Clinical characteristics and outcomes in elderly patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery for nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma

OBJECTIVELife expectancy has increased over the past century, causing a shift in the demographic distribution toward older age groups. Elderly patients comprise up to 14% of all patients with pituitary tumors, with most lesions being nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs). Here, the authors evaluated demographics, outcomes, and postoperative complications between nonelderly adult and elderly NFPA patients.METHODSA retrospective review of 908 patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) for NFPA at a single institution from 2007 to 2019 was conducted. Clinical and surgical outcomes and postoperative complications were compared between nonelderly adult (age ≥ 18 and ≤ 65 years) and elderly patients (age > 65 years).RESULTSThere were 614 and 294 patients in the nonelderly and elderly groups, respectively. Both groups were similar in sex (57.3% vs 60.5% males; p = 0.4), tumor size (2.56 vs 2.46 cm; p = 0.2), and cavernous sinus invasion (35.8% vs 33.7%; p = 0.6). Regarding postoperative outcomes, length of stay (1 vs 2 days; p = 0.5), extent of resection (59.8% vs 64.8% gross-total resection; p = 0.2), CSF leak requiring surgical revision (4.3% vs 1.4%; p = 0.06), 30-day readmission (8.1% vs 7.3%; p = 0.7), infection (3.1% vs 2.0%; p = 0.5), and new hypopituitarism (13.9% vs 12.0%; p = 0.3) were similar between both groups. Elderly patients were less likely to receive adjuvant radiation (8.7% vs 16.3%; p = 0.009), undergo future reoperation (3.8% vs 9.5%; p = 0.003), and experience postoperative diabetes insipidus (DI) (3.7% vs 9.4%; p = 0.002), and more likely to have postoperative hyponatremia (26.7% vs 16.4%; p < 0.001) and new cranial nerve deficit (1.9% vs 0.0%; p = 0.01). Subanalysis of elderly patients showed that patients with higher Charlson Comorbidity Index scores had comparable outcomes other than higher DI rates (8.1% vs 0.0%; p = 0.006). Elderly patients’ postoperative sodium peaked and troughed on postoperative day 3 (POD3) (mean 138.7 mEq/L) and POD9 (mean 130.8 mEq/L), respectively, compared with nonelderly patients (peak POD2: mean 139.9 mEq/L; trough POD8: mean 131.3 mEq/L).CONCLUSIONSThe authors’ analysis revealed that TSS for NFPA in elderly patients is safe with low complication rates. In this cohort, more elderly patients experienced postoperative hyponatremia, while more nonelderly patients experienced postoperative DI. These findings, combined with the observation of higher DI in patients with more comorbidities and elderly patients experiencing later peaks and troughs in serum sodium, suggest age-related differences in sodium regulation after NFPA resection. The authors hope that their results will help guide discussions with elderly patients regarding risks and outcomes of TSS.

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NCOG-54. SAFETY OF TRANSSPHENOIDAL SURGERY FOR NONFUNCTIONING PITUITARY ADENOMA IN ELDERLY PATIENTS

Neuro-Oncology ◽

10.1093/neuonc/noaa215.592 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. ii141-ii141

Author(s):

Matheus Pereira ◽

Taemin Oh ◽

Rushikesh Joshi ◽

Alexander Haddad ◽

Kaitlyn Pereira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Elderly Patients ◽

Transsphenoidal Surgery ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Past Century ◽

Adjuvant Radiation ◽

Elderly Adult ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Elderly Age ◽

Cavernous Sinus Invasion ◽

Age Related

Abstract INTRODUCTION Life expectancy has increased over the past century, shifting the demographic distribution towards older age groups. Elderly patients comprise up to 14% of patients with pituitary tumors, with most lesions being nonfunctioning adenomas (NFPAs). Here, we compare clinical and surgical outcomes and post-operative complications between non-elderly adult (age ≥ 18 years and ≤ 65 years) and elderly (age > 65 years) NFPA patients. METHODS Retrospective review of 908 patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery for NFPA at a single institution from 2007-2019. RESULTS Elderly patients represented 32.4% of patients. Both groups were similar in gender (57.3% vs 60.5% male;P=0.4), tumor size (2.56 vs 2.46 cm;P=0.2), and cavernous sinus invasion (35.8% vs 33.7%;P=0.6). Regarding post-operative outcomes, length of stay (1 vs 2 days; P=0.5), extent of resection (59.8% vs 64.8% GTR;P=0.2), CSF leak requiring surgical revision (4.3% vs 1.4%;P=0.06), 30-day readmission (8.1% vs 7.3%;P=0.7), infection (3.1% vs 2.0%;P=0.5), and new hypopituitarism (13.9% vs 12.0%;P=0.3) were similar between both groups. Elderly patients were less likely to have adjuvant radiation (8.7% vs 16.3%;P=0.009), future re-operation (3.8% vs 9.5%;P=0.003), and post-operative diabetes insipidus (DI) (3.7% vs 9.4%;P=0.002), and more likely to have post-operative hyponatremia (26.7% vs 16.4%;P< 0.001) and new cranial nerve deficit (1.9% vs 0.0%;P=0.01). Elderly patients’ post-operative sodium peaked and troughed on POD3 (mean=138.7 mEq/L) and POD9 (mean=130.8 mEq/L), respectively, compared to non-elderly patients (peak POD2 mean=139.9 mEq/L, trough POD8 mean=131.3 mEq/L). CONCLUSION Our analysis revealed that elderly patients experienced more post-operative hyponatremia, while non-elderly patients experienced more post-operative DI. Elderly patients also experience later peak and trough in serum sodium, suggesting age-related differences in stalk-related morbidities of NFPA resection. Overall, our results show that transsphenoidal surgery for NFPA in elderly patients is safe with low complication rates. We hope our results will guide discussions with elderly patients regarding possible risks and outcomes.

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Morbidity of repeat transsphenoidal surgery assessed in more than 1000 operations

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2014.3.jns131532 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 121 (1) ◽

pp. 67-74 ◽

Cited By ~ 32

Author(s):

Arman Jahangiri ◽

Jeffrey Wagner ◽

Sung Won Han ◽

Corinna C. Zygourakis ◽

Seunggu J. Han ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pituitary Adenomas ◽

Transsphenoidal Surgery ◽

Lesion Size ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Separate Analysis ◽

Initial Surgery ◽

Second Surgery ◽

Rathke's Cleft Cysts ◽

Rathke's Cleft ◽

Postoperative Hyponatremia

Object While transsphenoidal surgery is associated with low morbidity, the degree to which morbidity increases after reoperation remains unclear. The authors determined the morbidity associated with repeat versus initial transsphenoidal surgery after 1015 consecutive operations. Methods The authors conducted a 5-year retrospective review of the first 916 patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery at their institution after a pituitary center of expertise was established, and they analyzed morbidities. Results The authors analyzed 907 initial and 108 repeat transsphenoidal surgeries performed in 916 patients (9 initial surgeries performed outside the authors' center were excluded). The most common diagnoses were endocrine inactive (30%) or active (36%) adenomas, Rathke's cleft cysts (10%), and craniopharyngioma (3%). Morbidity of initial surgery versus reoperation included diabetes insipidus ([DI] 16% vs 26%; p = 0.03), postoperative hyponatremia (20% vs 16%; p = 0.3), new postoperative hypopituitarism (5% vs 8%; p = 0.3), CSF leak requiring repair (1% vs 4%; p = 0.04), meningitis (0.4% vs 3%; p = 0.02), and length of stay ([LOS] 2.8 vs 4.5 days; p = 0.006). Of intraoperative parameters and postoperative morbidities, 1) some (use of lumbar drain and new postoperative hypopituitarism) did not increase with second or subsequent reoperations (p = 0.3–0.9); 2) some (DI and meningitis) increased upon second surgery (p = 0.02–0.04) but did not continue to increase for subsequent reoperations (p = 0.3–0.9); 3) some (LOS) increased upon second surgery and increased again for subsequent reoperations (p < 0.001); and 4) some (postoperative hyponatremia and CSF leak requiring repair) did not increase upon second surgery (p = 0.3) but went on to increase upon subsequent reoperations (p = 0.001–0.02). Multivariate analysis revealed that operation number, but not sex, age, pathology, radiation therapy, or lesion size, increased the risk of CSF leak, meningitis, and increased LOS. Separate analysis of initial versus repeat transsphenoidal surgery on the 2 most common benign pituitary lesions, pituitary adenomas and Rathke's cleft cysts, revealed that the increased incidence of DI and CSF leak requiring repair seen when all pathologies were combined remained significant when analyzing only pituitary adenomas and Rathke's cleft cysts (DI, 13% vs 35% [p = 0.001]; and CSF leak, 0.3% vs 9% [p = 0.0009]). Conclusions Repeat transsphenoidal surgery was associated with somewhat more frequent postoperative DI, meningitis, CSF leak requiring repair, and greater LOS than the low morbidity characterizing initial transsphenoidal surgery. These results provide a framework for neurosurgeons in discussing reoperation for pituitary disease with their patients.

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Effects of age on perioperative complications of extensive multilevel thoracolumbar spinal fusion surgery

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2009.10.spine08741 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 402-408 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

Jordan M. Cloyd ◽

Frank L. Acosta ◽

Colleen Cloyd ◽

Christopher P. Ames

Keyword(s):

Postoperative Complications ◽

Elderly Patients ◽

Spinal Fusion ◽

Perioperative Complications ◽

Intraoperative Complications ◽

The Elderly ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Fusion Surgery ◽

Spinal Fusion Surgery

Object The elderly compose a substantial proportion of patients presenting with complex spinal pathology. Several recent studies have suggested that fusion of 4 or more levels increases the risk of perioperative complications in elderly patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of age in persons undergoing multilevel (≥ 5 levels) thoracolumbar fusion surgery. Methods A retrospective review of all hospital records, operative reports, and clinic notes was conducted for 124 consecutive patients who underwent surgery between 2000 and 2007 with an average follow-up of 3.5 years and a minimum follow-up of 1.2 years. The most frequent preoperative diagnoses included scoliosis, tumor, osteomyelitis, vertebral fracture, and degenerative disc disease with stenosis. Complications were classified as intraoperative and major and minor postoperative as well as the need for revision surgery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the effects of age and other potentially prognostic factors. Results After controlling for other factors, increasing age was associated with an elevated risk for major postoperative complications (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00–1.10) as were increasing levels of fusion (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.1) and male sex (OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.3–16.2). In patients 65 years of age or older, rates of intraoperative complications, major and minor postoperative complications, and reoperation were 14.1, 23.4, 29.7, and 26.6%, respectively. The number of comorbidities was associated with a greater risk for perioperative complications in elderly patients (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–2.8). Conclusions Age is a positive risk factor for major postoperative complications in extensive thoracolumbar spinal fusion surgery. Complication rates in the elderly are high, and good clinical judgment and careful patient selection are needed before performing extensive thoracolumbar reconstruction in older persons.

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Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery in elderly patients with pituitary adenomas

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2014.10.jns14372 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 123 (1) ◽

pp. 31-38 ◽

Cited By ~ 32

Author(s):

Jackson A. Gondim ◽

João Paulo Almeida ◽

Lucas Alverne F. de Albuquerque ◽

Erika Gomes ◽

Michele Schops ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Surgical Treatment ◽

Elderly Patients ◽

Transsphenoidal Surgery ◽

Clinical Status ◽

The Elderly ◽

Elderly Group ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery ◽

Younger Patients ◽

Significant Difference

OBJECT With the increase in the average life expectancy, medical care of elderly patients with symptomatic pituitary adenoma (PA) will continue to grow. Little information exists in the literature about the surgical treatment of these patients. The aim of this study was to present the results of a single pituitary center in the surgical treatment of PAs in patients > 70 years of age. METHODS In this retrospective study, 55 consecutive elderly patients (age ≥ 70 years) with nonfunctioning PAs underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery at the General Hospital of Fortaleza, Brazil, between May 2000 and December 2012. The clinical and radiological results in this group were compared with 2 groups of younger patients: < 60 years (n = 289) and 60–69 years old (n = 30). RESULTS Fifty-five patients ≥ 70 years of age (average age 72.5 years, range 70–84 years) underwent endoscopic surgery for treatment of PAs. The mean follow-up period was 50 months (range 12–144 months). The most common symptoms were visual impairment in 38 (69%) patients, headache in 16 (29%) patients, and complete ophthalmoplegia in 6 (10.9%). Elderly patients presented a higher incidence of ophthalmoplegia (p = 0.032) and a lower frequency of pituitary apoplexy before surgery (p < 0.05). Tumors with cavernous sinus invasion were treated surgically less frequently than in younger patients. Although patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 3 were more common in the elderly group (p < 0.05), no significant difference regarding surgical time, extent of resection, and hospitalization were observed. Elderly patients presented with more complications than patients < 60 years (32.7% vs 10%, p < 0.05). Complications observed in the elderly group included 5 CSF leaks (9%), 2 permanent diabetes insipidus cases (3.6%), 4 postoperative refractory hypertension cases (7.2%), 1 myocardial ischemia (1.8%), and 1 death (1.8%). Postoperative new anterior pituitary deficit was more common in the younger group (< 60 years old: 17.7%) than in the elderly (≥ 70 years old: 12.7%); however, there was no statistical difference. CONCLUSIONS Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for elderly patients with PAs may be associated with higher complication rates, especially secondary to early transitory complications, when compared with surgery performed in younger patients. Although the worst preoperative clinical status might be observed in this group, age alone is not associated with a worst final prognosis after endoscopic removal of nonfunctioning PAs.

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Complication Rates after Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for ACTH-Secreting Pituitary Adenomas: A Comparative Analysis with GH and Nonfunctioning Adenomas

Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B Skull Base ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1725029 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Juan Á. Aibar-Durán ◽

Michael Oladotun-Anka ◽

Carlos Asencio-Cortés ◽

Elena Valassi ◽

Susan Webb ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Growth Hormone ◽

Statistical Analysis ◽

Diabetes Insipidus ◽

Pituitary Adenomas ◽

Transsphenoidal Surgery ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Acth Secreting

Abstract Objectives Some complications have been more frequently reported after surgery for adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenomas. We compared complication rates in patients with ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas with those in patients with growth hormone secreting pituitary adenomas (growth hormone [GH] group) and nonfunctioning adenomas (nonfunctioning group). Design A comparative three-group analysis was performed for all patients who had endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas at our center between January 2011 and May 2019. Variables included demographics, preoperative clinical and radiological characteristics, and postoperative radiological and endocrinological outcomes. Complications were divided into four categories: endocrinological, neurosurgical, medical, and ENT (ear–nose–throat)-related complications. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis were performed. Results A total of 111 patients with pituitary adenomas and a mean age of 53.7 years were included (25 ACTH, 35 GH, and 51 nonfunctioning adenomas). Overall, 28 patients had microadenomas (25.2%) and 83 had macroadenomas (74.8%). Univariate statistical analysis for complications between groups showed no differences in neurosurgical and medical complications. Transient diabetes insipidus and postsurgical bacterial sinusitis were the only variables more frequently seen in the ACTH group (p = 0.01 and 0.04, respectively). Multivariate analysis for transient diabetes insipidus showed no differences between groups (p = 0.58). Conclusion Complication rates were similar in all three adenoma groups, particularly concerning major infections, thrombotic events, postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, and transient diabetes insipidus. Transient diabetes insipidus was related with adenoma size and intraoperative CSF leak. Despite postoperative bacterial sinusitis was statistically higher in the ACTH group, this data should be interpreted with caution given the low number of patients with this complication.

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Exploring the Relationship between Biologics and Postoperative Surgical Morbidity in Ulcerative Colitis: A Review

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10040710 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 710

Author(s):

Abel Botelho Quaresma ◽

Fernanda da Silva Barbosa Baraúna ◽

Fábio Vieira Teixeira ◽

Rogério Saad-Hossne ◽

Paulo Gustavo Kotze

Keyword(s):

Ulcerative Colitis ◽

Postoperative Complications ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Qualitative Evaluation ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Surgical Morbidity ◽

Randomized Studies ◽

Pubmed Database ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Impact

Background: With the paradigm shift related to the overspread use of biological agents in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), several questions emerged from the surgical perspective. Whether the use of biologicals would be associated with higher rates of postoperative complications in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients still remains controversial. Aims: We aimed to analyze the literature, searching for studies that correlated postoperative complications and preoperative exposure to biologics in UC patients, and synthesize these data qualitatively in order to check the possible impact of biologics on postoperative surgical morbidity in this population. Methods: Included studies were identified by electronic search in the PUBMED database according to the PRISMA (Preferred Items of Reports for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. The quality and bias assessments were performed by MINORS (methodological index for non-randomized studies) criteria for non-randomized studies. Results: 608 studies were initially identified, 22 of which were selected for qualitative evaluation. From those, 19 studies (17 retrospective and two prospective) included preoperative anti-TNF. Seven described an increased risk of postoperative complications, and 12 showed no significant increase postoperative morbidity. Only three studies included surgical UC patients with previous use of vedolizumab, two retrospective and one prospective, all with no significant correlation between the drug and an increase in postoperative complication rates. Conclusions: Despite conflicting results, most studies have not shown increased complication rates after abdominal surgical procedures in patients with UC with preoperative exposure to biologics. Further prospective studies are needed to better establish the impact of preoperative biologics and surgical complications in UC.

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Activity Tracking After Surgery: Does It Correlate With Postoperative Complications?

The American Surgeon ◽

10.1177/0003134820988818 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 000313482098881

Author(s):

Yehonatan Nevo ◽

Tali Shaltiel ◽

Naama Constantini ◽

Danny Rosin ◽

Mordechai Gutman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Postoperative Complications ◽

Enhanced Recovery ◽

Length Of Hospital Stay ◽

Inverse Correlation ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Activity Tracking ◽

Primary Endpoints ◽

Specific Complication ◽

Secondary Endpoints ◽

Enhanced Recovery Programs

Background Postoperative ambulation is an important tenet in enhanced recovery programs. We quantitatively assessed the correlation of decreased postoperative ambulation with postoperative complications and delays in gastrointestinal function. Methods Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were fitted with digital ankle pedometers yielding continuous measurements of their ambulation. Primary endpoints were the overall and system-specific complication rates, with secondary endpoints being the time to first passage of flatus and stool, the length of hospital stay, and the rate of readmission. Results 100 patients were enrolled. We found a significant, independent inverse correlation between the number of steps on the first and second postoperative days (POD1/2) and the incidence of complications as well as the recovery of GI function and the likelihood of readmission ( P < .05). POD2 step count was an independent risk factor for severe complications ( P = .026). Discussion Digitally quantified ambulation data may be a prognostic biomarker for the likelihood of severe postoperative complications.

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Brain Tumor Resection in Elderly Patients: Potential Factors of Postoperative Worsening in a Predictive Outcome Model

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13102320 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (10) ◽

pp. 2320

Author(s):

Paolo Ferroli ◽

Ignazio Gaspare Vetrano ◽

Silvia Schiavolin ◽

Francesco Acerbi ◽

Costanza Maria Zattra ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Brain Tumor ◽

Postoperative Complications ◽

Elderly Patients ◽

Performance Status ◽

Tumor Resection ◽

Patient Specific ◽

Invasive Treatment ◽

Tertiary Referral Center ◽

Surgical Complexity

The decision of whether to operate on elderly patients with brain tumors is complex, and influenced by pathology-related and patient-specific factors. This retrospective cohort study, based on a prospectively collected surgical database, aims at identifying possible factors predicting clinical worsening after elective neuro-oncological surgery in elderly patients. Therefore, all patients ≥65 years old who underwent BT resection at a tertiary referral center between 01/2018 and 12/2019 were included. Age, smoking, previous radiotherapy, hypertension, preoperative functional status, complications occurrence, surgical complexity and the presence of comorbidities were prospectively collected and analyzed at discharge and the 3-month follow-up. The series included 143 patients (mean 71 years, range 65–86). Sixty-five patients (46%) had at least one neurosurgical complication, whereas 48/65 (74%) complications did not require invasive treatment. Forty-two patients (29.4%) worsened at discharge; these patients had a greater number of complications compared to patients with unchanged/improved performance status. A persistent worsening at three months of follow-up was noted in 20.3% of patients; again, this subgroup presented more complications than patients who remained equal or improved. Therefore, postoperative complications and surgical complexity seem to influence significantly the early outcome in elderly patients undergoing brain tumor surgery. In contrast, postoperative complications alone are the only factor with an impact on the 3-month follow-up.

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A New Preoperative Risk Score for Predicting Postoperative Complications in Elderly Patients Undergoing Hepatectomy

World Journal of Surgery ◽

10.1007/s00268-021-05985-w ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Koichi Tomita ◽

Itsuki Koganezawa ◽

Masashi Nakagawa ◽

Shigeto Ochiai ◽

Takahiro Gunji ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Skeletal Muscle ◽

Postoperative Complications ◽

Elderly Patients ◽

Risk Score ◽

Surgical Procedure ◽

Evaluation Method ◽

Preoperative Risk ◽

Preoperative Serum ◽

Independent Risk Factors

Abstract Background Postoperative complications are not rare in the elderly population after hepatectomy. However, predicting postoperative risk in elderly patients undergoing hepatectomy is not easy. We aimed to develop a new preoperative evaluation method to predict postoperative complications in patients above 65 years of age using biological impedance analysis (BIA). Methods Clinical data of 59 consecutive patients (aged 65 years or older) who underwent hepatectomy at our institution between 2017 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Risk factors for postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ III) were evaluated using multivariate regression analysis. Additionally, a new preoperative risk score was developed for predicting postoperative complications. Results Fifteen patients (25.4%) had postoperative complications, with biliary fistula being the most common complication. Abnormal skeletal muscle mass index from BIA and type of surgical procedure were found to be independent risk factors in the multivariate analysis. These two variables and preoperative serum albumin levels were used for developing the risk score. The postoperative complication rate was 0.0% with a risk score of ≤ 1 and 57.1% with a risk score of ≥ 4. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the risk score was 0.810 (p = 0.001), which was better than that of other known surgical risk indexes. Conclusion Decreased skeletal muscle and the type of surgical procedure for hepatectomy were independent risk factors for postoperative complications after elective hepatectomy in elderly patients. The new preoperative risk score is simple, easy to perform, and will help in the detection of high-risk elderly patients undergoing elective hepatectomy.

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Association between preoperative evaluation with lung ultrasound and outcome in frail elderly patients undergoing orthopedic surgery for hip fractures: study protocol for an Italian multicenter observational prospective study (LUSHIP)

The Ultrasound Journal ◽

10.1186/s13089-021-00230-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Luigi Vetrugno ◽

Enrico Boero ◽

Elena Bignami ◽

Andrea Cortegiani ◽

Santi Maurizio Raineri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hip Fracture ◽

Postoperative Complications ◽

Observational Study ◽

Elderly Patients ◽

Fracture Fixation ◽

Frail Elderly ◽

Statistical Power ◽

Lung Ultrasound ◽

Preoperative Evaluation ◽

Cardiac Complications

Abstract Background Hip fracture is one of the most common orthopedic causes of hospital admission in frail elderly patients. Hip fracture fixation in this class of patients is considered a high-risk procedure. Preoperative physical examination, plasma natriuretic peptide levels (BNP, Pro-BNP), and cardiovascular scoring systems (ASA-PS, RCRI, NSQIP-MICA) have all been demonstrated to underestimate the risk of postoperative complications. We designed a prospective multicenter observational study to assess whether preoperative lung ultrasound examination can predict better postoperative events thanks to the additional information they provide in the form of “indirect” and “direct” cardiac and pulmonary lung ultrasound signs. Methods LUSHIP is an Italian multicenter prospective observational study. Patients will be recruited on a nation-wide scale in the 12 participating centers. Patients aged > 65 years undergoing spinal anesthesia for hip fracture fixation will be enrolled. A lung ultrasound score (LUS) will be generated based on the examination of six areas of each lung and ascribing to each area one of the four recognized aeration patterns—each of which is assigned a subscore of 0, 1, 2, or 3. Thus, the total score will have the potential to range from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 36. The association between 30-day postoperative complications of cardiac and/or pulmonary origin and the overall mortality will be studied. Considering the fact that cardiac complications in patients undergoing hip surgery occur in approx. 30% of cases, to achieve 80% statistical power, we will need a sample size of 877 patients considering a relative risk of 1.5. Conclusions Lung ultrasound (LU), as a tool within the anesthesiologist’s armamentarium, is becoming increasingly widespread, and its use in the preoperative setting is also starting to become more common. Should the study demonstrate the ability of LU to predict postoperative cardiac and pulmonary complications in hip fracture patients, a randomized clinical trial will be designed with the scope of improving patient outcome. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04074876. Registered on August 30, 2019.

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