[Posted 29/Aug/2022]

AUDIENCE: Family Medicine

KEY FINDINGS: MRCP has high sensitivity for CBD such as stones, strictures and malignancies therefore to avoid unnecessary diagnostic ERCP; in cases with suspicion (clinical/CBD-IHBR dilatation on USG) of choledocholithiasis/ampullary stone, MRCP is recommended.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive jaundice as a result of hepatocellular disease many a times is indistinguishable from jaundice due to extrahepatic biliary obstruction based on just clinical and biochemical examinations. It is one of the most frequent and grave form of hepatobiliary disease which may lead to complications like ascending cholangitis, malabsorption and hepatorenal syndrome, thus demanding urgent surgical intervention. Thus not only early diagnosis but also accurate identification of level and cause of obstruction is crucial in managing these patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of MRCP in the determination of the etiological spectrum, to evaluate level and degree of biliary obstruction in cases of obstructive jaundice, and to correlate MRCP findings with surgical/histopathology/ERCP findings where possible.

DETAILS: A total of 50 patients were included after taking an informed consent from each patient. Demographic data, clinical details were recorded and collated along with MRI findings. Descriptive statistics was used to explore MRI findings and findings were correlated with surgical/histopathology/ERCP findings whichever applicable. The MRI scan was performed with 5 mm thick axial T1W, T2W and STIR, 5 mm thick coronal T1W, T2W and STIR TRUFIS, Thin coronal T2 FS, Thick coronal T2 FS, T2W coronal respiratory trigger sequences, 3-5 mm thick T2 weighted Haste and 3D sequence. Analysis was performed using STATA (14.2). Descriptive statistics was used of study population. Sensitivity and specificity value was used to compare the modality and individually calculated for various causative factors of jaundice. Of the 50 patients, 9 had CBD stones, it is observed that MRCP has sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 100%, respectively, in detecting Bile duct stones, whereas sensitivity and specificity of ERCP was 87.5% each. About 11 patients had CBD strictures, which were seen as narrowing of CBD with upstream dilatation. It was observed in our study that the sensitivity of MRCP was 93% and specificity was 95% in detecting CBD strictures while ERCP had 100% sensitivity and specificity. About 12 patients had CBD tumor for sensitivity and specificity of MRCP and ERCP was 100%. Out of 50 patients, 36% had gall bladder stones in whom MRCP sensitivity and specificity was 88.89% and 100% and was found to comparable with ERCP. Only three patients in our study had ampullary carcinoma out of which the sensitivity and specificity came 100% for MRCP. One patient, in whom MRCP and HPE detected ampullary carcinoma, ERCP detected no ampullary carcinoma thus favoring MRCP. However, owing to inadequate study population results are inconclusive. There is significant difference between MRCP and ERCP accuracy rate in detection of ampullary carcinoma. Therefore, our study which is more in favor of MRCP. There were 78% patients who were detected with biliary duct dilatation in ERCP, which was equally detected in MRCP. Thus MRCP had 100% sensitivity and specificity in detecting biliary duct dilatation compared to ERCP. Pancreatic dilatation was detected in four patients and there were two patients who were detected with ampullary stones and its sensitivity, specificity came up to 100% compared to ERCP.

Copyright © Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care. All rights reserved.

Source: Patel V. B., Musa, R. K., Patel, N., et al. (2022). Role of MRCP to Determine The Etiological Spectrum, Level and Degree Of Biliary Obstruction In Obstructive Jaundice. J Family Med Prim Care. 2022; 11(7): 3436-3441. Published: July, 2022. DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_2362_21.

Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis

[Posted 22/Sep/2023]

AUDIENCE: Ob/Gyn, Family Medicine

KEY FINDINGS: sFGR in MCDA pregnancies with TTTS represents an additional risk factor for fetal loss following laser surgery. The findings of this meta-analysis may be useful for individualized risk assessment of twin pregnancy complicated by TTTS and tailored counseling of the parents prior to laser surgery.

BACKGROUND: The published literature reports mostly on the outcome of twin pregnancies complicated by twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) without considering whether the pregnancy is also complicated by another pathology, such as selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR). The aim of this systematic review was to report on the outcome of monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies undergoing laser surgery for TTTS that were complicated by sFGR and those not complicated by sFGR.

DETAILS: MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched. The inclusion criteria were studies reporting on MCDA twin pregnancies with TTTS undergoing laser therapy that were complicated by sFGR and those not complicated by sFGR. The primary outcome was the overall fetal loss following laser surgery, defined as miscarriage and intrauterine death. The secondary outcomes included fetal loss within 24 h after laser surgery, survival at birth, preterm birth (PTB) prior to 32 weeks of gestation, PTB prior to 28 weeks, composite neonatal morbidity, neurological and respiratory morbidity, and survival free from neurological impairment. All outcomes were explored in the overall population of twin pregnancies complicated by sFGR vs those not complicated by sFGR in the setting of TTTS and in the donor and recipient twins separately. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to combine data and the results are reported as pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI. Five studies (1710 MCDA twin pregnancies) were included in the qualitative synthesis and four in the meta-analysis. The overall risk of fetal loss after laser surgery was significantly higher in MCDA twin pregnancies with TTTS complicated by sFGR (20.90% vs 14.42%), with a pooled OR of 1.6 (95% CI, 1.3-1.9) (P < 0.001). The risk of fetal loss was significantly higher in MCDA twin pregnancies with TTTS and sFGR for the donor but not for the recipient twin. The rate of live twins was 79.1% (95% CI, 72.6-84.9%) in TTTS pregnancies with sFGR and 85.6% (95% CI, 81.0-89.6%) in those without sFGR (pooled OR, 0.6 (95% CI, 0.5-0.8)) (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the risk of PTB prior to 32 weeks of gestation (P = 0.308) or prior to 28 weeks (P = 0.310). Assessment of short- and long-term morbidity was affected by the small number of cases. There was no significant difference in the risk of composite (P = 0.506) or respiratory (P = 0.531) morbidity between twins complicated by TTTS with vs those without sFGR, while the risk of neurological morbidity was significantly higher in those with TTTS and sFGR (pooled OR, 1.8 (95% CI, 1.1-2.9)) (P = 0.034). The risk of neurological morbidity was significantly higher for the donor twin (pooled OR, 2.4 (95% CI, 1.1-5.2)) (P = 0.029) but not for the recipient twin (P = 0.361). Survival free from neurological impairment was observed in 70.8% (95% CI, 45.0-91.0%) of twin pregnancies with TTTS complicated by sFGR and in 75.8% (95% CI, 51.9-93.3%) of those not complicated by sFGR, with no difference between the two groups.

Copyright © The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. All rights reserved.

Source: D'Antonio, F., Marinceu, D., Prasad, S., et al. (2023). Outcome Following Laser Surgery Of Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome Complicated By Selective Fetal Growth Restriction: Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2023; 62(3): 320-327. Published: September, 2023. DOI: 10.1002/uog.26252.

A Randomized Controlled Trial In A Real-World Setting

[Posted 21/Sep/2023]

AUDIENCE: Dermatology, Family Medicine

KEY FINDINGS: Combining adalimumab with surgery resulted in greater clinical effectiveness and improved quality of life after 12 months in patients with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa.

BACKGROUND: Adalimumab, the only biologic registered for hidradenitis suppurativa, shows clinical response in up to 60% of patients, leaving many patients in need for other treatment options such as surgery. Aim of the study is to compare the clinical effectiveness of adalimumab combined with surgery vs adalimumab monotherapy in patients with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa.

DETAILS: A pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial was performed from August 2018 to July 2022. Primary outcome was the difference in mean International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System reduction after 12 months of treatment with the difference in mean Dermatology Life Quality Index reduction as a key secondary outcome. Thirty-one patients were included per arm. The mean International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System at baseline was 23.9 ± 10.7 in the surgery group and 20.9 ± 16.4, in the monotherapy group. After 12 months of treatment the surgery group had a significantly greater reduction in International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System compared with the monotherapy group (-19.1 ± 11.3 vs -7.8 ± 11.8, P < .001). Moreover, the surgery group showed a greater reduction in Dermatology Life Quality Index after treatment compared with the monotherapy group (-8.2 ± 6.2 vs -4 ± 7.7, P = .02). Limitations: The study follow-up was too short to assess surgical recurrence rates.

Copyright © Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Source: Aarts, P., van Huijstee, J. C., van der Zee, H. H., et al. (2023). Adalimumab In Conjunction With Surgery Compared With Adalimumab Monotherapy For Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Randomized Controlled Trial In A Real-World Setting. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2023; 89(4): 677-684. Published: October, 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2023.04.034.

3-Year Follow-Up of the FAME 3 Trial

[Posted 20/Sep/2023]

AUDIENCE: Cardiology, Emergency Medicine

KEY FINDINGS: At 3-year follow-up, there was no difference in the incidence of the composite of death, MI, or stroke after FFR-guided PCI with current-generation drug-eluting stents compared with CABG. There was a higher incidence of MI after PCI compared with CABG, with no difference in death or stroke. These results provide contemporary data to allow improved shared decision-making between physicians and patients with 3-vessel coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies comparing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with multivessel coronary disease not involving the left main have shown significantly lower rates of death, myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke after CABG. These studies did not routinely use current-generation drug-eluting stents or fractional flow reserve (FFR) to guide PCI.

DETAILS: FAME 3 (Fractional Flow Reserve versus Angiography for Multivessel Evaluation) is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, international, randomized trial involving patients with 3-vessel coronary artery disease (not involving the left main coronary artery) in 48 centers worldwide. Patients were randomly assigned to receive FFR-guided PCI using zotarolimus drug-eluting stents or CABG. The prespecified key secondary end point of the trial reported here is the 3-year incidence of the composite of death, MI, or stroke. A total of 1500 patients were randomized to FFR-guided PCI or CABG. Follow-up was achieved in >96% of patients in both groups. There was no difference in the incidence of the composite of death, MI, or stroke after FFR-guided PCI compared with CABG (12.0% versus 9.2%; hazard ratio [HR], 1.3 [95% CI, 0.98-1.83]; P=0.07). The rates of death (4.1% versus 3.9%; HR, 1.0 [95% CI, 0.6-1.7]; P=0.88) and stroke (1.6% versus 2.0%; HR, 0.8 [95% CI, 0.4-1.7]; P=0.56) were not different. MI occurred more frequently after PCI (7.0% versus 4.2%; HR, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.1-2.7]; P=0.02).

Copyright © American Heart Association, Inc. All rights reserved.

Source: Zimmermann, F. M., Ding, V., Pijls, N. H. J., et al. (2023). Fractional Flow Reserve-Guided PCI or Coronary Bypass Surgery for 3-Vessel Coronary Artery Disease: 3-Year Follow-Up of the FAME 3 Trial. Circulation. 2023; 148(12): 950-958. Published: September, 2023. DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.065770.

A Non-A Priori Analysis.

[Posted 19/Sep/2023]

AUDIENCE: Nursing

KEY FINDINGS: Routine diaper changes in preterm infants may increase the risk for acute reductions in RrSO₂ as measured by NIRS; however, the impact on kidney health remains unknown. Larger prospective cohort studies assessing kidney function and outcomes related to this phenomenon are needed.

BACKGROUND: Reduction in oxygen delivery to developing kidneys of premature infants may be an important source for acute kidney injury in premature infants. Objective of this study is to describe changes in continuous kidney oxygenation (RrSO₂) measures before, during, and after routine diaper changes.

DETAILS: Method used: Non–a priori analysis of a prospective cohort that received continuous measurement of RrSO₂ with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) over the first 14 days of life demonstrating acute RrSO₂ drops surrounding diaper changes. In total, 26 of 38 (68%) infants (<=1800 g) from our cohort exhibited acute drops in RrSO₂ that temporally correlated with diaper changes. Mean (SD) RrSO₂ baseline prior to each diaper change event was 71.1 (13.2), dropped to 59.3 (11.6) during diaper change, and recovered to 73.3 (13.2). There was a significant difference between means when comparing baseline to diaper change (P < .001; 95% CI, 9.9 to 13.8) and diaper change to recovery (P < .001; 95% CI, -16.9 to -11.2). The mean decrease in RrSO₂ during diaper change averaged 12 points (17%) below 15-minute RrSO₂ mean prior to diaper change, with quick recovery to prediaper change levels. No decreases in SpO₂, blood pressure, or heart rate were documented during the intermittent kidney hypoxic events.

Copyright © The National Association of Neonatal Nurses. All rights reserved.

Source: Marin, T., Ghosh, S., Cockfield, C., et al. (2023). Routine Diaper Change Alters Kidney Oxygenation in Premature Infants: A Non-A Priori Analysis. Advances in Neonatal Care. 2023; 23(5): 450-456. Published: October, 2023. DOI: 10.1097/ANC.0000000000001082.

[Posted 19/Sep/2023]

AUDIENCE: Endocrinology, Pediatric, Family Medicine

KEY FINDINGS: The research analyses suggest parent DD is a strong predictor of child HbA1c and is another modifiable treatment target for lowering child HbA1c.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes distress (DD) describes the unrelenting emotional and behavioral challenges of living with, and caring for someone living with, type 1 diabetes (T1D). We investigated associations between parent-reported and child-reported DD, T1D device use, and child glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in 157 families of school-age children.

DETAILS: Parents completed the Parent Problem Areas in Diabetes-Child (PPAID-C) and children completed the Problem Areas in Diabetes-Child (PAID-C) to assess for DD levels. Parents also completed a demographic form where they reported current insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) use (ie, user/non-user). Authors measured child HbA1c using a valid home kit and central laboratory. We used correlations and linear regression for our analyses. Children were 49% boys and 77.1% non-Hispanic white (child age (mean±SD)=10.2±1.5 years, T1D duration=3.8±2.4 years, HbA1c=7.96±1.62%). Most parents self-identified as mothers (89%) and as married (78%). Parents' mean PPAID-C score was 51.83±16.79 (range: 16-96) and children's mean PAID-C score was 31.59±12.39 (range: 11-66). Higher child HbA1c correlated with non-pump users (r=-0.16, p<0.05), higher PPAID-C scores (r=0.36, p<0.001) and higher PAID-C scores (r=0.24, p<0.001), but there was no association between child HbA1c and CGM use. A regression model predicting child HbA1c based on demographic variables, pump use, and parent-reported and child-reported DD suggested parents' PPAID-C score was the strongest predictor of child HbA1c.

Copyright © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. All rights reserved.

Source: Patton, S. R., Kahhan, N., Pierce, J. S., et al. (2023). Parental Diabetes Distress Is A Stronger Predictor Of Child HbA1c Than Diabetes Device Use In School-Age Children With Type 1 Diabetes. BMJ Open Diabetes Research and Care. 2023; 11(5): e003607. Published: September, 2023. DOI: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2023-003607.