Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the most common cause of preventable mortality following colorectal surgery (CRS), occurring in about 2% of patients. As a result, prophylaxis including discharge chemoprophylaxis is recommended. While VTE risk assessment tools are available, the consistent adoption and utilization of these tools remains elusive. Our study objectives were to determine the utilization and impact of risk adjusted VTE prophylaxis in CRS patients. Study Design CRS cases performed between 1/1/2016 and 5/31/2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Caprini score and implemented VTE prophylaxis measures were determined. The primary outcome measure was receiving Caprini guideline indicated VTE prophylaxis. Secondary outcomes included VTE and bleeding. Categorical variables were compared by chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, and continuous variables by Kruskal-Wallis test. Logistic regression models were used to determine predictors of receiving appropriate VTE prophylaxis or experiencing postoperative VTE and bleeding. Results 10,422 CRS cases were analyzed and 90.6% were high risk for VTE. In-hospital appropriate prophylaxis rates in low, moderate, high, and very high-risk category patients were 91.2%, 56.1%, 61.0%, and 63.1%, respectively. Inpatient VTE was reduced by 75% in those receiving appropriate VTE prophylaxis. At discharge, 5.8% of patients received appropriate prophylaxis, in whom there were no VTE events at 30- and 90 days from discharge. Increasing Caprini score positively correlated with VTE risk in both the inpatient and discharge cohorts, but inversely correlated with the likelihood of receiving appropriate prophylaxis at discharge (OR .31, P <.0001). Conclusion Caprini guideline indicated VTE prophylaxis in CRS patients reduced VTE events without increasing bleeding complications.
PET-CR as a potential surrogate endpoint in untreated DLBCL: meta-analysis and implications for clinical trial design
ObjectiveThe goal was to elicit adolescents’ and young adults’ (AYAs) perspectives about how to implement the Six Core Elements of Healthcare Transition within rheumatology care.MethodsAYAs (ages 16–28 years old) with self‐reported rheumatic conditions were recruited through patient organizations and social media. In Phase One (qualitative [QUAL]), 90‐minute focus groups were facilitated to elicit AYAs’ reactions to Six Core Elements content. In Phase Two (quantitative; QUAN), a national survey was conducted to determine generalizability of recommendations extracted from Phase One. Mixed methods analyses were conducted by a multidisciplinary team of social science researchers, pediatric rheumatologists, and patients.ResultsAlthough focus group participants (n = 39) were previously unfamiliar with the Six Core Elements, they reacted favorably to its format and content. Participants provided suggestions for how to logistically execute each component in the clinic. Additionally, 3 overarching recommendations emerged that focused on motivating AYAs to engage: 1) frame health care transition as an opportunity for empowerment; 2) implement a structured education plan; and 3) consider the role of parents. In line with qualitative findings, survey participants (n = 137) reported that they would prefer to learn most transitional skills from and discuss developmentally specific topics with their rheumatology team. Participants reported they would likely complete programs to learn transitional skills from allied professionals, via patient portals, or in group settings.ConclusionIncorporating patient perspectives into research and clinical practice is an opportunity to strengthen educational programs. AYAs emphasized the importance of gaining independence and becoming empowered through the health care transition process with structured support from their rheumatology teams.
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EPIK-B4: A phase 2, randomized study of metformin (MET) extended release (XR) +/- dapagliflozin (DAPA) to prevent hyperglycemia (HG) in patients (pts) with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-), PIK3C
TPS1107 Background: ALP (α-selective PI3K inhibitor and degrader) is approved with FUL for pts with PIK3CA-mut HR+, HER2− ABC. HG is a known on-target effect of PI3K inhibition, manageable with oral anti-HG agents such as MET and dose interruptions/modifications of ALP and reversible upon discontinuation of ALP. Although HG management guidelines were refined throughout the SOLAR-1 and BYLieve studies evaluating ALP + FUL/letrozole, there remains a need for optimized strategies beyond initial MET therapy that offers earlier and more sustained improvement of HG, particularly for pts at an increased risk for severe HG. In preclinical models, the addition of a SGLT2 inhibitor to ALP (+/− MET) reduced HG while maintaining ALP efficacy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of prophylactic MET XR +/− the SGLT2 inhibitor DAPA in reducing severe HG in pts with PIK3CA-mut HR+, HER2− ABC on ALP + FUL with an increased risk for severe HG (grade ≥ 3) on ALP. Methods: EPIK-B4 is a Phase II, randomized (1:1), open-label, active-controlled study assessing the efficacy and safety of MET XR +/− DAPA (starting at Cycle 1 Day 1 [C1D1]) with ALP (300 mg orally [PO], once daily [QD], starting at C1D8) + FUL (500 mg intramuscularly on C1D1, C1D15, and D1 of subsequent cycles) in pts (N ≈ 132) with HR+, HER2–, PIK3CA-mut ABC after progression on/after endocrine-based treatment (Tx). MET XR is administered PO starting at 500 mg QD (titrated up to 2 g QD) and MET XR + DAPA starting at 500 mg and 5 mg QD (titrated up to 2 g and 10 mg QD), respectively. Eligible pts include adult men or postmenopausal women with confirmed HR+, HER2–, PIK3CA-mut ABC and ≥ 1 risk factor for severe HG (diabetes [fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥ 126 mg/dL and/or HbA1c ≥ 6.5%], prediabetes [FPG ≥ 100 to < 126 mg/dL and/or HbA1c 5.7% to < 6.5%], obesity [BMI ≥ 30], age ≥ 75 years); prior endocrine-based Tx (eg, FUL or oral SERD) was permitted. Randomization is stratified by baseline diabetes status. Key exclusion criteria include > 1 line of Tx in the metastatic setting; prior chemotherapy (metastatic setting) or PI3K, mTOR, or AKT inhibitor; type I or II diabetes requiring Tx; or antecedent of pancreatitis or severe cutaneous reaction. The primary endpoint is the occurrence of severe HG (grade ≥ 3 [glucose > 250 mg/dL] based on laboratory assessments) over the first 8 weeks of ALP + FUL. Secondary endpoints include progression-free survival, overall response and clinical benefit rates with confirmed response, safety, and tolerability. A biomarker analysis is planned as an exploratory objective. Recruitment is ongoing with enrollment planned in 56 sites across 8 countries; completion of primary data collection is anticipated in 2023. Clinical trial information: NCT04899349; EUDRACT#2021-001908-15.
A United States expert consensus to standardise definitions, follow‐up, and treatment targets for extra‐intestinal manifestations in inflammatory bowel disease
SummaryBackground and aimsExtra‐intestinal manifestations (EIMs) are a common complication of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), affecting up to half of the patients. Despite their high prevalence, information on standardised definitions, diagnostic strategies, and treatment targets is limited.MethodsAs a starting point for a national EIM study network, an interdisciplinary expert panel of 12 gastroenterologists, 4 rheumatologists, 3 ophthalmologists, 6 dermatologists, and 4 patient representatives was assembled. Modified Delphi consensus methodology was used. Fifty‐four candidate items were derived from the literature review and expert opinion focusing on five major EIMs (erythema nodosum, pyoderma gangrenosum, uveitis, peripheral arthritis, and axial arthritis) were rated in three voting rounds.ResultsFor use in a clinical practice setting and as part of the creation of a prospective registry of patients with EIMs, the panel developed definitions for erythema nodosum, pyoderma gangrenosum, uveitis, peripheral arthritis, and axial arthritis; identified the appropriate and optimal subspecialists to diagnose and manage each; provided methods to monitor disease course; offered guidance regarding monitoring intervals; and defined resolution and recurrence.ConclusionsConsensus criteria for appropriate and optimal means of diagnosing and monitoring five EIMs have been developed as a starting point to inform clinical practice and future trial design. Key findings include straightforward diagnostic criteria, guidance regarding who can appropriately and optimally diagnose each, and monitoring options that include patient and physician‐reported outcomes. These findings will be used in a national multicenter study network to optimise the management of EIMs.
Association ofBDNFVal66Met With Tau Hyperphosphorylation and Cognition in Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Disease
Introduction Personal digital devices that provide health information, such as the Apple Watch, have developed an increasing array of cardiopulmonary tracking features which have received regulatory clearance and are directly marketed to consumers. Despite their widespread and increasing use, data about the impact of personal digital device use on patient-reported outcomes and healthcare utilisation are sparse. Among a population of patients with atrial fibrillation and/or atrial flutter undergoing cardioversion, our primary aim is to determine the impact of the heart rate measurement, irregular rhythm notification, and ECG features of the Apple Watch on quality of life and healthcare utilisation. Methods and analysis We are conducting a prospective, open-label multicentre pragmatic randomised clinical trial, leveraging a unique patient-centred health data sharing platform for enrolment and follow-up. A total of 150 patients undergoing cardioversion for atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter will be randomised 1:1 to receive the Apple Watch Series 6 or Withings Move at the time of cardioversion. The primary outcome is the difference in the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on QualiTy-of-life global score at 6 months postcardioversion. Secondary outcomes include inpatient and outpatient healthcare utilisation. Additional secondary outcomes include a comparison of the Apple Watch ECG and pulse oximeter features with gold-standard data obtained in routine clinical care settings. Ethics and dissemination The Institutional Review Boards at Yale University, Mayo Clinic, and Duke University Health System have approved the trial protocol. This trial will provide important data to policymakers, clinicians and patients about the impact of the heart rate, irregular rhythm notification, and ECG features of widely used personal digital devices on patient quality of life and healthcare utilisation. Findings will be disseminated to study participants, at professional society meetings and in peer-reviewed journals. Trial registration number NCT04468321
Large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumour: a contemporary multi‐institutional case series highlighting the diagnostic utility of PRKAR1A immunohistochemistry
AimsLarge cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumour (LCCSCT) is a rare testicular sex cord‐stromal tumour that primarily affects young patients and is associated with Carney complex. We sought to characterise the clinicopathological features of a series of LCCSCT and evaluate the diagnostic utility of PRKAR1A immunohistochemistry (IHC).Methods and resultsThe LCCSCT cohort (n = 15) had a median age of 16 years (range = 2–30 years). Four patients were known to have Carney complex. PRKAR1A IHC was performed in each case. For comparison, PRKAR1A IHC was also assessed in other sex cord‐stromal tumours, including Sertoli cell tumour, not otherwise specified (SCT, NOS; n = 10), intratubular large cell hyalinising Sertoli cell tumour (n = 1) and Leydig cell tumour (n = 23). Loss of cytoplasmic PRKAR1A expression was observed in all but one LCCSCT (14 of 15; 93%). PRKAR1A expression was retained in all SCTs, NOS (10 of 10; 100%), the majority of Leydig cell tumours (22 of 23; 96%) and an intratubular large cell hyalinising Sertoli cell tumour (1 of 1; 100%). One Leydig cell tumour showed equivocal staining (multifocal weak expression).ConclusionsOverall, PRKAR1A loss is both sensitive (93%) and highly specific (97%) for the diagnosis of LCCSCT. PRKAR1A loss may aid its diagnosis, particularly in sporadic cases and those that are the first presentation of Carney complex.
Effect of Probiotics on Incident Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Critically Ill Patients