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Different immunohistochemical programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) assays and scorings have been reported to yield variable results in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We compared the analytical concordance and reproducibility of four clinically relevant PD-L1 assays assessing immune cell (IC) score, tumor proportion score (TPS), and combined positive score (CPS) in TNBC. Primary TNBC resection specimens (n = 104) were stained for PD-L1 using VENTANA SP142, VENTANA SP263, DAKO 22C3, and DAKO 28–8. PD-L1 expression was scored according to guidelines on virtual whole slide images by four trained readers. The mean PD-L1 positivity at IC-score ≥1% and CPS ≥1 ranged between 53% and 75% with the highest positivity for SP263 and comparable levels for 22C3, 28–8, and SP142. Inter-assay agreement was good between 28–8 and 22C3 across all scores and cut-offs (kappa 0.68–0.74) and for both assays with SP142 at IC-score ≥1% and CPS ≥1 (kappa 0.61–0.67). The agreement between SP263 and all other assays was substantially lower for all scores. Inter-reader agreement for each assay was good to excellent for IC-score ≥1% (kappa 0.73–0.78) and CPS ≥1 (kappa 0.68–0.74), fair to good for CPS ≥10 (kappa 0.52–0.67) and TPS ≥1% (kappa 0.53–0.72). The percentage of overlapping cases in the positive/negative category was >90% between IC-score ≥1% and CPS ≥1 but below when comparing IC-score ≥1% with CPS ≥10. We demonstrate an overall good inter-reader agreement for all PD-L1 assays in TNBC along with assay specific differences in positivity and concordances, which may aid to select the right test strategy in routine diagnostics. • Different PD-L1 IHC assays and scorings may show variable results in TNBC. • Overall good assay concordance between SP142, 22C3, and 28–8 at IC-score 1%. • Overall good assay concordance between SP142, 22C3, and 28–8 at CPS 1. • SP142 is less optimal for CPS assessment at higher cut-offs. • SP263 assay is not interchangeable with the other three PD-L1 assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of ticagrelor versus prasugrel for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) according to their estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs). The outcomes of ticagrelor versus prasugrel in patients with ACS according to eGFR have not been defined. Patients (n = 4,012) were categorized into 3 groups: low eGFR (<60 mL/min/1.73 m2), intermediate eGFR (≥60 and <90 mL/min/1.73 m2), and high eGFR (≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2). The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, and stroke; the secondary safety endpoint was Bleeding Academic Research Consortium types 3 to 5 bleeding, both at 1 year. Patients with low eGFRs had a higher risk for the primary endpoint compared with patients with intermediate eGFRs (adjusted HR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.46-2.46]) and those with high eGFRs (adjusted HR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.57-3.46). A risk excess for low eGFR was also observed for bleeding (adjusted HR: 1.55 [95% CI: 1.12-2.13] vs intermediate eGFR; adjusted HR: 1.59 [95% CI: 1.01-2.50] vs high eGFR). However, eGFR did not affect the relative efficacy and safety of ticagrelor versus prasugrel. In patients with low eGFR, the primary endpoint occurred in 20.5% with ticagrelor and in 14.7% with prasugrel (HR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.04-2.08; P = 0.029); there was no significant difference in bleeding. These results show that among patients with ACS, reduction of eGFR is associated with increased risk for ischemic and bleeding events but has no significant impact on the relative efficacy and safety of ticagrelor versus prasugrel. (Prospective, Randomized Trial of Ticagrelor Versus Prasugrel in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome [ISAR-REACT 5]; NCT01944800) [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone volume changes following vascularized bone flaps and possible confounding factors over time are described in the literature with some controversy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bone volume behavior of two frequently used free flaps. Computed tomography (CT) scans were examined with regard to bone volume using the software program ITK-SNAP for all patients who required mandibular reconstruction with a free fibula flap (FFF, conventionally vs assisted by computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM)) or iliac crest flap (DCIA) following mandibular resection because of benign or malign processes, between August 2010 and August 2015. Clinical data, complication rates, and CT scans were analyzed retrospectively. Additionally, complication rates (microvascular revision, flap loss, postoperative fistula or dehiscence, and postoperative bone exposure) were compared within early (≤30 days), late (31st–100th day), and overall (≤100th day) postoperative time intervals. 113 cases, comprizing 89 FFF and 24 DCIA cases, were included. FFF showed superior bone volume behavior over the DCIA flap. Multivariable regression models assessed the relationships between the following and bone volume behavior: interval between operation and CT scan (p < 0.683), age (p = 0.004), gender (p = 0.006), BMI (p = 0.400), adjuvant radiation therapy (p = 0.334), reconstruction with DCIA flap (p < 0.0001), number of segments (p = 0.02), and incidence of dental implant insertion (p = 0.45). The bone volume of FFFs remains stable. DCIA flaps show a higher bone volume reduction, but the postoperative course might be associated with fewer complications. Time interval between operation and CT scan, age, gender, reconstruction with DCIA flap, and number of fibula segments contributed significantly to bone volume behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In mice there might be an association between sleep deprivation and amyloid β plasma levels. Hence, we examined whether amyloid plasma levels are associated with sleep duration or fragmentation in 17 psychiatrists on-call. Methods: Amyloid β (Aβ)42, Aβ40, and soluble amyloid precursor protein β (sAPP-β) plasma concentrations were measured at the beginning and end of 90 on-call nights, and analyzed using generalized linear models. Results: In on-call nights, a 10.7% reduction of Aβ42 was revealed overnight. Every single short sleep interruption diminished this reduction by 5.4%, as well as every pg/mL of sAPP-β by 1.2%, each copy of APOE ε4 by 10.6%, and each year of professional experience by 3.0%. Discussion: The extent of sleep fragmentation diminishes the physiological overnight reduction of Aβ42 but not Aβ40 plasma levels in the same direction as the enzyme for Aβ42 production, the genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), and on-call experience. Might on-call duty and sleep fragmentation in general alter the risk for AD? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adjuvant chemotherapy decision in patients with hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative breast cancer (BC) is challenging. Ki-67 is widely used for adjuvant therapy decision in BC. The multigene assay EndoPredict (EP) has shown to provide valid and additional information about the risk of recurrence compared to traditional pathological factors. In this study, we compared Ki-67 with EP assay generated risk groups. We analyzed the results from prospective EP testing (n = 373) and tumor proliferation assessed by Ki-67 staining in luminal breast cancer. We statistically investigated the association of both parameters and probed for equivalence in risk stratification. Evaluation of Ki-67 was feasible in 307 (82%) BC specimens with known EP test results. The EPscore (now called 12-gene molecular score) delineated 140 low and 167 high scores. After combining the EPscore with pathological tumor stage and nodal status, we received 203 EPclin low-risk and 104 EPclin high-risk classifications. EPscore and EPclin were significantly associated with Ki-67 indices and tumor grade (p < 0.001). Overall, we observed a moderate correlation between Ki-67 and the EPscore (r = 0.63) as well as the EPclin score (r = 0.59). Ki-67 values above 25% partly overlap with EP test results and therefore indicate a high-risk profile. In these cases, the additional prognostic information from EP testing might be rather low. However, low and intermediate Ki-67 values (less than 25%) alone were not reliable in predicting a low risk EP profile, indicating that EP testing is useful in this subgroup. • Comparison of prospective EndoPredict tests with Ki-67 in a large breast cancer cohort. • EPscore and EPclin were significantly associated with Ki-67 indices. • Ki-67 values above 25% partly overlap with high-risk EP test results. • Ki-67 less than 25% was not reliable in predicting a low-risk EP profile. • EP testing is useful, particularly in breast cancer with low and intermediate Ki-67 levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Asthma education (AE) is associated with reduced hospitalization and disability. We compared the effectiveness of an electronic AE program (eAEP) with a conventional face-to-face AE program (presence-based AEP; pAEP) for asthma knowledge (AK) with regard to self-management. Methods: A randomized controlled pilot study was conducted in a pulmonary rehabilitation clinic. AK was determined by means of the Asthma Knowledge Test (AKT). The change in AKT score within each group was calculated with a paired t-test. Group differences were estimated with adjusted linear regression models. Results: In the intervention group (n = 41), the AKT score increased from 41.57 (standard deviation 5.63) at baseline to 45.82 (3.84) after completion of the eAEP (p < 0.001), and again to 47.20 (3.78) after completion of the pAEP (p = 0.046). In the control group (n = 41), the score increased from 41.73 (4.74) at baseline to 45.72 (3.65) after completion of the pAEP (p < 0.001). There was no relevant difference in knowledge gain between the eAEP and the pAEP group after completion of the corresponding educational sessions (p = 0.881). The AKT score was higher in the eAEP group after obligatory participation in pAEP than in the group that only completed the pAEP (p = 0.020). Conclusions: An internet-based AEP could help to reduce the knowledge deficits of a large proportion of patients with asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of oral anticoagulation (OAC) type on clinical outcomes 1 year after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Non–vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are superior to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF), while their comparative performance among patients in need of OAC undergoing TAVR is underinvestigated. The study enrolled 962 consecutive patients who underwent TAVR in 4 tertiary European centers and were discharged on either NOACs (n = 326) or VKAs (n = 636). By using propensity scores for inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), the comparison of treatment groups was adjusted to correct for potential confounding. Mean age and Society of Thoracic Surgeons score of the population were 81.3 ± 6.3 years and 4.5% (interquartile range: 3.0% to 7.3%); 52.5% were women and a balloon-expandable valve was used in 62.7% of cases. The primary outcome of interest, combined incidence of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and any cerebrovascular event at 1-year after TAVR, was 21.2% with NOACs versus 15.0% with VKAs (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00 to 2.07; p = 0.050, IPTW-adjusted). The 1-year incidence of any Bleeding Academic Research Consortium bleeds and all-cause mortality were comparable between the NOAC and VKA groups, 33.9% versus 34.1% (HR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.74 to 1.26; p = 0.838, IPTW-adjusted) and 16.5% versus 12.2% (HR: 1.36; 95% CI: 0.90 to 2.06; p = 0.136, IPTW-adjusted), respectively. Chronic use of both NOACs and VKAs among patients in need of OAC after TAVR are comparable regarding 1-year bleeding risk. The higher ischemic event rate observed with NOACs needs to be evaluated in large randomized trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Venous congestion results in tissue damage and remains the most common failure of free microvascular transfer if it is not recognized early. The purpose of this experimental study was to evaluate venous congestion and describe the findings with two different monitoring tools. A standardized epigastric flap was raised, and total occlusion of the draining vein was temporarily applied for 4, 5, 6, or 7 h. Blood flow measurements, including laser-Doppler flowmetry, and tissue spectrophotometry (O2C) and indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiography using the FLOW ® 800 tool, were performed systematically after each surgical step, an interval of venous occlusion, and 1 week of clinical observation. Both monitoring tools were capable of detecting acute venous occlusion. ICG videoangiography data showed a significant decrease in the first and second maximum, and the area under the curve, during venous occlusion, whereas hemoglobin levels in the O2C analysis remained stable. Changes in fluorescence values in border areas of the flap correlated significantly with the incidence of necrosis. O2C data later showed significant correlation with the area of necrosis, and more individual changes during flap monitoring. ICG videoangiography might therefore be useful in the prediction of flap necrosis in critical areas of perfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Cancer cachexia is a paraneoplastic syndrome comprising involuntary weight loss and muscle depletion (sarcopenia). Although weight loss has been associated with poor clinical outcome, there is only limited information on the prevalence and prognostic impact of sarcopenia in ovarian cancer so far. Methods: Total skeletal muscle mass was determined by computed tomography image analysis of the third lumbar skeletal muscle cross-sectional area in 128 patients with advanced serous ovarian cancer. Longitudinal change of muscle mass was studied in 209 consecutive computed tomography scans from 43 patients. Association with survival was determined using Cox proportional hazards model. Results: The prevalence of sarcopenia at first diagnosis was 11% (12/105; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6%–20%). Sarcopenic patients had a significantly reduced progression-free (hazard ratio, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.24–5.64; P = 0.012) and overall survival (hazard ratio, 3.17; 95% CI, 1.29–7.80; P = 0.012). On multivariable analysis, these prognostic effects remained significant after adjustment for age, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, and postsurgical residual disease. Longitudinal analyses identified both patients with loss and gain of muscle mass. However, change in muscle mass over time was not associated with survival. Conclusions: Baseline sarcopenia is a prognostic factor in advanced serous ovarian cancer. Identification of sarcopenic patients and early enrollment in physical or nutritional education programs might thus be a feasible way to improve outcome and should be further evaluated in prospective clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relative efficacy and safety of more potent P2Y12 inhibitors in patients with acute coronary syndrome and high bleeding risk (HBR) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention remains unclear. We aimed to study the treatment effect of ticagrelor and prasugrel in percutaneous coronary intervention patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome and HBR. Methods: This post hoc analysis of the ISAR-REACT 5 trial (Intracoronary Stenting and Antithrombotic Regimen: Rapid Early Action for Coronary Treatment 5) included patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, randomized to ticagrelor or prasugrel, in whom HBR was defined as per Academic Research Consortium criteria. The primary (efficacy) end point was the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. The secondary (safety) end point was Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 3 to 5 bleeding. Outcomes were assessed 12 months after randomization. Results: Out of the 3239 patients included in this analysis, 486 fulfilled the criteria for Academic Research Consortium-HBR definition (HBR group; ticagrelor, n=230 and prasugrel, n=256), while 2753 did not (non-HBR group; ticagrelor, n=1375 and prasugrel, n=1378). Compared with the non-HBR group, the HBR group had a higher risk for the primary (hazard ratio [HR]=3.57 [95% CI, 2.79–4.57]; P <0.001) and secondary end point (HR=2.94 [2.17–3.99]; P <0.001). In the HBR group, the primary (HR=1.09 [0.73–1.62]) and secondary (HR=1.18 [0.67–2.08]) end points were not significantly different between patients assigned to ticagrelor and prasugrel. In the non-HBR group, the primary end point (HR=1.62 [1.19–2.20]) occurred more frequently in patients assigned to ticagrelor as compared to patients assigned to prasugrel, without difference in safety (HR=1.08 [0.74–1.58]). There was no significant treatment allocation-by-HBR status interaction with respect to the primary (P for interaction=0.12) or secondary (P for interaction=0.80) end points. Conclusions: In patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, HBR status increased both ischemic and bleeding risk without significant impact on the relative efficacy and safety of either ticagrelor or prasugrel. These results warrant confirmation in larger cohorts. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01944800. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Women have unfavorable prognosis after myocardial infarction (MI). This text describes sex differences in mortality and in the power of risk predictors in contemporarily-treated MI patients. Methods A population of 4141 MI patients (26.5% females) was followed up for 5 years. Effects of sex and age on total mortality were investigated by multivariable Cox analysis. Mortality predictors were investigated by receiver-operator characteristics analysis. Stepwise multivariable Cox regression was used to create sex-specific predictive models. Results Thirty-day mortality was 1.5-fold higher in women. However, sex was not a significant mortality predictor in a model adjusted for age. Predictors for 5-year mortality performed differently in male and female patients. In women, a sex-specific model provided better risk stratification than a sex-neutral model. Conclusion The unfavorable prognosis of female MI patients can be explained by advanced age. Sex-specific predictive models might improve risk stratification in female survivors of acute MI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We recently reported that nocturnal respiratory rate (NRR) predicts non-sudden cardiac death in survivors of myocardial infarction (MI). Here, we present the details of the technique deriving NRR from ECG recordings. Methods Continuous ECG and respiratory chest excursions were simultaneously recorded in 941 MI survivors who were followed-up for 5-years. Mean respiratory rate was derived from the ECG based on RR intervals, QRS amplitudes, and QRS vectors and compared to chest belt measurements. NRR was calculated from Holter-ECGs accordingly using the same ECG processing. Results Directly-measured and ECG-derived respiratory rates were in good agreement. Areas under the ROC curve for 10-min-ECG- and Holter-derived respiratory rate were well in the confidence intervals of that of the chest belt measurement. The optimum dichotomy of NRR for the prediction of mortality was ≥18.6 breaths per minute. Conclusions The mean respiratory rate can be precisely derived from continuous ECGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful biomechanical reconstruction is a major goal in total hip arthroplasty (THA). We measured leg length (LL), global (GO) and femoral offset (FO) change on anteroposterior pelvis radiographs and on three-dimensional computed-tomography (3D-CT) with fiducial landmarks after cementless THA on 18 hips of cadaveric specimens. Measurements on radiographs were performed twice by four examiners and showed high interobserver (mean CCC ≥ 0.79) and intraobserver agreements (mean ICC ≥ 0.88). Mean differences between radiographic and 3D-CT measurements were 1.0 (SD 2.0) mm for LL, 0.6 (SD 3.6) mm for GO and 1.4 (SD 5.2) mm for FO. 1% of radiographic LL-, 15% of GO- and 35% of FO measurements were outside a tolerance limit of 5 mm. Radiographs seem acceptable for measuring LL/GO change but fail to reflect FO change in THA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We compared blood pressure (BP) measurements obtained using radial artery applanation tonometry with invasive BP measurements using a catheter placed in the abdominal aorta through the femoral artery in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Materials and Methods: In 23 intensive care unit patients with MODS, we simultaneously assessed BP values for 15 minutes per patient using radial artery applanation tonometry (T-Line TL-200pro device; Tensys Medical Inc, San Diego, Calif) and the arterial catheter (standard-criterion technique). A total of 2879 averaged 10-beat epochs were compared using Bland-Altman plots. Results: The mean difference ± SD (with corresponding 95% limits of agreement) between radial artery applanation tonometry-derived BP and invasively assessed BP was +1.0 ± 5.5 mm Hg (-9.9 to +11.8 mm Hg) for mean arterial pressure, -3.3 ± 11.2 mm Hg (-25.3 to +18.6 mm Hg) for systolic arterial pressure, and +4.9 ± 7.0 mm Hg (-8.8 to +18.6 mm Hg) for diastolic arterial pressure, respectively. Conclusions: In intensive care unit patients with MODS, mean arterial pressure and diastolic arterial pressure can be determined accurately and precisely using radial artery applanation tonometry compared with central aortic values obtained using a catheter placed in the abdominal aorta through the femoral artery. Although systolic arterial pressure could also be derived accurately, wider 95% limits of agreement suggest lower precision for determination of systolic arterial pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Accurate prediction of fluid responsiveness is of importance in the treatment of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). We investigated whether physical examination, central venous pressure (CVP), central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2), passive leg raising (PLR) test, and transpulmonary thermodilution (TPTD).derived parameters can predict volume responsiveness in patients admitted to the ICU. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, structured clinical examination, measurement of CVP and ScvO2, a PLR test, and TPTD measurements were performed in 31 patients. A fluid challenge test was performed in 24 patients (fluid responsiveness was defined as a cardiac index [CI] increase of ⩾15%). Results: Physical examination, CVP, ScvO2, the PLR test, and the TPTD-derived volumetric preload parameter global end-diastolic volume index showed poor prognostic capabilities regarding prediction of fluid responsiveness. Twenty-nine percent of patients were fluid responsive. There was a statistically significant correlation between the fluid challenge.induced increase in CI and changes in global enddiastolic volume index (r = 0.666, P b .001). In only 17% of patients, CI did not increase after fluid loading. Conclusions: Prediction of fluid responsiveness is difficult using physical examination, CVP, ScvO2, PLR maneuver, or TPTD-derived variables in critically ill patients. A volume challenge test should be considered for the assessment of fluid responsiveness in critically ill patients admitted to the ICU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to biomechanically evaluate a new technique of intramedullary cortical button fixation for subpectoral biceps tenodesis and to compare it with the interference screw technique. Methods: We compared intramedullary unicortical button fixation (BicepsButton; Arthrex, Naples, FL) with interference screw fixation (Bio-Tenodesis screw; Arthrex) for subpectoral biceps tenodesis using 10 pairs of human cadaveric shoulders and ovine superficial digital flexor tendons. After computed tomography analysis, the specimens were mounted in a testing machine. Cyclic loading was performed (preload, 5 N; 5 to 70 N at 1.5 Hz for 500 cycles), recording the displacement of the tendon. Load to failure and stiffness were subsequently evaluated with a load-to-failure test (1 mm/s). Results: Cyclic loading showed a displacement of 11.3 ± 2.8 mm for intramedullary cortical button fixation and 9 ± 1.7 mm for interference screw fixation (P = .112). All specimens within the cortical button group passed the cyclic loading test, whereas 3 of 10 specimens within the interference screw group failed by tendon slippage at the screw-tendon-bone interface after a mean of 252 cycles (P = .221). Load-to-failure testing showed a mean load to failure of 218.8 ± 40 N and stiffness of 27.2 ± 7.2 N/mm for the intramedullary cortical button technique. For the interference screw, the mean load to failure was 212.1 ± 28.3 N (P = .625) and stiffness was 40.4 ± 13 N/mm (P = .056). Conclusions: We could not find any major differences in load to failure when comparing the tested techniques for subpectoral biceps tenodesis. Intramedullary cortical button fixation showed no failure during cyclic testing. However, we found a 30% failure rate (3 of 10) for the interference screw fixation. Clinical Relevance: Intramedullary cortical button fixation provides an alternative technique for subpectoral biceps tenodesis with comparable and, during cyclic loading, even superior biomechanical properties to interference screw fixation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate continuous vancomycin infusion (contV) in intensive care unit patients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study in 164 patients treated with contV was conducted. They were compared with 75 patients treated with intermittent vancomycin infusion. Results: The median duration of vancomycin therapy in the contV group was 6 (5%-95% percentile range, 2-21) days. The median daily vancomycin dose in the contV group was 960 (526-1723) mg, resulting in a median serum vancomycin plateau concentration of 19.8 (9.8-29.4) mg/L (target: 15-25 mg/L). The contV administration regime was sufficient regarding achievement of the target serum vancomycin concentration. However, in the contV group, serum vancomycin levels were frequently in a subtherapeutic range on treatment days 1 (44%), 2 (29%), and 3 (23%). In the contV group, serum vancomycin concentration determinations per treatment day were performed significantly less often compared with the intermittent vancomycin infusion group (0.38 [0.15-0.75] vs 0.43 [0.22-1.00], P = .041). Conclusions: In medical intensive care unit patients, contV is sufficient to achieve target serum vancomycin concentrations. Because contV frequently resulted in subtherapeutic drug levels on the first days of therapy, a higher loading or starting dose might be necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate prediction factors for extubation failure (need for reintubation within 48 hours) in medical intensive care unit patients. Materials and Methods: Sixty-one patients extubated after mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours were included in the study. A retrospective analysis of medical records and a prospectively maintained database on respiratory parameters was conducted. Results: Low serum anion gap (P = .001), low serum anion gap corrected for serum albumin (P = .010), and low arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2)/fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2) ratio (P = .032) were significantly associated with extubation failure. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed low uncorrected and corrected serum anion gap (P = .006 and P = .025, respectively; odds ratio, 0.59 for both) and low PaO2/FIO2 ratio (P = .038; odds ratio, 0.99) as risk factors for extubation failure. Regarding extubation failure, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis demonstrated good predictive capabilities of serum anion gap (ROC area under the curve, 0.835; P = .004; cutoff, 7.7 mEq/L; sensitivity, 70.4%; specificity, 85.7%) and corrected serum anion gap (ROC area under the curve, 0.808; P = .009; cutoff, 8.8 mEq/L; sensitivity, 87.5%; specificity, 71.4%). A significantly higher risk for extubation failure was observed in patients with serum anion gap 5.2 mEq/L or less (relative risk, 8.8; 95% confidence interval, 2.4-32.4; P = .004) and corrected serum anion gap 8.6 mEq/L or less (relative risk, 10.0; 95% confidence interval, 2.2-44.9; P = .004). Conclusions: Low preextubation serum anion gap values and low preextubation PaO2/FIO2 ratio might help to predict extubation failure in medical intensive care unit patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients aged 80 years and older who require cardiac surgical procedures are an increasing population and usually present with considerable comorbidity. Detailed operative risk stratification versus long-term survival and quality of life after surgery is mandatory. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 1,003 patients aged 82.3 years (range, 80 to 94 years) who underwent aortic valve replacement (n = 303), coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 403), or aortic valve replacement with coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 297) between 1987 and 2006. Preoperative data, operative outcome, long-term survival, and predictors for early and late mortality were analyzed. Furthermore, the Short Form 36 Health Status questionnaire was used to evaluate the quality of life. Results: Overall in-hospital mortality was 7.1%. Overall actuarial survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 81.6% ± 1.2%, 60.4% ± 1.9%, and 23.3% ± 2.6% (mean survival time, 6.25 ± 0.2 years) and showed no significant difference compared with an age- and sex-matched general population. Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative creatinine concentration greater than 1.3 mg/dL (p < 0.001), preoperative atrial fibrillation (p < 0.005), and postoperative prolonged ventilation (p < 0.001) were independent predictors for poor long-term survival. The physical health summarized score of the Short Form 36 Health Status questionnaire was significantly increased in the study population compared with a German standard population aged 80 years and older (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Despite an increased operative mortality, octogenarians showed a considerable quality of life and an excellent long-term survival. To further improve surgical outcome in octogenarians, patient selection should be done with consideration of the identified independent preoperative risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]