Systematic review and meta-analysis of elective and urgent late open conversion after failed endovascular aneurysm repair.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we systematically reviewed late open conversions after failed endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), assessed the methodologic quality of the included studies, and performed a meta-analysis on the 30-day mortality rates for urgent and elective late conversions. METHODS: Electronic databases were systematically searched for studies published up to June 2018 that focused on late open conversion of failed EVAR (ie, >30 days after the initial EVAR), reported the primary outcome of 30-day mortality rate, and distinguished the 30-day mortality rate between urgent and elective late conversions. Two independent reviewers assessed the methodologic quality of the included studies with the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies. Data on baseline demographics, indication for conversion, surgical approach, and early and late mortality rates were recorded. Reported data correspond to the average or range of the means reported in the individual studies. A random-effects model was used to pool 30-day mortality rates for urgent and elective late conversion. RESULTS: There were 27 retrospective studies with a total of 791 patients available for analysis, with 617 elective and 174 urgent late conversions. The methodologic quality was mostly poor (median, 6; interquartile range, 5-7). The mean time from primary EVAR to conversion was 35.1 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 30.4-39.8 months). The most commonly explanted endografts were Excluder (W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) in 16.2%, Talent (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minn) in 14.5%, and AneuRx (Medtronic) in 13.7%. Nineteen other types of endografts were used in 43.3%; the type of endograft was not reported in 12.3%. A transperitoneal approach was used in a mean 74.0% of conversions (95% CI, 70.9%-77.0%), and complete endograft explantation was performed in 478 (60.4%) patients (95% CI, 57.0%-63.8%). The complication rate was 36.7% (95% CI, 27.0%-46.4%). Temporary or permanent hemodialysis after conversion was required in 3.9% of patients (95% CI, 2.6%-5.2%). The pooled estimate for the 30-day mortality rate was 2.8% (95% CI, 1.5%-4.0%; P = .726) for elective late conversions and 28.1% (95% CI, 18.9%-37.3%; P < .001) for urgent late conversions. CONCLUSIONS: Type I endoleak and rupture are the most common indications for, respectively, elective and urgent conversions. A 10 times higher 30-day mortality rate was observed for patients treated with late open conversion in an urgent vs elective setting. The 30-day mortality rate of elective late open conversions is almost comparable to that of primary elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair procedures. For the interpretation of the outcomes of the review, however, the methodologic quality of the available literature should be considered.

[Value of hydrogen proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the determination of liver triglyceride in patients with fatty liver disease and its influencing factors].

Objective: To investigate the value of 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) in determining the content of liver triglyceride in patients with fatty liver disease (FLD), as well as its influencing factors. Methods: A total of 124 patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), chronic hepatitis B (CHB), or hepatitis B complicated by FLD who underwent liver biopsy in the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University were enrolled, and the clinical data, serological markers, FibroScan results, and (1)H-MRS results were collected. A correlation analysis was performed with the results of liver biopsy as the gold standard, and the influence of factors including hepatitic B virus (HBV) infection and obesity on accuracy was analyzed. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of means between the three groups, and the LSD or SNK test (for homogeneity of variance) or the Tamhane's or Dunnett's test (heterogeneity of variance) was used for comparison between any two groups. The t-test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data. The MRS-PDFF receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated, the optimal cut-off points for the diagnosis of NAFLD were estimated, and sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Results: The NAFLD group (42 patients) and the CHB + NAFLD group (40 patients) had a significantly higher proton density fat fraction (PDFF, the content of triglyceride in the liver) than the CHB group (42 patients) (16.84±9.76/9.39 ± 5.50 vs 3.45 ± 1.63, P < 0.001). The results were significantly correlated with the degree of steatosis confirmed by liver biopsy (P < 0.001), but it was not significantly correlated with inflammation or fibrosis grade. The correlation analysis showed that the MRS-PDFF value measured by 1H-MRS was significantly correlated with body mass index (BMI), blood lipids, alkaline phosphatase, and blood glucose, while it was not significantly correlated with age, sex, or the presence or absence of hepatitis B. The ROC curve analysis showed that the AUCs of PDFF measured by 1H-MRS were 0.93, 0.974, and 0.976, respectively, for the diagnosis of steatosis S1(≥5%), S2(≥34%), and S3(≥66%), and the corresponding optimal thresholds were 5.14%, 11.16%, and 16.7%, respectively. Conclusion: 1H-MRS has a high diagnostic value in quantitative evaluation of the degree of liver steatosis in patients with FLD and is not affected by the factors such as HBV infection, age, and sex, while it is correlated with BMI and lipid metabolism.

[A man with a pulsating mass on the dorsal side of his foot]. / Een man met een pulserende zwelling op de voetrug.

A 41-year-old healthy male was referred with a progressive swelling on the dorsal side of his right foot. Analysis of this swelling revealed an aneurysm of the A. dorsalis pedis. Resection and primary vascular reconstruction was performed without any complications.

Improving CT scan capabilities with a new trauma workflow concept: simulation of hospital logistics using different CT scanner scenarios.

INTRODUCTION: The Amsterdam Trauma Workflow (ATW) concept includes a sliding gantry CT scanner serving two mirrored (trauma) rooms. In this study, several predefined scenarios with a varying number of CT scanners and CT locations are analyzed to identify the best performing patient flow management strategy from an institutional perspective on process quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of six clinically relevant scenarios with variables that included the number of CT scanners, CT scanner location, and different patient categories (regular, urgent, and trauma patients) were evaluated using computer simulation. Each scenario was simulated using institutional data and was assessed for patient waiting times, idle time of CT scanners, and overtime due to scheduling. The best 2- and 3-scanner scenarios were additionally evaluated with the ATW-concept. RESULTS: Based on institutional data, the best 2-scanner scenario distributes all 3 patient categories over both scanners and plans 4 urgent patients per hour while locating both scanners outside of the trauma room. The best 3-scanner scenario distributes urgent and regular patients over all 3 scanners and trauma patients on only 1 scanner and locates all CT scanners outside of the trauma room. The ATW concept reduces waiting times and overtime, while increasing idle time. CONCLUSION: Choosing the optimal planning and distribution strategies depends on the number and location of available CT scanners, along with number of trauma, urgent and regular patients. The Amsterdam Trauma Workflow concept could provide institutions with the ability of early CT scanning in trauma patients without influencing regular and urgent CT scanning.

The association of mobile medical team involvement on on-scene times and mortality in trauma patients.

OBJECTIVES: Mobile medical teams (MMTs) provide specialized care on-scene with the purpose to improve outcome. However, this additional care could prolong the on-scene time (OST), which is related to mortality. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of MMT involvement on the mortality rate and on the OST, in a Dutch consecutive cohort of Level I trauma patients. METHODS: All patients who required presentation in the trauma resuscitation room in an urban Level I trauma center were included in this prospective study during the period of November 2005 till November 2007. For data collection, we used both pre- and in-hospital registration systems. Outcome measures were 30-day mortality and OST. RESULTS: In total, 1,054 patients were analyzed. In 172 (16%) patients, the MMT was involved. Mortality was significantly higher in the MMT group compared with patients treated without MMT involvement; 9.9% versus 2.7%, respectively (p < 0.001). Significantly higher Injury Severity Scores, intervention rates, and a significantly lower Triage Revised Trauma Score were found in patients treated by MMT. After adjustment for patient and injury characteristics, no association could be found between MMT involvement and higher mortality (95% CI, 0.581-3.979; p = 0.394). In patients with severe traumatic brain injury (GCS score ≤ 8) in whom a MMT was involved, the mortality was 25.5%, compared with 32.7% in those without MMT involvement (p = 0.442). The mean OST was prolonged (2.7 minutes) when MMT was involved (26.1 vs. 23.4 minutes; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, OSTs were long compared with PHTLS recommendations. MMT involvement slightly prolonged the OST. Trauma patients with MMT involvement had a high mortality, but after correction for patient and injury characteristics, the mortality rate did not significantly differ from patients without MMT involvement.

Diagnostic imaging of cervical spine injuries following blunt trauma: a review of the literature and practical guideline.

Patients with a (potential) cervical spine injury can be subdivided into low-risk and high-risk patients. With a detailed history and physical examination the cervical spine of patients in the "low-risk" group can be "cleared" without further radiographic examinations. X-ray imaging (3-view series) is currently the primary choice of imaging for patients in the "low-risk" group with a suspected cervical spine injury after blunt trauma. For patients in the "high-risk"group because of its higher sensitivity a computed tomography scan is primarily advised or, alternatively, the cervical spine is immobilised until the patient can be reliably questioned and examined again. For the imaging of traumatic soft tissue injuries of the cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging is the technique of choice.

The value of postmortem computed tomography as an alternative for autopsy in trauma victims: a systematic review.

The aim of this study was to assess the role of postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) as an alternative for autopsy in determining the cause of death and the identification of specific injuries in trauma victims. A systematic review was performed by searching the EMBASE and MEDLINE databases. Articles were eligible if they reported both PMCT as well as autopsy findings and included more than one trauma victim. Two reviewers independently assessed the eligibility and quality of the articles. The outcomes were described in terms of the percentage agreement on causes of death and amount of injuries detected. The data extraction and analysis were performed together. Fifteen studies were included describing 244 victims. The median sample size was 13 (range 5-52). The percentage agreement on the cause of death between PMCT and autopsy varied between 46 and 100%. The overall amount of injuries detected on CT ranged from 53 to 100% compared with autopsy. Several studies suggested that PMCT was capable of identifying injuries not detected during normal autopsy. This systematic review provides inconsistent evidence as to whether PMCT is a reliable alternative for autopsy in trauma victims. PMCT has promising features in postmortem examination suggesting PMCT is a good alternative for a refused autopsy or a good adjunct to autopsy because it detects extra injuries overseen during autopsies. To examine the value of PMCT in trauma victims there is a need for well-designed and larger prospective studies.

Time factors associated with CT scan usage in trauma patients.

INTRODUCTION: While computed tomography (CT) scan usage in acute trauma patients is currently part of the standard complete diagnostic workup, little is known regarding the time factors involved when CT scanning is added to the standard workup. An analysis of the current time factors and intervals in a high-volume, streamlined level-1 trauma center can potentially expose points of improvement in the trauma resuscitation phase. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a 5-week period, data on current time factors involved in CT scanned trauma patients were prospectively collected. All consecutive trauma patients seen in the Emergency Department following severe trauma, or inter-hospital transfer following initial stabilizing elsewhere, and that underwent CT scanning, were included. Patients younger than 16 years of age were excluded. For all eligible patients, a complete time registration was performed, including admission time, time until completion of trauma series, time until CT imaging, and completion of CT imaging. Subgroup analyses were performed to differentiate severity of injury, based on ISS, and on primary or transfer presentations, surgery, and ICU admittance. RESULTS: Median time between the arrival of the patient and completion of the screening X-ray trauma series was 9 min. Median start time for the first CT scan was 82 min. The first CT session was completed in a median of 105 min after arrival. Complete radiological workup was finished in 114 min (median). In 62% of all patients requiring CT scanning, a full body CT scan was obtained. Patients with ISS >15 had a significant shorter time until CT imaging and time until completion of CT imaging. CONCLUSION: In a high-volume level-1 trauma center, the complete radiological workup of trauma patients stable enough to undergo CT scanning, is completed in a median of 114 min. Patients that are more severely injured based on ISS were transported faster to CT, resulting in faster diagnostic imaging.

Historical Treatment Results of Pelvic Ring Fractures: A 12-year Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Since the Academic Medical Center Amsterdam was appointed as a level-1 trauma center in July 1997, the number of polytrauma patients who were presented has increased. This stimulated us to perform a retrospective analysis on the treatment results of patients with a pelvic ring fracture and to evaluate our treatment strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A chart review of all patients with a partially stable fracture (Tile/AO type B) or an unstable fracture (Tile/AO type C) was performed. All patients presented between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 2001 were included. Two historical groups (1990-1997 and 1998-2001) were formed. General demographics, treatment method, complications, re-operations, length of hospital stay and anatomic results were recorded for all patients. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were included in group 1 and 65 patients in group 2. There was a lower mortality in group 2. The B-fractures were treated either conservatively (group 1 83.3% vs. group 2 73.8%), by external fixation (16.7 vs. 9.5%) or by ORIF (0 vs. 16.7%). C-fractures were treated by ORIF in 32.1 versus 82.6%, by external fixation in 28.6 versus 4.4% and conservatively 39.3 versus 13.0%, respectively. Fracture healing with less than 10 mm displacement was achieved in 58.3 versus 78.6% for the B-fractures, while this was achieved in 42.9 versus 73.9% in the C-fractures. Group 2 showed significantly fewer complications. CONCLUSION: Evaluating two consecutive patient groups shows an increase in the number of fractures. A more aggressive surgical treatment has lead to lower mortality, improved anatomical reduction, and lower rate of complications.

The effect of the introduction of the Amsterdam Trauma Workflow Concept on mortality and functional outcome of patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of the introduction of an all-in workflow concept that included direct computed tomography (CT) scanning in the trauma room on mortality and functional outcome of trauma patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) admitted to a level-1 trauma center. To this end, a retrospective comparison was made of a 1-year cohort prior to the implementation of the all-in workflow concept (Pre-CT in trauma room cohort [Pre-TRCT]) and a 1-year cohort after the implementation (Post-TRCT). All severely injured TBI patients aged 16 years or older that were presented in our level-1 trauma center and that underwent a CT of the head were initially included. Severe TBI was defined as an Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score of >2 of the head region following trauma. Primary outcome parameter was TBI-related mortality during primary hospital admission. Secondary outcome parameter was the functional outcome based on GOS-Extended. A total of 59 patients were included in the Pre-TRCT and 49 in the Post-TRCT. Median age was 49 years in the Post-TRCT and 44 years in the Pre-TRCT (not significant [NS]). Median ISS was similar (ISS = 25). Median Head-AIS was higher in the Post-TRCT (5 vs. 4, NS). Initial CT scanning was completed faster in the Post-TRCT. There was a significant difference of 23% mortality in favor of the Post-TRCT for TBI-related mortality during primary hospital admission (p < 0.05). For acute neurosurgical interventions, time until intervention tended to be faster in the Post-TRCT (NS). Functional outcomes for survivors were higher in the Post-TRCT (6 vs. 5, NS).

An evaluation of a Shockroom located CT scanner: a randomized study of early assessment by CT scanning in trauma patients in the bi-located trauma center North-West Netherlands (REACT trial).

BACKGROUND: Trauma is a major source of morbidity and mortality, especially in people below the age of 50 years. For the evaluation of trauma patients CT scanning has gained wide acceptance in and provides detailed information on location and severity of injuries. However, CT scanning is frequently time consuming due to logistical (location of CT scanner elsewhere in the hospital) and technical issues. An innovative and unique infrastructural change has been made in the AMC in which the CT scanner is transported to the patient instead of the patient to the CT scanner. As a consequence, early shockroom CT scanning provides an all-inclusive multifocal diagnostic modality that can detect (potentially life-threatening) injuries in an earlier stage, so that therapy can be directed based on these findings. METHODS/DESIGN: The REACT-trial is a prospective, randomized trial, comparing two Dutch level-1 trauma centers, respectively the VUmc and AMC, with the only difference being the location of the CT scanner (respectively in the Radiology Department and in the shockroom). All trauma patients that are transported to the AMC or VUmc shockroom according to the current prehospital triage system are included. Patients younger than 16 years of age and patients who die during transport are excluded. Randomization will be performed prehospitally. Study parameters are the number of days outside the hospital during the first year following the trauma (primary outcome), general health at 6 and 12 months post trauma, mortality and morbidity, and various time intervals during initial evaluation. In addition a cost-effectiveness analysis of this shockroom concept will be performed. Regarding primary outcome it is estimated that the common standard deviation of days spent outside of the hospital during the first year following trauma is a total of 12 days. To detect an overall difference of 2 days within the first year between the two strategies, 562 patients per group are needed. (alpha 0.95 and beta 0.80). DISCUSSION: The REACT-trial will provide evidence on the effects of a strategy involving early shockroom CT scanning compared with a standard diagnostic imaging strategy in trauma patients on both patient outcome and operations research. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN55332315.

Assessment of a new trauma workflow concept implementing a sliding CT scanner in the trauma room: the effect on workup times.

INTRODUCTION: We developed a new shockroom resuscitation setting that includes a moveable, multislice computed tomography (CT) scanner capable of scanning patients during the initial trauma resuscitation phase without (multiple) patient transfers that previously were necessary. This enables us to perform a complete diagnostic trauma workup, without leaving the shockroom. In this study, we assess the effect of the new Trauma Workflow Concept on the initial diagnostic workup times in the trauma room. MATERIALS: Data of 100 consecutive trauma patients were collected prospectively (2005 cohort) and compared with 100 consecutive trauma patients seen in our previous trauma resuscitation setting (2003 cohort). For all patients, time management was evaluated using video registration and complemented with electronic imaging times. Patients with and without CT scanning were compared with the effect of CT scanning on complete workup time, defined as time from admission to the trauma room to time of completion of diagnostic workup. RESULTS: Patient demographics, including appliance of CT imaging were similar. Complete diagnostic workup for patients who underwent CT imaging took an average of 79 minutes (standard deviation +/- 29 minutes) in the 2005 cohort and 105 minutes (standard deviation +/- 48 minutes) in the 2003 cohort. Complete diagnostic workup without CT imaging took 56 minutes and 53 minutes for the 2005 and 2003 cohorts, respectively. There was no difference found for nonscanned patients, whereas there was a significant difference between 2005 and 2003 for scanned patients (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our new trauma workflow concept with a sliding CT scanner was significantly faster for completing the initial diagnostic workup, especially when CT imaging was required.

Autopsies following death due to traumatic injuries in The Netherlands: an evaluation of current practice.

INTRODUCTION: Because of a steady decline in the number of autopsies following death due to traumatic injuries, valuable information concerning possible missed injuries and potential improvements in management is lost. This retrospective study describes current practice in the Amsterdam region of the Netherlands regarding such autopsies, and their rates. METHOD: The current protocols for autopsies were reviewed. Data from government databases and hospitals for the year 2005 were collected. For all patients included that died an unnatural death due to traumatic injury, causes of death and recommendations for autopsy were reviewed. The number of clinical and medico-legal autopsies was determined. RESULTS: Of 872 registered unnatural deaths, 414 were due to traumatic injuries; 63% of these died before reaching hospital and 37% died in hospital. There were more male deaths, and average age was 54 years. In 23% an autopsy was advised by the medical examiners, more often for pre-hospital deaths. The rate of autopsies was 46% when advice was given for a medico-legal autopsy. CONCLUSION: The rates of both medico-legal and clinically desirable autopsies are very low. Currently, the system in Amsterdam focuses mainly on the former, and the latter with its attendant educational aspects is largely ignored. The role of the government should be expanded to optimise the autopsy system in unnatural deaths following traumatic injuries.

Systematic review of enhanced recovery programmes in colonic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Fast track (FT) programmes optimize perioperative care in an attempt to accelerate recovery, reduce morbidity and shorten hospital stay. The aim of this review was to assess FT programmes for elective segmental colonic resections. METHODS: A systematic review was performed of all randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials on FT colonic surgery. The main endpoints were number of applied FT elements, hospital stay, readmission rate, morbidity and mortality. Quality assessment and data extraction were performed independently by three observers. RESULTS: Six papers were eligible for analysis (three randomized controlled and three controlled clinical trials), including 512 patients. FT programmes contained a mean of nine (range four to 12) of the 17 FT elements as defined in the literature. Primary hospital stay (weighted mean difference - 1.56 days, 95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) - 2.61 to - 0.50 days) and morbidity (relative risk 0.54, 95 per cent c.i. 0.42 to 0.69) were significantly lower for FT programmes. Readmission rates were not significantly different (relative risk 1.17, 95 per cent c.i. 0.73 to 1.86). No increase in mortality was found. CONCLUSIONS: FT appears to be safe and shortens hospital stay after elective colorectal surgery. However, as the evidence is limited, a multicentre randomized trial seems justified.

In-hospital downgrading of the trauma team: Validation of the Academic Medical Center downgrading criteria.

BACKGROUND: To reduce overtriage of trauma patients while at the same time minimising undertriage, an in-hospital triage tool was developed with the purpose of reducing the initial full trauma team (downgrading) in a structured and evidence-based manner. This study evaluated the effect on overtriage rates by the AMC downgrading protocol (AMCDP) consisting of 24 criteria scored during the primary survey. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively investigated if any of the patients treated by the downgraded trauma team (DTT) were undertriaged by the protocol. All patients fulfilling the definition of severely injured (SI) patients but treated by the DTT were deemed undertriaged patients. Overtriage was measured by the percentage of patients treated by a full trauma team (FTT) while not classified as an SI patient. RESULTS: A total of 220 patients were eligible and triaged by the AMCDP. After triage, 95 patients (43%) were treated by the DTT while 125 patients (57%) were treated by the FTT. A total of 66 patients (30%) met one or more of the criteria for an SI patient. None of these patients were treated by the DTT. Of the 125 patients treated by the FTT, 59 patients were not defined as SI. CONCLUSION: For the entire study population no undertriage was found, while implementation of the AMCDP reduced overtriage in the entire study population from 70% to 26.8%. Similar trauma centres can benefit from implementing the AMC downgrading protocol.

Application of artificial neural networks to contraception study.

PIP: The artificial neural network (ANN) is a newly developed science formed from the interaction of computer science, information science, and medicine. Its practical application has been enhanced by use of the Back Propagation NN. This network transmits information from the input to the output layer in a unidirectional manner and must be trained to make discriminant analyses. The coefficients of the ANN have a significance similar to those of statistical regression coefficients. This paper applied the ANN model to data from a cohort study of postpartum breast feeding and contraceptive behavior (especially IUD selection) in Shanghai, China. The receiver operating characteristic curves of the trained Back Propagation NNs with hidden layers were superior to the logistic regression model for both training and testing data and could be used to determine an appropriate probability level to use as a cutoff for whether women would or would not select an IUD. Not only were the regression coefficients of the logistic regression model and the regression model of Back Propagation NN almost equal, but also the errors of the two models were similar. This finding attests to the potential applicability of the ANN model to family planning and medicine. The training, validation, and testing data all should be randomly selected from the total patterns to ensure representativeness.^ieng