Citations

INTRODUCTION: Hospitalized patients with cirrhosis can develop respiratory failure (RF), which is associated with a poor prognosis, but predisposing factors are unclear. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled a multicenter North American cirrhosis inpatient cohort and collected admission and in-hospital data (grading per European Association for the Study of Liver-Chronic Liver Failure scoring system, acute kidney injury [AKI], infections [admission/nosocomial], and albumin use) in an era when terlipressin was not available in North America. Multivariable regression to predict RF was performed using only admission day and in-hospital events occurring before RF. RESULTS: A total of 511 patients from 14 sites (median age 57 years, admission model for end-stage liver disease [MELD]-Na 23) were enrolled: RF developed in 15%; AKI occurred in 24%; and 11% developed nosocomial infections (NI). At admission, patients who developed RF had higher MELD-Na, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding/AKI-related admission, and prior infections/ascites. During hospitalization, RF developers had higher NI (especially respiratory), albumin use, and other organ failures. RF was higher in patients receiving albumin (83% vs 59%, P < 0.0001) with increasing doses (269.5 ± 210.5 vs 208.6 ± 186.1 g, P = 0.01) regardless of indication. Admission for AKI, GI bleeding, and high MELD-Na predicted RF. Using all variables, NI (odds ratio [OR] = 4.02, P = 0.0004), GI bleeding (OR = 3.1, P = 0.002), albumin use (OR = 2.93, P = 0.01), AKI (OR = 3.26, P = 0.008), and circulatory failure (OR = 3.73, P = 0.002) were associated with RF risk. DISCUSSION: In a multicenter inpatient cirrhosis study of patients not exposed to terlipressin, 15% of patients developed RF. RF risk was highest in those admitted with AKI, those who had GI bleeding on admission, and those who developed NI and other organ failures or received albumin during their hospital course. Careful volume monitoring and preventing nosocomial respiratory infections and renal or circulatory failures could reduce this risk.

AbstractPurposeTo determine whether a 24 MHz transducer significantly improves sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in evaluating flexor tendon repair integrity compared with an 18 MHz transducer.MethodsOne hundred and twelve cadaveric digits were randomised to an intact repair or simulated ‘failed’ repair, and to a two‐ or eight‐strand repair of a flexor digitorum profundus laceration. A blinded sonologist evaluated specimens in static mode using 18 and 24 MHz transducers. Gaps were remeasured after scanning, and final gap width recorded. McNemar's exact test calculated differences between sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, and chi‐squared test to compare sensitivity, specificity and accuracy between number of strands (2 vs. 8) and repair gap (≥4 mm).ResultsThe 24 MHz transducer had higher sensitivity (81 vs. 59%), lower specificity (67 vs. 70%) and higher overall accuracy (74 vs. 64%), than the 18 MHz transducer. The difference for sensitivity was significant (P = 0.011), but not differences for specificity and overall accuracy (P > 0.05). Pearson's correlation (r = 0.61) demonstrated a moderate‐to‐strong positive correlation between measured and true gap sizes. Increased number of suture strands (2 vs. 8) did not impair sensitivity, specificity nor accuracy.DiscussionUltrasound may tend to overestimate gap width, and a slight risk that some intact repairs, or those with small, clinically insignificant gaps may undergo surgical exploration that may not be indicated.ConclusionsA 24 MHz transducer is a more sensitive and accurate transducer for assessing flexor tendon repair integrity and measuring small gaps.

Background: The authors examined whether ultrasound sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in identifying intact repairs or flexor tendon gapping after zone 2 repair are affected by the number of suture strands crossing the repair or gap or imaging modality (static versus dynamic). Methods: A total of 144 fresh-frozen cadaveric digits (thumbs excluded) were randomized to either an intact repair (0-mm gap) or simulated failed repair (4-mm gap), as well as to either a two- or eight-strand locked-cruciate repair of a zone 2 flexor digitorum profundus tendon laceration using 4-0 Fiberwire. Examinations were performed by a blinded musculoskeletal ultrasonographer in static and dynamic modes using an 18-MHz transducer. Gaps were remeasured after scanning, and the final gap width recorded. McNemar exact test was used to determine whether there were differences in sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy affected by modality (static versus dynamic), and chi-square test was used to compare sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy between number of strands (two versus eight) crossing the intact repair or repair gap (≥4 mm). Results: Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy improved with increased number of suture strands crossing the repair or gap (eight versus two), irrespective of modality (static versus dynamic), and dynamic compared with static scanning modes, irrespective of number of suture strands crossing the repair or gap site. Conclusions: The most sensitive and accurate means of assessing flexor tendon repair integrity and gapping were seen using the dynamic scanning mode. Increased number of suture strands did not negatively affect sensitivity, specificity, or accuracy, regardless of scanning mode (dynamic or static).

Background: There is limited data on Vedolizumab utilization in elderly patients. Our study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of Vedolizumab in this subset population. Materials and Methods: Databases including Cochrane Central, Embase, Medline (via Ovid), Scopus, and Web of Science were searched in August 2022 to identify studies that assessed Vedolizumab therapy in elderly patients. Pooled proportion and risk ratios (RR) were calculated. Results: Total 11 studies with 3546 IBD patients (1314 elderly and 2232 young) were included in the final analysis. Pooled rate of overall and serious infections in the elderly cohort was 8.45% (95% CI=6.27-11.29; I223%) and 2.59% (95% CI=0.78-8.29; I276%), respectively. However, there was no difference in overall infection rates between elderly and young patients. Pooled rate of endoscopic, clinical, and steroid-free remission for elderly IBD patients was 38.45% (95% CI=20.74-59.56; I293%), 37.95% (95% CI=33.08-43.06; I213%), and 38.8% (95% CI=31.6-46.4; I277%), respectively. Elderly patients had lower steroid-free remission rates [RR 0.85, 95% CI=0.74-0.99; I20%, P=0.03]; however, there was no difference in rates of clinical (RR 0.86, 95% CI=0.72-1.03; I20%, P=0.10) or endoscopic remission (RR 1.06, 95% CI=0.83-1.35; I20%, P=0.63) compared with younger patients. Pooled rate of IBD-related surgery and IBD-related hospitalizations was 9.76% (95% CI=5.81-15.92; I278%) and 10.54% (95% CI=8.37-13.2; I20%), respectively for the elderly cohort. There was no statistical difference in IBD-related surgeries between elderly and young IBD patients, RR 1.20 (95% CI=0.79-1.84; I216%), P=0.4. Conclusions: Vedolizumab is equally safe and effective for clinical and endoscopic remission in elderly and younger populations.

Abstract Background and study aims Hemospray (TC-325) is a mineral powder with adsorptive properties designed for use in various gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) scenarios. We conducted a systematic review & meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing TC-325 to standard endoscopic therapy (SET) for non-variceal GIB (NVGIB). Methods Multiple databases were searched through October 2022. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to determine pooled relative risk (RR) and proportions with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for primary hemostasis, hemostasis failure, 30-day rebleeding, length of stay (LOS), and need for rescue interventions. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2%. Results Five RCTs with 362 patients (TC-325 178, SET 184) – 123 females and 239 males with a mean age 65 ± 16 years). The most common etiologies were peptic ulcer disease (48 %), malignancies (35 %), and others (17 %). Bleeding was characterized as Forrest IA (7 %), IB (73 %), IIA (3 %), and IIB (1 %). SET included epinephrine injection, electrocautery, hemoclips, or a combination. No statistical difference in primary hemostasis between TC-325 compared to SET, RR 1.09 (CI 0.95–1.25; I2 43), P = 0.2, including patients with oozing/spurting hemorrhage, RR 1.13 (CI 0.98–1.3; I2 35), P = 0.08. Failure to achieve hemostasis was higher in SET compared to TC-325, RR 0.30 (CI 0.12–0.77, I2 0), P = 0.01, including patients with oozing/spurting hemorrhage, RR 0.24 (CI 0.09 – 0.63, I2 0), P = 0.004. We found no difference between the two interventions in terms of rebleeding, RR 1.13 (CI 0.62–2.07, I2 26), P = 0.8 and LOS, standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.27 (CI, –0.20–0.74; I2 62), P = 0.3. Finally, pooled rate of rescue interventions (angiography) was statistically higher in SET compared to TC-325, RR 0.68 (CI 0.5–0.94; I2 0), P = 0.02. Conclusions Our analysis shows that for acute NV GIB, including oozing/spurting hemorrhage, TC-325 does not result in higher rates of primary hemostasis compared to SET. However, lower rates of failures were seen with TC-325 than SET. In addition, there was no difference in the two modalities when comparing rates of rebleeding and LOS.

PURPOSE Brexucabtagene autoleucel (brexu-cel) is an autologous CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy approved for relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). This therapy was approved on the basis of the single-arm phase II ZUMA-2 trial, which showed best overall and complete response rates of 91% and 68%, respectively. We report clinical outcomes with brexu-cel in the standard-of-care setting for the approved indication. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients who underwent leukapheresis between August 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021, at 16 US institutions, with an intent to manufacture commercial brexu-cel for relapsed/refractory MCL, were included. Patient data were collected for analyses of responses, outcomes, and toxicities as per standard guidelines. RESULTS Of 189 patients who underwent leukapheresis, 168 (89%) received brexu-cel infusion. Of leukapheresed patients, 79% would not have met ZUMA-2 eligibility criteria. Best overall and complete response rates were 90% and 82%, respectively. At a median follow-up of 14.3 months after infusion, the estimates for 6- and 12-month progression-free survival (PFS) were 69% (95% CI, 61 to 75) and 59% (95% CI, 51 to 66), respectively. The nonrelapse mortality was 9.1% at 1 year, primarily because of infections. Grade 3 or higher cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity occurred in 8% and 32%, respectively. In univariable analysis, high-risk simplified MCL international prognostic index, high Ki-67, TP53 aberration, complex karyotype, and blastoid/pleomorphic variant were associated with shorter PFS after brexu-cel infusion. Patients with recent bendamustine exposure (within 24 months before leukapheresis) had shorter PFS and overall survival after leukapheresis in intention-to-treat univariable analysis. CONCLUSION In the standard-of-care setting, the efficacy and toxicity of brexu-cel were consistent with those reported in the ZUMA-2 trial. Tumor-intrinsic features of MCL, and possibly recent bendamustine exposure, may be associated with inferior efficacy outcomes.

AbstractChronic venous insufficiency is a common condition caused by valvular incompetence and/or obstruction of the lower extremity venous system. Chronic venous insufficiency presents in a wide range of clinical presentations, ranging from mild pain or edema to the development of varicose veins and nonhealing venous ulcers. Doppler ultrasound is the preferred imaging modality in the assessment of this condition and provides both anatomical and functional information in a noninvasive, cost-effective, and radiation-free manner. Knowledge of the anatomy and nomenclature, pathophysiology, equipment requisites, scanning protocols, relevant findings, and reporting nuances is essential to the creation of an accurate and clinically actionable report. Evaluation of the superficial and deep venous system for degree and extent of reflux is necessary to establish the diagnosis and to institute appropriate treatment.