Comorbidities and survival in patients with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Abstract Introduction Chronic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (cHP) is a fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD) resulting from repeated exposure to an offending antigen. Prognostication in cHP remains challenging, and the relationship between comorbidities and survival has yet to be characterized. The aim of this study was to describe the relationship between comorbid conditions and survival in patients with cHP. Methods The prospective database from a tertiary referral centre for ILD was reviewed for patient-reported comorbidities, their frequency, and relationship with survival in cHP patients. Comorbidities were assessed by direct questioning of the patient at the baseline visit and by a standardized questionnaire for the diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases. During the follow-up examinations, patients were asked about newly diagnosed comorbidities. Results Two hundred eleven patients with cHP were identified (mean age 63 years, 53% male, mean FVC 73%), with mean follow-up of 32 months. The mean number of comorbidities was 3 (10% had 0, 59% 1–3 and 31% ≥4 comorbidities). Most frequent comorbidities groups were cardiovascular (65%) and respiratory (26%), most common comorbidities were hypertension (56%), gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) (24%), diabetes (20%) and coronary heart disease (18%). In general, deceased patients had more comorbidities than survivors (p = 0.005), yet there was no association between the absolute number of comorbidities and survival. Pulmonary hypertension (30.8% versus 5.7%, p = 0.001;), diastolic dysfunction (26.9% versus 6.4%, p = 0.004) and cerebrovascular disease were more frequent in non-survivors (23.1% versus 7.6%, p = 0.026). Lung cancer was not observed, and neither GERD nor antacid drugs were associated with outcome (p = 0.357 and p = 0.961, respectively). Conclusions Comorbidities are common in cHP are associated with survival. Further work should determine whether interventions for these specific comorbidities can positively affect survival.

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Cycle length of nonsustanied ventricular tachycardias among ICD patients: implications on subsequent appropriate therapies

BMC Cardiovascular Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12872-021-02087-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Javier Jiménez-Candil ◽

Olga Duran ◽

Armando Oterino ◽

Jendri Pérez ◽

Juan Carlos Castro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

At Risk ◽

Secondary Prevention ◽

Beta Blocker ◽

Cycle Length ◽

Close Relationship ◽

Appropriate Therapy ◽

The Mean ◽

Ventricular Tachycardias ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Background ICD patients with episodes of nonsustained ventricular tachycardias (NSVT) are at risk of appropriate therapies. However, the relationship between the cycle length (CL) of such NSVTs and the subsequent incidence of appropriate interventions is unknown. Methods 416 ICD patients with LVEF < 45% were studied. ICD programming was standardized. NSVT was defined as any VT of 5 or more beats at ≥ 150 bpm occurred in the first 6 months after implantation that terminated spontaneously and was not preceded by any appropriate therapy. The mean follow-up was 41 ± 27 months. Results We analyzed 2201 NSVTs (mean CL = 323 ms) that occurred in 250 patients; 111 of such episodes were fast (CL ≤ 300 ms). Secondary prevention (HR = 1.7; p < 0.001), number of NSVT episodes (HR = 1.05; 95% CI 1.04–1.07; p < 0.001) and beta-blocker treatment (HR = 0.7; p = 0.04) were independent predictors of appropriate interventions; however, the mean CL of NSVTs was not (p = 0.6). There was a correlation between the mean CL of NSVTs and the CL of the first monomorphic VT: r = 0.88; p < 0.001. This correlation was especially robust in individuals with > 5 NSVTs (r = 0.97; p < 0.001), with an agreement between both values greater than 95%. Patients with any fast NSVT experienced a higher incidence of VF episodes (26%) compared to those without NVSTs (3%) or with only slow NSVTs (7%); p < 0.001. Conclusions Unlike the burden, the CL of NSVTs is not a predictor of subsequent appropriate interventions. However, there is a close relationship between the CL of NSVTs and that of arrhythmias that will later lead to appropriate therapies.

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Cohort profile: the St Vincent’s Melbourne Arthroplasty Outcomes (SMART) Registry, a pragmatic prospective database defining outcomes in total hip and knee replacement patients

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040408 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. e040408

Author(s):

Daniel Gould ◽

Sharmala Thuraisingam ◽

Cade Shadbolt ◽

Josh Knight ◽

Jesse Young ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Registry Data ◽

Prescribing Patterns ◽

Audit And Feedback ◽

Economic Evaluations ◽

Tertiary Referral Hospital ◽

Clinical Registry ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Prospective Database ◽

Future Plans

PurposeThe St Vincent’s Melbourne Arthroplasty Outcomes (SMART) Registry is an institutional clinical registry housed at a tertiary referral hospital in Australia. The SMART Registry is a pragmatic prospective database, which was established to capture a broad range of longitudinal clinical and patient-reported outcome data to facilitate collaborative research that will improve policy and practice relevant to arthroplasty surgery for people with advanced arthritis of the hip or knee. The purpose of this cohort profile paper is to describe the rationale for the SMART Registry’s creation, its methods, baseline data and future plans for the Registry. A full compilation of the data is provided as a reference point for future collaborators.ParticipantsThe SMART Registry cohort comprises over 13 000 consecutive arthroplasty procedures in more than 10 000 patients who underwent their procedure at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, since January 1998. Participant recruitment, data collection and follow-up is ongoing and currently includes up to 20 years follow-up data.Findings to dateSMART Registry data are used for clinical audit and feedback, as well as for a broad range of research including epidemiological studies, predictive statistical modelling and health economic evaluations. At the time of writing, there were 46 publications from SMART Registry data, with contributions from more than 67 coauthors.Future plansWith the recent linking of the SMART Registry with Medicare Benefits Schedule and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme data through the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, research into prescribing patterns and health system utilisation is currently underway. The SMART Registry is also being updated with the Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical complications.

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No Difference in Outcomes Following Osteochondral Allograft with Fresh Precut Cores Compared to Hemi-Condylar Allografts

Cartilage ◽

10.1177/19476035211021911 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 194760352110219

Author(s):

Danielle H. Markus ◽

Anna M. Blaeser ◽

Eoghan T. Hurley ◽

Brian J. Mannino ◽

Kirk A. Campbell ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Patient Reported Outcomes ◽

Knee Injury ◽

Lesion Size ◽

Osteochondral Allograft ◽

Osteochondral Lesions ◽

Radiographic Outcomes ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Patient Reported ◽

The Mean

Objective The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes at early to midterm follow-up between fresh precut cores versus hemi-condylar osteochondral allograft (OCAs) in the treatment of symptomatic osteochondral lesions. Design A retrospective review of patients who underwent an OCA was performed. Patient matching between those with OCA harvested from an allograft condyle/patella or a fresh precut allograft core was performed to generate 2 comparable groups. The cartilage at the graft site was assessed with use of a modified Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) scoring system and patient-reported outcomes were collected. Results Overall, 52 total patients who underwent OCA with either fresh precut OCA cores ( n = 26) and hemi-condylar OCA ( n = 26) were pair matched at a mean follow-up of 34.0 months (range 12 months to 99 months). The mean ages were 31.5 ± 10.7 for fresh precut cores and 30.9 ± 9.8 for hemi-condylar ( P = 0.673). Males accounted for 36.4% of the overall cohort, and the mean lesion size for fresh precut OCA core was 19.6 mm2 compared to 21.2 mm2 for whole condyle ( P = 0.178). There was no significant difference in patient-reported outcomes including Visual Analogue Scale, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement, and Tegner ( P > 0.5 for each), or in MOCART score (69.2 vs. 68.3, P = 0.93). Conclusions This study found that there was no difference in patient-reported clinical outcomes or MOCART scores following OCA implantation using fresh precut OCA cores or size matched condylar grafts at early to midterm follow-up.

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Sialendoscopy With Intraductal Steroid Irrigation in Patients With Sialadenitis Without Sialoliths

Ear Nose & Throat Journal ◽

10.1177/0145561319841207 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 98 (5) ◽

pp. 291-294 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Saudamini J. Lele ◽

Mickie Hamiter ◽

Torrey Louise Fourrier ◽

Cherie-Ann Nathan

Keyword(s):

Treatment Option ◽

Case Series ◽

Complete Response ◽

Definitive Treatment ◽

Invasive Technique ◽

Effective Treatment Option ◽

Patient Reported ◽

History Of ◽

The Mean

Sialendoscopy has emerged as a safe, effective and minimally invasive technique for management of obstructive and inflammatory salivary gland disease. The aim of our study was to analyze outcomes of sialendoscopy and steroid irrigation in patients with sialadenitis without sialoliths. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent interventional sialendoscopy with steroid irrigation from 2013 to 2016, for the treatment of sialadenitis without sialolithiasis. Twenty-two patients underwent interventional sialendoscopy with ductal dilation and steroid irrigation for the treatment of sialadenitis without any evidence of sialolithiasis. Conservative measures had failed in all. Eleven patients had symptoms arising from the parotid gland, 4 patients had symptoms arising from the submandibular gland, while 6 patients had symptoms in both parotid and submandibular glands. One patient complained of only xerostomia without glandular symptoms. The mean age of the study group which included 1 male and 21 females was 44.6 years (range: 3-86 years). Four patients had autoimmune disease, while 7 patients had a history of radioactive iodine therapy. No identifiable cause for sialadenitis was found in the remaining 11 patients. The mean follow-up period was 378.9 days (range: 16-1143 days). All patients underwent sialendoscopy with ductal dilation and steroid irrigation. Twelve patients showed a complete response and 9 patients had a partial response, while 1 patient reported no response. Only 3 patients required repeat sialendoscopy. The combination of sialendoscopy with ductal dilation and steroid irrigation is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with sialadenitis without sialoliths refractory to conservative measures. Prospective studies with a larger case series are needed to establish its role as a definitive treatment option.

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Twenty-Year Outcomes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review of Prospectively Collected Data

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/03635465211027302 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 036354652110273

Author(s):

Joshua S. Everhart ◽

Sercan Yalcin ◽

Kurt P. Spindler

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽

Acl Reconstruction ◽

Cruciate Ligament ◽

Knee Function ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Patient Reported ◽

The Mean ◽

Anterior Cruciate

Background: Several long-term (≥20 years) follow-up studies after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have been published in recent years, allowing for a systematic evaluation of outcomes. Purpose: To summarize outcomes at ≥20 years after ACL reconstruction and identify patient and surgical factors that affect these results. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Prospective studies of primary ACL reconstructions with hamstring or bone–patellar tendon—bone (BTB) autograft via an arthroscopic or a mini-open technique and with a mean follow-up of ≥20 years were identified. When possible, the mean scores for each outcome measure were calculated. Factors identified in individual studies as predictive of outcomes were described. Results: Five studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria with a total of 2012 patients. The pooled mean follow-up for patient-reported outcome measures was 44.2% (range, 29.6%-92.7%) and in-person evaluation was 33.2% (range, 29.6%-48.9%). Four studies (n = 584) reported graft tears at a mean rate of 11.8% (range, 2%-18.5%) and 4 studies (n = 773) reported a contralateral ACL injury rate of 12.2% (range, 5.8%-30%). Repeat non-ACL arthroscopic surgery (4 studies; n = 177) to the ipsilateral knee occurred in 10.4% (range, 9.5%-18.3%) and knee arthroplasty (1 study; n = 217) in 5%. The pooled mean of the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee function (IKDC) score was 79.1 (SD, 21.8 [3 studies; n = 644]). In 2 studies (n?= 221), 57.5% of patients continued to participate in strenuous activities. The IKDC-objective score was normal or nearly normal in 82.3% (n = 496; 3 studies), with low rates of clinically significant residual laxity. Moderate-severe radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) (IKDC grade C or D) was present in 25.9% of patients (n = 605; 3 studies). Medial meniscectomy is associated with increased risk of radiographic OA. Radiographic OA severity is associated with worse patient-reported knee function, but the association with knee pain is unclear. Conclusion: Currently available prospective evidence for ACL reconstruction with hamstring or BTB autograft provides several insights into outcomes at 20 years. The rates of follow-up at 20 years range from 30% to 93%. IKDC-objective scores were normal or nearly normal in 82% and the mean IKDC-subjective score was 79 points.

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Abstract P014: Lower eGFR and Proteinuria Were Independently Associated With Lower Cognitive Abilities in Community-dwelling Men in Japan: SESSA study

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.135.suppl_1.p014 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 135 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Akira Fujiyoshi ◽

Takayoshi Ohkubo ◽

Katsuyuki Miura ◽

Akihiko Shiino ◽

Naoko Miyagawa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Function ◽

Cognitive Abilities ◽

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate ◽

Subclinical Atherosclerosis ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Community Based ◽

Lower Egfr ◽

The Mean ◽

The Relationship

Introduction: The relationship between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cognitive function remains to be determined. Existing studies focused primarily on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) but not proteinuria in relation to cognitive function. Hypothesis: In a community-based sample, lower eGFR and presence of proteinuria are cross-sectionally independently associated with lower cognition. Methods: The Shiga Epidemiological Study of Subclinical Atherosclerosis (SESSA) randomly recruited and examined participants from Shiga, Japan in 2006-08 at baseline. Among 824 male participants in the follow-up exam (2010-12), we restricted our analyses to those who underwent the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI), age ≥65 years-old, free of stroke, with no missing pertinent covariates. We calculated eGFR (creatinine-based) according to the 2012-guideline by the Japanese Society of Nephrology. We then divided the participants into three groups by eGFR of ≥60, 59-40, and <40 (mL/min/1.73m 2 ), and separately divided into three groups according to proteinuria using urine dipstick: (-), (-/+), and ≥(1+). We defined CKD as either eGFR <60 or proteinuria ≥ (-/+). In linear regression with CASI score being a dependent variable, we computed the score adjusted for age, highest education attained, smoking, drinking, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Results: We analyzed 541 men. The mean [standard deviation] of age and unadjusted score were 72.6 [4.3] years and 89.7 [6.0]. Prevalence of CKD was 56%. The score was significantly lower in participants with CKD than those without it (P=0.03). eGFR and proteinuria categories were separately and jointly associated with lower CASI score in a graded fashion (Ps for trend <0.05 in all the models tested. Table 1 ). Conclusions: Lower eGFR and higher degree of proteinuria were independently associated with lower cognitive function in the community-based men. CKD even in its early phase may predispose to lower cognitive function.

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Outcomes of Hip Arthroscopic Surgery in Adolescents With a Subanalysis on Return to Sport: A Systematic Review

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546519875131 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 48 (6) ◽

pp. 1526-1534

Author(s):

Sarah L. Chen ◽

David R. Maldonado ◽

Cammille C. Go ◽

Cynthia Kyin ◽

Ajay C. Lall ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Short Form ◽

Adult Population ◽

Arthroscopic Surgery ◽

Return To Sport ◽

Functional Improvement ◽

Harris Hip Score ◽

Patient Reported ◽

The Mean

Background: There is a plethora of literature on outcomes after hip arthroscopic surgery in the adult population; however, outcomes in the adolescent population have not been as widely reported. Additionally, as adolescents represent a very active population, it is imperative to understand their athletic activity and return to sport after hip arthroscopic surgery. Purpose: To analyze patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after hip arthroscopic surgery in adolescents (aged 10-19 years) and present a return-to-sport analysis in the athletic adolescent subgroup. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines to identify articles that reported PROs after hip arthroscopic surgery in adolescents. The standardized mean difference was calculated to compare the effect size of hip arthroscopic surgery on various PROs. For the athletic subgroup, a return-to-sport summary was also provided. Results: Ten studies, with 618 adolescent hips and a collective study period of December 2004 to February 2015, were included in this systematic review. Across all studies, the mean age was 15.8 years (range, 11.0-19.9 years), and female patients composed approximately 56.7% of the entire cohort. The mean follow-up was 34.5 months (range, 12-120 months). The modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) was reported in 9 studies, and at latest follow-up, scores were excellent in 4 studies (range, 90-95) and good in the remaining 5 studies (range, 82.1-89.6). All adolescents also showed significant improvement on the Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), the Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), the HOS–Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), the physical component of the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12P), a visual analog scale for pain (VAS), and both versions of the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12 and iHOT-33) at latest follow-up ( P < .05). Further, mean improvements reported in all studies surpassed reported values of the minimal clinically important difference and patient acceptable symptomatic state for the mHHS, HOS-ADL, HOS-SSS, and iHOT-33. Finally, the collective return-to-sport rate among athletic adolescents was 84.9%. Conclusion: In the setting of labral tears and femoroacetabular impingement, hip arthroscopic surgery can safely be performed in adolescents and leads to significant functional improvement. Furthermore, athletic adolescents return to sport at high levels after hip arthroscopic surgery.

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Is Autonomy Always Beneficial for Work Engagement? A Six-year Four-Wave Follow-Up Study

Journal for Person-Oriented Research ◽

10.17505/jpor.2020.22043 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 16-27

Author(s):

Piia Seppälä ◽

Anne Mäkikangas ◽

Jari J. Hakanen ◽

Asko Tolvanen ◽

Taru Feldt

Keyword(s):

Work Engagement ◽

Initial Level ◽

Multilevel Regression ◽

Specific Point ◽

Relationship Patterns ◽

The Mean ◽

Regression Mixture ◽

The Relationship ◽

Predictive Relationship

Work engagement is expected to result from job resources such as autonomy. However, previous results have yielded that the autonomy–work engagement relationship is not always particularly strong. Whereas previous longitudinal studies have examined this relationship as an average at a specific point in time, this study examined whether this relationship is different within individuals from one time to another over the years. Furthermore, experiences of work engagement are expected to affect how employees benefit from autonomy, but no studies have so far investigated whether the initial level of work engagement affects the autonomy–work engagement relationship. This study aimed to first identify the different kinds of longitudinal relationship patterns between autonomy and work engagement, and then to investigate whether the identified relationship patterns differ in terms of the initial mean level of work engagement. The four-wave study was conducted among Finnish managers (n = 329) over a period of six years. Multilevel regression mixture analysis identified five relationship patterns. Four of the patterns showed a positive predictive relationship between autonomy and work engagement. However, the relationship was statistically significant in only one of these patterns. Furthermore, when the initial mean level of work engagement was high, autonomy related more strongly to work engagement. However, an atypical pattern was identified that showed a negative association between autonomy and work engagement. In this pattern, the mean level of work engagement was low. Consequently, autonomy may not always enhance work engagement; sometimes this relationship may even be negative.

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“Double-Pulley” Dual-Row Technique for Arthroscopic Fixation of Large Bony Bankart Lesion: Minimum 2-Year Follow-up With CT Evaluation

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/23259671211029239 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. 232596712110292

Author(s):

Siyi Guo ◽

Chunyan Jiang

Keyword(s):

Intraobserver Reliability ◽

Bankart Lesion ◽

Reliable Technique ◽

Bony Bankart Lesion ◽

Ct Measurements ◽

Bony Bankart ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Arthroscopic Fixation ◽

The Mean

Background: A “double-pulley” dual-row technique had been applied for arthroscopic fixation of large bony Bankart lesion in which the fragment has a wide base. Purpose: To investigate clinical outcomes and glenoid healing after arthroscopic fixation of bony Bankart lesion using the double-pulley dual-row technique. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 25 patients were included in this retrospective study. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, and range of motion of the affected shoulder were assessed. Radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans (preoperatively, immediately after surgery, and at 1 year postoperatively) were performed to evaluate arthritic changes (Samilson-Prieto classification) and glenoid size. The intraobserver reliability of the CT measurements was analyzed. Results: At a mean follow-up of 3.4 years, the mean ASES and VAS scores were 94.87 ± 5.02 and 0.48 ± 0.59, respectively. Active forward elevation, external rotation with the arm at the side, and internal rotation were 165.80° ± 11.70°, 33.20° ± 8.02°, and T9 (range, T6-S1), respectively. No patient reported a history of redislocation or instability. The intraobserver reliability of the CT measurements was moderate to excellent. The mean preoperative size of the bony fragment was measured as 23.4% ± 7.8% of the glenoid articular surface. The quality of the reduction was judged to be excellent in 13 (52%) cases, good in 8 (32%), and fair in 4 (16%). The mean immediate postoperative glenoid size was 96.8% ± 4.3%, and bone union was found in all cases. There were no significant differences between reconstructed and immediate postoperative glenoid size or between preoperative and final Samilson-Prieto grades. Conclusion: The arthroscopic double-pulley method was a reliable technique for the fixation of large bony Bankart lesions with a wide base. Satisfactory results can be expected regarding the restoration of the glenoid morphology and stability of the shoulder. High healing rate and good shoulder function can be achieved. No radiological evidence of cartilage damage caused by suture abrasion was found at 2- to 5-year follow-up.

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Tubular approach to minimally invasive microdiscectomy for pediatric lumbar disc herniation

Journal of Neurosurgery Pediatrics ◽

10.3171/2017.11.peds17293 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 21 (5) ◽

pp. 449-455 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Julio D. Montejo ◽

Joaquin Q. Camara-Quintana ◽

Daniel Duran ◽

Jeannine M. Rockefeller ◽

Sierra B. Conine ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Minimally Invasive ◽

Lumbar Disc Herniation ◽

Disc Herniation ◽

Pediatric Patients ◽

Lumbar Disc ◽

Low Back ◽

Duration Of Symptoms ◽

Patient Reported ◽

The Mean

OBJECTIVELumbar disc herniation (LDH) in the pediatric population is rare and exhibits unique characteristics compared with adult LDH. There are limited data regarding the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) using tubular retractors in pediatric patients with LDH. Here, the outcomes of MIS tubular microdiscectomy for the treatment of pediatric LDH are evaluated.METHODSTwelve consecutive pediatric patients with LDH were treated with MIS tubular microdiscectomy at the authors’ institution between July 2011 and October 2015. Data were gathered from retrospective chart review and from mail or electronic questionnaires. The Macnab criteria and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used for outcome measurements.RESULTSThe mean age at surgery was 17 ± 1.6 years (range 13–19 years). Seven patients were female (58%). Prior to surgical intervention, 100% of patients underwent conservative treatment, and 50% had epidural steroid injections. Preoperative low-back and leg pain, positive straight leg raise, and myotomal leg weakness were noted in 100%, 83%, and 67% of patients, respectively. The median duration of symptoms prior to surgery was 9 months (range 1–36 months). The LDH level was L5–S1 in 75% of patients and L4–5 in 25%. The mean ± SD operative time was 90 ± 21 minutes, the estimated blood loss was ≤ 25 ml in 92% of patients (maximum 50 ml), and no intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted at 30 days. The median hospital length of stay was 1 day (range 0–3 days). The median follow-up duration was 2.2 years (range 0–5.8 years). One patient experienced reherniation at 18 months after the initial operation and required a second same-level MIS tubular microdiscectomy to achieve resolution of symptoms. Of the 11 patients seen for follow-up, 10 patients (91%) reported excellent or good satisfaction according to the Macnab criteria at the last follow-up. Only 1 patient reported a fair level of satisfaction by using the same criteria. Seven patients completed an ODI evaluation at the last follow-up. For these 7 patients, the mean ODI low-back pain score was 19.7% (SEM 2.8%).CONCLUSIONSTo the authors’ knowledge, this is the longest outcomes study and the largest series of pediatric patients with LDH who were treated with MIS microdiscectomy using tubular retractors. These data suggest that MIS tubular microdiscectomy is safe and efficacious for pediatric LDH. Larger prospective cohort studies with longer follow-up are needed to better evaluate the long-term efficacy of MIS tubular microdiscectomy versus other open and MIS techniques for the treatment of pediatric LDH.

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