Optimal Surgical Extent in Patients with Unilateral Multifocal Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Multifocality increases the risk of recurrence in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC); however, it is unclear whether multifocality justifies more extensive or aggressive surgical treatment. Here, we evaluated the effect of the operative extent on the recurrence-free survival (RFS) of patients with multifocal PTC. Between 2010 and 2019, 718 patients with unilateral multifocal PTC were enrolled; 115 patients (16.0%) underwent ipsilateral thyroid lobectomy, and 606 patients (84.0%) underwent total thyroidectomy. With a mean follow up of 5.2 years, RFS was comparable between the total thyroidectomy and lobectomy groups (p = 0.647) after adjusting for potential confounders. Multivariable Cox regression analysis also demonstrated that the operative extent was not an independent predictor of recurrence (HR 1.686, 95% CI: 0.321–8.852). Subgroup analyses further indicated that both total thyroidectomy and thyroid lobectomy resulted in comparable RFS for multifocal PTC patients with other high-risk factors, including tumor size > 1 cm (p = 0.711), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.536), and intermediate ATA risk of recurrence (p = 0.682). In conclusion, thyroid lobectomy was not associated with the risk of recurrence in patients with multifocal PTCs. Multifocality in PTC may not always require aggressive surgery.

A prediction model for recurrence after translabyrinthine surgery for vestibular schwannoma: toward personalized postoperative surveillance

Purpose The aim of this study is to compute and validate a statistical predictive model for the risk of recurrence, defined as regrowth of tumor necessitating salvage treatment, after translabyrinthine removal of vestibular schwannomas to individualize postoperative surveillance. Methods The multivariable predictive model for risk of recurrence was based on retrospectively collected patient data between 1995 and 2017 at a tertiary referral center. To assess for internal validity of the prediction model tenfold cross-validation was performed. A ‘low’ calculated risk of recurrence in this study was set at < 1%, based on clinical criteria and expert opinion. Results A total of 596 patients with 33 recurrences (5.5%) were included for analysis. The final prediction model consisted of the predictors ‘age at time of surgery’, ‘preoperative tumor growth’ and ‘first postoperative MRI outcome’. The area under the receiver operating curve of the prediction model was 89%, with a C-index of 0.686 (95% CI 0.614–0.796) after cross-validation. The predicted probability for risk of recurrence was low (< 1%) in 373 patients (63%). The earliest recurrence in these low-risk patients was detected at 46 months after surgery. Conclusion This study presents a well-performing prediction model for the risk of recurrence after translabyrinthine surgery for vestibular schwannoma. The prediction model can be used to tailor the postoperative surveillance to the estimated risk of recurrence of individual patients. It seems that especially in patients with an estimated low risk of recurrence, the interval between the first and second postoperative MRI can be safely prolonged.

Multiple and quantitative measurements using computed tomography images reveal the factors associated with chronic subdural hematoma recurrence

Objective: The aim of this retrospective single–center study was to quantitatively assess chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs), reveal the correlations between multiple and quantitative values calculated from computed tomography images, and determine the risk factors for CSDH recurrence. Methods: We enrolled 225 patients who underwent 304 burr-hole surgeries between April 2005 and October 2021 at Otemae Hospital. Patients′ medical records and quantitative values including preoperative CSDH volume (ml), thickness (mm), computed tomography values (CTV), postoperative CSDH volume (ml), and air volume (ml) were evaluated. The locations of CSDH thickness and burr holes were also assessed quantitatively using Montreal Neurological Institute coordinates. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed. Results: Thirty–seven patients (12%) showed CSDH recurrence requiring reoperation. Preoperative CSDH volume was positively correlated with age, preoperative CSDH thickness, CTV, postoperative CSDH volume, and air volume. Univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that age, preoperative CSDH volume, Glasgow Coma Scale score (3–14), postoperative hemiplegia, and gait disturbance were risk factors for recurrence requiring reoperation, and a higher CTV (hazard ratio 0.95, 95% confidence interval 0.91–0.99) was associated with a lower risk of recurrence requiring reoperation. Only preoperative CSDH volume was a significant risk factor for recurrence requiring reoperation in multivariate regression analyses. The postoperative air volume and locations of CSDH thickness and burr hole had no influence on recurrence requiring reoperation. ROC curve analysis revealed that the optimal preoperative CSDH volume cut-off value as a predictor was 155 ml, the thickness was approximately 36.3 mm calculated from a regression line. Conclusions: A larger and more hypodense CSDH has a high risk of recurrence requiring reoperation. Residual air volume after surgery and locations of CSDH and burr hole had no influence on recurrence requiring reoperation.

Stillbirth and neonatal mortality in a subsequent pregnancy following stillbirth: a population-based cohort study

Background A history of stillbirth is a risk factor for recurrent fetal death in a subsequent pregnancy. Reported risks of recurrent fetal death are often not stratified by gestational age. In subsequent pregnancies increased rates of medical interventions are reported without evidence of perinatal benefit. The aim of this study was to estimate gestational-age specific risks of recurrent stillbirth and to evaluate the effect of obstetrical management on perinatal outcome after previous stillbirth. Methods A retrospective cohort study in the Netherlands was designed that included 252.827 women with two consecutive singleton pregnancies (1st and 2nd delivery) between 1999 and 2007. Data was obtained from the national Perinatal Registry and analyzed for pregnancy outcomes. Fetal deaths associated with a congenital anomaly were excluded. The primary outcome was the occurrence of stillbirth in the second pregnancy stratified by gestational age. Secondary outcome was the influence of obstetrical management on perinatal outcome in a subsequent pregnancy. Results Of 252.827 first pregnancies, 2.058 pregnancies ended in a stillbirth (8.1 per 1000). After adjusting for confounding factors, women with a prior stillbirth have a two-fold higher risk of recurrence (aOR 1.96, 95% CI 1.07–3.60) compared to women with a live birth in their first pregnancy. The highest risk of recurrence occurred in the group of women with a stillbirth in early gestation between 22 and 28 weeks of gestation (a OR 2.25, 95% CI 0.62–8.15), while after 32 weeks the risk decreased. The risk of neonatal death after 34 weeks of gestation is higher in women with a history of stillbirth (aOR 6.48, 95% CI 2.61–16.1) and the risk of neonatal death increases with expectant obstetric management (aOR 10.0, 95% CI 2.43–41.1). Conclusions A history of stillbirth remains an important risk for recurrent stillbirth especially in early gestation (22–28 weeks). Women with a previous stillbirth should be counselled for elective induction in the subsequent pregnancy at 37–38 weeks of gestation to decrease the risk of perinatal death.

Do Patients with a Family or Personal History of Venous Thromboembolism have an Increased Risk of Recurrence?

Background A family (FH) and personal history (PH) of venous thromboembolism (VTE) are commonly evaluated risk factors for recurrence. We examined the association between FH/PH of VTE and the risk of recurrence and whether a stronger history status (i.e., both FH/PH vs. no FH/PH) carries an increased recurrence risk. Methods We prospectively followed 813 patients aged ≥ 65 years with acute VTE from 9 Swiss hospitals. We classified patients into four groups: no FH/PH, FH only, PH only, and both FH/PH. The primary outcome was recurrent VTE during the full observation period. We examined the association between FH/PH status and the time to VTE recurrence using competing risk regression, adjusting for confounders and periods of anticoagulation. Results Of 813 patients with VTE, 59% had no FH/PH, 11% a FH only, 24% a PH only, and 7% had both a FH and PH of VTE. Overall, 105 patients had recurrent VTE during the full observation period. After adjustment, patients with a FH only (subhazard ratio [SHR] 0.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.4–1.7), PH only (SHR 1.5, 95% CI 0.9–2.5), and both FH/PH (SHR 1.4, 95% CI 0.6–3.1) did not have an increased risk of recurrent VTE compared with those without FH/PH. When we considered the period after the completion of initial anticoagulation only, the results were similar. Conclusion Our findings indicate that in patients with acute VTE, a FH and/or PH of VTE does not convey an increased risk of recurrent VTE. In particular, we did not find a “dose–effect” relationship between FH/PH status and VTE recurrence.

Kidney Transplantation for Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis: Can We Prevent Its Recurrence? Personal Experience and Literature Review

Background: Primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is associated with a high risk of recurrence after kidney transplantation with a major risk of graft loss despite preventive or curative treatments. Aim: to assess graft survival in FSGS kidney-transplant recipients and to compare those that had a relapse with those that had no relapse. Patients/Methods: we included 17 FSGS kidney-transplant recipients between January 2000 and January 2020, separated retrospectively into two groups (recurrences: n = 8 patients; no recurrences: n = 9 patients). FSGS recurrence was defined as having proteinuria of ≥3 g/g or urinary creatinine of ≥3 g/day. All patients received an induction therapy; maintenance immunosuppressive therapy at post-transplantation relied on tacrolimus/mycophenolate mofetil/steroids. In order to prevent or treat FSGS recurrence, patients received apheresis sessions plus rituximab. Results: FSGS recurrence rate was 47%. All patients that relapsed with a first graft also relapsed with subsequent grafts. Median time to recurrence was 3 (min: 1; max: 4745) days, despite rituximab/apheresis prophylaxis. Mean age was significantly lower in the relapsers (group 1) than in the non-relapsers (group 2); i.e., 47 ± 11 vs. 58 ± 9 years (p = 0.04). Time to progression to stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) and young age at FSGS diagnosis were lower in group 1 compared to group 2; i.e., 5 (min: 1; max: 26) vs. 2 (min: 1; max: 26) years, and 16 (min: 4; max: 55) vs. 34 (min: 6; max 48) years, respectively. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of progression to CKD stage 5 on the native kidneys, averaging 7 years in both groups (p = 0.99). In group 1, seven patients received rituximab/apheresis prophylaxis, although this did not prevent the recurrence of FSGS. Conclusion: pretransplant prophylaxis with plasmapheresis/rituximab did not appear to reduce the risk of recurrence of primary FSGS on the graft, but could allow remission in the event of recurrence.

Importance of Normalization of Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 in Patients With Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

BackgroundAlthough carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) is an established prognostic marker for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) patients, the significance of elevated preoperative CA19-9 that normalized after resection remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether elevated preoperative CA19-9 that normalized after curative resection had an impact on prognosis among patients with ICC.MethodsPatients who underwent curative resection for stage I to III ICC between 2009 and 2018 were identified. Patients were categorized into three cohorts: normal preoperative CA19-9, elevated preoperative CA19-9 but normalized postoperative CA19-9, and persistently elevated postoperative CA19-9. Overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and hazard function curves over time were analyzed.ResultsA total of 511 patients (247 [48.3%] male; median age, 58 years) were included. Patients with elevated preoperative CA19-9 (n = 378) were associated with worse RFS and OS than those with normal preoperative CA19-9 (n = 152) (both p &lt; 0.001). Patients with persistently elevated postoperative CA19-9 (n = 254) were correlated with lower RFS and OS than the combined cohorts with normal postoperative CA19-9 (n = 257) (both p &lt; 0.001). The hazard function curves revealed that the risk of recurrence and mortality peaked earlier and higher in the elevated postoperative CA19-9 group than the other 2 groups. Multivariate analyses identified persistently elevated, rather than normalized, postoperative CA19-9 as an independent risk factor for shorter RFS and OS in ICC.ConclusionsElevated preoperative serum CA19-9 that normalizes after curative resection is not an indicator of poor prognosis in ICC. Patients with persistently elevated postoperative CA19-9 are at increased risk of recurrence and death.