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Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2024Most recent clinical practice guidelines addressing the management of infantile hemangiomas (IHs) recommend oral propranolol, a non-selective beta-adrenergic...
Most recent clinical practice guidelines addressing the management of infantile hemangiomas (IHs) recommend oral propranolol, a non-selective beta-adrenergic antagonist, as first-line treatment. However, few reports have provided continuous follow-up data regarding cardiac evaluations. Sixty-four patients diagnosed with IHs and treated with oral propranolol before 2 years of age at the Department of Pediatrics, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital (Seoul, Republic of Korea), with regular examinations between 2017 and 2021, were included. Cardiac evaluations, including electrocardiography, Holter monitoring, chest X-ray, and echocardiography, were performed. Sixty-four patients with IHs successfully underwent continuous follow-up cardiac evaluations. The median age at diagnosis was 2 weeks (1 day to 34.3 weeks). The median age at treatment initiation was 13.6 weeks (2.4-87.9 weeks), the mean longitudinal diameter of hemangioma at diagnosis was 2.8 ± 2.1 cm (0.3-12.0 cm), and the mean percentage of size decrease after 1 year of oral propranolol treatment was 71.8%. None of the 64 patients experienced severe adverse side effects during propranolol treatment. There was no statistically significant differences in echocardiographic function and electrocardiographic data after treatment. Propranolol treatment ≥6 months was effective and safe without significant cardiac toxicity in the treatment of patients with infantile hemangiomas.
PubMed: 38893043
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113332 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024A growing body of evidence highlights the effects of air pollution on chronic and acute cardiovascular diseases, such as associations between PM and several...
A growing body of evidence highlights the effects of air pollution on chronic and acute cardiovascular diseases, such as associations between PM and several cardiovascular events. However, evidence of the impact of fine air pollutants on the development and progression of peripheral arterial aneurysms is not available. Data were obtained from the multicenter PAA outcome registry POPART and the German Environment Agency. Means of the mean daily concentration of PM, PM, NO and O concentrations were calculated for 2, 10, and 3650 days prior to surgery for each patient. Additionally, weighted ten-year averages were analyzed. Correlation was assessed by calculating Pearson correlation coefficients, and regression analyses were conducted as multiple linear or multiple logistic regression, depending on the dependent variable. For 1193 patients from the POPART registry, paired air pollution data were available. Most patients were male (95.6%) and received open surgical repair (89.9%). On a regional level, the arithmetic means of the daily means of PM between 2000 and 2022 were neither associated with average diameters nor runoff vessels. Negative correlations for mean PAA diameter and mean NO, as well as a positive correlation with mean O, were found; however, they were not statistically significant. On patient level, no evidence for an association of mean PM exposure over ten years prior to inclusion in the registry and PAA diameter or the number of runoff vessels was found. Weighted PM NO and O exposure over ten years also did not result in significant associations with aneurysm diameter or runoff vessels. Short-term air pollutant concentrations were not associated with symptomatic PAAs or with perioperative complications. We found no indication that long-term air pollutant concentrations are associated with PAA size or severity, neither on a regional nor individual level. Additionally, short-term air pollution showed no association with clinical presentation or treatment outcomes.
PubMed: 38892961
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113250 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024: The surgical resection of pulmonary metastases is considered a therapeutic option in selected cases. In light of this, we present the results from a national...
: The surgical resection of pulmonary metastases is considered a therapeutic option in selected cases. In light of this, we present the results from a national multicenter prospective registry of lung metastasectomy. : This retrospective analysis involves data collected prospectively and consecutively in a national multicentric Italian database, including patients who underwent lung metastasectomy. The primary endpoints were the analysis of morbidity and overall survival (OS), with secondary endpoints focusing on the analysis of potential risk factors affecting both morbidity and OS. : A total 470 lung procedures were performed (4 pneumonectomies, 46 lobectomies/bilobectomies, 13 segmentectomies and 407 wedge resections) on 461 patients (258 men and 203 women, mean age of 63.1 years). The majority of patients had metastases from colorectal cancer (45.8%). In most cases (63.6%), patients had only one lung metastasis. A minimally invasive approach was chosen in 143 cases (30.4%). The mean operative time was 118 min, with no reported deaths. Morbidity most frequently consisted of prolonged air leaking and bleeding, but no re-intervention was required. Statistical analysis revealed that morbidity was significantly affected by operative time and pulmonary comorbidities, while OS was significantly affected by disease-free interval (DFI) > 24 months ( = 0.005), epithelial histology ( = 0.001) and colorectal histology ( = 0.004) during univariate analysis. No significant correlation was found between OS and age, gender, surgical approach, surgical extent, surgical device, the number of resected metastases, lesion diameter, the site of lesions and nodal involvement. Multivariate analysis of OS confirmed that only epithelial histology and DFI were risk-factors, with -values of 0.041 and 0.031, respectively. : Lung metastasectomy appears to be a safe procedure, with acceptable morbidity, even with a minimally invasive approach. However, it remains a local treatment of a systemic disease. Therefore, careful attention should be paid to selecting patients who could truly benefit from surgical intervention.
PubMed: 38892816
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113106 -
PloS One 2024To investigate the relationship between corneal diameter and internal corneal span determined from angle-to-angle distance using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in an... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Observational Study
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between corneal diameter and internal corneal span determined from angle-to-angle distance using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in an observational cross-sectional patient population comprised of 54 eyes (28 healthy control eyes, ages 0.1 to 11.3 years; 26 eyes with primary congenital glaucoma, ages 0.1 to 3.5 years) from 41 pediatric participants ages 0.1 to 11.3 years (mean age: 3±3 years, median age: 2 years).
METHODS
Forty cornea photographs with reference ruler and 110 UBM images were obtained. Three observers measured horizontal and vertical corneal diameter and angle-to-angle distance in each cornea photo and UBM image using ImageJ and the average values were used. Main outcome measures were Pearson correlation coefficient, linear regression, mean difference between corneal diameter and angle-to-angle distance, and intra-class correlation coefficients among measurements from all three observers for each parameter.
RESULTS
Corneal diameter and angle-to-angle distance had a strong positive correlation horizontally (Pearson r = 0.89, p<0.001) and vertically (r = 0.93, p<0.001). Correlation was consistent regardless of presence of primary congenital glaucoma and participant age. Regression analysis demonstrated a linear relationship between the parameters for horizontal (CD = 0.99*AA+0.28, R2 = 0.81, p<0.001) and vertical (CD = 0.91 *AA+1.32, R2 = 0.85, p<0.001) dimensions. Overall, reliability was good-excellent, ranging from an ICC of 0.76 for vertical corneal diameter to 0.90 for horizontal angle-to-angle distance.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the strong positive correlation found between corneal diameter and angle-to-angle distance in our study population, UBM image analysis can be used to accurately estimate corneal diameter from angle-to-angle distance in children with healthy eyes and primary congenital glaucoma. UBM may provide a useful intraocular alternative for estimating corneal diameter and monitoring diseases that affect the cornea in infants and children, such as congenital glaucoma.
Topics: Humans; Child, Preschool; Cornea; Child; Microscopy, Acoustic; Male; Female; Infant; Cross-Sectional Studies; Glaucoma
PubMed: 38889111
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305624 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024This study explores tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) through a case series and literature review, assessing the diagnostic potential of F-AlF-NOTA-octreotide (F-OC)... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
This study explores tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) through a case series and literature review, assessing the diagnostic potential of F-AlF-NOTA-octreotide (F-OC) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT).
METHODS
We analyzed TIO patients who underwent F-OC PET/CT. Parameters such as tumor dimension, the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), the mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean) and metabolic tumor volume (MTV) were meticulously assessed. Clinical features and imaging characteristics pertinent to TIO were reviewed.
RESULTS
6 patients with clinical suspicion of TIO exhibited hypophosphatemia (0.25 to 0.64 mmol/L), elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels (142 to 506 U/L), and increased parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels (92.9 to 281.7 pg/mL). Of these patients, two underwent FGF-23 testing, with results of 3185.00 pg/ml and 17.56 pg/ml, respectively. Conventional imaging modalities depicted widespread osteoporosis, with several cases demonstrating fractures indicative of osteomalacic and associated pathological fractures. Subsequent F-OC PET/CT facilitated the accurate localization of causative tumors, with histopathological examination confirming the diagnosis of phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor (PMT). The interval from initial clinical presentation to definitive TIO diagnosis spanned approximately 2.5 years (range: 1 - 4 years), with tumors varying in size (maximum diameter: 7.8 to 40.0 mm), SUVmax (5.47 to 25.69), SUVmean (3.43 to 7.26), and MTV (1.27 to 18.59 cm).
CONCLUSION
The implementation of whole-body F-OC PET/CT imaging emerges as a critical tool in the identification of occult tumors causing TIO. Future investigations incorporating a broader cohort are imperative to further delineate the diagnostic and therapeutic implications of F-OC PET/CT in managing TIO.
Topics: Humans; Fibroblast Growth Factor-23; Fluorine Radioisotopes; Heterocyclic Compounds; Heterocyclic Compounds, 1-Ring; Neoplasms, Connective Tissue; Octreotide; Osteomalacia; Paraneoplastic Syndromes; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Radiopharmaceuticals
PubMed: 38887276
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1400751 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Endothelial dysfunction is a key factor promoting atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications. Hemodialysis patients typically show various cardiovascular...
Endothelial dysfunction is a key factor promoting atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications. Hemodialysis patients typically show various cardiovascular complications and impaired retinal venular dilation has been described as a risk factor for mortality. Non-invasive retinal vessel analysis provides insight into the microvasculature and endothelial function. Static retinal vessel analysis determines arteriolar and venular vessel diameters and dynamic retinal vessel analysis measures microvascular function by flicker-light induced stimulation, which results in physiological dilation of retinal vessels. We measured 220 healthy individuals and compared them to our preexisting cohort of hemodialysis patients (275 for static and 214 for dynamic analysis). Regarding static vessel diameters, hemodialysis patients and healthy individuals did not significantly differ between vessel diameters. Dynamic retinal vessel analysis showed attenuated dilation of the arteriole of hemodialysis patients with 1.6% vs 2.3% in healthy individuals (p = 0.009). Case-control matching for age (mean 65.4 years) did not relevantly diminish the difference. Hemodialysis patients also exhibited reduced venular dilation after matching for age (3.2% vs 3.8%, p = 0.019). Hemodialysis patients showed microvascular dysfunction compared to healthy individuals when using dynamic retinal vessel analysis. Further studies should focus on dynamic retinal vessel analysis which can add insights into the microvascular function and risk factors in multimorbid patients.
Topics: Humans; Renal Dialysis; Male; Female; Retinal Vessels; Middle Aged; Aged; Case-Control Studies; Endothelium, Vascular; Adult; Risk Factors; Venules
PubMed: 38886448
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64581-9 -
Veterinary Medicine and Science Jul 2024The public perception relating to the welfare of horses involved with equestrian sports is associated with training methods used and the presentation of horses at...
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES
The public perception relating to the welfare of horses involved with equestrian sports is associated with training methods used and the presentation of horses at events. In this context, very tight nosebands, which are intended to prevent the horse from opening its mouth, also attract a lot of attention. Various studies have evaluated the impact of tight nosebands on stress parameters, whereas the effect of tight nosebands on upper airway function is unknown. Therefore, the aim of the study was to use overground endoscopy to evaluate changes in pharyngeal and laryngeal function when a tight noseband is fitted. Moreover, the ridden horse pain ethogram (RHpE) was applied to investigate signs of discomfort (Dyson et al., 2018).
STUDY DESIGN
A randomized, blinded, and prospective study was performed.
METHODS
Sixteen warmblood horses consisting of twelve mares and four geldings with a mean age of 11.63 ± 3.53 years were ridden on 2 consecutive days with either loose or tight nosebands (two fingers or no space between bridge of the nose and noseband, respectively) and inserted endoscope in a random order. Videos were taken in a riding arena during a standardized exercise protocol involving beginner level tasks for 30 min in all gaits. For video analysis, freeze frames were prepared and analyzed at the beginning of the expiration phase. Pharyngeal diameter was measured using the pharynx-epiglottis ratio. Other findings (swallowing, pharyngeal collapse, soft palate movements, and secretion) were also evaluated. Moreover, the RHpE was applied. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear mixed effects models were used. Results with a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
RESULTS
While the pharynx-epiglottis ratio did not change significantly in horses ridden with loose versus tight nosebands, there was an increase in mean grade and total counts of parameters assessed in the pharyngeal region, for example, grade of secretion (1.5 [±SD 0.89] vs. 3.13 [±SD 0.96]; p = 0.0001), axial deviation of the aryepiglottic folds (0.29 [±SD 0.73] vs. 1.33 [±SD 1.44]; p = 0.01), and pharyngeal collapse (0.69 [±SD 0.87] vs. 1.88 [±SD 1.54]; p = 0.005) in horses ridden with tight nosebands. There was no RHpE score above 8 indicating musculoskeletal pain, but the RHpE scores were significantly higher in horses ridden with tight nosebands (p < 0.001).
MAIN LIMITATIONS
Video quality was limited when horses showed large amounts of secretion. Another limitation was the small number of horses.
CONCLUSIONS
Results add to the evidence obtained in other studies that tight nosebands do not only cause adverse reactions based on the RHpE score such as head behind the vertical or intense staring but also contribute to changes in the pharyngeal region, such as increased secretion and collapse of pharyngeal structures. This may provide further support for future decisions regarding regulations on nosebands.
Topics: Animals; Horses; Female; Male; Prospective Studies; Pharynx; Nose; Larynx; Physical Conditioning, Animal
PubMed: 38885311
DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1478 -
Physiological Reports Jun 2024Adverse effects of large artery stiffening are well established in the systemic circulation; stiffening of the proximal pulmonary artery (PPA) and its sequelae are...
Adverse effects of large artery stiffening are well established in the systemic circulation; stiffening of the proximal pulmonary artery (PPA) and its sequelae are poorly understood. We combined in vivo (n = 6) with ex vivo data from cadavers (n = 8) and organ donors (n = 13), ages 18 to 89, to assess whether aging of the PPA associates with changes in distensibility, biaxial wall strain, wall thickness, vessel diameter, and wall composition. Aging exhibited significant negative associations with distensibility and cyclic biaxial strain of the PPA (p ≤ 0.05), with decreasing circumferential and axial strains of 20% and 7%, respectively, for every 10 years after 50. Distensibility associated directly with diffusion capacity of the lung (R = 0.71, p = 0.03). Axial strain associated with right ventricular ejection fraction (R = 0.76, p = 0.02). Aging positively associated with length of the PPA (p = 0.004) and increased luminal caliber (p = 0.05) but showed no significant association with mean wall thickness (1.19 mm, p = 0.61) and no significant differences in the proportions of mural elastin and collagen (p = 0.19) between younger (<50 years) and older (>50) ex vivo samples. We conclude that age-related stiffening of the PPA differs from that of the aorta; microstructural remodeling, rather than changes in overall geometry, may explain age-related stiffening.
Topics: Humans; Pulmonary Artery; Aged; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Adult; Aging; Aged, 80 and over; Adolescent; Vascular Stiffness; Young Adult; Elastin
PubMed: 38884325
DOI: 10.14814/phy2.16090 -
EJVES Vascular Forum 2024Aneurysmorrhaphy, described as reduction aneurysmoplasty, partial aneurysmectomy, or vessel wall recalibration, can be considered a suitable surgical plan for true...
Salvage Aneurysmorrhaphy as an Adaptable and Still Pertinent Technique in the Management of Challenging True Aneurysms of Arteriovenous Fistulas: A Case Series of Different Variations, With Illustrative Surgical Pictures.
INTRODUCTION
Aneurysmorrhaphy, described as reduction aneurysmoplasty, partial aneurysmectomy, or vessel wall recalibration, can be considered a suitable surgical plan for true aneurysms of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), allowing for a dynamic approach to reconstruction of aneurysmal AVFs of different severities, ensuring salvage of the native access.
REPORT
Six challenging cases of AVF aneurysms are presented, some with extremely dilated and tortuous megafistulas, for which three surgical technique variations were performed. The patients had a mean age of 59.2 years, 50% were female, with brachiocephalic ( = 5, 83.3%) or brachiobasilic ( = 1, 16.7%) AVFs. The fistulas were created an average of 4.67 years previously, and the aneurysms had an average maximum diameter of 37.5 mm (range 25-60 mm). Surgical indications were rupture risk, thrombosis, or outflow stenosis compromising haemodialysis, infections, and concerns for quality of life (affected by post-puncture bleedings, disfiguring aesthetics, pain, and discomfort). The surgical techniques were simple aneurysmorrhaphy ( = 3, 50%), aneurysmorrhaphy with partial excision of aneurysmal segment with end to end anastomosis of venous ends ( = 2, 33.3%), and aneurysmorrhaphy with establishment of new venous outflow ( = 1, 16.7%). All AVFs were patent post-operatively and at follow up (mean 5.6 months, median one month). Haemodialysis was resumed through the AVFs at a mean of 2.17 weeks post-operatively, with placement of an alternative route for haemodialysis in the meantime. No patients experienced post-operative complications.
DISCUSSION
Experience with the more challenging cases shows that aneurysmorrhaphy can still be considered an acceptable, flexible, and pertinent method for salvage of megafistulas, giving the surgeon the much needed versatility to adapt to anatomical and pathological variations, with high patency rates and minimal complications, especially when other treatment options are not possible in complicated cases. AVF salvage through aneurysmorrhaphy allows for a dynamic approach to the reconstruction of severely tortuous, dilated veins, ensuring patency of the native AVF.
PubMed: 38884071
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvsvf.2024.05.002 -
ARYA Atherosclerosis 2023In recent years, transradial cardiac catheterization has become the preferred method. However, it can result in a significant complication known as radial artery...
INTRODUCTION
In recent years, transradial cardiac catheterization has become the preferred method. However, it can result in a significant complication known as radial artery occlusion (RAO). The medical management of RAO remains controversial, especially with the emergence of novel oral anticoagulants. Nevertheless, there is limited data on the use of these agents for treating RAO, which is the focus of this study using apixaban.
METHOD
This pilot double-blinded randomized clinical trial involved 30 patients who developed RAO following transradial coronary angiography. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either apixaban (2.5 mg twice daily) or a conservative approach for 30 days. Doppler ultrasonography was performed at baseline and at the end of the intervention to assess radial artery diameter and the resolution of arterial patency. Demographic, medical, medication, and clinical characteristics were collected.
RESULTS
The mean age of the studied population was 59.43±12.14 years, and the majority were males (60%). Radial artery resolution was observed in 21 (70%) patients, independent of medication use. There was no significant association between resolution and age (P-value=0.62), gender (P-value=0.74), body mass index (P-value=0.23), smoking (P-value=0.64), diabetes (P-value=0.999), hypertension (P-value=0.74), statins (P-value=0.999), antiplatelet therapy (P-value=0.999), length of angiography (P-value=0.216), or follow-up arterial diameter (P-value=0.304). Recanalization occurred in 13 (86.7%) cases in the apixaban treatment group, compared to 8 (53.3%) individuals in the control group, indicating a significant difference (P-value=0.046).
CONCLUSION
The study findings suggest no demographic, medical, medication, or clinical factors were associated with arterial recanalization. However, a one-month treatment with apixaban at a dose of 2.5 mg twice daily appeared to be effective.
PubMed: 38883851
DOI: 10.48305/arya.2023.41915.2909