Diffusion of Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Women with Advanced Ovarian Cancer in Community Settings 2003–2008: The Effect of the NCI Clinical Recommendation

Purpose: A 2006 National Cancer Institute clinical announcement recommended the use of combined intravenous (IV) and intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy over IV chemotherapy alone for women with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage 3 optimally debulked ovarian cancer due to significant survival benefit demonstrated in multiple randomized clinical trials. We examined uptake of IP chemotherapy in community practice before and after this recommendation. Methods: We identified 288 women with FIGO stage 2 or greater incident ovarian cancer diagnosed from 2003 to 2008 at three integrated delivery systems in the US. Administrative health plan data were used to determine patient characteristics and receipt of IV and IP chemotherapy within 12 months of diagnosis. We compared characteristics of women receiving IV chemotherapy alone vs. IP chemotherapy (with or without IV chemotherapy) and assessed temporal trends in IP chemotherapy use. Results: Overall 12.5% (n = 36) of women received IP chemotherapy during the study period. IP chemotherapy use was non-existent between 2003 and 2005. Use of IP chemotherapy occurred among 26.9% of women diagnosed in 2006 and plateaued at 20.4% of women diagnosed in 2008. IP recipients were younger (mean age 55.9 vs. 63.5 years, p = < 0.001) and more likely to have stage 3 ovarian cancer (77.8 vs. 50.4% p = 0.039) compared to their IV-only chemotherapy counterparts. Conclusion: Use of IP chemotherapy for newly diagnosed advanced stage ovarian cancer patients was uncommon in this community setting. Future research should identify potential patient, physician, and system barriers and facilitators to using IP chemotherapy in this setting

Advanced Imaging and Receipt of Guideline Concordant Care in Women with Early Stage Breast Cancer

Objective. It is unknown whether advanced imaging (AI) is associated with higher quality breast cancer (BC) care. Materials and Methods. Claims and Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results data were linked for women diagnosed with incident stage I-III BC between 2002 and 2008 in western Washington State. We examined receipt of preoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or AI (defined as computed tomography [CT]/positron emission tomography [PET]/PET/CT) versus mammogram and/or ultrasound (M-US) alone and receipt of guideline concordant care (GCC) using multivariable logistic regression. Results. Of 5247 women, 67% received M-US, 23% MRI, 8% CT, and 3% PET/PET-CT. In 2002, 5% received MRI and 5% AI compared to 45% and 12%, respectively, in 2008. 79% received GCC, but GCC declined over time and was associated with younger age, urban residence, less comorbidity, shorter time from diagnosis to surgery, and earlier year of diagnosis. Breast MRI was associated with GCC for lumpectomy plus radiation therapy (RT) (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.08–2.26, and p=0.02) and AI was associated with GCC for adjuvant chemotherapy for estrogen-receptor positive (ER+) BC (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.17–2.59, and p=0.01). Conclusion. GCC was associated with prior receipt of breast MRI and AI for lumpectomy plus RT and adjuvant chemotherapy for ER+ BC, respectively

Extramedullary versus intramedullary fixation of unstable trochanteric femoral fractures (AO type 31-A2):a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to compare extramedullary fixation and intramedullary fixation for AO type 31-A2 trochanteric fractures in the elderly, with regard to functional outcomes, complications, surgical outcomes, and costs. Methods: Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies. Effect estimates were pooled across studies using random effects models. Results are presented as weighted risk ratio (RR) or weighted mean difference (MD) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: Fourteen RCTs (2039 patients) and 13 observational studies (22,123 patients) were included. Statistically superior results in favor of intramedullary fixation were found for Harris Hip Score (MD 4.09, 95% CI 0.91–7.26, p = 0.04), Parker mobility score (MD − 0.67 95% CI − 1.2 to − 0.17, p = 0.009), lower extremity measure (MD − 4.07 95% CI − 7.4 to − 0.8, p = 0.02), time to full weight bearing (MD 1.14 weeks CI 0.92–1.35, p &lt; 0.001), superficial infection (RR 2.06, 95% CI 1.18–3.58, p = 0.01), nonunion (RR 3.67, 95% CI 1.03–13.10, p = 0.05), fixation failure (RR 2.26, 95% CI 1.16–4.44, p = 0.02), leg shortening (MD 2.23 mm, 95% CI 0.81–3.65, p = 0.002), time to radiological bone healing (MD 2.19 months, 95% CI 0.56–3.83, p = 0.009), surgery duration (MD 11.63 min, 95% CI 2.63–20.62, p = 0.01), operative blood loss (MD 134.5 mL, 95% CI 51–218, p = 0.002), and tip-apex distance &gt; 25 mm (RR 1.73, 95% CI 1.10–2.74, p = 0.02). No comparable cost/costs-effectiveness data were available.Conclusion: Current literature shows that several functional outcomes, complications, and surgical outcomes were statistically in favor of intramedullary fixation when compared with extramedullary fixation of AO/OTA 31-A2 fractures. However, as several of the differences found appear not to be clinically relevant and for many outcomes data remains sparse or heterogeneous, complete superiority of IM fixation for AO type 31-A2 fractures remains to be confirmed in a detailed cost-effectiveness analysis.</p

Prognosis and institutionalization of frail community-dwelling older patients following a proximal femoral fracture:a multicenter retrospective cohort study

SUMMARY: Hip fractures are a serious public health issue with major consequences, especially for frail community dwellers. This study found a poor prognosis at 6 months post-trauma with regard to life expectancy and rehabilitation to pre-fracture independency levels. It should be realized that recovery to pre-trauma functioning is not a certainty for frail community-dwelling patients. INTRODUCTION: Proximal femoral fractures are a serious public health issue in the older patient. Although a significant rise in frail community-dwelling elderly is expected because of progressive aging, a clear overview of the outcomes in these patients sustaining a proximal femoral fracture is lacking. This study assessed the prognosis of frail community-dwelling patients who sustained a proximal femoral fracture. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was performed on frail community-dwelling patients with a proximal femoral fracture who aged over 70 years. Patients were considered frail if they were classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥ 4 and/or a BMI < 18.5 kg/m(2) and/or Functional Ambulation Category ≤ 2 pre-trauma. The primary outcome was 6-month mortality. Secondary outcomes were adverse events, health care consumption, rate of institutionalization, and functional recovery. RESULTS: A total of 140 out of 2045 patients matched the inclusion criteria with a median age of 85 (P(25)–P(75) 80–89) years. The 6-month mortality was 58 out of 140 patients (41%). A total of 102 (73%) patients experienced adverse events. At 6 months post-trauma, 29 out of 120 (24%) were readmitted to the hospital. Out of the 82 surviving patients after 6 months, 41 (50%) were unable the return to their home, and only 32 (39%) were able to achieve outdoor ambulation. CONCLUSION: Frail community-dwelling older patients with a proximal femoral fracture have a high risk of death, adverse events, and institutionalization and often do not reobtain their pre-trauma level of independence. Foremost, the results can be used for realistic expectation management

Extramedullary versus intramedullary fixation of unstable trochanteric femoral fractures (AO type 31-A2):a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to compare extramedullary fixation and intramedullary fixation for AO type 31-A2 trochanteric fractures in the elderly, with regard to functional outcomes, complications, surgical outcomes, and costs. Methods: Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies. Effect estimates were pooled across studies using random effects models. Results are presented as weighted risk ratio (RR) or weighted mean difference (MD) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: Fourteen RCTs (2039 patients) and 13 observational studies (22,123 patients) were included. Statistically superior results in favor of intramedullary fixation were found for Harris Hip Score (MD 4.09, 95% CI 0.91–7.26, p = 0.04), Parker mobility score (MD − 0.67 95% CI − 1.2 to − 0.17, p = 0.009), lower extremity measure (MD − 4.07 95% CI − 7.4 to − 0.8, p = 0.02), time to full weight bearing (MD 1.14 weeks CI 0.92–1.35, p &lt; 0.001), superficial infection (RR 2.06, 95% CI 1.18–3.58, p = 0.01), nonunion (RR 3.67, 95% CI 1.03–13.10, p = 0.05), fixation failure (RR 2.26, 95% CI 1.16–4.44, p = 0.02), leg shortening (MD 2.23 mm, 95% CI 0.81–3.65, p = 0.002), time to radiological bone healing (MD 2.19 months, 95% CI 0.56–3.83, p = 0.009), surgery duration (MD 11.63 min, 95% CI 2.63–20.62, p = 0.01), operative blood loss (MD 134.5 mL, 95% CI 51–218, p = 0.002), and tip-apex distance &gt; 25 mm (RR 1.73, 95% CI 1.10–2.74, p = 0.02). No comparable cost/costs-effectiveness data were available.Conclusion: Current literature shows that several functional outcomes, complications, and surgical outcomes were statistically in favor of intramedullary fixation when compared with extramedullary fixation of AO/OTA 31-A2 fractures. However, as several of the differences found appear not to be clinically relevant and for many outcomes data remains sparse or heterogeneous, complete superiority of IM fixation for AO type 31-A2 fractures remains to be confirmed in a detailed cost-effectiveness analysis.</p

The value of preoperative diagnostic testing and geriatric assessment in frail institutionalized elderly with a hip fracture; a secondary analysis of the FRAIL-HIP study

Purpose: The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of (preoperative and geriatric) diagnostic testing, abnormal diagnostic tests and their subsequent interventions, and clinical relevance in frail older adults with a hip fracture. Methods: Data on clinical consultations, radiological, laboratory, and microbiological diagnostics were extracted from the medical files of all patients included in the FRAIL-HIP study (inclusion criteria: hip fracture, &gt; 70 years, living in a nursing home with malnourishment/cachexia and/or impaired mobility and/or severe co-morbidity). Data were evaluated until hospital discharge in nonoperatively treated patients and until surgery in operatively treated patients. Results: A total of 172 patients (88 nonoperative and 84 operative) were included, of whom 156 (91%) underwent laboratory diagnostics, 126 (73%) chest X-rays, and 23 (13%) CT-scans. In 153/156 (98%) patients at least one abnormal result was found in laboratory diagnostics. In 82/153 (50%) patients this did not result in any additional diagnostics or (pharmacological) intervention. Abnormal test results were mentioned as one of the deciding arguments for operative delay (&gt; 24 h) for 10/84 (12%) patients and as a factor in the decision between nonoperative and operative treatment in 7/172 (4%) patients. Conclusion: A large number and variety of diagnostics were performed in this patient population. Abnormal test results in laboratory diagnostics were found for almost all patients and, in majority, appear to have no direct clinical consequences. To prevent unnecessary diagnostics, prospective research is required to evaluate the clinical consequences and added value of the separate elements of preoperative diagnostic testing and geriatric assessment in frail hip fracture patients.</p

The Quality of Dying in Frail Institutionalized Older Patients After Nonoperative and Operative Management of a Proximal Femoral Fracture:An In-Depth Analysis

Proximal femoral fractures in frail patients have a poor prognosis. Despite the high mortality, little is known about the quality of dying (QoD) while this is an integral part of palliative care and could influence decision making on nonoperative- (NOM) or operative management (OM). To identify the QoD in frail patients with a proximal femoral fracture. Data from the prospective FRAIL-HIP study, that studied the outcomes of NOM and OM in institutionalized older patients ≥70 years with a limited life expectancy who sustained a proximal femoral fracture, was analyzed. This study included patients who died within the 6-month study period and whose proxies evaluated the QoD. The QoD was evaluated with the Quality of Dying and Death (QODD) questionnaire resulting in an overall score and 4 subcategory scores (Symptom control, Preparation, Connectedness, and Transcendence). In total 52 (64% of NOM) and 21 (53% of OM) of the proxies responded to the QODD. The overall QODD score was 6.8 (P25-P75 5.7-7.7) (intermediate), with 34 (47%) of the proxies rating the QODD ‘good to almost perfect’. Significant differences in the QODD scores between groups were not noted (NOM; 7.0 (P25-P75 5.7-7.8) vs OM; 6.6 (P25-P75 6.1-7.2), P =.73). Symptom control was the lowest rated subcategory in both groups. The QoD in frail older nursing home patients with a proximal femoral fracture is good and humane. QODD scores after NOM are at least as good as OM. Improving symptom control would further increase the QoD.</p