AIM:To investigate the long-term outcomes in acute primary angle closure(APAC)patients treated with lens extraction(LE)surgery and to identify risk factors for glaucomatous optic neuropathy(GON).METHODS:In this longit...AIM:To investigate the long-term outcomes in acute primary angle closure(APAC)patients treated with lens extraction(LE)surgery and to identify risk factors for glaucomatous optic neuropathy(GON).METHODS:In this longitudinal observational study,detailed medical histories of APAC patients and comprehensive ophthalmic examinations at final followup were collected.Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of blindness.Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to determine risk factors associated with visual outcomes.RESULTS:This study included 39 affected eyes of 31 subjects(26 females)with an average age of 74.1±8.0y.At 6.7±4.2y after APAC attack,2(5.7%)eyes had bestcorrected visual acuity(VA)worse than 3/60.Advanced glaucomatous visual field loss was observed in 15(39.5%)affected eyes and 5(25.0%)fellow eyes.Nine affected eyes(23.7%)had GON,and 11(28.9%)were blind.Six(15.4%)affected eyes and 2(9.1%)fellow eyes had suspicious progression.A significantly higher blindness rate in factory workers compared to office workers.Logistic regression identified that worse VA at attack(OR 10.568,95%CI 1.288-86.695;P=0.028)and worse early postoperative VA(OR 13.214,95%CI 1.157-150.881;P=0.038)were risk factors for blindness.Multivariate regression showed that longer duration of elevated intraocular pressure(P=0.004)and worse early postoperative VA(P=0.009)were associated with worse visual outcomes.CONCLUSION:Despite LE surgery,some APAC patients experience continued visual function deterioration.Lifelong monitoring is necessary.Target pressure and progression rates should be re-evaluated during follow-up.展开更多
BACKGROUND Early transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts(TIPS)is a therapeutic option for acute variceal bleeding(AVB),offering a low risk of rebleeding.However,the long-term outcomes of early TIPS remain uncle...BACKGROUND Early transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts(TIPS)is a therapeutic option for acute variceal bleeding(AVB),offering a low risk of rebleeding.However,the long-term outcomes of early TIPS remain unclear.AIM To evaluate the long-term outcomes for early TIPS compared with standard treatment in patients with cirrhosis and AVB.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with AVB who underwent early TIPS or standard treatment between January 2014 and December 2023.The primary outcome was overall survival(OS).RESULTS A total of 37 patients with AVB underwent early TIPS,while 65 patients received standard treatment.Compared with the standard treatment group,the rates of uncontrolled bleeding or rebleeding in the early TIPS group were significantly lower(10.8%vs 50.8%,P<0.001).Over a median follow-up of 46 months,no statistically significant differences were observed in terms of OS(P=0.507).The presence of comorbidities was identified as an independent predictor of OS(adjusted hazard ratio=3.81;95%confidence interval:1.16-12.46).Notably,new or worsening ascites occurred less frequently in the early TIPS group(13.5%vs 38.5%,P=0.008).There was no significant difference in the rate of overt hepatic encephalopathy between the two groups(45.9%vs 36.9%,P=0.372).CONCLUSION While early TIPS is not associated with a long-term survival benefit compared with standard treatment for AVB,it is associated with reduced risks of rebleeding and ascites.展开更多
Objective:Robotic gastrectomy(RG)is increasingly used in the treatment of gastric cancer.However,studies on patients with clinical serosa-invasive(cT4a)gastric cancer remain scarce.This study aimed to compare the shor...Objective:Robotic gastrectomy(RG)is increasingly used in the treatment of gastric cancer.However,studies on patients with clinical serosa-invasive(cT4a)gastric cancer remain scarce.This study aimed to compare the shortand long-term outcomes of RG and laparoscopic gastrectomy(LG)in the treatment of stage cT4a gastric cancer.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with stage cT4a gastric cancer diagnosed and treated at eight high-volume tertiary teaching hospitals in China from 2016 to 2019.Propensity score matching(PSM)analysis and inverse probability of treatment weighting(IPTW)analysis was used to adjust for the imbalance in baseline characteristics.The primary research endpoint was the 3-year overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS).The secondary research endpoint was intraoperative outcomes and postoperative complications.Results:After IPTW and PSM adjustments,baseline characteristics between the RG and LG groups were comparable[standardized mean difference(SMD)<0.10].Post-PSM analysis revealed that the RG group exhibited longer operative time(P<0.001),lower postoperative complication rates(P<0.001),shorter postoperative hospital stays(P=0.037),and earlier initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy(P=0.041)compared with the LG group.Survival analysis demonstrated comparable 3-year OS(P=0.110)and DFS(P=0.088)in the PSM cohort,whereas the IPTW cohort showed superior OS(P=0.030)and DFS(P=0.046)for RG.No significant differences were observed in overall recurrence rates or recurrence sites between groups.Conclusions:For patients with stage cT4a gastric cancer,compared with the LG group,the RG group had shorter postoperative hospital stay,lower incidence of postoperative complications,earlier postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy,and no worse long-term efficacy.展开更多
In boys, central precocious puberty （CPP） is the appearance of secondary sex characteristics driven by pituitary gonadotropin secretion before the age of 9 years. In the last years, relevant improvements in the trea...In boys, central precocious puberty （CPP） is the appearance of secondary sex characteristics driven by pituitary gonadotropin secretion before the age of 9 years. In the last years, relevant improvements in the treatment of CPP have been achieved. Because CPP is rare in boys, the majority of papers on this issue focus on girls and do not address specific features of male patients regarding end results and safety. In the present paper, recent advances of CPP management with GnRH analogs in men are summarized. End results in untreated and treated patients are also reviewed by an analysis of the recently published literature on treatment of CPP in men. The available data indicate that therapy with GnRH analogs can improve final height into the range of target height without significant adverse short-term and long-term effects, but longer follow-up of larger series of patients is still required to draw definitive conclusions.展开更多
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious clinical problem worldwide. Conventional interferon (IFN)-α has been approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Short-term studies have demonstr...Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious clinical problem worldwide. Conventional interferon (IFN)-α has been approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Short-term studies have demonstrated that IFN-based therapy is moderately effective in inducing the loss of hepatitis e antigen (HBeAg) or seroconversion (30%-40%) in HBeAg-positive patients and also produces sustained HBV DNA suppression (20%-30%) in HBeAg-negative patients. Many studies have reported a correlation between the HBV genotype and response to IFN treatment. The highest response rate to IFN treatment was found in patients infected with HBV genotype A, followed by HBV genotypes B, C, and D. The long-term effect of IFN-α on CHB has not yet been elucidated. The ability of IFN-α treatment to prevent new cirrhosis, complications associated with cirrhosis, and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is controversial. The beneficial effect of IFN-α treatment in reducing the development of HCC has mainly been observed in treatment responders who already have cirrhosis. These inconsistent findings may be attributed to the inevitable limitations of comparisons across studies, including differences in the baseline characteristics of the study and the moderate suppression of HBV replication by IFN-α relative to nucleoside/nucleos(t)ide analogs.展开更多
BACKGROUNDDiabetes mellitus causes a large majority of non-traumatic major and minoramputations globally. Patients with diabetes are clinically complex with amultifactorial association between diabetic foot ulcers (DF...BACKGROUNDDiabetes mellitus causes a large majority of non-traumatic major and minoramputations globally. Patients with diabetes are clinically complex with amultifactorial association between diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and subsequentlower extremity amputations (LEA). Few studies show the long-term outcomeswithin the cohort of DFU-associated LEA.AIMTo highlight the long-term outcomes of LEA as a result of DFU.METHODSPubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar were searched for key terms, “diabetes”,“foot ulcers”, “amputations” and “outcomes”. Outcomes such as mortality, reamputation,re-ulceration and functional impact were recorded. Peer-reviewedstudies with adult patients who had DFU, subsequent amputation and follow upof at least 1 year were included. Non-English language articles or studiesinvolving children were excluded.RESULTSA total of 22 publications with a total of 2334 patients were selected against theinclusion criteria for review. The weighted mean of re-amputation was 20.14%,29.63% and 45.72% at 1, 3 and 5 years respectively. The weighted mean of mortality at 1, 3 and 5 years were 13.62%, 30.25% and 50.55% respectively withsignificantly higher rates associated with major amputation, re-amputation andischemic cardiomyopathy.CONCLUSIONPrevious LEA, level of the LEA and patient comorbidities were significant riskfactors contributing to re-ulceration, re-amputation, mortality and depreciatedfunctional status.展开更多
Background In patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)who undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI),approximately 10%are concomitant with a chronic total occlusion(CTO)in a n...Background In patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)who undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI),approximately 10%are concomitant with a chronic total occlusion(CTO)in a non-culprit vessel.However,the impact of staged CTO recanalization on prognosis in this cohort remains disputable.This study aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of staged CTO recanalization versus medical therapy in patients with STEMI after primary PCI.Methods Between January 2005 and December 2016,a total of 287 patients were treated with staged CTO-PCI(n=91)or medical therapy(n=196)after primary PCI in our center.The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event(MACCE),defined as a composite of all-cause death,nonfatal myocardial infarction(MI),stroke or unplanned revascularization.After propensity-score matching,77 pairs of well-balanced patients were identified.Results The mean follow-up period was 6.06 years.Overall,the incidence of the primary endpoint of MACCE was significantly lower in staged CTO-PCI group than that in medical therapy group in both overall population(22.0%vs.46.9%;hazard ratio(HR)=0.48,95%CI:0.29-0.77)and propensity-matched cohorts(22.1%vs.42.9%;HR:0.48,95%CI:0.27-0.86).In addition,staged CTO-PCI was also associated with reduced risk of the composite of cardiac death,nonfatal MI or stroke compared with medical therapy in both overall population(9.9%vs.26.5%;hazard ratio(HR)=0.39,95%CI:0.19-0.79)and propensity-matched cohorts(9.1%vs.22.1%;HR:0.40,95%CI:0.16-0.96).After correction of the possible confounders,staged CTO-PCI was independently associated with reduced risks of MACCE(adjusted HR:0.46,95%CI:0.28-0.75),the composite of cardiac death,nonfatal MI or stroke(adjusted HR:0.45,95%CI:0.22-0.94)and all-cause mortality(adjusted HR:0.32,95%CI:0.13-0.83).Moreover,the results of sensitivity analysis were almost concordant with the overall analysis.Conclusions In patients with STEMI and a concurrent CTO who undergo primary PCI,successful staged recanalization of CTO in the non-culprit vessels is associated with better clinical outcomes during long-term follow-up.展开更多
AIM： Endoscopic metal stenting （EMS） offers good results in short to medium term follow-up for bile duct stenosis associated wfth chronic pancreatitis （CP）; however, longer follow-up is needed to determine if EMS...AIM： Endoscopic metal stenting （EMS） offers good results in short to medium term follow-up for bile duct stenosis associated wfth chronic pancreatitis （CP）; however, longer follow-up is needed to determine if EMS has the potential to become the treatment of first choice. METHODS： EMS was performed in eight patients with severe common bile duct stenosis due to CP. After the resolution of cholestasis by endoscopic naso-biliary drainage three patients were subjected to EMS while, the other five underwent EMS following plastic tube stenting. The patients were followed up for more than 5 years through periodical laboratory tests and imaging techniques. RESULTS： EMS was successfully performed in all the patients. Two patients died due to causes unrelated to the procedure： one with an acute myocardial infarction and the other with maxillary carcinoma at 2.8 and 5.5 years after EMS, respectively. One patient died with cholangitis because of EMS clogging 3.6 years after EMS. None of these three patients had showed symptoms of cholestasis during the follow-up period. Two patients developed choledocholithiasis and two suffered from duodenal ulcers due to dislodgement of the stent between 4.8 and 7.3 years after stenting; however, they were successfully treated endoscopically. Thus, five of eight patients are alive at present after a mean follow-up period of 7.4 years. CONCLUSION： EMS is evidently one of the very promising treatment options for bile duct stenosis associated with CP, provided the patients are closely followed up; thus setting a system for their prompt management on emergency is desirable.展开更多
AIM: To assess the clinical, biochemical, and virological outcome during long-term follow-up of chronic hepatitis C patients with sustained virological response following effective antiviral therapy.METHODS: This stud...AIM: To assess the clinical, biochemical, and virological outcome during long-term follow-up of chronic hepatitis C patients with sustained virological response following effective antiviral therapy.METHODS: This study was a retrospective cohort study including 171 sustained responders defi ned as HCV RNA PCR negative at 6 mo after the end of effective antiviral treatment (SVR-6). Clinical signs and symptoms, bio- chemical hepatic parameters, ultrasonography and HCV RNA PCR were followed.RESULTS: Mean follow-up period was 35.38 ± 22.2 mo after the end of treatment. Twenty-seven (15.8%) responders had evidence of cirrhosis before treatment. Forty-eight (28.1%), 107 (62.6%) and 6 (3.5%) patients were genotype 1, 3, and 6 respectively, while 10 patients (5.8%) were unclassifi ed. There were no virological and biochemical relapses during the period of follow-up. None of the patients showed evidence of hepatic decom- pensation. However, there were 3 patients (1.8%) de- veloping hepatocellular carcinoma at 14, 18, 29 mo after treatment discontinuation, two of whom had evidence of cirrhosis prior to therapy.CONCLUSION: The study shows that during a follow- up interval for about 3 years in 171 chronic hepatitis C patients with sustained viral response after effective antiviral treatment there were no evident signs of either biochemical or clinical relapse of liver disease in all but three patients who developed hepatocellular carcinoma.展开更多
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract,and endosco-pic submucosal dissection(ESD)is the preferred treatment for early-stage gastric cancer.The analysis of the epidemiological char...BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract,and endosco-pic submucosal dissection(ESD)is the preferred treatment for early-stage gastric cancer.The analysis of the epidemiological characteristics of gastric mucosal tumors with different differentiation degrees and the influencing factors of long-term ESD efficacy may have certain significance for revealing the development of gastric cancer and ESD.AIM To analyze the features of gastric mucosal tumors at different differentiation levels,and to explore the prognostic factors of ESD.METHODS We retrospectively studied 301 lesions in 285 patients at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from 2014 to 2021,according to the latest Japanese guidelines(sixth edition),and divided them into low-grade intrae-pithelial neoplasia(LGIN),high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia(HGIN),and computed tomography at 3,6 and 12 months after ESD.We compared clinicopathologic characteristics,ESD efficacy,and complications with different degrees of differentiation,and analyzed the related factors associated with ESD.RESULTS HGIN and differentiated carcinoma patients were significantly older compared with LGIN patients(P<0.001)and accounted for more 0-IIc(P<0.001),atrophic gastritis was common(P<0.001),and irregular microvascular patterns(IMVPs)and demarcation lines(DLs)were more obvious(P<0.001).There was more infiltration in the undifferentiated carcinoma tissue(P<0.001),more abnormal folds and poorer mucosal peristalsis(P<0.001),and more obvious IMVPs,irregular microsurface patterns and DLs(P<0.05)than in the LGIN and HGIN tissues.The disease-free survival rates at 2,5,and 8 years after ESD were 95.0%,90.1%,and 86.9%,respectively.Undifferen-tiated lesions(HR 5.066),white moss(HR 7.187),incomplete resection(HR 3.658),and multiple primary cancers(HR 2.462)were significantly associated with poor prognosis.CONCLUSION Differentiations of gastric mucosal tumors have different epidemiological and endoscopic characteristics,which are closely related to the safety and efficacy of ESD.展开更多
Combined liver-kidney transplantation(CLKT)is a rarely performed complex surgical procedure in children and involves transplantation of kidney and either whole or part of liver donated by the same individual(usually a...Combined liver-kidney transplantation(CLKT)is a rarely performed complex surgical procedure in children and involves transplantation of kidney and either whole or part of liver donated by the same individual(usually a cadaver)to the same recipient during a single surgical procedure.Most common indications for CLKT in children are autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease and primary hyperoxaluria type 1.Atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome,methylmalonic academia,and conditions where liver and renal failure co-exists may be indications for CLKT.CLKT is often preferred over sequential liver-kidney transplantation due to immunoprotective effects of transplanted liver on renal allograft;however,liver survival has no significant impact.Since CLKT is a major surgical procedure which involves multiple and complex anastomosis surgeries,acute complications are not uncommon.Bleeding,thrombosis,haemodynamic instability,infections,acute cellular rejections,renal and liver dysfunction are acute complications.The long-term outlook is promising with over 80%5-year survival rates among those children who survive the initial six-month postoperative period.展开更多
To the Editor:WereadwithgreatinterestthearticlebyDr.Leeetal.[1],which compared the long-term outcomes of patients with perivascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after radiofrequency ablation(RFA) and surgical resect...To the Editor:WereadwithgreatinterestthearticlebyDr.Leeetal.[1],which compared the long-term outcomes of patients with perivascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after radiofrequency ablation(RFA) and surgical resection (SR) as first-line treatment. By using propensity score matching (PSM) analyses, the authors concluded that SR provided better long-term tumor control and overall survival than RFA for patients with small periportal tumors. Herein,展开更多
Background: Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic caused massive case fatalities across the world, people have been left with significant physical and mental disabilities, which has had an adverse impact on thei...Background: Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic caused massive case fatalities across the world, people have been left with significant physical and mental disabilities, which has had an adverse impact on their quality of life. The objective of this study is to measure the short-term and long-term outcomes among COVID-19 survivors. Methods: This is a six-month-long multicentre prospective observational study, carried out in four specialized hospitals in the capital city Dhaka, where six hundred participants were enrolled by non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected through three structured interviews, and follow-ups were done during discharge, at 1st month, and 6th month. An analytical study was done on demographic variables, socio-economic conditions, physical findings and outcomes. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: A total of 600 participants were enrolled. The mean age was 49.83. Many participants belong to the age range of 31 to 40 years. More than two-thirds (72.7%) of participants were male, whereas 27.30% were female. Most patients admitted had mild and moderate COVID-19 symptoms (40% and 58%, respectively). Among short-term COVID complications, it was found that 43.3% of the participants complained of fatigue, 32.6% of depression, 24.7% of sleep disturbance, 19% of anxiety and, 5% memory loss. In long-term COVID complications the number reduced significantly: 5% of the participants complained of fatigue, 10% of depression, 2.7% of sleep disturbance, 7.3% of anxiety and, 2.7% memory loss. The severity of lung parenchymal disease also reduced in long term COVID symptoms. The study found a statistically significant relationship between age groups and CT severity index (χ2 = 9.458, p = 0.032). Most patients (29.2%) in the under-30 age group had a CT Severity Index score of 2 & 3 (29.2%). The important CT Severity Index scores for individuals aged 30 to 60 years were 3 and 4, accounting for 37.7% and 33.3%, respectively. In the over-60 age group, 40.8% of patients showed a CT Severity Index score of 4, showing a range of 51% - 75%. Conclusion: This study found that fatigue, depression, and sleep disturbances are prevalent among COVID-19 survivors;however, these symptoms generally reduce over time. Lung problems improved;however, some patients suffered from persistent effects. Older patients, especially those with pre-existing conditions, suffer from more severe outcomes. These findings underscore the need for ongoing care for COVID-19 survivors.展开更多
Background Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy （ARVC） is a major cause for sudden cardiac death due to ventricular tachycardia. Litter is known about its long-term outcomes in Chinese ARVC patients. The ...Background Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy （ARVC） is a major cause for sudden cardiac death due to ventricular tachycardia. Litter is known about its long-term outcomes in Chinese ARVC patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes in patients with ARVC and to clarify the risk factors of cardiac events. Methods Forty subjects fulfilling modified Task Force criteria were included in this study. Information on clinical presentation, electrocardiographic and cardiac imaging findings, and long-term outcome of cases were investigated. Results Average follow-up period from onset was 57.5 ± 42.6 months. The mean age at onset of symptoms （32.2 ± 12.7 years） and male predominance （85.0%） were similar to that report- ed in other studies. Palpitations were the most frequent symptom （82.5%）. T-wave inversion was the most com- mon presenting abnormality on resting 12-lead ECG （75%）. Ventricular tachycardia with left bundle branch block morphology was subsequently documented in a total of 28（70%） subjects during a study period. The cu- mulative mortality rate was 7.5%. Conclusion Clinical presentation in Chinese ARVC patients was similar to that reported in other studies. ARVC is associated with early mortality that is different to other country popula- tion.展开更多
Background: Primary hyperhidrosis of the upper limbs is characterized by over activity of the eccrine sweat glands, primarily occurring on palmar, plantar and axillary regions. It is distressing and often socially dis...Background: Primary hyperhidrosis of the upper limbs is characterized by over activity of the eccrine sweat glands, primarily occurring on palmar, plantar and axillary regions. It is distressing and often socially disabling condition. Conservative treatment is usually not effective in controlling the disease mainly due to adverse effect of therapies. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is considered as the treatment of choice, causing minimal morbidity and high success rates and patient satisfaction. Objective: The study aims to evaluate the long-term outcomes of single port bilateralthoracoscopic dorsal sympathectomyin treatment of primary hyperhidrosis of the palm and axilla. Methods: In this prospective study, performed primarily by a single surgeon, between August 1st 2010, and August 1st 2012, we performed 200 thoracoscopies on 100 patients with signs and symptoms of primary palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis in different age groups and in both genders, and all were studied and analyzed following treatment by single-port bilateral thoracoscopic dorsal sympathectomy in Sulaimani teaching hospital. Results: Total of 99 patients were satisfied with the outcome of post-surgery with a follow-up in the mean of 27 months and only one patient was reported no change in symptoms postoperatively. Complications reported in 6 patients inform of compensatory sweating (n = 2), Gestatory sweating (n = 1), Pneumothorax (n = 1), Intraoperative minor bleeding (n = 1) and only 1% failure rate was reported. No mortality was reported. Conclusions: Single port bilateral thoracoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is a very effective method in the management of primary hyperhidrosis. Single port provides less postoperative pain, safety, short operative time, and quick method for the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis in comparison to two or three ports approaches.展开更多
Objective To evaluate the long-term outcomes of fenestrated discectomy for lumbar disc herniation and analyze the correlative influence factors. Methods Eighty-two cases of lumbar disc herniation, from February 1996 t...Objective To evaluate the long-term outcomes of fenestrated discectomy for lumbar disc herniation and analyze the correlative influence factors. Methods Eighty-two cases of lumbar disc herniation, from February 1996 to May 1999, were retrospectively studied. All patients were treated with simple fenestrated discectomy. The average follow-up time was 8 years and 7 months （from 7 years tolO years and 3months）. There were 13, 38 and 31 cases at 13 - L4, L4 - L5 and L5 - S1 level, respectively. Results The average scales before operation were as following ： Japanes Orthopaedics Association （ JOA ） scale 6. 5 （ 5 - 9 ） , visual analysis scale （ VAS） of low back pain4.8 （0-8）. and VAS of sciatica 7.2 （4-10）. At the final follow-up, the above parameters were 13.2 （ 10 - 14 ）, 1.8 （0 - 10） and 1.2 （0 - 7）, respectively. The average increase ratio of JOA scale was 78. 8%. The average disc-vertebra height ratio （ Mochida method） was 80.2%. At the final follow-up, 7 cases reoccurred disc herniation. The final clinical satisfaction rate was 80% （ modified Macnab method ）. Conclusion With appropriate surgical indications, the successfid long-term outcomes could be expected with fenestrated discectomy. Discectomy improves sciatica to a greater extent than low back pain. The occurrence of low back pain is related to intervertebral disc height, segment stability, disc degeneration, and lumbar muscle disability.展开更多
BACKGROUND It is widely recognized that endoscopic resection(ER) of superficial nonampullary duodenal epithelial tumors(SNADETs) is technically challenging and may carry high risks of intraoperative and delayed bleedi...BACKGROUND It is widely recognized that endoscopic resection(ER) of superficial nonampullary duodenal epithelial tumors(SNADETs) is technically challenging and may carry high risks of intraoperative and delayed bleeding and perforation.These adverse events could be more critical than those occurring in other levels of the gastrointestinal tract. Because of the low prevalence of the disease and the high risks of severe adverse events, the curability including short-and long-term outcomes have not been standardized yet.AIM To investigate the curability including short-and long-term outcomes of ER for SNADETs in a large case series.METHODS This retrospective study included cases that underwent ER for SNADETs at our university hospital between March 2004 and July 2017. Short-term outcomes of ER were measured based on en bloc and R0 resection rates as well as adverse events. Long-term outcomes included local recurrence detected on endoscopic surveillance and disease-specific mortality in patients followed up for ≥ 12 mo after ER.RESULTS In the study, 131 patients with 147 SNADETs were analyzed. The 147 ERs consisted of 136 endoscopic mucosal resections(EMRs)(93%) and 11 endoscopic submucosal dissections(ESDs)(7%). The median tumor diameter was 10 mm.The pathology diagnosis was adenocarcinoma(56/147, 38%), high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia(44/147, 30%), or low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia(47/147, 32%). The R0 resection rate was 68%(93/136) in the EMR group and73%(8/11) in the ESD group, respectively. Cap-assisted EMR(known as EMR-C)showed a higher rate of R0 resection compared to the conventional method of EMR using a snare(78% vs 62%, P = 0.06). No adverse event was observed in the EMR group, whereas delayed bleeding, intraoperative perforation, and delayed perforation in 3, 3, and 5 patients occurred in the ESD group, respectively. One patient with perforation required emergency surgery. In the 43 mo median follow-up period, local recurrence was found in four EMR cases and all cases were treated endoscopically. No patient died due to tumor recurrence.CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that ER provides good long-term outcomes in the patients with SNADETs. EMR is likely to become the safe and reliable treatment for small SNADETs.展开更多
Background Previous studies had demonstrated hemostatic abnormalities in patients with heart failure (HF) and several studies have shown that abnormal coagulation indices, represented by elevated D-dimer, had prognost...Background Previous studies had demonstrated hemostatic abnormalities in patients with heart failure (HF) and several studies have shown that abnormal coagulation indices, represented by elevated D-dimer, had prognostic significance in patients with compatible or acute decompensated HF. However, the impact of D-dimer on the outcome in patients with end-stage HF remains unclear. Methods A total of 244 consecutive patients with end-stage HF due to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) were prospectively enrolled from February 2011 to September 2014. D-dimer levels were measured and its prognostic value was assessed. Primary endpoint was all-cause mortality during the follow-up period. Secondary endpoints were stroke, bleeding, occurrence of sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Results D-dimer was significantly elevated in the non-survivors (median: 0.8 vs. 1.1 mg/L, P < 0.001). Traditional markers including B-type natriuretic peptide, troponin I, left ventricular ejection fraction, and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension provided limited prognostic value;but the addition of D-dimer refined the risk stratification. The optimal cut-off value of D-dimer to predict all-cause mortality was 0.84 mg/L by receiver operator characteristic analysis. Elevated D-dimer level was independently associated with increased risk of long-term all-cause mortality (HR = 2.315, 95% CI: 1.570–3.414, P < 0.001) and MACE (HR = 1.256, 95% CI: 1.058–1.490, P = 0.009), and the predictive value was independent of age, sex, atrial fibrillation and anticoagulation status. Conclusions Elevated D-dimer level was independently associated with poor long-term outcome in patients with end-stage HF secondary to idiopathic DCM, and the predictive value was superior to that of traditional prognostic markers.展开更多
AIM To evaluate the long-term efficacy of endoscopic resection(ER) for small(≤ 4.0 cm) gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs) originating from the muscularis propria layer.METHODS Between June 2005 and Februa...AIM To evaluate the long-term efficacy of endoscopic resection(ER) for small(≤ 4.0 cm) gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs) originating from the muscularis propria layer.METHODS Between June 2005 and February 2015, we retrospectively analyzed 229 consecutive patients with gastric MP-GISTs who underwent ER with a follow-up at least 36 mo. The main outcome measurements included complete resection rate, complications, and long-term follow-up outcomes.RESULTS ER included endoscopic muscularis excavation in 179 cases, endoscopic full-thickness resection in 32 cases, and submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection in 18 cases. The median size of GISTs was 1.90 cm. Of the 229 GISTs, 147 were very low risk, 72 were low risk, 8 were intermediate risk, and 2 were high risk. Shortterm outcomes showed the complete resection rate was 96.5%, and 8 patients(3.5%) had complications. Of the 8 patients with complications, only one patient required surgical intervention. Long-term outcomes showed 225 patients were actively followed-up until composition of this manuscript. The remaining 4 patients were lost because of unrelated death. During the follow-up period(median, 57 mo), no residual, recurrent lesions, or distant metastasis were detected in any patients. Binary logistic regression analysis showed tumor size was a risk factor associated with a high mitotic index(≥ 5/50 HPF) of GISTs(P = 0.002).CONCLUSION ER seems to be an effective and safe method for gastric MP-GISTs ≤ 4.0 cm, and, for some intermediate or high risk GISTs, adjuvant therapy and/or additional surgery might be required to reduce the risk of recurrence or metastasis.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate long-term outcomes in a large series of patients who randomly received laparoscopic or open colorectal resection.METHODS:From February 2000 to December 2004,six hundred sixty-two patients with colorect...AIM:To evaluate long-term outcomes in a large series of patients who randomly received laparoscopic or open colorectal resection.METHODS:From February 2000 to December 2004,six hundred sixty-two patients with colorectal disease were randomly assigned to laparoscopic(LPS,n = 330) or open(n = 332) colorectal resection.All patients were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis.Long-term follow-up was carried out every 6 mo by office visits.In 526 cancer patients five-year overall and disease-free survival were evaluated.Median oncologic follow-up was 96 mo.RESULTS:Eight(4.2%) LPS group patients needed conversion to open surgery.Overall long-term morbidity rate was 7.6%(25/330) in the LPS vs 11.1%(37/332) in the open group(P = 0.17).In cancer patients,fiveyear overall survival was 68.6% in the LPS group and 64.0% in the Open group(P = 0.27).Excluding stage Ⅳ patients,five-year local and distant recurrence rates were 32.5% in the LPS group and 36.8% in the Open group(P = 0.36).Further,no difference in recurrence rate was found when patients were stratified according to cancer stage.CONCLUSION:LPS colorectal resection was associated with a slightly lower incidence of long-term complications than open surgery.No difference between groups was found in overall and disease-free survival rates.展开更多
文摘AIM:To investigate the long-term outcomes in acute primary angle closure(APAC)patients treated with lens extraction(LE)surgery and to identify risk factors for glaucomatous optic neuropathy(GON).METHODS:In this longitudinal observational study,detailed medical histories of APAC patients and comprehensive ophthalmic examinations at final followup were collected.Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of blindness.Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to determine risk factors associated with visual outcomes.RESULTS:This study included 39 affected eyes of 31 subjects(26 females)with an average age of 74.1±8.0y.At 6.7±4.2y after APAC attack,2(5.7%)eyes had bestcorrected visual acuity(VA)worse than 3/60.Advanced glaucomatous visual field loss was observed in 15(39.5%)affected eyes and 5(25.0%)fellow eyes.Nine affected eyes(23.7%)had GON,and 11(28.9%)were blind.Six(15.4%)affected eyes and 2(9.1%)fellow eyes had suspicious progression.A significantly higher blindness rate in factory workers compared to office workers.Logistic regression identified that worse VA at attack(OR 10.568,95%CI 1.288-86.695;P=0.028)and worse early postoperative VA(OR 13.214,95%CI 1.157-150.881;P=0.038)were risk factors for blindness.Multivariate regression showed that longer duration of elevated intraocular pressure(P=0.004)and worse early postoperative VA(P=0.009)were associated with worse visual outcomes.CONCLUSION:Despite LE surgery,some APAC patients experience continued visual function deterioration.Lifelong monitoring is necessary.Target pressure and progression rates should be re-evaluated during follow-up.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality,No.23ZR1458300the Key Discipline Project of Shanghai Municipal Health System,No.2024ZDXK0004the Doctoral Innovation Talent Base Project for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Liver Diseases,No.RCJD2021B02.
文摘BACKGROUND Early transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts(TIPS)is a therapeutic option for acute variceal bleeding(AVB),offering a low risk of rebleeding.However,the long-term outcomes of early TIPS remain unclear.AIM To evaluate the long-term outcomes for early TIPS compared with standard treatment in patients with cirrhosis and AVB.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with AVB who underwent early TIPS or standard treatment between January 2014 and December 2023.The primary outcome was overall survival(OS).RESULTS A total of 37 patients with AVB underwent early TIPS,while 65 patients received standard treatment.Compared with the standard treatment group,the rates of uncontrolled bleeding or rebleeding in the early TIPS group were significantly lower(10.8%vs 50.8%,P<0.001).Over a median follow-up of 46 months,no statistically significant differences were observed in terms of OS(P=0.507).The presence of comorbidities was identified as an independent predictor of OS(adjusted hazard ratio=3.81;95%confidence interval:1.16-12.46).Notably,new or worsening ascites occurred less frequently in the early TIPS group(13.5%vs 38.5%,P=0.008).There was no significant difference in the rate of overt hepatic encephalopathy between the two groups(45.9%vs 36.9%,P=0.372).CONCLUSION While early TIPS is not associated with a long-term survival benefit compared with standard treatment for AVB,it is associated with reduced risks of rebleeding and ascites.
基金supported by Fujian Provincial Medical“Building High-level Hospitals,High-level Clinical Medical Centers and Key Clinical Specialty Projects”([2021]No.76)Fujian Research and Training Grants for Young and Middle-aged Leaders in Healthcare(No.[2022]954)。
文摘Objective:Robotic gastrectomy(RG)is increasingly used in the treatment of gastric cancer.However,studies on patients with clinical serosa-invasive(cT4a)gastric cancer remain scarce.This study aimed to compare the shortand long-term outcomes of RG and laparoscopic gastrectomy(LG)in the treatment of stage cT4a gastric cancer.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with stage cT4a gastric cancer diagnosed and treated at eight high-volume tertiary teaching hospitals in China from 2016 to 2019.Propensity score matching(PSM)analysis and inverse probability of treatment weighting(IPTW)analysis was used to adjust for the imbalance in baseline characteristics.The primary research endpoint was the 3-year overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS).The secondary research endpoint was intraoperative outcomes and postoperative complications.Results:After IPTW and PSM adjustments,baseline characteristics between the RG and LG groups were comparable[standardized mean difference(SMD)<0.10].Post-PSM analysis revealed that the RG group exhibited longer operative time(P<0.001),lower postoperative complication rates(P<0.001),shorter postoperative hospital stays(P=0.037),and earlier initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy(P=0.041)compared with the LG group.Survival analysis demonstrated comparable 3-year OS(P=0.110)and DFS(P=0.088)in the PSM cohort,whereas the IPTW cohort showed superior OS(P=0.030)and DFS(P=0.046)for RG.No significant differences were observed in overall recurrence rates or recurrence sites between groups.Conclusions:For patients with stage cT4a gastric cancer,compared with the LG group,the RG group had shorter postoperative hospital stay,lower incidence of postoperative complications,earlier postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy,and no worse long-term efficacy.
文摘In boys, central precocious puberty （CPP） is the appearance of secondary sex characteristics driven by pituitary gonadotropin secretion before the age of 9 years. In the last years, relevant improvements in the treatment of CPP have been achieved. Because CPP is rare in boys, the majority of papers on this issue focus on girls and do not address specific features of male patients regarding end results and safety. In the present paper, recent advances of CPP management with GnRH analogs in men are summarized. End results in untreated and treated patients are also reviewed by an analysis of the recently published literature on treatment of CPP in men. The available data indicate that therapy with GnRH analogs can improve final height into the range of target height without significant adverse short-term and long-term effects, but longer follow-up of larger series of patients is still required to draw definitive conclusions.
文摘Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious clinical problem worldwide. Conventional interferon (IFN)-α has been approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Short-term studies have demonstrated that IFN-based therapy is moderately effective in inducing the loss of hepatitis e antigen (HBeAg) or seroconversion (30%-40%) in HBeAg-positive patients and also produces sustained HBV DNA suppression (20%-30%) in HBeAg-negative patients. Many studies have reported a correlation between the HBV genotype and response to IFN treatment. The highest response rate to IFN treatment was found in patients infected with HBV genotype A, followed by HBV genotypes B, C, and D. The long-term effect of IFN-α on CHB has not yet been elucidated. The ability of IFN-α treatment to prevent new cirrhosis, complications associated with cirrhosis, and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is controversial. The beneficial effect of IFN-α treatment in reducing the development of HCC has mainly been observed in treatment responders who already have cirrhosis. These inconsistent findings may be attributed to the inevitable limitations of comparisons across studies, including differences in the baseline characteristics of the study and the moderate suppression of HBV replication by IFN-α relative to nucleoside/nucleos(t)ide analogs.
文摘BACKGROUNDDiabetes mellitus causes a large majority of non-traumatic major and minoramputations globally. Patients with diabetes are clinically complex with amultifactorial association between diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and subsequentlower extremity amputations (LEA). Few studies show the long-term outcomeswithin the cohort of DFU-associated LEA.AIMTo highlight the long-term outcomes of LEA as a result of DFU.METHODSPubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar were searched for key terms, “diabetes”,“foot ulcers”, “amputations” and “outcomes”. Outcomes such as mortality, reamputation,re-ulceration and functional impact were recorded. Peer-reviewedstudies with adult patients who had DFU, subsequent amputation and follow upof at least 1 year were included. Non-English language articles or studiesinvolving children were excluded.RESULTSA total of 22 publications with a total of 2334 patients were selected against theinclusion criteria for review. The weighted mean of re-amputation was 20.14%,29.63% and 45.72% at 1, 3 and 5 years respectively. The weighted mean of mortality at 1, 3 and 5 years were 13.62%, 30.25% and 50.55% respectively withsignificantly higher rates associated with major amputation, re-amputation andischemic cardiomyopathy.CONCLUSIONPrevious LEA, level of the LEA and patient comorbidities were significant riskfactors contributing to re-ulceration, re-amputation, mortality and depreciatedfunctional status.
基金funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China,State Science and Technology Support Program (No.2011BAI11B05)Beijing Lab for Cardiovascular Precision Medicine, Beijing, China (PXM2019_014226_000023)
文摘Background In patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)who undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI),approximately 10%are concomitant with a chronic total occlusion(CTO)in a non-culprit vessel.However,the impact of staged CTO recanalization on prognosis in this cohort remains disputable.This study aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of staged CTO recanalization versus medical therapy in patients with STEMI after primary PCI.Methods Between January 2005 and December 2016,a total of 287 patients were treated with staged CTO-PCI(n=91)or medical therapy(n=196)after primary PCI in our center.The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event(MACCE),defined as a composite of all-cause death,nonfatal myocardial infarction(MI),stroke or unplanned revascularization.After propensity-score matching,77 pairs of well-balanced patients were identified.Results The mean follow-up period was 6.06 years.Overall,the incidence of the primary endpoint of MACCE was significantly lower in staged CTO-PCI group than that in medical therapy group in both overall population(22.0%vs.46.9%;hazard ratio(HR)=0.48,95%CI:0.29-0.77)and propensity-matched cohorts(22.1%vs.42.9%;HR:0.48,95%CI:0.27-0.86).In addition,staged CTO-PCI was also associated with reduced risk of the composite of cardiac death,nonfatal MI or stroke compared with medical therapy in both overall population(9.9%vs.26.5%;hazard ratio(HR)=0.39,95%CI:0.19-0.79)and propensity-matched cohorts(9.1%vs.22.1%;HR:0.40,95%CI:0.16-0.96).After correction of the possible confounders,staged CTO-PCI was independently associated with reduced risks of MACCE(adjusted HR:0.46,95%CI:0.28-0.75),the composite of cardiac death,nonfatal MI or stroke(adjusted HR:0.45,95%CI:0.22-0.94)and all-cause mortality(adjusted HR:0.32,95%CI:0.13-0.83).Moreover,the results of sensitivity analysis were almost concordant with the overall analysis.Conclusions In patients with STEMI and a concurrent CTO who undergo primary PCI,successful staged recanalization of CTO in the non-culprit vessels is associated with better clinical outcomes during long-term follow-up.
文摘AIM： Endoscopic metal stenting （EMS） offers good results in short to medium term follow-up for bile duct stenosis associated wfth chronic pancreatitis （CP）; however, longer follow-up is needed to determine if EMS has the potential to become the treatment of first choice. METHODS： EMS was performed in eight patients with severe common bile duct stenosis due to CP. After the resolution of cholestasis by endoscopic naso-biliary drainage three patients were subjected to EMS while, the other five underwent EMS following plastic tube stenting. The patients were followed up for more than 5 years through periodical laboratory tests and imaging techniques. RESULTS： EMS was successfully performed in all the patients. Two patients died due to causes unrelated to the procedure： one with an acute myocardial infarction and the other with maxillary carcinoma at 2.8 and 5.5 years after EMS, respectively. One patient died with cholangitis because of EMS clogging 3.6 years after EMS. None of these three patients had showed symptoms of cholestasis during the follow-up period. Two patients developed choledocholithiasis and two suffered from duodenal ulcers due to dislodgement of the stent between 4.8 and 7.3 years after stenting; however, they were successfully treated endoscopically. Thus, five of eight patients are alive at present after a mean follow-up period of 7.4 years. CONCLUSION： EMS is evidently one of the very promising treatment options for bile duct stenosis associated with CP, provided the patients are closely followed up; thus setting a system for their prompt management on emergency is desirable.
基金Supported by The Gastroenterological Association of Thailand
文摘AIM: To assess the clinical, biochemical, and virological outcome during long-term follow-up of chronic hepatitis C patients with sustained virological response following effective antiviral therapy.METHODS: This study was a retrospective cohort study including 171 sustained responders defi ned as HCV RNA PCR negative at 6 mo after the end of effective antiviral treatment (SVR-6). Clinical signs and symptoms, bio- chemical hepatic parameters, ultrasonography and HCV RNA PCR were followed.RESULTS: Mean follow-up period was 35.38 ± 22.2 mo after the end of treatment. Twenty-seven (15.8%) responders had evidence of cirrhosis before treatment. Forty-eight (28.1%), 107 (62.6%) and 6 (3.5%) patients were genotype 1, 3, and 6 respectively, while 10 patients (5.8%) were unclassifi ed. There were no virological and biochemical relapses during the period of follow-up. None of the patients showed evidence of hepatic decom- pensation. However, there were 3 patients (1.8%) de- veloping hepatocellular carcinoma at 14, 18, 29 mo after treatment discontinuation, two of whom had evidence of cirrhosis prior to therapy.CONCLUSION: The study shows that during a follow- up interval for about 3 years in 171 chronic hepatitis C patients with sustained viral response after effective antiviral treatment there were no evident signs of either biochemical or clinical relapse of liver disease in all but three patients who developed hepatocellular carcinoma.
基金Supported by Development Program of Shaanxi Province,No.2021SF-221.
文摘BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract,and endosco-pic submucosal dissection(ESD)is the preferred treatment for early-stage gastric cancer.The analysis of the epidemiological characteristics of gastric mucosal tumors with different differentiation degrees and the influencing factors of long-term ESD efficacy may have certain significance for revealing the development of gastric cancer and ESD.AIM To analyze the features of gastric mucosal tumors at different differentiation levels,and to explore the prognostic factors of ESD.METHODS We retrospectively studied 301 lesions in 285 patients at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from 2014 to 2021,according to the latest Japanese guidelines(sixth edition),and divided them into low-grade intrae-pithelial neoplasia(LGIN),high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia(HGIN),and computed tomography at 3,6 and 12 months after ESD.We compared clinicopathologic characteristics,ESD efficacy,and complications with different degrees of differentiation,and analyzed the related factors associated with ESD.RESULTS HGIN and differentiated carcinoma patients were significantly older compared with LGIN patients(P<0.001)and accounted for more 0-IIc(P<0.001),atrophic gastritis was common(P<0.001),and irregular microvascular patterns(IMVPs)and demarcation lines(DLs)were more obvious(P<0.001).There was more infiltration in the undifferentiated carcinoma tissue(P<0.001),more abnormal folds and poorer mucosal peristalsis(P<0.001),and more obvious IMVPs,irregular microsurface patterns and DLs(P<0.05)than in the LGIN and HGIN tissues.The disease-free survival rates at 2,5,and 8 years after ESD were 95.0%,90.1%,and 86.9%,respectively.Undifferen-tiated lesions(HR 5.066),white moss(HR 7.187),incomplete resection(HR 3.658),and multiple primary cancers(HR 2.462)were significantly associated with poor prognosis.CONCLUSION Differentiations of gastric mucosal tumors have different epidemiological and endoscopic characteristics,which are closely related to the safety and efficacy of ESD.
文摘Combined liver-kidney transplantation(CLKT)is a rarely performed complex surgical procedure in children and involves transplantation of kidney and either whole or part of liver donated by the same individual(usually a cadaver)to the same recipient during a single surgical procedure.Most common indications for CLKT in children are autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease and primary hyperoxaluria type 1.Atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome,methylmalonic academia,and conditions where liver and renal failure co-exists may be indications for CLKT.CLKT is often preferred over sequential liver-kidney transplantation due to immunoprotective effects of transplanted liver on renal allograft;however,liver survival has no significant impact.Since CLKT is a major surgical procedure which involves multiple and complex anastomosis surgeries,acute complications are not uncommon.Bleeding,thrombosis,haemodynamic instability,infections,acute cellular rejections,renal and liver dysfunction are acute complications.The long-term outlook is promising with over 80%5-year survival rates among those children who survive the initial six-month postoperative period.
文摘To the Editor:WereadwithgreatinterestthearticlebyDr.Leeetal.[1],which compared the long-term outcomes of patients with perivascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after radiofrequency ablation(RFA) and surgical resection (SR) as first-line treatment. By using propensity score matching (PSM) analyses, the authors concluded that SR provided better long-term tumor control and overall survival than RFA for patients with small periportal tumors. Herein,
文摘Background: Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic caused massive case fatalities across the world, people have been left with significant physical and mental disabilities, which has had an adverse impact on their quality of life. The objective of this study is to measure the short-term and long-term outcomes among COVID-19 survivors. Methods: This is a six-month-long multicentre prospective observational study, carried out in four specialized hospitals in the capital city Dhaka, where six hundred participants were enrolled by non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected through three structured interviews, and follow-ups were done during discharge, at 1st month, and 6th month. An analytical study was done on demographic variables, socio-economic conditions, physical findings and outcomes. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: A total of 600 participants were enrolled. The mean age was 49.83. Many participants belong to the age range of 31 to 40 years. More than two-thirds (72.7%) of participants were male, whereas 27.30% were female. Most patients admitted had mild and moderate COVID-19 symptoms (40% and 58%, respectively). Among short-term COVID complications, it was found that 43.3% of the participants complained of fatigue, 32.6% of depression, 24.7% of sleep disturbance, 19% of anxiety and, 5% memory loss. In long-term COVID complications the number reduced significantly: 5% of the participants complained of fatigue, 10% of depression, 2.7% of sleep disturbance, 7.3% of anxiety and, 2.7% memory loss. The severity of lung parenchymal disease also reduced in long term COVID symptoms. The study found a statistically significant relationship between age groups and CT severity index (χ2 = 9.458, p = 0.032). Most patients (29.2%) in the under-30 age group had a CT Severity Index score of 2 & 3 (29.2%). The important CT Severity Index scores for individuals aged 30 to 60 years were 3 and 4, accounting for 37.7% and 33.3%, respectively. In the over-60 age group, 40.8% of patients showed a CT Severity Index score of 4, showing a range of 51% - 75%. Conclusion: This study found that fatigue, depression, and sleep disturbances are prevalent among COVID-19 survivors;however, these symptoms generally reduce over time. Lung problems improved;however, some patients suffered from persistent effects. Older patients, especially those with pre-existing conditions, suffer from more severe outcomes. These findings underscore the need for ongoing care for COVID-19 survivors.
基金supported by grants from Guangdong Nature Science Foundation (10151008002000011)
文摘Background Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy （ARVC） is a major cause for sudden cardiac death due to ventricular tachycardia. Litter is known about its long-term outcomes in Chinese ARVC patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes in patients with ARVC and to clarify the risk factors of cardiac events. Methods Forty subjects fulfilling modified Task Force criteria were included in this study. Information on clinical presentation, electrocardiographic and cardiac imaging findings, and long-term outcome of cases were investigated. Results Average follow-up period from onset was 57.5 ± 42.6 months. The mean age at onset of symptoms （32.2 ± 12.7 years） and male predominance （85.0%） were similar to that report- ed in other studies. Palpitations were the most frequent symptom （82.5%）. T-wave inversion was the most com- mon presenting abnormality on resting 12-lead ECG （75%）. Ventricular tachycardia with left bundle branch block morphology was subsequently documented in a total of 28（70%） subjects during a study period. The cu- mulative mortality rate was 7.5%. Conclusion Clinical presentation in Chinese ARVC patients was similar to that reported in other studies. ARVC is associated with early mortality that is different to other country popula- tion.
文摘Background: Primary hyperhidrosis of the upper limbs is characterized by over activity of the eccrine sweat glands, primarily occurring on palmar, plantar and axillary regions. It is distressing and often socially disabling condition. Conservative treatment is usually not effective in controlling the disease mainly due to adverse effect of therapies. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is considered as the treatment of choice, causing minimal morbidity and high success rates and patient satisfaction. Objective: The study aims to evaluate the long-term outcomes of single port bilateralthoracoscopic dorsal sympathectomyin treatment of primary hyperhidrosis of the palm and axilla. Methods: In this prospective study, performed primarily by a single surgeon, between August 1st 2010, and August 1st 2012, we performed 200 thoracoscopies on 100 patients with signs and symptoms of primary palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis in different age groups and in both genders, and all were studied and analyzed following treatment by single-port bilateral thoracoscopic dorsal sympathectomy in Sulaimani teaching hospital. Results: Total of 99 patients were satisfied with the outcome of post-surgery with a follow-up in the mean of 27 months and only one patient was reported no change in symptoms postoperatively. Complications reported in 6 patients inform of compensatory sweating (n = 2), Gestatory sweating (n = 1), Pneumothorax (n = 1), Intraoperative minor bleeding (n = 1) and only 1% failure rate was reported. No mortality was reported. Conclusions: Single port bilateral thoracoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is a very effective method in the management of primary hyperhidrosis. Single port provides less postoperative pain, safety, short operative time, and quick method for the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis in comparison to two or three ports approaches.
文摘Objective To evaluate the long-term outcomes of fenestrated discectomy for lumbar disc herniation and analyze the correlative influence factors. Methods Eighty-two cases of lumbar disc herniation, from February 1996 to May 1999, were retrospectively studied. All patients were treated with simple fenestrated discectomy. The average follow-up time was 8 years and 7 months （from 7 years tolO years and 3months）. There were 13, 38 and 31 cases at 13 - L4, L4 - L5 and L5 - S1 level, respectively. Results The average scales before operation were as following ： Japanes Orthopaedics Association （ JOA ） scale 6. 5 （ 5 - 9 ） , visual analysis scale （ VAS） of low back pain4.8 （0-8）. and VAS of sciatica 7.2 （4-10）. At the final follow-up, the above parameters were 13.2 （ 10 - 14 ）, 1.8 （0 - 10） and 1.2 （0 - 7）, respectively. The average increase ratio of JOA scale was 78. 8%. The average disc-vertebra height ratio （ Mochida method） was 80.2%. At the final follow-up, 7 cases reoccurred disc herniation. The final clinical satisfaction rate was 80% （ modified Macnab method ）. Conclusion With appropriate surgical indications, the successfid long-term outcomes could be expected with fenestrated discectomy. Discectomy improves sciatica to a greater extent than low back pain. The occurrence of low back pain is related to intervertebral disc height, segment stability, disc degeneration, and lumbar muscle disability.
文摘BACKGROUND It is widely recognized that endoscopic resection(ER) of superficial nonampullary duodenal epithelial tumors(SNADETs) is technically challenging and may carry high risks of intraoperative and delayed bleeding and perforation.These adverse events could be more critical than those occurring in other levels of the gastrointestinal tract. Because of the low prevalence of the disease and the high risks of severe adverse events, the curability including short-and long-term outcomes have not been standardized yet.AIM To investigate the curability including short-and long-term outcomes of ER for SNADETs in a large case series.METHODS This retrospective study included cases that underwent ER for SNADETs at our university hospital between March 2004 and July 2017. Short-term outcomes of ER were measured based on en bloc and R0 resection rates as well as adverse events. Long-term outcomes included local recurrence detected on endoscopic surveillance and disease-specific mortality in patients followed up for ≥ 12 mo after ER.RESULTS In the study, 131 patients with 147 SNADETs were analyzed. The 147 ERs consisted of 136 endoscopic mucosal resections(EMRs)(93%) and 11 endoscopic submucosal dissections(ESDs)(7%). The median tumor diameter was 10 mm.The pathology diagnosis was adenocarcinoma(56/147, 38%), high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia(44/147, 30%), or low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia(47/147, 32%). The R0 resection rate was 68%(93/136) in the EMR group and73%(8/11) in the ESD group, respectively. Cap-assisted EMR(known as EMR-C)showed a higher rate of R0 resection compared to the conventional method of EMR using a snare(78% vs 62%, P = 0.06). No adverse event was observed in the EMR group, whereas delayed bleeding, intraoperative perforation, and delayed perforation in 3, 3, and 5 patients occurred in the ESD group, respectively. One patient with perforation required emergency surgery. In the 43 mo median follow-up period, local recurrence was found in four EMR cases and all cases were treated endoscopically. No patient died due to tumor recurrence.CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that ER provides good long-term outcomes in the patients with SNADETs. EMR is likely to become the safe and reliable treatment for small SNADETs.
文摘Background Previous studies had demonstrated hemostatic abnormalities in patients with heart failure (HF) and several studies have shown that abnormal coagulation indices, represented by elevated D-dimer, had prognostic significance in patients with compatible or acute decompensated HF. However, the impact of D-dimer on the outcome in patients with end-stage HF remains unclear. Methods A total of 244 consecutive patients with end-stage HF due to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) were prospectively enrolled from February 2011 to September 2014. D-dimer levels were measured and its prognostic value was assessed. Primary endpoint was all-cause mortality during the follow-up period. Secondary endpoints were stroke, bleeding, occurrence of sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Results D-dimer was significantly elevated in the non-survivors (median: 0.8 vs. 1.1 mg/L, P < 0.001). Traditional markers including B-type natriuretic peptide, troponin I, left ventricular ejection fraction, and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension provided limited prognostic value;but the addition of D-dimer refined the risk stratification. The optimal cut-off value of D-dimer to predict all-cause mortality was 0.84 mg/L by receiver operator characteristic analysis. Elevated D-dimer level was independently associated with increased risk of long-term all-cause mortality (HR = 2.315, 95% CI: 1.570–3.414, P < 0.001) and MACE (HR = 1.256, 95% CI: 1.058–1.490, P = 0.009), and the predictive value was independent of age, sex, atrial fibrillation and anticoagulation status. Conclusions Elevated D-dimer level was independently associated with poor long-term outcome in patients with end-stage HF secondary to idiopathic DCM, and the predictive value was superior to that of traditional prognostic markers.
基金Supported by A Project of the Health and Family Planning Commission of Zhejiang Province,No.2016KYA192
文摘AIM To evaluate the long-term efficacy of endoscopic resection(ER) for small(≤ 4.0 cm) gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs) originating from the muscularis propria layer.METHODS Between June 2005 and February 2015, we retrospectively analyzed 229 consecutive patients with gastric MP-GISTs who underwent ER with a follow-up at least 36 mo. The main outcome measurements included complete resection rate, complications, and long-term follow-up outcomes.RESULTS ER included endoscopic muscularis excavation in 179 cases, endoscopic full-thickness resection in 32 cases, and submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection in 18 cases. The median size of GISTs was 1.90 cm. Of the 229 GISTs, 147 were very low risk, 72 were low risk, 8 were intermediate risk, and 2 were high risk. Shortterm outcomes showed the complete resection rate was 96.5%, and 8 patients(3.5%) had complications. Of the 8 patients with complications, only one patient required surgical intervention. Long-term outcomes showed 225 patients were actively followed-up until composition of this manuscript. The remaining 4 patients were lost because of unrelated death. During the follow-up period(median, 57 mo), no residual, recurrent lesions, or distant metastasis were detected in any patients. Binary logistic regression analysis showed tumor size was a risk factor associated with a high mitotic index(≥ 5/50 HPF) of GISTs(P = 0.002).CONCLUSION ER seems to be an effective and safe method for gastric MP-GISTs ≤ 4.0 cm, and, for some intermediate or high risk GISTs, adjuvant therapy and/or additional surgery might be required to reduce the risk of recurrence or metastasis.
文摘AIM:To evaluate long-term outcomes in a large series of patients who randomly received laparoscopic or open colorectal resection.METHODS:From February 2000 to December 2004,six hundred sixty-two patients with colorectal disease were randomly assigned to laparoscopic(LPS,n = 330) or open(n = 332) colorectal resection.All patients were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis.Long-term follow-up was carried out every 6 mo by office visits.In 526 cancer patients five-year overall and disease-free survival were evaluated.Median oncologic follow-up was 96 mo.RESULTS:Eight(4.2%) LPS group patients needed conversion to open surgery.Overall long-term morbidity rate was 7.6%(25/330) in the LPS vs 11.1%(37/332) in the open group(P = 0.17).In cancer patients,fiveyear overall survival was 68.6% in the LPS group and 64.0% in the Open group(P = 0.27).Excluding stage Ⅳ patients,five-year local and distant recurrence rates were 32.5% in the LPS group and 36.8% in the Open group(P = 0.36).Further,no difference in recurrence rate was found when patients were stratified according to cancer stage.CONCLUSION:LPS colorectal resection was associated with a slightly lower incidence of long-term complications than open surgery.No difference between groups was found in overall and disease-free survival rates.
