Citations

Abstract VEXAS (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) syndrome, caused by somatic mutations in UBA1, is an autoinflammatory disorder with diverse systemic manifestations. Thrombosis is a prominent clinical feature of VEXAS syndrome. The risk factors and frequency of thrombosis in VEXAS syndrome are not well described, due to the disease’s recent discovery and the paucity of large databases. We evaluated 119 patients with VEXAS syndrome for venous and arterial thrombosis and correlated their presence with clinical outcomes and survival. Thrombosis occurred in 49% of patients, mostly venous thromboembolism (VTE; 41%). Almost two-thirds of VTEs were unprovoked, 41% were recurrent, and 20% occurred despite anticoagulation. The cumulative incidence of VTE was 17% at 1 year from symptom onset and 40% by 5 years. Cardiac and pulmonary inflammatory manifestations were associated with time to VTE. M41L was positively associated specifically with pulmonary embolism by univariate (odds ratio [OR]: 4.58, confidence interval [CI] 1.28-16.21, P = .02) and multivariate (OR: 16.94, CI 1.99-144.3, P = .01) logistic regression. The cumulative incidence of arterial thrombosis was 6% at 1 year and 11% at 5 years. The overall survival of the entire patient cohort at median follow-up time of 4.8 years was 88%, and there was no difference in survival between patients with or without thrombosis (P = .8). Patients with VEXAS syndrome are at high risk of VTE; thromboprophylaxis should administered be in high-risk settings unless strongly contraindicated.

Abstract Purpose: Describe spirituality’s role in a sample of Hispanic adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. Methods: This convergent parallel mixed-methods study aimed to explore participants’ lived experiences with hope during cancer treatments and cancer survivorship. A purposive sample of Hispanic AYAs aged 18-39 years who completed cancer treatments 2-5 years ago were virtually recruited for participation. First, participants completed surveys about hope, demoralization, depression and anxiety, and health related quality of life. Second, participants completed virtual semi-structured interviews about their experiences with hope during cancer treatments and cancer survivorship and prepared narratives about their experiences. Thematic analyses were iteratively performed across the data set to identify final themes. Results: Ten Hispanic AYA cancer survivors aged 22-36 years old participated in this pilot study. Seven participants (70%) were female, and three participants (30%) were male. Six participants (60%) experienced non-hematologic malignancies, and four participants (40%) experienced hematologic malignancies. Eight participants (80%) preferred to participate using Spanish, while two (20%) preferred to participate using English. The theme Spirituality, and subthemes Living by Faith, God as a Resource, and Spiritual Gratitude were identified as concepts participants linked to their conceptualization of hope during cancer treatment and survivorship. Conclusions: Hope and spirituality may be conceptually linked to coping behaviors among Hispanic AYA cancer survivors. Hope through faith may be a learned spiritual value in Hispanic AYAs and might play a role in their spiritual and cognitive development. Further research is needed to explore the potentially protective value of hope and spirituality for the Hispanic AYA population.

SUMMARY The third carpal bone (C 3 ) was collected from both forelimbs of 27 Thoroughbreds. On the basis of age, training, and history, specimens were assigned to 1 of 5 groups: yearling, untrained horses (group 1, n = 4); 2- to 3-year-old, untrained horses (group 2, n = 7); trained 2-year-old horses (group 3, n = 6); trained 3-year-old horses (group 4, n = 6); and 3-year-old, trained horses with carpal pathologic features (group 5, n = 4). A transverse section of subchondral bone 5-mm thick was cut in a precise fashion 10 mm below the proximal articular surface of all specimens. After high-detail radiography was done, indentation testing was performed on the proximal surface of the section at points 5 mm apart. The stiffness of the subchondral cancellous bone was determined from the slope of the load vs displacement curve. Topographic plots of stiffness measurements were compared with radiographs of each specimen. Point determinations were averaged to derive measures for the radial and intermediate facets, and for regions 5, 10, 15, and 20 mm from the dorsal margin of C 3 . Area fraction (1-p; p = porosity) was measured for the radial and intermediate facets, using an automated image analysis system. Significant ( P < 0.05) increases in stiffness and area fraction were found in the C 3 from trained horses (groups 3 to 5), compared with untrained horses (groups 1 to 2). Stiffness and area fraction of the radial facet of pathologic C 3 were significantly higher than the same variables measured in C 3 from any other group. A typical profile of regional subchondral stiffness was identified in C 3 from normal horses, with maximal stiffness measured 10 mm from the dorsal articular margin. A different pattern was found in pathologic C 3 , with significantly greater stiffness 15 and 20 mm from the dorsal articular margin when compared with normal horses. A highly significant ( P < 0.0001) direct linear correlation between stiffness and area fraction at the radial facet was found. Topographic and radiographic analysis demonstrated good correlation between stiffness and radiographic density of the bone sections. The observed patterns of normal and pathologic C 3 were contrasted. In particular, a large gradient in subchondral stiffness was identified in pathologic C 3 at the dorsomedial aspect of the bone.

PURPOSE Patients with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer (BRPC) after radical prostatectomy and a short PSA doubling time are at risk for distant metastases. Apalutamide, an androgen receptor antagonist, and abiraterone acetate plus prednisone (AAP) prolong survival in the metastatic setting. We evaluated whether intensification of androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) improves outcomes in BRPC. PATIENTS AND METHODS PRESTO is a randomized phase III, open-label trial in patients with BRPC and PSA doubling time ≤9 months (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03009981 ). Patients were randomly assigned 1:1:1 to receive a finite 52-week treatment course with ADT control, ADT + apalutamide, or ADT + apalutamide + AAP. The primary end point was PSA progression-free survival (PSA-PFS), defined as serum PSA >0.2 ng/mL after treatment completion. RESULTS Five hundred three patients were enrolled. The median PSA was 1.8 ng/mL (IQR, 1.0-3.6). At the first planned interim analysis, both experimental arms significantly prolonged PSA-PFS compared with the control arm (median, 24.9 months for ADT + apalutamide v 20.3 months for ADT; hazard ratio [HR], 0.52 [95% CI, 0.35 to 0.77]; P = .00047; median, 26.0 months for ADT + apalutamide + AAP v 20.0 months for ADT; HR, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.32 to 0.71]; P = .00008). Median time to testosterone recovery did not differ across treatment arms. The most common grade ≥3 adverse event was hypertension (7.5%, 7.4%, and 18% in ADT, ADT + apalutamide, and ADT + apalutamide + AAP arms, respectively). CONCLUSION Intensified AR blockade for a finite duration prolongs PSA-PFS with a manageable safety profile, without adversely affecting time to testosterone recovery. The addition of apalutamide to ADT should be considered in patients with high-risk BRPC.

592 Background: The introduction of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) using Lutetium-177 (177Lu) DOTATATE has led to a paradigm shift in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Hematological toxicity is a well-recognized adverse effect (AE) of 177Lu DOTATATE. Most cytopenias are transient, with an estimated incidence of 10-25%, typically mild to moderate in severity (grade G1-2). The most dreaded AE of PRRT is therapy-related myeloid neoplasm (t-MN), with an estimated 2-8% incidence and a higher incidence reported in patients who also received prior chemotherapy. We sought to evaluate the hematological safety of 177Lu PRRT in the setting of NETs with extensive (i.e., innumerable) bone metastases. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all Mayo Clinic patients (pts) with extensive/innumerable osseous metastases, defined as >50% skeletal involvement by positron emission tomography (PET) DOTATATE, who were treated with 177Lu DOTATATE. Pts characteristics and laboratory results were collected before, during, and after 177Lu DOTATATE treatment. Hematotoxicity was graded according to the NCI-CTCAE v5. Results: Out of 27 pts, 13(48%) developed cytopenia(s) of any grade after treatment with one or more cycles of 177Lu DOTATATE. In total, there were 13(48%) pts with anemia, 13(48%) with thrombocytopenia, and 6(22%) with neutropenia. Six (22%) pts had severe hematological toxicity (G3-4). Twelve months post-PRRT, 7(26%) pts continued to experience cytopenia(s) of any grade, of whom 4(15%) had G3-4 hematotoxicity. One pt developed t-MN, and two pts had myelophthisis on bone marrow biopsy from infiltrating NET. 16(59%) pts received cytotoxic chemotherapy before PRRT, and 7(25.9%) developed subsequent cytopenia(s). Overall, 15(55%) pts completed four cycles, while 3 pts didn’t complete four cycles of 177Lu DOTATATE due to hematotoxicity. Conclusions: Pts with advanced NETs and extensive/innumerable bone metastases treated with PRRT could be at higher risk for myelosuppression than historical controls. Our study highlights the importance of carefully monitoring and assessing hematological parameters in pts being considered for 177Lu DOTATATE with extensive/innumerable bone metastasis. [Table: see text]

The 2023 Joint International Congress of the International Liver Transplantation Society (ILTS), the European Liver and Intestine Transplant Association (ELITA), and the Liver Intensive Care Group of Europe (LICAGE) held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, marked a significant recovery milestone for the liver transplant community after COVID-19. With 1159 participants and a surge in abstract submissions, the event focused on “Liver Disorders and Transplantation: Innovations and Evolving Indications.” This conference report provides a comprehensive overview of the key themes discussed during the event, encompassing Hepatology, Anesthesia and Critical Care, Acute Liver Failure, Infectious Disease, Immunosuppression, Pediatric Liver Transplantation, Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Transplant Oncology, Surgical Approaches, and Machine Perfusion. The congress provided a platform for extensive discussions on a wide range of topics, reflecting the continuous advancements and collaborative efforts within the liver transplant community.

SummaryAt our institution, proctocolectomy with rectal mucosectomy and ileoanal anastomosis with endorectal pull‐through is now the procedure of choice for young patients with chronic ulcerative colitis and familial polyposis. We have followed up 66 patients (37 male and 29 female, with a median age of 16 years) for at least 6 months after closure of the temporary ileostomy. The patients were seen regularly in follow‐up or were sent a comprehensive questionnaire to assess their condition. Twenty‐two patients had the construction of a J‐pouch. and 44 had a straight ileo‐anal pull‐through. Stool frequency, day (median 4 to 7 stools) and night (median 1 to 3 stools), was similar in the two groups. Voluntary continence was excellent in both groups during waking hours. Occasional night‐time incontinence in small volumes, mild perianal itching, and minimal bleeding from irritation were similar in both groups. Most of the patients could distinguish gas from stool. When medication was used, bulk agents were usually chosen, with a nonspecific anti‐diarrheal agent taken occasionally. A few patients with the straight ileo‐anal pull‐through expressed some dissatisfaction early during the follow‐up period: however, all but two patients expressed satisfaction later. Of the 66 patients, 41 had at least one complication during the postoperative period; however, in 26 the complications were minor. The more severe complications included small bowel obstruction (11 patients requiring surgical decompression), infection (one patient requiring surgery), and transient neuropathy (three patients).

Objectives The aim of the study was to identify trends in postoperative management of persons undergoing surgery for Zenker diverticula (ZD) by evaluating length of stay (LOS), diet on discharge, and imaging with or without surgical complication. Methods Prospectively enrolled adult patients with cricopharyngeal muscle dysfunction with diverticula undergoing surgery from August 1, 2017 to February 1, 2023 were included. Data were extracted from a multi‐institutional REDCap database, summarizing means, medians, percentages, and frequencies. Fisher's exact or chi squared analyses were utilized, as appropriate, to compare subsets of data. Descriptive analysis assessed differences in clinical course and the relationship to postoperative management. Results There were 298 patients with a mean (standard deviation) age of 71.8 (11.2) years and 60% male. Endoscopic surgery was performed in 79.5% (237/298) of patients versus 20.5% (61/298) open surgery. Sixty patients (20.1%) received postoperative imaging, with four leaks identified. Complications were identified in 9.4% of cases ( n = 29 complications in 28 patients), more commonly in open surgery. Most (81.2%) patients were discharged within 23 h. About half of patients (49%) were discharged from the hospital on a pureed/liquid diet; 36% had been advanced to a soft diet. In patients without complications, LOS was significantly longer following open cases ( p = 0.002); postoperative diet was not different between open and endoscopic ( p = 0.26). Conclusions Overall, most patients are discharged within 23 h without imaging. However, LOS was affected by surgical approach. Postoperative complications are different in endoscopic versus open surgery. Complications with either approach were associated with prolonged LOS, need for imaging, and diet restriction. Level of Evidence Level III Laryngoscope , 134:2678–2683, 2024

AbstractBackgroundPresymptomatic frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) mutation carriers as young as their thirties display gray matter (GM) deficits and alterations in the specific neural networks targeted during the symptomatic phase (Lee et al. NeuroImage Clin 2017; Bertrand et al. JAMA Neurol 2018). These studies raise the question of a potential neurodevelopmental role of pathogenic mutations in FTLD, yet sufficient research in young adults is lacking.MethodLeveraging 3T MRI brain scans from UCSF and the ALLFTD Consortia, we studied structural and functional connectivity alterations in 31 presymptomatic mutation carriers [PreSxAll; 12 C9orf72,13 MAPT, 6 GRN, mean age: 25.2±3.9, range 18‐30 years] and 28 demographically‐matched healthy controls [HC; mean age: 26.5±3.1, range 18‐30 years]. We performed voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) to compare GM volume between HC and PreSxAll, and HC and each mutation carrier subgroup using ANCOVA (SPM12). VBM statistical results were thresholded at a height of p<0.001 uncorrected or p<0.05 familywise error corrected. We used seed‐based task‐free functional MRI (tf‐fMRI) analysis to examine salience network (SN) and default mode network (DMN) connectivity. Single‐subject connectivity maps were analyzed using ANCOVA in SPM for group comparisons and masked to the relevant network. Tf‐fMRI results were thresholded at a height of p<0.05 and extent of p<0.05. For all analyses, nuisance covariates included age, sex, education, handedness, scanner and TIV (GM only).ResultWe found no significant GM differences between groups. PreSxAll showed regions of SN hyperconnectivity compared with HC, specifically in the bilateral insula, right superior frontal gyrus, bilateral midcingulate cortex, and the left cerebellum. Compared to controls, each mutation carrier subgroup featured SN hyperconnectivity within key network hubs, such as the insula and anterior cingulate cortex. The DMN showed no significant alterations for PreSxAll vs. HC. Scattered small clusters of DMN alterations were noted in subcortical regions and the cerebellum in presymptomatic C9orf72 and GRN.ConclusionDespite the absence of GM deficits in young adult FTLD mutation carriers, tf‐fMRI detected SN alterations in these carriers compared with healthy controls. Future studies focused on other neuroimaging measures will further explore differences in young adult FTLD mutation carriers.