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Normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) in controlled donation after circulatory death (cDCD) is a promising procurement strategy. However, a detailed analysis of graft utilization rates is lacking. This retrospective study included all cDCD donors proposed to a single center for NRP procurement of at least one abdominal organ from 2015 to 2020. Utilization rates were defined as the proportion of transplanted grafts from proposed donors in which withdrawal of life sustaining therapies (WLST) was initiated. In total, 125 cDCD donors underwent WLST with transplantation of at least one graft from 109 (87%) donors. In a total of 14 (11%) procedures NRP failure led to graft discard. Utilization rates for kidney and liver grafts were 83% and 59%, respectively. In 44% of the discarded livers, the reason was poor graft quality based on functional donor warm ischemia >45 min, macroscopic aspect, high-transaminases release, or pathological biopsy. In this study, abdominal NRP in cDCD lead to transplantation of at least one graft in the majority of cases. While the utilization rate for kidneys was high, nearly half of the liver grafts were discarded. Cannulation training, novel graft viability markers, and ex-vivo liver graft perfusion may allow to increase graft utilization.

Summary In order to safely carry out organ donation transplants during the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), we have formulated strict procedures in place for organ donation and transplantation. We retrospectively analyzed our transplantation work from January 20 to May 5, 2020, to discuss whether organ transplantation can be carried out safely during the epidemic period. From January 20 to May 5, 43 cases of donation were carried out in our hospital, and the utilization rate of liver, kidney, heart, lung, and pancreas donations was more than 90%. Forty‐one cases of liver transplantation and 84 cases of kidney transplantation were performed. No graft loss or recipient death occurred within one month after kidney transplantation, and one patient (2.4%) died after liver transplantation. There was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay compared with that during the same period in the previous three years. More importantly, COVID‐19 infection did not occur among healthcare providers, donors, patients, or their accompanying families in our center. Under the premise of correct protection, it is safe and feasible to carry out organ transplantation during the epidemic period. Our experience during the outbreak might provide a clinical reference for countries facing COVID‐19 worldwide., The global epidemic caused by the rapid spread of coronavirus disease‐ 2019 (COVID‐19) to a global epidemic has posed a huge challenge to organ donation and transplantation. From potential donor management, to organ donation and transplantation, we have formulated detailed rules to strictly control all aspects of clinical work. The practice of our center has confirmed that transplantation activities can be carried out normally under the right protection. Our experience might provide a clinical reference for the countries facing COVID‐19 worldwide.

Hepatic steatosis (HS) beyond a certain degree can jeopardize living donor (LD) safety, particularly in right lobe (RL) donors, making it a major obstacle for donor pool expansion in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (ALDLT). From July 2004 to June 2016, 58 LDs donated their RLs despite having moderate HS (30%-50% steatosis) determined by intraoperative biopsy at a single center. We performed greedy matching to compare the outcomes of the donors and recipients of this group with those of LDs with no HS. The mean left lobe (LL) HS value in the 58 cases was 20.9 ± 12.4%, which was significantly lower than the mean RL HS value (38.8 ± 6.7%, P

Recent reports suggest that bridge-donor reneging is rare (1.5%) in non-simultaneous kidney exchange chains. However, in developing countries, the non-directed donors who would be needed to initiate chains are unavailable, and furthermore, limited surgical space and resources restrain the feasibility of simultaneous kidney exchange cycles. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the bridge-donor reneging rate during non-simultaneous kidney exchange cycles (NSKEC) in a prospective single-center cohort study (n = 67). We describe the protocol used to prepare co-registered donor-recipient pairs for non-simultaneous surgeries, in an effort to minimize the reneging rate. In addition, in order to protect any recipients who might be left vulnerable by this arrangement, we proposed the use of standard criteria deceased-donor kidneys to rectify the injustice in the event of any bridge-donor reneging. We report 17 successful NSKEC resulting in 67 living-donor kidney transplants (LDKT) using 23 bridge-donors without donor renege and no intervening pairs became unavailable. We propose that NSKEC could increase LDKT, especially for difficult-to-match sensitized pairs (25 of our 67 pairs) in countries with limited transplantation resources. Our study confirms that NSKEC can be safely performed with careful patient-donor selection and non-anonymous kidney exchanges.

The number of patients returning to dialysis after graft failure increases. Surprisingly, little is known about the clinical and immunological outcomes of this cohort. We retrospectively analyzed 254 patients after kidney allograft loss between 1997 and 2017 and report clinical outcomes such as mortality, relisting, retransplantations, transplant nephrectomies, and immunization status. Of the 254 patients, 49% had died 5 years after graft loss, while 27% were relisted, 14% were on dialysis and not relisted, and only 11% were retransplanted 5 years after graft loss. In the complete observational period, 111/254 (43.7%) patients were relisted. Of these, 72.1% of patients were under 55 years of age at time of graft loss and only 13.5% of patients were >= 65 years. Age at graft loss was associated with relisting in a logistic regression analysis. In the complete observational period, 42 patients (16.5%) were retransplanted. Only 4 of those (9.5%) were >= 65 years at time of graft loss. Nephrectomy had no impact on survival, relisting, or development of dnDSA. Patients after allograft loss have a high overall mortality. Immunization contributes to long waiting times. Only a very limited number of patients are retransplanted especially when >= 65 years at time of graft loss.

Prior studies on belatacept conversion from calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) have been limited by an absence of postconversion surveillance biopsies that could underestimate subclinical rejection, or a case-controlled design. A total of 53 adult patients with allograft dysfunction underwent belatacept conversion (median: 6 months) post-transplant. At a median follow-up = 2.5 years, patient survival was 94% with a death-censored graft survival of 85%. Seven (13%) patients had acute rejection (including 3 subclinical) at median 6 months postconversion. Overall, eGFR improved (P =

Outcomes after transplantation of lungs (LuTX) treated with ex-vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) are debated. In a single-center 8 years of retrospective analysis, we compared: donors' and recipients' characteristics, gas exchange and lung mechanics at ICU admission, 3, 6, and 12 months, and patients' survival of LuTX from standard donors compared with EVLP-treated grafts. A total of 193 LuTX were performed. Thirty-one LuTX, out of 50 EVLP procedures, were carried out: 7 from nonheart beating and 24 from extended criteria brain-dead donors. Recipients' characteristics were similar. At ICU admission, compared with standard donors, EVLP patients had worse PaO2 /FiO2 [276 (206; 374) vs. 204 (133; 245) mmHg, P < 0.05], more frequent extracorporeal support (18% vs. 32%, P = 0.053) and longer mechanical ventilation duration [28 days of ventilator-free days: 27 (24; 28) vs. 26 (19; 27), P < 0.05]. ICU length of stay [4 (2; 9) vs. 6 (3; 12) days, P = 0.208], 28-day survival (99% vs. 97%, P = 0.735), and 1-year respiratory function were similar between groups. Log-rank analysis (median follow-up 2.5 years) demonstrated similar patients' survival (P = 0.439) and time free of chronic lung allograft disease (P = 0.484). The EVLP program increased by 16% the number of LuTX. Compared to standard donors, EVLP patients had worse respiratory function immediately after LuTX but similar early and mid-term outcomes.

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT) aimed at increasing the life expectancy for diabetic patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). However, the risks of surgery complications and immunosuppression therapy make it unclear if the SPKT positively impacts patient's quality of life (QoL). Using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Short-Form Health Survey (KDQOL-SF36) and Problems Areas in Diabetes (PAID) measurement tools, we compared the QoL of 57 patients on the pretransplant waiting list with that of 103 patients who had undergone SPKT. Posttransplantation patients were assessed within different time intervals (1, 1-3, and3 years). Mean KDQOL-SF36 scores were better among posttransplantation patients in the SF36 and KDQOL domains. It was also observed patients' stress reduction in PAID mean score (P = 0.011) after SPKT. We concluded that patients receiving SPKT had a better perception of QoL than did patients on the waiting list, and this positive perception remained almost entirely comparable over the three different intervals of the posttransplantation time. These positive results showed better outcomes when excluding patients that lost pancreas graft function. Further research is needed to compare diabetic patients with kidney transplant alone using specific measurement tools to evaluate patient's QoL.

There is a dearth of published data regarding the presence of post-transplant donor-specific antibodies (DSA), especially C1q-binding DSA (C1q+DSA), and patient and kidney allograft outcomes in simultaneous liver-kidney transplant (SLKT) recipients. We conducted a retrospective cohort study consisted of 85 consecutive SLKT patients between 2009 and 2018 in our center. Associations between presence of post-transplant DSA, including persistent and/or newly developed DSA and C1q+DSA, and all-cause mortality and the composite outcome of mortality, allograft kidney loss, and antibody-mediated rejection were examined using unadjusted and age and sex-adjusted Cox proportional hazards and time-dependent regression models. The mean age at SLKT was 56 years and 60% of the patients were male. Twelve patients (14%) had post-transplant DSA and seven patients (8%) had C1q+DSA. The presence of post-transplant DSA was significantly associated with increased risk of mortality (unadjusted model: Hazard Ratio (HR) = 2.72, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06-6.98 and adjusted model: HR = 3.20, 95% CI: 1.11-9.22) and the composite outcome (unadjusted model: HR = 3.18, 95% CI: 1.31-7.68 and adjusted model: HR = 3.93, 95% CI: 1.39-11.10). There was also higher risk for outcomes in recipients with C1q+DSA compared the ones without C1q+DSA. Post-transplant DSA is significantly associated with worse patient and kidney allograft outcomes in SLKT. Further prospective and large cohort studies are warranted to better assess these associations.

BackgroundImmune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) is characterized by markedly elevated creatinine kinase and histologically scattered necrotic muscle fibers and generally associated with autoantibodies against signal recognition particle (SRP) or 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coA-reductase (HMGCR). Poor clinical response to conventional therapies and relapses commonly occur in severe cases. Anti-B-cell therapies have been used in refractory/relapsing cases.MethodsThe characteristics of a patient with IMNM associated with anti-SRP antibodies including physical examination, laboratory tests, and disease activity assessment were evaluated. Conventional therapy, belimumab treatment schedule, and follow-up data were recorded. Medical records of IMNM patients treated in our department from September 2014 to June 2021 were reviewed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-B-cell therapy for anti-SRP IMNM. A literature review of patients with anti-SRP IMNM treated with anti-B-cell therapies was performed.ResultsWe describe a case of a 47-year-old woman with IMNM associated with anti-SRP antibodies who relapsed twice after conventional therapy but showed good response and tolerance to belimumab at 28 weeks follow-up. In this review, three patients from our department were treated with rituximab. Two of the three patients rapidly improved after treatment. Twenty patients and five retrospective studies were included in the literature review. All patients were administered rituximab as an anti-B-cell drug.ConclusionDespite a lack of rigorous clinical trials, considerable experience demonstrated that anti-B-cell therapy might be effective for patients with IMNM associated with anti-SRP antibodies. Belimumab in association with steroids might be an encouraging option for refractory/relapsing cases.

Objective: The aim of this single-center retrospective study was to analyze the clinical characteristics, treatment options, and course of neonatal-onset congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS).Methods: We included all patients with CPSS who presented with clinical symptoms within the neonatal period in our institution between 2015 and 2020.Results: Sixteen patients were identified, including 13 patients with intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (IPSS) and three patients with extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (EPSS). The median age of diagnosis was 16 days (range prenatal 24 weeks−12 months). Hyperammonemia (60%), neonatal cholestasis (44%), elevated liver enzyme (40%), hypoglycemia (40%), thrombocytopenia (38%), and coagulation abnormalities (23%) appeared in neonatal CPSS. Twelve patients (75%) presented with congenital anomalies, of which congenital heart disease (CHD) (44%) was the most common. Thirteen patients with IPSS initially underwent conservative treatment, but two of them were recommended for the catheter interventional therapy and liver transplantation, respectively, due to progressive deterioration of liver function. Spontaneous closure occurred in nine patients with IPSS. The shunt was closed using transcatheter embolization in one patient with EPSS type II. Another patient with EPSS type II underwent surgical treatment of CHD firstly. The remaining patient with EPSS type Ib received medical therapy and refused liver transplantation.Conclusion: Hyperammonemia, neonatal cholestasis, elevated liver enzyme, hypoglycemia, and thrombocytopenia are the main complications of neonatal CPSS. Moreover, CPSS is associated with multiple congenital abnormalities, especially CHD. Intrahepatic portosystemic shunts may close spontaneously, and conservative treatment can be taken first. Extrahepatic portosystemic shunts should be closed to prevent complications.

Background: Patients with large vessel occlusion stroke (LVOS) eligible for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) are at risk for stroke- and non-stroke-related complications resulting in the need for tracheostomy (TS). Risk factors for TS have not yet been systematically investigated in this subgroup of stroke patients.Methods: Prospectively derived data from patients with LVOS and MT being treated in a large, academic neurological ICU (neuro-ICU) between 2014 and 2019 were analyzed in this single-center study. Predictive value of peri- and post-interventional factors, stroke imaging, and pre-stroke medical history were investigated for their potential to predict tracheostomy during ICU stay using logistic regression models.Results: From 635 LVOS-patients treated with MT, 40 (6.3%) underwent tracheostomy during their neuro-ICU stay. Patients receiving tracheostomy were younger [71 (62–75) vs. 77 (66–83), p < 0.001], had a higher National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at baseline [18 (15–20) vs. 15 (10–19), p = 0.009] as well as higher rates of hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP) [39 (97.5%) vs. 224 (37.6%), p < 0.001], failed extubation [15 (37.5%) vs. 19 (3.2%), p < 0.001], sepsis [11 (27.5%) vs. 16 (2.7%), p < 0.001], symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage [5 (12.5%) vs. 22 (3.9%), p = 0.026] and decompressive hemicraniectomy (DH) [19 (51.4%) vs. 21 (3.8%), p < 0.001]. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, HAP (OR 21.26 (CI 2.76–163.56), p = 0.003], Sepsis [OR 5.39 (1.71–16.91), p = 0.004], failed extubation [OR 8.41 (3.09–22.93), p < 0.001] and DH [OR 9.94 (3.92–25.21), p < 0.001] remained as strongest predictors for TS. Patients with longer periods from admission to TS had longer ICU length of stay (r = 0.384, p = 0.03). There was no association between the time from admission to TS and clinical outcome (NIHSS at discharge: r = 0.125, p = 0.461; mRS at 90 days: r = −0.179, p = 0.403).Conclusions: Patients with LVOS undergoing MT are at high risk to require TS if extubation after the intervention fails, DH is needed, and severe infectious complications occur in the acute phase after ischemic stroke. These factors are likely to be useful for the indication and timing of TS to reduce overall sedation and shorten ICU length of stay.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the angiographic and clinical outcome, with an emphasis on long-term follow-up, of the LEO Plus stent for wide-neck intracranial aneurysms treated in a single center.Methods: We retrospectively examined a prospectively maintained database of patients treated with LEO Plus devices between January 2004 and December 2016. Data regarding patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, and technical procedures were analyzed. Angiographic and clinical findings were recorded during the procedure and followed up over a period of at least 5 years.Results: We identified 101 patients with 116 aneurysms. In 16 patients, the stent could not safely be placed. Thus, a total of 97 LEO Plus devices were implanted in 97 aneurysms of 85 patients. Adverse events (acute and delayed) were observed in 21.6% of cases (17/85), and most were resolved (70.6%; 12/17). Moreover, 5 years after the procedure, total morbidity and mortality were 2.3% (2/85) and 3.5% (3/85), respectively. Long-term imaging follow-up showed complete occlusions, neck remnants, and residual aneurysms in 73.1% (57/78), 14.1% (11/78), and 12.8% (10/78) of cases, respectively.Conclusions: Long-term results of treatment of brain aneurysms with LEO stent show high rates of adequate and stable occlusion over time, with acceptable morbidity and mortality.

Background and Purpose: The risk factors for progression in vestibular schwannomas (VSs) after incomplete resection (IR) remain to be elucidated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors for progression in remnant VSs after surgery.Methods: From January 2009 to January 2018, 140 consecutive patients who underwent IR of VSs via suboccipital retrosigmoid approach in our institution were retrospectively analyzed. During follow-up, if progression was detected, the patient was classified into Progressive Group (PG); if the residual tumor was stable or shrank, the patient was classified into Stable Group (SG). Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were used to evaluate the risk factors for progression after IR of VSs.Results: After a mean follow-up of 80.4 months (range, 24–134 months), 35 (25.0%) patients (PG) had a progression, and no progression was detected in 105 (75.0%) patients (SG). The average tumor size was 36.5 ± 8.9 mm in PG and 31.0 ± 9.8 mm in SG, respectively. The residual tumor volume was 304.6 ± 443.3 mm3 in PG and 75.9 ± 60.0 mm3 in SG, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that preoperative tumor size, residual tumor volume, and irregular internal auditory canal (IAC) expansion were significantly different between the two groups, whereas gender, age, cystic component, or Ki-67 labeling index (LI) did not differ significantly between the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed residual tumor volume was the independent risk factor for progression.Conclusions: VSs that underwent IR with larger preoperative size, greater residual tumor volume, or irregular IAC expansion may have a higher progression rate. Strict follow-up with shorter interval in these patients to detect early progression is necessary.

Background and Aim: Chromoendoscopy with iodine staining is an important diagnostic method for esophageal carcinomas or precancerous lesions. Unfortunately, iodine staining can be associated with numerous adverse events (AEs). We found that the starting position of spraying iodine solution is likely the main reason of causing AEs. We conducted this work to determine whether clinical outcomes from anterograde iodine staining were superior to those achieved after retrograde iodine staining.Methods: A total of 134 subjects with a health risk appraisal flushing (HRA-F) score of >6 for esophageal cancer were randomly assigned to receive anterograde or retrograde iodine staining in the esophagus. The primary endpoints were the pain and the amount of iodine solution consumption. The secondary endpoints were iodine-staining effect, detection yield, and response to starch indicator.Results: Nine patients suffered from pain and six patients revealed positive response to starch indicator in retrograde iodine-staining group; however, no patient reported pain (0/67) and all patients revealed a negative response to starch indicator in anterograde iodine-staining group. The amount of iodine solution consumption in anterograde iodine-staining group (4.97 mL) was significantly lower than that (6.23 mL) in retrograde iodine-staining group; however, the iodine-staining effect and detection yield were comparable between the two groups.Conclusions: Anterograde iodine staining during Lugol chromoendoscopy appears to be as effective, but significantly safer than retrograde iodine staining.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to establish optimal surgical strategies via reviewing the clinical outcomes of various surgical approaches for the pertroclival meningiomas (PCMs).MethodsThis retrospective study enrolled 107 patients with PCMs at the authors’ institution from year 2010 to 2020. Patient demographics, the clinical characteristics, various operative approaches, major morbidity, post-operative cranial nerve deficits and tumor progression or recurrence were analyzed.ResultsThe subtemporal transtentorial approach (STA), the Kawase approach (KA), the retrosigmoid approach (RSA) and the anterior sigmoid approach (ASA), namely the posterior petrosal approach (PPA) were adopted for 17 cases, 22 cases, 31 cases and 34 cases respectively. Total or subtotal resection was achieved in 96 cases (89.7%). The incidence of new-onset and aggravated cranial nerve dysfunction were 13.1% (14/107) and 10.4% (15/144), respectively. Furthermore, 14 cases suffered from intracranial infection, 9 cases had cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and 3 cases sustained intracranial hematoma (1 case underwent second operation). The mean preoperative and postoperative Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score was 80 (range 60-100) and 78.6 (range 0-100), but this was not statistically significant (P>0.05). After a mean follow-up of 5.1 years (range 0.3- 10.6 years), tumor progression or recurrence was confirmed in 23 cases. Two cases died from postoperative complications.ConclusionsFor the treatment of PCMs, it is still a challenge to achieve total resection. With elaborate surgical plans and advanced microsurgical skills, most patients with PCMs can be rendered tumor resection with satisfactory extent and functional preservation, despite transient neurological deterioration during early postoperative periods.

Background: Life-threatening myasthenic crisis (MC) occurs in 10–20% of the patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). It is important to identify the predictors of progression to MC and prognosis in the patients with MG with acute exacerbations.Objective: This study aimed to explore the predictors of progression to MC in the patients with MG with acute onset of dyspnea and their short-term and long-term prognosis.Methods: This study is a retrospective cohort study. We collected and analyzed data on all the patients with MG with acute dyspnea over a 10-year period in a single center using the univariate and multivariate analysis.Results: Eighty-six patients with MG were included. In their first acute dyspnea episodes, 36 (41.9%) episodes eventually progressed to MC. A multivariate analysis showed that the early-onset MG (adjusted OR: 3.079, 95% CI 1.052–9.012) and respiratory infection as a trigger (adjusted OR: 3.926, 95% CI 1.141–13.510) were independent risk factors for the progression to MC, while intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment prior to the mechanical ventilation (adjusted OR: 0.253, 95% CI 0.087–0.732) was a protective factor. The prognosis did not significantly differ between the patients with and without MC during the MG course, with a total of 45 (52.3%) patients reaching post-intervention status better than minimal manifestations at the last follow-up.Conclusion: When treating the patients with MG with acute dyspnea, the clinicians should be aware of the risk factors of progression to MC, such as early-onset MG and respiratory infection. IVIg is an effective treatment. With proper immunosuppressive therapy, this group of patients had an overall good long-term prognosis.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy on complications and prognosis in cirrhosis patients with and without acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).Materials and Methods: Cirrhosis patients with acute decompensation (AD) (n = 489) admitted in our center were enrolled in this prospective observational cohort study. According to treatment received, patients were identified as users or nonusers of PPI. Clinical and laboratory data, complications during hospitalization, and overall survival were recorded in all the patients.Results: Of the 489 patients, 299 (61.1%) patients received PPI therapy. The logistic regression analysis showed that age, albumin, history of previous hepatic encephalopathy (HE), and the chronic liver failure-sequential organ failure assessment (CLIF-SOFA) score were independent risk factors for HE in patients with decompensated cirrhosis [odds ratio (OR) = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03–1.12, p = 0.001; OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04–1.24, p = 0.006; OR = 242.52, 95% CI: 40.17–1464.11, p < 0.001; and OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 2.11–3.96, p < 0.001, respectively]. Previous severe liver injury and previous bacterial infections were independent risk factors for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in patients with decompensated cirrhosis (OR = 3.43, 95% CI: 1.16–10.17, p = 0.026 and OR = 6.47, 95% CI: 2.29–18.29, p < 0.001, respectively). The multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that the type and dose of the PPI used were not related to 28-day and 90-day mortality in cirrhosis patients with AD or ACLF.Conclusion: PPI use does not appear to increase mortality or the risk of HE and SBP in the hospitalized cirrhosis patients with and without ACLF.

Background: Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common pediatric extracranial solid neoplasm after leukemia. Intracranial metastases (IM) rarely occur in patients with NB. The present study aimed to review the clinical characteristics of NB patients from a single center presenting with IM.Methods: Two hundred children (aged 3–91 months) with NB admitted to the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University between January 2009 and December 2015 were enrolled, and their clinical characteristics were recorded. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of IM. Their clinical characteristics, including demographics, clinical features, and laboratory and imaging studies, were retrospectively analyzed.Results: IM occurred in 22 of 200 (11%) neuroblastoma patients, with a median age of 42.5 months (range, 3–91 months), with a male-to-female ratio of 1.4:1. Seven patients had IM at the initial diagnosis. Among the 15 children who did not have IM at initial presentation, the median interval from presentation to the diagnosis of IM was 17.3 months (range, 1–55 months). Compared with the control group, NB patients with IM tended to be asymptomatic at the time of NB diagnosis, which was made incidentally during routine physical examination (5 of 22, 22.7%, p < 0.05). In addition, this group had more primary intra-abdominal sites (18 of 22, 81.8%, p < 0.001) and worse prognosis (5 of 22, 22.7%, p < 0.05).Conclusions: NB patients with IM have insidious onset in the early stage and a lower survival rate, especially patients with primary intra-abdominal lesions. Regular neurological monitoring could improve the rate of early diagnosis and prognosis of NB children with IM. Familiarity with the characteristic findings of NB with IM is necessary to avoid misdiagnosis and initiate necessary interventions.

BackgroundsTakayasu arteritis (TAK) is a chronic, granulomatous vasculitis correlated with tuberculosis (TB). The two diseases share similar pathological characteristics and clinical manifestations which increase the difficulty to diagnose. Active tuberculosis (ATB) has implications for treatment strategies in TAK patients. Therefore, the investigation of clinical features and potential risk factors of ATB in TAK patients is vital.MethodsThe study reviewed hospitalized patients diagnosed with TAK in our hospital from 2008, to 2021. TAK patients with ATB were enrolled as the case group. The control group was randomly selected in a 3:1 ratio. The clinical characteristics of TAK patients with and without ATB were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine risk factors for ATB in TAK patients.ResultsWe reviewed 1,789 patients and ultimately identified 30 (1.7%) ATB cases. TAK patients with ATB were more prone to develop symptoms including fever (p=0.001), fatigue (p=0.003), cough (p=0.037), expectoration (p8 mg/L (OR 9.108; 95% CI, 1.096–75.711; p=0.041) and positive T-SPOT.TB result (OR 68.669; 95% CI, 7.291–646.738; pConclusionOur study suggested that the diagnosis of ATB should be considered when TAK patients experienced symptoms including fever, fatigue, weight loss, etc. hsCRP >8 mg/L and positive T-SPOT.TB result were identified as independent risk factors for ATB in TAK patients.

ObjectivesTo analyze the clinical outcomes of Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for unresectable or “ablation unsuitable” hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the caudate lobe (CL) found at initial presentation in clinical practice.MethodsFifty-eight patients with HCC-CL undergoing conventional TACE from January 2015 to January 2020 were enrolled in our medical center. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), tumor response rate and major complication rates were analyzed. Multivariate analyses for potential clinical and radiologic factors were performed by using the Cox proportional hazard model.ResultsThe median OS was 23 months (95%CI: 18.1-27.9), and the median PFS was 11 months (95%CI: 7.4-14.6). The 1-, 3-, and 5-years OS rates were 66.5%, 31.9% and 15.7%, respectively. The 0.5, 1-, and 3-years PFS rates were 60.3%, 44.5% and 6.3%, respectively. Objective response rate was 53.4% and disease control rate was 79.3%. The most serious complication was bile duct injury, with an incidence of 3.4%. Multivariable analysis revealed that total bilirubin, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage, nonselective chemoembolization and TACE session were four significant factors associated with OS.ConclusionsSuperselective TACE treatment might be associated with better survival benefits in unresectable or “ablation unsuitable” HCC in the CL without macroscopic vascular invasion (MVI) and adequate liver function, compared with the non-selective TACE group, and should be considered as an important reliable therapy for surgeons and interventional radiologists.

ObjectivesThis study aims to describe the characteristics of patients diagnosed with pyogenic arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and acne (PAPA) syndrome at a single center in China and provide an up-to-date literature review.MethodsThe clinical data and genotype of three Chinese Han patients were carefully documented and studied. We also conducted a systematic literature review on PAPA syndrome.ResultsA total of three patients were diagnosed with PAPA syndrome at our center from 2018 to 2020. Arthritis was observed in all three patients, while pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) was found in two patients and acne in one patient. Other manifestations included pathergy reaction, intermittent fever, oral ulcer, keratitis, proteinuria, and hematuria. The PSTPIP1 A230T mutation was identified in two patients, and a novel Y119C variation was revealed in a sporadic patient. A total of 76 patients with PAPA syndrome reported in 29 articles were included in our literature review. The classical triad of arthritis, PG, and acne was visible in only 16 (25.4%) patients, while 24 (38.1%) exhibited only one major symptom. Skin lesions were more commonly seen in patients with adult-onset disease than those with childhood-onset disease (100 vs. 83%), whereas arthritis was less common (50 vs. 98.1%). Steroid and/or biological agents were effective in most patients.ConclusionsThe rarity and phenotypic heterogeneity associated with PAPA syndrome make the diagnosis a huge challenge to physicians, especially in adult patients. A significant portion of patients did not exhibit the full spectrum of the classical triad. Accordingly, gene testing is critically helpful for diagnosis.

PurposeThe high intracranial efficacy of targeted therapeutic agents poses a challenge in determining the optimal sequence of local radiation therapy (RT) and systemic treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with brain metastasis (BM). Therefore, we conducted a cohort study to elucidate the appropriate treatment strategy, either upfront RT or deferred RT including a toxicity assessment, in these patients.Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated patients with gene-driven BMs from a single institution and divided them into deferred and upfront RT groups. Survival was estimated using a log-rank test. Intracranial progression was estimated using Fine-Gray competing risks model. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed for multivariable analysis in the entire group and subgroups.ResultsAmong the 198 eligible patients, 94 and 104 patients received deferred and upfront RT, respectively. The upfront RT group showed a lower intracranial progression risk with an adjusted sub-distribution hazard ratios of 0.41 (95% CI, 0.30–0.57) than did the deferred RT group (median intracranial progression-free survival [iPFS], 19.9 months vs. 11.1 months; p < 0.001). The median overall survival (OS; 43.2 months vs. 49.1 months, p = 0.377) and BM-specific survival (92.1 months vs. 82.9 months, p = 0.810) after salvage therapy were not significantly different between the upfront and deferred groups. Among patients with progressed extracranial disease, the deferred RT group showed significantly better OS than did the upfront RT group (44.0 vs. 28.1 months, p = 0.022). Grade 3–4 treatment-related adverse events were rare, and similar toxicities were observed between the two groups.ConclusionCompared to the deferred RT group, the upfront RT group achieved longer iPFS and similar survival outcomes in most patients with gene-driven NSCLC BM, although patients with progression of extracranial disease might benefit from deferred RT. Both groups showed well-tolerated toxicities.Trial registration IDNCT04832672.

Background: During repair of oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects, organ function is largely related to the amount of thickness of the flap. However, there are few studies on the influencing factors of the thickness of the flap. In this retrospective study, we aim to explore the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap thickness by computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound and provide guidance for evaluating the ALT flap thickness before surgery.Methods: We selected three points A, B, and C on ALT flap and two skilled clinicians measured the thickness of these points. Age and gender as covariates and evaluated by the Chi-square analysis. Inter-group differences between the two BMI groups were examined by the student t test. Intra-group differences within each BMI group were tested by ANOVA. Linear regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between BMI and ALT flap thickness.Results: One hundred sixty patients measured by CT were included in this study, and the ALT flap thickness measured by CT were 8.96 mm and 11.00 mm (P < 0.0001, t test) at point B in groups with BMIConclusion: There was a significant correlation between the ALT flap thickness and BMI. A higher BMI was correlated with a thicker ALT flap.

Background and Purpose: Blood Blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) are rare entities of cerebral aneurysms. FD use in acutely ruptured aneurysms, timing of treatment and antiplatelet regimen are main debate topics in clinical practice when the treatment decision is flow diversion. The aim of this study is to report the safety and efficacy of a single-center FD treatment for ruptured BBAs in the early phase of SAH using the SAPT regimen.Material and Method: This study involved a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database. Records of patients admitted to our clinic and treated by endovascular route on ruptured BBA between January 2013 and December 2020 were reviewed. Ruptured supraclinoid ICA BBAs treated with FD devices with SAPT within 48 h from ictus of SAH are included. BBA of atypical anatomic locations, other endovascular techniques performed, and delayed admissions (>48 h) were excluded from the study. Demographic, clinical and angiographic features of patients and aneurysms, FD types and numbers, periprocedural complications, immediate and follow-up angiographic and clinical outcomes were recorded.Results: A total of six patients with ruptured BBAs treated via FDs within 48 h and used SAPT were included in the study. The mean age was 41.6 years (range from 34 to 45 years), and four of six patients were female. All patients were treated within 48 h after ictus, and the mean treatment day was 1.33 days. One patient received ticagrelor, and five patients received prasugrel as SAPT for one year after treatment. No procedure-related death and rebleeding were recorded. One (16.7 %) treatment responsive procedure-related complication occurred (transient ischemia). Overall good outcome rate was 83.3%. One patient died due to pneumonia. The immediate control angiograms showed complete occlusions of BBAs in one patient (16.6%). The complete occlusion rate was 100 % for five survivors at the control angiogram. The median follow-up was 49.5 months.Conclusion: This single-center experience suggests that early treatment (

Background and Purpose: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), compared to single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT), lowers the risk of stroke or death early after TIA and minor ischemic stroke. Prior trials excluded moderate to severe strokes, due to a potential increased risk of bleeding. We aimed to compare in-hospital bleeding rates in SAPT and DAPT patients with moderate or severe stroke (defined by NIHSS ≥4).Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of ischemic stroke over a 2-year period with admission NIHSS ≥4. The primary outcome was symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) with any change in NIHSS. Secondary outcomes included systemic bleeding and major bleeding, a composite of serious systemic bleeding and symptomatic ICH. We performed analyses stratified by stroke severity (NIHSS 4–7 vs. 8+) and by preceding use of tPA and/or thrombectomy. Univariate followed by multivariate logistic regression evaluated whether DAPT was independently associated with bleeding.Results: Of 377 patients who met our inclusion criteria, 148 received DAPT (39%). Symptomatic ICH was less common with DAPT compared to SAPT (0.7 vs. 6.4%, p < 0.01), as was the composite of major bleeding (2.1 vs. 7.6%, p = 0.03). Symptomatic ICH was numerically less frequent in the DAPT group, but not statistically significant, when stratified by stroke severity (NIHSS 4–7: 0 vs. 5.9%, p = 0.06; NIHSS 8+: 1.5 vs. 6.6%, p = 0.18) and by treatment with tPA and/or thrombectomy (Yes: 2.6 vs. 9.1%, p = 0.30; No: 0 vs. 2.9%, p = 0.25). DAPT was not associated with major bleeding in either the univariate or the multivariate regression.Conclusions: In this single center cohort, symptomatic ICH and the composite of serious systemic bleeding and symptomatic ICH was rare in patients on DAPT. Relative to single antiplatelet therapy DAPT was not associated with an increased risk of in-hospital bleeding in patients with moderate and severe ischemic stroke.

Klotho concentration may be considered as a prognostic factor in the development of chronic complications of diabetes. Moreover, decrease in sKlotho concentration may contribute to beta cell apoptosis and type 1 diabetes development. The aim of this study was to evaluate if sKlotho protein concentration in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and its correlation with classical risk factors of chronic complications of diabetes: dysglycemia and endothelial dysfunction.Material and methodsIn a cross-section single center study the levels of soluble Klotho protein in 80 T1D (37 boys) and 34 healthy children (controls, 15 boys). Micro- and macroangiopathy were excluded and renal function was normal in all participants. Serum sKlotho, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and E-selectin levels were measured.ResultsThe concentration of sKlotho was lower in T1D than in the controls (2041.9 ± 1017.6 pg/mL vs. 2790.3 ± 1423.9 pg/mL, p=0.0113). sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and E-selectin concentrations were comparable in patients and controls. In T1D, sKlotho was not correlated with the duration of diabetes. Klotho and E-selectin were correlated with HbA1c (r=-0.31, P=0.0066 and r=0.25, P=0.0351, respectively), but not with AVBG and blood glucose SD. Correlations of sKlotho with total cholesterol (r=0.31, P=0.0129), HDL-cholesterol (r=0.43, P=0.0011) and LDL-cholesterol (r=0.28, P=0.0412), but not with triglycerides, were found. Likewise, Klotho was not correlated with sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and E-selectin concentrations.ConclusionsThis study reports the significantly lower level of s-Klotho in children with type 1 diabetes, correlated with HbA1c and HDL cholesterol, but not with the adhesion molecules concentrations nor the duration of the disease. Negative correlation between the levels of HbA1c and soluble Klotho may suggest its possible involvement in the development of chronic diabetes complications.

Background: Studies investigating debulking devices with drug-coated balloons (DCBs) in the treatment of femoropopliteal (FP) artery in-stent restenosis (ISR) are limited. We aimed to evaluate the safety and midterm outcome of percutaneous mechanical atherectomy plus thrombectomy (MATH) using the Rotarex®S (Straub Medical, Wangs, Switzerland) catheter followed by a DCB in the treatment of FP-ISR.Methods: This study was a single-center single-arm trial. Patients with symptomatic (Rutherford category 2–5) de novo restenosis lesions of FP-ISR were treated with MATH and subsequent DCB. From June 2016 to May 2018, 59 patients with FP-ISR were enrolled. The primary endpoint was target lesion revascularization (TLR) and changes in the Rutherford category of the target limb at 12 months. Secondary endpoints included primary and secondary patency at 12 months, technical success rate, major adverse events, and ankle-brachial index (ABI). Risk factors for TLR were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard model.Results: The average follow-up time was 33 ± 8 months. The rate of technical success was 88.1% (52/59). Nine patients received bailout stenting. The rate of freedom from TLR was 84.7% (50/59) at 1 year, the Rutherford category changed at 12 months were significantly improved from baseline (p < 0.01). The primary patency rates and the secondary patency at the 12-month follow-ups were 82.5 and 92.5%, respectively. The ABI changed at 12 months were significantly improved from baseline (p < 0.01). Global limb anatomic staging system (GLASS) classification III [hazard ratio (HR) 18.44, 95% CI (1.57–215.99), p = 0.020] and postoperative Rutherford classification ≥4 [HR 8.28, 95% CI (1.85–37.06), p = 0.006] were identified as independent predictors of TLR.Conclusion: Our preliminary data suggested that MATH using a Rotarex®S catheter combined with DCB angioplasty is a safe, minimally invasive, and effective treatment for FP-ISR with favorable, immediate, and midterm outcomes.Clinical Trial Registration:http://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier [ChiCTR2000041380].

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the early and long-term outcomes of a single center using a frozen elephant trunk (FET) procedure for chronic type B or non-A non-B aortic dissection.Methods: From February 2009 to December 2019, 79 patients diagnosed with chronic type B or non-A non-B aortic dissection who underwent the FET procedure were included in the present study. We analyzed operation mortality and early and long-term outcomes, including complications, survival and interventions.Results: The operation mortality rate was 5.1% (4/79). Spinal cord injury occurred in 3.8% (3/79), stroke in 2.5% (2/79), and acute renal failure in 5.1% (4/79). The median follow-up time was 53 months. The overall survival rates were 96.2, 92.3, 88.0, 79.8, and 76.2% at 1/2, 1, 3, 5 and 7 years, respectively. Moreover, 79.3% of patients did not require distal aortic reintervention at 7 years. The overall survival in the subacute group was superior to that in the chronic group (P = 0.047).Conclusion: The FET technique is a safe and feasible approach for treating chronic type B and non-A non-B aortic dissection in patients who have contraindications for primary endovascular aortic repair. The technique combines the advantages of both open surgical repair and endovascular intervention, providing comparable early and long-term follow-up outcomes and freedom from reintervention.

Objectives: Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is a rare but lethal complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical characteristics of VSR patients and explored the risk factors for long-term mortality.Methods: In this single-center cohort study, 127 patients diagnosed with post-AMI VSR between May 2012 and April 2019 were included. Demographic, clinical, operative, and outcome data were collected. The 30-day and long-term mortality were outcomes of interest. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to explore the predictors of long-term mortality.Results: The mean age of the VSR cohort was 66.6 ± 8.7 years, 67 (52.8%) were males. Among the 127 patients, 78 patients (61.4%) were medically managed, 31 (24.4%) patients underwent percutaneous transcatheter closure (TCC), and 18 (14.2%) patients received surgical repair. The median follow-up time was 1129 days [interquartile range: 802–2019 days]. The 30-day mortality of the medically managed group, percutaneous TCC group, and surgical management group was 93.6, 22.6, and 11.1%, respectively; and the long-term mortality was 96.2, 25.8, and 22.2%, respectively. VSR repair treatment including surgical management (HR 0.01, 95% CI 0.001–0.09, p < 0.001) and percutaneous TCC (HR 0.09, 95% CI 0.03–0.26, p < 0.001) was associated with a better prognosis, and cardiogenic shock (CS) (HR 9.30, 95% CI 3.38–25.62, p < 0.001) was an independent risk factor of long-term mortality.Conclusions: The prognosis of VSR patients without operative management remains poor, especially in those complicated with CS. Timely and improved surgery treatment is needed for better outcomes in VSR patients.

Background: Although laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) is a safe and feasible treatment compared with open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD), surgeons need a relatively long training time to become technically proficient in this complex procedure. In addition, the incidence of complications and mortality of LPD will be significantly higher than that of OPD in the initial stage. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the safety and overall effect of LPD to OPD after learning curve based on eligible large-scale retrospective cohorts and randomized controlled trials (RCTs), especially the difference in the perioperative and short-term oncological outcomes.Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched based on a defined search strategy to identify eligible studies before March 2021. Only clinical studies reporting more than 40 cases for LPD were included. Data on operative times, blood loss, and 90-day mortality, reoperation, length of hospital stay (LOS), overall morbidity, Clavien–Dindo ≥III complications, postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), blood transfusion, delayed gastric emptying (DGE), postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH), and oncologic outcomes (R0 resection, lymph node dissection, positive lymph node numbers, and tumor size) were subjected to meta-analysis.Results: Overall, the final analysis included 13 retrospective cohorts and one RCT comprising 2,702 patients (LPD: 1,040, OPD: 1,662). It seems that LPD has longer operative time (weighted mean difference (WMD): 74.07; 95% CI: 39.87–108.26; p < 0.0001). However, compared with OPD, LPD was associated with a higher R0 resection rate (odds ratio (OR): 1.43; 95% CI: 1.10–1.85; p = 0.008), lower rate of wound infection (OR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.22–0.56; p < 0.0001), less blood loss (WMD: −197.54 ml; 95% CI −251.39 to −143.70; p < 0.00001), lower blood transfusion rate (OR: 0.58; 95% CI 0.43–0.78; p = 0.0004), and shorter LOS (WMD: −2.30 day; 95% CI −3.27 to −1.32; p < 0.00001). No significant differences were found in 90-day mortality, overall morbidity, Clavien–Dindo ≥ III complications, reoperation, POPF, DGE, PPH, lymph node dissection, positive lymph node numbers, and tumor size between LPD and OPD.Conclusion: Comparative studies indicate that after the learning curve, LPD is a safe and feasible alternative to OPD. In addition, LPD provides less blood loss, blood transfusion, wound infection, and shorter hospital stays when compared with OPD.

Optimal therapeutic strategy in low advanced papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is still a matter of debate. The management differs depending on the country.A prospective non-randomized study was performed to evaluate whether less extensive surgery could be a safe, acceptable, and sufficient therapeutic option in PTC cT1N0M0 patients. The present paper summarizes the results of over a 5-year follow-upMaterialOur prospective group (PG) treated between 2011 and 2015 consisted of 139 patients with cT1aN0M0 PTC who underwent lobectomy (LT) as initial surgical treatment (PGcT1aN0M0 group) and 102 cT1bN0M0 patients in whom total thyroidectomy (TT) with unilateral central neck dissection (CND) was performed (PGcT1bN0M0). PG was compared with the retrospective group (RG) of patients who underwent TT with bilateral CND between 2004 and 2006: 103 cT1aN0M0 patients (RGcT1aN0M0) and 91cT1bN0M0 (RGcT1bN0M0). The risks of reoperation, cancer relapse and postoperative complications were analyzed.ResultsOnly 12 cT1aN0M0 patients (7.6%) withdrew from the trial and underwent TT with bilateral CND. Over 90% of patients accepted less extensive surgery. In 4 cT1aN0M0 cases, TT with CND was performed due to lymph node metastases found intraoperatively. The initial clinical stage according to the TNM/AJCC 7th edition was confirmed histologically in 77% of cases in PGT1aN0M0 and in 72% in PGT1bN0M0, respectively. 24 PGcT1aN0M0 patients were reoperated on. In this group, cancer lesions in the postoperative histological specimens were found in 8 cases (32%). Five-year disease-free survival (DFS) was excellent. However, no statistically significant differences were found between PG and RG groups (99.3% in PGcT1aN0M0 and 99.0%, in RGcT1aN0M0; p = 0.41 and 98%, in PGcT1bN0M0 and 94.4% in RGcT1bN0M0; p=0.19). No significant differences were observed in the incidence of early paresis of the recurrent laryngeal nerves between PG and RG. However, as predicted, LT completely eliminated the risk of postoperative hypoparathyroidism.SummaryThe results of the prospective clinical trial confirm that less extensive surgery in adequately selected low-advanced PTC patients is both safe and sufficient.

Background: Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (CAEBV) infection is one of the EBV-positive T- or NK-cell lymphoproliferative diseases. There is no safe and effective treatment currently and the only proven curable therapy is allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The JAK1/2 inhibitor, ruxolitinib, is now considered a novel therapy in inflammatory disease, and hypercytokinemia is an important feature of CAEBV.Method: All patients who suffered active CAEBV and were treated with ruxolitinib as compassionate use in our center from Sep 1, 2017, and Apr 30, 2019, were retrospectively analyzed.Results: In general, seven out of nine patients responded to ruxolitinib. Six out of seven patients became afebrile within 48 h. The AST/ALT level of three out of four patients decreased after ruxolitinib treatment. Two patients with cytopenia recovered. No significant decrease in the EBV-DNA copy number was observed (p = 0.161). For those seven patients who responded to ruxolitinib, the median continuing period in remission was 7.1 weeks (range, 3.4–101.0 weeks). Two patients achieved long-term stable remission with ruxolitinib monotherapy. None of these patients discontinued ruxolitinib due to the possible toxicity.Conclusion: Ruxolitinib is an effective and rather safe option for controlling the inflammatory symptoms of active CAEBV, especially in patients with CAEBV who have failed previous treatments or have relapsed. It can also play a promising role in improving the quality of daily life of patients and successfully bridging to allo-HSCT.

BackgroundHardware-related infection in deep brain stimulation (DBS) is one of the most commonly reported complications frequently resulting in the removal of implantable pulse generator (IPG).ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to establish a useful strategy to better prevent and treat those infections and to improve the preservation rates of IPG.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective and historical controlled study of all adult patients (≥18 years old) who had undergone initial DBS implantation at a single center. All participants were enrolled in the control group (between June 2005 and June 2014) or intervention group (between July 2014 and May 2019) based on their surgery dates. We used the intraoperative irrigation with hydrogen dioxide solution in the intervention group. Based on the dates of diagnosis, patients with hardware-related infection after DBS were enrolled in group A (between June 2005 and June 2014) or group B (between July 2014 and May 2019). IPG-sparing algorithm (Isa) was applied for group B. The early-onset IPG infections of the control and intervention groups were evaluated. The IPG preservation rates in both groups A and B were statistically analyzed.ResultsSix cases of early IPG infection and subsequent IPG removal occurred in the control group, while none occurred after intraoperative usage of the hydrogen dioxide in the intervention group. IPG preservation rate of infected cases in group B was significantly higher than that in group A (70% vs.16%, p = 0.004).ConclusionThe combined application of hydrogen dioxide solution and Isa seems to be an effective strategy to prevent IPG infection.

Objective: We aimed to use SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests to assess the asymptomatic seroprevalence of individuals in high-risk hospital cohorts who's previous COVID-19 exposure is unknown; staff, and patients requiring haemodialysis or chemotherapy after the first wave.Methods: In a single Center, study participants had five SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests done simultaneously; one rapid diagnostic test (RDT) (Superbio Colloidal Gold IgM/IgG), and four laboratory tests (Roche Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG [RE], Abbott Architect i2000SR IgG [AAr], Abbott Alinity IgG [AAl], and Abbott Architect IgM CMIA). To determine seroprevalence, only positive test results on laboratory assay were considered true positives.Results: There were 157 participants, of whom 103 (65.6%) were female with a median age of 50 years (range 19–90). The IgG component of the RDT showed a high number of false positives (n = 18), was inferior to the laboratory assays (p < 0.001 RDT vs. AAl/AAr, p < 0.001 RDT vs. RE), and had reduced specificity (85.5% vs. AAl/AAr, 87.2% vs. RE). Sero-concordance was 97.5% between IgG laboratory assays (RE vs. AAl/AAr). Specificity of the IgM component of the RDT compared to Abbott IgM CMIA was 95.4%. Ten participants had positivity in at least one laboratory assay, seven (9.9%) of which were seen in HCWs. Two (4.1%) hematology/oncology (H/O) patients and a single (2.7%) haemodialysis (HD) were asymptomatically seropositive. Asymptomatic seroprevalence of HCWs compared to patients was not significant (p = 0.105).Conclusion: HCWs (9.9%) had higher, although non-significant asymptomatic seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies compared to high-risk patients (H/O 4.1%, HD 2.7%). An IgM/IgG rapid diagnostic test was inferior to laboratory assays. Sero-concordance of 97.5% was found between IgG laboratory assays, RE vs. AAl/AAr.

Background: Far from being a clinical disease, the COVID-19 pandemic has become a threatening social event worldwide exerting long-term impacts on human beings.Objective: This study was designed to determine if and to what extent psychiatric inpatients during the remission phase of the pandemic suffered from vicarious traumatization.Method: Totally 266 eligible participants from psychiatric and psychological wards in a hospital were recruited during October 26th, 2020 to February 4th, 2021 to finish a self-made online questionnaire consisting of Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index-Revised (PSQI-R), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), Beck Suicide Ideation Scale (SSI), 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). Meanwhile, some socio-demographics and information related to the pandemic were also recorded.Results: The detection rate of vicarious traumatic symptoms (VTS) was 80.83%, including 40.98% for mild ones, 25.56% for moderate ones, and 14.29% for severe ones, among whom 98.14% possessed all three phenotypes. 27.07% of the sample were considered possible vicarious traumatization (pVT). Having acquaintances infected with or died from COVID-19, worries on re-outbreak of COVID-19, a higher score of OCI-R or lower score of SF-12, and long latency of VTS were independent risk factors of pVT.Conclusion: Our study showed that COVID-19 could have profound mental influences on psychiatric inpatients. It is high time we did some screening in the wards to seek for patients at risk.

Background: The optimal treatment of cancer-related malnutrition remains unknown. A single-center prospective cohort study was performed to compare the efficacy of megestrol acetate (MA) combined with oral nutrition supplement (ONS) and MA alone for the treatment of lung cancer-related malnutrition.Methods: 76 eligible patients were prospectively enrolled in two arms, Arm 1 patients (n = 40, 52.6%) received MA 160 mg/d, and Arm 2 patients (n = 36, 47.4%) received MA 160 mg/d combined with ONS 55.8 g/t.i.d, all orally. All patients received anticancer therapy. Treatment duration was 3 months. The primary endpoints were improvements in body mass index (BMI) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score. Secondary endpoints were assessed by appetite, mid-upper arm circumference (MAC), serum pre-albumin levels, and serum albumin levels.Results: Baseline levels were comparable between Arm 1 and Arm 2 patients. Compared with Arm 1, primary endpoints (BMI, P = 0.018; ECOG, P = 0.022) and secondary endpoints (MAC, P = 0.025; serum pre-albumin, P = 0.043; and serum albumin, P = 0.034) were improved significantly after treatment in Arm 2. While toxicity was negligible and comparable between Arm 1 and Arm 2.Conclusion: MA combined with ONS may be an effective and safe treatment option for lung cancer-related malnutrition patients.Clinical Trial Registration:www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier ChiCTR2100049007.

Background: Robotic colorectal surgery has been increasingly performed in recent years. The safety and feasibility of its application has also been demonstrated worldwide.However, limited studies have presented clinical data for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) receiving robotic surgery in China. The aim of this study is to present short-term clinical outcomes of robotic surgery and further confirm its safety and feasibility in Chinese CRC patients.Methods: The clinical data of 109 consecutive CRC patients who received robotic surgery at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between June 2016 and May 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient characteristics,tumor traits, treatment details, complications, pathological details, and survival status were evaluated.Results: Among the 109 patients, 35 (32.1%) had sigmoid cancer, and 74 (67.9%) had rectal cancer. Thirty-seven (33.9%) patients underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Ten (9.2%) patients underwent sigmoidectomy, 38 (34.9%) underwent high anterior resection (HAR), 45 (41.3%) underwent low anterior resection (LAR), and 16 (14.7%) underwent abdominoperineal resection (APR). The median surgical procedure time was 270 min (range 120–465 min). Pathologically complete resection was achieved in all patients. There was no postoperative mortality. Complications occurred in 11 (10.1%) patients, including 3 (2.8%) anastomotic leakage, 1 (0.9%) anastomotic bleeding, 1 (0.9%) pelvic hemorrhage, 4 (3.7%) intestinal obstruction, 2 (1.8%) chylous leakage, and 1 (0.9%) delayed wound union. At a median follow-up of 17 months (range 1–37 months), 1 (0.9%) patient developed local recurrence and 5 (4.6%) developed distant metastasis, with one death due to disease progression.Conclusions: Our results suggest that robotic surgery is technically feasible and safe for Chinese CRC patients, especially for rectal cancer patients who received neoadjuvant treatment. A robotic laparoscope with large magnification showed a clear surgical space for pelvic autonomic nerve preservation in cases of mesorectal edema.

Objective: There are urinary tract infection (UTI) guidelines for treatment of patients Study Design: Retrospective study from December 1st, 2015 to May 31st, 2016.Results: The study population included 903 children (70.1% female) with a median age of 11 years, evaluated in an outpatient clinic (n = 780, 86.4%) or school health site (n = 123, 13.6%). E. coli was the most common urinary pathogen (50.9%) and 92.6% of E. coli isolates were susceptible to cephalexin. However, cephalexin was prescribed empirically for only 12.8% of patients. In contrast, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim was commonly prescribed, but only 79% of E. coli isolates were susceptible. Antibiotics were discontinued in only three of 48 children who had negative urine cultures.Conclusions: Cephalexin may be the most appropriate first-line choice for management of outpatient UTI for our patient population. Antibiotics were rarely discontinued for those with negative urine cultures. Antibiotic stewardship in the outpatient setting could reduce unnecessary antibiotic exposure in the management of pediatric UTI.

Objectives:The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between disease activity in adult patients with dermatomyositis (DM) and other biomarkers of disease activity such as C-reactive protein creatinine kinase and nailfold video capillaroscopy (NVC).Methods:We performed a prospective single center study of 15 adult patients with DM. Study participants underwent two assessments at least 9 months apart including clinical, laboratory and NVC evaluations. Patients received immunosuppressive medications for their dermatomyositis, and ongoing disease activity was measured by the Myositis Intention to Treat Index (MITAX). NVC evaluation included assessment of capillary density, capillary apical diameter (mm), and the number of microhemorrhages per digit.Results:Microvascular abnormalities were present in most DM patients. Of these, capillary density (4.71 vs. 6.84,p= 0.006) and mean apical diameter (56.09 vs. 27.79 μm,p= 0.003) significantly improved over the study period in concordance with improving disease control (MITAX 8.53 vs. 2.64,p= 0.002). Longitudinal analysis demonstrated that capillary density was independently associated with MITAX (β = −1.49 [CI −2.49, −0.33],p= 0.013), but not other parameters such as C-reactive protein and creatinine kinase.Conclusions:Nailfold capillary density is a dynamic marker of global disease activity in adult DM. NVC may be utilized as a non-invasive point-of-care tool to monitor disease activity and inform treatment decisions in patients with DM.

Few data on husband-to-wife transplantations with mutual children (H2W) exist in the current era. We investigated the outcome of H2W transplantations (n = 25) treated with T cell-depleting induction compared to women with prior pregnancies also receiving their first HLA-mismatched kidney transplant, but from a different donor source: (i) other living donor (n = 52) and (ii) deceased donor (n = 120). Seventy-four percent of the women had ≥2 pregnancies; median follow-up time was 5 years. Death-censored allograft survival was significantly lower in the H2W group compared to the other two groups (p = 0.03). Three of four graft losses in the H2W group were due to rejection. 5-year patient survival in the H2W group was high and similar compared to the other living donor group (100 vs. 98%; p = 0.28). The incidence of (sub)clinical antibody-mediated rejection was higher in the H2W group (36 vs. 20 vs. 18%) (p = 0.10). The frequency of infections was similar among the three groups. No immunological parameter was predictive for rejection or graft loss in H2W transplantations. In conclusion, H2W transplantation is a valuable option, but associated with a higher risk for allograft loss due to rejection despite T cell-depleting induction. Further research is required for better risk prediction on an individual patient level.

Introduction: Refractory and relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma (R/R HL) is associated with poor prognosis, and allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) remains the only potentially curative approach.Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of allotransplantation in R/R HL setting.Material: Overall, 24 patients (17 men and 7 women) at a median age of 27 years (range 18–44) underwent allo-SCT between 2002 and 2020.Results: Nineteen patients received prior autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT1) whereas eight patients received second ASCT (ASCT2) after failure of ASCT1. Six patients received only brentuximab vedotin (BV; n = 4) or BV followed by checkpoint inhibitors (CPI; n = 2) before entering allo-SCT. Median time from ASCT1 to allo-SCT was 17.1 months. Fifteen patients received grafts from unrelated donors. Peripheral blood was a source of stem cells for 16 patients. Reduced-intensity conditioning was used for all patients. Disease status at transplant entry was as follows: complete remission (CR; n = 4), partial response (PR; n = 10), and stable disease (SD; n = 10). Acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) developed in 13 (54%) and 4 (16%) patients, respectively. Median follow-up for the entire cohort was 13.3 months. At the last follow-up, 17 (71%) patients died. The main causes of death were disease progression (n = 10), infectious complications (n = 6), and steroid-resistant GVHD (n = 1). Non-relapse mortality at 12 months was 25%. At the last follow-up, seven patients were alive; six patients were in CR, and one had PR. The 2-year overall survival (OS) was 40%.Conclusion: Chemosensitive disease at transplant was associated with better outcome. Allo-SCT allows for long-term survival in refractory and relapsed HL.

Background: Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may sometimes require admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and the outcome is poor. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical features of patients with SLE in the ICU, identify prognostic factors, and develop and evaluate a prognostic model to predict in-ICU mortality of patients with SLE.Patients and Methods: This was a single center retrospective study in a tertiary medical institution in China. A total of 480 SLE patients with 505 ICU admissions from 2010 to 2019 were screened, and 391 patients were enrolled. The clinical feature and outcomes of the patients were analyzed. According to the random number table, patients were divided into two mutually exclusively groups named derivation (n = 293) and validation (n = 98). Prognostic factors were identified by a Cox model with Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation and evaluated by latent analysis. The risk score was developed based on the derivation group and evaluated using the validation group.Results: Among the 391 patients, 348 (89.0%) patients were females. The median age of patients was 34 years, and the median course of SLE was 6 months. The median APACHE II and SLEDAI were 17 and 10, respectively. The average in-ICU mortality was 53.4% (95% CI, 48.5–58.4%). A total of 186 patients were admitted to the ICU due to infection. Pneumonia (320/391, 81.8%) was the most common clinical manifestation, followed by renal disease (246/391, 62.9%). Nine prognostic factors were identified. The model had C statistic of 0.912 (95% CI, 0.889–0.948) and 0.807 (95% CI 0.703–0.889), with predictive range of 5.2–98.3% and 6.3–94.7% for the derivation and validation groups, respectively. Based on distribution of the risk score, 25.3, 49.5, and 25.2% of patients were stratified into the high, average, and low-risk groups, with corresponding in-ICU mortality of 0.937, 0.593, and 0.118, respectively.Conclusion: Nine prognostic factors including age, white blood cell count, alanine transaminase, uric acid, intracranial infection, shock, intracranial hemorrhage, respiratory failure, and cyclosporin A/tacrolimus usage were identified. A prognostic model was developed and evaluated to predict in-ICU mortality of patients with SLE. These findings may help clinicians to prognostically stratify patients into different risk groups of in-ICU mortality, and provide patients with intensive and targeted management.

IntroductionWe analyzed different patient subgroups to determine optimal maintenance therapy in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients.MethodsA total of 226 NDMM patients in our center were included in the study. The characteristics, survival, and adverse reactions were compared among patients who received maintenance therapy or not, and patients who received proteasome inhibitors (PIs) or immunomodulators (IMiDs) maintenance. The survival of different maintenance durations of bortezomib-based regimens was also analyzed.ResultsThe maintenance therapy not only upgraded more patient responses (34.3 vs 13.3%, P = 0.006), but also significantly prolonged their progression-free survival (PFS) (median PFS: 41.1 vs 10.5 months, P < 0.001) and overall survival (OS) (median OS: not reached vs 38.6 months, P < 0.001). Compared with IMiDs, the PFS (median PFS: 43.7 vs 38.5 months, P = 0.034) and OS (median OS: not reached vs 78.5 months, P = 0.041) were both enhanced by PIs maintenance. Patients younger than 65 years who received PIs had a significantly prolonged OS (P = 0.032). Patients achieving only a partial response (PR) after induction and consolidation therapy had significantly longer PFS and OS after PIs maintenance compared to IMiDs (P = 0.007, 0.002). High-risk patients (ISS 2–3, DS 2–3, and RISS 2–3) given PIs maintenance benefit from a prolonged PFS (P = 0.002, 0.02, 0.06) and OS (P = 0.059, 0.047, 0.044, respectively) compared with IMiDs therapy. OS was significantly prolonged in patients who received ≥ 12 months of bortezomib-based maintenance therapy compared to those who were treated for < 12 months (P < 0.001), but no difference was observed in OS between patients who received 12 to 24 or ≥ 24 months of bortezomib-based maintenance therapy (P = 0.292).ConclusionPIs maintenance was superior to IMiDs in overall PFS and OS. The beneficial effect was most evident in patients achieving PR after induction and consolidation therapy, and in high-risk patients. Moreover, younger patients also benefited from PIs maintenance with an increased OS. A bortezomib-based maintenance therapy duration of 12 to 24 months after induction and consolidation therapy produced satisfactory OS.

Background: Ultrasonography (USG) has been described as an alternative diagnostic tool for malrotation that evaluates the orientation of the superior mesenteric vessels. However, literature concerning the management of patients who do not have abdominal symptoms is limited. We aimed to review the clinical course of infants showing abnormal orientation of the superior mesenteric vessels on USG who were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis.Methods: Seventy asymptomatic infants with abnormal orientation of the superior mesenteric vessels in a single center between 2014 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed.Results: The 70 patients, 21 underwent upper gastrointestinal series (UGIS) and 11 underwent abdominal surgery for other surgical conditions. Among the 32 (45.7%) patients who underwent UGIS or abdominal surgery, 11 were proven to have malrotation. Of the 38 (54.3%) patients who did not undergo UGIS or abdominal surgery, six patients were too unstable to undergo UGIS, five died due to cardiac complications, and the remaining patient developed midgut volvulus and died 3 days after emergency surgery. The remaining 32 patients who did not undergo UGIS or abdominal surgery were discharged without additional tests, and all were asymptomatic until their last follow-up. In the multivariate analysis, history of heart surgery and the presence of more than three anomalies were significantly associated with malrotation.Conclusion: A significant number of malrotation were diagnosed in asymptomatic infants with abnormal orientation of the superior mesenteric vessels on USG. Infants with major cardiac or multiple anomalies need special attention and should undergo UGIS in a promptly manner to confirm malrotation.

Background: This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of anti-leucine-rich glioma-inactivated protein 1 (LGI1) encephalitis patients and investigate prognostic factors by using a large-sample and long-term follow-up cohort.Methods: The clinical data of 45 patients (29 males; mean age, 57.0 years) from May 2014 to August 2019 were collected. All patients were followed up by face-to-face interviews in the third month after discharge and then by telephone and/or face-to-face interviews every 6 months until November 2020. We evaluated each patient's response to the initial treatments at the first interview and divided them into “responders” and “nonresponders.” Relapses were recorded. At the end of follow-up, each patient was evaluated and reclassified into “complete recovery” or “unhealed” groups. Intergroup differences were assessed.Results: All patients presented with seizures at the initial consultation. Other common manifestations included cognitive dysfunction (82.2%), psychiatric disturbance (66.7%), sleep disorder (54.5%), and hyponatremia (66.7%). During the follow-up period (32.8 ± 13.5 months), six patients experienced relapse within 6–37 months. We observed that the patients who did not respond to the initial treatments and those who relapsed all had a poor long-term prognosis. The patients in the “unhealed” group were older (p = 0.009), had a lower incidence of generalized tonic–clonic seizures (p = 0.041), and had a higher probability of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities (p = 0.024) than those in the “complete recovery” group.Conclusion: Anti-LGI1 encephalitis was characterized by seizures, cognitive impairment, psychiatric disturbance, and sleep disorders and was often accompanied by hyponatremia. Patients who responded poorly to the initial treatments and those patients who relapsed had dismal long-term prognoses. Advanced age and CSF abnormalities may be risk factors for poor prognosis, but these still need to be verified.

Background: To evaluate the use of the ketogenic diet (KD) for treatment of super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) at a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).Design: A retrospective analysis of all pediatric patients treated for SRSE with the KD at our center was performed using patient data from our prospective longitudinal KD database.Setting: SRSE is defined as refractory SE that continues or recurs 24 h or more after initiation of anesthetic drugs. We describe the clinical and electroencephalographic (EEG) findings of all children treated with KD at our PICU. The KD was administered as add-on after failure of standard treatment. Response was defined as EEG seizure resolution (absence of seizures and suppression–burst ratio ≥50%).Patients: Eight consecutive SRSE patients (four females) treated with KD were included. Median age at onset of SRSE was 13.6 months (IQR 0.9–105), and median age at KD initiation was 13.7 months (IQR 1.9 months to 8.9 years). Etiology was known in 6/8 (75%): genetic in 4 (50%), structural in 1 (12.5%), and autoimmune/inflammatory in 1 (12.5%).Main Results: Time from onset of SRSE to initiation of KD was median 6 days (IQR 1.3–9). Time until clinically relevant ketosis (beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) >2 mmol/L in serum) was median 68.0 h (IQR 27.3–220.5). Higher ketosis was achieved when a higher proportion of enteral feeds was possible. Four (50%) patients responded to KD treatment within 7 days. During follow-up (median 4.2 months, IQR 1.6–12.3), 5/8 patients—three of them responders—died within 3–12 months after SRSE.Conclusions: In eight patients with SRSE due to severe etiologies including Alpers syndrome, we report an initial 50% response to KD. KD was used early in SRSE and sufficient levels of ketosis were reached early in most patients. Higher ketosis was achieved with combined enteral and parenteral feedings.

Patients from ethnocultural minorities have reduced access to live donor kidney transplant (LDKT). To explore early pretransplant ethnocultural disparities in LDKT readiness, and the impact of the interactions with the transplant program, we assessed if patients had a potential live donor (LD) identified at first pretransplant assessment, and if patients with no LD initially received LDKT subsequently. Single-center, retrospective cohort of adults referred for kidney transplant (KT) assessment. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the association between ethnicity and having a potential LD. Cox proportional hazard analysis assessed the association between no potential LD initially and subsequent LDKT. Of 1617 participants, 66% of Caucasians indicated having a potential LD, compared with 55% of South Asians, 44% of African Canadians, and 41% of East Asians (P < 0.001). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the odds of having a potential LD identified was significantly lower for African, East and South Asian Canadians. No potential LD at initial KT assessment was associated with lower likelihood of LDKT subsequently (hazard ratio [HR], 0.14; [0.10-0.19]). Compared to Caucasians, African, East and South Asian and African Canadians are less likely to have a potential LD identified at first KT assessment, which predicts a lower likelihood of subsequent LDKT.

Several techniques have been proposed for liver transplantation with inadequate hepatic artery (HA) anastomosis. We aimed to analyze outcomes of arterial reconstruction with the splenic artery (SA). This was a prospective study of our experience with recipients who underwent arterial anastomosis on the SA compared with patients who underwent standard HA. We included 54 patients in the SA group and 1405 in the HA group. Patients in SA group were more frequently retransplantation (31% vs. 8%; P = 0.001), required more transfusion (11 ± 12 vs. 6 ± 9.9 PRC; P = 0.001), had longer surgeries (424 ± 95 vs. 394 ± 102 min; P = 0.03), and longer hospital stays (28 ± 29 vs. 20 ± 18 days; P = 0.002). There were no differences in vascular and biliary complications (15% and 7%; P = 0.18; and 32% and 23%; P = 0.32), primary dysfunction (11% and 9%; P = 0.74), reoperation (12% and 10%; P = 0.61), postoperative mortality (13% and 7%; P = 0.12) and 5 years survival (66% vs. 63%; P = 0.71). Following primary transplantation, there were no differences. The outcomes of arterial reconstruction using the recipients' SA in adult liver transplantation are comparable to those for standard HA reconstruction after a first transplant.