Impact of enhanced personal protective equipment on surgeon workload and intraoperative patient outcomes

This work shows the need for targeted improvement to mitigate communication challenges associated with use of enhanced personal protective equipment. The data provide reassurance to surgeons and patients that there is no negative impact on surgeon workload or patient outcomes from use of enhanced personal protective equipment in the operating theatre.

GJB5 association with BRAF mutation and survival in cutaneous malignant melanoma

BACKGROUND

Gap junctional intercellular communication is crucial for epidermal cellular homeostasis. Inability to establish melanocyte-keratinocytes contacts and loss of intercellular junction's integrity may contribute to melanoma development. Connexins, laminins and desmocollins have been implicated in the control of melanoma growth, where their reduced expression has been reported in metastatic lesions.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate Connexin 31.1 (GJB5) expression and identify any association with BRAF mutational status, melanoma patient prognosis and MAPK inhibitors (MAPKi) treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

GJB5 expression was measured at RNA and protein level in melanoma clinical samples and established cell lines treated or not with BRAF and MEK inhibitors, as well as in cell lines which developed MAPK inhibitors resistance. Findings were further validated and confirmed by analysis of independent datasets.

RESULTS

Our analysis reveals significant downregulation of GJB5 expression in metastatic melanoma lesions compared to primary ones and in BRAF mutated versus BRAF wild-type melanomas. Likewise, GJB5 expression is significantly lower in BRAF^V600E compared with BRAF^WT cell lines and increases upon MAPKi treatment. MAPKi-resistant melanoma cells display a similar expression pattern compared to BRAF^WT cells, with increased GJB5 expression associated with morphological changes. Enhancement of BRAF^V600E expression in BRAF^WT melanoma cells significantly upregulates miR-335-5p expression with consequent downregulation of GJB5, one of its targets. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-335-5p in two BRAF^WT cell lines confirms specific GJB5 protein downregulation. RT-qPCR analysis also revealed upregulation of miR-335 in BRAF^V600E melanoma cells, which is significantly downregulated in cells resistant to MEK inhibitors. Our data were further validated using the TCGA-SKCM dataset, where BRAF mutations associate with increased miR-335 expression and inversely correlate with GJB5 expression. In clinical samples, GJB5 underexpression is also associated with patient overall worse survival, especially at early stages.

CONCLUSION

We identified a significant association between metastases / BRAF mutation and low GJB5 expression in melanoma. Our results identify a novel mechanism of Gap-junctional protein regulation, suggesting a prognostic role for GJB5 in cutaneous melanoma.

From benchtop to clinic: a translational analysis of the immune response to submicron topography and its relevance to bone healing

Proper regulation of the innate immune response to bone biomaterials after implantation is pivotal for successful bone healing. Pro-inflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages are known to have an important role in regulating the healing response to biomaterials. Materials with defined structural and topographical features have recently been found to favourably modulate the innate immune response, leading to improved healing outcomes. Calcium phosphate bone grafts with submicron-sized needle-shaped surface features have been shown to trigger a pro-healing response through upregulation of M2 polarised macrophages, leading to accelerated and enhanced bone regeneration. The present review describes the recent research on these and other materials, all the way from benchtop to the clinic, including in vitro and in vivo fundamental studies, evaluation in clinically relevant spinal fusion models and clinical validation in a case series of 77 patients with posterolateral and/or interbody fusion in the lumbar and cervical spine. This research demonstrates the feasibility of enhancing biomaterial-directed bone formation by modulating the innate immune response through topographic surface features.

Myositis ossificans revisited - The largest reported case series

INTRODUCTION

Myositis ossificans (MO) is a condition characterised by the formation of non-neoplastic heterotropic ossification in extraskeletal soft tissues.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of our radiology databases within our tertiary orthopaedic centre to identify all cases of MO, reported on X ray, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Computed tomography (CT) over the past 13 years (2007-2020).

RESULTS

We identified 68 cases of MO, which were included into our cohort. The average age of our patients was 36 years (range 4-84 years). 73% of cases (n = 50) were found to affect the lower limb muscles with the majority in the quadriceps.

CONCLUSION

We report the largest case series of MO and discuss the demographics, diagnoses and management.

Spinal collision lesions

Collision lesions are rare neoplasms often described in the hepatobiliary system, genitourinary system and adrenal glands. Vertebral haemangiomas (VH) are the most common lesions involving the vertebral bodies. VHs are usually asymptomatic and considered as "Do not touch" lesions. Rarely they can be symptomatic. Imaging findings of typical and atypical haemangiomas, variant forms of haemangioma such as aggressive haemangiomas are well known. Collision lesions involving VHs are extremely rare. This article presents a series of cases with collision lesions of the vertebral body involving VHs.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

This Case series demonstrates the various collision lesions in spinal haemangioma.

617 Does Wearing Enhanced Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) In Theatre Increase Surgeon Workload and Patient Morbidity?

Introduction

Delivery of surgical services during the Covid-19 pandemic has required the use of enhanced PPE in the operating theatre. We sought to evaluate the impact of this change on surgeon workload and intraoperative patient outcomes.

Method

Surgeons performing as primary operator completed an online procedure-specific questionnaire on workload ratings for each operative case, using an extension of the validated Surgeon Task Load Index (SURG-TLX) tool (reported on a 20-point scale), together with operative details. Local approval was obtained at individual sites. Data was analysed in Stata SE v16.

Results

118 responses (17 surgeons, 7 specialties) were collected from June to September 2020. 77.1% used enhanced PPE. There was no association between enhanced PPE use and overall workload (p = 0.151) as measured with SURG-TLX, although surgeons wearing enhanced PPE commonly reported finding individual procedures harder than expected (37% vs 0%, p < 0.001). Communication was rated worse when using enhanced PPE use (MD -4.38, 95%CI -6.74 to 02.03; p < 0.001). There was no association between enhanced PPE use and intraoperative complications (p = 0.745).

Conclusions

The use of enhanced PPE is not associated with complications or increased surgeon workload assessed by SURG-TLX. It is, however, associated with difficulty in communicating, and subjectively experiencing more procedural challenge than anticipated.

25 Operative Delay in Neck of Femur Fracture Management During the COVID 19 Pandemic Lockdown; Reasons and Impact

All NOF patients beyond 24-hour window over the COVID Lockdown period From April 2020 to July 2020 were identified and causes of delay to theatre were stratified. Manual Data collection over a time period of April 2020 to July 2020, when lockdown was introduced. All patients with NOF who had surgery within 24 hours were excluded. Cases not within 24 hours were included. A total of 70 patients were included in the study. Cause for Delay beyond 24 hours included No list space 30, Medically unfit 20, Anticoagulation 18, COVID related 2 needing ventilatory support. Causes of medical Delay include chest infection (not COVID related), High anaesthetic risk, Cardiac, Anaemia, Electrolyte imbalance. Covid19 accounted for 2 % of operative delays of NOF patients. Other causes include medical optimization, theatre efficiency and use of anticoagulation. However, our study proved there is a vital requirement for robust protocols and pathways in the management of NOF especially during a global pandemic. This is important for the reduction of overall Morbidity and Mortality. Local Strategies should be put in place to address these with the importance of a MDT approach including the Anaesthetic and Orthogeriatic team.

23 Reaudit and Completing the Audit Cycle of Quality of Informed Consent for Surgery on Neck of Femur Fracture in Royal Stoke University Hospital

Using guidelines highlighted by the British Orthopaedic Association an reaudit was performed within our department to assess the adequacy of informed consent for NOF fractures to complete the audit cycle. 50 patients were included in the Audit and reaudit. Risk was classified as common, less common, rare and ‘other’. The adequacy of informed consent was evaluated by assessing the quality and accuracy of documentation. Infection, bleeding risks, clots and anaesthetic risks were documented in all patients (100%). Areas of improvement were seen in the documentation of neurovascular injuries (98%), pain (90%) and altered wound healing (87%). There was no significant change in the documentation of failure of surgery (83%) and neurovascular injuries (98%). The Poorly documented risk factors from the initial audit were seen to improve which included mortality (70%), prosthetic dislocation (90%) and limb length discrepancy (50%). There has been a significant improvement in the quality of Informed consent in the department and this could be attributed to the installation of ward posters and verbal dissemination of information to junior doctors. Recommendation for interventions would be to present in the next clinical governance meeting and presenting at the new junior doctors’ induction at August.

240 Aetiology and Outcomes of Head and Neck Free Flaps in Patients Aged ≥ 65 Years: The Cambridge Experience

Introduction

Elderly patients often present to the Head & Neck Plastic Surgery department with complex reconstructive needs, for which free flaps are the gold-standard management. In order to provide appropriate, patient-centred care, it is imperative to understand how increasing age and related factors affect long-term free flap outcomes.

Method

The authors carried out a retrospective review of all patients 65+ years who underwent free flap surgery at Addenbrooke’s Hospital from 2008-2019. Patient, operative, and flap characteristics, and outcomes, were analysed using Excel and RStudio.

Results

163 patients were identified (54F, 109M). The majority were ALT (n = 74), radial forearm (n = 35), and fibula flaps (n = 23).

Of pre-operative comorbidities, only neurological comorbidities (n = 16), were significantly associated with long-term flap failure (p = 0.016). There was no significant association between number of comorbidities and flap outcome. There was no association between age group and length of stay.

Flap site complications, and particularly venous complications, were significantly associated with later failure (p = 0.001). No other complications were statistically associated with flap failure.

Conclusions

The high success rate supports the use of free flaps in the 65+ population. This data supports a case-by-case approach to assessing fitness for free flap surgery rather than excluding patients on the basis of age or specific comorbidities.

O15: DISRUPTION OF THE BLOOD-SPINAL CORD BARRIER PREDICTS PERMANENT PARAPLEGIA AFTER THORACOABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM REPAIR

Introduction

Paraplegia post-thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair remains both a devastating and poorly understood complication. We related temporal changes in cellular and protein composition of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to neurological outcomes after TAAA repair to gain mechanistic insights driving paraplegia.

Method

Patients undergoing TAAA repair (open or endovascular) with a CSF drain were prospectively recruited between 2016-2018. CSF was collected pre-operatively and 24-hourly until removal. Daily neurological examinations were performed by blinded neurologists to the study. CSF cell content was characterised by flow cytometry and proteome analysed by tandem-mass-tag proteomics. An in-vivo rat model was modified using 15 minutes of aortic occlusion to produce consistent paraplegia. Rats were analysed neuro-behaviourally and histologically.

Result

CSF was analysed from 52 patients (age: 70.27+/-11.4; 66% male; open (n=9), endovascular (n=43)). 12 developed paraplegia of whom 5 remained permanently-paraplegic. Demographics were comparable between paraplegics, those who recovered and without post-op neurology. Permanent paraplegia was associated with a significant infiltration of CSF CD45+ leucocytes (P&lt;0.0001). Levels of ADVS-1 was &gt;3-fold higher in permanent-paraplegics CSF versus those who recovered (P=0.0008). ADVS-1 &gt;15ng/ml predicted permanent paraplegia with 100% specificity. Pre-treatment with ADVS-1 inhibition significantly improved walking (&lt;0.001) and increased astrocytic staining in the lateral corticospinal, reticulospinal and rubrospinal tracts versus controls (P=0.03, 0.04, 0.04 respectively).

Conclusion

Permanent paraplegia is associated with shedding of ADVS-1 from parenchymal cord into CSF and blood/spinal-cord barrier disruption leading to cord oedema/leucocyte infiltration. Pre-treatment with ADVS-1 inhibition led to neurobehavioural and histological improvements offering translational hope for this devastating complication.

Take-home message

ADVS-1 is a novel biomarker of paraplegia where accurate biomarkers have proven challenging but more importantly it has proven a therapeutic target with genuine translational potential.

Clinical phenotypes and therapeutic responses in cutaneous-predominant sarcoidosis: 6-year experience in a tertiary referral service

BACKGROUND

There is a limited evidence base for the treatment of cutaneous sarcoidosis.

OBJECTIVE

To describe treatment modalities and responses in patients with predominantly cutaneous sarcoidosis, in addition to clinical characteristics and prevalence of systemic disease.

METHODS

Data were prospectively collected over a 6-year period. The Cutaneous Sarcoidosis Activity and Morphology Index was used to assess treatment effectiveness.

RESULTS

In total, 47 patients with biopsy-confirmed cutaneous sarcoidosis were identified. Morphologically, the most common lesions were papules (49%) and plaques (42.6%). The most commonly affected sites were the head and neck (79%); 89.4% had systemic as well as cutaneous disease; 77% received systemic corticosteroid therapy, while 87% required further steroid-sparing treatment; 40% achieved clinical remission with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and 88% achieved clinical remission with methotrexate (MTX). OR of achieving remission on MTX compared with HCQ was 9.8 (95% CI 2.4-40.4, P = 0.001). MTX was superior to both azathioprine (AZA) (OR = 22; 95% CI 1.7-285.9; P = 0.02) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (OR = 22; 95% CI 1.7-285.9; P = 0.02) in achieving remission.

CONCLUSION

HCQ is effective and well-tolerated. MTX was associated with significantly increased probability of achieving clinical remission compared with AZA and MMF.

Utility of Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation for Limited Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer in the Modern Era with Magnetic Resonance Imaging Surveillance

AIMS

To retrospectively analyse the impact of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) on survival and intracranial progression in patients with limited stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) in the modern era of widespread magnetic resonance imaging brain screening.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with LS-SCLC treated within our network between 2009 and 2020 who responded to initial therapy were stratified by receipt of PCI and stage of disease. A propensity score match analysis was carried out for stage II-III patients. Overall and neurological survival were defined as time to death and presumed death due to uncontrolled intracranial disease, respectively. Brain metastasis-free survival and symptomatic brain metastasis-free survival were defined as freedom from intracranial progression and symptomatic intracranial progression, respectively. The effect of PCI on these outcomes was assessed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

In total, 243 (69.6%) of 349 patients received PCI. On multivariate analysis in the propensity matched stage II-III cohort, PCI was a significant predictor of improved neurological survival (hazard ratio 0.23, 95% confidence interval 0.08-0.65; P = 0.01), brain metastasis-free survival (hazard ratio 0.25, 95% confidence interval 0.12-0.51; P < 0.01) and symptomatic brain metastasis-free survival (hazard ratio 0.21, 95% confidence interval 0.08-0.55; P < 0.01), but not improved overall survival. Two-year neurological survival estimates within the propensity matched cohort were 96.8% (95% confidence interval 87.6-99.2%) with PCI and 77.2% (95% confidence interval 63.0-86.4%) without PCI and 1- and 2-year estimates of incidence of brain metastases were 3.9% (95% confidence interval 1.3-11.7%) and 11.7% (95% confidence interval 5.6-23.5%) in the PCI group and 31.6% (95% confidence interval 22.1-43.9%) and 40.4% (95% confidence interval 29.2-54.0%) in the no PCI group, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In the modern era of magnetic resonance imaging screening, PCI was associated with reduced incidence of intracranial progression in patients with stage II-III LS-SCLC who respond to initial therapy. This, importantly, translated to a decreased risk of neurological death within our propensity matched cohort, without significant improvement in overall survival.

Association of haemoglobin levels in the first trimester and at 26-30 weeks with fetal and neonatal outcomes: a secondary analysis of the Global Network for Women's and Children's Health's ASPIRIN Trial

OBJECTIVE

Limited data are available from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) on the relationship of haemoglobin levels to adverse outcomes at different times during pregnancy. We evaluated the association of haemoglobin levels in nulliparous women at two times in pregnancy with pregnancy outcomes.

DESIGN

ASPIRIN Trial data were used to study the association between haemoglobin levels measured at 6⁺⁰ -13⁺⁶  weeks and 26⁺⁰ -30⁺⁰  weeks of gestation with fetal and neonatal outcomes.

SETTING

Obstetric care facilities in Pakistan, India, Kenya, Zambia, The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Guatemala.

POPULATION

A total of 11 976 pregnant women.

METHODS

Generalised linear models were used to obtain adjusted relative risks and 95% CI for adverse outcomes.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Preterm birth, stillbirth, neonatal death, small for gestational age (SGA) and birthweight <2500 g.

RESULTS

The mean haemoglobin levels at 6⁺⁰ -13⁺⁶  weeks and at 26-30 weeks of gestation were 116 g/l (SD 17) and 107 g/l (SD 15), respectively. In general, pregnancy outcomes were better with increasing haemoglobin. At 6⁺⁰ -13⁺⁶  weeks of gestation, stillbirth, SGA and birthweight <2500 g, were significantly associated with haemoglobin of 70-89 g/l compared with haemoglobin of 110-129 g/l The relationships of adverse pregnancy outcomes with various haemoglobin levels were more marked at 26-30 weeks of gestation.

CONCLUSIONS

Both lower and some higher haemoglobin concentrations are associated with adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes at 6⁺⁰ -13⁺⁶  weeks and at 26-30 weeks of gestation, although the relationship with low haemoglobin levels appears more consistent and generally stronger.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Both lower and some higher haemoglobin concentrations were associated with adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes at 6-13 weeks and 26-30 weeks of gestation.

Modified Broström repair with suture tape augmentation for lateral ankle instability: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

There is increasing interest in augmentation of modified Broström repairs for lateral ankle instability with a prosthetic reconstruction using suture tape internal bracing. The aim of this study was to investigate if suture tape augmentation resulted in improved clinical and radiological outcomes compared to a standard modified Broström repair alone.

METHODS

A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was undertaken. All clinical studies published in Medline, Embase, Pubmed and the Cochrane Library Database from inception until January 2020 reporting on the use of suture tape augmentation to a modified Broström repair for lateral ankle instability.

RESULTS

78 studies were identified of which 10 (assessing 333 patients) met the criteria for inclusion. Mean follow up was 24.8 months (range 6-52 months). All studies showed a statistically significant improvement across multiple clinical outcome measures post-surgery in both suture tape augmentation and modified Broström groups, however there were no statistically significant inter-group differences. Pooled results suggested there may be a reduction in recurrence of instability with suture tape augmentation when compared to modified Broström repair alone (p < 0.05). Overall quality of evidence was moderate to poor with limited data to support use of suture tape augmentation.

CONCLUSION

Clinical and radiographic outcomes using a suture tape internal bracing for lateral ankle instability are excellent, and are equivalent to standard treatment across multiple clinical and radiographic assessment measures. There is minimal evidence to suggest functional outcomes are better, or recurrence rates are lower than modified Broström repair alone.

PROSPERO REGISTRY

CRD42020169876.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

How has COVID-19 affected the treatment of osteoporosis? An IOF-NOF-ESCEO global survey

The effects of COVID-19 have the potential to impact on the management of chronic diseases including osteoporosis. A global survey has demonstrated that these impacts include an increase in telemedicine consultations, delays in DXA scanning, interruptions in the supply of medications and reductions in parenteral medication delivery.

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound effects on the health of the global population both directly, via the sequelae of the infection, and indirectly, including the relative neglect of chronic disease management. Together the International Osteoporosis Foundation and National Osteoporosis Foundation sought to ascertain the impact on osteoporosis management.

METHODS

Questionnaires were electronically circulated to a sample of members of both learned bodies and included information regarding the location and specialty of respondents, current extent of face to face consultations, alterations in osteoporosis risk assessment, telemedicine experience, alterations to medication ascertainment and delivery and electronic health record (EHR) utilisation. Responses were collected, quantitative data analysed, and qualitative data assessed for recurring themes.

RESULTS

Responses were received from 209 healthcare workers from 53 countries, including 28% from Europe, 24% from North America, 19% from the Asia Pacific region, 17% from the Middle East and 12% from Latin America. Most respondents were physicians (85%) with physician assistants, physical therapists and nurses/nurse practitioners represented in the sample. The main three specialties represented included rheumatology (40%), endocrinology (22%) and orthopaedics (15%). In terms of the type of patient contact, 33% of respondents conducted telephone consultations and 21% video consultations. Bone mineral density assessment by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) usage was affected with only 29% able to obtain a scan as recommended. The majority of clinicians (60%) had systems in place to identify patients receiving parenteral medication, and 43% of clinicians reported difficulty in arranging appropriate osteoporosis medications during the COVID-19 crisis.

CONCLUSIONS

To conclude through surveying a global sample of osteoporosis healthcare professionals, we have observed an increase in telemedicine consultations, delays in DXA scanning, interrupted supply of medications and reductions in parenteral medication delivery.

Correction to: How has COVID-19 affected the treatment of osteoporosis? An IOF-NOF-ESCEO global survey

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s00198-021-05905-7