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Pulmonary artery hypertension in children is a progressive, fatal disease secondary to a variety of causes leading to right ventricular dysfunction. Traditional treatments include lung transplantation (LTx) and targeted therapy. However, due to the shortage of donor sources, heavy medical economic burden, immune rejection, and other problems, many patients are discouraged. In the past 20 years, the Potts palliative shunt, which was initially used for the treatment of cyanotic heart disease, has been gradually revived. Studies have shown that reverse Potts shunt can improve postoperative cardiac function, delay lung transplantation, and improve long-term quality of life in children with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension, which is a feasible and effective alternative to LTx. The surgical procedure is relatively less complex, so it is worth promoting in resource-poor countries, and limited medical expertise. In the future, with refinements of the reverse Potts shunt (unidirectional-valved shunt and transcatheter Potts shunt) and formulation of guidelines (shunt sizes, involvement of multidisciplinary team), there is expected to be further expansion of indications. This article reviews the physiological mechanisms, past and present status of reverse Potts shunt indications and contraindications, surgical procedures, benefits, future application prospects, and key unsolved problems of reverse Potts shunt in the treatment of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension in children.
Over the past two decades, there have been encouraging achievements in the surgical treatment of children with congenital tracheal stenosis. Slide tracheoplasty has become the standard surgical procedure for the correction of long-segment congenital tracheal stenosis with abnormal bronchial morphology in many medical centres around the world. Identification of the shape and degree of tracheal stenosis before operation is helpful to develop a better surgical strategy. Flexible application of slide tracheoplasty can effectively correct different types of congenital tracheal stenosis. Cardiopulmonary bypass and intraoperative fiberoptic bronchoscopy are helpful to improve the efficiency of surgery. Postoperative multidisciplinary cooperative management can improve the prognosis of children. Biodegradable scaffolds, tissue-engineered trachea, and 3D printing technology are based on a completely different perspective from traditional medicine. The initial attempts in the biomedical field provide a new idea for the treatment of congenital tracheal stenosis. This article reviews the classification, past and current situation, advantages, surgical indications, surgical techniques, prognosis, related risk factors, and prospects of slide tracheoplasty in the treatment of congenital tracheal stenosis in children.
Prognosis of catatonia has received little attention and remains an unsettled area of debate in clinical psychiatry. This chapter examines various outcome measures in catatonia patients and explores the associations between these outcomes and demographic, clinical, and neuropsychological variables. Both historical and contemporary studies are discussed, as they are crucial to understanding why catatonia should be recognized and treated in a timely manner. Historically, catatonia was linked to relatively favorable outcomes in some patients, while others experienced chronic symptoms or complications. Contemporary research further underscores the variability in prognosis depending on early recognition and intervention. This chapter is based on a narrative search of the scientific literature, providing a comprehensive view of catatonia prognosis and offering insights into factors that may influence recovery. Understanding these perspectives can aid clinicians in improving their approach to timely diagnosis and treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
To explore the treatment options and prognostic factors of vocal fold leukoplakia.
Methods
The study examined conservative and surgical treatment approaches, and analysed prognostic factors influencing vocal fold leukoplakia outcomes.
Results
In the conservative treatment group, lesion size (p = 0.035) and smoking (p < 0.001) were identified as independent factors influencing treatment outcomes. In the surgical treatment group, lesion size (p = 0.018) was identified as an independent factor affecting recurrence. There was no statistically significant difference in the effectiveness of conservative versus surgical treatment for patients with hyperplasia (p = 0.223), mild dysplasia (p = 0.634) and moderate dysplasia (p = 0.758).
Conclusion
Smoking and lesion size are key factors influencing the outcome of conservative treatment, while lesion size is a significant factor affecting recurrence in surgically treated patients. More importantly, conservative treatment should be prioritised for patients with moderate dysplasia and milder vocal fold leukoplakia.
Catatonia is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by motor, affective and cognitive-behavioral symptoms, presenting significant challenges for both psychiatrists and neurologists. It occurs in 5–18% of patients in inpatient psychiatric units and in 3.3% of those in neurology or neuropsychiatric tertiary care inpatient settings. Despite its relatively high prevalence, catatonia is often underdiagnosed and inadequately treated, which can lead to substantial disadvantages for patients and may be associated with potentially life-threatening conditions. This comprehensive guide is designed to assist clinicians, researchers, and students in understanding and treating catatonia. It navigates through the history of the condition, exploring its phenomenology, clinical manifestations and pathophysiology, before delving into effective treatment strategies. By providing a clear and thorough overview, this guide simplifies the recognition of catatonia and promotes prompt and accurate treatment, encouraging future research endeavours in catatonia.
To evaluate the prognostic value of electrocardiographic ventricular repolarisation parameters in children with dilated cardiomyopathy.
Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted involving 89 children with dilated cardiomyopathy [age 5.24 (4.32, 6.15) years] as the research group, and a control group consisting of 80 healthy children matched for age and sex. Within the research group, there were 76 cases in the survival subgroup and 13 cases in the death subgroup. Ventricular repolarisation parameters were measured.
Results:
(1) Compared to the control group, both QTcmax and QTcmin were significantly prolonged in the research group (P < 0.01). Additionally, Tp-Te /QT ratios for leads III, aVL, V1, V2, and V3 showed an increase (P < 0.05), while T-wave amplitudes for leads I, II, aVL, aVF, V4, V5, and V6 exhibited a decrease (P < 0.05). (2) In comparison to the survival subgroup, the diameters of the LV, RV, LA, and RA in the death subgroup were enlarged, while the left ventricular ejection fraction and eft ventricular fractional shortening were decreased (P < 0.05). The Tp-Te /QT ratios for leads aVR, V5, and V6 also increased notably (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The T-wave amplitude readings from leads II, aVF, and V6 demonstrated significant reductions (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Abnormal ventricular repolarisation parameters were found in dilated cardiomyopathy children. Increased Tp-Te /QT ratios in aVR, V5, and V6 leads and decreased T-wave amplitudes in II, aVF, and V6 leads were risk factors for predicting mortality in children with dilated cardiomyopathy.
We assessed whether the motor component of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCSm) is independently associated with unfavorable outcomes in aggressively treated poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients.
Methods:
Retrospective cohort of poor-grade SAH patients (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grades IV and V). The best GCSm score achieved within 24 h of admission was stratified into four categories (<4, 4, 5 or 6). Outcomes were classified as favorable [modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤ 2] or unfavorable (mRS ≥ 3). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of unfavorable outcome.
Results:
A total of 179 patients were admitted during the study period (mean age 55.9 ± 12.1; 68.2% female). Thirty-three patients (33/179 – 18%) died before aneurysm treatment, one patient had missing GCSm data at 24 h and sixteen patients (16/179; 9%) were lost to follow-up. One hundred and twenty-nine patients (129/179 – 72%) were included in the final analysis. No patient with GCSm < 4 had a favorable outcome (sensitivity 22.4%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100% and negative predictive value 67.8% for unfavorable outcome). Delayed cerebral ischemia-related cerebral infarction (odds ratio (OR) 4.06; 1.56−11.11 95% CI, p = 0.004) and the best GCSm score were independently associated with unfavorable outcome. There was a stepwise decrease in the rate of unfavorable outcome from GCSm < 4 to GCSm = 6 (<4 = 100%; 4 = 80%; 5 = 46% and 6 = 20%). Each one-point decrease in GCSm score was associated with an OR of 3.52 (1.77−7.92 95% CI, p = < 0.001) for unfavorable outcome.
Conclusion:
The GCSm score was independently associated with unfavorable outcome. All patients with a GCSm score < 4 experienced an unfavorable outcome.
This stidy aimed to identify factors influencing prognosis in severe full-frequency sudden sensorineural hearing loss and develop an early prognostic tool.
Methods
A total of 194 patients with severe full-frequency sudden sensorineural hearing loss were analyzed. Univariate analysis screened variables, followed by multivariate logistic regression to construct a nomogram prediction model. Model performance was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristics curve.
Results
Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between ineffective and effective treatment groups in gender, age, contralateral ear hearing, duration of hearing loss, dizziness/vertigo, hypertension, platelet count and fibrinogen levels (Fib1, Fib2, Fib3). The nomogram model, incorporating these factors, showed good calibration. The receiver operating characteristics curve analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.880 (95 per cent confidence interval: 0.829–0.931), with sensitivity of 80.7 per cent and specificity of 87.5 per cent.
Conclusion
The nomogram model, integrating 11 factors, effectively predicts prognosis in severe full-frequency sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
People with opioid use disorder (OUD) have substantially higher standardised mortality rates compared with the general population. However, lack of individualised prognostic information presents challenges in personalisation of addiction treatment delivery.
Aims
To develop and validate the first prognostic models to estimate 6-month all-cause and drug-related mortality risk for people diagnosed with OUD using indicators recorded at baseline assessment in addiction services in England.
Method
Thirteen candidate prognostic variables, including sociodemographic, injecting status and health and mental health factors, were identified from nationally linked addiction treatment, hospital admission and death records from 1 April 2013 to 1 April 2022. Multivariable Cox regression models were developed with a fractional polynomial approach for continuous variables, and missing data were addressed using multiple imputation by chained equations. Validation was undertaken using bootstrapping methods. Discrimination was assessed using Harrel’s C and D statistics alongside examination of observed-to-predicted event rates and calibration curve slopes.
Results
Data were available for 236 064 people with OUD, with 2427 deaths due to any cause, including 1289 due to drug-related causes. Both final models demonstrated good optimism-adjusted discrimination and calibration, with all-cause and drug-related models, respectively, demonstrating Harrell’s C statistics of 0.73 (95% CI 0.71–0.75) and 0.74 (95% CI 0.72–0.76), D-statistics of 1.01 (95% CI 0.95–1.08) and 1.07 (95% CI 0.98–1.16) and calibration slopes of 1.01 (95% CI 0.95–1.08) and 1.01 (95% CI 0.94–1.10).
Conclusions
We developed and internally validated Roberts’ OUD mortality risk, with the first models to accurately quantify individualised absolute 6-month mortality risks in people with OUD presenting to addiction services. Independent validation is warranted to ensure these models have the optimal utility to assist wider future policy, commissioning and clinical decision-making.
Neurological patients with mechanical ventilation or tracheal cannulas need extensive rehabilitative measures, which should already be started in the acute care hospital, and neurological patients should be transferred as early as possible to specialized facilities. Ventilator weaning and rehabilitation of mechanical ventilated or tracheostomized neurological patients in Germany take place within the framework of early neurological-neurosurgical rehabilitation (ENNR). ENNR functions as an important component of the treatment chain for critically ill patients at the interface between acute inpatient care and further rehabilitation, long-term care and palliative care. EENR for mechanically ventilated patients requires a broad spectrum of medical (neurology, neurosurgery, internal medicine, anaesthesiology and intensive care medicine) and therapeutic (respiratory therapy, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, (neuro)psychology, social services) disciplines as well as specialized nursing. In the time window of the ENNR, weeks to a few months after the injury, the ultimate prognosis is established. Simultaneous intensive medical and early rehabilitation treatment requires special structures and expertise, which are presented in this chapter.
To describe the frequency of prognostic awareness (PA) in a population of advanced cancer patients in a Latino community and to explore the relationship between accurate PA with emotional distress and other covariates.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study performed in Puente Alto, Chile, advanced cancer patients in palliative care completed a survey that included a single question to assess PA (Do you believe your cancer is curable? yes/no). Patients reporting that their cancer was not curable were considered as having accurate PA. Demographics, emotional distress, quality of life, and patient perception of treatment goals were also assessed. Analyses to explore associations between PA and patient variables were adjusted.
Results
A total of 201 patients were included in the analysis. Mean age was 65, 50% female. One hundred and three patients (51%) reported an accurate PA. In the univariate analysis, accurate PA was associated with not having a partner (p = 0.012), increased emotional distress (p = 0.013), depression (p = 0.003), and were less likely to report that the goal of the treatment was to get rid of the cancer (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, patients with accurate PA had higher emotional distress or depression, were less likely to have a partner, and to report that the goal of the treatment was to get rid of the cancer.
Significance of results
Half of a population of Latino advanced cancer patients reported an accurate PA. Accurate PA was associated with increased emotional distress, which is similar to what has been reported in other countries. Weaknesses in prognostic disclosure by clinicians, local cultural factors, or higher motivation to seek prognostic information among distressed cancer patients could explain this association. Strategies to emotionally support patients when discussing prognostic information should be implemented.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a relevant public health problem, with high incidence and mortality in Western countries. CRC can occur as sporadic (65%–75%), common familial (25%), or as a consequence of an inherited predisposition (up to 10%). While unravelling its genetic basis has been a long trip leading to relevant clinical implementation over more than 30 years, other contributing factors remain to be clarified. Among these, micro-organisms have emerged as critical players in the development and progression of the disease, as well as for CRC treatment response. Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) has been associated with CRC development in both pre-clinical models and clinical settings. Fusobacteria are core members of the human oral microbiome, while being less prevalent in the healthy gut, prompting questions about their localization in CRC and its precursor lesions. This review aims to critically discuss the evidence connecting Fn with CRC pathogenesis, its molecular subtypes and clinical outcomes.
Early detection of psychosis is paramount for reducing the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP). One key factor contributing to extended DUP is service delay – the time from initial contact with psychiatric services to diagnosis. Reducing service delay depends on prompt identification of psychosis. Patients with schizophrenia and severe social impairment have been found to have prolonged DUP. Whether service delay significantly contributes to prolonged DUP in this group is unclear.
Aim
To examine and compare the course of illness for patients with schizophrenia who are homeless or domiciled, with a focus on service delay in detecting psychosis.
Method
In this case–control study, we included out-patients with a schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis and who were homeless or domiciled but in need of an outreach team to secure continuous treatment. Interviews included psychosocial history and psychopathological and social functioning scales.
Results
We included 85 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder. Mean service delay was significantly longer in the homeless group (5.5 years) compared with the domiciled group (2.5 years, P = 0.001), with a total sample mean of 3.9 years. Similarly, DUP was significantly longer in the homeless group, mean 15.5 years, versus 5.0 years in the domiciled group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the homeless group had an earlier onset of illness than the domiciled group but were almost the same age at diagnosis.
Conclusions
Our findings point to the concerning circumstance that individuals with considerable risk of developing severe schizophrenia experience a substantial delay in diagnosis and do not receive timely treatment.
Measurable residual disease (MRD) is an established prognostic factor after induction chemotherapy in acute myeloid leukaemia patients. Over the past decades, molecular and flow cytometry-based assays have been optimized to provide highly specific and sensitive MRD assessment that is clinically validated. Flow cytometry is an accessible technique available in most clinical diagnostic laboratories worldwide and has the advantage of being applicable in approximately 90% of patients. Here, the essential aspects of flow cytometry-based MRD assessment are discussed, focusing on the identification of leukaemic cells using leukaemia associated immunophenotypes. Analysis, detection limits of the assay, reporting of results and current clinical applications are also reviewed. Additionally, limitations of the assay will be discussed, including the future perspective of flow cytometry-based MRD assessment.
An assessment of systemic inflammation and nutritional status may form the basis of a framework to examine the prognostic value of cachexia in patients with advanced cancer. The objective of the study was to examine the prognostic value of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria, including BMI, weight loss (WL) and systemic inflammation (as measured by the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS)), in advanced cancer patients. Three criteria were examined in a combined cohort of patients with advanced cancer, and their relationship with survival was examined using Cox regression methods. Data were available on 1303 patients. Considering BMI and the mGPS, the 3-month survival rate varied from 74 % (BMI > 28 kg/m2) to 61 % (BMI < 20 kg/m2) and from 84 % (mGPS 0) to 60 % (mGPS 2). Considering WL and the mGPS, the 3-month survival rate varied from 81 % (WL ± 2·4 %) to 47 % (WL ≥ 15 %) and from 93 % (mGPS 0) to 60 % (mGPS 2). Considering BMI/WL grade and mGPS, the 3-month survival rate varied from 86 % (BMI/WL grade 0) to 59 % (BMI/WL grade 4) and from 93 % (mGPS 0) to 63 % (mGPS 2). When these criteria were combined, they better predicted survival. On multivariate survival analysis, the most highly predictive factors were BMI/WL grade 3 (HR 1·454, P = 0·004), BMI/WL grade 4 (HR 2·285, P < 0·001) and mGPS 1 and 2 (HR 1·889, HR 2·545, all P < 0·001). In summary, a high BMI/WL grade and a high mGPS as outlined in the BMI/WL grade/mGPS framework were consistently associated with poorer survival of patients with advanced cancer. It can be readily incorporated into the routine assessment of patients.
Conventional understanding and research regarding prognostic understanding too often focuses on transmission of information. However, merely overcoming barriers to patient understanding may not be sufficient. In this article the authors provide a more nuanced understanding of prognostic awareness, using oncological care as an overarching example, and discuss factors that may lead to prognostic discordance between physicians and patients. We summarize the current literature and research and present a model developed by the authors to characterize barriers to prognostic awareness. Ultimately, multiple influences on prognostic understanding may impede acceptance by patients even when adequate transfer of information takes place. Physicians should improve how they transmit prognostic information, as this information may be processed in different ways. A model of misunderstandings in awareness, ranging from patient understanding to patient belief, may be useful to guide future discussions. Future decision-making studies should consider these many variables so that interventions may be created to address all aspects of the prognostic disclosure process.
Recent developments have indicated a potential association between tinnitus and COVID-19. The study aimed to understand tinnitus following COVID-19 by examining its severity, recovery prospects, and connection to other lasting COVID-19 effects. Involving 1331 former COVID-19 patients, the online survey assessed tinnitus severity, cognitive issues, and medical background. Of the participants, 27.9% reported tinnitus after infection. Findings showed that as tinnitus severity increased, the chances of natural recovery fell, with more individuals experiencing ongoing symptoms (p < 0.001). Those with the Grade II mild tinnitus (OR = 3.68; CI = 1.89–7.32; p = 0.002), Grade III tinnitus (OR = 3.70; CI = 1.94–7.22; p < 0.001), Grade IV (OR = 6.83; CI = 3.73–12.91; p < 0.001), and a history of tinnitus (OR = 1.96; CI = 1.08–3.64; p = 0.03) had poorer recovery outcomes. Grade IV cases were most common (33.2%), and severe tinnitus was strongly associated with the risk of developing long-term hearing loss, anxiety, and emotional disorders (p < 0.001). The study concludes that severe post-COVID tinnitus correlates with a worse prognosis and potential hearing loss, suggesting the need for attentive treatment and management of severe cases.
This case highlights the limitations of current prognostication and communication in clinical practice.
Methods
We report a case of a 50 year old patient with metastatic melanoma following admission to intensive care unit and later transferred to palliative care unit for end-of-life care.
Results
The patient had clinical improvement despite signs of predictors of death and was later transferred back to care of oncology team.
Significance of results
Physicians frequently overestimate or underestimate survival time which can be distressing to patients and families. There is need for further research to improve the accuracy of these tools for the sake of our patients and their families.
The aim of this study is to identify the prognostic factors that may have an effect on the outcome of post-coronavirus disease 2019 acute invasive fungal sinusitis in order to help optimise diagnosis and management.
Methods
This retrospective study involved 60 patients with post-coronavirus disease 2019 acute invasive fungal sinusitis. We identified and studied several factors that may have an effect on the prognosis. These factors included patient-related factors, disease-related factors, and treatment-related factors.
Results
Comorbidities especially renal impairment, previous intensive care unit admission, skin involvement, and intracranial spread of infection are associated with significantly poorer outcomes. Early aggressive surgical debridement is an independent factor associated with better prognosis.
Conclusion
Identifying prognostic factors may have a role in prevention of invasive fungal sinusitis, predicting prognosis, and tailoring patient-specific treatment protocols.
Edited by
Laurie J. Mckenzie, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston,Denise R. Nebgen, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
Vulvar melanoma is a rare malignant tumor of the female genital tract that affects mostly women in the 5th−8th decade of life. A histopathological evaluation and immunohistochemical analysis are paramount to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach. Secondary to a high metastatic potential as well as late diagnosis due to non-specific clinical signs, the prognosis is typically poor. Close monitoring, patient education regarding self-skin examination and screening are necessary for all atypical lesions and to identify local recurrences.