Prospective imaging comparison of anatomic delineation with rapid kV cone beam CT on a novel ring gantry radiotherapy device.

INTRODUCTION: A kV imager coupled to a novel, ring-gantry radiotherapy system offers improved on-board kV-cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) acquisition time (17-40 seconds) and image quality, which may improve CT radiotherapy image-guidance and enable online adaptive radiotherapy. We evaluated whether inter-observer contour variability over various anatomic structures was non-inferior using a novel ring gantry kV-CBCT (RG-CBCT) imager as compared to diagnostic-quality simulation CT (simCT). MATERIALS/METHODS: Seven patients undergoing radiotherapy were imaged with the RG-CBCT system at breath hold (BH) and/or free breathing (FB) for various disease sites on a prospective imaging study. Anatomy was independently contoured by seven radiation oncologists on: 1. SimCT 2. Standard C-arm kV-CBCT (CA-CBCT), and 3. Novel RG-CBCT at FB and BH. Inter-observer contour variability was evaluated by computing simultaneous truth and performance level estimation (STAPLE) consensus contours, then computing average symmetric surface distance (ASSD) and Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) between individual raters and consensus contours for comparison across image types. RESULTS: Across 7 patients, 18 organs-at-risk (OARs) were evaluated on 27 image sets. Both BH and FB RG-CBCT were non-inferior to simCT for inter-observer delineation variability across all OARs and patients by ASSD analysis (p < 0.001), whereas CA-CBCT was not (p = 0.923). RG-CBCT (FB and BH) also remained non-inferior for abdomen and breast subsites compared to simCT on ASSD analysis (p < 0.025). On DSC comparison, neither RG-CBCT nor CA-CBCT were non-inferior to simCT for all sites (p > 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Inter-observer ability to delineate OARs using novel RG-CBCT images was non-inferior to simCT by the ASSD criterion but not DSC criterion.

Impact of cardiovascular disease on health-related quality of life among older adults in eastern China: evidence from a national cross-sectional survey.

Objective: This study explores the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores of Chinese older adults with Cardiovascular Disease(CVD) using the EQ-5D-3L, the aim of this study is to investigate the association between health and HRQoL in older adults with CVD. Methods: The data for this study were obtained from a cross-sectional study involving older adults residing in Chinese communities The EQ-5D-3L is used to measure the HRQoL scores in the older adults with CVD. One-way analyses were conducted using the Wilcoxon rank sum test and the Kruskal-Wallis H test to assess differences between groups. A binary logistic regression model was employed to analyze the influence each variable has on the presence of "any problem" on each dimension of EQ-5D-3L in older adults with CVD. An ordinal least squares (OLS) model is used to assess the relationship between older adults with CVD and HRQoL. Results: The mean EQ-5D-3L score for older adults with CVD is 0.774. 40.0% of older adults with CVD reported problems with pain/discomfort, followed by Mobility (35.9%), Self-care (31.5%), and Anxiety/depression (17.0%). Binary logistic regression models show that financial resources were the main factor influencing the five dimensions of EQ-5D-3L. The OLS model further indicates that younger age, financial resources, and a lower number of chronic conditions among older adults with CVD are associated with higher HRQoL scores. Conclusion: Chinese older adults with CVD have low HRQoL scores. Variousfactors influence both overall HRQoL scores and scores on each EQ-5D-3L dimension. This study is helpful in enhancing society's attention to the HRQoL of older adults with CVD and taking targeted measures to improve them.

Association between ambient PM2.5 and outpatient visits of children's respiratory diseases in a megacity in Central China.

Objective: To explore the relationship between ambient PM2.5 level and outpatient visits of children with respiratory diseases in a megacity, Zhengzhou, in central China. Methods: We collected daily outpatient visit data, air pollutant data, and meteorological data at the monitoring points of Zhengzhou from the time period 2018 to 2020 and used Spearman's rank correlation to analyze the correlation between children's respiratory outpatient visits and air pollutants and meteorological factors. Generalized additive models were used to analyze the association between PM2.5 exposures and children's respiratory outpatient visits. A stratified analysis was further carried out for the seasons. Results: From 2018 to 2020, the total number of outpatients with children's respiratory diseases was 79,1107, and the annual average concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3-8h in Zhengzhou were respectively 59.48 µg/m3, 111.12 µg/m3, 11.10 µg/m3, 47.77 µg/m3, 0.90 mg/m3 and 108.81 µg/m3. The single-pollutant model showed that the risk of outpatient visits for children with respiratory disease increased by 0.341% (95%CI: 0.274-0.407%), 0.532% (95%CI: 0.455-0.609%) and 0.233% (95%CI: 0.177-0.289%) for every 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 with a 3-day lag, 1-day lag, and 1-day lag respectively for the whole year, heating period, and non-heating period. The multi-pollutant model showed that the risk of PM2.5 on children's respiratory disease visits was robust. The excess risk of PM2.5 on children's respiratory disease visits increased by 0.220% (95%CI: 0.147-0.294%) when SO2 was adjusted. However, the PM2.5 effects were stronger during the heating period than during the non-heating period. Conclusion: The short-term exposure to PM2.5 was significantly associated with outpatient visits for children's respiratory diseases. It is therefore necessary to strengthen the control of air pollution so as to protect children's health.

Curvilinear relationship between burnout and work engagement among staff in community services for the elderly: A correlation study.

Objective: To investigate whether there is a curvilinear relationship between burnout and work engagement among staff in Chinese community services for the elderly. Methods: A stratified whole-group random sampling method was used to survey 244 staff members from eight communities in two cities. Data were collected using the Maslach Burnout Inventory scale (MBI) and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale- 9 (UWES- 9). The curve estimation method explored the functional model of burnout and work engagement scales. Results: Two hundred forty-four staff members completed the survey. Burnout, depersonalization (DP), and personal accomplishment (PA) were found to be related to work engagement in a cubic function (R2 = 0.166, P < 0.05), (R2 = 0.061, P < 0.05), and (R2 = 0.2230, P < 0.05), respectively. There was no statistically significant relationship between emotional exhaustion (EE) and work engagement (P > 0.05). "Personal Accomplishment" is related to work engagement in a U-shaped curve. Conclusions: There was a cubic function relationship between burnout and work engagement, where "personal accomplishment" was related to work engagement in a U-shaped curve. Therefore, the government and related service organizations should understand the impact of different levels of burnout on work engagement and take targeted measures to alleviate burnout and improve work engagement by targeting emotions and stroke.

Perceived participation and autonomy structural relationships among related factors in patients with stroke and hypertension in China: A ISM model approach.

Aims: To explore the structural relationship between perceived participation and autonomy among older adults with stroke and hypertension in home and community-based services (HCBSs) in the eastern coastal region of China. Design: An explorative cross-sectional study. Methods: From July to September 2021, a total of 714 respondents were reported to have stroke and hypertension, and their information was used in the analysis of this study. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the factors influencing factors older adults' perceived participation and autonomy. Using the ISM model, we analyzed the factors affecting social participation in patients with stroke and hypertension and explained the logical relationships and hierarchy among the factors. Results: The mean score of perceived participation was 58.34 ± 27.57. Age, marital status, health insurance, living status, number of children, chronic diseases, sleep time, frequency of outings, and health utility value were significant factors affecting perceived participation and autonomy with stroke and hypertension patients. Among them, health insurance is the direct factor on the surface, age, number of children, chronic diseases, sleep time, frequency of outings, and health utility value are the intermediate indirect factors, and marital status and living status are the deep-rooted factors. Conclusion: By the study that the hierarchical structure provides a visualization of interrelationships and interdependences among the influencing factors of perceived participation and autonomy. It also may be a significant complement to traditional variable-entered approaches and construct an optimized multidimensional perspective of participation and autonomy. Future research should focus on optimizing the living environment of older adults with stroke and hypertension to explore the model of rehabilitative intervention and help patients successfully reintegrate into their families/societies.

Utilisation willingness for institutional care by the disabled elderly and its influencing factors based on Andersen's model: a cross-sectional survey of Henan, China.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the factors that influence institutional care for the disabled elderly in China and the key factors that influence individuals based on the Andersen model. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: The research was conducted in 18 cities in Henan Province, China. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A multistage, stratified sampling design was employed. The χ2 test was used to compare the differences in basic information of the disabled elderly. A binary Logit model was used to examine the factors influencing the willingness to institutionalise elderly people with disabilities. The determinants of willingness to care in an institution were also explored in a stratified study by gender, age and region to identify the key differences affecting institutionalisation. The Andersen model was used as the theoretical framework to infer the impact strength of each model. RESULTS: Of the 2810 disabled elderly people in Henan, China, 7.4% of the elderly had a willingness for institutional care. In the binary logistic regression analysis, whether living alone (OR (95% CI)=0.596 (0.388 to 0.916)), medical payment method (basic medical insurance for urban employees: OR (95% CI)=2.185 (1.091 to 4.377)), having mental illness (OR (95% CI)=2.078 (1.044 to 4.137)) had a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) on the impact on the willingness of the disabled elderly to receive institutional care. Validation of the fitted coefficients of the model revealed that the needs factor had the most significant effect on the enabling variable, while the predisposing factor had more minerally effect. CONCLUSIONS: Several factors influence the willingness of the disabled elderly to institutionalise. Therefore, it is recommended that relevant authorities take targeted measures to focus on the disabled elderly to identify more precise elderly care services to deal with the ageing crisis.

Disparities in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine initiation and completion based on sexual orientation among women in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: We compared HPV vaccine initiation and completion of heterosexual with lesbian and bisexual (LB) women. METHODS: We aggregated National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2009 to 2016 for 3,017 women aged 18 to 34 y in the United States. HPV vaccine initiation was defined as reported receipt of ≥1 dose of the vaccine and completion as receipt of the three recommended doses. Weighted percentages and multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine differences in HPV vaccine initiation and completion between heterosexual and LB women. RESULTS: Approximately 12% of respondents self-identified as LB women. Overall, a higher percentage of respondents (26%) had initiated the HPV vaccine than completed the three vaccine doses (17%). In the bivariate analysis, LB women had higher initiation ([35% of LB women versus 25% heterosexual]; p = .0012) and completion rates ([24% of LB women versus 17% heterosexual]; p = .0052) than heterosexual women. After adjusting for covariates, compared to heterosexual women, LB women were 60% (aOR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.16-2.19) more likely to initiate and 63% (aOR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.12-2.37) more likely to complete the HPV vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: Although LB women had higher likelihood of HPV vaccine initiation and completion compared with heterosexual women, their HPV vaccine uptake was well below the Healthy People 2020 target (80%). Understanding differences in the drivers of vaccine uptake in the LB population may inform strategies that would further increase HPV vaccine uptake toward achieving the 80% completion target.

Radiologic Assessment of Groin Lymph Nodes in Pelvic Malignancies.

INTRODUCTION: Metastatic involvement of groin nodes can alter radiation therapy planning for pelvic tumors. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) can identify nodal metastases; however, interpretation of PET/CT-positive nodes can be complicated by non-malignant processes. We evaluated quantitative metrics as methods to identify groin metastases in patients with pelvic tumors by comparison with standard subjective interpretive criteria, with pathology as the reference standard. METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients with vulvar, vaginal, or anal cancers who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT before pathologic evaluation of groin nodes between 2007 and 2017. Because patho-radiologic correlation was not possible for every node, one index node identified on imaging was selected for each groin. For each index node, standardized uptake value measurements, total lesion glycolysis, metabolic tumor volume, CT-based volume, and short and long axes were measured. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify metrics predictive for pathologically positive groins and generate a probabilistic model. Area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUCs) for the model were compared with clinical interpretation from the diagnostic report via a Wald's χ2 test. RESULTS: Of 55 patients identified for analysis, 75 groins had pathologic evaluation resulting in 75 index groin nodes for analysis with 35 groins pathologically positive for malignancy. Logistic regression identified mean standardized-uptake-value (50% threshold) and short-axis length as the most predictive imaging metrics for metastatic nodal involvement. The probabilistic model performed better at predicting pathologic involvement compared with standard clinical interpretation on analysis (AUC 0.91, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.97 vs 0.80, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.89; p<0.01). DISCUSSION: Accuracy of 18F-FDG PET/CT for detecting groin nodal metastases in patients with pelvic tumors may be improved with the use of quantitative metrics. Improving prediction of nodal metastases can aid with appropriate selection of patients for pathologic node evaluation and guide radiation volumes and doses.

Modified frailty index is predictive of wound complications in obese patients undergoing gynecologic surgery via a midline vertical incision.

OBJECTIVES: There are limited methods to identify which obese patients will experience wound complications after undergoing gynecologic surgery. We sought to determine the association between frailty and postoperative wound complications and to develop a prediction model for wound complications in this patient population. METHODS: We reviewed prospectively collected data of obese patients undergoing laparotomy though midline vertical incisions from 7/2013-3/2016. Modified frailty index (mFI) was calculated using 11 comorbidities previously validated. The primary outcome was the composite rate of postoperative wound complication. Data was analyzed using Fisher exact test or Chi-square and t-tests or Kruskal-Wallis tests. Poisson regression models were used to generate relative risks. Prediction models were created with receiver-operator characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: Of 163 patients included, 56 (34%) were considered frail. Wound complications occurred in 52 patients (31.9%): 28 (50%) frail and 24 (22.4%) non-frail patients (RR 2.23, 95%CI 1.29-3.85). Frail patients had significantly greater frequencies of wound breakdown (37.5% vs 15%, RR 2.51, 95%CI 1.31-4.81). After controlling for BMI, tobacco use, and maximum postoperative glucose, frailty remained an independent predictor of wound complication (aRR 1.88, 95%CI 1.04-3.40). The area under the curve for the predictive model incorporating frailty was 0.73 for wound complications. CONCLUSION: Frailty is associated with wound complications in obese patients undergoing gynecologic surgery via a midline vertical incision and is a useful tool in identifying the most high risk patients. Further prospective research is necessary to incorporate mFI into preoperative planning and counseling.

The transition from latent to active labor and adverse obstetrical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Recommendations on preventing primary cesarean delivery removed the previously defined time limits for latent labor (defined as ending at 6 cm) and urged clinicians to avoid cesarean delivery for labor abnormalities in the latent phase. However, relatively little is known about the implications of labor curve abnormalities from 4 to 6 cm and subsequent outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between length of time for dilation from 4 to 6 cm, delivery outcomes, and maternal and neonatal morbidity. STUDY DESIGN: This is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of patients at ≥37 weeks presenting in spontaneous or induced labor with a nonanomalous living singleton in vertex presentation. Patients with a history of cesarean delivery or who did not achieve 6-cm dilation were excluded. We used interval censored regression to determine the 90th percentile for dilation time from 4 to 6 cm and used logistic regression to estimate the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for adverse outcomes for patients above this cutoff percentile compared with those at or below. Analyses were adjusted for obesity, nulliparity, race, hypertension, diabetes, and type of labor (induced vs spontaneous/augmented). Outcomes included cesarean delivery, maternal morbidity (composite of postpartum fever, wound infection, hemorrhage), and neonatal morbidity (composite of neonatal death, hypothermic therapy, mechanical ventilation, respiratory distress, meconium aspiration syndrome, seizure, or treatment of sepsis). In addition, we created receiver operator characteristic curves to predict cesarean delivery, and maternal and neonatal morbidity based on time to dilate from 4 to 6 cm. The cutoff for time for each outcome was identified using the Youden index to maximize sensitivity and specificity, and test characteristics were computed. RESULTS: There were 7355 patients eligible for analysis, 728 (10%) had dilation times from 4 to 6 cm >10.3 hours, which was the 90th percentile, and 6627 (90%) had dilation times ≤10.3 hours. Having dilation time from 4 to 6 cm above the 90th percentile (10.3 hours) was associated with cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio, 2.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.67-2.52), composite maternal morbidity (adjusted odds ratio, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-2.00), and composite neonatal morbidity (adjusted odds ratio 1.92; 95% confidence interval 1.52-2.4). The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve for predicting cesarean delivery was 0.73 (95% confidence interval, 0.71-0.75). The test characteristics for the cutoff of 9.75 hours were sensitivity 68.3% (95% confidence interval, 64.8%-71.7%), specificity 66.2% (95% confidence interval, 55.0%-67.3%), positive predictive value 18.5% (95% confidence interval, 17.1%-20.0%), and negative predictive value 94.9% (95% confidence interval, 94.2%-95.5%). For composite maternal morbidity, the cutoff was 6.98 hours and the area under the curve was 0.62 (95% confidence interval, 0.59-0.65), whereas for composite neonatal morbidity it was 5.5 hours (area under the curve 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.67-0.71). CONCLUSIONS: Patients whose dilation time from 4 to 6 cm exceeds the 90th percentile have increased odds of cesarean delivery and postpartum complications. Prolonged dilation time has moderate predictive ability for adverse outcomes. Future studies should investigate at what point, if any, intervention is warranted during this period to reduce these risks.

Using adaptive magnetic resonance image-guided radiation therapy for treatment of inoperable pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Adaptive magnetic resonance imaging-guided radiation therapy (MRgRT) can escalate dose to tumors while minimizing dose to normal tissue. We evaluated outcomes of inoperable pancreatic cancer patients treated using MRgRT with and without dose escalation. METHODS: We reviewed 44 patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer treated with MRgRT. Treatments included conventional fractionation, hypofractionation, and stereotactic body radiation therapy. Patients were stratified into high-dose (biologically effective dose [BED10 ] >70) and standard-dose groups (BED10 ≤70). Overall survival (OS), freedom from local failure (FFLF) and freedom from distant failure (FFDF) were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier method. Cox regression was performed to identify predictors of OS. Acute gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity was assessed for 6 weeks after completion of RT. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 17 months. High-dose patients (n = 24, 55%) had statistically significant improvement in 2-year OS (49% vs 30%, P = 0.03) and trended towards significance for 2-year FFLF (77% vs 57%, P = 0.15) compared to standard-dose patients (n = 20, 45%). FFDF at 18 months in high-dose vs standard-dose groups was 24% vs 48%, respectively (P = 0.92). High-dose radiation (HR: 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.21-0.94; P = 0.03) and duration of induction chemotherapy (HR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.72-0.98; P = 0.03) were significantly correlated with OS on univariate analysis but neither factor was independently predictive on multivariate analysis. Grade 3+ GI toxicity occurred in three patients in the standard-dose group and did not occur in the high-dose group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with dose-escalated MRgRT demonstrated improved OS. Prospective evaluation of high-dose RT regimens with standardized treatment parameters in inoperable pancreatic cancer patients is warranted.

Pregnancy Induces an Earlier Chronotype in Both Mice and Women.

Daily rhythms generated by endogenous circadian mechanisms and synchronized to the light-dark cycle have been implicated in the timing of birth in a wide variety of species. Although chronodisruption (e.g., shift work or clock gene mutations) is associated with poor reproductive outcomes, little is known about circadian timing during pregnancy. This study tested whether daily rhythms change during full-term pregnancies in mice and women. We compared running wheel activity continuously in both nonpregnant ( n = 14) and pregnant ( n = 13) 12- to 24-week-old C57BL/6NJ mice. We also monitored wrist actigraphy in women ( N = 39) for 2 weeks before conception and then throughout pregnancy and measured daily times of sleep onset. We found that on the third day of pregnancy, mice shift their activity to an earlier time compared with nonpregnant dams. Their time of daily activity onset was maximally advanced by almost 4 h around day 7 of pregnancy and then shifted back to the nonpregnant state approximately 1 week before delivery. Mice also showed reduced levels of locomotor activity during their last week of pregnancy. Similarly, in women, the timing of sleep onset was earlier during the first and second trimesters (gestational weeks 4-13 and 14-27) than before pregnancy and returned to the prepregnant state during the third trimester (weeks 28 until delivery). Women also showed reduced levels of locomotor activity throughout pregnancy. These results indicate that pregnancy induces changes in daily rhythms, altering both time of onset and amount of activity. These changes are conserved between mice and women.

Inpatient management of hypercalcemia portends a poor prognosis among gynecologic oncology patients: A trigger to initiate hospice care?

We aim to describe survival outcomes of gynecologic oncology inpatients treated with intravenous bisphosphonates for hypercalcemia and develop a risk stratification model that predicts decreased survival to aid with goals of care discussion. In a single-center, retrospective cohort study of gynecologic oncology patients admitted for bisphosphonate therapy for hypercalcemia. Survival from hypercalcemia to death was assessed by Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Univariate log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards modeling were used to develop a risk stratification model. Sixty-five patients were evaluable with a median follow-up of 83.5 months. Mean age was 59.2 years, 64.6% had recurrent disease, and 30.8% had ≥2 previous lines of chemotherapy. Median survival was 38 days. Our analysis identified four risk factors (RFs) [brain metastasis, >1 site of metastasis, serum corrected peak calcium >12.4 (mg/dL), and peak ionized calcium >5.97 (mg/dL)] that predicted survival and were used to build a risk stratification score. Sum of RFs included 35 patients with 1 RF, 11 had 2 RFs, and 19 had ≥3 RF. Median survival for 1, 2, or ≥ 3 RFs was 53, 28, and 26 days respectively (p = .009). Survival at 6 months was 28.6%, 18.2%, and 5.3% for each group respectively. Hospice enrollment was 26.2%, and did not vary by group (p = .51). Among gynecologic oncology patients, inpatient management of hypercalcemia with bisphosphonates portends poor prognosis. Individualized risk stratification may help guide end-of-life discussions and identify patients who may benefit most from hospice care.

A multicenter phase II study of temozolomide plus disulfiram and copper for recurrent temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma.

PURPOSE: Preclinical studies have suggested promising activity for the combination of disulfiram and copper (DSF/Cu) against glioblastoma (GBM) including re-sensitization to temozolomide (TMZ). A previous phase I study demonstrated the safety of combining DSF/Cu with adjuvant TMZ for newly diagnosed GBM. This phase II study aimed to estimate the potential effectiveness of DSF/Cu to re-sensitize recurrent GBM to TMZ. METHODS: This open-label, single-arm phase II study treated recurrent TMZ-resistant GBM patients with standard monthly TMZ plus concurrent daily DSF 80 mg PO TID and Cu 1.5 mg PO TID. Eligible patients must have progressed after standard chemoradiotherapy and within 3 months of the last dose of TMZ. Known isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutant or secondary GBMs were excluded. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR), and the secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), clinical benefit (response or stable disease for at least 6 months), and safety. RESULTS: From March 2017 to January 2018, 23 recurrent TMZ-resistant GBM patients were enrolled across seven centers, and 21 patients were evaluable for response. The median duration of DSF/Cu was 1.6 cycles (range: 0.1-12.0). The ORR was 0%, but 14% had clinical benefit. Median PFS was 1.7 months, and median OS was 7.1 months. Only one patient (4%) had dose-limiting toxicity (grade three elevated alanine transaminase). CONCLUSIONS: Addition of DSF/Cu to TMZ for TMZ-resistant IDH-wild type GBM appears well tolerated but has limited activity for unselected population.

Continuous epidural infusion in gynecologic oncology patients undergoing exploratory laparotomy: The new standard for decreased postoperative pain and opioid use.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the incidence of postoperative complications and opioid pain medication usage in gynecologic oncology patients who did and did not receive an epidural prior to undergoing exploratory laparotomy. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing exploratory laparotomy with the gynecologic oncology division at Washington University in St Louis between January 2012 and October 2015. Data on demographics, pathology, postoperative pain and opioid use, and incidence of postoperative complications were collected. RESULTS: Five hundred and sixty-one patients underwent laparotomy, 305 with an epidural and 256 without. Patients with an epidural used significantly less hydromorphone in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) (p = 0.003) and on postoperative day (POD)#1 (p = 0.05), less total opioids on POD#0 (p < 0.01), and more non-opioid pain medication on POD#1-3 (p < 0.01). Patients with an epidural had lower pain scores in the PACU (p = 0.01), on POD#0 (p < 0.01), POD#1 (p < 0.01), and POD#3 (p = 0.03). Patients with epidurals had shorter hospital length of stay (p < 0.01), no difference in hospital readmission or incidence of venous thromboembolism up to 90 days postoperatively, longer duration of Foley catheter (20.4 vs 10.3 h, p = 0.02) with no difference in postoperative urinary tract infection, higher incidence of postoperative hypotension (63% vs 36.3%, p < 0.01), and lower incidence of wound complications (5% vs 14.1%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative epidurals used in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery correlate with decreased postoperative opioid use, increased use of non-opioid pain medications, and improved pain relief postoperatively with acceptable postoperative risks and should be standard of care for these patients.

Association between body mass index and surgical menopausal symptoms in patients with early stage endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Premenopausal women may undergo surgical menopause after staging for their endometrial cancer. Our aim was to determine the association between body mass index (BMI) and surgical menopausal symptoms. METHODS: We report a retrospective review of endometrial cancer patients whom underwent menopause secondary to their surgical staging procedure. Symptoms were classified as severe if treatment was prescribed, or mild if treatment was offered, but declined. Univariate analysis was performed with ANOVA and Chi-square tests as appropriate. Relative risks (RR) were generated from Poisson regression models. RESULTS: We identified 166 patients in whom the BMI (kg/m2) distribution was as follows: 33 (19.9%) had BMI <30, 49 (29.5%) had BMI 30-39.9, 50 (30.1%) had BMI 40-49.9, and 34 (20.5%) had BMI ≥50. There were no differences in race, age, or adjuvant treatment among the groups. Overall, 65 (39.2%) women reported symptoms of surgical menopause, including 19 (11.4%) mild and 46 (27.7%) severe. Symptom type did not differ by BMI; however, the prevalence of severe menopausal symptoms decreased with increasing BMI: <30 (45.5%), 30-39.9 (30.6%), 40-49.9 (22%), and ≥ 50 (14.7%); P = 0.002. Multivariate analysis confirmed that symptom prevalence decreased with increasing BMI. Compared to women with a BMI of <30, those with a BMI 40-49.9 (RR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.17-0.87) or ≥ 50 (RR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.08-0.70) were significantly less likely to experience menopausal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Women younger than 50 with BMI >40 and stage I endometrial cancer are significantly less likely than women with BMI <30 to experience menopausal symptoms after oophorectomy. This information may assist in peri-operative counseling.

Gynecologic Oncologists' Perceptions of Palliative Care and Associated Barriers: A Survey of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology.

OBJECTIVES: Gynecologic oncologists frequently care for patients at the end of life with the aid of palliative care (PC) specialists. Our primary objectives were to identify perceived barriers to integrating specialty PC into gynecologic cancer care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey. A Likert scale captured perceptions regarding primary and specialty PC, frequent barriers to use of PC, and potential interventions. RESULTS: A total of 174 (16%) gynecologic oncologists completed the survey. The majority (75%) agreed or strongly agreed that PC should be integrated into cancer care at diagnosis of advanced or metastatic cancer. The most frequently perceived PC barriers included patients' unrealistic expectations (54%), limited access to specialty PC (25%), poor reimbursement (25%), time constraints (22%), and concern of reducing hope or trust (21%). The most agreed upon potential intervention was increased access to outpatient PC (80%). CONCLUSIONS: According to this cohort of SGO members, families' or patients' unrealistic expectations are the most frequent barriers to specialty PC. Understanding this communication breakdown is critically important.

Risk of Maternal Morbidity with Increasing Number of Cesareans.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the risk of perioperative morbidity with increasing number of cesareans. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort study from 2004 to 2010. Patients delivered by cesarean were included. Outcome measures were a composite organ injury (bowel or bladder), hysterectomy, hemorrhage requiring transfusion, severe morbidity, or surgical site complications. The Cochran-Armitage's test of trend was used to assess increasing incidence of each morbidity with number of prior cesareans. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted risks for each morbidity with increasing number of cesareans compared with primary cesarean. RESULTS: Of the 15,872 women in the cohort, 5,144 had cesarean delivery: 3,113 primary, 1,310 one prior, 510 two prior, and 211 three or more prior cesareans. There was a significant increase in organ injury, hysterectomy, and surgical site complications with increasing number of cesareans. In multivariable analysis, the risk of organ injury and hysterectomy was increased compared with primary cesarean after two prior cesareans, and after three or more cesareans for hemorrhage requiring transfusion and surgical site complications. CONCLUSION: The risks of organ injury and hysterectomy are increased after two or more prior cesareans, and risks of hemorrhage and surgical site complications are increased after three or more cesareans.

Obesity counseling in obstetrics and gynecology: provider perceptions and barriers.

To determine how obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs) perceive the gynecologic health effects of obesity and to identify perceived obstacles to counseling. OB/GYNs with 3 St. Louis health systems were emailed a 46-question survey regarding physicians' role in counseling women on the health risks of obesity and barriers faced in achieving this counseling. Differences between respondents' gender, age, practice type, years in practice, and body mass index were assessed using Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests as appropriate. Of 318 OB/GYNs emailed, 134 completed surveys, including 82 generalists and 52 subspecialists. 93% of respondents believed it was necessary to educate patients on health risks of obesity. 90% and 75%, respectively, cited diagnoses of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer as teachable moments for counseling. The most frequently cited barriers to successful counseling were lack of time, referral services, and patient tools/information. Most did not believe they had adequate reimbursement (65%), training (53%) or educational resources (50%) to counsel patients. Survey answers differed by practice setting, gender, and provider age. Although most OB/GYN providers consider obesity counseling important, execution is hindered by perceived barriers that differ by provider gender, age, and practice type. For OB/GYNs, more effective weight management counseling will require better training and practice-specific strategies. Based on survey responses, better reimbursement combined with increased resources for appropriate referrals and cancer prevention counseling are needed in order to improve weight management implementation in OB/GYN. •The majority of OB/GYNs believe obesity counseling is important•Perceptions of obesity counseling differ based on provider/practice characteristics.•Lack of time, referral services, and patient tools are the biggest cited barriers to counseling.•Improved obesity counseling could improve downstream OB/GYN morbidities.

Ulipristal Acetate for Unscheduled Bleeding in Etonogestrel Implant Users: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether ulipristal acetate reduces the number of bleeding days in etonogestrel implant users in a 30-day period as compared with placebo. METHODS: We performed a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Eligible participants were women aged 18-45 years with an etonogestrel implant in place for greater than 90 days and less than 3 years who reported greater than one bleeding episode in a 24-day period. Enrolled participants were randomized to receive 15 mg ulipristal acetate compared with an identical-appearing placebo daily for 7 days. Participants completed daily bleeding diaries using automated text messaging to evaluate whether ulipristal acetate reduces the number of bleeding days as compared with placebo. Secondary outcomes included participant satisfaction with bleeding and the effect of ulipristal acetate on ovulation status. A sample size of 52 per group (n=104) was planned, calculated with an effect size of a 30% reduction in bleeding days, SD of 10 days, and dropout of 15%. Our study was terminated early (N=65) as a result of a U.S. Food and Drug Administration hold, but power was sufficient for analysis. The effect of ulipristal acetate on ovulatory potential was evaluated in a subset with weekly serum progesterone. RESULTS: From May 2017 to January 2018, 65 women were allocated to receive 15 mg ulipristal acetate (n=32) or placebo (n=33) daily for 7 days. Demographic characteristics were similar between groups. Women randomized to ulipristal acetate reported 5 fewer days of bleeding over a 30-day reference period after treatment (P=.002). At the conclusion of the 30-day follow-up period, women in the ulipristal acetate group were more satisfied with their bleeding profile than the placebo group (87.5% vs 60%, respectively; P<.001). Serum progesterone levels were nonovulatory in a subset of each group (placebo group range: less than 0.2-1.3 ng/mL; ulipristal acetate group range: less than 0.2-4.4 ng/mL). CONCLUSION: Ulipristal acetate is well-tolerated and reduced the number of bleeding days in etonogestrel implant users in our study. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03118297.