Spray cryotherapy prevents need for palliative stenting in patients with esophageal cancer-associated dysphagia

Author(s):  
Yuri Hanada ◽  
Cadman L Leggett ◽  
Prasad G Iyer ◽  
Bryan Linn ◽  
Tiffany Mangels-Dick ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Dysphagia is the most common symptom in advanced esophageal cancer patients. Esophageal stent placement (SP) is a common palliation method but can be associated with significant morbidity. Limited data exist regarding the ability of spray cryotherapy (SC) prolong time to SP. Methods A Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) patient database was reviewed for cases with a SC indication of esophageal cancer palliation from 2007–2019. Procedures were performed using a liquid nitrogen SC system to apply 2–5 separate 20 second freeze and 60 second thaw cycles based on tumor characteristics. Primary outcome was time to subsequent palliative SP. Results Of 56 patients (71.4% male, mean age 77.8 ± 10.2 years) who underwent a total of 199 SC sessions (mean 3.6 ± 2.7, range 1–12 per patient), 41 had adenocarcinoma and 15 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Overall, 13 patients underwent subsequent SP within a mean duration of 15.7 ± 11.0 months over a mean follow-up duration of 25.6 ± 29.4 months. Treatment did produce stenosis in 16 patients, who required dilation within a mean period of 193.1 ± 294.1 days; notably, 10 patients had a history of preceding malignant strictures requiring dilation. Two patients experienced bleeding requiring transfusion, whereas 1 experienced perforation at the start of SC. Prior chemotherapy and/or radiation was not associated with developing an SC-related complication (risk ratio (RR) 1.5; 95% CI 0.6–3.7, P > 0.4). Conclusions SC appears to be an effective and safe modality to palliate esophageal cancer in appropriate candidates. Majority of patients who undergo SC avoid the need for future SP. If patients eventually require SP, they are able to, on average, defer stenting for >1 year from SC initiation.

Open Heart ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. e001380
Author(s):  
Rasmus Bo Hasselbalch ◽  
Mia Marie Pries-Heje ◽  
Sarah Louise Kjølhede Holle ◽  
Thomas Engstrøm ◽  
Merete Heitmann ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo prospectively validate the CT-Valve score, a new risk score designed to identify patients with valvular heart disease at a low risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) who could benefit from multislice CT (MSCT) first instead of coronary angiography (CAG).MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study of patients referred for valve surgery in the Capital Region of Denmark and Odense University Hospital from the 1 February 2015 to the 1 February 2017. MSCT was implemented for patients with a CT-Valve score ≤7 at the referring physician’s discretion. Patients with a history of CAD or chronic kidney disease were excluded. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients needing reevaluation with CAG after MSCT and risk of CAD among the patients determined to be low to intermediate risk.ResultsIn total, 1149 patients were included. The median score was 9 (IQR 3) and 339 (30%) had a score ≤7. MSCT was used for 117 patients. Of these 29 (25%) were reevaluated and 9 (7.7%) had CAD. Of the 222 patients with a score ≤7 that did not receive an MSCT, 14 (6%) had significant CAD. The estimated total cost of evaluation among patients with a score ≤7 before implementation was €132 093 compared with €79 073 after, a 40% reduction. Similarly, estimated total radiation before and after was 608 mSv and 362 mSv, a 41% reduction. Follow-up at a median of 32 months (18–48) showed no ischaemic events for patients receiving only MSCT.ConclusionThe CT-Valve score is a valid method for determining risk of CAD among patients with valvular heart disease. Using a score ≤7 as a cut-off for the use of MSCT is safe and cost-effective.


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra van Dissel ◽  
Alexander Opotowsky ◽  
Jamil A Aboulhosn ◽  
Martijn Kauling ◽  
Salil Ginde ◽  
...  

Background: Occasionally patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) exhibit little clinical evidence of cardiovascular limitation even to their 8th decade. We aimed to assess survival prospects in a large cohort of ccTGA adults. Methods & Results: We included 555 ccTGA adults (median age 33.0 years, 48.3% female) under regular follow-up at 28 institutions between 2002 and 2019. The primary outcome was a composite of death, mechanical circulatory support (MCS) and heart transplant. During a median follow-up of 8.1 [IQR 4.4 - 13.3] years, 56 (10.1%) patients died, 10 (1.8%) patients underwent MCS and 14 (2.5%) had a heart transplant. Median age at time of primary outcome was 51.1 [IQR 37.5 - 63.2] years and cumulative incidence at 15 years from baseline was 21.5% [95% CI 16.1 - 26.5]. Leading causes of death were worsening of heart failure (43%) and sudden death (10%). Patients who died were more likely to use heart failure (HF) medications. In multivariable Cox analyses for baseline variables, age, prior atrial arrhythmia and HF admission were each associated with an increased risk of the primary outcome. Figure shows cumulative incidence according to history of atrial arrhythmia. During follow-up, 91 (16.4%) were admitted for HF, pacemaker implantation was performed in 68 (12.3%) patients, ICD in 82 (14.7%), and major cardiac surgery (mostly for systemic AV-valve) in 89 (15.8%) patients. Conclusion: In this large cohort of ccTGA adults, survival seemed to be primarily determined by heart failure-related complications. Prior atrial arrhythmia also seems to be a harbinger for adverse outcome. Few patients underwent advanced HF therapies. Figure: Cumulative incidence of the composite primary outcome (MCS, heart transplant or death) over a period of 14 years from first visit at an adult congenital heart disease clinic since 2002 stratified according to history of atrial arrhythmia. Shading represents upper and lower 95% confidence limits.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Flaminia Olearo ◽  
Huyen Nguyen ◽  
Fabrice Bonnet ◽  
Sabine Yerly ◽  
Gilles Wandeler ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective The impact of the M184V/I mutation on the virological failure (VF) rate in HIV-positive patients with suppressed viremia switching to an abacavir/lamivudine/dolutegravir regimen has been poorly evaluated. Method This is an observational study from 5 European HIV cohorts among treatment-experienced adults with ≤50 copies/mL of HIV-1 RNA who switched to abacavir/lamivudine/dolutegravir. Primary outcome was the time to first VF (2 consecutive HIV-1 RNA >50 copies/mL or single HIV-1 RNA >50 copies/mL accompanied by change in antiretroviral therapy [ART]). We also analyzed a composite outcome considering the presence of VF and/or virological blips. We report also the results of an inverse probability weighting analysis on a restricted population with a prior history of VF on any ART regimen to calculate statistics standardized to the disparate sampling population. Results We included 1626 patients (median follow-up, 288.5 days; interquartile range, 154–441). Patients with a genotypically documented M184V/I mutation (n = 137) had a lower CD4 nadir and a longer history of antiviral treatment. The incidence of VF was 29.8 cases (11.2–79.4) per 1000 person-years in those with a previously documented M184V/I, and 13.6 cases (8.4–21.8) in patients without documented M184V/I. Propensity score weighting in a restricted population (n = 580) showed that M184V/I was not associated with VF or the composite endpoint (hazard ratio [HR], 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35–4.59 and HR 1.66; 95% CI, 0.81–3.43, respectively). Conclusions In ART-experienced patients switching to an abacavir/lamivudine/dolutegravir treatment, we observed few VFs and found no evidence for an impact of previously-acquired M184V/I mutation on this outcome. Additional analyses are required to demonstrate whether these findings will remain robust during a longer follow-up.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Safwan Gaznabi ◽  
Ashraf Abugroun ◽  
Hasan Mahbub ◽  
Enrique Campos

A 79-year-old male was admitted to the hospital for acute exacerbation of heart failure. The patient had history of atrial fibrillation and was planned for cardioversion. Preprocedure transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) revealed a large multilobulated mobile thrombus in the left atrial appendage. The patient refused warfarin therapy and instead chose to take rivaroxaban. Upon outpatient follow-up, 3 months later, no visible thrombus was appreciated on repeat TEE. This case demonstrates successful resolution of left atrial and left atrial appendage thrombi with the use of rivaroxaban. At present time, limited data is available to support the use of rivaroxaban for treatment of intracardiac thrombi. This case highlights the need for further studies to investigate the outcomes and relative efficiency of use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in lysis of intracardiac thrombus. The benefits of DOACs compared to the standard of therapy could increase patient compliance, reduce length of stay, and improve treatment efficacy.


Author(s):  
Christian Brooks ◽  
Heather Cooke

Highlights: Left ventricular pseudoaneurysms are a rare mechanical complication of myocardial infarction. If found acutely following infarction (within 2 weeks, with some advocating up to 3 months), surgical repair is recommended due to their high risk of rupture.Whilst associated with chest pain, dyspnoea and heart failure, some individuals are asymptomatic, with the diagnosis made incidentally on routine follow-up often months to years post infarction. Less is known about the natural history of these chronic pseudoaneurysms, with concerns around their propensity to rupture perhaps less than the mortality risk of surgical repair.We present the case of a 70 year-old asymptomatic man who was found to have a 1.6cm left ventricular pseudoaneurysm found incidentally on routine transthoracic echocardiogram. at 12-months post posterior myocardial infarctionThe consensus opinion of our institution's multi-disciplinary team regarding further management of this patient, with reference to the current limited data on chronic pseudoaneurysms, will be discussed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Vandenhaute ◽  
Elyonore Tsakeu ◽  
Pierre Chevalier ◽  
Manjiri Pawaskar ◽  
Goran Benčina ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Varicella is a highly contagious infection that typically occurs in childhood. While most cases have a generally benign outcome, infection results in a considerable healthcare burden and serious complications may occur. Objectives The objective of this study was to characterize the burden of varicella in a real-world primary care setting in Belgium, including the rate of varicella-related complications, medication management and general practitioner (GP) visits. Methods The study was a retrospective observational study using data from a longitudinal patient database in a primary care setting in Belgium. Patients with a GP visit and a varicella diagnosis between January 2016 and June 2019 were eligible and data one month prior and three months after the diagnosis were included. Outcomes included varicella-related complications, antibiotic use, antiviral use, and GP follow-up visits. Antibiotic use could be specified by class of antibiotic and linked to a diagnosis. Complications were identified based on concomitant diagnosis with varicella during the study period. Results 3,847 patients with diagnosis of varicella were included, with a mean age of 8.4 years and a comparable distribution of gender. 12.6% of patients with varicella had a concomitant diagnosis of a varicella-related complication. During the follow-up period, 27.3% of patients with varicella were prescribed antibiotics, either systemic (19.8%) and/or topical (10.3%). The highest rate of antibiotic prescriptions was observed in patients with complications (63.5%) and in patients younger than 1 year (41.8%). Nevertheless, 5.3% of the patients were prescribed antibiotics without a concomitant diagnosis of another infection. The most commonly prescribed systemic antibiotics were amoxicillin alone or combined with beta-lactamase inhibitor, and thiamphenicol. Fusidic acid and tobramycin were the most prescribed topical antibiotics. Antivirals were prescribed for 2.7% of the study population. 4.7% of the patients needed a follow-up visit with their GP. Conclusions This study reports a substantial burden of varicella in a primary care setting in Belgium, with high rates of complications and antibiotic use.


EP Europace ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (10) ◽  
pp. 1558-1566
Author(s):  
Yu-Sheng Lin ◽  
Victor Chien-Chia Wu ◽  
Hui-Ting Wang ◽  
Huang-Chung Chen ◽  
Mien-Cheng Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims The implications of ablation for atrial fibrillation in preventing stroke are controversial, and no studies have investigated whether ablation prevents ischaemic stroke (IS) in atrial flutter (AFL). Methods and results This study analysed data contained in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database for 16 765 patients with a first diagnosis of solitary AFL during 2001–2013. Eligible patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not they had received ablation. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to mitigate the effects of potential confounding factors. The primary outcome was occurrence of IS during follow-up. After 1:2 PSM, the analysis included 1037 patients in the ablation group and 2074 patients in the non-ablation group. The incidence of IS was lower in the ablation group compared to the non-ablation group [subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR) 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.41–0.90] during the 2-year follow-up period but not thereafter (SHR 1.03, 95% CI 0.72–1.48). When grouping by stroke history, it revealed that ablation affected the incidence of stroke in patients without history of stroke (SHR 0.59, 95% CI 0.38–0.91) but not in patients with history of stroke. When each group was stratified by CHA2DS2-VASc score, ablation lowered the incidence of stroke in patients with CHA2DS2-VASc ≤3 (SHR 0.31, 95% CI 0.16–0.60) but not in patients with CHA2DS2-VASc ≥4 in the initial 2-year follow-up. Conclusion The different incidence of IS in patients with/without ablation indicates that ablation reduces the risk of IS in AFL patients.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 117822341877776 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chloe C Kimball ◽  
Christine I Nichols ◽  
Joshua G Vose

Objectives: Percutaneous core-needle biopsy (PCNB) is the standard of care to biopsy and diagnose suspicious breast lesions. Dependent on histology, many patients require additional open procedures for definitive diagnosis and excision. This study estimated the payer and patient out-of-pocket (OOP) costs, and complication risk, among those requiring at least 1 open procedure following PCNB. Methods: This retrospective study used the Truven Commercial database (2009-2014). Women who underwent PCNB, with continuous insurance, and no history of cancer, chemotherapy, radiation, or breast surgery in the prior year were included. Open procedures were defined as open biopsy or lumpectomy. Study follow-up ended at chemotherapy, radiation, mastectomy, or 90 days—whichever occurred first. Results: In total, 143 771 patients (mean age 48) met selection criteria; 85.1% underwent isolated PCNB, 12.4% one open procedure, and 2.5% re-excision. Incidence of complications was significantly lower among those with PCNB alone (9.2%) vs 1 open procedure (15.6%) or re-excision (25.3%, P < .001). Mean incremental commercial payments were US $13 190 greater among patients with 1 open procedure vs PCNB alone (US $17 125 vs US $3935, P < .001), and US $4767 greater with re-excision (US $21 892) relative to 1 procedure. Mean patient OOP cost was US $858 greater for 1 open procedure vs PCNB alone (US $1527 vs US $669), and US $247 greater for re-excision vs 1 procedure. Conclusions: A meaningful proportion of patients underwent open procedure(s) following PCNB which was associated with increased complication risk and costs to both the payer and the patient. These results suggest a need for technologies to reduce the proportion of cases requiring open surgery and, in some cases, re-excision.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S401-S401
Author(s):  
Roomana Khan ◽  
Saleeha Asghar ◽  
Vivek Kak

Abstract Background The purpose of our study was to assess the natural history of cardiac vegetations in native valves(NVIE) including changes in size and/or resolution with adequate treatment, as well as analyze factors that influence initial size. Methods We did a retrospective review of 102 patients discharged with a diagnosis NVIE at a community hospital. These patients were then screened to see if they received an adequate course of antimicrobial therapy and had follow up echocardiograms. The primary outcome measured was the change in vegetation size. We also assessed secondary measures including pathogen identified, the valve involved, complications, and associated IDU and any co-infections. Results 31 patients fulfilled the study criteria and showed an initial mean vegetation size of 170mm upon initial echocardiography. The follow-up size after antibiotic treatment was 78mm suggesting a statistically significant relationship between antibiotic completion and reduction in vegetation size. (p-value 0.005). T-Test was used for subgroup analysis and showed that the initial size of vegetations was significantly larger in IDUs (311) when compared to non-IDU (92)(p-value= 0.026).Patients who had embolic phenomena had significantly larger initial vegetations than those with no embolic complication. Initial vegetation size was significantly larger for people with embolic complications (308 mm vs 82.65 mm, p-value 0.013).We also found that patients with Staphylococcal endocarditis had larger vegetations than those with non-staphylococcal endocarditis (264 vs 39, p-value 0.001). and treatment led to a larger decrease in vegetation size (152 vs 7, p value 0.007) Conclusion Our small study suggests that successful treatment of NVIE does lead to a decrease in vegetation size though resolution of the vegetation does not occur. We also found that embolic phenomenon tended to occur with larger vegetations with our study suggesting that a vegetation &gt; 3 cm was more likely to embolize. Our study also shows that vegetations in NVIE in injection drug users were larger than those in non-IDU and vegetation size is larger in patients with staphylococcal endocarditis however successful treatment in these patients also leads to a larger decrease in size of these vegetations Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


Author(s):  
Guilherme Piovezani Ramos ◽  
Christina Dimopoulos ◽  
Nicholas M McDonald ◽  
Laurens P Janssens ◽  
Kenneth W Hung ◽  
...  

Abstract Background There are limited data on how vedolizumab (VDZ) impacts extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to determine the clinical outcomes of EIMs after initiation of VDZ for patients with IBD. Methods A multicenter retrospective study of patients with IBD who received at least 1 dose of VDZ between January 1, 2014 and August 1, 2019 was conducted. The primary outcome was the rate of worsening EIMs after VDZ. Secondary outcomes were factors associated with worsening EIMs and peripheral arthritis (PA) specifically after VDZ. Results A total of 201 patients with IBD (72.6% with Crohn disease; median age 38.4 years (interquartile range, 29-52.4 years); 62.2% female) with EIMs before VDZ treatment were included. The most common type of EIM before VDZ was peripheral arthritis (PA) (68.2%). Worsening of EIMs after VDZ occurred in 34.8% of patients. There were no statistically significant differences between the worsened EIM (n = 70) and the stable EIM (n = 131) groups in term of age, IBD subtype, or previous and current medical therapy. We found that PA was significantly more common in the worsening EIM group (84.3% vs 59.6%; P &lt; 0.01). Worsening of EIMs was associated with a higher rate of discontinuation of VDZ during study follow-up when compared with the stable EIM group (61.4% vs 44%; P = 0.02). Treatment using VDZ was discontinued specifically because of EIMs in 9.5% of patients. Conclusions Almost one-third of patients had worsening EIMs after VDZ, which resulted in VDZ discontinuation in approximately 10% of patients. Previous biologic use or concurrent immunosuppressant or corticosteroid therapy did not predict EIM course after VDZ.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document