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Inappropriate bed occupancy due to delayed hospital discharge affects both physical and psychological well-being in patients and can disrupt patient flow. The Dutch healthcare system is facing ongoing pressure, especially during the current coronavirus disease pandemic, intensifying the need for optimal use of hospital beds. The aim of this study was to quantify inappropriate patient stays and describe the underlying reasons for the delays in discharge. The Day of Care Survey (DoCS) is a validated tool used to gain information about appropriate and inappropriate bed occupancy in hospitals. Between February 2019 and January 2021, the DoCS was performed five times in three different hospitals within the region of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. All inpatients were screened, using standardized criteria, for their need for in-hospital care at the time of survey and reasons for discharge delay. A total of 782 inpatients were surveyed. Of these patients, 94 (12%) were planned for definite discharge that day. Of all other patients, 145 (21%, ranging from 14% to 35%) were without the need for acute in-hospital care. In 74% (107/145) of patients, the reason for discharge delay was due to issues outside the hospital; most frequently due to a shortage of available places in care homes (26%, 37/145). The most frequent reason for discharge delay inside the hospital was patients awaiting a decision or review by the treating physician (14%, 20/145). Patients who did not meet the criteria for hospital stay were, in general, older [median 75, interquartile range (IQR) 65–84 years, and 67, IQR 55–75 years, respectively, P

Background: To analyze clinical, pathological and immunohistochemical correlates of survival in vaginal cancer patients. Methods: Retrospective analysis of primary vaginal cancer patients, treated at the Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology of the University Hospital Bonn between 2007 and 2021. Results: The study cohort comprised 22 patients. The median age was 63 years (range: 32–87 years). Squamous cell histology was present in 20 patients. Five-year OS in Stage I, II, III and IV was 100%, 56.25%, 0% and 41.67%, respectively (p = 0.147). Five-year DFS was 100%, 50%, 0% and 20.83%, respectively (p = 0.223). The 5-year OS was significantly reduced in the presence of nodal metastasis (p = 0.004), lymphangiosis (p = 0.009), hemangiosis (p = 0.002) and an age above 64 years (p = 0.029). Positive p 16 staining was associated with significantly improved OS (p = 0.010). Tumoral and immune cell PD-L1 staining was positive in 19 and in 16 patients, respectively, without significant impact on OS; 2 patients with metastastic disease are long-term survivors treated with either bevacizumab or pembrolizumab. Conclusion: P16 expression, absence of lymph- or hemangiosis, nodal negative disease and an age below 64 years show improved survival rates in PVC. Tumoral PD-L1 expression as well as PD-L1 expression on immune cells is frequent in PVC, without impacting survival. Within our study cohort, long-term survivors with recurrent PVC are treated with anti-VEGF and immunotherapy.

Background The COVID-19 pandemic represents one of the greatest ever challenges for healthcare. In the UK and beyond, acute medical units (AMUs) are the first point of assessment and care for the majority of medical inpatients. By their design and systems, they inevitably played an important role in the COVID-19 response but to date little has been published on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected how AMUs have reorganised their resources, processes and structure. Methods This retrospective study in August 2020 of 10 AMUs across Europe and Australasia used a standardised questionnaire to investigate existing practice and structure of AMUs, the national context of local hospital experience, changes to practice during the COVID-19 pandemic and views regarding future practice. Results Changes to AMU structure, process and organisation are described in two contexts: preventing and controlling the spread of COVID-19 and adding value to the patient9s acute care journey in the local context. We describe novel practices that have arisen and highlight areas of concern. Conclusions The AMUs were able to adapt to meet the demands of acute care delivery during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Operational planning and prioritisation of resources must be optimised to ensure sustainability of these services for future waves.

Background High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is used for the treatment of symptomatic leiomyomas. We aim to automate uterine volumetry for tracking changes after therapy with a 3D deep learning approach. Methods A 3D nnU-Net model in the default setting and in a modified version including convolutional block attention modules (CBAMs) was developed on 3D T2-weighted MRI scans. Uterine segmentation was performed in 44 patients with routine pelvic MRI (standard group) and 56 patients with uterine fibroids undergoing ultrasound-guided HIFU therapy (HIFU group). Here, preHIFU scans (n = 56), postHIFU imaging maximum one day after HIFU (n = 54), and the last available follow-up examination (n = 53, days after HIFU: 420 ± 377) were included. The training was performed on 80% of the data with fivefold cross-validation. The remaining data were used as a hold-out test set. Ground truth was generated by a board-certified radiologist and a radiology resident. For the assessment of inter-reader agreement, all preHIFU examinations were segmented independently by both. Results High segmentation performance was already observed for the default 3D nnU-Net (mean Dice score = 0.95 ± 0.05) on the validation sets. Since the CBAM nnU-Net showed no significant benefit, the less complex default model was applied to the hold-out test set, which resulted in accurate uterus segmentation (Dice scores: standard group 0.92 ± 0.07; HIFU group 0.96 ± 0.02), which was comparable to the agreement between the two readers. Conclusions This study presents a method for automatic uterus segmentation which allows a fast and consistent assessment of uterine volume. Therefore, this method could be used in the clinical setting for objective assessment of therapeutic response to HIFU therapy.

Aim Gallium-68-labelled inhibitors of the fibroblast activation protein (FAPi) enable positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging of fibroblast activation. We evaluated if [68Ga]Ga-DATA5m.SA.FAPi PET/CT is related to Ki-67 as a marker of tumour aggressiveness in patients with liver metastases of NET. Methods Thirteen patients with liver metastases of a histologically confirmed NET who underwent PET/CT with [68Ga]Ga-DATA5m.SA.FAPi, [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC were retrospectively analyzed. PET-positive liver tumour volumes were segmented for calculation of volume, SUVmax and PET-positive tumour fraction (TF). PET parameters were correlated with Ki-67. Results FDGSUVmax correlated positively (rho = 0.543, p < 0.05) and DOTATOCSUVmax correlated negatively (rho = –0.618, p < 0.05) with Ki-67, the correlation coefficients were in the moderate range. There was no significant correlation between FAPiSUVmax and Ki-67 (rho = 0.382, p > 0.05). FAPiTF correlated positively (rho = 0.770, p < 0.01) and DOTATOCTF correlated negatively (rho = –0.828, p < 0.01) with Ki-67, both significantly with high correlation coefficients. FDGTF also correlated significantly with Ki-67, with a moderate correlation coefficient (rho = 0.524, p < 0.05). The ratio FAPiVOL:DOTATOCVOL showed a significant and strong correlation with Ki-67 (rho = 0.808, p < 0.01). Conclusion The ratio FAPiVOL:DOTATOCVOL might serve as a clinical parameter for the assessment of dedifferentiation and aggressiveness of liver metastases in patients with NET. [68Ga]Ga-DATA5m.SA.FAPi might hold potential for identification of high-risk patients. Further studies are warranted to evaluate its prognostic significance in comparison to [18F]FDG in patients with NET.

Background/aim In selected patients, pelvic exenteration (PE) is curative, but morbidity and mortality are feared. Unfortunately, prerequisites for indicating PE are not generally defined. The aim of the study was to identify prognostic factors for survival after PE in advanced pelvic gynecological malignancies for finding possible prerequisites for the indication of PE. Patients and methods Between 2002 and 2016, 49 patients underwent pelvic exenteration for advanced pelvic malignancies apart from ovarian cancer. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated based on the Kaplan-Meier method. Factors significantly affecting 5-year overall survival were identified using multivariate regression analysis. Survival distributions between the best and the worst group were compared by the log rank test. Results Forty-nine patients with recurrent or primary pelvic gynecological malignancy (20 recurrent disease, 29 primary disease) were included. Seventeen patients had oligometastatic disease at surgical intervention. Resection margin, age, primary versus secondary exenteration and metastatic disease were independent prognostic factors in multivariate regression analysis. A significant difference was observed in 5-year overall survival regarding the best group (57.14%) and the worst group (10%) (p=0.009). Cervical cancer was the only identified risk factor for increased morbidity. Conclusion Pelvic exenteration is a valuable therapeutic option with most long-term survivors in the group of patients below 63 years, as primary treatment, with clear microscopic margins and no distant metastases. These four factors may serve as valuable prerequisites for the indication of pelvic exenteration as survival and morbidity in this group of patients compares favorably to alternative therapeutic options.

The aim of this study was to analyze the predictive and prognostic value of the peritoneal cancer index (PCI) with regard to complete cytoreduction and clinical outcomes in patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer.In a cohort comprising 188 patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer, the PCI was retrospectively assessed. Clinical factors and perioperative complications were analyzed according to different PCI groups. Five-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated based on the Kaplan-Meier Log rank analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was applied to detect associations of PCI and complete cytoreduction. Multivariate survival analysis was performed by Cox proportional hazards model.In our study, the PCI was predictive of complete cytoreduction (ROC analysis; AUC 0.8227). In patients with optimal cytoreduction, higher PCI scores were associated with poorer 5-year OS (p0.001) and 5-year DFS (p0.001). Complications (G1-G5) were significantly more frequent in patients with PCI scores9 (p=0.0023). Five-year OS was reduced in patients with severe complications compared to patients with none or mild complications (30.88% versus 51.01%; p=0.001). There were significant OS (p0.001) and DFS (p0.001) differences between patients with none or mild versus severe complications following complete cytoreduction within the PCI subgroups (PCI: 9-11, PCI: 12-18, PCI18).The PCI score showed high predictability for complete cytoreduction and was associated with clinical outcomes. In presence of severe complications, higher PCI scores were associated with poorer survival. Hence, in patients with high tumor load, the prevention of severe perioperative complications is of utmost importance in all cases where complete cytoreduction is deemed to be feasible.

Pancreatic cancer patients often have a high symptom burden, significantly impairing patients’ quality of life (QOL). Nevertheless, there are hardly any reports on the impact of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) on the QOL of treated patients. For the first time, this study evaluated the effect of HIFU on QOL and compared these results in two European centers. Eighty patients with advanced pancreatic cancer underwent HIFU (50 in Germany, 30 in Bulgaria). Clinical assessment included evaluation of QOL and symptoms using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after HIFU. Pain intensity was additionally evaluated with the numerical rating score (NRS). Compared to baseline, global health significantly improved 3 and 6 months after HIFU treatment (p = 0.02). Functional subscales including physical, emotional, and social functioning were considerably improved at 6 months (p = 0.02, p = 0.01, and p = 0.01, respectively) as were leading symptom pain (p = 0.04 at 6 months), fatigue (p = 0.03 at 3 and p = 0.01 at 6 months), and appetite loss (p = 0.01 at 6 months). Moreover, pain intensity measured by NRS revealed effective and strong pain relief at all time points (p < 0.001). Reported effects were independent of tumor stage, metastatic status, and country of treatment. This study showed that HIFU represents an effective treatment option of advanced pancreatic cancer improving QOL by increasing global health and mitigation of physical complaints with a low rate of side effects, independent of the examiner. Therefore, HIFU is a worthwhile additional treatment besides systemic palliative chemotherapy or best supportive care in management of this aggressive disease. • In a prospective two-center study, it was shown that HIFU represents an effective treatment option of advanced pancreatic cancer improving QOL. • HIFU in pancreatic cancer patients is associated with a low rate of side effects, independent of the performer. • HIFU is a worthwhile additional treatment besides systemic palliative chemotherapy or best supportive care in management of this aggressive disease.

The current outbreak of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has reached multiple countries worldwide. While the number of newly diagnosed cases and fatalities is rising quickly, far-reaching measures were enacted to prevent further spread. Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation, exposure history, PCR using specimens from the respiratory tract together with computed tomography (CT) imaging. One of the hallmarks of a critical course of COVID-19 is the development of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). As management of COVID-19 can be considered a multi-disciplinary approach involving various medical specialties, we here review the firstDer Ausbruch des Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 hat inzwischen viele Länder weltweit erreicht. Trotz weitreichender Maßnahmen zur Eindämmung der Ausbreitung steigen die Fallzahlen kontinuierlich weiter. Die Diagnose der durch SARS-CoV-2 hervorgerufenen COVID-19 Erkrankung erfolgt mittels Polymerasekettenreaktion aus Proben des Respirationstrakts und computertomographischer Bildgebung der Lunge. Die Erkrankung kann asymptomatisch oder mild verlaufen und sich mit Fieber oder trockenem Husten manifestieren. Eine gefürchtete schwere Verlaufsform von COVID-19 ist die Entwicklung eines ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome). Da insbesondere schwere Krankheitsverläufe oftmals eine multidisziplinäre Vorgehensweise erfordern, besprechen wir hier anhand einiger

Die Osteoporose ist weltweit eine haufige Erkrankung, bei der eine Verminderung der Knochendichte zu einem erhohten Frakturrisiko und einer Verringerung der Korpergrose fuhren kann. Die Osteoporose ist mit akuten wie auch chronischen Schmerzen assoziiert, die vor allem im Rucken auftreten und die Lebensqualitat deutlich einschranken konnen. Soll betroffenen Patienten adaquat geholfen werden, ist es essenziell, die Besonderheiten der Schmerztherapie bei Osteoporose zu kennen, beispielsweise spezielle Moglichkeiten der medikamentosen und nichtmedikamentosen Behandlung. Dieser Beitrag gibt einen umfassenden Uberblick uber die zeitgemase Schmerztherapie bei Osteoporose und erlautert daruber hinaus die zugrunde liegenden Pathomechanismen, Risikofaktoren und das regulare diagnostische Vorgehen.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted major challenges in governance and inequalities particularly among those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups. This paper focuses on the BAME community and explores this through a governance lens, with particular reference to the representation and functioning of boards involved in healthcare and building a transparent culture. To illustrate this, the paper utilises a series of structured reflective questions with model answers termed Right Question, Right Answer and links to the Centre for Quality in Governance (CQG) Maturity Matrix. This article highlights the need to improve diversity and accountability of health and care organisations to their staff and local population. For governance to be effective, it must be aligned and comply with healthcare system regulations to ensure improvement of legislative acts and standards. The paper aims to inform government policy by moving from rhetoric, or merely describing challenges, to action and change by increasing accountability.

Introduction To evaluate treatment response of uterine fibroids after ultrasound guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) with a special focus on fibroid size and characterization based on Funaki classification scheme, as well as clinical response to treatment of leading fibroid-associated symptoms. Materials and methods Uterine fibroids treated by USgHIFU were assigned to Funaki type 1–3 based on T2-w-MRI. Differences in size, non-perfused volume ratio (NPVR) and volume reduction over time were determined using T1-/T2-w MRI sequences and contrast-enhanced sonography. Treatment effects on three leading fibroid-associated symptoms were also evaluated. Measurements were compared by mixed model, Bland–Altman’s plot and Spearman’s correlation. Results In this prospective single-center study, 35 patients with 44 symptomatic uterine fibroids were treated by USgHIFU (n = 22, n = 12 and n = 10 assigned to Funaki type 1, 2 and 3, respectively). NPVRs of Funaki type 1 and 2 fibroids were significantly higher compared to type 3 (p = .0023). A significant fibroid shrinkage was observed independent of Funaki type compared to baseline: 38.8 ± 26.9%, 46.7 ± 30.3% and 54.5 ± 29.3% at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively (each p

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Das lokal fortgeschrittene Pankreaskarzinom ist ein lebenslimitierender Tumor mit einer Vielzahl von Symptomen, u. a. Tumorschmerz. Lokal ablative Verfahren, die thermische oder auch nichtthermische Techniken anwenden, können als moderne Therapieoptionen zur Tumorkontrolle und symptomatischen Verbesserung eingesetzt werden. Dieser Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die derzeit verfügbaren Behandlungsverfahren und -ergebnisse, einschließlich unserer eigenen Erfahrungen mit dem hoch-intensiven fokussierten Ultraschall (HIFU). Methode Unsere Erfahrungen mit der HIFU-Therapie beim Pankreaskarzinom basieren auf 89 Patienten (UICC III-IV). Neben den HIFU-Ergebnissen wurden Ergebnisse zur lokalen Tumorkontrolle, Sicherheit sowie Mortalität und behandlungsabhängigen Veränderung von Symptomen aus publizierten Studien zur Radiofrequenz-, Mikrowellen- und Kryoablation, irreversiblen Elektroporation und stereotaktischen Strahlentherapie einbezogen. Ergebnisse Obwohl die unterschiedlichen Modalitäten überwiegend sicher durchführbar sind, bietet der HIFU mit seiner Nicht-Invasivität einen entscheidenden methodischen Vorteil. Mit HIFU konnte bei 85 % der Patienten eine effektive und langanhaltende Schmerzlinderung erreicht werden; bei 50 % war nach 6 Wochen keinerlei analgetische Medikation erforderlich. Leider sind Schmerzlinderung und Lebensqualität bei den anderen lokalen Behandlungsmethoden nur selten untersucht. Eine Tumormassenreduktion konnte mit allen ablativen Therapien erreicht werden, wobei diese 6 Monate nach HIFU im Mittel bei 60 % lag. Unterschiede in der behandlungsassoziierten Morbidität wurden berichtet, sind jedoch aufgrund der unausgewogenen Studienpopulationen nur eingeschränkt vergleichbar. Schlussfolgerung Eine Vielzahl an lokal ablativen Behandlungsmodalitäten sind zur Tumormassenreduktion beim fortgeschrittenen Pankreaskarzinom verfügbar, bieten aber unterschiedlichen symptomatischen Nutzen. Eine effektive und langanhaltende Reduktion von Tumorschmerzen ohne Einführen von Nadeln oder Elektroden in den Tumorbereich bietet ausschließlich das HIFU-Verfahren. Randomisierte, kontrollierte klinische Studien zum direkten Vergleich der hier vorgestellten Modalitäten sind in der näheren Zukunft zu befürworten.

There is convincing evidence that peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) using 177Lu-DOTATATE compared to octreotide therapy has a positive effect on overall survival and progression-free survival in midgut neuroendocrine tumors (NET). The current study analyzed health-related quality of life (QoL) in patients undergoing PRRT with a special focus on differences in functional performance. In our study, 70 patients (39 men or 31 female) suffering from midgut NET were included, with a mean age of 64.2 years. Functional performance was assessed by the index of the Eastern Cooperative of Oncology Group (ECOG). Thirty-three patients (47%) showed ECOG 0, 31 patients (44%) ECOG 1, and six patients (9%) ECOG 2. Health-related QoL was assessed by the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire filled in at baseline and 3 months after each PRRT cycle. The median cumulative administered activity was 27.4 GBq. Global health status significantly improved compared to baseline status after 1st (p = 0.05), 2nd (p = 0.004), and 3rd (p = 0.04) treatment cycle. Analyzing specific aspects of QoL, emotional functioning significantly improved after 1st and 2nd treatment cycle (both p

Femoral nerve palsy and meralgia paresthetica following gynecologic cancer surgery are rare, but severe and long lasting. Here, we aimed to study their incidence, severity, possible risk factors and its time to remission. Between January 2008 and December 2017 976 gynecologic cancer patients were identified in our institutional database receiving surgery. Complete patient charts were reviewed retrospectively. Possible risk factors were analyzed by Fisher’s exact test. 441 (45.18%) out 976 were treated for Ovarian cancer. In total 23 patients were identified with a postoperative neurological leg disorder. A femoral nerve palsy was present in 15 patients (1.5%) and a meralgia paresthetica in 8 patients (0.82%). Three patients showed both disorders. Duration of surgery (p = 0.0000), positioning during surgery (p = 0.0040), femoral artery catheter (p = 0.0051), prior chemotherapy (p = 0.0007), nicotine abuse (p = 0.00456) and prior polyneuropathy (p = 0.0181) showed a significant association with a postoperative femoral nerve palsy. Nicotine abuse (p = 0.0335) and prior chemotherapy (p = 0.0151) were significant for the development of a meralgia paresthetica. Long lasting surgery, patient positioning and femoral arterial catheter placement are risk factors for a postoperative femoral nerve palsy in gynecologic cancer surgery. Polyneuropathy, nicotine abuse, and prior chemotherapy are predisposing risk factors for a femoral nerve palsy and a meralgia paresthetica. A resolution of symptoms is the rule for both disorders within different time schedules.

Background A prospective bed utilisation census of acute London hospitals using an established Day of Care Survey (DoCS), which quantified adult patients not meeting criteria for in-hospital care. Methods Twenty-three hospitals were surveyed over two weeks in October/ November 2017 using supervised trained hospital staff. Pairs of staff visited wards, reviewed all patients and identified those not meeting inpatient care criteria, recording reasons for delay. Patient demographics, length of stay (LOS), ward specialty and delay reasons were collected. Results Overall - In total, 8,656 in-patients were studied (overall occupancy 96%, range 82-117%): 800 definite discharges were excluded, leaving 7,856 patients for analysis; seven hospitals had ≥100% occupancy; 1,919/7,856 patients (24%, range 12-43%) did not meet criteria; 56% of patients were over 70 years; five hospitals had higher number of patients 14 days; 13 hospitals had greater/equal number of patients in ≤14 days LOS. For delayed patients in ≤14 days group, most were within seven days of admission (627 ≤7days, 393 8-14 days). In total 34% (range 11-54%) of delays were related to acute hospital reasons (AHR) and 61% (range 46-83%) to wider system reasons (WSR). Eight common themes accounted for 67% of recorded reasons and were equally split between AHR and WSR. Conclusion Data showed high occupancy levels with insufficient discharges. This study suggests policies selecting age and/or LOS alone as cut offs to tackle delays in care may miss a large proportion of patients requiring more timely interventions. Adopting a proactive thematic approach to improvement using the top eight delay reasons provides an obvious opportunity to reduce delays while noting the inter site variation. All metrics analysed emphasized the need for informed local data to help support local change.

Introduction. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is an innovative noninvasive procedure for local ablation of different benign and malignant tumors. Preliminary data of animal studies suggest an ablation-associated immune response after HIFU that is induced by cell necrosis and release of intracellular components. The aim of this study is to evaluate if a HIFU-induced early sterile inflammatory reaction is initiated after ablation of uterine fibroids (UF) and pancreatic carcinoma (PaC) which might contribute to the therapeutic effect. Material and methods. A hundred patients with PaC and 30 patients with UF underwent US-guided HIFU treatment. Serum markers of inflammation (leukocytes, CRP, IL-6) and LDH in both collectives as well as tumor markers CA 19-9, CEA and CYFRA in PaC patients were determined in sub-cohorts before and directly after HIFU (0, 2, 5 and 20 h post-ablation) as well as at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months follow-up. Peri-/post interventional imaging included contrast-enhanced MRI of both cohorts and an additional CT scan of PaC patients. Results. An early post-ablation inflammatory response was observed in both groups with a significant increase of leukocytes, CRP and LDH within the first 20 h after HIFU. Interestingly, IL-6 was increased at 20 h after HIFU in PaC patients. A significant reduction of tumor volumes was observed during one year follow-up (p

Introduction To evaluate the clinical therapeutic response of PSMA targeted radioligand therapy with 177Lu-PSMA-617 in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. The current study analyzed disease-related quality of life (QoL) in patients undergoing PSMA therapy with a special focus on the association with simultaneous PSA response. Methods Thirty patients (age range 50–87 years, median 73.5 years) undergoing 177Lu-PSMA-617 therapy from 2014 to 2016 at our institution were included in this pilot study. Health-related QoL was assessed by EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire filled in at baseline and two months after initializing the PSMA-therapy. The treatment response was evaluated under three categories with regard to changes in (a) global health status and other functional scales, (b) disease-related symptoms, and (c) effects of PSA values. Results Most patients underwent three treatment cycles (n = 12); at least 2 cycles (n = 6) or at most 8 cycles (n = 1) were performed. Out of 30 cases, PSA response after the first cycle was observed in 73 % (n = 22). Compared to baseline, QoL was significantly improved at 2-month follow-up revealing increase in global health status (p = 0.025), role functioning (p = 0.017) and emotional functioning (0.010), and decrease in pain (p = 0.033). Global health status variation can be explained up to 20.5 % by response in PSA (p = 0.012), this improved with PSA reduction. Conclusion PSMA radioligand therapy seems to be an effective treatment option of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients as it improves their QoL in terms of increasing global health and mitigation of disease-related pain.

Introduction High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for pancreatic cancer is a growing therapeutic field which has been proven to reduce cancer pain and provide a local tumor control additionally to standard palliative care. However, less is known about the multidisciplinary and especially anesthesiological management of HIFU treatment although an interdisciplinary approach is crucial for treatment success. Material and methods Anesthesiological and radiological records of 71 HIFU-treated pancreatic cancer patients were analyzed with regard to the following items: intervention time, sonication time, total energy, anesthesia time, peri-interventional medication, body temperature maximum and minimum, pain scores before and 1 day, 6 weeks and 3 months after intervention, peri-interventional complications. Effects on pain scores were estimated with a mixed panel data model. Bivariate associations between interventional variables were examined with the Spearman’s correlation. Results HIFU treatment was performed without major adverse events. Peri-procedural hyperthermia >37.5 °C occurred in 2 patients, hypothermia

Chronic pruritus is one of the main symptoms in dermatology. We investigated a new intervention for chronic pruritus by neurostimulation through matrix electrodes. In this randomized controlled trial, 29 patients with chronic pruritus caused by a variety of dermatological diseases were allocated to an experimental group (EG; n = 14, 4-Hz neurostimulation of the itching area through matrix electrodes) or the control group (CG; n = 15, placement of matrix electrodes without neurostimulation). Outcome measures were the itching sensation as measured by a Numerical Rating Scale immediately after the intervention and the intermediate effect measured by the average itching sensation on the day before the intervention compared with the average itching sensation on day 1, 2 and 3 after the intervention. Regarding the short-term effect on itching, the anova showed a significant interaction effect for the 5-min stimulation with a larger reduction in the EG with a large effect size of d = 1.10. The average reduction in itching intensity was 78.2% for the EG compared with 34.3% for the CG. For the intermediate effect, no significant interaction was found (F = 1.721, P = 0.199). Comparing the itching sensation at day 0 with day 3, the interaction effect showed a statistical trend toward a greater reduction in the EG (F = 3.178, P = 0.086; statistical trend, d = 0.69). This study proved that neurostimulation through matrix electrodes is effective in the short-term reduction of itching in patients with chronic pruritus caused by dermatological diseases. Additional studies are needed with larger patient pools and covering longer study periods.

Die kontrastverstarkte Sonografie (CEUS) wird fur viele Fragestellungen und in zahlreichen Fachdisziplinen eingesetzt, wenn auch mit unterschiedlichen Indikationen und Schwerpunkten. Dabei spielt die Erfahrung des Untersuchers sowohl fur die Befunderhebung als auch fur die Befundbeurteilung eine wesentliche Rolle. Im Folgenden werden die Grundlagen und die wichtigsten Einsatzgebiete der CEUS dargestellt. In this article the basics of contrast-enhanced sonography (CEUS) as well as the most important indications are presented. Because CEUS relies on a well performed B-mode Sonography CEUS can not be regarded as a stand-alone technique. Therefor and because most oft the underlying physic of CEUS and B-mode Sonography are similar, a short excursion on the technique of B-mode Sonography is given as well.

To evaluate the effects of HIFU therapy on visceral vessel patency in patients with inoperable locally invasive pancreatic cancer. 50 pancreatic cancer patients (26 men, 24 women) aged 41 - 82 years (65.0 ± 10.2) underwent ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) examinations before and within one day after HIFU treatment, as well as at follow-up at six weeks, three months and six months. Evaluation and grading were performed by two experienced independent radiologists according to a classification scheme based on vessel involvement, vessel diameter, patency, and defects in flow. Before HIFU treatment, arterial vessel involvement was noted in 42 patients, venous involvement in 47, and 47 patients presented with both. Superior mesenteric artery occlusion was found in three carcinomas while nearly half of the cases (n = 24) displayed signs of superior mesenteric vein, portal vein, or splenic vein occlusion. High-grade tumor-associated arterial narrowing was seen in ten patients. Despite vessel encasement and partially extensive propagation of collateral vessels, it was possible to safely perform HIFU treatment in all patients without complications. US and CT studies performed within one day after therapy did not show any change in vessel patency in 47 patients (94 %). Follow-up controls at the six-week mark revealed increased vessel narrowing and finally occlusion after six months in 11 patients due to tumor progression. This study demonstrates that HIFU treatment can be safely applied to pancreatic cancers enveloping large mesenteric vessels despite vessel narrowing or extensive collateral propagation. Most patients (94 %) did not experience adverse effects regarding vessel patency.ZIEL: Analyse der Auswirkungen der US-gesteuerten HIFU-Therapie auf die großen Oberbauchgefäße bei Patienten mit inoperablem Pankreaskarzinom. Beurteilung der sonografischen und computertomografischen Untersuchungen von 50 konsekutiv mit HIFU behandelten Patienten (26 Männer und 24 Frauen) zwischen 41 und 82 (65,0 ± 10,2) Jahren vor und unmittelbar nach der HIFU-Therapie sowie nach 6 Wochen, 3 und 6 Monaten. Die Auswertung erfolgte durch zwei unabhängige Untersucher aufgeschlüsselt nach Gefäßen und Grad der Gefäßbeteiligung (0 = keine Gefäßbeteiligung, 1 = Tumor reicht an das Gefäß heran, keine Einengung, 2 = mäßige Gefäßeinengung, 3 = filiforme Gefäßeinengung, 4 = Gefäßverschluss). Vor HIFU-Therapie lag bei 42 der Patienten eine Beteiligung der arteriellen, bei 47 Patienten der venösen Gefäße und 47 Patienten von beiden vor. Dabei wiesen 10 Patienten eine tumorbedingte filiforme arterielle Gefäßeinengung, drei einen Verschluss der A. mesenterica sup., nahezu die Hälfte (n = 24) einen Verschluss von V. mesenterica sup., Pfortader oder Milzvene auf. Trotz dieser Gefäßummauerung und der zum Teil massiv erkennbaren Kollateralgefäße konnte eine HIFU-Therapie bei allen Patienten klinisch komplikationslos durchgeführt werden. Die Kontrollen unmittelbar nach durchgeführter HIFU-Behandlung zeigten bei 47 der Patienten (94 %) keine Änderung des Gefäßstatus. Durch Tumorprogress kam es bei 11 Patienten zu einer zunehmenden Gefäßeinengung ab der sechsten Woche bis hin zum Verschluss nach 6 Monaten. Eine HIFU-Ablation beim lokal fortgeschrittenen Pankreaskarzinom ist auch bei mesenterialer Gefäßbeteiligung und ausgeprägten Umgehungskreisläufen sicher möglich. Bei den meisten Patienten (94 %) hat die Therapie trotz z. T. hochgradiger Stenosen keine nachteilige Auswirkung auf die Gefäßsituation.

BACKGROUND There is currently a lack of studies that evaluate the effects of matrix electrode neuromodulation on acute pain. In this prospective and randomized cross-over study, we investigated the efficacy of 4 Hz-matrix stimulation on venipuncture-induced pain in 30 healthy subjects. METHODS We compared two conditions of neurostimulation: in EC1 (experimental condition 1), we performed venipuncture during stimulation, with 2.5 min of prestimulation with 600 stimuli; in EC2 (experimental condition 2), the length of stimulation was 5 min, at 1200 stimuli, with subsequent venipuncture. A group with no stimulation was used as control condition. RESULTS The EC2 group did not only show a 77% reduction in puncture pain when compared to the control group (p < 0.001; effect size [ES] d = 1.45), but also had a significant effect compared with EC1 (p < 0.001; ES d = 1.33). EC1, on the other hand, did not demonstrate a significant difference to the control group. The status of the veins was evaluated based on visibility and did not differ significantly between the conditions. CONCLUSION The results of this study showed for the first time that pre-emptive matrix stimulation could be an effective way to reduce acute pain. The duration of stimulation seems to play a key role in the effectiveness of the neurophysiological mechanism of action. Matrix stimulation is a therapeutic intervention with very few side effects, which could, in the future, expand our pain-management options for the treatment of acute pain.

Rationale and Objectives To identify and compare cardiovascular findings on computed tomography (CT) scans after pneumonectomy (PNX) with those after lobectomy (LOBX). Materials and Methods Pre- and postoperative CT scans from 25 PNX patients were retrospectively analyzed and compared to those from 30 LOBX patients. The diameter of the main pulmonary artery (PA) and its ratio to the ascending aorta (PA/Ao) were determined. Cardiac morphometry values were ascertained by measuring maximum diameters of the right and left ventricle on axial (RV axial , LV axial ) and four-chamber (RV 4-ch , LV 4-ch ) views. RV axial /LV axial and RV 4-ch /LV 4-ch ratios were calculated. Vessel stumps were evaluated for thrombosis. Results After PNX, PA (31.1 ± 5.8 mm vs 28.7 ± 5.4 mm, P = 0.003), PA/Ao (0.97 ± 0.15 vs 0.86 ± 0.12, P = 0.0001), and cardiac morphometry values significantly increased (RV axial 43.6 ± 7.4 vs 39.4 ± 7.1, P = 0.029; RV 4-ch 41.1 ± 6.3 vs 37.6 ± 5.7, P = 0.041; RV axial /LV axial 1.18 ± 0.27 vs 1.03 ± 0.22, P = 0.04; RV 4-ch /LV 4-ch 1.17 ± 0.21 vs 1.02 ± 0.16, P = 0.03). There were no significant differences between right and left PNX. One case of PA stump thrombosis was identified after right PNX. LOBX resulted in a significant increase in PA (30.6 ± 4.3 vs 28.7 ± 3.5, P = 0.005) and PA/Ao (0.90 ± 0.09 vs 0.85 ± 0.10, P = 0.017), whereas cardiac morphometry values were not significantly changed compared to baseline values. No vessel stump thrombosis was observed after LOBX. In comparison to LOBX, all ascertained values were significantly elevated after PNX. Conclusions Morphologic alterations of the cardiovascular system following PNX can be identified on CT scans. Alterations are more distinct after PNX compared to LOBX.

Chronische Kniegelenkschmerzen entstehen insbesondere bei alteren Patienten haufig auf dem Boden einer Arthrose, konnen aber auch auf andere Ursachen zuruckzufuhren sein, wie beispielsweise einer rheumatoiden Arthritis. Zur Diagnose gehort eine genaue Anamnese mit klinischer Untersuchung, die meist schon deutliche Hinweise auf die Schmerzursache gibt. Erst anschliesend sollte eine weitere Diagnostik erwogen werden, beispielsweise in Form von bildgebenden Verfahren oder Laboruntersuchungen. Die Therapie richtet sich nach der Ursache und dem jeweiligen Patienten. Sie zielt auf eine Schmerzreduktion und den Erhalt der Gelenkbeweglichkeit ab. Eine adaquate Schmerzmedikation, Physiotherapie sowie alternative Therapieverfahren werden angewendet, meist in Kombination. Eine Korrekturosteotomie kann hilfreich sein, ein partieller oder totaler Gelenkersatz sollte jedoch erst nach Ausschopfen der konservativen Therapiemoglichkeiten erfolgen.

Zur Reduktion von Tumorschmerzen beim inoperablen Pankreaskarzinom bietet der hochintensive fokussierte Ultraschall (HIFU) in Kombination mit einer palliativen Standardtherapie eine wirksame und innovative Behandlungsoption. Auswirkung der additiven Ultraschall(US)-gesteuerten HIFU-Behandlung bei inoperablem Pankreaskarzinom auf die sensorische und affektive Schmerzempfindung anhand der Schmerzempfindungsskala (SES). Zwanzig Patienten mit lokal fortgeschrittenem Pankreaskarzinom und tumorassoziierter Schmerzsymptomatik wurden mittels US-gesteuertem HIFU behandelt (n = 6: Stadium III, n = 12: Stadium IV nach UICC, n = 2: Rezidiv nach Operation). Die klinische Evaluation der tumorassoziierten Schmerzsymptomatik erfolgte durch validierte Messinstrumente (SES, numerische Rating-Skala [NRS]) mit besonderem Augenmerk auf der SES mit ihrer affektiven und sensorischen Komponente. Nach HIFU kam es bei 15/20 Patienten (75 %) zu einer durchschnittlichen Schmerzreduktion auf der NRS-Skala von 2,87 Punkten und damit zu einer Linderung des Schmerzniveaus um 57,3 % unterhalb des initialen mittleren Ausgangswertes. Bei 4 Patienten ohne postinterventionelle NRS-Anderung konnte die vorherige Opioidbasismedikation beendet (n = 2) oder die analgetische Medikation (n = 2) reduziert werden. Daruber hinaus konnten sowohl die schmerzbedingte emotionale Belastung als auch die sensorische Schmerzempfindung signifikant reduziert werden (p < 0,05 fur alle Global- und Teilskalen). Bei einem Patienten wurde keine Schmerzreduktion erreicht. Der US-gesteuerte HIFU kann zu einer effektiven Schmerzlinderung und Reduktion der affektiven und sensorischen Schmerzempfindung bei Patienten mit fortgeschrittenem Pankreaskarzinom eingesetzt werden.