McDonald, Jennifer S.

Contrast-enhanced MR (CE-MR) imaging is required to improve lesion detection and characterization and to increase diagnostic confidence. This study aims to evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and usage patterns of recently introduced Clariscan TM (gadoterate meglumine) and other macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the central nervous system (CNS). Data was obtained from a European multicenter, prospective, observational postmarketing study that included pediatric and adult patients undergoing contrast-enhanced MRI with a GBCA used in routine clinical practice. Safety data was collected by spontaneous patient adverse event (AE) reporting. Effectiveness was assessed via changes in radiological diagnosis, diagnostic confidence, and image quality. 766 patients with CNS-related indications were included from 8 centers across 5 European countries between December 2018 and November 2019. Clariscan (gadoterate meglumine) was used in 66% (503) of exams, Dotarem ® (gadoterate meglumine) in 20% (160), Gadovist ® (gadobutrol) in 13% (97), and ProHance ® (gadoteridol) in 1%. GBCA use increased the diagnostic confidence in 95% (724/766) of patients and a change in radiological diagnosis in 65% (501/766) of patients. The Clariscan-specific data revealed an increase in diagnostic confidence in 94% (472/503) of patients and resulted in a change in radiological diagnosis in 58% (293/503) of patients. Image quality was considered excellent or good in 95% of patients across all GBCAs and in 94% of patients who received Clariscan. No AEs were reported in this cohort including Clariscan. This data demonstrates the excellent safety and efficacy profile of Clariscan and other GBCAs used in MRI examination of the CNS.

Background and Purpose: Although IV tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is standard care for acute ischemic strokes (AIS), its administration continues to be a topic of controversy among patients with dementia. This study compared in-hospital outcomes for dementia versus non-dementia patients treated with IV tPA for acute ischemic strokes. Materials and Methods: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2001-2010, patients with the primary diagnosis of ischemic stroke were identified. We studied outcomes of IV-tPA treatment for acute ischemic stroke in patients with dementia versus a non-dementia control group. Using a 1:2 matched propensity score analysis we controlled for demographic factors, cardiovascular comorbidities and Charlson comorbidity index between groups. Outcomes studied included in-hospital mortality, hospital discharge status and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Results: A total of 24,904 patients with acute ischemic strokes who underwent IV tPA therapy for AIS were included in this study. 659 of which had a diagnosis of dementia. After 1:2 matching based off of age, gender, cardiovascular risk factors and Charlson comorbidity index there were a total of 657 patients in the dementia group and 1314 patients in the non-dementia group. Patient outcomes after propensity core analysis showed no difference with in-hospital mortality in the dementia group vs. control (13% vs 14%, p=0.67), discharge to long-term care facilities (63% vs 59%, p=0.08) and ICH (7.9% vs. 9.1%, p=0.86). Conclusions: There was no statistically significant difference in in-hospital mortality, discharge status or ICH rates in patients with AIS and dementia who received IV tPA compared to those without dementia. These results suggest that dementia is not a predictor of poor in-hospital outcome following IV tPA administration for AIS. Further longitudinal studies are needed to determine if IV tPA therapy would improve long-term outcomes for dementia patients with AIS.

Background Prophylactic use of inferior vena cava filters to prevent pulmonary embolism in trauma is controversial. The practice varies between hospitals and countries, in part due to conflicting evidence and guidelines. Purpose To compare the effects of pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis and mortality in two hospitals using prophylactic inferior vena cava filter placement or prophylactic anticoagulation alone. Material and Methods Patients presenting with severe trauma were recruited from two level-1 trauma centres between January 2008 and December 2013. Recruited patients from an US hospital having prophylactic inferior vena cava filter inserted were compared to a Scandinavian hospital using prophylactic anticoagulation alone. Inclusion criteria were age >15 years, Injury Severity Score >15 and survival >24 h after hospital admission. Patients with venous thromboembolism diagnosed prior to inferior vena cava filter placement were excluded. A Cox proportional hazard regression model was used with adjustment for immortal time bias and predictor variables. Results In total, 951 patients were reviewed, 282 from an US hospital having inferior vena cava filters placed and 669 from a Scandinavian hospital without inferior vena cava filters. The mean age was 45.9 vs. 47.4 years and the mean Injury Severity Score was 29.8 vs. 25.9, respectively. Inferior vena cava filter placement was not associated with the hazard of pulmonary embolism (Hazard ratio=0.43; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.12, 1.45; P=0.17) or mortality (Hazard ratio=1.16; 95% CI 0.70, 1.95; P=0.56). However, an increased rate of deep venous thrombosis was observed with inferior vena cava filters in place (Hazard ratio=3.75; 95% CI 1.68, 8.36; P=0.001). Conclusion In severely injured trauma patients, prophylactic inferior vena cava filter placement was not associated with pulmonary embolism or mortality. However, inferior vena cava filters were associated with increased rate of deep venous thrombosis.

Abstract Background and Aims High dose Methotrexate (HDMTX) is an important component of several modern oncological/haematological treatment protocols due to its central nervous system penetrance. Nephrotoxicity represents a significant adverse effect and can limit therapeutic options. Therefore, strategies to prevent this are paramount. Urinary alkalinisation and large volume resuscitation to maintain adequate hydration and urine output are the typical strategies. Urinary alkalinisation prevents tubular precipitation of methotrexate and therefore, a strict urinary pH target of 7 is maintained via a continuous bicarbonate infusion. Method We describe a case report, of Iatrogenic metabolic alkalosis leading to respiratory compromise in a patient receiving HDMTX from Mayo Clinic, Rochester. Results We present the case of a 76-year-old woman with a Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma with CNS involvement who presented for elective admission for her 1st cycle of HDMTX. She received 7g of Methotrexate at dosing of 8 g/m2. She received the standard urinary alkalinisation with pre- and post-hydration. Her baseline HCO3- was 28 mEq/L. Her 48 hour MTX level was elevated at 1.2 so the urinary alkalinisation protocol was continued until <0.1 mcmol/L. On day 4, she developed frequent episodes of apnoea. Her ABG demonstrated a metabolic alkalaemia pH 7.54, pCO 53, pO2 91, HCO3 45. She was transferred to the ICU for close monitoring. Her bicarbonate infusion was discontinued and she received acetazolamide. Her bicarbonate improved to 31 after 12 hours. She had a significant improvement in her respiratory status with no further episodes of apnoea. Her bicarbonate infusion was restarted due to elevated MTX levels. She was discharged home with no further complications. Conclusion Iatrogenic Metabolic alkalosis leading to respiratory compromise represents a rare but important complication of urinary alkalinsation protocols for High-dose Methotrexate therapy.

e20035 Background: HDMTX is a vital treatment of lymphoma secondary to central nervous system penetrance. MTX is nephrotoxic and may cause acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI results in delayed MTX elimination, increased hospital length of stay (LOS) and intensive care unit (ICU) stays. Our aim was to characterise the complications and associated 48-hour MTX levels in lymphoma patients undergoing HDMTX. Methods: A retrospective review of the electronic medical record was conducted to identify lymphoma patients who received HDMTX from 1/1/2002 to 12/31/18. We assessed the incidence of AKI using AKIN criteria, ICU admission, and LOS across 48 hour MTX levels per the table. Results: 2704 cycles of HDMTX were identified. The mean age was 64 years, 54% were male and 72.2% received high dose (≥8g/m2). A significant increase in AKI severity (p < 0.0001) and LOS (p < 0.01) occurred with increasing 48 hour MTX levels, (p < 0.001, Table). All 7 patients requiring dialysis had MTX levels > 10. ROC curve analysis for AKI grade ≥ 2 demonstrated a 48 hour MTX level threshold of 1.28 (AUC 0.79) with relative risk of 7.6 (95% CI 5.3-11) and odds ratio of 8.8 (95% CI 5.9-13.1). A significant increase occurred in LOS across escalating 48 hour MTX level subgroups (p < 0.01, Table). A significant rise in ICU admissions occurred with increasing MTX levels ( < 0.01% for MTX < 2 compared to 15% with MTX > 5). Conclusions: Complications of HDMTX are significantly increased with elevated 48 hour MTX levels, particularly with levels > 1 μmol/L. [Table: see text]