Citations

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Craniopharyngiomas are complex intracranial tumors that pose significant challenges in surgical management. We aimed to develop risk-stratified surgical outcome benchmarks for adult patients undergoing endoscopic craniopharyngioma resection by using the Registry of Adenomas of the Pituitary and Related Disorders database to facilitate comparisons across institutions and guide clinical decision-making. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of adult patients (18 years and older) with craniopharyngioma undergoing a first-time endoscopic transnasal surgery across 14 academic centers in the United States was analyzed using data collected from 2011 to 2024. Patients were stratified into low-risk and high-risk cohorts based on criteria including age, body mass index, selected tumor characteristics (size, infundibular relationship, intraventricular extension), and previous radiation. Surgical outcomes were analyzed, and benchmarking ranges were defined using the established methodology. RESULTS: The overall cohort included 318 patients with a mean age of 50 years. Upon benchmarking analysis (50th-75th percentile performance), low-risk patients (n = 136) had a median length of stay of 4.0 to 6.0 days, 90-day readmission rates of 15.5% to 22.2%, skilled nursing facility discharge rates of <1.0%, postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak incidence of <1.0% to 14.3%, gross total resection rates of 50.0% to 60.8%, new postoperative arginine vasopressin deficiency rates of 33.3% to 50.0%, and tumor progression/recurrence rates of <1.0% to 18.3% over a median follow-up period of 27.0 (IQR 10.5-56.5) months. Benchmarking ranges were proposed for each outcome to facilitate cross-institutional comparisons. CONCLUSION: Establishing surgical outcome benchmarks for adult patients undergoing craniopharyngioma resection using data from the Registry of Adenomas of the Pituitary and Related Disorders provides a framework for assessing surgical performance and guiding clinical decision-making. Benchmark ranges can inform institutional quality improvement efforts, perioperative risk stratification, and patient counseling regarding expected postoperative outcomes.

PURPOSE The Lynch syndrome (LS) genes, MLH1 , MSH2 , MSH6 , and PMS2 , are considered to be some of the highest-priority genes to be tested for population genomic screening, with the aim to prevent and detect cancers early in those with a higher risk for such diagnoses. The objective of this study was to determine the risk of cancer associated with pathogenic variants in MLH1 , MSH2 , MSH6 , or PMS2 in the general population to build evidence-based guidelines for population genomic screening METHODS This retrospective case-control study uses Helix Research Network data from 230,159 participants across nine US health systems. Variant interpretation was performed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Association for Molecular Pathology guidelines. Clinical diagnoses were identified from electronic health records and claims data for 11 cancer types associated with LS, including colorectal and endometrial cancers. RESULTS Individuals with pathogenic variants in MLH1 , MSH2 , and MSH6 showed substantial risk for LS-related cancers compared with those without pathogenic variants. Conversely, individuals with pathogenic variants in PMS2 had no increase in risk for all 11 LS-associated cancers with hazard ratio (HR) of 1.0 (95% CI, 0.6 to 1.8) compared with those without a pathogenic variant. There was a small increase in risk when restricting the analysis to colorectal cancer with an HR of 3.5 (1.7-7.4). This increase in colorectal cancer risk was predominantly observed after age 60 years, 10 years after US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines recommend starting colonoscopies for the average population. Up to age 60 years, 2.6% of individuals with PMS2 pathogenic variants were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, closer to the general population (0.7%) than those with MLH1 (37.3%), MSH2 (28.9%), or MSH6 (6.7%) pathogenic variants. For 100,000 individuals screened for PMS2 , 854 additional colonoscopies would be performed, which would prevent or detect early 3.2 colorectal cancers. CONCLUSION This analysis across nine health systems highlights the clinical phenotypes of PMS2 pathogenic germline variants in the entire population.

Importance Chronic pain is a leading cause of disability, and many affected patients rely on long-term opioid therapy despite its unfavorable adverse effect profile. Spinal cord stimulation is an established therapy for chronic pain that may secondarily reduce opioid consumption by providing sustained analgesia. Objective To quantify changes in opioid use following spinal cord stimulation implantation for the treatment of chronic pain through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources We conducted a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus from each database’s inception to July 1, 2024. Study selection We included studies describing patients who underwent spinal cord stimulator implantation for the treatment of chronic pain. A total of 2,784 potential studies were identified and screened by multiple independent reviewers, yielding a final total of 43 studies included in the systematic review. Data extraction and synthesis Data extraction was completed by multiple independent reviewers following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis and Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. A random effects model with Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman adjustment was used to estimate pooled estimates. Certainty assessment was performed following the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. Main outcome(s) and measure(s) The primary outcomes were change in continuous opioid use (ie, morphine milligram equivalent (MME)) and categorical opioid use (yes/no) from preimplantation to 12 months following spinal cord stimulator implantation. Results Meta-analysis of 12 month continuous MME use comprising 22 study comparisons (1,666 individuals) revealed a weighted mean difference of −18.06 MME (95% CI −24.41 to −11.70; 95% prediction interval −38.29 to 2.17; p<0.001). Meta-analysis of categorical opioid use at 12 months comprising 24 study comparisons (1,527 individuals) revealed an OR of 0.47 (95% CI 0.30 to 0.75; 95% prediction interval 0.10 to 2.11; p=0.003), signifying lower odds of opioid continuation. Conclusions and relevance Spinal cord stimulation is associated with reduced opioid dose consumption and increased odds of opioid cessation at 12 months postimplantation compared with baseline in patients with chronic pain; however, both of these conclusions are supported by evidence of very low GRADE certainty. PROSPERO registration number CRD42024574921.

Background: Premedications used to prevent paclitaxel-associated infusion hypersensitivity reactions (iHSRs) can cause undesirable toxicities, such as sleep disturbance and weight gain. Although phase II data suggest that discontinuing premedications after paclitaxel-associated iHSRs may be safe and feasible in select patients without prior iHSRs, no prospective randomized trials have evaluated this approach. Patients and Methods: This randomized clinical trial enrolled patients with breast cancer receiving paclitaxel chemotherapy. Those who experienced no iHSRs with the first 2 doses of paclitaxel were randomized to either continue standard premedications (control arm) or to discontinue all premedications (investigational arm). Both arms were followed longitudinally for any subsequent iHSRs requiring parenteral rescue medications. Additionally, changes in weight, drug-related side effects, and quality of life were assessed. Results: A total of 98 patients were randomized; 89 were evaluable (46 in the control arm and 43 in the investigational arm). Only 1 (2.3%) patient in the investigational arm experienced an iHSR, which resolved with rescue medications. No iHSRs occurred in the control arm. The estimated proportion of subjects who experienced a hypersensitivity reaction (exact binomial 95% CI) was 2.3% (95% CI, 0.1%–12.3%) in the investigational arm and 0.0% (95% CI, 0.0%–7.7%) in the control arm. Patients in the investigational arm reported significantly less sleep disruption (0.5 vs 1.7; P =.002) and unwanted appetite increases (1.0 vs 2.5; P =.0018). Conclusions: Discontinuation of premedications after 2 uneventful paclitaxel doses was not associated with a high rate of subsequent iHSRs and resulted in fewer steroid-related side effects. This strategy may reduce unnecessary medication exposure, improve patient experience, and streamline clinical workflows. For patients who do not experience iHSRs during the first 2 paclitaxel treatments, discontinuing premedications appears safe and may improve tolerability.

Background: Several special tests for detecting medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) injuries of the elbow have been described, but data on the clinical utility of these tests are limited. Purpose: To determine the clinical utility of selected elbow special tests to detect MUCL injuries in an athletic population. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 84 consecutive patients with sports-related elbow pain underwent a standardized clinical examination. Overall, 6 special tests (moving valgus stress test, static valgus stress test, modified valgus stress test, milking maneuver, pronation flexion resistance test, and temple/cheek press test) were performed. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive/negative predictive value, and positive/negative likelihood ratio (LR+ and LR–, respectively) were calculated for individual tests and combinations of tests to detect MUCL injuries. Higher values for the LR+ and lower values for the LR– represent stronger clinical utility. Results: For detecting MUCL injuries, the moving valgus stress test resulted in the highest sensitivity (98%) and accuracy (93%) with the lowest LR– (2%). The milking maneuver had the highest LR+ (5.1) with the second highest sensitivity (77%) and accuracy (79%). The pronation flexion resistance test and the temple/cheek press test had the lowest LR+ (1.5 and 1.8, respectively) and highest LR– (94% and 95%, respectively) in addition to the lowest sensitivity (16% and 9%, respectively) and accuracy (33% and 30%, respectively). No combination of tests resulted in increased clinical utility. Conclusion: The moving valgus stress test and milking maneuver demonstrated acceptable clinical utility in which the moving valgus stress test was better for ruling out MUCL injuries and the milking maneuver was better at ruling in MUCL injuries. There was no added value when combining the 2 tests together or with other maneuvers.

Introduction Individuals with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are increasingly reaching reproductive age, yet guidance on fertility preservation, genetic counseling, medication adjustments in pregnancy and breastfeeding, monitoring for complications, and multidisciplinary coordination is lacking. This joint effort between two committees of the Clinical Immunology Society (CIS), the Women of the Clinical Immunology Society (WCIS) and the Adult Immune Deficiency Committee (AID) survey aimed to characterize current reproductive care practices for IEI patients. Methods A survey was disseminated to 809 CIS members. The response rate was 6.43% (52 respondents). The 24-item questionnaire addressed management of pregnancy in IEI, medications adjustment, participation in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) care and fertility preservation, and maternal/neonatal outcomes. Results Because survey items were optional, the number of respondents varies by question. Forty-two participants completed core items: 64% (27/42) allergists/immunologists, 71% (30/42) practicing at academic centers, and 48% (20/42) with &gt;50% immunology-focused practices. Most respondents (78%, 41/52) currently or previously cared for pregnant/planning IEI patients. Preconception counseling was common (90%, 37/41), yet only 2% (1/41) have access to a formal reproductive multidisciplinary team. Among clinicians involved in HSCT care, 45% (13/29) referred patients for fertility preservation. More than half, 52% (22/42), observed reduced fertility in IEI patients, and 56% (20/36) observed adverse maternal outcomes. Medication management varied: 61% (24/39) discontinued known teratogenic medications, and 64% (25/39) adjusted dosing during pregnancy. Regarding immunoglobulin replacement therapy, 79% adjusted dosing based on IgG levels and 42% increased dosing by trimester. Conclusions This CIS survey reveals practice variability and notable gaps in reproductive health support for individuals with IEIs. Due to the relatively low response rate, generalizability across providers and practice settings is challenging. However, the results of this survey suggest that although most clinicians provide preconception counseling and manage IgG and immunomodulatory therapy during pregnancy, formal multidisciplinary structures are rare. High rates of reported fertility concerns and maternal complications underscore the need for enhanced collaboration with obstetrics/gynecology and the development of structured, evidence-based, multidisciplinary guidelines for reproductive care in IEI. Tabular data are included as downloadable supplement files.

Abstract Purpose: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) confers a significant risk of colorectal/duodenal cancer. Encapsulated rapamycin (eRapa) has demonstrated promise as FAP chemoprevention in early clinical studies. Patients and Methods: Thirty patients with FAP enrolled to three dosing regimens of eRapa (0.5 mg): cohort 1—every other day, cohort 2—daily every other week, or cohort 3—daily. The primary endpoints were safety/tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and percentage change from baseline (PCFB) in colorectal polyp burden (CPB) at 6 months. Secondary endpoints included PCFB total (TPB) and duodenal (DPB) polyp burden and change in International Society for Gastrointestinal Hereditary Tumors stage and Spigelman score at 6 and 12 months. Results: Twenty nine of thirty patients (97%) completed the 12-month study with predictable bioavailability. Low-grade adverse events were frequent but most pronounced in daily dosing. Two patients discontinued treatment related to toxicity. Cohort 1 had the largest decrease median PCFB CPB, DPB, and TPB at 6 months: −39.4 % (IQR, 108.9; P = 0.28), −33.33 % (IQR, 90; P = 0.04), and −38.6 % (IQR, 88.5; P = 0.26), respectively. At 12 months, cohort 2 had the largest decrease median PCFB CPB and TPB: −29.3 % (IQR, 67.6; P = 0.37) and −26.3 % (IQR, 49.5; P = 0.29), respectively. Intermittent dosing cohorts (1 and 2) reduced DPB at 6 months (P = 0.04) and improved TPB at 12 months (P = 0.05) compared with daily dosing. Conclusions: eRapa was safe, tolerable, and showed preliminary efficacy for FAP chemoprevention. The 0.5 mg daily every-other-week schedule will be evaluated in an upcoming phase III trial.

ABSTRACT Background Fall risk screening and prevention interventions initiated from the Emergency Department (ED) are endorsed by current national guidelines. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ED‐based multi‐factorial and multi‐component interventions to prevent falls. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of interventions for fall prevention initiated in the ED for older patients (age ≥ 60 years). Multi‐component and multi‐factorial interventions were included. We excluded studies without a control or comparison group. The published literature was searched from 2019 to May 2024. Risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle Ottawa tool for observation studies and the Cochrane Risk of Bias v2 for randomized trials. A meta‐analysis was completed for the outcomes with multiple studies. Results The search resulted in 6312 abstracts with 2571 duplicates, for 3741 unique citations. A total of 18 studies were included in the systematic review; 5 were rated as high risk of bias/low quality. The articles were heterogenous in the intervention type (8 multi‐factorial and 8 multi‐component), setting (ED focused vs. outpatient), intervention components (i.e., nurses, physicians, therapists), and size (103–1435 participants). The interventions did not decrease risk of falls at 3 months (risk difference 0.05 95% CI [0.00; 0.09]), 6 months (0.07 [−0.04; 0.18]) or 12 months (−0.02 [−0.11; 0.07]). ED revisits at 1 month (−0.01 [−0.03; 0.00]), 3 months (−0.04 [−0.14; 0.06]), and 12 months (0.02 [−0.05; 0.25]) were also unchanged. Mortality and hospitalization rates were also unaffected. Improvement in functional status was noted in 4 of 5 studies reporting this outcome. Conclusions Multi‐factorial and multi‐component fall prevention interventions initiated from the ED did not decrease falls or recurrent healthcare use. These interventions may improve functional status in older adults at fall risk. Comparisons are limited by the heterogeneity in types of interventions, intervention compliance, and timing of outcomes.

Background: Multidisciplinary team (MDT) care facilitates coordinated expertise that leads to improved patient safety and outcomes. Yet, no prior study has quantified reported benefits from plastic surgery–inclusive MDTs across several procedures. We thereby hypothesized that plastic surgery–inclusive MDTs would lead to better surgical outcomes following cranioplasty, spine surgery, abdominoperineal resection, abdominal wall reconstruction, and extremity reconstruction, compared with the primary specialties acting alone. Methods: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines, we searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science for comparative studies comparing outcomes of care provided by plastic surgery–inclusive MDT and non–plastic surgery–inclusive MDT. Results: Thirty studies with a total of 9614 patients were included. Plastic surgery–inclusive MDT care was associated with reduced odds of wound complications in abdominoperineal resection (odds ratio [OR] = 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47–0.90) and spine procedures (OR = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.33–0.97). In addition, plastic surgery–inclusive MDT care for extremity reconstruction and abdominal wall reconstruction was associated with lower odds of wound complications ([OR = 0.24; 95% CI, 0.12–0.46] [OR = 0.33; 95% CI, 0.12–0.90]), reoperation ([OR = 0.13; 95% CI, 0.04–0.49] [OR = 0.26; 95% CI, 0.03–2.39]), and shorter length of stay (mean difference, −19.5 and −0.62, respectively). Conclusions: Plastic surgery–inclusive MDT care significantly reduces wound complication and reoperation rates across complex surgical procedures. These findings support the formal integration of plastic surgeons within MDTs to improve patient outcomes and surgical safety.