Selective Arterial Embolization with N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate Prior to CT-Guided Percutaneous Cryoablation of Kidney Malignancies: A Single-Center Experience

The study’s purpose was to assess the safety, feasibility and efficiency of selective arterial embolization (SAE) using N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) glue before percutaneous cryoablation (PCA) of renal malignancies in patients whose tumor characteristics and/or comorbidities resulted in an unacceptable risk of bleeding. In this single-center retrospective study of 19 consecutive high-risk patients (median age, 74 years) with renal malignancies managed in 2017–2020 by SAE with NBCA followed by PCA, data about patients, tumor and procedures characteristics, complications, renal function and hemoglobin concentration before and after treatment, as well as recurrence were collected. Charlson comorbidity index was ≥4 in 89.5% of patients. Ten patients were treated by antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant therapy. Median tumor largest diameter was 3.75 cm (range, 1–6.5 cm) and R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score was ≥7 in 80%, indicating substantial tumor complexity. No major complications were recorded and minor complications occurred in 7 patients. No residual tumor was found at 6-week imaging follow-up in 18/19 patients. Tumor recurrence was visible in 1/16 patients at 6-month imaging follow-up. No significant difference was found for renal function after treatment (p = 0.07), whereas significant decrease in hemoglobin concentration was noted (p = 0.00004), although it was relevant for only one patient who required only blood transfusion and no further intervention. SAE prior to PCA is safe and effective for managing renal malignancies in high-risk patients.

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Community Pharmacy-Based eGFR Screening for Early Detection of CKD in High Risk Patients

Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease ◽

10.1177/2054358120922617 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

pp. 205435812092261

Author(s):

John Papastergiou ◽

Michelle Donnelly ◽

Wilson Li ◽

Robert D. Sindelar ◽

Bart van den Bemt

Keyword(s):

Chronic Kidney Disease ◽

Renal Function ◽

High Risk ◽

Kidney Disease ◽

Early Detection ◽

Point Of Care ◽

Screening System ◽

High Risk Patients ◽

Risk Patients

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition presenting with long-term slow progression of structural and/or functional damage to the kidneys. Early detection is key to preventing complications and improving outcomes. Point-of-care estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) screening technology allows for detection of abnormal kidney function in the community pharmacy setting. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a community pharmacist-directed point-of-care screening program and to identify the prevalence of CKD in high-risk patients. Design: Quantitative observational. Setting: Four community pharmacies in British Columbia over a 6-month period. Patients: In all, 642 participants with at least one CKD risk factor were identified and screened. Mean age was 60 years and females accounted for 55% of the study population. Measurements: Serum creatinine was measured from peripheral blood using the HeathTab® screening system (Piccolo® Renal Function Panel with the Piccolo® blood chemistry analyzer). eGFR was calculated according to the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) formula. Methods: Patients provided a sample of peripheral blood via a self-administered finger-prick and analytical data to assess kidney function was reported including blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, and electrolytes by the HealthTab® screening system. Once results were available, the pharmacist conducted a comprehensive medication review with the patient and recommended certain follow-up actions if appropriate. Results: CKD risk factor included diabetes (30%), hypertension (45%), cardiovascular disease (12%), family history of kidney disease (13%), age over 55 years (68%), and an Aboriginal, Asian, South Asian, or African ethnic background (82%). A total of 11.5% of patients had eGFR values lower than 60 mL/min (abnormal renal function) and 34% had an eGFR between 60 and 89 mL/min (minimally reduced renal function). Overall pharmacists’ actions included blood pressure check (98%), education on CKD and risk factors (89%), medication review (72%), and physician follow-up (38%). Limitations included lack of follow-up beyond the 3-month study period prevented medical confirmation of CKD and limited the ability to quantify the impact of pharmacist interventions on the clinical outcomes of patients with low eGFR. Conclusion: These results illustrate the prevalence of abnormal renal function among undiagnosed, high-risk patients in the community. Pharmacists, as the most accessible healthcare practitioners, are ideally positioned to utilize novel point-of care technologies to improve access to CKD screening, facilitate follow-up, and increase awareness around the importance of early detection.

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The true atrial fibrillation burden after the Cox-Maze-III Cryo procedure in high risk patients with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation - first report of event recorder documented continuous heart rhythm follow-up

The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon ◽

10.1055/s-0030-1269195 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 59 (S 01) ◽

Author(s):

T Hanke ◽

E Charitos ◽

U Stierle ◽

N Ad ◽

M Misfeld ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

High Risk ◽

Heart Rhythm ◽

Persistent Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Event Recorder ◽

First Report ◽

High Risk Patients ◽

Risk Patients ◽

Atrial Fibrillation Burden

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Recurrence of hypercalcaemia more than ten years following parathyroidectomy, was it an unfortunate coincidence or should we routinely follow up high risk patients for a longer period following parathyroidectomy

Endocrine Abstracts ◽

10.1530/endoabs.65.p112 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Siddig Abdelrahim ◽

Cecil Thomas ◽

Robert Hardy ◽

Jonathan Lim ◽

Emeka Onyekwelu

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

High Risk Patients ◽

Risk Patients

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Single-Center Prospective Study to Investigate the Difference in the Incidence of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in High-Risk Patients With the Use of the Dye-Vert Plus System

Case Medical Research ◽

10.31525/ct1-nct04279457 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Prospective Study ◽

Single Center ◽

Contrast Induced Nephropathy ◽

High Risk Patients ◽

Risk Patients ◽

The Difference

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Accuracy of upper endoscopies with random biopsies to identify patients with gastric premalignant lesions who can safely be exempt from surveillance

Gastric Cancer ◽

10.1007/s10120-020-01149-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 24 (3) ◽

pp. 680-690

Author(s):

Michiel C. Mommersteeg ◽

Stella A. V. Nieuwenburg ◽

Wouter J. den Hollander ◽

Lisanne Holster ◽

Caroline M. den Hoed ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gastric Cancer ◽

High Risk ◽

Low Risk ◽

Premalignant Lesions ◽

High Risk Patients ◽

European Guidelines ◽

Progression Of Disease ◽

Risk Patients ◽

Progression Risk

Abstract Introduction Guidelines recommend endoscopy with biopsies to stratify patients with gastric premalignant lesions (GPL) to high and low progression risk. High-risk patients are recommended to undergo surveillance. We aimed to assess the accuracy of guideline recommendations to identify low-risk patients, who can safely be discharged from surveillance. Methods This study includes patients with GPL. Patients underwent at least two endoscopies with an interval of 1–6 years. Patients were defined ‘low risk’ if they fulfilled requirements for discharge, and ‘high risk’ if they fulfilled requirements for surveillance, according to European guidelines (MAPS-2012, updated MAPS-2019, BSG). Patients defined ‘low risk’ with progression of disease during follow-up (FU) were considered ‘misclassified’ as low risk. Results 334 patients (median age 60 years IQR11; 48.7% male) were included and followed for a median of 48 months. At baseline, 181/334 (54%) patients were defined low risk. Of these, 32.6% were ‘misclassified’, showing progression of disease during FU. If MAPS-2019 were followed, 169/334 (51%) patients were defined low risk, of which 32.5% were ‘misclassified’. If BSG were followed, 174/334 (51%) patients were defined low risk, of which 32.2% were ‘misclassified’. Seven patients developed gastric cancer (GC) or dysplasia, four patients were ‘misclassified’ based on MAPS-2012 and three on MAPS-2019 and BSG. By performing one additional endoscopy 72.9% (95% CI 62.4–83.3) of high-risk patients and all patients who developed GC or dysplasia were identified. Conclusion One-third of patients that would have been discharged from GC surveillance, appeared to be ‘misclassified’ as low risk. One additional endoscopy will reduce this risk by 70%.

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Implementation of the acutely presenting older patient (APOP) screening program in routine emergency department care

Zeitschrift für Gerontologie und Geriatrie ◽

10.1007/s00391-020-01837-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Laura C. Blomaard ◽

Bas de Groot ◽

Jacinta A. Lucke ◽

Jelle de Gelder ◽

Anja M. Booijen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Emergency Department ◽

High Risk ◽

Older Patients ◽

Screening Program ◽

Admission Rate ◽

Older Patient ◽

Hospital Admission Rate ◽

High Risk Patients ◽

Risk Patients

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of implementation of the acutely presenting older patient (APOP) screening program for older patients in routine emergency department (ED) care shortly after implementation. Methods We conducted an implementation study with before-after design, using the plan-do-study-act (PDSA) model for quality improvement, in the ED of a Dutch academic hospital. All consecutive patients ≥ 70 years during 2 months before and after implementation were included. The APOP program comprises screening for risk of functional decline, mortality and cognitive impairment, targeted interventions for high-risk patients and education of professionals. Outcome measures were compliance with interventions and impact on ED process, length of stay (LOS) and hospital admission rate. Results Two comparable groups of patients (median age 77 years) were included before (n = 920) and after (n = 953) implementation. After implementation 560 (59%) patients were screened of which 190 (34%) were high-risk patients. Some of the program interventions for high-risk patients in the ED were adhered to, some were not. More hospitalized patients received comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) after implementation (21% before vs. 31% after; p = 0.002). In 89% of high-risk patients who were discharged to home, telephone follow-up was initiated. Implementation did not influence median ED LOS (202 min before vs. 196 min after; p = 0.152) or hospital admission rate (40% before vs. 39% after; p = 0.410). Conclusion Implementation of the APOP screening program in routine ED care did not negatively impact the ED process and resulted in an increase of CGA and telephone follow-up in older patients. Future studies should investigate whether sustainable changes in management and patient outcomes occur after more PDSA cycles.

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Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass in High-Risk Patients with Multivessel Disease

The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1723845 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Grischa Hoffmann ◽

Christine Friedrich ◽

Katharina Huenges ◽

Rainer Petzina ◽

Astrid-Mareike Vogt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Coronary Artery ◽

High Risk ◽

Minimally Invasive ◽

Coronary Artery Bypass ◽

Artery Bypass ◽

Multivessel Disease ◽

Complete Revascularization ◽

High Risk Patients ◽

Risk Patients

Abstract Background High-risk patients with multivessel disease (MVD) including a complex stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary may not be ideal candidates for guideline compliant therapy by coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) regarding invasiveness and perioperative complications. However, they may benefit from minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) grafting and hybrid revascularization (HCR). Methods A logistic European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation score (logES) >10% defined high risk. In high-risk patients with MVD undergoing MIDCAB or HCR, the incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) after 30 days and during midterm follow-up was evaluated. Results Out of 1,250 patients undergoing MIDCAB at our institution between 1998 and 2015, 78 patients (logES: 18.5%; age, 76.7 ± 8.6 years) met the inclusion criteria. During the first 30 days, mortality and rate of MACCE were 9.0%; early mortality was two-fold overestimated by logES. Complete revascularization as scheduled was finally achieved in 64 patients (82.1%). Median follow-up time reached 3.4 (1.2–6.5) years with a median survival time of 4.7 years. Survival after 1, 3, and 5 years was 77, 62, and 48%. Conclusion In high-risk patients with MVD, MIDCAB is associated with acceptable early outcome which is better than predicted by logES. Taking the high-risk profile into consideration, midterm follow-up showed satisfying results, although scheduled HCR was not realized in a relevant proportion. In selected cases of MVD, MIDCAB presents an acceptable alternative for high-risk patients.

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Uptake and detection rate of a stepwise cardiometabolic disease detection program in primary care—a cohort study

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckz201 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 30 (3) ◽

pp. 402-407

Author(s):

Daphne M Stol ◽

Monika Hollander ◽

Ilse F Badenbroek ◽

Mark M J Nielen ◽

François G Schellevis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Primary Care ◽

Cohort Study ◽

High Risk ◽

Newly Diagnosed ◽

Additional Risk ◽

High Risk Patients ◽

Detection Program ◽

Risk Patients

Abstract Background Early detection and treatment of cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) in high-risk patients is a promising preventive strategy to anticipate the increasing burden of CMD. The Dutch guideline ‘the prevention consultation’ provides a framework for stepwise CMD risk assessment and detection in primary care. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of this program in terms of newly diagnosed CMD. Methods A cohort study among 30 934 patients, aged 45–70 years without known CMD or CMD risk factors, who were invited for the CMD detection program within 37 general practices. Patients filled out a CMD risk score (step 1), were referred for additional risk profiling in case of high risk (step 2) and received lifestyle advice and (pharmacological) treatment if indicated (step 3). During 1-year follow-up newly diagnosed CMD, prescriptions and abnormal diagnostic tests were assessed. Results Twelve thousand seven hundred and thirty-eight patients filled out the risk score of which 865, 6665 and 5208 had a low, intermediate and high CMD risk, respectively. One thousand seven hundred and fifty-five high-risk patients consulted the general practitioner, in 346 of whom a new CMD was diagnosed. In an additional 422 patients a new prescription and/or abnormal diagnostic test were found. Conclusions Implementation of the CMD detection program resulted in a new CMD diagnosis in one-fifth of high-risk patients who attended the practice for completion of their risk profile. However, the potential yield of the program could be higher given the considerable number of additional risk factors—such as elevated glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels—found, requiring active follow-up and presumably treatment in the future.

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