Quality of life of patients with Takayasu\u27s arteritis

Objective: Takayasu\u27s arteritis (TA) is a chronic immune vasculitis that causes inflammation of the aorta and its branches and is clinically characterized by exacerbations and remissions. This study examined the quality of life (QoL) of patients with TA using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey, a validated health related QoL questionnaire. Methods: Questionnaires that included the SF-36 and demographic related variables were mailed to 392 patients enrolled in the Takayasu\u27s Arteritis Research Association. Raw SF-36 scores, as well as Physical Health Summary (PHS) and Mental Health Summary (MHS) scores, were calculated according to standard protocols. Data were analyzed for predictors of superior QoL using univariate and stepwise logistic regression analysis. SF-36 scores were also compared with those of other chronic diseases associated with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) published in the literature. Results are reported as mean ± standard error of the mean. Results: A total of 158 patients (144 women, 14 men) with average age of 42.2 ± 1.1 years responded to the questionnaire. Mean onset of symptoms occurred at 30.5 ± 1.2 years, with a mean age at diagnosis of 34.7 ± 1.2, and a median of four doctors were seen before diagnosis. The group underwent 299 TA-related surgical procedures (1.9 ± 0.3), including coronary (38%), carotid (35%), upper extremity (30%), and lower extremity (26%) revascularization. PHS and MHS summary scores (39.2 ± 1.0 and 44.5 ± 1.0, respectively) were worse than mean scores for an age-matched healthy population as well as nationally reported scores for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and coronary artery disease (all P \u3c .0001). Multivariate predictors of better physical QoL were younger age (P = .003) and remission of the disease (P = .0002). The use of immunomodulating medications was associated with inferior physical QoL (P = .02). The sole predictor of better mental QoL was remission of disease (P = .002). Conclusion: TA is a rare disease with profound consequences on QoL. Scores for physical and mental health are worse compared with many other chronic diseases associated with PVD. Superior physical QoL is seen in younger patients, whereas inferior physical QoL is encountered in those who take immunomodulating medications. Because the only factor to influence positively both physical and mental QoL is disease remission, every effort should be directed to attenuate disease activity. © 2008 The Society for Vascular Surgery

Splenic Cysts

Splenic cysts are rare in the United States but more common in regions of the world where Echinococcus is endemic. Cysts are typically classified as true cysts or pseudocysts. True cysts can be parasitic or nonparasitic in origin, whereas most pseudocysts are a result of previous trauma. Recent recognition of features shared by true cysts and pseudocysts suggests the classification system may need to be revised. The prevalence of splenic cysts has increased secondary to the widespread use of abdominal imaging and successful nonoperative management of traumatic splenic injuries. Treatment previously consisted primarily of total splenectomy. However, recognition of the importance of the spleen throughout a patient's life has led to changes in the management of splenic disease. Advances in the testing and preoperative localization of splenic lesions have also led to increased efforts in splenic conservation. [Pediatr Ann. 2016;45(7):e251-e256.]

Solid pseudopapillary tumor in a pancreatic rest of the jejunum

Solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas (SPTP) are very rare, and an SPTP arising in a pancreatic rest has been reported only 4 times previously and never in association with the jejunum. We report this unusual case of a 16 year old girl who presented with 4 days of intermittent, crampy abdominal pain and was found to have an SPTP arising in a pancreatic rest of the jejunum. © 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

Predictors of lower extremity arterial injury after total knee or total hip arthroplasty

Objective: Lower extremity arterial injury is a rare complication following total knee (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA). To date, no multi-institutional study has identified preoperative factors that may portend increased risk for these injuries. We queried a large clinical database for the incidence and predictors of arterial injury and/or compromise following lower extremity arthroplasty. Methods: Prospectively collected preoperative and postoperative data by the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) of the Veterans Affairs Medical Centers were analyzed. All patients from 1996 to 2003 in the NSQIP database who underwent TKA or THA were identified via CPT codes. NSQIP defined, 30-day, postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Data were compared using bivariable analysis, as well as limited multivariable logistic regression. Results: A total of 41,633 arthroplasties (24,029 TKA, 2077 redo-TKA, 13,494 THA, 2033 redo-THA) were identified in the NSQIP database. A total of 34 (0.08%) lower extremity arterial injuries were recognized (0.08% TKA, 0.19% redo-TKA, 0.04% THA, 0.20% redo-THA). Eighteen injuries were repaired on the same day of surgery (seven intraop, 11 postop), eight between postoperative days 1 and 5, and 8 between days 6 and 30. Only two patients underwent lower extremity amputation (overall limb loss rate of 5.9% of patients who had arterial injury). Statistically significant predictors of lower extremity arterial injury identified on logistic regression analysis included redo procedure (odds ratio [OR] 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-6.0, P = .013) and African American race (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2-5.3, P = .02). Conclusion: Lower extremity arterial injury was exceedingly rare after total knee or total hip arthroplasty. There is an increased incidence in African American patients and those undergoing redo arthroplasty. Among patients who sustain vascular injury, excellent limb salvage rates can be achieved with close postoperative surveillance to achieve early detection and repair of injuries. © 2008 The Society for Vascular Surgery

Outcomes of surgical management for popliteal artery aneurysms: An analysis of 583 cases

BackgroundThis study aimed to analyze outcomes of surgical management for popliteal artery aneurysms (PAA).MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data regarding operations for PAA obtained from 123 United States Veterans Affairs Medical Centers as part of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression were used to characterize 33 risk factors and their associations with 30-day morbidity and mortality. Survival and amputation rates, observed at one and two years after surgery, were subject to life-table and Cox regression analyses.ResultsThere were 583 operations for PAA in 537 patients during 1994-2005. Almost all were in men (99.8%) and median age was 69 years (range, 34 to 92 years). Most had multiple co-morbidities, 88% were ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) class 3 or 4, and 81% were current or past smokers (median pack-years = 50). Only 16% were diabetic. Serious complications occurred in 69 (11.8%) cases, of which 37 (6.3%) required arterial-specific reinterventions. Eight patients died within 30 days, a mortality of 1.4%. Risk factors associated with increased complications included: African-American race (odds ratio [OR] 2.8 [95% confidence interval 1.5-5.2], P = .002), emergency surgery (OR 3.8 [2.0-7.0], P < .0001), ASA 4 (OR 1.9 [1.1-3.5], P = .04), dependent functional status (OR 2.5 [1.4-4.7], P = .004), steroid use (OR 3.2 [1.2-8.7], P = .03), and need for intraoperative red blood cell transfusion of any quantity (OR 6.3 [3.5-11.2], P < .0001). Independent predictors for complications in the multivariate model were dependent functional status (adjusted OR 2.1 [1.1-4.3], P = .049) and intraoperative transfusion (adjusted OR 4.5 [2.3-8.9], P = .0002). Postoperative bleeding complications within 72 hours independently predicted early amputation (adjusted OR 25.5 [1.7-393], P = .02). Unadjusted patient survival was 92.6% at one year and 86.1% at two years. Limb salvage in surviving patients was 99.0% at 30 days, 97.6% at one year, and 96.2% at two years. Dependent preoperative functional status was the only factor predictive of worse two-year limb salvage (adjusted OR 4.6 [1.9-10.9], P = .001), but remained high at 88.2% versus 97.1% in independent patients.ConclusionsSurgical intervention for PAA is associated with low operative mortality and offers excellent two-year limb salvage, even in high-risk patients. Patients' preoperative functional status and perioperative blood transfusion requirements were the most predictive indicators of negative outcomes

Mortality and PICU hospitalization among pediatric gunshot wound victims in Chicago

Firearm injury accounts for significant morbidity with high mortality among children admitted to the PICU. Understanding risk factors for PICU admission is an important step toward developing prevention and intervention strategies to minimize the burden of pediatric gunshot wound (GSW) injury. Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to characterize outcomes and the likelihood of PICU admission among children with GSWs. Design setting and participants: Retrospective cohort study of GSW patients 0-18 years old evaluated at the University of Chicago Comer Children\u27s Hospital Pediatric Trauma Center from 2010 to 2017. Main outcomes and measures: Demographic and injury severity measures were acquired from an institutional database. We describe mortality and hospitalization characteristics for the cohort. We used logistic regression models to test the association between PICU admission and patient characteristics. Results: During the 8-year study period, 294 children experienced GSWs. We did not observe trends in overall mortality over time, but mortality for children with GSWs was higher than all-cause PICU mortality. Children 0-6 years old experienced longer hospitalizations compared with children 13-16 years old (5 vs 3 d; p = 0.04) and greater frequency of PICU admission (83.3% vs 52.9%; p = 0.001). Adjusting for severity of illness, children less than 7 years old were four-fold more likely to be admitted to the PICU than children 13-16 years old (aOR range, 3.9-4.6). Conclusions and relevance: Despite declines in pediatric firearm mortality across the United States, mortality did not decrease over time in our cohort and was higher than all-cause PICU mortality. Younger children with GSWs experience longer hospitalizations and require PICU care more often than older children. Our findings suggest that the youngest victims of firearm-related injury may be particularly at-risk of the long-term sequelae of critical illness and injury

When public health crises collide: 5 years of pediatric firearm injury prevention opportunities

Objectives: Prior publications on pediatric firearm-related injuries have emphasized significant social disparities. The pandemic has heightened a variety of these societal stresses. We sought to evaluate how we must now adapt our injury prevention strategies. Patients and methods: Firearm-related injuries in children 15 years old and under at five urban level 1 trauma centers between January 2016 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Age, gender, race/ethnicity, Injury Severity Score, situation, timing of injury around school/curfew, and mortality were evaluated. Medical examiner data identified additional deaths. Results: There were 615 injuries identified including 67 from the medical examiner. Overall, 80.2% were male with median age of 14 years (range 0-15; IQR 12-15). Black children comprised 77.2% of injured children while only representing 36% of local schools. Community violence (intentional interpersonal or bystander) injuries were 67.2% of the cohort; 7.8% were negligent discharges; and 2.6% suicide. Median age for intentional interpersonal injuries was 14 years (IQR 14-15) compared with 12 years (IQR 6-14, p Conclusions: Pediatric firearm-related injuries have increased during the past 5 years. Prevention strategies have not been effective during this time interval. Prevention opportunities were identified specifically in the preteenage years to address interpersonal de-escalation training, safe handling/storage, and suicide mitigation. Efforts directed at those most vulnerable need to be reconsidered and examined for their utility and effectiveness. Level of evidence: Level III; epidemiological study type.</p

Predictors of lower extremity arterial injury after total knee or total hip arthroplasty

ObjectiveLower extremity arterial injury is a rare complication following total knee (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA). To date, no multi-institutional study has identified preoperative factors that may portend increased risk for these injuries. We queried a large clinical database for the incidence and predictors of arterial injury and/or compromise following lower extremity arthroplasty.MethodsProspectively collected preoperative and postoperative data by the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) of the Veterans Affairs Medical Centers were analyzed. All patients from 1996 to 2003 in the NSQIP database who underwent TKA or THA were identified via CPT codes. NSQIP defined, 30-day, postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Data were compared using bivariable analysis, as well as limited multivariable logistic regression.ResultsA total of 41,633 arthroplasties (24,029 TKA, 2077 redo-TKA, 13,494 THA, 2033 redo-THA) were identified in the NSQIP database. A total of 34 (0.08%) lower extremity arterial injuries were recognized (0.08% TKA, 0.19% redo-TKA, 0.04% THA, 0.20% redo-THA). Eighteen injuries were repaired on the same day of surgery (seven intraop, 11 postop), eight between postoperative days 1 and 5, and 8 between days 6 and 30. Only two patients underwent lower extremity amputation (overall limb loss rate of 5.9% of patients who had arterial injury). Statistically significant predictors of lower extremity arterial injury identified on logistic regression analysis included redo procedure (odds ratio [OR] 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-6.0, P = .013) and African American race (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2-5.3, P = .02).ConclusionLower extremity arterial injury was exceedingly rare after total knee or total hip arthroplasty. There is an increased incidence in African American patients and those undergoing redo arthroplasty. Among patients who sustain vascular injury, excellent limb salvage rates can be achieved with close postoperative surveillance to achieve early detection and repair of injuries