Low cost smart phone based laryngoscopy for the assessment of vocal cords in patients undergoing thyroid surgery: A pilot study

Can a smart phone application be reliably used for laryngoscopy? This thesis was tested for peri-operative evaluation of vocal cords in patients undergoing thyroid and parathyroid surgery.

Correlation of thermal burn hepatic dysfunction with outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Organ dysfunction and failure increase the morbidity and mortality following major burn. Alteration of liver morphology and function is common following major burns; however, it has not received much attention. In this study we have assessed the impact of thermal burn on liver in relation with mortality.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

55 patients (33 female and 22 males) with TBSA 10-90% and age ranged from 18 to 75 years were included. A bed side serial ultrasonography to assess the volume of liver and liver function tests was done on the 2nd, 9th and 16th day following burn. Baseline demographic and clinical information such as age, gender, burn size and outcome of patient were also collected.

RESULTS -

8 patients died during 2nd week following burn and 47 survived. The mean TBSA for survivors was 37% and for non survivors 80%. Mean liver volume in survivors steadily decreased from 1693.70 cm3 to 1631.31 cm3 over 3 weeks. Mean liver volume in non- survivors steadily increased from 1855.88 cm3 to 2028.50 cm3 over 2 weeks. Liver function test in survivors steadily improved while in non survivors it deteriorated over 2 weeks.

CONCLUSION

There is a correlation between altered liver morphology and function with mortality among severely burnt patients however liver volume did not show statistical significance. A decreasing trend of liver dysfunction parameters and hepatomegaly following burn is associated with good prognosis.

Flap blood glucose measurement for flap monitoring and early detection of circulatory problems

Postoperative monitoring of skin flaps is subjective and cannot detect early circulatory problems in the flap. Early detection and rapid remedial re-exploration are important for flap salvage. We evaluated flap glucose measurement to monitor the flaps for early detection of circulatory problems. In total, 30 patients underwent cutaneous flap reconstruction. This is an easy, economic, objective, and reliable method for flap monitoring and can detect early venous congestion requiring remedial measures.

Duragen: A dermal substitute for the management of suboptimal wounds

Using a flap in a large wound with a very small area of exposed vital structures may be an excessive intrusion and cause unnecessary donor site morbidity. Dermal matrix (DuraGen) was applied onto critical areas where bone or tendons were exposed and a split skin graft was placed thereon. All patients had satisfactory wound closure without the need for a flap. DuraGen appears to be a safe, single-stage alternative, to a flap for the healing of complex wounds.

Health care access, psychosocial outcomes and mental health in adults living with epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic

PURPOSE

People living with epilepsy (PLWE) have a higher prevalence of mental health comorbidities and poorer psychosocial outcomes compared to the general population. The aim of this study was to examine psychosocial outcomes, mental health, healthcare accessibility, and seizure burden in PLWE during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of adults with epilepsy treated in an urban multicenter health system from 2021 to 2022. A standardized questionnaire assessed for COVID-19 history, comorbidities, access to antiseizure medications (ASMs) and neurological care, seizure burden, and psychosocial outcomes (e.g., employment, social and financial support). The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were administered to evaluate for depression and anxiety. Frequency and proportions for categorical variables and median and interquartile ranges for continuous variables were calculated.

RESULTS

Fifty-five PLWE participated (95 % response rate). Median age was 40 years (IQR 31.5-66.5), 61.8 % were women, 47.3 % had a bachelor's degree or higher and 29.1 % each had Medicaid and Medicare insurance. Race (from highest to lowest %) was: 32.7 % White, 20 % Black, 20 % Latinx, 14.5 % Asian, and 12.7 % selected "other" or "prefer not to say." COVID-19 had been diagnosed in 21.8 % of participants. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were self-reported by 43.6 % and 34.5 % of patients, respectively, with many describing this symptom as new post-pandemic (37.5 % and 31.6 %, respectively). Using validated scales, 52.7 % had depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 5) with 30.9 % having moderate/severe depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 10), while 29.1 % had probable generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7 score ≥ 8). Seizure burden increased in 21.8 % of participants, while 20 % reported fewer seizures and 29.1 % were seizure free since the COVID-19 pandemic. Economic impacts of the pandemic included job loss (25 % amongst those employed at onset of pandemic), new or worsened financial difficulties (40 %), and new or worsened social support issues (30.9 %). Of all participants, 18.2 % reported difficulties accessing ASMs and 25.5 % cancelled visits, but of those with cancelled visits, 78.6 % had their appointments rescheduled as a telehealth visit.

CONCLUSION

Our cohort of PLWE experienced some challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic including poorer mental health and financial and employment-related stressors. Encouragingly, healthcare access was relatively spared during the COVID-19 crisis, with some patients even reporting a reduction in seizure burden. However, PLWE require ongoing psychosocial support with particular attention to decompensation of mental health and social stressors that may be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A comparison of swallowing related quality of life in patients undergoing transoral endoscopic versus open thyroid surgery

INTRODUCTION

It is important for the endoscopic thyroid surgeon to understand the pros and cons of trans-oral endoscopic thyroidectomy-vestibular approach (TOETVA) vis-à-vis, open conventional thyroidectomy (OTx) so he/she can help patients in making informed choices regarding the type of procedure to opt for. Swallowing related quality of life (SWAL-QoL) has not been compared between the two approaches. Using a rigorous qualitative methodology and validated reliable tool, this study set out to compare the swallowing related quality of life in patients undergoing TOETVA versus OTx.

METHODS

Prospective study at 3 time points in patients planned for hemithyroidectomy (Preoperative, 1 week and 12 weeks). Data were collected on patients at a tertiary teaching institute in India. Participants ranged from age 18-60 years with a diagnosis of benign euthyroid nodule undergoing hemithyroidectomy. Exclusion criteria were-(1) pre-existing vocal cord abnormalities, (2) undergoing surgery for recurrent nodules, and (3) any neuro-muscular disease affecting swallowing ability. Main outcome measure was comparison of swallowing related quality of life domain scores between patients undergoing hemithyroidectomy via either endoscopic trans-oral or open approach.

RESULTS

Of the 82 included patients, 40 underwent TOETVA and 42 OTx. Both the groups were comparable in terms of demographic and clinicopathological profile. The mean preoperative SWAL-QOL scores were comparable in all domains. Mean SWAL-QoL scores for all domains on postoperative day 7 were significantly better in TOETVA group with domains burden, eating desire, mental health and communication having medium effect sizes. Physical symptom domain was better in the OTx group but had a small effect size. The difference in SWAL-QoL domains between the two groups persisted for 3 months also.

CONCLUSION

Swallowing related quality of life after trans-oral endoscopic thyroidectomy compared to conventional open surgery has not been reported in the literature. Our findings suggest that trans-oral endoscopic thyroidectomy results in significant superior swallowing related quality of life in the majority of domains.

Impact of Topical Epinephrine with Xylocaine on Drainage After Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: A Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

We evaluated the impact of topical epinephrine with xylocaine on drainage after axillary lymph node dissection.

METHODS

Fifty-two women were randomized into two groups, epinephrine with xylocaine drainage (ED) and conventional drainage group (CD). The amount of drainage, duration of drainage catheter, incidence of seroma formation and wound infection were noted.

RESULTS

The mean total drainage volume was less in ED group as compared to CD group (195 ml vs. 353 ml; p = .002). Drainage catheter was removed earlier in ED group as compared to CD group (5.07 + / - 0.99 days vs. 6.65 + / - 1.07 days; p = 0.0001). The incidence of seroma and wound infection was similar in two groups.

CONCLUSION

Topical epinephrine with xylocaine after axillary lymph node dissection results in significantly decreased drainage volume and duration of drainage.

Patient Perspectives After Surgery-Related Complications Among Breast Cancer Patients from a LMIC

Long-term quality of life in breast cancer patients has been studied and published regularly. However, the lived experiences of patients who develop complications after surgery are not well understood. Determining this experience of patients is challenging in most low- and middle-income countries where the majority of patients belong to poor strata of society and are uneducated. We aimed to explore the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of patients with surgery-related complications after breast cancer surgery. Purposive sampling was used to identify patients who developed any postoperative complication, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Common patterns of patient experiences were identified and analyzed using descriptive thematic analysis. Twenty-eight patients out of 210 developing complications postoperatively were identified. The median age was 48 years (range 32-65 years). The majority (n = 26) were housewives, educated below the primary level (n = 11) and below the poverty line (n = 13). Complications included seroma (n = 17), flap necrosis and infection (n = 5), and hematoma (n = 1). Seven domains emerged from the interviews-knowledge of complications, psychological impact, burden, disruptiveness, social impact, relationship with the surgical team, and suggestions to improve the experience. The themes identified in the present study provide insights into the lived experiences and can inform the future development of patient-reported outcome measures and quality improvement programs, including more effective pre-operative counseling and consent.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13193-023-01721-z.

An optimization method for studying fractional-order tuberculosis disease model via generalized Laguerre polynomials

Tuberculosis (TB) is a deadly contagious disease that affects vital organs of the body, especially the lungs. Although the disease is preventable, there are still concerns about its continued spread. Without effective prevention or appropriate treatment, TB infection can be fatal to humans. This paper presents a fractional-order TB disease (FTBD) model to analyze TB dynamics and a new optimization method to solve it. The method is based on the basis functions of generalized Laguerre polynomials (GLPs) and some new operational matrices of derivatives in the Caputo sense. Finding the optimal solution to the FTBD model is reduced to solving a system of nonlinear algebraic equations with the aid of GLPs using the Lagrange multipliers method. A numerical simulation is also carried out to determine the impact of the presented method on the susceptible, exposed, infected without treatment, infected with treatment, and recovered cases in the population.

'Flip-flap' hernia sac sandwich mesh hernioplasty for giant incisional hernia

Purpose: The treatment of giant ventral hernia (GVH) with domain loss is a challenge for surgeons. This modified and simplified form of sandwich technique in a form of flip-flap repair was done to assess the outcomes of GVH repair by using the hernia sac taking into account the late complications in terms of recurrence, mesh explantation and early: SSO (surgical site occurrence). Material and method: A total of 21 patients of GVH were treated with flip-flap repair technique in the department of surgery in a teaching hospital in the central India between December 16 to June 21. In flip-flap technique the hernia sac is tailored in the best possible way, by making multiple layered flaps encasing the Polypropylene mesh in between, separating it from intraperitoneal contents and subcutaneous tissue. Results: In this prospective and interventional study, the collected data revealed the mean follow up period of 22.3 months (7months to 48months). Mean age was 44.2years (27-65 years). SSO was seen in 38% of cases mainly in the form of SSI. No explantation of mesh and recurrence was seen in any patient. Conclusion: The flip-flap repair technique is safe and effective surgical technique that can be used for the treatment of GVH regardless of the size, BMI or position of hernia.

Seventh Cervical Nerve (C7) Transection for Spastic Arm Paralysis After Cerebral Injury

BACKGROUND

Spastic limb paralysis because of cerebral injury can cause long-term disability. Its treatment varies from conservative to operative; however, the optimum treatment is yet to be found.

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that patients with spastic arm paralysis who receive C7 nerve transection to their paralyzed side might have reduction in spasticity, pain, and improvement in arm function.

METHODS

Four patients with spastic hemiparesis that had ceased to improve after 1 year of rehabilitation, having pain and poor function, were included. All 4 patients underwent C7 nerve transection plus rehabilitation. The outcome was assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months by the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity scale for motor recovery, by the Modified Ashworth Scale score for spasticity, and by the visual analogue score for pain. Functional use of the limb was also assessed by performance of activities such as dressing, tying shoe laces, wringing a towel, and operating a mobile phone.

RESULTS

At the end of 6 months, there was a significant improvement in mean Fugl Meyer score, reduction in Modified Ashworth score, and Visual Analogue scale for pain. At the beginning of the study, none of the patients could perform any day-to-day activities; however, at the end of 6 months, 3/4 of the patients could perform at least 1 activity.

CONCLUSION

C7 neurectomy leads to improved motor function, reduction of spasticity and pain, and improvement in function in patients with spastic arm paralysis because of cerebral injury.

Frugal indigenous vessel loop made from a surgical glove

We report a simple cost effective alternative to commercially available vessel loops made from sterilized surgical gloves for retraction of vital structures during vascular trauma, micro-vascular, micro-neural surgery.

Low-cost solutions incorporated in a standard surgical pathway for early breast cancer: A pilot study

We present the results of incorporation of low-cost solutions to provide a standard surgical care for early breast cancer (EBC) patients. This surgical pathway consists of a low-cost vacuum-assisted core needle biopsy, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) using low-cost methylene blue and fluorescin dyes under local anesthesia and oncoplastic breast surgery. Patients assessed as clinically node-negative axilla underwent such treatment. SLNB using low-cost dyes was performed without any complication. Oncoplastic surgical techniques were opted for in 32 patients, and the lumps were all excised with a ∼1-cm all-around margin on the final histopathological examination. Standard breast cancer surgery can be provided in low-resource settings to eligible EBC patients with low-cost solutions.

Delayed revascularization of extremities following vascular injuries: Challenges and outcome

Purpose

In developing countries delayed presentation following major vascular injury is common due to limited vascular trauma units; delay in diagnosis and time lost in transit which pose a major challenge for limb salvage. Aim of this study was to assess limb survival and complications after delayed revascularization of extremity following major vascular injury.

Method

20 patients, (19 males and 1 female, mean age 31.55 years) with major extremity vascular injury who presented >8 h after vascular trauma were included in this study. All patients had road traffic accidents as the cause of extremity injury. These patients were operated by primary vascular repairs, thrombectomy and/or interposition vein graft along with fixation of concomitant skeletal trauma.

Results

The commonest vessel injured was popliteal artery. The mean time of limb revascularization was 30.8 h. Limb salvage rate was 95% and there was no perioperative mortality. 9 patients developed postoperative complications including sloughing of leg muscles (4), foot drop (3) pseudo aneurysm (1) and reperfusion injury (1). At 6 months follow-up all the patients were able to walk with full weight bearing and there was no chronic ischemia, pain or sinuses.

Conclusion

Limb salvage can be achieved with good results in patients with delayed revascularization in selected cases. However; delayed revascularization leads to long and protracted postoperative course with high chances of vascular and neurological complications.

Effectiveness of adhesive taping to reduce pain, swelling and trismus after fracture mandible surgery

Swelling, pain and trismus constitute the major post-operative morbidity after surgery for mandibular fractures. We assessed the role of kinesio taping in mitigating these. Two groups of 15 patients were compared; those who had such applied to the side of the fracture and a control group of those who did not. Pain, swelling and trismus were assessed pre-operatively, and on the second, third and fifth post-operative days, and found to be significantly less in the study group. This simple technique is therefore effective. It is a simple frugal intervention without any side effects.

Assessment of prevalence and morphology of plantaris tendon in Indian population by ultrasound

Background

There is wide racial difference in the prevalence of the absence of the plantaris tendon. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of plantaris tendon in Indian population.

Materials and methods

The presence of the plantaris tendon was determined by ultrasound in 250 healthy volunteers using the standard technique.

Results

Out of 250 individuals 28 (11.2%) had absence of plantaris tendon either unilaterally or bilaterally. Unilateral absence of plantaris tendon was in 3.2%, bilateral absence in 4.8% and overall absence was in 8%. According to the hand and foot dominance the probability of finding right plantaris tendon in right dominant person was 92.3% and in left dominant is 89.7%. Height of the person also correlated significantly with tendon length.

Conclusions

Plantaris tendon was absent in ∼11%, either unilaterally or bilaterally, in this cohort of Indian population.

Thoracoscopic repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in neonates: Tips and tricks learned from an institutional experience

BACKGROUND

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is an anomaly with significant morbidity in neonates. It has been traditionally managed by an open approach with a recent trend toward a minimally invasive approach.

AIM

This is a retrospective study of our institutional experience with neonatal thoracoscopic management of CDH, with the impact of few technical nuances.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The data was collected on neonatal thoracoscopic CDH repair between January 2015 and December 2018, in terms of the demographics, intra-operative parameters, post-operative status, recurrence, and mortality. While analyzing data, we found few technical modifications adopted by the surgeon such as trimming the margin of the defect, use of prosthetic mesh overlay reinforcement for repairs under tension, and to prefer extra-corporeal knotting along with higher placement of trocar, temporary increase in CO₂, maximal use of muscle relaxant, extra-corporeal corner hitch stitch at some point, and continuation for further cases. An internal comparison was made to analyze the technical modifications influencing the outcomes, by dividing them into two groups, those with (group A) and without modifications (group B). The data was analyzed using SPSS software (IBM, Version 23). A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Out of 45 newborns 64.4% were males with an average birth weight of 2.6 kg. Baseline variables were comparable between the groups. The operating time significantly reduced after a higher-level camera port was used (P-value: 0.0001). The mean follow-up was 30.8 months. There were totally seven recurrences (6 in group A and 1 in group B), all within 12 months. Seven parents gave the overall post-treatment feedback as "unsatisfied". The operating time, recurrence rate, and parental satisfaction feedback were significantly less in group B (P-value: 0.001).

CONCLUSION

We recommend trimming the margin of the defect, use of prosthetic mesh overlay reinforcement for repairs under tension, and to prefer extra-corporeal knotting along with higher placement of trocar, temporary increase in CO₂, maximal use of muscle relaxant, extra-corporeal corner hitch stitch to reduce the operating time, and recurrence after thoracoscopic CDH repair.

Management of Subacute Thyroiditis - A Systematic Review of Current Treatment Protocols

Purpose

This systematic review endeavors to find an effective treatment protocol for subacute thyroiditis (SAT) to minimize side effects, recurrence and long-term hypothyroidism.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed available original studies on treatment protocols for SAT. A thorough literature search was performed on the following online databases PubMed, Cochrane library nd Google Scholar using appropriate keywords for choosing relevant articles. Two reviewers assessed the methodological quality of selected articles independently using a critical appraisal instrument. The results were analyzed and synthesized qualitatively using the level of evidence method.

Results

The literature search retrieved a total of 460 publications after abstract screening; out of which 36 articles met the inclusion criteria. After full text screening, 23 articles were further excluded as they were focusing on aspects of SAT other than management, the remaining 15 articles were investigated for both reliability and validity. Thirteen studies provided low-quality evidence, and two randomized control trials (RCT) provided a high quality of evidence. Steroid therapy was found to be the most effective for moderate to severe SAT and provided relief from acute symptoms but was found to not be a risk factor for recurrence. Low initial doses of steroid (15 mg) were preferred over high initial dosage (30–40 mg). Furthermore, a look into the mode of steroid delivery (RCT) revealed that intrathyroidal steroid therapy can potentially become a safer and faster mode of therapy. The duration of tapering was found to be of significance as a short tapering period was linked with greater recurrence rates.

Conclusion

Low initial doses of steroid along with an extended tapering period may help lower recurrence rates; also, intrathyroidal steroid injections are potentially a better alternative to oral prednisone (PSN) with regard to safety and speed of action. However, the evidence is of moderate quality and further investigation is required.

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On solving the chlorine transport model via Laplace transform

This paper analyzes the two-dimensional chlorine-transport model in pipes. The studied model is in the form of a second-order partial differential equation with a set of boundary conditions. Obtaining exact solution for the current model is a challenge due to the nature of the involved boundary conditions, especially, when applying the Laplace transform. However, such difficulties are solved via implementing the method of residues. The exact solution is obtained in terms of the Bessel functions. The expression for a dimensionless cup-mixing average concentration is also derived analytically. The proposed approach is validated via numerical examples for comparing the results with those in the literature. The present analysis/approach is effective/straightforward and can be further applied on other similar models under different boundary conditions.

"Combining omental plug and patch: A simple adjunct to safer repair of giant prepyloric perforations"

Giant prepyloric perforation (i.e size > 2 cm) is a challenging surgical problem; options include repair with an omental patch or an omental plug. Alternative methods are more complicated. However, the leak rate and mortality is unacceptably high. This prompted us to combine the omental plug and patch for an effective repair. We present a case series of five patients repaired in this fashion, all of whom had an uneventful recovery, except for one who had a superficial abdominal wound dehiscence, but there was neither post-operative leak nor mortality. The mean hospital stay was 12 days.

Cadaveric study to assess the feasibility of S1 neurectomy and contralateral S1 transfer for spastic hemiparesis

Purpose

Acquired brain injury causing spasticity, pain and loss of function is a major cause of disability and lower quality of life. Sacral 1 (S1) neurectomy claims promising outcomes in spastic hemiparesis. This cadaveric study was conducted to study the surgical anatomy, surgical approach and feasibility of S1 neurectomy and contralateral S1 (cS1) transfer.

Methods

This study was conducted over a period of 10 months and 10 cadavers (age 18-60 years, 7 male and 3 female) were included in the study. 2 cadavers underwent endoscopic S1 neurectomy and 8 cadavers underwent open S1 neurectomy. Mean S1 root length and diameter were recorded using Schirmer tear strips and Vernier calliper. Feasibility of transfer was also assessed by measuring the length of donor nerve and distance between distal ends to proximal end of recipient nerve.

Results

Mean thickness of right S1 root was 4.02 ± 1.5 mm and left S1 was 3.89 ± 1.18 mm. Mean length of right S1 root was 24.9 ± 4.56 mm and left S1 was 23.6 ± 2.86 mm. Endoscopically dissected length of S1 was much less as compared to open technique.

Conclusion

S1 neurectomy is simple procedure to reduce spasticity in lower limb without any permanent deficit. It can be done by open as well as with endoscopic approach while for contralateral S1 transfer open approach need to be used.

Rotational Occipital Scalp Flap for Occipital Pressure Ulcer

Occipital pressure ulcers and wound gaping may occur in unconscious and malnourished patients. Most of the time, a large defect requires wound coverage by scalp flaps. This video describes a rotational occipital scalp flap for occipital pressure ulcer and wound gaping in a patient of operated midline posterior fossa mass & ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The defect measured 2.25 × 2.5 cm with exposed inion. The wound was included in an imaginary triangle, and the horizontal and vertical incision lengths were about four times the base of the triangle. The flap was based on the left occipital artery and raised in an avascular plane above the periosteum. The wound margins were freshened and undermined. The flap was rotated to bring it over the defect, and suturing was done in the standard manner. The flap had good healing, and the patient continued to be under care for his cerebellar medulloblastoma.

A Technique of Immobilization of Digits by Spinal or Intracath Needle Following Soft Tissue Surgery

After release of post burn flexion contracture and repair of soft tissue injury of digits, it is desirable to maintain the digits in full extension. This is conventionally done by insertion of Kirschner wires across the interphalangeal or metacarpophalangeal joints. We have been inserting a spinal or intracath needle in a dorsal supra-periosteal plane for immobilizing digits after release of post burn contractures or repair of soft tissue injury. The needle is maintained for 2-3 weeks, and all patients achieved stable immobilization of digits. There were no major complications. This procedure is minimally invasive, simple to perform, and provides stable immobilization. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Surgical innovation in LMICs-The perspective from India

Surgical Innovations are central to surgical progress, and have led to exponential growth in various fields of Surgery. Surgical Innovations in Lower and Middle Income Countries are the result of creativity of frontline health workers in search of simple, safe and ethical solutions for their unique challenges. The key lies in: 'simplifying the idea/technique/device' to find patients' needs-driven low-cost innovative surgical solutions; which can be used on a wider scale to achieve health equity for underserved populations. Local surgeons understand the difficulties and nuances of various problems and can provide local-evidence-based customized solutions for their patients' health problems. We developed a Surgical Innovation Ecosystem allowing us to see difficulties as opportunities, learn from everyone and conduct research on what is 'important' rather than what is 'interesting'. Barriers to Surgical Innovations in Lower and Middle Income Countries are well known; however, a roadmap to overcome these barriers is now available. The right balance has to be found between encouraging creativity and innovation while maintaining ethical awareness and responsibility to patients. Introduction and adoption of Surgical Innovations are governed by evidence-based principles and have to undergo a rigorous and scientific evaluation. Science of Surgical Innovations has finally come of age and is getting its due recognition and the pioneering innovators are receiving the much needed appreciation and support.

A Low-cost model of breast biopsy for the training of surgical residents during COVID-19 pandemic

We describe a low-cost simulation model for teaching core needle biopsy to surgical trainees in Low- and Middle-income countries (LMICs). Pre-session and post-session surveys showed that correct core sampling (ability to hit the beetroot) after training was 91.4% compared to 75.7% before demonstration and improved adequacy (68.5% before v. 85.7% after). This low-cost model using locally available products is designed to simulate a palpable breast lump and can easily be incorporated into surgical training in LMICs, where a palpable breast lump is the commonest presentation of breast cancer.

Partnering for rotavirus vaccine introduction in India: A retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

The pre-existing partner network created in India for the delivery of polio vaccines was initially used to eradicate polio and later on embedded in the health systems network to promote routine immunization and other health interventions efficiently. The experience from this network offered lessons for strengthening the health care systems and provided a well-established network that could be utilized for other vaccine initiatives. It has also been established that successful partnerships between a broad range of stakeholders provide support, strengthen the health system, and accelerate vaccine innovation, introduction, access, logistics, and communication support. However, beyond polio eradication, there have not been too many documented success stories of vaccine introduction, which could be replicated in other new vaccine introductions and allied health initiatives. The authors have reviewed the successful and time-bound introduction of rotavirus vaccine (RVV) in India in the present article.

METHODS

The review was conducted based on a partnership framework which analysed multiple factors-partnership prerequisites, partnership model, partnership process, and partnership performance, thereby providing a comprehensive insight into the successful utilization of partnership networks for rotavirus vaccine introduction under the Universal Immunization Program in India.

RESULTS & CONCLUSION

The review also highlights the role of a lead agency in creating a fertile ground for lush, efficient, and effective partnerships amongst different stakeholders. The already existing RVV partnership framework reviewed by the authors can be successfully utilized for future new vaccine introductions.

Total eyelid complex sparing orbital exenteration for mucormycosis

Orbital exenteration is a radical surgery which involves complete removal of the orbital contents along with all or parts of the eyelid. However, the eyelid complex can be totally spared in cases of necrotising disease such as mucormycosis without compromising on exposure, or fear of devascularisation of the lids. We describe a total eyelid complex preserving orbital exenteration. Preservation of the total eyelid complex has the potential to speed up the healing process and provide dynamic functional and cosmetic rehabilitation.

Surgical Clinical Trials in India: Underutilized Opportunities

Clinical trials in Surgery are central to research; however, very few surgical clinical trials are conducted in India. Such paucity of surgical trials is a cause for concern, and prompted us to explore the recent landscape of surgical trials in India. We reviewed all clinical trials from general surgery or subspecialties of general surgery registered with the Clinical Trials Registry of India website between 2018 to 15 th May 2021. Specific details such as the surgical subspecialty, study design, multicentric or single institution and funding were obtained. We found a total of 16,710 trials, out of these 4119 (24.6%) were related to all surgical fields. Only 136 (0.8%) trials were found from general surgery and its subspecialties. Most trials were registered from Central Government Institutions (48%), followed by State Government Medical Colleges (11%). Most number of trials was registered from GI surgery (32%). Most (90.5%) trials were single centre based. Common barriers to research are well known; if the State Government Medical Colleges can mentor a culture of research from an early stage of surgical training it can improve research productivity. Multicentre trials, involving smaller hospitals from tier 2 and tier 3 cities, are a potential solution to one of the major obstacles of surgical trials i.e. small number of patients; especially in this pandemic induced draught of elective surgical operations. A positive change in attitude of surgeons and provision of necessary funding can encourage more surgical clinical trials in India.

Simple Indigenous Two-Point Discrimination Testing Device

Background

Measurement of two-point discrimination (2-PD) is used in clinical practice to evaluate the severity of nerve injuries, neuropathy, and recovery of patients following nerve repair. Commercially available 2-PD testing devices are costly and therefore not available everywhere.

Methods and Material

We made an economical indigenous 2-PD testing device from off-the-shelf components and tested its efficacy in volunteers.

Statistical Analysis

The data were analyzed using Minitab Statistical Software Version 17.0 and Kappa statistics were used in the assessment of agreement between two devices.

Results

A total of 30 (23 men, 7 women) subjects were included in the study. There was good agreement between the measurements of static 2-PD with the two different test devices: from fair (Kappa = 0.408, P = 0.018) to strong (Kappa = 0.618-0.795, P = 0.000).

Conclusions

This device is simple to make, very economical, and obtains accurate 2-PD measurements.

POS1028 PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS & CLINICAL FEATURES ASSOCIATE WITH HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN BIO-NAÏVE PATIENTS WITH ACTIVE PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS THROUGH WEEK 24 OF THE DISCOVER-2 STUDY

Background:

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by peripheral arthritis, axial inflammation, dactylitis, enthesitis, & skin/nail psoriasis. Patients (pts) with PsA often experience reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) due to these features.

Objectives:

Using EuroQoL-5 dimension-5 level (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire index & visual analog scale (EQ-VAS) scores, we assessed HRQoL in pts with PsA & its association with pt characteristics & clinical features of PsA, including fatigue.

Methods:

The Phase 3 DISCOVER-2 trial evaluated guselkumab (GUS), a human monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-23p19-subunit, in bio-naïve adults with active PsA (swollen joint count [SJC] ≥5, tender joint count [TJC] ≥5, C-reactive protein [CRP] ≥0.6 mg/dL) despite standard therapies.1 Pts were randomized 1:1:1 to GUS 100 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W); GUS 100 mg at Week 0 (W0), W4, then Q8W; or placebo (PBO). EQ-5D-5L index assesses mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, & anxiety/depression. EQ-VAS assesses pt health state. Spearman correlation testing was used to evaluate relationships between baseline (BL) pt characteristics & PsA clinical features & BL EQ-5D-5L index & EQ-VAS scores (Figure 1). Employing absolute observed scores at both W0 & W24, univariate linear regression was used to assess the association between EQ-5D-5L index & EQ-VAS scores & pt characteristics/PsA clinical features. Variables with p<0.20 in the univariate analysis were included in a multivariate analysis employing mixed-effect model for repeated measures (MMRM), controlling for all other variables; resulting p values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Least-squares (LS) mean changes in EQ-5D-5L index & EQ-VAS were assessed at W24 using MMRM.

Results:

Among 738 pts, BL EQ-5D-5L index & EQ-VAS scores were moderately to strongly correlated (ie, ≥0.4) with BL pt-reported pain (0-10 VAS), physical function (Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index [HAQ-DI]), fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue [FACIT-F] scale), & 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) physical & mental component summary (PCS & MCS) scores & weakly correlated with other variables (Figure 1). Based on univariate analyses (p<0.20) & evaluation of collinearity between variables, attributes at W0 & W24 included in the multivariate models were age, sex, CRP, FACIT-F, pain, psoriasis area & severity index (PASI) score, TJC, SJC, enthesitis, & dactylitis. In the final model, CRP, FACIT-F, pain, PASI score, & the presence of dactylitis were significantly associated with EQ-5D-5L index & EQ-VAS scores. A higher TJC was significantly associated with a worse EQ-5D-5L index score. A higher SJC was significantly associated with a worse EQ-VAS score (Table 1). For reference, in the GUS Q4W (N=244), GUS Q8W (N=246), & PBO (N=244) groups, the LS mean changes from baseline at W24 were 0.12, 0.12, & 0.05, respectively, for EQ-5D-5L index & 18.1, 18.4, & 6.8, respectively, for EQ-VAS.

Conclusion:

Joint & skin symptoms, dactylitis, fatigue, pain, & elevated levels of CRP were significantly associated with reduced HRQoL (measured by EQ-5D-5L index & EQ-VAS) in bio-naïve pts with active PsA. Treatment of multiple PsA domains may help optimize HRQoL. Improvement across clinical domains1 & in HRQoL has been observed in GUS-treated pts with PsA.

References:

[1]Mease P, et al. Lancet 2020;395:1126-36.

Table 1.

Multivariate analysis of pt characteristics/clinical features & EQ-5D-5L index & EQ-VAS scores at W0 & W24

ParameterEQ-5D-5L IndexEQ-VASEstimatep valueEstimatep valueAge (y)-0.00010.690.060.12Female-0.0030.531.110.20CRP (mg/dL)-0.005<0.001-0.510.007FACIT-F (0-52)0.007<0.0010.57<0.001Pain (0-10)-0.02<0.001-3.47<0.001PASI (0-72)-0.0010.03-0.17<0.001SJC (0-66)-0.0010.21-0.170.02TJC (0-68)-0.0010.04-0.040.41Dactylitis (Y/N)0.010.021.740.49Enthesitis (Y/N)-0.0040.33-0.980.22

Disclosure of Interests:

Jeffrey Curtis Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Corrona, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Myriad, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Corrona, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Myriad, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, and UCB, Iain McInnes Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, and UCB, Dafna D Gladman Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB, Feifei Yang Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Global Services, LLC, Steve Peterson Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Global Services, LLC, Prasheen Agarwal Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Alexa Kollmeier Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Elizabeth C Hsia Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Chenglong Han Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, May Shawi Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Global Services, LLC, William Tillett Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, MSD, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Philip J Mease Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, SUN, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, SUN, and UCB, Proton Rahman Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and UCB, Grant/research support from: Janssen and Novartis.

POS0200 CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS & OUTCOMES ASSOCIATE WITH WORK PRODUCTIVITY IN BIO-NAÏVE PATIENTS WITH ACTIVE PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS THROUGH WEEK 24 OF THE DISCOVER-2 STUDY

Background:

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by peripheral arthritis, axial inflammation, dactylitis, enthesitis & skin/nail psoriasis, causes impaired physical function, disability & loss of work productivity.

Objectives:

Evaluate associations between PsA clinical characteristics & outcomes including fatigue & work productivity using Work Productivity & Activity Impairment Questionnaire: PsA (WPAI-PsA).

Methods:

The Phase 3 DISCOVER-2 trial assessed guselkumab (GUS), an anti-IL-23p19 subunit monoclonal antibody, in bio-naïve adults with active PsA (swollen joint count [SJC] ≥5 & tender joint count [TJC] ≥5, C-reactive protein [CRP] ≥0.6 mg/dL) despite standard therapies.1 Patients (Pts) were randomized 1:1:1 to GUS 100 mg Q4W; GUS 100 mg at W0, W4, then Q8W; or placebo (PBO). WPAI-PsA assesses PsA-related work time missed (absenteeism), impairment while working (presenteeism), productivity loss (absenteeism+presenteeism), & daily activity during the previous week. Spearman correlation testing evaluated relationships between pt demographics & disease characteristics of PsA & WPAI domain scores based on observed values at baseline. Univariate linear regression assessed associations between WPAI & these variables based on observed data at W0 & at W24. Variables with p<0.10 were included in a multivariate analysis employing a mixed-effects model for repeated measures, controlling for all other variables; resulting p-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results:

As reported elsewhere,2 least-squares mean % changes from baseline at W24 were -3.8/-19.5/-20.0/-20.5 for GUS Q4W, -3.1/-19.4/-19.7/-21.5 for GUS Q8W, & -3.5/-10.2/-10.9/-10.3 for PBO for absenteeism, presenteeism, absenteeism+presenteeism, & daily activity impairment, respectively. Among 738 pts, WPAI domain scores were moderately to strongly correlated (ie, ≥0.4) with pt-reported pain (0-10 visual analog scale), physical function (Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index [HAQ-DI]), fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue [FACIT-F] scale) & 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) Physical Component Summary (PCS) score, but weakly correlated with other variables (Figure 1). Based on univariate analyses & evaluation of collinearity between variables, attributes included in multivariate models were age, body mass index (BMI), gender, CRP, FACIT-F, pain, Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), TJC, SJC, enthesitis & dactylitis. In final model, CRP, FACIT-F, & pain were statistically significantly associated with all WPAI domains (Table 1). Presence of enthesitis & higher PASI score were significantly associated with higher loss of work productivity & activity outside work.

Conclusion:

In PsA pts, extra-articular symptoms, fatigue, pain & elevated CRP were significantly associated with WPAI-assessed work & activity impairment. Treating all major clinical manifestations of PsA is needed to help pts improve work & activity impairment. GUS effectively treats all major clinical manifestations1 & improves work & activity impairment in PsA.2

References:

[1]Mease P. Lancet 2020;395:1126-36.

[2]Curtis J. ACR 2020; Poster 0332.

Table 1.

Multivariate analysis of clinical characteristics/outcomes & WPAI domains at W0 & W24

ParameterAbsenteeismaPresenteeismaProductivity LossaActivity ImpairmentbEstimatep-valueEstimatep-valueEstimatep-valueEstimatep-valueAge-0.050.42-0.27<0.001-0.28<0.001-0.060.17Female0.910.46-1.540.22-1.740.202.380.02CRP0.730.040.970.011.010.010.89<0.001FACIT-F-0.31<0.001-0.67<0.001-0.73<0.001-0.75<0.001Pain1.03<0.0014.15<0.0014.25<0.0014.02<0.001PASI0.060.360.160.020.140.050.150.003SJC0.080.48-0.050.61-0.050.660.030.75TJC-0.100.130.110.090.090.190.100.04Dactylitis (Y/N)-1.100.392.470.052.580.050.540.57Enthesitis (Y/N)1.520.202.380.042.990.012.400.01

aPts working at baseline

bAll pts in study

Disclosure of Interests:

Jeffrey Curtis Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Corrona, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Myriad, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Corrona, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Myriad, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, and UCB, Iain McInnes Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, and UCB, Dafna D Gladman Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB, Feifei Yang Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Steve Peterson Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Prasheen Agarwal Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Alexa Kollmeier Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Elizabeth C Hsia Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Chenglong Han Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, May Shawi Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, William Tillett Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, MSD, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, and Novartis, Philip J Mease Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, SUN, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, SUN, and UCB, Proton Rahman Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and UCB, Grant/research support from: Janssen and Novartis

AB0538 POOLED SAFETY RESULTS FROM TWO PHASE-3 TRIALS OF GUSELKUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS THROUGH 1 YEAR

Background:

DISCOVER 1 & 2, two double-blind, phase-3, psoriatic arthritis (PsA) trials of guselkumab (GUS, an IL-23 inhibitor), demonstrated significant improvement with GUS vs placebo (PBO) in signs and symptoms of PsA, with good tolerability, at week (w) 24 during the PBO-controlled period.1,2 Beyond w24, all patients (pts) switched to GUS. Continued treatment maintained efficacy through w52.3,4

Objectives:

To describe pooled safety results from the DISCOVER 1 & 2 trials through 1-year of GUS treatment.

Methods:

Adults with active PsA (DISCOVER 1: ≥3 tender/swollen joints and C-Reactive protein [CRP] ≥0.3 mg/dL; DISCOVER 2: ≥5 tender/swollen joints and CRP ≥0.6 mg/dL) were randomized to subcutaneous GUS 100 mg at w0, w4, then every 8 w (q8w); GUS 100 mg q4w; or PBO. At w24, PBO pts switched to GUS 100 mg q4w. Pts were biologic naive except ~30% pts in DISCOVER 1. Safety was reported through w60 in DISCOVER 1 and through w52 in DISCOVER 2.

Results:

Baseline characteristics were similar between treatment groups in the pooled studies. Through w24 and 1 year, numbers of pts per 100 patient years with ≥1 event were similar among treatment groups for adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, infections, serious infections, and discontinuations due to AE (Table 1). At 1 year, there were no cases of active tuberculosis, opportunistic infections (including candida), or inflammatory bowel disease in GUS-treated pts; 2 deaths in PBO pts; and low incidences that were similar across treatment groups for malignancy, major adverse cardiac events, and injection-site reactions. Incidence of anti-GUS antibodies was 4.5%, and most were not neutralizing. Mild elevations in serum hepatic transaminases and decreases in neutrophil counts were consistent at 1 year with the results at w24 (Table 1).

Conclusion:

GUS regimens of q8w and q4w were well tolerated in PsA pts through 1 year of treatment in the phase-3 DISCOVER trials, consistent with the w24 results. No meaningful differences between incidences of AEs were reported in the q8w and q4w groups. The safety profile of GUS in PsA pts is generally comparable with the previously established safety profile of GUS.

References:

[1]Deodhar A et al. Lancet. 2020;395:1115

[2]Mease P et al. Lancet. 2020;395:1126

[3]Ritchlin C et al. EULAR 2020 # SAT0397

[4]McInnes I et al. EULAR 2020 # SAT0402

Table 1.

Number of Patients with AEs per 100 PY and Incidence of AEs of Interest

Time Period24 Weeks1 Year*Treatment GroupPBOGUS SC 100 mgPBO to GUS‡GUS SC 100 mgDosing ScheduleMatchingq8wq4wGUSCombined†q4wq8wq4wGUSCombined‡ N3723753737483523753731100Total PY Follow-Up173173172346204384385589Patients with AEs per 100 PY, n (95% CI)≥1 AE143 (123, 166)148 (127, 171)154 (132, 178)151 (136, 167)92 (77, 108)114 (100, 130)115 (101, 131)109 (100, 117)≥1 Serious AE7.1 (3.7, 12)4.1 (1.6, 8.4)4.7 (2.0, 9.3)4.4 (2.5, 7.3)7.0 (3.8, 11.8)4.8 (2.9, 7.6)4.0 (2.2, 6.6)4.9 (3.6, 6.6)≥1 Infection50 (39, 62)47 (37, 59)52 (42, 65)49 (42, 58)39 (31, 49)41 (34, 48)38 (31, 45)39 (35, 44)≥1 Serious Infection1.7 (0.4, 5.1)0.6 (0.0, 3.2)1.8 (0.4, 5.1)1.2 (0.3, 3.0)2.5 (0.8, 5.8)1.3 (0.4, 3.1)0.8 (0.2, 2.3)1.3 (0.7, 2.3)Discontinued due to AE4.1 (1.6, 8.4)2.9 (1.0, 6.8)4.7 (2.0, 9.3)3.8 (2.0, 6.5)3.5 (1.4, 7.1)2.1 (0.9, 4.1)2.6 (1.3, 4.8)2.6 (1.7, 3.8)AEs of Interest§, n (%)Death2 (0.5)0000000Malignancy1 (0.3)2 (0.5)02 (0.3)1 (0.3)2 (0.5)03 (0.3)Major Adverse Cardiac Events1 (0.3)01 (0.3)1 (0.1)001 (0.3)1 (0.1)Opportunistic Infections00000000Tuberculosis00000000Inflammatory Bowel Disease1 (0.3)0000000Injection-Site Reaction1 (0.3)5 (1.3)4 (1.1)9 (1.2)4 (1.1)6 (1.6)9 (2.4)19 (1.7)Anti-GUS Antibody+-6/373 (1.6)9/371 (2.4)15/744 (2.0)14/350 (4.0)18/373 (4.8)17/371 (4.6)49/1094 (4.5)

*Through w60 for DISCOVER 1 and w52 for DISCOVER 2; †Combined GUS q8w and q4w; ‡For patients who switched from PBO to GUS, only data on and after first GUS administration were included in this group; §PBO N=370.

AE, adverse event; CI, confidence interval; GUS, guselkumab; PBO, placebo; PY, patient year; q4w, every 4 weeks; q8w, every 8 weeks; SC, subcutaneous; w, week

Disclosure of Interests:

Christopher T. Ritchlin Grant/research support from: Received grant/research support from UCB Pharma, AbbVie, Amgen, consultation fees from UCB Pharma, Amgen, AbbVie, Lilly, Pfizer, Novartis, Gilead, Janssen, Proton Rahman Speakers bureau: Received speakers fees from Abbott, AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Celgene, Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Grant/research support from: Received grant/research support from Janssen and Novartis, consultation fees from Abbott, AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Celgene, Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, and Pfizer., Philip Helliwell Consultant of: Consultation fees paid to charity (AbbVie, Amgen, Pfizer, UCB) or himself (Celgene, Galapagos), Grant/research support from: Received grants/research support paid to charity (AbbVie, Janssen, Novartis), Wolf-Henning Boehncke Consultant of: Received consultation fees from Janssen, Grant/research support from: Received grant/research support from Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Iain McInnes Consultant of: Received consultation fees from AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly and Company, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: Received grant/research support from Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly and Company, Janssen, and UCB, Alice B Gottlieb Speakers bureau: Received speakers fees from Pfizer, AbbVie, BMS, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi, Sandoz, Nordic, Celltrion and UCB, Consultant of: Received consultation fees from Pfizer, AbbVie, BMS, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi, Sandoz, Nordic, Celltrion and UCB, Grant/research support from: Received grant/research support from Pfizer, AbbVie, BMS, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi, Sandoz, Nordic, Celltrion and UCB, Shelly Kafka Shareholder of: Shareholder of Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Employee of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Alexa Kollmeier Shareholder of: Shareholder of Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Employee of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Elizabeth C Hsia Shareholder of: Shareholder of Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Employee of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Xie L Xu Shareholder of: Shareholder of Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Employee of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, May Shawi Shareholder of: Shareholder of Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Employee of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Shihong Sheng Shareholder of: Shareholder of Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Employee of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Prasheen Agarwal Shareholder of: Shareholder of Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Employee of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Bei Zhou Shareholder of: Shareholder of Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Employee of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Paraneedharan Ramachandran Shareholder of: Shareholder of Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Employee of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Philip J Mease Speakers bureau: Received speakers fees from Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Eli Lilly, Genentech, Janssen, Pfizer, UCB – speakers bureau, Consultant of: Received consultation fees from Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharmaceutical, UCB, Grant/research support from: Received grant/research support from Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharmaceutical, UCB.

POS1026 GUSELKUMAB PROVIDES SUSTAINED IMPROVEMENTS IN WORK PRODUCTIVITY AND NON-WORK ACTIVITY IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS: RESULTS THROUGH 1 YEAR OF A PHASE 3 TRIAL

Background:

DISCOVER-2 was a Phase 3 trial of the first-in-class anti-IL-23-specific mAb guselkumab (GUS) in patients (pts) with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). PsA impacts patients’ productivity at work and in daily activity.1

Objectives:

To evaluate the effect of GUS on work productivity and daily activity in DISCOVER-2 through 1 year using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: PsA (WPAI- PsA).

Methods:

Bio-naïve adults with active PsA despite nonbiologic DMARDs &/or NSAIDs received subcutaneous GUS 100 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W); GUS 100 mg W0, W4, then Q8W; or placebo (PBO). At W24, PBO pts crossed over to GUS 100 mg Q4W. WPAI-PsA assesses PsA-related work time missed (absenteeism), impairment while working (presenteeism), impaired overall work productivity (absenteeism + presenteeism), and daily activity during the previous week. A shift analysis evaluated proportions of pts employed vs unemployed (regardless of desire to work) over time. Among pts working at baseline, least-squares (LS) mean changes from baseline in WPAI-PsA domains were determined using a mixed-effects model for repeated measures analysis, whereby mean changes in WPAI-PsA domains were calculated for each multiple imputation (MI) dataset using an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA); the reported LSmean is the average of all MI datasets. Also, among pts employed at baseline, indirect savings from improved overall work productivity were estimated using 2020 EU mean yearly wage estimate (all occupations).2

Results:

In pts working at baseline, significant improvement in work productivity and non-work activity vs PBO was observed at W24. Productivity gains seen with GUS at W24 continued to improve through 1 year (Table 1). Shift analysis showed relatively stable employment in pts employed at baseline (62% of shift analysis cohort) through 1 year of GUS (>91% continued to work when assessed at W16, W24, and W52 [data not shown]). For those unemployed at baseline (38% of cohort), the proportion of pts working increased by ~10% following 1 year of GUS (Figure 1). Potential yearly indirect savings from improved overall work productivity were: €7409 GUS Q4W and €7039 GUS Q8W vs €4075 PBO at W24 and were €8520 GUS Q4W, €9632 GUS Q8W, and €6668 PBO→GUS Q4W at W52.

Conclusion:

Improvement in work productivity and non-work activity was greater with GUS vs PBO among pts with active PsA through W52. Improvements demonstrated may result in reduction in PsA costs associated with work productivity.

References:

[1]Tillett W et al. Rheumatol (Oxford). 2012;51:275–83.

[2]OECD (2020). Average wages (indicator). https://data.oecd.org/earnwage/average-wages.htm

Table 1.

Model-based estimates of LSmean changea (95% CI) from baseline in WPAI-PsA domains among pts working at baseline and with an observed change through W24 (N=474) and W52 (N=475)

Change from baselineGUS 100mg Q4WGUS 100mg Q8WPBO(W0-24)PBO → GUS 100 mg Q4W (W24-52)VisitW24W52W24W52W24W52Absenteeism, N145145147147162163LSmean-3.4 (-6.5,-0.3)-4.1 (-6.8,-1.5)-3.0 (-6.0,0.1)-4.0 (-6.6,-1.3)-3.0 (-6.0, 0.04)-3.0 (-5.5,-0.4)Diff vs. PBO-0.4 (-4.6,3.8)-0.01 (-4.2, 4.2)Presenteeism, N145145147147162163LSmean-20.1 (-23.7,-16.6)-22.4 (-26.3,-18.6)-19.6 (-23.2,-16.1)-25.7 (-29.5,-21.8)-10.5 (-13.9,-7.0)-18.5 (-22.2,-14.7)Diff vs PBO-9.7* (-14.4,-5.0)-9.2* (-13.9,-4.5)Work productivity, N145145147147162163LSmean-20.1 (-24.1,-16.1)-22.6 (-26.8,-18.3)-19.2 (-23.1,-15.2)-25.9 (-30.0,-21.7)-10.6 (-14.4,-6.8)-17.6 (-21.7,-13.6)Diff vs PBO-9.5* (-14.8,-4.2)-8.6* (-13.9,-3.3)Non-work Activity, N242242246246245245LSmean-20.5 (-23.3,-17.7)-25.7 (-28.6,-22.7)-21.2 (-23.9,-18.4)-25.4 (-28.4,-22.5)-9.9 (-12.6,-7.1)-22.3 (-25.3,-19.4)Diff vs PBO-10.6* (-14.4,-6.8)-11.3* (-15.1,-7.5)

CI=Confidence interval

a. LSmean for each MI dataset is calculated based on an ANCOVA model for the change from baseline at W24/W52. The combined LSmean, which is the average of the LSmean, taken over all the MI datasets, is presented.

*p<0.05

Disclosure of Interests:

Jeffrey Curtis Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Corrona, Janssen, Lilly, Myriad, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Corrona, Janssen, Lilly, Myriad, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, and UCB, Iain McInnes Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly and Company, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly and Company, Janssen, and UCB, Steve Peterson Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Global Services, LLC, Prasheen Agarwal Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Feifei Yang Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Global Services, LLC, Alexa Kollmeier Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Elizabeth C Hsia Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Chenglong Han Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, William Tillett Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, MSD, Pfizer Inc, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, and UCB, Philip J Mease Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingelheim and GlaxoSmithKline, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, SUN, and UCB, Proton Rahman Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and UCB, Grant/research support from: Janssen and Novartis.

Arteriovenous supercharging: A novel approach to improve reliability of the distally based sural flap

Complex soft-tissue defects of the distal third of the leg, foot and ankle with exposed bones/joints, tendons and implants need a flap for their closure. Distally based sural flap is commonly used, but it has a high partial necrosis rate due to venous insufficiency. We addressed this issue with AV supercharging by dorsalis pedis artery with short saphenous vein. Eight patients (seven males, mean age 34.12 years) with post traumatic lower limb defects over heel and foot were included. All flaps survived and healed although four flaps developed superficial partial epidermolysis. Average healing time was 20.12 days. Closure of the AV fistula was not required in any of the patients. At mean follow-up of two months, all patients were ambulatory with well settled flap. Arteriovenous supercharging of distally based sural flap through short saphenous vein improves the distal arterial perfusion in the flap and prevents distal flap necrosis.