Experience of Using a Mobile App to Improve Adherence to Treatment in Patients with TB/HIV Coinfection

The objective of the study: to summarize experience of using a mobile technology to improve adherence in patients with tuberculosis and HIV infection (TB/HIV) who are psychoactive substance users.Subjects and Methods. A smartphone app was used, it included daily patient inquiries about mood, stress levels, and medication intake; periodic reminders about outpatient appointments; and anonymous chats with the coordinating physician and other patients. Treatment results were evaluated in Group 1 (n = 54) and Group 2 (n = 50), where this technology was used and not used, respectively.Results. The number of patients cured of tuberculosis was not significantly different between Groups 1 and 2 (32/51 vs. 27/48; χ2 = 0.61, p = 0.48). Patients from Group 2 died significantly more often during the follow-up period (14/48 vs. 3/51; χ2 = 7.86, p = 0.006) associated with antiretroviral therapy interruption or withdrawal. Increased CD4 count by 6 months of follow-up was found in both groups, most pronounced among those who started ART (W = 6.0, p = 0.004 – in Group 1 and W = 15.0, p = 0.004 – in Group 2). The total number of patients with viral suppression was greater in Group 1 than in Group 2 (34/47 vs. 20/39; χ2 = 4.05, p = 0.04).Conclusion. The mobile app used is suitable for supporting the outpatient management of patients with TB/HIV coinfection but its direct impact was reflected only in the formation of ART adherence and lower number of deaths.

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Long-term outcome of endocardial-only versus combined endocardial-epicardial homogenization of the scar for treatment of ventricular tachycardia in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.0364 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

S Mohanty ◽

C Trivedi ◽

D G Della Rocca ◽

C Gianni ◽

B MacDonald ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ventricular Tachycardia ◽

Ischemic Cardiomyopathy ◽

Heart Surgery ◽

Open Heart Surgery ◽

Long Term Outcome ◽

Obstructive Sleep ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Abstract Introduction We investigated the ablation success of scar homogenization with combined (epicardial + endocardial) versus endocardial-only approach for ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) at 5 years of follow-up. Method Consecutive ICM patients undergoing VT ablation at our center were classified into group 1: endocardial scar homogenization and group 2: endocardial +epicardial scar homogenization. Patients with previous open heart surgery were excluded. All patients underwent bipolar substrate mapping with standard scar settings defined as normal tissue >1.5 mV and severe scar <0.5 mV. Non-inducibility of monomorphic VT was the procedural endpoint in both groups. Patients were followed up twice a year for 5 years with implantable device interrogations. Results A total of 361 (Group 1: 291 and group 2: 70) patients were included in the study (mean age: 67 years, male: 88.4%). At 5 years, significantly higher number of patients from group 2 remained arrhythmia-free (figure 1). Of those patients, 87 (45%) and 51 (89%) from group 1 and 2 respectively were off-anti-arrhythmic drugs (AAD) (p<0.001). After adjusting for age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea, scar homogenization using endo-epicardial approach was associated with 51% less recurrence compared to the endocardial ablation strategy (Hazard Ratio: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.27–0.89, p: 0.02). Conclusion In this series of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and VT, endo-epicardial scar homogenization was associated with a lower need for AAD and a significantly lower recurrence rate at 5-years of follow-up compared to the endocardial ablation alone. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1

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Does Upfront Therapy with Fludarabine Increase the Risk of Histological Transformation In Patients with Follicular Lymphoma?

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v116.21.4885.4885 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 116 (21) ◽

pp. 4885-4885

Author(s):

Sobia Yaqub ◽

Todd W. Gress ◽

Oscar Ballester

Keyword(s):

Follicular Lymphoma ◽

Relapse Rate ◽

Group 4 ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Histological Transformation ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Time To Relapse ◽

Group 1

Abstract Abstract 4885 Introduction: Fludarabine has been reported to increase the incidence of relapse and histological transformation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (Thornton PD, Leukemia research, 2005) and Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (Leleu X, J Clincal Oncology, 2009). The purpose of our study was to investigate the role of Fludarabine and the risk of transformation and relapse in follicular lymphoma (FL). Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective single institution study. We included 50 patients consecutively diagnosed with FL Grade I and II based on WHO classification of lymphoid malignancies. Grade III patients were excluded from the study. Median follow up is 2.86 years. Patients were grouped according to the initial therapy chosen by their treating physicians: Group 1(n=14) included patients on observation and radiation therapy, Group 2 (n=6) included patients on Fludarabine based regimens, Group 3(n=13) included CVP-R and other rituximab regimens and Group 4(n=17) included R-CHOP. Data collected included time to the onset of biopsy proven transformation, time to relapse, mortality and overall survival. Level of significance was set at <0.05. Results: Median age of the patients was 56.5 and it was not significantly different for the various groups. High risk FLIPI score was seen in 66% of patients treated with Fludarabine regimens as compared to 61% of R-CHOP treated patients. Overall, relapse occurred in 38% patients and transformation occurred in 16% patients during the follow up period. Fludarabine treated patients had the highest relapse rate: 50% (p=0.03). R-CHOP group has lowest relapse rate: 11%. Transformation rate was highest in the Fludarabine group: 33%, as compared to 13% to 17% in other groups (p=0.10). Mortality rate was 7% in group 1, 16% in group 2, 23% for group 3 and 5% in group 4 (p=0.44). Time to relapse/progression in group 1 was 2.9 years; in group 2 was 2.1 years; in group 3 was 2.7 years and in group 4 was 5.8 years. Conclusions: In our study, Fludarabine treated patients appear to be at higher risk for relapse and transformation compared to patients treated with R-CHOP. The differences can not be explained on the basis of known prognostic factors such as age or FLIPI score. The retrospective nature of the study and the small numbers of patients preclude more definitive conclusions. Further research is needed with large number of patients. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Comparative study between open and laparoscopic lymphadenectomy (pelvic and para-aortic) in gynecological malignancies

International Surgery Journal ◽

10.18203/2349-2902.isj20181583 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (5) ◽

pp. 1657

Author(s):

Hytham R. Yassin ◽

Soliman ALShakhs ◽

Mohammed Hamed ◽

Adel Karam ◽

Mohammed Mouneer

Keyword(s):

Comparative Study ◽

Radical Surgery ◽

Safe Procedure ◽

Gynecological Malignancies ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Operative Complications ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Background: Objective of present study was to compare the results of lymphaenectomy (pelvic and para-aortic) between laparoscopy and laparotomy in gynecological malignancies.Methods: Authors analyze the results of 30 patients suffering from gynecological malignancies (Enometrial, Ovarian and cervical) submitted to surgery as apart of treatment. Patients were classified in Two Groups Group (1) included15 patients were submitted to open radical surgery and group (2) included 15 patients Were submitted to laparoscopic radical surgery between May 2016 and October 2017.Results: In present comparative study, there was significant difference regarding intra operative blood loss, operative time and post operative hospital stay (P<0.001) and there was no significant difference regarding intra-operative complications, post-operative complications, total number of lymph node harvested, number of positive lymphnodes (P>0.05).Conclusions: Laparoscopic lymphadenectomy is a technically feasible and safe procedure. Authors recommend further study in large number of patients with longer duration and follow up period for assessment of oncological out-come.

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Approaches to reduce the risk of progression of peripheral artery disease from the standpoint of a cardiologist

Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases ◽

10.17802/2306-1278-2021-10-1-55-64 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 55-64

Author(s):

A. N. Sumin ◽

Yu. D. Medvedeva ◽

A. V. Shcheglova ◽

L. S. Barbarash

Keyword(s):

Peripheral Artery Disease ◽

Myocardial Revascularization ◽

Walking Distance ◽

Adherence To Treatment ◽

Peripheral Artery ◽

Optimal Drug ◽

Group 2 ◽

Artery Disease ◽

Group 1

Aim. To determine the factors contributing to the progression of peripheral artery diseases in patients receiving outpatient care within the 3-year follow-up.Methods. 585 patients with peripheral artery disease undergoing outpatient treatment in the period from 2010 to 2016 were recruited in a study. The follow-up period was three years. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 patients (n = 225) with a favorable course of peripheral atherosclerosis, and Group 2 patients (n = 303) with an unfavorable course of peripheral atherosclerosis. Patients were assigned to the groups based on their medical history (a decrease in pain-free walking distance within three years, amputation) and/or data of duplex scanning of the lower extremity arteries (significant progression of stenosis >20% over three years).Results. 87.1% of patients from Group 1 and 70.63% of patients from Group 2 visited cardiologists regularly within 3 years (p<0.0001). A total of 69.33% of patients from Group 1 and 61.39% of patients from Group 2 (p = 0.058) visited vascular surgeons within the follow-up period. Within three years, 47 (8.9%) patients achieved hard endpoints. Of them, 18 deaths, 14 myocardial infarctions, and 15 ischemic strokes. 25 patients underwent myocardial revascularization. Adherence to treatment within 3-years follow-up was significantly higher in patients with a favorable course (57.33% vs. 45.21%, p = 0.006). Multivariate logistic regression reported that adherence to treatment years (р=0.0009) and regular visits to cardiologists (p<0.001) significantly improved the 3-year prognosis in patients with peripheral artery disease.Conclusion. 57% of patients had an adverse course of peripheral atherosclerosis within 3-years follow-up. These results show that regular outpatient examinations of patients with peripheral atherosclerosis by cardiologists allow prescribing optimal drug therapy and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis progression.

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A second course of antithyroid drug therapy for recurrent Graves' disease: an experience in endocrine practice

Acta Endocrinologica ◽

10.1530/eje-14-0704 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 172 (3) ◽

pp. 321-326 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Xiaomei Liu ◽

Wei Qiang ◽

Xingjun Liu ◽

Lianye Liu ◽

Shu Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Drug Withdrawal ◽

Remission Rate ◽

Antithyroid Drug ◽

Graves Disease ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Group 2 ◽

Permanent Remission ◽

Group 1

ObjectiveThere are scarce reports regarding the prognosis of a second course of antithyroid drug (ATD) therapy on recurrent Graves' disease (GD). The aim of this study was to assess the long-term remission rate after a second ATD therapy and verify significant clinical predictors of a remission.DesignA prospective randomized clinical trial with long-term follow-up was conducted to evaluate the effects of a second course of ATD therapy.MethodsA total of 128 recurrent GD patients who had finished a first regular ATD therapy were enrolled in this study, and prescribed methimazole (MMI) treatment with titration regimen. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups when the drug doses were reduced to 2.5 mg daily (qd). Group 1 was discontinued with 2.5 mg qd after about 5 months. Group 2 was continuously reduced to 2.5 mg every other day (qod) after 5 months and then discontinued with 2.5 mg qod after about a further 5 months. The patients were followed for 48 months after drug withdrawal.ResultsOf the total number of patients, 97 cases (75.78%) achieved permanent remission at the end of follow-up, with the recurrence of 31 cases (24.22%). The remission rate of group 2 (84.62%) was significantly higher than that of group 1 (66.67%) (P=0.024). Cox regression showed that the hazard ratio for recurrence decreased under a high or high normal TSH level at drug withdrawal.ConclusionA second course of ATD therapy can bring about a satisfying long-term remission on recurrent GD. The drug dose of 2.5 mg qod and a high or high normal TSH level at drug withdrawal may increase the likelihood of permanent remission.

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Modern approach to combination therapy in patients with pelvic inflammatory diseases

Perm Medical Journal ◽

10.17816/pmj38245-55 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 38 (2) ◽

pp. 45-55

Author(s):

V. V. Khasanova ◽

I. I. Kukarskaya ◽

T. P. Shevlyukova ◽

E. Yu. Kukarskaya

Keyword(s):

Inflammatory Diseases ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Vaginal Smear ◽

Modern Approach ◽

Basic Therapy ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Complex Therapy ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Objective. The aim of the study was to compare the efficiency of complex therapy of pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) in patients using the drug Longidaza and the effectiveness of therapy without the use of this drug. Materials and methods. 150 patients of reproductive age with PID. All women underwent basic therapy. The complex treatment of group 1 included the additional drug Longidaza in vaginal suppositories 3000 IU with the general course of 20 injections once every three days. The patients were observed for 60 days. The effectiveness of therapy was determined by the dynamics of diagnostic criteria (clinical and laboratory). Results. During the follow-up period, among patients receiving complex therapy with Longidaza relief of pain syndrome in the lower abdomen was observed much faster, and only 14 (18,5 %) women of group 1 continued to fill it after 2 months of treatment, where as in group 2 60 (81,1 %) patients (p 0,001). Reduction of pain in palpation and cervical traction in patients of the main group was recorded in all (100 %) patients, while in the group of basic therapy this symptom continued to be observed in 23 % of women (p 0.001). The dynamics of decrease in the share of patients with increased uterine size in group 1 was 14.9 % and in group 2 only 8.4 % (p 0.001). In the experimental group, during the 2-month follow-up period, there was observed an increase in the number of patients with a normal number of leukocytes in the vaginal smear by 13 %, while in the second group this parameter increased by only 3 % to the initial value. Conclusions. The results of the research allow indicating the efficiency of treatment of PID when using the drug Longidaza.

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Comparative Study between IMF and Pure Conservation in Management of Condylar Head Fracture in Children

Medical & Clinical Research ◽

10.33140/mcr.03.02.03 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

Keyword(s):

Closed Reduction ◽

Surgical Intervention ◽

Maxillofacial Surgery ◽

Mouth Opening ◽

Clinical Results ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Condylar Head ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Background: The purpose of the present study was to compare IMF and pure conservation in management of condylar head fracture in children treated at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt, between 2011G - 2016G. Methods: Twenty four patients with condylar head fractures were included in this study, 14 males and 10 females ranging in ages from 5 – 15 years. They were divided into two equal groups. In group 1, twelve patients were treated by closed reduction for 2-3 weeks followed by physiotherapy, while group 2 patients were managed by pure conservation only for the same period. Outcome results on clinical and radiological parameters were evaluated during the follow up period. Results: In group 1, the maximum mouth opening after 2 months was ranged from 28-36 mm (average 32mm),while signs of development of ankylosis were reported in 3 patients. In group 2, the maximum interincisal opening was ranged from 28-37 mm (average 32.5mm) with absence of ankylosis. Pain in TMJ was noted in 3 cases of bilateral condylar head fractures of this group, but subsided gradually on the follow up. Conclusions: This study concluded that treatment of patients by closed reduction give satisfactory clinical results, though the condyle is not anatomically normal in radiographs. Whereas management of patients by pure conservation only without any surgical intervention showed excellent results clinically as well as radiographically. Perhaps a study conducted on larger number of patients with longer post operative follow up will throw more light on this subject.

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Creation of physiologic rhythm by closed loop stimulation in heart failure patients with severe chronotropic incompetence: worldwide first results of a pilot study

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.0803 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

J Proff ◽

B Merkely ◽

R Papp ◽

C Lenz ◽

P.J Nordbeck ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Rate ◽

Closed Loop ◽

Funding Source ◽

Chronotropic Incompetence ◽

First Results ◽

The Mean ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Abstract Background The prevalence of chronotropic incompetence (CI) in heart failure (HF) population is high and negatively impacts prognosis. In HF patients with an implanted cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) device and severe CI, the effect of rate adaptive pacing on patient outcomes is unclear. Closed loop stimulation (CLS) based on cardiac impedance measurement may be an optimal method of heart rate adaptation according to metabolic need in HF patients with severe CI. Purpose This is the first study evaluating the effect of CLS on the established prognostic parameters assessed by the cardio-pulmonary exercise (CPX) testing and on quality of life (QoL) of the patients. Methods A randomised, controlled, double-blind and crossover pilot study has been performed in CRT patients with severe CI defined as the inability to achieve 70% of the age-predicted maximum heart rate (APMHR). After baseline assessment, patients were randomised to either DDD-CLS pacing (group 1) or DDD pacing at 40 bpm (group 2) for a 1-month period, followed by crossover for another month. At baseline and at 1- and 2-month follow-ups, a CPX was performed and QoL was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. The main endpoints were the effect of CLS on ventilatory efficiency (VE) slope (evaluated by an independent CPX expert), the responder rate defined as an improvement (decrease) of the VE slope by at least 5%, percentage of maximal predicted heart rate reserve (HRR) achieved, and QoL. Results Of the 36 patients enrolled in the study, 20 fulfilled the criterion for severe CI and entered the study follow-up (mean age 68.9±7.4 years, 70% men, LVEF=41.8±9.3%, 40%/60% NYHA class II/III). Full baseline and follow-up datasets were obtained in 17 patients. The mean VE slope and HRR at baseline were 34.4±4.4 and 49.6±23.8%, respectively, in group 1 (n=7) and 34.5±12.2 and 54.2±16.1% in group 2 (n=10). After completing the 2-month CPX, the mean difference between DDD-CLS and DDD-40 modes was −2.4±8.3 (group 1) and −1.2±3.5 (group 2) for VE slope, and 17.1±15.5% (group 1) and 8.7±18.8% (group 2) for HRR. Altogether, VE slope improved by −1.8±2.95 (p=0.31) in DDD-CLS versus DDD-40, and HRR improved by 12.9±8.8% (p=0.01). The VE slope decreased by ≥5% in 47% of patients (“responders to CLS”). The mean difference in the QoL between DDD-CLS and DDD-40 was 0.16±0.25 in group 1 and −0.01±0.05 in group 2, resulting in an overall increase by 0.08±0.08 in the DDD-CLS mode (p=0.13). Conclusion First results of the evaluation of the effectiveness of CLS in CRT patients with severe CI revealed that CLS generated an overall positive effect on well-established surrogate parameters for prognosis. About one half of the patients showed CLS response in terms of improved VE slope. In addition, CLS improved quality of life. Further clinical research is needed to identify predictors that can increase the responder rate and to confirm improvement in clinical outcomes. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Biotronik SE & Co. KG

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Effects of posterior tibial slope on the mid-term results of medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

Arthroplasty ◽

10.1186/s42836-021-00070-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Zhijie Chen ◽

Kaizhe Chen ◽

Yufei Yan ◽

Jianmin Feng ◽

Yi Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Knee Flexion ◽

Tibial Slope ◽

Posterior Tibial ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Postoperative Knee ◽

Group 1

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effect of medial posterior tibial slope (PTS) on mid-term postoperative range of motion (ROM) and functional improvement of the knee after medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Methods Medical records of 113 patients who had undergone 124 medial UKAs between April 2009 through April 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. The mean follow-up lasted 7.6 years (range, 6.2–11.2 years). Collected were demographic data, including gender, age, height, weight of the patients. Anteroposterior (AP) and lateral knee radiographs of the operated knees were available in all patients. The knee function was evaluated during office follow-up or hospital stay. Meanwhile, postoperative PTS, ROM, maximal knee flexion and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score (pre−/postoperative) of the operated side were measured and assessed. According to the size of the PTS, patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 (<4°), group 2 (4° ~ 7°) and group 3 (>7°). The association between PTS and the knee function was investigated. Results In our cohort, the average PTS was 2.7° ± 0.6° in group 1, 5.6° ± 0.9° in group 2 and 8.7° ± 1.2° in group 3. Pairwise comparisons showed significant differences among them (p < 0.01). The average maximal flexion range of postoperative knees in each group was 112.4° ± 5.6°, 116.4° ± 7.2°, and 117.5° ± 6.1°, respectively, with significant difference found between group 1 and group 2 (p < 0.05), and between group 1 and group 3 (p < 0.05). However, the gender, age, and body mass index (BMI) did not differ between three groups and there was no significant difference between groups in terms of pre−/postoperative HSS scores or postoperative knee ROM. Conclusion A mid-term follow-up showed that an appropriate PTS (4° ~ 7°) can help improve the postoperative flexion of knee. On the other hand, too small a PTS could lead to limited postoperative knee flexion. Therefore, the PTS less than 4° should be avoided during medial UKA.

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Percutaneous posteroanterior screw fixation for Haraguchi type 1 posterior malleolar fracture in tri-malleolar fracture: Operative technique and randomized clinical results

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery ◽

10.1177/2309499021997996 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

pp. 230949902199799

Author(s):

Tianming Yu ◽

Jichong Ying ◽

Jianlei Liu ◽

Dichao Huang ◽

Hailin Yan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Screw Fixation ◽

Malleolar Fracture ◽

Malleolar Fractures ◽

Posterior Malleolar Fracture ◽

Post Traumatic ◽

Group 2 ◽

Traumatic Arthritis ◽

Group 1

Purpose: The study described a novel surgical treatment of Haraguchi type 1 posterior malleolar fracture in tri-malleolar fracture and patient outcomes at intermediate period follow-up. Methods: All patients from January 2015 to December 2017 with tri-malleolar fracture of which posterior malleolar fractures were Haraguchi type 1, were surgically treated in this prospective study. Lateral and medial malleolar fractures were managed by open reduction and internal fixation through dual incision approaches. 36 cases of Haraguchi type 1 posterior malleolar fractures were randomly performed by percutaneous posteroanterior screw fixation with the aid of medial exposure (group 1). And 40 cases were performed by percutaneous anteroposterior screw fixation (group 2). Clinical outcomes, radiographic outcomes and patient-reported outcomes were recorded. Results: Seventy-six patients with mean follow-up of 30 months were included. There were no significant differences in the mean operation time (81.0 ± 11.3 vs. 77.2 ± 12.4), ankle function at different periods of follow-up, range of motions and visual analog scale (VAS) at 24 months between the two groups ( p > 0.05). However, the rate of severe post-traumatic arthritis (Grade 2 and 3) and the rate of step-off rather than gap in radiological evaluation were lower in group 1 than that in group 2 ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: Using our surgical technique, more patients had good outcome with a lower rate of severe post-traumatic arthritis, compared with the group of percutaneous anteroposterior screw fixation. Percutaneous posteroanterior screw fixation can be a convenient and reliable alternative in treating Haraguchi type 1 posterior malleolar fracture.

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