards. RESULT: A total of 192 patients with croup were enrolled. Cyanosis and altered consciousness were not clinically significant even in patients with severe croup, whereas retraction and air entry were the major factors in WS for predicting clinical outcomes. The initial WS had a strong correlation with the length of hospital stay (r = 0.617, P < 0.001). ROC analysis showed that patients with an initial WS <2 (sensitivity, 5%; specificity, 100%; LR+ , 1.05; LR- , 0; AUC, 0.87) were discharged home while the patients with an initial WS ≥5 (sensitivity, 99%; specificity, 57%; LR+ , 41.0; LR- , 0.43) were more likely to require to stay in the PED. Patients with an WS ≥6 were more likely to be admitted to the wards (sensitivity, 97%; specificity, 47%; LR+ , 416.35; LR- , 0.54; AUC, 0.90) CONCLUSION: Patients with an initial WS of 1-2 could be safely treated at home and those with initial WS >5 required hospitalization for further treatment.

Predictive Validity and Inter-Rater Reliability of the Persian Version of Full Outline of Unresponsiveness Among Unconscious Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury in an Intensive Care Unit.

INTRODUCTION: The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) has some limitations when evaluating the unconscious patient. This study aims to validate the Persian version of the FOUR (Full Outline of Unresponsiveness) score as a proposed substitute. METHODS: Two nurses, two nursing students, and two physicians scored the prepared Persian version of the FOUR and GCS in 84 patients with acute brain injury. The inter-rater agreement for the FOUR and the GCS scores was evaluated by the weighted kappa (κ w). The outcome prediction power of the scales was assessed by the area under the curve (AUC) in the ROC curve. RESULTS: The inter-rater agreement of the FOUR was excellent (κ w = 0.923, 95 % CI, 0.874-0.971) and comparable with the one of the GCS (κ w = 0.938, 95 % CI, 0.889-0.987). The area under the curve (AUC) for predicting in-hospital mortality (modified Rankin Scale: 6) was 0.835 for the FOUR (95 % CI, 0.739-0.907) and 0.772 for the GCS (95 % CI, 0.668-0.856) (P = 0.01). AUC for predicting poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale: 3-6) for the total FOUR score was 0.983 (95 % CI, 0.928-0.999), which is comparable with 0.987 for the total GCS score (95 % CI, 0.934-1.000). CONCLUSIONS: The researchers conclude that the Persian version of the FOUR score is a reliable and valid scale to assess unconscious patients with traumatic brain injury and can be substituted for the GCS.

Número óptimo de ovocitos: modelo de predicción para fertilización in vitro / Optimal number of oocytes: In vitro fertilization predictive model

Resumen OBJETIVO: desarrollar un modelo de predicción para conseguir un recién nacido vivo con el menor número de ovocitos capturados. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: estudio observacional, longitudinal y retrolectivo, efectuado en el Instituto Nacional de Perinatología entre 2011 y 2016 en ciclos de FIV en fresco. Criterios de inclusión: pacientes mayores de 18 años de edad, con diagnóstico de infertilidad, a quienes se realizó fertilización in vitro con transferencia de embriones en fresco (FIV-TE). Las variables de estudio fueron: edad, IMC, concentración basal de FSH, tipo de infertilidad, tiempo de infertilidad y número de ovocitos capturados. Se elaboró un árbol de decisión tipo CHAID y un modelo binario de regresión logística. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el programa Statistic Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Se consideró significativa la probabilidad de error alfa < 5%. RESULTADOS: se registraron 673 ciclos, de los que se obtuvieron 5,910 óvulos. El número óptimo de ovocitos recuperados fue mayor de 12 (independientemente de la edad), con RM = 4.666, IC95%: 2.676-8.137, p = <0.01. Las mujeres menores de 37 años de edad, con concentración basal de FSH <4.2 mUI/mL y recuperación de hasta 5 ovocitos tuvieron mayor posibilidad (28%) de obtener un recién nacido vivo (χ2 = 7.797; gl = 1, p = <0.047); por su parte, las pacientes entre 38 y 40 años de edad (RM = 0.338, IC95%: 0.147-0.776, p = <0.011) y tiempo de infertilidad de 10 a 12 años de evolución (RM = 0.394, IC95%: 0.181-0.858, p = 0.019) tuvieron menor posibilidad de obtener un recién nacido vivo. CONCLUSION: el número óptimo de ovocitos a recuperar es mayor de 12 (independientemente de la edad). Las mujeres menores de 37 años de edad, con concentración basal de FSH <4.2 mUI/mL y captura de hasta 5 ovocitos tienen mayor posibilidad de tener un recién nacido vivo.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Develop a model to optimize the reproductive outcome (live birth rate). Identify the minimal number of oocytes to capture. MAERIALS AND METHODS: Observational, longitudinal, and retrolective study was made. In fresh IVF cycles, performed at INPer between 2011-2016. A logistic regression model was fitted with a CHAID, and performed a decision tree to predict live birth (LBR). Inclusion criteria: patients over 18 years of age, diagnosed with infertility, who underwent in vitro fertilization with fresh embryo transfer (FIV-TE). The study variables were: age, BMI, basal FSH concentration, type of infertility, time of infertility and number of oocytes captured. A decision tree type CHAID and a binary logistic regression model were performed. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for the statistical analysis. The probability of error alpha <5% was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 673 cycles were studied. The optimal number was >12 oocytes (OR = 4.666, 95% CI: 2.676-8.137, p=<0.01). The highest chance to have LB (28%), was in women <37 years old, with FSH <4.2 mIU / mL and <5 oocytes; χ2 = 7.797 (df = 1, p = <0.047). The lowest chance was in 38-40 years (OR = 0.338, 95% CI: 0.147-0.776, p = <0.011) with a longer lapse of infertility; 10-12 years (OR = 0.394, 95% CI: 0.181-0.858, p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that in the >12 oocytes may be the optimal number to obtain, independent of the age. On the other hand the best chance to have a live birth is with an age <37, FSH <4.2 mIU/mL and <5 oocytes. Fewer oocytes than previously deemed optimal, because the probability of having a euploid embryo in this group of people is much bigger.

Predicting Outcomes after Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) remains one of the most common surgical treatments for patients with obstructive sleep apnea. However, the results after UPPP are unpredictable. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to identify predictors of success after UPPP. DATA SOURCES: A literature search was performed utilizing PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Library. REVIEW METHODS: The keywords and medical subject heading terms used were uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and UPPP. Studies were included if UPPP was used as a single surgical procedure for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and results were presented separately as responder (surgical success) and nonresponder (surgical failure). Exclusion criteria included pediatric patients and other surgical procedures (eg, nasal and hypopharyngeal) performed at the same time as the UPPP. Age, body mass index, preoperative apnea-hypopnea index, Friedman stage, and several cephalometric variables were compared between responders and nonresponders. RESULTS: A total of 1257 studies were screened, with 15 studies included in this meta-analysis. Our results demonstrate that Friedman stage I is a strong predictor for success after UPPP, while Friedman stage III and low hyoid position are negative predictors. Age, body mass index, preoperative apnea-hypopnea index, and other cephalometric measurements were not significant. CONCLUSION: Friedman stage and hyoid position are important predictors for UPPP.

The Outcome Predictors of Malignant Large Infarction and the Functional Outcome of Survivors Following Decompressive Craniectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebral infarction is a common cause of disability. Malignant large infarction (MLI) is a catastrophic event, and there is no effective medical treatment. This study aimed to assess the outcome predictors of MLI and to analyze the impact of decompressive craniectomy (DC) on the functional outcome of survivors. METHODS: This study comprised 213 MLI cases. Outcome was evaluated with modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 1-year follow-up, and various parameters were tested for MLI outcome predictors. The impact of DC on functional outcome was examined after being further stratified into good survival (mRS score = 0, 1, 2, 3), poor survival (mRS score = 4, 5), and mortality (mRS score = 6) groups. RESULTS: Standard medical treatment only was used in 106 cases, and both medical treatment and DC were used in 107 cases. With multiple logistic regression analysis, age, motor response at deterioration/operation, and DC were identified as independent outcome predictors of MLI (P = 0.027, P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Compared with the sole standard medical treatment, additional DC resulted in a better outcome (odds ratio [OR] =19.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.61-52.27; P < 0.001). Further analysis of functional outcome revealed that DC significantly increased the chance of good survival as opposed to poor survival (OR = 20.04; 95% CI, 6.05-66.32; P < 0.001) and death (OR = 43.72; 95% CI, 13.21-144.72; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, DC performed on a young patient with motor response of localizing pain or better was linked with a better outcome. DC not only reduced mortality and increased the number of good survivals but also, most importantly, decreased the number of poor functional outcome survivals.