Evidence of improved surgical outcome following endoscopy for nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma removal

Object Because of their size and lateral extension, total removal of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) remains a challenge and postoperative tumor remnants are frequent. Endoscopy has improved the surgeon's view; however, its superiority in terms of surgical outcome remains undetermined. The authors' aim in this study was to compare the clinical results and morbidity between microscopic and endoscopic techniques in 164 patients with NFPAs. Methods Tumoral (3D MR imaging), endocrinological, and ophthalmological results and morbidity were compared between 2 groups of 82 patients with newly diagnosed NFPAs surgically treated via either a sublabial microscopic approach (Group B) or a fully endonasal endoscopic technique (Group A). Results The groups showed no difference in terms of clinical features, tumor size, or cavernous sinus invasion (p > 0.05). One year postoperatively, the quality of resection was significantly improved in Group A (gross-total removal [GTR]: 74% vs 50% in Group B, p = 0.002) with greater control of lateral extension (Knosp Grade 2: GTR 88.2% vs 47.8% in Group B, p = 0.02; Knosp Grade 3: 67.9% vs 16.7% in Group B, p < 0.001) and suprasellar extension (tumor height 20–30 mm: GTR 76% vs 53% in Group B, p = 0.01). Endocrinological outcome in patients with a partial deficiency in anterior pituitary function preoperatively was significantly better in Group A (improvement 56% vs 25% in Group B, stabilization 22% vs 46%, and aggravation 22% vs 29%; p = 0.01). Among the ophthalmologically symptomatic patients, 100% from Group A improved compared with 93% in Group B (p = 0.35). Lastly, no significant difference was found regarding morbidity. These data were supported by the literature in which the GTR rate is consistently higher for endoscopy compared with microscopy. Conclusions In this large series of patients with NFPAs, endoscopy improved the quality of resection and endocrinological outcome. Larger studies focusing on the impact of these promising results on the long-term recurrence of NFPAs are warranted.

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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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COMPARISON BETWEEN THERAPEUTIC ULTRASOUND AND SCAR MOBILIZATION OVER PERSISTENT POSTNATAL DYSPAREUNIA

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research ◽

10.22159/ajpcr.2017.v10i9.18757 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 48

Author(s):

Mariyam Farzana Sf ◽

Ponmathi P ◽

Sivakumar Pvr

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Analogue Scale ◽

Therapeutic Ultrasound ◽

Ultrasound Therapy ◽

Age Group ◽

Functional Index ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group A ◽

Group B

Objective: Dyspareunia is known as the painful sexual intercourse. This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness between therapeutic ultrasound and scar mobilization in persistent postnatal dyspareunia.Methods: This is an experimental study. 30 subjects with superficial dyspareunia, age group between 25 and 35 years are taken in this study and 15 subjects in Group A were treated with ultrasound therapy, 15 subjects in Group B were treated with scar mobilization. Female sexual functional index questionnaire (FSFI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used as the outcome measure.Results: Results showed a significant difference in FSFI and VAS measurements in both the groups, but clinically Group A showed better improvement in pain and quality of life than Group B.Conclusion: There is no significant difference between ultrasound therapy and scar mobilization over the pain and quality of life in patients with persistent postnatal dyspareunia.

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Impact of high baseline Aspergillus-specific IgG levels on weight and quality-of-life outcomes of patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis

Medical Mycology ◽

10.1093/mmy/myaa026 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 58 (7) ◽

pp. 1000-1004

Author(s):

Felix Bongomin ◽

Tomaz Garcez ◽

David W Denning

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Antifungal Treatment ◽

Weight Changes ◽

Pulmonary Aspergillosis ◽

Group A ◽

Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis ◽

Specific Igg ◽

Group B ◽

The Impact

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the impact of quantitative baseline Aspergillus-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) serum levels on weight changes of patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) under antifungal treatment. We retrospectively reviewed data of patients diagnosed with CPA between April 2015 and March 2018 at the National Aspergillosis Centre (Manchester, UK). All patients were on continued antifungal treatment for 12 months. Data on Aspergillus-specific IgG levels, St George's quality of life (SGQoL) variables and weight at baseline, 6 months and 12 months were extracted. We defined a high serum Aspergillus-specific IgG as ≥ 200 mg/l (Group A) and low level < 200 mg/l (Group B). Forty-nine patients (37 male; 12 female), median age 65 years (range: 29–86) were studied. Overall, 33% (n = 16) of the patients were in Group A. The baseline characteristics between the two groups were similar. The median Charlson comorbidity index was 4 (range: 0–5) and 3 (range: 0–9) for Group A and Group B, respectively (P = .543). There was a sustained decline in median Aspergillus IgG levels from baseline, through 6 month to 12 months of continues therapy from 170 (range: 20–1110) to 121 (range: 20–1126), and finally 107 (15–937) mg/l, respectively (P < .001). Group A patients gained more weight at 6 months (9/15 [60%] vs. 7/33 [21%], P = .012) and at 12 months of treatment (9/15 [60%] vs. 7/33 [22%]), and more patients in Group B lost weight ((13/33 [41%] vs. 1/15 [7%]), P = .015). However, there was no difference in QoL outcomes across groups at 6 (P = .3) and 12 (P = .7) months. A very high Aspergillus IgG may confer a higher likelihood of weight gain as a key, objective marker of clinical response, if patients can tolerate 12 months of antifungal therapy.

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Outcomes of Flank-Free Modified Supine Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Based on BMI

Urologia Internationalis ◽

10.1159/000511292 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Esam Desoky ◽

Khaled M. Abd Elwahab ◽

Islam M. El-Babouly ◽

Mohammed M. Seleem

Keyword(s):

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy ◽

Supine Position ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group A ◽

Morbid Obese ◽

Group B ◽

A Prospective Study ◽

Nonobese Patients ◽

The Impact

Objective: To evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on the outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the flank-free modified supine position. Patients and Methods: A prospective study was carried out in the urology department during the period from May 2015 to October 2019 on 464 patients admitted for PCNL. The patients were divided into 4 matched groups according to their BMI: group A, normal weight with 18.5 ≤ BMI <25 kg/m2; group B, overweight with 25 ≤ BMI <30 kg/m2; group C, obese with 30 ≤ BMI <40 kg/m2; and group D, morbid obesity with BMI ≥40 kg/m2. All operative data as well as postoperative outcomes are recorded and compared to each other. Results: The 4 studied groups were matched regarding age. The comorbidities were slightly higher in groups C and D. The operative time and fluoroscopy time were slightly high in obese and morbid obese groups but with no significant difference. The rate of complications either major or minor was comparable in all groups. No significant difference was seen among all groups regarding hemoglobin loss, stone-free rate, hospital stay, and need for auxiliary procedures. Conclusions: The outcome of PCNL in flank-free modified supine position is not affected by changes in BMI. The procedure can be performed in obese and morbid obese patients safely with results similar to and comparable to nonobese patients.

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The Effect on Performance Time and Quality of the Knots after Mono or Bimanual Training of Laparoscopic Intracorporeal Knot Tying according to the Gladiator Rule Technique

Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia / RBGO Gynecology and Obstetrics ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1649494 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 40 (05) ◽

pp. 266-274

Author(s):

Fernanda Asencio ◽

Helizabet Ribeiro ◽

Armando Romeo ◽

Arnauld Wattiez ◽

Paulo Ribeiro

Keyword(s):

Dominant Hand ◽

Resident Students ◽

Performance Time ◽

Laparoscopic Suture ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Bimanual Training ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Intracorporeal Knot Tying

Objective To assess whether the monomanual or bimanual training of laparoscopic suture following the same technique may interfere with the knots' performance time and/or quality. Methods A prospective observational study involving 41 resident students of gynecology/obstetrics and general surgery who attended a laparoscopic suture training for 2 days. The participants were divided into two groups. Group A performed the training using exclusively their dominant hand, and group B performed the training using both hands to tie the intracorporeal knot. All participants followed the same technique, called Romeo Gladiator Rule. At the end of the course, the participants were asked to perform three exercises to assess the time it took them to tie the knots, as well as the quality of the knots. Results A comparative analysis of the groups showed that there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.334) between them regarding the length of time to tie one knot. However, when the time to tie 10 consecutive knots was compared, group A was faster than group B (p = 0.020). A comparison of the knot loosening average, in millimeters, revealed that the knots made by group B loosened less than those made by group A, but there was no statistically significant difference regarding the number of knots that became untied. Conclusion This study demonstrated that the knots from group B showed better quality than those from group A, with lower loosening measures and more strength necessary to untie the knots. The study also demonstrated that group A was faster than B when the time to tie ten consecutive knots was compared.

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DIATHERMY INCISIONS V/S SURGICAL SCALPEL INCISIONS

The Professional Medical Journal ◽

10.29309/tpmj/2015.22.11.942 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 22 (11) ◽

pp. 1550-1524

Author(s):

Khawar Saeed Jamali ◽

Naveed Ali Khan ◽

Muhammad Jawed ◽

Ubedullah Shaikh

Keyword(s):

Positive Predictive Value ◽

General Surgery ◽

Predictive Value ◽

Surgical Outcome ◽

Seroma Formation ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group A ◽

Group B

Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the outcome of diathermyincisions v/s surgical scalpel incisions in general surgery. Study Design: Cross sectional study.Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at surgical unit 7, Sindh Govt. LyariGeneral Hospital and Dow University of Health Sciences between January to December 2009.Methodology: 100 consecutive patients for elective general surgery were randomly assignedto either group A incision with cutting diathermy (n=50) or group B cold steel scalpel (n=50).Data including demographic details, hospital stay, infection rate and non-infective complicationslike swelling, bleeding, dehiscence and seroma formation were recorded in both groups tocompare the final surgical outcome compared. Results: A total of 80 patients were included inthe study, placed alternatively into two groups of 40 patients each with majority being male (n =61, 76.3%). The mean age was 22.46 years. The positive predictive value for patients of Group Awas 92.5% while for Group B was 77.5%. When diagnostic accuracy was compared on the basisof Gender for the two groups, the positive predictive value for male patients of Group A and Bwas 90.09% and 89.28% respectively, but for females the positive predictive value of Group Aand B was 100% and 50% respectively. In Diathermy (Group A) total 20% patients developedcomplications and these were seroma formation (n=4, 8%), wound dehiscence (n=3, 6%) andwound infection (n=3, 6%). In Scalpel (Group B) total 26% patients developed complications(P-value=0.370) in which seromas was noted (n=5, 10%) then wound infection (n=4, 8%), thenwound bleeding (n=3, 6%) and lastly seroma formation (n=1, 2%). Hospital stays were alsoalmost similar with mean value 8.24 days in diathermy group and 10.54 days in scalpel group.No remarkable difference in demographics, characteristics and in other variables of patientswas noted. Conclusion: We conclude that no significant difference in surgical outcome ofboth groups (cutting diathermy Vs. steel scalpel). Therefore, use of either technique to createsurgical wound merely depends upon preference of surgeon.

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Impact of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels on outcomes in patients with myocardial infarction

International Journal of Advances in Medicine ◽

10.18203/2349-3933.ijam20210077 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 186

Author(s):

Prabhat Pandey ◽

Neeraj Dokania ◽

Pooja Pandey ◽

Ajay Singh Raghuwanshi

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Glycosylated Hemoglobin ◽

Age Group ◽

Percentage Mortality ◽

Coronary Syndrome ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

The Impact ◽

Hba1c Levels

Background: People with diabetes have an increased prevalence of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD) and experience higher morbidity and mortality after acute coronary syndrome and myocardial infarction than people without diabetes. Diabetes also appears to be a major cause of the higher rate of both short and long-term mortality observed in women hospitalized with acute MI compared to men. Objective of the study was to observe the impact of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels on outcomes in MI.Methods: The prospective observational study was conducted on 200 patients from the age group more than 36 years and lesser than 95 years presented with acute myocardial infarction (STEMI or NSTEMI). Patients were divided into group A (Diabetics) and group B (non-diabetics). Investigations performed were FBS, RBS, HbA1c, CBC, LFT, RFT, lipid profile, ECG and echocardiography. Patients were followed up till discharge/death and all complications like arrhythmias, cardiac failure, cardiogenic shock and re infarction were noted.Results: Majority of the 34.5% patients belongs to the age group of 56-65 years. No significant difference found between the subject population of the diabetic and non-diabetic group. The percentage of mortality in male patients was reported higher in the group having HbAlc level ≥7 (21.15%) in comparison to a group having HbAlc level <7 (6.15%) whereas in females the percentage of mortality was 11.63% in the group having HbAlc ≥7 , higher than the group having HbAlc level <7, 2.5%. Percentage mortality was higher in the patients having HbAlc >7, in both groups’ patients aged below 60 years 14.81% and 17.65% in the group of patients aged above 60 years.Conclusions: Higher HbAlc level significantly affects the outcome of MI patients. The percentage mortality due to MI was higher in male with aged above 60 years and having HbAlc level >7.

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PS01.196: SHORT-TERM AND MEDIUM-TERM OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS OVER 70 DIAGNOSED WITH OESOPHAGEAL CANCER

Diseases of the Esophagus ◽

10.1093/dote/doy089.ps01.196 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 31 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 105-105

Author(s):

Anantha Madhavan ◽

Nicola Wyatt ◽

Charlotte Boreham ◽

Alexander Phillips ◽

S Michael Griffin

Keyword(s):

Oesophageal Cancer ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Locally Advanced ◽

Neoadjuvant Treatment ◽

Major Complication ◽

Radio Therapy ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Oesophageal cancer incidence has increased over the last decade in the UK, particularly in older patients. Surgery, with or without perioperative chemotherapy, remains the gold standard treatment for patients with potentially curable disease. Currently, 41% of new cases of oesophageal cancer are in patients aged over 70. However, only 10% underwent surgery compared to 25% of those aged under 70. Concerns exist that advanced age may prejudice treatment decisions. The aim of our review is to evaluate the impact of age on outcomes in those undergoing planned curative treatment for oesophageal cancer. Methods A retrospective review of patients undergoing oesophagectomy for carcinoma between 2006 to 2016 at a single institution was performed. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on age at the time of diagnosis; under 70 years (Group A) and over 70 (Group B). Patients underwent a standardised staging protocol and treatment was decided by a multi-disciplinary team. Oesophagectomy was performed using a transthoracic approach with two field lymphadenectomy and perioperative chemo (radio) therapy used in those patients with locally advanced disease who were fit enough. Results There were 555 patients in Group A and 241 in Group B. Adenocarcinoma was the prevalent histological subtype in both cohorts: 76% (423) in Group A and 68% (165) in Group B. Median age at the time of diagnosis was 62 in Group A versus 74 in Group B. In Group A, 12% (18/343) did not receive neo-adjuvant treatment for locally advanced cancer versus 47% (101/212) in Group B (P < 0.001). Median hospital stay was longer in Group B (18 v 15 days P = 0.02). There was no significant difference in hospital mortality (Group A 1% vs Group B 2.4% P = 0.37) and major complication rate (Group A 14% vs Group B 20% P = 0.31). Two-year survival was 66% (adenocarcinoma) and 78% (SCC) in Group A compared to 60% (adenocarcinoma) and 64% (SCC) in Group B. Conclusion These results demonstrate that patients over 70 can be treated successfully with minimal additional risk to morbidity and mortality. However, these patients are more likely to be denied neoadjuvant treatment which may compromise their long-term outcomes. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

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P–318 Short (seven days) versus conventional (fourteen days) estrogen priming in an artificial frozen embryo transfer cycle: a randomised controlled trial

Human Reproduction ◽

10.1093/humrep/deab130.317 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

A Racca ◽

S Santos-Ribeiro ◽

D Panagiotis ◽

L Boudry ◽

S Mackens ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pregnancy Rate ◽

Embryo Transfer ◽

Live Birth ◽

Transvaginal Ultrasound ◽

Clinical Pregnancy ◽

Frozen Embryo Transfer ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

The Impact

Abstract Study question What is the impact of seven days versus fourteen days’ estrogen (E2) priming on the clinical outcome of frozen-embryo-transfer in artificially prepared endometrium (FET-HRT) cycles? Summary answer No significant difference in clinical/ongoing pregnancy rate was observed when comparing 7 versus 14 days of estrogen priming before starting progesterone (P) supplementation. What is known already One (effective) method for endometrial preparation prior to frozen embryo transfer is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), a sequential regimen with E2 and P, which aims to mimic the endocrine exposure of the endometrium in a physiological cycle. The average duration of E2 supplementation is generally 12–14 days, however, this protocol has been arbitrarily chosen whereas, the optimal duration of E2 implementation remains unknown. Study design, size, duration This is a single-center, randomized, controlled, open-label pilot study. All FET-HRT cycles were performed in a tertiary centre between October 2018 and December 2020. Overall, 150 patients were randomized of whom 132 were included in the analysis after screening failure and drop-out. Participants/materials, setting, methods The included patients were randomized into one of 2 groups; group A (7 days of E2 prior to P supplementation) and group B (14 days of E2 prior to P supplementation). Both groups received blastocyst stage embryos for transfer on the 6th day of vaginal P administration. Pregnancy was assessed by an hCG blood test 12 days after FET and clinical pregnancy was confirmed by transvaginal ultrasound at 7 weeks of gestation. Main results and the role of chance Following the exclusion of drop-outs and screening failures, 132 patients were finally included both in group A (69 patients) or group B (63 patients). Demographic characteristics for both groups were comparable. The positive pregnancy rate was 46.4% and 53.9%, (p 0.462) for group A and group B, respectively. With regard to the clinical pregnancy rate at 7 weeks, no statistically significant difference was observed (36.2% vs 36.5% for group A and group B, respectively, p = 0.499). The secondary outcomes of the study (biochemical pregnancy, miscarriage and live birth rate) were also comparable between the two arms for both PP and ITT analysis. Multivariable logistic regression showed that the HRT scheme is not associated with pregnancy rate, however, the P value on the day of ET is significantly associated with the pregnancy outcome. Limitations, reasons for caution This study was designed as a proof of principle trial with a limited study population and therefore underpowered to determine the superiority of one intervention over another. Instead, the purpose of the present study was to explore trends in outcome differences and to allow us to safely design larger RCTs. Wider implications of the findings: The results of this study give the confidence to perform larger-scale RCTs to confirm whether a FET-HRT can be performed safely in a shorter time frame, thus, reducing the TTP, while maintaining comparable pregnancy and live birth rates. Trial registration number NCT03930706

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Abstract T MP60: Impact of Aortic Arch Atheroma for Stroke Recurrence in Patients With or Without Atrial Fibrillation

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.46.suppl_1.tmp60 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Shigeru Fujimoto ◽

Masato Osaki ◽

Masaya Kumamoto ◽

Makoto Kanazawa ◽

Naoki Tagawa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Aortic Arch ◽

Proportional Hazards Model ◽

Cox Proportional Hazards Model ◽

Rank Test ◽

Stroke Recurrence ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

The Impact

Background & Purpose: In patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source, aortic arch atheroma evaluated using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a possible embolic source. We investigated the impact of embolic sources including aortic arch atheroma for a stroke recurrences and death. Methods: Among the consecutive 1545 acute stroke patients, 542 patients who were admitted within 24 hours after the symptom onset, with ischemic lesions in the cortex or cerebellum on the diffusion-weighted image, NIH stroke scale of 7 or less, and prior modified Rankin scale (mRS) of 0 or 1 were included in the present study. All 542 patients underwent TEE to search for embolic sources. According to the categories of embolic sources, patients were classified into 4 groups: patients with severe aortic arch atheroma of 4mm or more in diameter (group A; n=167), patients with cardiogenic embolic sources such as atrial fibrillation or intracardiac thrombus (group C; n=93), patients with both factors as described above (group B; n=88), and other patients (group O; n=194). We followed them up for average period of 3.2 years, and investigated the frequency of stroke recurrences and death from any cause according to embolic sources. Results: Stroke recurrences were observed in 12.0% patients in group A, 11.8% patients in group C, 18.2% patients in group B, and 6.7% patients in group O respectively (p=0.0371). Stroke recurrences and death from any cause occurred in 14.4%, 15.1%, 21.6% and 6.7% patients respectively (p=0.0041). Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed a significant difference in the recurrence-free survival among the four groups (p=0.0076, log-rank test). Stroke recurrence was more frequent in group B than group C patients especially in the early phase from the onset. On COX proportional-hazards model analysis and diabetes mellitus (HR 1.73, p=0.0264) and aortic arch atheroma of 4mm or more (HR 1.86, p=0.0146) were significant predictors for stroke recurrences and death from any cause. Conclusions: Severe aortic arch atheroma can independently be associated with stroke recurrences and death, furthermore, a combination of aortic arch atheroma and cardiogenic embolic sources showed more frequent events than each of them alone.

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