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Golino M, Marazzato J, Blasi F, Morello M, Chierchia V, Cadonati C, Matteo F, Licciardello C, Zappa M, Ageno W, Passi A, Angeli F, De Ponti R. High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T and the Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Disease in the Emergency Room: The Importance of Combining Cardiovascular Biomarkers with Clinical Data. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11133798. [PMID: 35807089 PMCID: PMC9267782 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11133798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. Nowadays, it is still not possible to clinically distinguish whether an increase in high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) values is due to myocardial injury or an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Moreover, predictive data regarding hs-cTnT in an emergency room (ER) setting are scarce. This monocentric retrospective study aimed to improve the knowledge and interpretation of this cardiac biomarker in daily clinical practice. Methods. Consecutive adult patients presenting at the ER and hospitalized with a first abnormal hs-cTnT value (≥14 ng/L) were enrolled for 6 months. The baseline hs-cTnT value and the ensuing changes and variations were correlated with the clinical presentation and the type of diagnosis. Subsequently, multivariable models were built to assess which clinical/laboratory variables most influenced hospital admissions in the investigated population analyzed according to the final reason for hospitalization: (1) cardiovascular vs. non-cardiovascular diagnosis, and (2) ACS vs. non-ACS one. Results. A total of 4660 patients were considered, and, after a first screening, 4149 patients were enrolled. Out of 4129 patients, 1555 (37.5%) had a first hs-cTnT ≥14 ng/L, and 1007 (65%) were hospitalized with the following types of diagnosis: ACS (182; 18%), non-ACS cardiovascular disease (337; 34%) and non-cardiovascular disease (487; 48%). Higher hs-cTnT values and significant hs-cTnT variations were found in the ACS group (p < 0.01). The mean percentage of variation was higher in patients with ACS, intermediate in those with non-ACS cardiovascular disease, and low in those with non-cardiovascular disease (407.5%, 270.6% and 12.4%, respectively). Only syncope and CRP (OR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.02−0.39, p < 0.01 and OR: 0.9988, 95% CI: 0.9979−0.9998, p = 0.02, respectively) or CRP (OR: 0.9948, 95% CI: 0.9908−0.9989, p = 0.01) and NT-proBNP (OR: 1.0002, 95% CI: 1.0000−1.0004, p = 0.02) were independent predictors of a cardiovascular disease diagnosis. On the other hand, only chest pain (OR: 22.91, 95% CI: 3.97−132.32, p < 0.01) and eGFR (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.004−1.083, p = 0.03) were associated with the ACS diagnosis. Conclusions. Differently from the investigated biomarkers, in this study, only clinical variables predicted hospitalizations in different patients’ subgroups.
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Angeli F, Reboldi G, Trapasso M, Santilli G, Zappa M, Verdecchia P. Blood Pressure Increase following COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Overview and Meta-Analysis. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:150. [PMID: 35621861 PMCID: PMC9147472 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9050150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines proved a strong clinical efficacy against symptomatic or moderate/severe COVID-19 and are considered the most promising approach for curbing the pandemic. However, some questions regarding the safety of COVID-19 vaccines have been recently raised. Among adverse events to vaccines and despite a lack of signal during phase III clinical trials, an increase in blood pressure (BP) after COVID-19 vaccination has been reported as a potential adverse reaction. We systematically analyze this topic and undertook a meta-analysis of available data to estimate the proportion of patients with abnormal BP or raise in BP after vaccination. Six studies entered the final analysis. Overall, studies accrued 357,387 subjects with 13,444 events of abnormal or increased BP. After exclusion of outlier studies, the pooled estimated proportion of abnormal/increased BP after vaccination was 3.20% (95% CI: 1.62-6.21). Proportions of cases of stage III hypertension or hypertensive urgencies and emergencies was 0.6% (95% CI: 0.1% to 5.1%). In conclusion, abnormal BP is not rare after COVID-19 vaccination, but the basic mechanisms of this phenomenon are still unclear and require further research.
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Angeli F, Reboldi G, Spanevello A, De Ponti R, Visca D, Marazzato J, Zappa M, Trapasso M, Masnaghetti S, Fabbri LM, Verdecchia P. Electrocardiographic features of patients with COVID-19: One year of unexpected manifestations. Eur J Intern Med 2022; 95:7-12. [PMID: 34670682 PMCID: PMC8514650 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Angeli F, Zappa M, Reboldi G, Trapasso M, Cavallini C, Spanevello A, Verdecchia P. The pivotal link between ACE2 deficiency and SARS-CoV-2 infection: One year later. Eur J Intern Med 2021; 93:28-34. [PMID: 34588140 PMCID: PMC8450306 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Zappa M, Verdecchia P, Spanevello A, Visca D, Angeli F. Blood pressure increase after Pfizer/BioNTech SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Eur J Intern Med 2021; 90:111-113. [PMID: 34158234 PMCID: PMC8206586 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2021.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Zampogna E, Ambrosino N, Saderi L, Sotgiu G, Bottini P, Pignatti P, Centis R, Migliori GB, Spanevello A, Zappa M, Visca D. Time course of exercise capacity in patients recovering from COVID-19-associated pneumonia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 47:e20210076. [PMID: 34287504 PMCID: PMC8332654 DOI: 10.36416/1806-3756/e20210076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Objective: High prevalences of muscle weakness and impaired physical performance in hospitalized patients recovering from COVID-19-associated pneumonia have been reported. Our objective was to determine whether the level of exercise capacity after discharge would affect long-term functional outcomes in these patients. Methods: From three to five weeks after discharge from acute care hospitals (T0), patients underwent a six-minute walk test (6MWT) and were divided into two groups according to the distance walked in percentage of predicted values: <75% group and ≥75% group. At T0 and three months later (T1), patients completed the Short Physical Performance Battery and the Euro Quality of Life Visual Analogue Scale, and pulmonary function and respiratory muscle function were assessed. In addition, a repeat 6MWT was also performed at T1. Results: At T0, 6MWD values and Short Physical Performance Battery scores were lower in the <75% group than in the ≥75% group. No differences were found in the Euro Quality of Life Visual Analogue Scale scores, pulmonary function variables, respiratory muscle function variables, length of hospital stay, or previous treatment. At T1, both groups improved their exercise capacity, but only the subjects in the <75% group showed significant improvements in dyspnea and lower extremity function. Exercise capacity and functional status values returned to predicted values in all of the patients in both groups. Conclusions: Four weeks after discharge, COVID-19 survivors with exercise limitation showed no significant differences in physiological or clinical characteristics or in perceived health status when compared with patients without exercise limitation. Three months later, those patients recovered their exercise capacity.
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Visca D, Migliori GB, Dinh-Xuan AT, Centis R, Belli S, Vitacca M, Aliani M, Zampogna E, Feci D, Pignatti P, Zappa M, Saderi L, Sotgiu G, Spanevello A. The Role of Blood Gas Analysis in the Post-Acute Phase of COVID-19 Pneumonia. Arch Bronconeumol 2021; 58:513-516. [PMID: 34188352 PMCID: PMC8223643 DOI: 10.1016/j.arbres.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Zampogna E, Ambrosino N, Centis R, Cherubino F, Migliori GB, Pignatti P, Lo Bello G, Saderi L, Sotgiu G, Zappa M, Spanevello A, Visca D. Minimal clinically important difference of the 6-min walking test in patients with asthma. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2021; 25:215-221. [PMID: 33688810 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.20.0928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The 6-min walking test (6MWT) is responsive to physiological changes and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in patients with asthma. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) has not been established yet.OBJECTIVE: To determine the MCID of 6MWT in patients with asthma.METHODS: Using the perceived change in walking ability and the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) score as anchors, receiver operating characteristic curves and quantile regression, we evaluated 6MWT before and after PR in these patients. The St George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), the COPD assessment test (CAT) and other outcome measures were also assessed.RESULTS: Of 142 patients with asthma, 37 were enrolled. After PR, 6MWT increased from 453.4 m ± 88.8 to 493.0 m ± 97.2 (P = 0.0001); other outcome measures also increased. There was a slight correlation between baseline 6MWT and SGRQ, CAT and mMRC. No significant correlations were found between post-PR changes in 6MWT and in other outcome measures. Comparing different methods of assessment, the MCID ranged from 26 m to 27 m.CONCLUSION: The most conservative estimate of the MCID of 6MWT after PR was 26 m in patients with asthma. This estimate may be useful in clinical interpretation of data, particularly in response to intervention studies.
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Zampogna E, Pignatti P, Ambrosino N, Cherubino F, Maria Fadda A, Zappa M, Spanevello A, Visca D. The 5-Repetition Sit-to-Stand Test as an Outcome Measure for Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Subjects With Asthma. Respir Care 2021; 66:769-776. [PMID: 33593936 PMCID: PMC9994123 DOI: 10.4187/respcare.08452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 5-repetition sit-to-stand test (5STS) is valid and responsive in subjects with COPD, but there is a lack of information in subjects with asthma. We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the 5STS as an outcome measure of pulmonary rehabilitation in subjects with asthma as compared to subjects with COPD. METHODS We conducted a retrospective evaluation of subjects with asthma or COPD who underwent pulmonary rehabilitation. Both before and after in-patient pulmonary rehabilitation, subjects underwent the 5STS and the 6-min walk test; dyspnea was assessed with the Medical Research Council scale and the Barthel Index for dyspnea, and the burden of symptoms was assessed with the COPD Assessment Test. RESULTS Of 475 patients admitted during the study period, 103 subjects with asthma and 108 with COPD were included. After pulmonary rehabilitation, the 5STS improved significantly in both populations (by a median value of -1.7 s [interquartile range -4.2 to -0.5] and -1.1 s [interquartile range -3.4 to 0.0] in subjects with asthma and COPD, respectively; P < .001 for both, P = .17 between groups) independent of body mass index, as did other outcome measures. The baseline 5STS correlated slightly but significantly with age, the 6-min walk test, and the Barthel Index for dyspnea in both populations, whereas it correlated significantly with the Medical Research Council scale only in subjects with asthma and correlated with COPD Assessment Test only in subjects with COPD. No significant correlations between changes in the 5STS and in other assessed outcome measures before and after pulmonary rehabilitation were observed in subjects with asthma, whereas changes in the 5STS correlated slightly but significantly only with changes in 6-min walk test in subjects with COPD. CONCLUSIONS The 5STS was a reliable outcome measure of pulmonary rehabilitation in subjects with asthma. It must be specifically assessed and may be included in the tools for assessment of effects of pulmonary rehabilitation also in these patients.
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Zampogna E, Migliori GB, Centis R, Cherubino F, Facchetti C, Feci D, Palmiotto G, Pignatti P, Saderi L, Sotgiu G, Spanevello A, Zappa M, Visca D. Functional impairment during post-acute COVID-19 phase: Preliminary finding in 56 patients. Pulmonology 2021; 27:452-455. [PMID: 33454281 PMCID: PMC7833519 DOI: 10.1016/j.pulmoe.2020.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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Rivolta S, Ponti A, Deandrea S, Campari C, Zorzi M, Zappa M. Manual on the creation of quality indicators for population based cancer screening programs in Italy. Eur J Public Health 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.1131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Issue
In many countries the organized screening programs have been in the frontline in developing and implementing the evaluation of the quality of screening and of the entire process of care following a positive test. Over the years, the three Italian Screening Groups (GIS) have separately published indicators and standards concerning the programs for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers they were responsible for, thus hampering coherence, homogeneity. In addition, at local level, an increasing number of indicators have been observed with difficult to monitor all of them.
Description of the Problem
The Screening Indicators Manual, prepared by a multidisciplinary working group, represents the guidance agreed upon by the Italian Screening Network (ONS) and the three GIS on how to develop, implement, communicate and maintain a set of quality indicators for the evaluation of cancer screening programs.
Results
The Manual indicates that the three GIS must first constitute, with ONS, the common steering committee made of six-nine experts. The involvement of the public and the management of the conflicts of interests are foreseen. The conceptual framework distinguishes indicators of context, coverage and process. It is based on six dimensions: efficacy, efficiency, security, appropriateness, person centeredness, equity. There are four macro-processes: invitation; test, further assessment and diagnosis; treatment and follow-up; evaluation. The methods include: a survey of the existent indicators, their selection with the Delphi method, the evaluation of the completeness of the resulting indicators set, its integration, when needed, by means of a public call, and finally a new Delphi round. Appropriate standards, empirical or evidence based, are then identified. Last, indicators are assigned to core or library list based on priority.
Lessons
Select, define and measure an indicator is a way to understand what we are aiming at even more than provide the measure of how we do it.
Key messages
The creation of the Manual allows to build a coherent evaluation framework for the three screening programs. The Manual promotes the adoption of rigorous methods and make feasible the monitoring activity according to its purpose, level of observation and detail of information needed.
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Hugosson J, Roobol MJ, Månsson M, Tammela TLJ, Zappa M, Nelen V, Lott F. Editorial Comment: A 16-yr Follow-up of the European Randomized study of Screening for Prostate Cancer. Int Braz J Urol 2020; 46:465-466. [PMID: 32167717 PMCID: PMC7088492 DOI: 10.1590/s1677-5538.ibju.2020.03.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Zampogna E, Zappa M, Spanevello A, Visca D. Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Asthma. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:542. [PMID: 32435190 PMCID: PMC7219266 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by airflow limitation and variable respiratory symptoms. It is characterized by variable symptoms such as cough, wheeze, chest tightness, and shortness of breath which vary in intensity and time. In order to reach a comprehensive approach of disease management, the importance of non-pharmacological treatment in addition to pharmacological therapy has been recently highlighted. Studies have documented that pulmonary rehabilitation has beneficial effects in patients with asthma, at any stage of the disease, improving exercise capacity, asthma control, and quality of life and reducing wheezing, anxiety, depression, and bronchial inflammation. Although several evidences suggest a role of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with asthma, additional information is required to identify a specific program in order to improve clinical care based on specific patient’s needs.
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Barat M, Paisant A, Calame P, Purcell Y, Lagadec M, Curac S, Zappa M, Vilgrain V, Ronot M. Unenhanced CT for clinical triage of elderly patients presenting to the emergency department with acute abdominal pain. Diagn Interv Imaging 2019; 100:709-719. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diii.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Aarts AMWM, Duffy SW, Geurts SME, Vulkan DP, Houssami N, Zappa M, Nagtegaal ID, Verbeek ALM, Broeders MJM. Towards evidence-based follow-up intervals for breast cancer survivors: Estimates of the preclinical detectable phase of contralateral second breast cancer. Breast 2019; 45:70-74. [PMID: 30884341 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Follow-up schemes in breast cancer survivors are predominantly consensus-based. To determine evidence-based follow-up intervals, estimates of sensitivity of the screening test(s) and duration of the preclinical detectable phase (PCDP) are key. We estimated the sensitivity and the duration of the PCDP of clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography for the detection of contralateral second breast cancers (CBC) in breast cancer survivors. METHODS Women with a CBC (N = 589) diagnosed in Florence between 1980 and 2005 were included. Test sensitivity and the duration of PCDP were estimated using a simple exponential model of PCDP duration. Analyses were stratified by follow-up period (0-5 vs. >5 years after primary diagnosis) and age at CBC diagnosis (<50 vs. ≥50 years). RESULTS For CBE, test sensitivity was 55% and the duration of the PCDP 16 months. Mammography sensitivity was 91% and duration of the PCDP 35 months. Stratified analyses showed a higher test sensitivity for CBE for women aged <50 (70% vs. 51%). No difference in the duration of PCDP of CBE was found. For mammography, test sensitivity and the duration of the PCDP were higher for women with longer follow-up and in older women. CONCLUSIONS Poor test sensitivity for CBE with a shorter duration of the PCDP compared with mammography were observed. Mammography had high test sensitivity and the potential to detect CBCs early. The estimated duration of the PCDP (35 months) was considerably longer than the recommended follow-up interval (12 months). Future studies are needed to determine whether a longer follow-up interval is appropriate.
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Pineton de Chambrun G, Pariente B, Seksik P, Altwegg R, Vuitton L, Stefasnescu C, Nancey S, Aubourg A, Serrero M, Peyrin-Biroulet L, Filippi J, Viennot S, Abitbol V, Boualit M, Boureille A, Moreau J, Buisson A, Roblin X, Nachury M, Zappa M, Lambert J, Bouhnik Y. Adalimumab for patients with Crohn's disease complicated by intra-abdominal abscess: a multicentre, prospective, observational cohort study. J Crohns Colitis 2019; 13:S616. [PMID: 30794285 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjz045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
doi:10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjy222 Abstract P528 from the 'Poster presentations' section of the main abstract book has been withdrawn and re-inserted as DOP63 in the 'Late-breaking abstracts' section.
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Paci E, Cariddi A, Barchielli A, Bianchi S, Cardona G, Distante V, Giorgi D, Pacini P, Zappa M, Del Turco MR. Long-Term Sequelae of Breast Cancer Surgery. TUMORI JOURNAL 2018; 82:321-4. [PMID: 8890963 DOI: 10.1177/030089169608200405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Quality of care is today a major issue in oncology, and much attention is given to research on the outcome of breast cancer care. Too little attention has been devoted in the scientific literature to the consequences of treatment in long-term survivors, and in particular to the possible side effects. The specific aim of this contribution is to present population-based data about the long-term impact of breast cancer care in women who had an incident cancer in 1985/1986. Patients and Methods The cases are 476 breast cancers incident in the City of Florence in 1985-86. Women still living 5 years later were invited to have an interview and a physical examination. Lymphedema, peripheral nerve lesions and damage to the shoulder were assessed. Results Of the 346 5-year survivors, 238 accepted our invitation: 35.2% of the women reported some early postoperative sequelae, 30.2% had a chronic lymphedema and 18.9% a shoulder deficit. Comparing breast-conserving surgery with radical mastectomy, the risk of chronic lymphedema (OR=1.62; 95% CI: 0.91-2.88) and other lesions was higher for women who had a radical surgery. Women who had a breast-conserving surgery more often reported an early lymphedema (OR=1.60; 95% CI: 0.88-2.88). Conclusions The proportion of women who complained of (or manifested at the physical examination) a minor or major disability of the arm in our study was high. The impact of these functional problems in terms of quality of life should also be assessed, but it is our impression that there is need for much greater attention to the issue of long-term survivor sequelae.
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Ciatto S, Cecchini S, Bonardi R, Grazzini G, Mazzotta A, Zappa M. A Feasibility Study of Screening for Endometrial Carcinoma in Postmenopausal Women by Ultrasonography. TUMORI JOURNAL 2018; 81:334-7. [PMID: 8804449 DOI: 10.1177/030089169508100506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Abnormal endometrial thickness assessed by ultrasonography has been reported as a reliable indicator for early asymptomatic endometrial carcinoma. Study design We evaluated the feasibility and the performance of screening by ultrasonography in a consecutive series of postmenopausal volunteers. Results A total of 2,025 women were screened, and 117 (5.8%) showed abnormal endometrial thickness. Ninety-eight subjects consented to be assessed by outpatient endometrial biopsy, which was not possible in 32 for cervical stenosis. Three cancers were detected among 66 assessed subjects, 34 not-assessed subjects were controlled by repeat sonography (no change), and 17 were lost to follow-up. No other cancer was recorded by the local Cancer Registry among screened subjects. The prevalence/incidence ratio was 2.65:1, and the cost per screen-detected cancer was 18,571,000 Italian lire. Conclusions Screening by endometrial sonography is feasible on a practical basis, but its efficacy needs to be proven by prospective controlled studies which would enroll large populations to ensure sufficient statistical power, considering the low incidence and the low lethality of the disease. Studies of screening for other carcinomas may be considered of higher priority.
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Ciatto S, Bonardi R, Mazzotta A, Lombardi C, Santoni R, Cardini S, Zappa M. Comparing Two Modalities of Screening for Prostate Cancer: Digital Rectal Examination + Transrectal Ultrasonography Vs. Prostate-Specific Antigen. TUMORI JOURNAL 2018; 81:225-9. [PMID: 8540115 DOI: 10.1177/030089169508100401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Aims and background To evaluate the performance and feasibility of screening for prostate cancer by comparing screening modalities. Methods Prospective study of two comparable cohorts of healthy resident males aged 60 to 75 years. Screening attenders in the two invited cohorts were screened either by digital rectal examination (DRE) and transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), or by serum prostate-specific antigen determination (PSA: cutoff 4 ng/ml). Attendance and biopsy rates, predictive values, prevalence of screen-detected cancers, as well as screening costs were determined, and the efficiency of the two screening modalities was compared. Results 1425 subjects were screened by DRE + TRUS. Attendance rate was 33.7%, the biopsy rate was 2.7%, and the prevalence of detected cancers was 1.82%. A total of 1315 subjects was screened by PSA. Attendance rate was 66.9%, the biopsy rate was 2.8%, and the prevalence of detected cancers was 1.67%. Screen-detected cancer stage was more favorable than observed in clinical practice, and early detection was evident, with the prevalence/incidence ratio higher than 10:1 in both programs. The cost per subject screened was about 34,000 Lire for DRE + TRSU and about 30,000 Lire for PSA program. Conclusions The study confirms that early detection of prostate cancer is possible and that screening is practically feasible. Both screening modalities achieved comparable results as regards early detection, but screening by PSA had a higher compliance and lower costs. PSA seems the ideal test to be used in prospective controlled studies aimed at demonstrating screening efficacy.
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Invernizzi G, Bettoncelli G, D'Ambrosio G, Zappa M, Calzolari M, Paredi P, Mazza R, Soresi E, Boffi R. Carbon Monoxide, Cigarettes and Family Doctors. TUMORI JOURNAL 2018; 87:117-9. [PMID: 11504362 DOI: 10.1177/030089160108700301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Aims and Background General practitioners could play a key role in preventive programs against tobacco-related diseases. However, they seldom take action in the office even with minimal advice counselling. Such behaviour might reflect the lack of academic teaching and the lack of practice with motivational and dependence questionnaires, considered basic tools to help smokers to quit successfully. The study was aimed to investigate the awareness of a sample of Italian family doctors as regards tobacco epidemiology and smoking cessation strategies. Methods A total of 428 family doctors were administered a questionnaire with a set of questions on their personal smoking habits and on personal initiatives in the office towards smokers. Another set of questions regarded their knowledge on tobacco issues, with special attention to carbon monoxide, which is widely perceived as a very dangerous poison and works as a motivational tool on smokers and adolescents. Carbon monoxide measurement was carried out on all participants to obtain objective data on smoking and to show the feasibility of the test. Results The percentage of self-reported current smokers among general practitioners was 24%, with a high prevalence of ex-smokers (46%), and 29% of never smokers. Family doctors were more keen to counsel adolescents than adults about tobacco, and they were very interested in continuing medical education on the issue. The doctors who took part in our study showed a surprising limited knowledge of all the issues associated with smoking cessation and prevention such as epidemiology, cigarette characteristics, success rate of smoking cessation programs, Fagerström's tolerance questionnaire, safety of nicotine replacement therapy and the knowledge of carbon monoxide as a product of cigarette smoke. Conclusions The scenario depicted by our survey underscores the necessity to improve the knowledge and performance of primary care physicians on tobacco-related issues in order to implement primary and secondary prevention in clinical practice.
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Paci L, Perfetti P, Zappa M, Lazzoni E, Giorgi D, Paci E, del Turco MR. First Results of a Mammographic Screening Program in Two Municipalities of Massa-Carrara Province (Italy). TUMORI JOURNAL 2018; 79:26-9. [PMID: 8497917 DOI: 10.1177/030089169307900105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aims and Background A mammographic screening for breast cancer was started in 1989 in two municipalities of Massa-Carrara province. This paper describes the results of the first two years and evaluates the quality of the program via early indicators. Methods We calculated the attendance rate at first screening, the proportion of women recalled for further examinations (recall rate), the ratio between benign lesions and carcinomas detected by screening, the staging of the screen detected cancers and the ratio between detection rate and expected incidence (P/l ratio). Results Out of 14826 invited women 10407 (70.2 %) attended the first screening; 266 (2.6%) of them were referred for further investigations but only 63 (0.6%) required surgical biopsy. A histological confirmed malignancy was found in 39 women corresponding to a detection rate of 3.7/1000. According to pTNM classification 89.1 % of all cancers were either Tis or in stage T1; and in two third of the cases there was no nodes involvment. Conclusion The results achieved so far, evaluated via early indicators, show a good start of the program.
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Cecchini S, Ciatto S, Bonardi R, Mazzotta A, Pacini P, Muraca MG, Zappa M. Risk of Endometrial Cancer in Breast Cancer Patients under Long-Term Adjuvant Treatment with Tamoxifen. TUMORI JOURNAL 2018; 84:21-3. [PMID: 9619708 DOI: 10.1177/030089169808400104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Aims To evaluate the relative risk of endometrial cancer with respect to the expected underlying incidence in breast cancer patients undergoing long-term adjuvant tamoxifen therapy. Methods A total of 1010 postmenopausal breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant tamoxifen and with a first negative endometrial ultrasonography (cutoff for abnormal endometrial thickness >5 mm) were followed by annual transvaginal ultrasonography. Abnormal endometrial thickness prompted an outpatient endometrial biopsy or curettage under anesthesia in the case of cervical stenosis and increasing endometrial thickness. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) with respect to underlying incidence was determined. Results A total of 1,010 eligible subjects who had been receiving tamoxifen for an average of 51 months were enrolled and followed for a total of 2,361 patient-years between January 1993 and December 1996. Five cases of endometrial cancer were observed in the study period: 1 was detected at screening, and 4 were diagnosed for vaginal bleeding in the interval between screening examinations. SIR was 4.0 (95% confidence interval, 1.39.4) and increased to 4.8 (CI, 1.6-10.5) when the single cancer detected at first screening was considered as incident. Conclusions This study adds evidence to the hypothesis that long-term tamoxifen treatment may be responsible for a relevant increase in the risk of developing endometrial cancer. Surveillance based on endometrial ultrasonography was poorly sensitive, but the favorable stage at diagnosis of screen-detected or interval endometrial cancers does not support a more aggressive screening approach.
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Cecchini S, Ciatto S, Zappa M, Biggeri A. Trends in the Prevalence of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Grade 3 in the District of Florence, Italy. TUMORI JOURNAL 2018; 81:330-3. [PMID: 8804448 DOI: 10.1177/030089169508100505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aims and background The objective of this study was to investigate the detection rate of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade III (CIN 3) in previously unscreened women, in order to reveal trends over time in the prevalence of CIN 3 in the District of Florence, where a population-based screening for cervical cancer has been going on since 1973. Study design We considered the women, recorded in the computerized archives of CSPO, who had had no pap test for at least 10 years. Trends of CIN 3 (histologically proven) were analyzed within age groups; the effect of age, cohort and period were considered by means of a Poisson regression model. Results A total of 648 cases of histologically proven CIN 3 were detected in the study period. The detection rates of CIN 3 increased steadly within age groups over birth cohort and calendar period simultaneously. The Poisson regression analysis showed that only the model with age + time trend was statistically significant. Conclusions Although several biases should be taken into account, the analysis seemed to indicate a real increase in CIN 3 prevalence. An increase in frequency of precancerous lesions for cervical cancer in more recent birth cohorts supports the need to keep screening coverage and efficiency as high as possible.
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Ciatto S, Del Turco MR, Marrazzo A, Mazzoleni G, Foglietta F, Cappelli MC, Ravaioli A, Bonzanini M, Carnaghi P, Nava D, Modena S, Zanza A, Benassuti C, Falconieri G, Zappa M. Time Trends of Benign/Malignant Breast Biopsy Ratios a Multicenter Italian Study. TUMORI JOURNAL 2018; 82:325-8. [PMID: 8890964 DOI: 10.1177/030089169608200406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aims and background Although they have been decreasing over time due to improved specificity of diagnostic assessment, benign biopsies of the breast are still common. Benign biopsies should be regarded as negative events, due to their economical and psychological cost and their possible negative impact on cosmesis and on further diagnostic evaluation. Methods Retrospective data on benign/malignant breast biopsies ratio (B/M) were collected in 9 Italian centers for a period of 10-15 years. The time trend of B/M and its association to age or to single centers was evaluated. Results Overall 31,001 cases were considered. A strong association of B/M to age was evident (average B/M values were 5.0, 1.3, 0.6, and 0.2 for women aged <40, 40-49, 50-59, and >59 years). A significant trend of decreasing B/M over time was observed only for one center. Age standardized B/M was significantly different (P<0.000001) between centers, ranging between 0.34 and 1.69. Multivariate analysis confirmed an independent significant association of age and center to B/M. Conclusions Marked differences in B/M are evident between centers, which cannot be explained by the confounding effect of age or by any apparent difference in the diagnostic protocol. The observed differences are likely ascribed to individual variations in diagnostic aggressivity. A progressive increase of the predictive value of calls for surgical biopsy may be achieved over time and centers with a high B/M should make every effort to optimize their performance. Acceptable (<40=5, 40-49=1.5, 50-59=0.75, >59=0.3) and desirable (2.5, 0.75, 0.35, 0.15) age specific reference standards for B/M are proposed.
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Troni GM, Cipparrone I, Cariaggi MP, Ciatto S, Miccinesi G, Zappa M, Confortini M. Detection of False-Negative Pap Smears using the Papnet System. TUMORI JOURNAL 2018; 86:455-7. [PMID: 11218185 DOI: 10.1177/030089160008600604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Aims and background False-negative cytological diagnoses represent the critical point of a screening program for early detection of cervical cancer. Computer-assisted reading using neural network technology has been suggested as a possible approach to manage the problem. The study assessed the performance and the cost-outcome ratio of computer-assisted versus conventional manual Pap smear reading. Methods One thousand routine smears, seeded with 81 false-negative smears, were independently interpreted by two readers by conventional and PAPNET-assisted reading. Results of both readings were compared in terms of: a)sensitivity for false-negative smears, b)specificity, and c) cost-outcome (cost per CIN2+ lesion detected). Results PAPNET-assisted reading showed a small increase in sensitivity only for one reader. Including the cost of PAPNET, the cost per detected lesion would be $7,543 and the cost per additional detected lesion would be $25,748. Conclusions The present study provides further evidence that PAPNET-assisted screening may allow the detection of a few extra cases of CIN2+ lesions with respect to conventional reading, though at a very high cost.
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