Reevaluation of Acromegalic Patients in Long-Term Remission according to Newly Proposed Consensus Criteria for Control of Disease

Acromegaly guidelines updated in 2010 revisited criteria of disease control: if applied, it is likely that a percentage of patients previously considered as cured might present postglucose GH nadir levels not adequately suppressed, with potential implications on management. This study explored GH secretion, as well as hormonal, clinical, neuroradiological, metabolic, and comorbid profile in a cohort of 40 acromegalic patients considered cured on the basis of the previous guidelines after a mean follow-up period of 17.2 years from remission, in order to assess the impact of the current criteria. At the last follow-up visit, in the presence of normal IGF-I concentrations, postglucose GH nadir was over 0.4 μg/L in 11 patients (Group A) and below 0.4 μg/L in 29 patients (Group B); moreover, Group A showed higher basal GH levels than Group B, whereas a significant decline of both GH and postglucose GH nadir levels during the follow-up was observed in Group B only. No differences in other evaluated parameters were found. These results seem to suggest that acromegalic patients considered cured on the basis of previous guidelines do not need a more intensive monitoring than patients who met the current criteria of disease control, supporting instead that the cut-off of 0.4 mcg/L might be too low for the currently used GH assay.

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The impact of mild renal dysfunction on isolated cardiopulmonary coronary artery bypass grafting: a retrospective propensity score matching analysis

Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery ◽

10.1186/s13019-019-0998-4 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Xian Wang ◽

Yifan Zhu ◽

Wen Chen ◽

Liangpeng Li ◽

Xin Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Propensity Score ◽

Propensity Score Matching ◽

Artery Bypass ◽

Term Survival ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

The Impact ◽

New Onset

Abstract Background Mild preoperative renal dysfunction (RD) is not rare in patients receiving isolated cardiopulmonary coronary artery bypass grafting (CCABG). However, there are not too many studies about the impact of mild preoperative RD on in-hospital and follow-up outcomes after isolated CCABG. This single-centre, retrospective propensity score matching study designed to study the impact of mild preoperative RD on in-hospital and long-term outcomes after first isolated CCABG. Methods After propensity score matching, 1144 patients with preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of more than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 receiving first isolated CCABG surgery from January 2012 to December 2015 entered the study, who were divided into 2 groups: A group (eGFR ≥90 ml/min/1.73 m2, n = 572) and B group (eGFR of 60–89 ml/min/1.73 m2, n = 572). The in-hospital and long-term outcomes were recorded and analyzed. The mean follow-up time was 54.4 ± 10.7 months. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was defined and classified according to the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) criteria. Results The 2 propensity score-matched groups had similar baseline and procedure except the baseline eGFR. There were 8 patients died in A group (mortality is 1.4%) and 14 died in B group (mortality is 2.5%) during the in hospital and 30-day postoperatively(χ2 = 1.159, p = 0.282). There were totally 38 patients lost to follow-up, 18 in group A and 20 in group B. 21 patients died in group A and 37 died in group B during the follow-up, and long-term survival in group A was higher than in group B (96.2% vs 93.1%, χ2 = 4.336, p = 0.037). Comparing with group A, group B was associated with an increased rates and severity of AKI postoperatively (total AKI: 62 vs 144. AKIN stageI: 54 vs 113; AKIN stageII: 6 vs 22; AKIN stageIII: 2 vs 9, p<0.0001). During follow-up, group B also had a higher rate of new onset of dialysis (0 vs 6, χ2 = 4.432, p = 0.039). Multivariable logistic regression showed that comparing with A group, the HR for long-term mortality and new onset of dialysis in B group was 1.67 and 1.52 respectively (95%CI 1.09–2.90, p = 0.035; 95%CI 1.14–2.49, p = 0.027). Conclusions Comparing with normal preoperative renal function, patients with mild preoperative RD had a similar in-hosptial mortality, but with an increased in-hosptial rates and severity of AKI, and with a decreased long-term survival and increased long-term new onset of dialysis.

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Laparoscopic Incisional and Ventral Hernia Repair with Absorbable Tacks in a Long Term Follow-up: A Retrospective Control Study

Reviews on Recent Clinical Trials ◽

10.2174/1574887114666190201111332 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 141-146

Author(s):

Simone Zanella ◽

Enrico Lauro ◽

Francesco Franceschi ◽

Francesco Buccelletti ◽

Annalisa Potenza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hernia Repair ◽

Ventral Hernia ◽

Ventral Hernia Repair ◽

The Elderly ◽

Long Term Follow Up ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Absorbable Tacks

Background: Laparoscopic Incisional and Ventral Hernia Repair (LIVHR) is a safe and worldwide accepted procedure performed using absorbable tacks. The aim of the study was to evaluate recurrence rate in a long term follow-up and whether the results of laparoscopic IVH repair in the elderly (≥65 years old) are different with respect to results obtained in younger patients. Methods: One hundred and twenty-nine consecutive patients (74 women and 55 men, median age 67 years, range = 30-87 years) with ventral (N = 42, 32.5%) or post incisional (N = 87, 67.5%) hernia were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to their age: group A (N = 55, 42.6%) aged <65 years and group B (N = 74, 57.4%) aged ≥65 years. Results: The mean operative time was not significantly different between groups (66.7 ± 37 vs. 74 ± 48.4 min, p = 0.4). To the end of 2016, seven recurrences had occurred (group A = 3, group B = 4, p = 1). Complications occurred in 8 (16%) patients in group A and 21 (28.3%) patients in group B. Conclusion: In conclusion, our results confirm that the use of absorbable tacks does not increase recurrence frequency and laparoscopic incisional and ventral repair is a safety procedure also in elderly patients.

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439 Conservative Versus Surgical Management of Complicated Diverticulitis - A Retrospective Study of Long-Term Outcomes

British Journal of Surgery ◽

10.1093/bjs/znab134.280 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

E Durity ◽

G Elliott ◽

T Gana

Keyword(s):

Complicated Diverticulitis ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Long Term Outcomes ◽

Female Ratio ◽

Stoma Reversal ◽

Group A ◽

Grade 3 ◽

Group B

Abstract Introduction Management of complicated diverticulitis has shifted towards a conservative approach over time. This study evaluates the feasibility and long-term outcomes of conservative management. Method We retrospectively evaluated a consecutive series of patients managed with perforated colonic diverticulitis from 2013-2017. Results Seventy-three (73) patients were included with a male to female ratio of 1:2. Thirty-one (31) underwent Hartmann’s procedure (Group A) and 42 patients were managed with antibiotics +/- radiological drainage (Group B). Mean follow-up was 64.9 months (range 3-7 years). CT Grade 3 and 4 disease was observed in 64.5% and 40.4% of Group A and Group B patients, respectively. During follow-up, 9 (21.4%) Group B patients required Hartmann’s. Group A had longer median length of stay compared to Group B (25.1 vs 9.2 days). Post-operative complications occurred in 80.6% with 40% being Clavien-Dindo grade III or higher in group A. Stoma reversal was performed in 8 patients (25.8%). Conclusions In carefully selected cases, complicated diverticulitis including CT grade 3 and 4 disease, can be managed conservatively with acceptable recurrence rates (16.7% at 30 days, 4.8% at 90 days, 19.0% at 5 years). Surgical intervention on the other hand, carries high post-operative complication rates and low stoma reversal rates.

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The Role of Quantic Molecular Resonance (QMR) in the Treatment of Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy (ITH): Our Experience With Long-Term Follow-Up in Allergic and Nonallergic Rhinitis Refractory to Medical Therapy. Preliminary Results

Ear Nose & Throat Journal ◽

10.1177/01455613211001599 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 014556132110015

Author(s):

Filippo Ricciardiello ◽

Davide Pisani ◽

Pasquale Viola ◽

Raul Pellini ◽

Giuseppe Russo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nasal Obstruction ◽

Inferior Turbinate ◽

Nonallergic Rhinitis ◽

Turbinate Hypertrophy ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy ◽

Molecular Resonance

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the long-term effectiveness of quantic molecular resonance (QMR) in the treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) in allergic and nonallergic rhinitis refractory to medical therapy. Methods: This study enrolled 281 patients, 160 males (56.9%) and 121 females (43.1%), mean age 37.8 ± 4.1 years, range 18 to 71. Fifty-four patients have been lost to follow up and have been therefore excluded from the final analysis. Based on skin prick test results, 69 patients were considered allergic (group A) and 158 nonallergic (group B). All subjects underwent before surgery (T0) and 3 (T1), 12 (T2), 24 (T3), and 36 months (T4) after QMR treatment to: 4-phase rhinomanometric examination, nasal endoscopy evaluation, and visual analogue scale to quantify the subjective feelings about nasal obstruction. Results: Subjective and objective parameters showed statistically significant improvement in both groups. Group B parameters not changed during follow-up, while group A showed significant worsening between T1 and subsequent assessments. T4 outcome indicates a better result in nonallergic patients. Conclusions: In accordance with the literature, our preliminary data validate QMR treatment as a successful therapeutic option for nasal obstruction due to ITH. Nonallergic patients had a very good T4 outcome. Allergic patients showed a worsening trend after 1 year probably due to other causes.

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Management of fresh odontoid fractures using posterior C1–2 fixation without fusion: a long-term clinical follow-up study

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2021.9.spine21822 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Keyword(s):

Scale Score ◽

Neck Disability Index ◽

Implant Removal ◽

Odontoid Fractures ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Flexion Extension ◽

Group A ◽

Group B

OBJECTIVE Posterior C1–2 fixation without fusion makes it possible to restore atlantoaxial motion after removing the implant, and it has been used as an alternative technique for odontoid fractures; however, the long-term efficacy of this technique remains uncertain. The purpose of the present study was to explore the long-term follow-up outcomes of patients with odontoid fractures who underwent posterior C1–2 fixation without fusion. METHODS A retrospective study was performed on 62 patients with type II/III fresh odontoid fractures who underwent posterior C1–2 fixation without fusion and were followed up for more than 5 years. The patients were divided into group A (23 patients with implant removal) and group B (39 patients without implant removal) based on whether they underwent a second surgery to remove the implant. The clinical outcomes were recorded and compared between the two groups. In group A, the range of motion (ROM) of C1–2 was calculated, and correlation analysis was performed to explore the factors that influence the ROM of C1–2. RESULTS A solid fracture fusion was found in all patients. At the final follow-up, no significant difference was found in visual analog scale score or American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale score between the two groups (p > 0.05), but patients in group A had a lower Neck Disability Index score and milder neck stiffness than did patients in group B (p < 0.05). In group A, 87.0% (20/23) of the patients had atlantoodontoid joint osteoarthritis at the final follow-up. In group A, the C1–2 ROM in rotation was 6.1° ± 4.5° at the final follow-up, whereas the C1–2 ROM in flexion-extension was 1.8° ± 1.2°. A negative correlation was found between the C1–2 ROM in rotation and the severity of tissue injury in the atlantoaxial region (r = –0.403, p = 0.024) and the degeneration of the atlantoodontoid joint (r = –0.586, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Posterior C1–2 fixation without fusion can be used effectively for the management of fresh odontoid fractures. The removal of the implant can further improve the clinical efficacy, but satisfactory atlantoaxial motion cannot be maintained for a long time after implant removal. A surgeon should reconsider the contribution of posterior C1–2 fixation without fusion and secondary implant removal in preserving atlantoaxial mobility for patients with fresh odontoid fractures.

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Low-voltage-area ablation in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: Extended follow-up results of the VOLCANO trial

10.22541/au.161661216.67499040/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Masaharu Masuda ◽

Mitsutoshi Asai ◽

Osamu Iida ◽

Shin Okamoto ◽

Takayuki Ishihara ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Low Voltage ◽

Recurrence Rates ◽

Group A ◽

C 32 ◽

Group B ◽

Group D

Introduction: The randomized controlled VOLCANO trial demonstrated comparable 1-year rhythm outcomes between patients with and without ablation targeting low-voltage areas (LVAs) in addition to pulmonary vein isolation among paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with LVAs. To compare long-term AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) recurrence rates and types of recurrent-atrial-tachyarrhythmia between treatment cohorts during a > 2-year follow-up period. Methods: An extended-follow-up study of 402 patients enrolled in the VOLCANO trial with paroxysmal AF, divided into 4 groups based on the results of voltage mapping: Group A, no LVA (n=336); group B, LVA ablation (n=30); group C, LVA presence without ablation (n=32); and group D, incomplete voltage map (n=4). Results: At 25 (23, 31) months after the initial ablation, AF/AT recurrence rates were 19% in group A, 57% in group B, 59% in group C, and 100% in group D. Recurrence rates were higher in patients with LVAs than those without (group A vs. B+C, p<0.0001), and were comparable between those with and without LVA ablation (group B vs. C, p=0.83). Among patients who underwent repeat ablation, ATs were more frequently observed in patients with LVAs (Group B+C, 50% vs. A, 14%, p<0.0001). In addition, LVA ablation increased the incidence of AT development (group B, 71% vs. C, 32%, p<0.0001), especially biatrial tachycardia (20% vs. 0%, p=0.01). Conclusion: Patients with LVAs demonstrated poor long-term rhythm outcomes irrespective of LVA ablation. ATs were frequently observed in patients with LVAs, and LVA ablation might exacerbate iatrogenic ATs.

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The Impact of Visual Aids on the Retention of English Word Stress Patterns

International Journal of Applied Linguistics & English Literature ◽

10.7575/aiac.ijalel.v.7n.2p.225 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 225 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Farid Ghaemi ◽

Fahimeh Rafi

Keyword(s):

English Word ◽

Placement Test ◽

Visual Aids ◽

Word Stress ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

The Impact ◽

Stress Patterns

The present study aimed at comparing the effectiveness of three different techniques on learners’ long term memorization of English word stress patterns. After administering a quick placement test, 67 Iranian EFL elementary learners at language institutes were selected to participate in the study. Then they were divided into three groups. Before starting the instruction, a pretest was conducted to classify the participants’ abilities on word stress patterns. Then the new techniques were used to teach English word stress patterns. In all three groups, words were printed largely on a piece of paper and the syllables were clearly specified by dots. In group ‘A’, pronunciation and stress pattern of new words were taught aurally through the repetition of the words. In group ‘B’, all the procedure was exactly similar to that of group ‘A’, the only difference was that the stressed syllables were printed in bold. In group ‘C’, all the procedure was exactly similar to that of group ‘B’, except that the stressed syllables were not only printed in bold, but also introduced by teacher’s hand gesture. After two weeks, a delayed posttest was conducted to check long term memorization of the word stress patterns. The results of the study indicated that there was a significant difference between pretest and delayed posttest in all three groups. But the most meaningful difference belonged to group ‘C’. That is, the participants in the third group (gesture group) outperformed those in the other groups. Finally, some implications and suggestions provided for further research.

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Efficacy of Endoscopic Posterior Nasal Neurectomy in Treating Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis

ORL ◽

10.1159/000519724 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Manman Chen ◽

Ming Xu ◽

Xuefeng Lei ◽

Bin Zhang

Keyword(s):

Chronic Rhinosinusitis ◽

Surgical Recurrence ◽

Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis ◽

Group A ◽

Sinonasal Outcome Test ◽

Random Number Table ◽

Group B

Objectives: Recent guidelines have revealed that eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) exhibits a strong tendency for recurrence after surgery and impairs quality of life. Neuropeptides play an important neuroimmunological role. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of posterior nasal neurectomy (PNN) for the treatment of ECRS by inhibiting type 2 cytokine expression. Methods: Forty-six patients were divided into group A and group B according to a random number table. Group A underwent conventional functional endoscopic sinusitis surgery (FESS) combined with PNN, and group B underwent conventional FESS alone. The subjective and objective symptoms included a 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS), 22-item SinoNasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) score, nasal speculum Lund-Kennedy score, and paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) Lund-Mackay score at the 1-year postoperative follow-up. Results: Postoperative VAS (10.33 ± 2.18 vs. 8.38 ± 2.11, p < 0.01) and Lund-Kennedy score (1.95 ± 1.32 vs. 3.14 ± 1.35, p < 0.01) were significantly improved. The rhinorrhea score (1.76 ± 0.83 vs. 2.90 ± 1.14, p < 0.001) in the VAS and the discharge (0.43 ± 0.51, vs. 0.95 ± 0.67, p < 0.01) and edema (0.57 ± 0.60 vs. 0.95 ± 0.59, p < 0.05) scores in the Lund-Kennedy score were observed to have improved significantly in group A compared with those in group B. Conclusions: FESS combined with PNN suppresses edema symptoms, which might significantly decrease the surgical recurrence rate of ECRS in the long term.

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Caiman Versus LigaSure Hemorrhoidectomy: Postoperative Pain, Early Complications, Long-Term Follow-up, and Costs

Surgical Innovation ◽

10.1177/1553350620908388 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 27 (3) ◽

pp. 272-278

Author(s):

Chiara Eberspacher ◽

Pietro Mascagni ◽

Domenico Di Nardo ◽

Daniele Pironi ◽

Stefano Pontone ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Postoperative Pain ◽

Operative Time ◽

Healing Time ◽

Visual Analog Score ◽

Historical Cohort ◽

Long Term Follow Up ◽

Group A ◽

Group B

Purpose. Recently, the use of radiofrequency for hemorrhoidectomy has minimized incidence of postoperative complications. Effectiveness of LigaSure is demonstrated, but it is quite expensive. This study aims to compare LigaSure with Caiman, a cheaper instrument that uses radiofrequency for hemorrhoidectomy. Methods. A total of 35 patients were enrolled in this study between January 2015 and December 2017: 35 (Group A: Caiman) patients were matched with 35 control patients (Group B) from our historical cohort, treated with LigaSure. They were checked at 1 week after operation, at 4 weeks, and then after 2, 6, and 12 months. We considered different factors: intraoperative (operative time, number of piles removed, necessity of stiches or ligation), immediate postoperative (pain, bleeding within 4 weeks, incontinence, soiling within 4 weeks, healing time of anal wounds, return to working activities), and with a long-term follow-up. Results. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in analyzed intraoperative data: operative time (Group A 35 minutes vs Group B 33 minutes; P = .198) and stitches used. Postoperative data were comparable too, in particular pain (Group A 1 day Visual Analog Score = 6.25 vs Group B = 5.4, P = .178; Group A 1 week Visual Analog Score = 2.7 vs Group B = 1.14, P = .22) and bleeding (Group A = 2 vs Group B = 4; P = .2). Conclusions. According our initial experience, Caiman can be a safe and cheaper alternative to LigaSure for hemorrhoidectomy.

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Thalidomide Based Regimens (TBR) for Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma Patients: Long Term Follow Up, Unmaintained Remissions and Disease Control after Subsequent Treatments.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v110.11.4812.4812 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 110 (11) ◽

pp. 4812-4812

Author(s):

Maria Roussou ◽

Efstathios Kastritis ◽

Athanasios Anagnostopoulos ◽

Evangelos Eleftherakis-Papaiakovou ◽

Charis Matsouka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Progression Free Survival ◽

Free Survival ◽

Refractory Multiple Myeloma ◽

Long Term Follow Up ◽

Group A ◽

Pulse Dexamethasone ◽

Group B

Abstract Introduction: The effectiveness of thalidomide based regimens (TBR) in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma is well established. However, there are still limited data regarding the long term follow up after such regimens and the outcome of patients when they progress and they receive further treatment. In order to answer these questions we evaluated a series of 114 patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma who were treated with TBR. None of these patients had previously received thalidomide, bortezomib or lenalidomide. Patients and Methods: All patients were treated with thalidomide and dexamethasone with or without other oral agents. More specifically 41 patients had received continuous thalidomide and pulse dexamethasone, 25 patients clarithromycin, continuous thalidomide and pulse dexamethasone, 43 patients intermittent thalidomide, pulse dexamethasone and cyclophosphamide and 5 patients continuous thalidomide, pulse dexamethasone and cyclophosphamide. Type of treatment at the time of progression after TBR, response to this treatment and progression free survival were recorded for each patient. Moreover, patients who received novel agents after progression to TBR, were divided into 2 subgroups, according to their resistance to thalidomide. In group A, patients had refractory or progressive myeloma while on TBR or within 2 months after discontinuation of TBR. In group B, myeloma progressed more than 2 months after discontinuation of TBR. Results: Among the 114 patients, 41 had not responded to TBR and 73 (64%) had achieved at least a partial response. The median PFS for all patients was 8 months. As of June 2007, 10 patients remain without progression from 28 to 81 months (median 54 months). Eight patients remain off treatment and without progression for a median of 56 months (range 28–81). Patients who did not respond to or progressed after TBR were analyzed for further treatment and outcome. Thirty eight patients (37%) died before receiving further treatment, 23 patients (23%) received conventional chemotherapy and 41 patients (40%) received continuous thalidomide and dexamethasone +/− clarithromycin or cyclophosphamide (17 patients), bortezomib and dexamethasone (7 patients), melphalan-bortezomib-dexamethasone and intermittent thalidomide (12 patients) or lenalidomide with dexamethasone (5 patients). Among these 41 patients, 24 were classified in group A (thalidomide resistant) and 17 in group B. Overall 17 (41%) achieved at least partial response after retreatment with novel agent-based regimens. A response was observed in 46% of patients in group A and in 35% of patients in group B. The median progression free survival of the 41 patients who received retreatment with novel agents was 9.2 months and the median survival was 17 months. Among the 23 patients who received conventional chemotherapy only five (21%) patients responded and the progression free survival and the median survival were 5.3 and 10.2 months, respectively. Conclusions: After an oral TBR regimen 6 (5%) patients remain without treatment and free of progression for more than 4 years. A significant number of patients who progressed after TBR and who received further treatment which included a novel agent achieved a response, including several patients who were resistant to TBR.

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