Prevalence of Blood-Borne Viral Infections (HIV, HBV, HCV) Among People Seeking Fertility Services in Ontario, Canada

IntroductionThe Applied Health Research Question (AHRQ) portfolio is an initiative funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health. Knowledge users submit AHRQ requests to use administrative health data to inform their planning, policy and program development. Objectives and ApproachA request to estimate prevalence and incidence of blood-borne viral infections (BBVI) among individuals seeking fertility treatment services was approved by the ICES AHRQ team. To determine whether current BBVI testing guidelines are effective for timely identification of BBVI among individuals undergoing fertility treatment, this AHRQ sought to estimate: a) the testing prevalence for BBVI (using viral hepatitis as a proxy for all BBVI including HIV), and b) BBVI incidence over a five-year follow-up period. We used infertility codes billed by gynecologists and urologists to identify individuals seeking fertility treatment between April 1, 2002 and March 31, 2013. We looked forward five years from a first BBVI test billed by a physician and assessed annual and cumulative testing prevalence and incidence of viral hepatitis and HIV using rule-based administrative algorithms. ResultsIn total, 184,328 individuals (61.6% female) were included. The five-year BBVI testing prevalence was 45.5% and the median number of tests was 2 (interquartile range: 2-3). An estimated 949 new cases (48% diagnosed within 12 months of first BBVI test) of viral hepatitis were identified in the five-year follow-up with a cumulative incidence of 522 (95%CI 489-556) per 100,000 population. There were 57 new HIV cases (68% diagnosed within 12 months of first BBVI test) with a cumulative incidence of 31.4 (95%CI 23.7-40.6) per 100,000. The median times from first BBVI test to hepatitis and HIV diagnoses were 13.0 months (IQR 2.33-32.2) and 3.0 months (IQR 1.34-20.0), respectively. Conclusion / ImplicationsThese findings can be used to develop evidence-based BBVI testing guidelines for individuals seeking fertility treatment services.

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Is There an Increase in Sickle Cell Related Events Among the Adult Belgian Population?

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2018-99-119319 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 4923-4923

Author(s):

Phu-Quoc Le ◽

Beatrice Gulbis ◽

Laurence Dedeken ◽

Laurence Rozen ◽

Christiane Vermylen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Viral Infections ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Adult Population ◽

Median Number ◽

Adult Patients ◽

Acute Chest Syndrome ◽

Acute Complications ◽

Before And After

Abstract Survival among children and adults with SCD in Belgium published in 2015 showed a low mortality rate (0.25/100 patient years (PY)) among the 469 patients included (5,110 PY) with no significantly increase above 18 years of age. Hydroxyurea (HU) had a positive impact on patients' survival rate when compared to those without disease-modifying treatments (DMT) or transplanted. This led us to compare the incidence of acute complications and hospitalizations among children and adults to see if significant change occurred. Complications before and after the age of 18 for 84 patients with severe genotype followed after 18 years of age and not transplanted for whom the data during childhood were recorded in the registry are detailed in Figure 1 and Table I. Data on the pre- and post-18 years' events for the entire severe genotype cohort are detailed in Table II and include data from the patients under 18 years and data at the pediatric age of those more than 18 years. Data was censored from the time of the transplantation. Furthermore, data from adult patients before age 18 and beyond with severe genotype treated or not with HU are given in Table III. There were 139 patients (1759 PY) more than 18 years who had at last follow up a median age of 21 years (range: 18-53 years). 42% (59/139) of the patients were treated with HU. The median number of vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) was statistically lower during adulthood (0 vs 29.6/100 PY; p= 0.007) and the median number of acute chest syndrome (ACS) was not statistically higher in adult period compared to their follow-up during childhood. Overall, severe infections as well as hospitalizations number (19 vs 63/100 PY; p=0.0006) and days (119 vs 259/100 PY; p=0.021) are significantly higher in children. The comparison of adults under HU and without DMT showed a significant higher incidence of acute events in HU patients (Table III). This is true for follow-up in childhood and beyond the age of 18 (Table III). Patients without DMT obviously seems to have attenuated symptomatology (clinical phenotype not very severe despite their severe genotype) and were therefore not considered benefiting from DMT. In the latter, no ACS was recorded during their follow-up in adulthood (Table III). The increase in CVO and ACS incidence with age is well described in the literature but not found in our results. Higher number of hospitalizations and infections before 18 years of age are observed. This can be explained by the fact that children consult more quickly and frequently and they are more readily monitored in hospital compared to adults. They also live in community, which increases the risk of seasonal viral infections. Compared with data available in the literature, our adult patients, most of whom are treated with HU, have fewer acute complications. Nevertheless the comparison is jeopardized because of different methodological approaches. In addition, our cohort of adult patients is limited, has a relatively short follow-up and consists mainly of adults under 21 at the last follow-up. The shorter length of follow up and the underrepresentation of older adults who pay a heavier toll on SCD because of co-existence of chronic complications, may explain the reduced incidence of acute complications in our cohort. In conclusion, the incidence of events observed in our adult population is lower than that described in the literature. This difference is probably related to a larger proportion of HU patients in our cohort. But these results should be confirmed by data from a larger number of adult patients with longer prospective follow-up. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Infectious Complications and Mortality after Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Lymphomas: A Comparison Between HIV-Infected and HIV-Negative Patients

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v128.22.2258.2258 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 128 (22) ◽

pp. 2258-2258

Author(s):

Juan Churruca ◽

Mariana Bastos-Oreiro ◽

Julia Suárez González ◽

Carolina Martinez-Laperche ◽

Pascual Balsalobre ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Stem Cell Transplantation ◽

Cell Transplantation ◽

Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Median Number ◽

Infectious Complications ◽

Control Group ◽

Hiv Patients

Abstract Introduction: Lymphomas continue to be a leading cause of death in HIV-positive patients (HIV+ pts) in the cART era. The aim of this study was to review our 15-year single institution experience in performing Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT) for HIV-infected and non-HIV patients with high-risk or relapsed lymphomas, focusing on infectious complications. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated our cohort of 28 HIV+ pts who underwent an ASCT between 2000-2015, and compared it with a well-matched control group of 39 HIV-negative pts. Patient and ASCT characteristics are described in Table 1. All HIV+ pts were on cART. Chemomobilization was used in 60% of the HIV cohort and 84% of the controls. BEAM conditioning regimen was the most common. All transplants were performed in the same tertiary hospital JACIE-accredited SCT unit. The primary end points were first-year cumulative incidence (CI) of infection, total infectious episodes and infection-related mortality. For the analysis, we defined 3 different time frames: 1st Pre-engraftment; 2nd from engraftment to day +100 and 3rd from day +100 until 1 year after SCT. Events occurring during the first 2 periods were considered early infections as compared to late. Results: All patients received antiviral and anti-PJP prophylaxis, but a significantly higher proportion of HIV+ pts were given antibacterial and antifungal prophylaxis (2/3 vs 1/3 approximately, Table 1). G-CSF support was initiated in all HIV recipients and 66% of controls, and the median days of use was longer for the HIV group (7 vs 4 days, p= 0.04). Median time to neutrophil engraftment was similar in both groups (13 vs 11 days, p=0.55); 93% of HIV pts and all control pts reached ANC > 500c/uL by day +30. Infectious episodes (IE) are described in Table 2, divided by pathogen subtype and time frame. Globally, all infection subtypes were more common in the HIV-infected cohort at some point. The most significant findings from the analysis are as follows. CI of early global infections: HIV 75% vs non-HIV 25% (p= 0.04), Figure 1. Median number of global infectious events: HIV 65 vs non-HIV 39 (p= 0.002; OR 1.8 [1.2-2.8]). Bacteria: CI of pre-engraftment and early bacterial infections were not different among groups (42% vs 28%, p= 0.47), but the median number of bacterial episodes was clearly different: HIV 17 vs non-HIV 12 (p= 0.08; OR 2.16 [0.96-4.8]). Fungi: CI of early fungal infections: HIV 10.7% vs non-HIV 0% (p= 0.03); minor infections were not considered. Viruses: CI of early viral infections: HIV 46% vs non-HIV 15% (p= 0.004). Median nº of early viral IE: HIV 19 vs non-HIV 6 (p= 0.007; OR 4.16 [1.43-12]). CI of late viral infections: HIV 30% vs non-HIV 11.7% (p= 0.04). CMV reactivations were by far more common in the HIV cohort (p=0,01). HIV viral load bleeps were documented in 35% of the HIV patients (most commonly in the day +30 control) and one post-transplant virological failure was diagnosed, forcing HAART substitution. Of note, 1st year CI of infection-related mortality was 14% in the HIV group vs 0% in the non-HIV group (p= 0.01), Figure 2. Three HIV+ pts suffered early fulminant septic episodes (1 E. coli + Enterococcus, 1 Rothiamucilaginosa, 1 non-clarified - possible Stenotrophomonasmaltophilia) and a 29-year old woman in CR after a 1st line for a stage IVsB Burkitt-like lymphoma died due to a severe influenza A pneumonia. Length of admission was also significantly longer for the HIV+ pts (median days 34 vs 28, p=0.041). Regarding long-term outcome, median follow up as of July 2016 is 82 months for the HIV+ group and 70 months for the control group: 57% and 61% of the pts in each cohort are still alive, respectively. One HIV-infected pt and 3 controls have been lost to follow-up. EFS: 1 year 71.4% vs 81.9% (ns); 5 years: 63.9% vs 66.5% (ns). Overall Survival: 1 year 75% vs 84% (ns); 5 years 66.3% vs 74.6% (ns). Conclusion: Autologous stem cell transplantation has been proven to be feasible and effective in HIV-related lymphomas, but in our experience and despite great advances in cART and virological control, HIV+ patients are at high risk of infection and this might influence post-ASCT short-term survival. It is mandatory to focus on prophylactic and supportive measures and to choose carefully the optimal timing for transplantation. Table 2 Table 2. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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The diagnosis of hepatitis C viral infection

Orvosi Hetilap ◽

10.1556/oh.2014.29972 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 155 (26) ◽

pp. 1019-1023

Author(s):

Judit Gervain

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis C ◽

Nucleic Acid ◽

Viral Infection ◽

Structural Changes ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Transient Elastography ◽

Viral Nucleic Acid ◽

Length Of Treatment ◽

Subtype B

The successful therapy of hepatitis C viral infection requires that the illness is diagnosed before the development of structural changes of the liver. Testing is stepwise consisting of screening, diagnosis, and anti-viral therapy follow-up. For these steps there are different biochemical, serological, histological and molecular biological methods available. For screening, alanine aminotransferase and anti-HCV tests are used. The diagnosis of infection is confirmed using real-time polymerase chain reaction of the viral nucleic acid. Before initiation of the therapy liver biopsy is recommended to determine the level of structural changes in the liver. Alternatively, transient elastography or blood biomarkers may be also used for this purpose. Differential diagnosis should exclude the co-existence of other viral infections and chronic hepatitis due to other origin, with special attention to the presence of autoantibodies. The outcome of the antiviral therapy and the length of treatment are mainly determined by the viral genotype. In Hungary, most patients are infected with genotype 1, subtype b. The polymorphism type that occurs in the single nucleotide located next to the interleukin 28B region in chromosome 19 and the viral polymorphism type Q80K for infection with HCV 1a serve as predictive therapeutic markers. The follow-up of therapy is based on the quantitative determination of viral nucleic acid according to national and international protocols and should use the same method and laboratory throughout the treatment of an individual patient. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(26), 1019–1023.

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Anti-adhesion Gel versus No gel following Operative Hysteroscopy prior to Subsequent fertility Treatment or timed InterCourse (AGNOHSTIC), a randomised controlled trial: protocol

Human Reproduction Open ◽

10.1093/hropen/hoab001 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 (1) ◽

Author(s):

S van Wessel ◽

T Hamerlynck ◽

V Schutyser ◽

C Tomassetti ◽

C Wyns ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Live Birth ◽

Financial Support ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Fertility Treatment ◽

Control Group ◽

Women Of Reproductive Age ◽

Operative Hysteroscopy ◽

Randomised Controlled

Abstract STUDY QUESTIONS Does the application of anti-adhesion gel, compared to no gel, following operative hysteroscopy to treat intrauterine pathology in women wishing to conceive increase the chance of conception leading to live birth? WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) following operative hysteroscopy may impair reproductive success in women of reproductive age. Anti-adhesion barrier gels may decrease the occurrence of IUAs, but the evidence on their effectiveness to improve reproductive outcomes is sparse and of low quality. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This multicentre, parallel group, superiority, blinded and pragmatic randomised controlled trial is being carried out in seven participating centres in Belgium. Recruitment started in April 2019. Women will be randomly allocated to treatment with anti-adhesion gel (intervention group) or no gel (control group). Sterile ultrasound gel will be applied into the vagina as a mock-procedure in both treatment arms. The patient, fertility physician and gynaecologist performing the second-look hysteroscopy are unaware of the allocated treatment. Power analysis, based on a target improvement of 15% in conception leading to live birth using anti-adhesion gel, a power of 85%, a significance level of 5%, and a drop-out rate of 10%, yielded a number of 444 patients to be randomised. The baseline rate of conception leading to live birth in the control group is expected to be 45%. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Women of reproductive age (18–47 years), wishing to conceive (spontaneously or by fertility treatment) and scheduled for operative hysteroscopy to treat intrauterine pathology (endometrial polyps, myomas with uterine cavity deformation, uterine septa, IUAs or retained products of conception) are eligible for recruitment. Women may try to conceive from 3 to 6 weeks after receiving allocated treatment with follow-up ending at 30 weeks after treatment. If the woman fails to conceive within this timeframe, a second-look hysteroscopy will be scheduled within 2–6 weeks to check for IUAs. The primary endpoint is conception leading to live birth, measured at 30 weeks after randomisation. The secondary endpoints are time to conception, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy rates, measured at 30 weeks after receiving allocated treatment. The long-term follow-up starts when the patient is pregnant and she will be contacted every trimester. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work is funded by the Belgian Healthcare Knowledge Centre (KCE). The anti-adhesion gel is supplied at no cost by Nordic Pharma and without conditions. Dr. Tomassetti reports grants and non-financial support from Merck SA, non-financial support from Ferring SA, personal fees and non-financial support from Gedeon-Richter, outside the submitted work. None of the other authors have a conflict of interest.

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Silent cerebral embolisation during TAVI: evolution, predictors and neurocognitive effects

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.2625 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

M De Carlo ◽

R Liga ◽

G.M Migaleddu ◽

M Scatturin ◽

C Spaccarotella ◽

...

Keyword(s):

White Matter ◽

Median Number ◽

Funding Source ◽

Private Company ◽

Diffuse White Matter ◽

Transcatheter Aortic Valve ◽

Age Related ◽

Cerebral Mri ◽

Neurocognitive Evaluation

Abstract Background Most patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) develop silent cerebral ischemic lesions (SCIL) detectable at magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The natural history and clinical relevance of SCIL are not well established. We aimed to assess the characteristics, predictors, evolution, and neurocognitive effects of SCIL. Methods Cerebral MRI was performed within 7 days before TAVI to assess baseline status and age-related white matter changes (ARWMC) score. MRI was repeated postoperatively to assess the occurrence, location, number and dimensions of SCIL. Patients developing SCIL underwent a third MRI at 3–5 months follow-up. A neurocognitive evaluation was performed before TAVI, at discharge and at 3-month follow-up. Results Of the 117 patients enrolled, 96 underwent a postprocedural MRI; SCIL were observed in 76% of patients, distributed in all vascular territories, with a median number of 2 lesions, median diameter 4.5 mm, and median total volume 140 mm3. Independent predictors of SCIL occurrence were a higher baseline ARWMC score and the use of self-expanding or mechanically-expanded bioprostheses. Among 47 patients who underwent follow-up MRI, only 26.7% of postprocedural SCIL evolved into a gliotic scar. SCIL occurrence was associated with a more pronounced transient neurocognitive decline early after TAVI and with a lower recovery at follow-up. Conclusions SCIL occur in the vast majority of patients undergoing TAVR and are predicted by a more diffuse white matter damage at baseline and by the use of non-balloon-expandable prostheses. Although most SCIL disappear within months, their occurrence has a limited but significant impact on neurocognitive function. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): unrestricted grants from Edwards Lifesciences SA, Nyon, Switzerland, and from Medtronic Italia SpA, Milan, Italy

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The Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients with Cystine Stones: A Single-Center Experience for 13 Years

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10071336 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (7) ◽

pp. 1336

Author(s):

Toshifumi Takahashi ◽

Shinya Somiya ◽

Katsuhiro Ito ◽

Toru Kanno ◽

Yoshihito Higashi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Surgical Intervention ◽

Median Number ◽

Small Sample ◽

Age At Diagnosis ◽

Surgical Interventions ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Long Term Follow Up ◽

Cystine Stones

Introduction: Cystine stone development is relatively uncommon among patients with urolithiasis, and most studies have reported only on small sample sizes and short follow-up periods. We evaluated clinical courses and treatment outcomes of patients with cystine stones with long-term follow-up at our center. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 22 patients diagnosed with cystine stones between January 1989 and May 2019. Results: The median follow-up was 160 (range 6–340) months, and the median patient age at diagnosis was 46 (range 12–82) years. All patients underwent surgical interventions at the first visit (4 extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, 5 ureteroscopy, and 13 percutaneous nephrolithotripsy). The median number of stone events and surgical interventions per year was 0.45 (range 0–2.6) and 0.19 (range 0–1.3) after initial surgical intervention. The median time to stone events and surgical intervention was 2 years and 3.25 years, respectively. There was a significant difference in time to stone events and second surgical intervention when patients were divided at 50 years of age at diagnosis (p = 0.02, 0.04, respectively). Conclusions: Only age at a diagnosis under 50 was significantly associated with recurrent stone events and intervention. Adequate follow-up and treatment are needed to manage patients with cystine stones safely.

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THU0517 THE ROLE OF ULTRASOUND-DEFINED SYNOVITIS GRADE I IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH INFLAMMATORY ARTHRALGIA, A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.4886 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 497.2-497

Author(s):

J. Arroyo Palomo ◽

M. Arce Benavente ◽

C. Pijoan Moratalla ◽

B. A. Blanco Cáceres ◽

A. Rodriguez

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Inflammatory Arthritis ◽

Statistical Tests ◽

Median Number ◽

Painful Joint ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean ◽

Specialized Unit

Background:Musculoeskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) is frequently used in several rheumatology units to detect subclinical inflammation in patients with joint symptoms suspected for progression to inflammatory arthritis (IA). Synovitis grade I (EULAR-OMERACT combined score) is known to be a casual finding in healthy individuals, but studies headed to unravel its possible role on rheumatic diseases are sparse.Objectives:To investigate the correlation between synovitis grade I, and the diagnosis of IA made after a year follow-up period since MSUS findings, in patients of an MSUS-specialized unit of a Rheumatology Department.Methods:We conducted a descriptive, retrospective and unicentric study. 30 patients were selected from the MSUS-specialized unit of our Rheumatology Department from July-18 to January-19. Patients presenting synovitis grade 0 (exclusively), 2 and/or 3 on combined score were excluded. Data collection at baseline included age, sex, immunological profile and previous physical examination to the MSUS findings, as well as the diagnosis made by the rheumatologist in 1-year visit follow-up: dividing the patient sample into two groups: those who were diagnosed with IA and those not. Non-parametric statistical tests for comparing means were used.Results:The mean age was 51,6 years and 70% were females. 6 (20%) patients were diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis after a year follow-up: 2 (4,8%) psoriatic arthritis, 1 (3,3%) undifferentiated arthritis, 1 (3,3%) rheumatoid arthritis, 1 (3,3%) Sjögren’s syndrome. Non-inflammatory arthropathies were also found 24 (80%), of which, 12 (40%) were non-specific arthralgias and 8 (19%) osteoarthritis.In the group of patients who did not developed an IA the mean C-reactive protein (CPR) value was 3,12 mg/L and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 8,2 mm; all of them were rheumatoid factor (RF) positive and ACPA-negative except one patient. 5 (31,3%) patients presented low antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) levels. In those who HLA B-27 and Cw6 were tested (4,25%); both were negative except for one that was HLA B-27 positive. The median number of swollen and painful joint count was 0, and the mean of joints with MSUS involvement was 3,5; the mean involved metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints was 1,83; proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints was 1,48 and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints 0,21.Among the group of patients that developed an IA the mean of CPR and ESR was 9,27 mg/L and 14,17 mm respectively; 2 (33%) patients were RF- positive, and 1 ACPA-positive. ANAs were positive in 3 cases (50%). The median of swollen joint count was 2 and for painful joint count was 0, the median of joints with MSUS involvement was 4,5. The mean of MSUS involvement was for MCP, PIP and DIP joints: 1,67, 2 and 0. Comparing the means of CPR values in the two groups with Student’s t-test we obtained a statistically significant difference (p=0,023). No other significant differences were found.Conclusion:Despite the limitations and possible statistical bias, the presence of MSUS-defined synovitis grade I and elevated CRP levels could be related to further diagnoses of inflammatory arthropathy. Besides, the absence of synovitis in DIP joints might have a diagnostic role. Normal physical exploration and normal levels of CRP might suggest low MSUS value. However, further research is needed to clarify the role of MSUS-defined synovitis grade I.References:[1]D’Agostino MA et al. Scoring ultrasound synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis: a EULAR-OMERACT ultrasound taskforce-Part 1: definition and development of a standardized, consensus-based scoring system. RMD Open. 2017;3(1):e000428.[2]Van den Berg R et al. What is the value of musculoskeletal ultrasound in patients presenting with arthralgia to predict inflammatory arthritis development? A systematic literature review. Arthritis Research & Therapy (2018) 20:228.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

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Cumulative incidence and risk factors for radiation induced leukoencephalopathy in high grade glioma long term survivors

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-89216-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Robert Terziev ◽

Dimitri Psimaras ◽

Yannick Marie ◽

Loic Feuvret ◽

Giulia Berzero ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Cumulative Incidence ◽

High Grade Glioma ◽

High Grade ◽

Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Radiation Induced ◽

Long Term Survivors

AbstractThe incidence and risk factors associated with radiation-induced leukoencephalopathy (RIL) in long-term survivors of high-grade glioma (HGG) are still poorly investigated. We performed a retrospective research in our institutional database for patients with supratentorial HGG treated with focal radiotherapy, having a progression-free overall survival > 30 months and available germline DNA. We reviewed MRI scans for signs of leukoencephalopathy on T2/FLAIR sequences, and medical records for information on cerebrovascular risk factors and neurological symptoms. We investigated a panel of candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to assess genetic risk. Eighty-one HGG patients (18 grade IV and 63 grade III, 50M/31F) were included in the study. The median age at the time of radiotherapy was 48 years old (range 18–69). The median follow-up after the completion of radiotherapy was 79 months. A total of 44 patients (44/81, 54.3%) developed RIL during follow-up. Twenty-nine of the 44 patients developed consistent symptoms such as subcortical dementia (n = 28), gait disturbances (n = 12), and urinary incontinence (n = 9). The cumulative incidence of RIL was 21% at 12 months, 42% at 36 months, and 48% at 60 months. Age > 60 years, smoking, and the germline SNP rs2120825 (PPARg locus) were associated with an increased risk of RIL. Our study identified potential risk factors for the development of RIL (age, smoking, and the germline SNP rs2120825) and established the rationale for testing PPARg agonists in the prevention and management of late-delayed radiation-induced neurotoxicity.

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Complications and Sequelae in Patients With Congenital Microcephaly Associated With Zika Virus Infection: Two-Year Follow-Up

Journal of Child Neurology ◽

10.1177/0883073820983163 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 088307382098316

Author(s):

Luane A. Gouvea ◽

Marlos Martins ◽

Daniela Vivacqua ◽

Julia Rosseto ◽

Giulia Lima ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Developmental Delay ◽

Zika Virus ◽

Median Number ◽

Global Developmental Delay ◽

Spastic Diplegia ◽

Long Term Follow Up ◽

Congenital Microcephaly ◽

Auditory Impairment ◽

Worse Prognosis

Background: We aim to describe the long term follow-up of a cohort of children exposed in utero to the Zika virus. Methods: Descriptive study of a cohort of microcephalic children due to Zika virus. Logistic regression was used to evaluate variables associated with worse prognosis epilepsy. Results: We followed 28 children (15 females), with a median follow-up of 24 months (IQR = 12-28). During the follow-up, 1 infant died. The median head circumference at birth was 29 cm (IQR = 27-31). All presented a global developmental delay. The most frequent central nervous system abnormalities were on cortical development in 22 participants; dysgenesis of corpus callosum in 13; ventriculomegaly in 25; and calcifications in 24. A total of 9 presented ocular abnormalities, 4 auditory impairment. During follow-up, 12 presented with sleep disorders, 10 with irritability, and 23 with epilepsy (2 with generalized tonic-clonic, 3 with generalized tonic-clonic and spasms, 12 with spasms, 3 tonic and spasms, and 3 motor focal and spasms). The median age at the begin of the epilepsy was 4 months (IQR = 2-10), the median number of drugs used to control the epilepsy was 2 (IQR = 2-3). Maternal illicit drug use during pregnancy was associated with worse prognosis epilepsy (Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, West syndrome, or status epilepticus). A total of 19 presented with dysphagia, 10 children required gastrostomy. Conclusion: Children with microcephaly due to Zika virus presented with several complications during follow-up, as epilepsy, spastic diplegia, and global developmental delay.

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Acupuncture in Patients with Valvular Heart Disease and Prosthetic Valves

Acupuncture in Medicine ◽

10.1136/aim.21.3.87 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 21 (3) ◽

pp. 87-91 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Anthony Stellon

Keyword(s):

Heart Disease ◽

Valvular Heart Disease ◽

Acupuncture Treatment ◽

Laboratory Data ◽

Median Number ◽

Prophylactic Antibiotics ◽

Blood Cultures ◽

Prosthetic Valves ◽

Small Cohort

Endocarditis has been reported in patients with valvular heart disease who have undergone acupuncture treatment, although most have been associated with the use of semi-permanent needles. This has led reviewers to suggest that acupuncture may not only be contraindicated in such patients but that prophylactic antibiotics should be given. This study investigated the use of acupuncture treatment in patients with proven valvular heart disease and observed whether endocarditis developed in such patients. All patients in a single-handed GP practice with proven valvular heart disease, including those with prosthetic valves, were identified over a ten-year period. Those who had undergone acupuncture treatment underwent a clinical examination and diagnostic tests, which focused on the signs, symptoms and laboratory criteria for the diagnosis of endocarditis and included a transthoracic echocardiogram. Autopsy findings were reviewed in any patient who died. Based on these clinical and laboratory data, using the modified Duke's criteria for the diagnosis of endocarditis, patients were identified as having definite or possible endocarditis, or the diagnosis was rejected. All patients underwent brief acupuncture with no skin disinfectant and no prophylactic antibiotics were given. Semi-permanent needles were avoided. Thirty-six patients with valvular heart disease underwent a total of 479 acupuncture treatments over a ten-year period. The median number of treatments was 9 (range 1 – 72), with a follow-up after treatment of 5.75 years (range 0.5 – 10 years). Definite endocarditis was not found in any patient, but two patients had possible endocarditis, eventually discounted by both negative blood cultures and echocardiography. In conclusion, brief acupuncture was safe in this small cohort of valvular heart disease patients and no case of endocarditis was detected over a ten-year period.

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