Predicting gout flares in people starting allopurinol using the start-low go-slow dose escalation strategy

OBJECTIVE

To determine predictors of gout flare when commencing allopurinol using the "start-low go-slow" dose escalation strategy.

METHODS

A post hoc analysis of a 12 month double-blind placebo-controlled non-inferiority trial with participants randomised 1:1 to colchicine 0.5mg daily or placebo for the first six months was undertaken. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify independent predictors of gout flares in the first and last six months of the trial.

RESULTS

Multivariable analysis revealed a significant association between risk of a gout flare in the first six months and flare in the month prior to starting allopurinol (odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) 2.65 (1.36-5.17)) and allopurinol 100mg starting dose (OR (95% CI) 3.21 (1.41-7.27)). The predictors of any gout flares in the last six months of the trial, after stopping colchicine or placebo, were having received colchicine (OR (95% CI) 2.95 (1.48-5.86)), at least one flare in the month prior to stopping study drug (OR (95% CI) 5.39 (2.21-13.15)), and serum urate ≥0.36mmol/L at month 6 (OR (95% CI) 2.85 (1.14-7.12)).

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-inflammatory prophylaxis when starting allopurinol using the "start-low go-slow" dose escalation strategy may be best targeted at those who have had a gout flare in the month prior to starting allopurinol and are commencing allopurinol 100mg daily. For those with ongoing gout flares during the first six months of starting allopurinol who have not yet achieved serum urate target, a longer period of prophylaxis may be required.

Protocol for a randomised controlled trial of ketamine versus ketamine and behavioural activation therapy for adults with treatment-resistant depression in the community

INTRODUCTION

Although short-term benefits follow parenteral ketamine for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (TR-MDD), there are challenges that prevent routine use of ketamine by clinicians. These include acute dissociative effects of parenteral ketamine, high relapse rates following ketamine dosing and the uncertain role of psychotherapy. This randomised controlled trial (RCT) seeks to establish the feasibility of evaluating repeated oral doses of ketamine and behavioural activation therapy (BAT), compared with ketamine treatment alone, for TR-MDD. We also aim to compare relapse rates between treatment arms to determine the effect size of adding BAT to oral ketamine.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a prospectively registered, two-centre, single-blind RCT. We aim to recruit 60 participants with TR-MDD aged between 18 and 65 years. Participants will be randomised to 8 weeks of oral ketamine and BAT, or 8 weeks of oral ketamine alone. Feasibility will be assessed by tracking attendance for ketamine and BAT, acceptability of treatment measures and retention to the study follow-up protocol. The primary efficacy outcome measure is the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) measured weekly during treatment and fortnightly during 12 weeks of follow-up. Other outcome measures will assess the tolerability of ketamine and BAT, cognition and activity (using actigraphy). Participants will be categorised as non-responders, responders, remitters and relapsed during follow-up. MADRS scores will be analysed using a linear mixed model. For a definitive follow-up RCT study to be recommended, the recruitment expectations will be met and efficacy outcomes consistent with a >20% reduction in relapse rates favouring the BAT and ketamine arm will be achieved.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval was granted by the New Zealand Central Health and Disability Ethics Committee (reference: 2023 FULL18176). Study findings will be reported to participants, stakeholder groups, conferences and peer-reviewed publications.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

UTN: U1111-1294-9310, ACTRN12623000817640p.

Acute calcium pyrophosphate crystal arthritis is associated with an increased rate of hip and knee joint surgery

OBJECTIVE

Acute calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystal arthritis is a distinct manifestation of calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition (CPPD). No studies have specifically examined whether acute CPP crystal arthritis is associated with progressive structural joint damage. The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the relative rate of hip and knee joint arthroplasties as an estimate of structural joint damage accrual, in a population of patients with acute CPP crystal arthritis.

METHODS

Data were collected from Waikato District Health Board (WDHB) to identify an acute CPP crystal arthritis cohort with clinical episodes highly characteristic of acute CPP crystal arthritis. Data on hip and knee joint arthroplasties were collected from the New Zealand Orthopaedic Association's Joint Registry. The rate of arthroplasties in the cohort was compared with the age-ethnicity-matched New Zealand population. Additional analysis was performed for age, obesity (BMI) and ethnicity.

RESULTS

The acute CPP crystal arthritis cohort included 99 patients; 63 were male and the median age was 77 years (interquartile range, 71-82). The obesity rate was 36% with a median BMI of 28.4 kg/m2 (interquartile range, 25.8-32.2), comparable to the New Zealand population. The standardized surgical rate ratio in the cohort vs the age-ethnicity-matched New Zealand population was 2.54 (95% CI: 1.39, 4.27).

CONCLUSION

Our study identified a considerable increase in the rate of hip and knee joint arthroplasties in patients with episodes of acute CPP crystal arthritis. This suggests CPP crystal arthritis may be a chronic condition, leading to progressive joint damage.

Evaluation of Proximal Femoral Bone Mineral Density in Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty: A 3-Arm Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Femoral stem design affects periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD), which may impact long-term survival of cementless implants in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this study was to examine proximal femoral BMD in 3 morphologically different uncemented femoral stem designs to investigate whether any particular design resulted in better preservation of BMD.

METHODS

A total of 119 patients were randomized to receive a proximally coated collarless dual-taper wedge stem, a proximally coated collarless anatomic stem, or a fully coated collarless triple-taper stem. All surgeries were performed via the posterior approach, with mobilization on the day of surgery. Dual x-ray absorptiometry scans (Lunar iDXA, GE Healthcare) assessed BMD across the 7 Gruen zones preoperatively and at 6 weeks and 2 years postoperatively; if available, the native contralateral femur was also assessed as a control. Patient-reported outcomes of pain, function, and health were also assessed at these follow-ups.

RESULTS

Averaged across all stems, BMD increased in zones 1 (2.5%), 2 (17.1%), 3 (13.0%), 5 (10%), and 6 (17.9%) at 2 years. Greater preservation of BMD was measured on the lateral cortex (zone 2) for both the dual-taper wedge and anatomic stems (p = 0.019). The dual-taper wedge stem also demonstrated preservation of BMD in the medial calcar (zone 7), while the anatomic and triple-taper stems declined in this region; however, the difference did not reach significance (p = 0.059). Averaged across all stems, BMD decreased in the mid-diaphysis region, distal to the stem tip (zone 4). All stems performed similarly at the time of final follow-up with respect to the patient-reported outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated maintenance of femoral BMD after use of 3 different cementless femoral stem designs, with all achieving excellent improvements in patient-reported outcomes. The stems designed to load the proximal metaphyseal region resulted in higher BMD in that region. No significant stress-shielding was observed; however, longer follow-up is required to elucidate the impact of this finding on implant survivorship.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level I . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Randomized controlled trial of effects of a familiarization video and patient-controlled Entonox inhalation on patient stress levels and clinical efficacy of flexible sigmoidoscopy without analgesia or sedation for investigation of fresh rectal bleeding

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) without analgesia or sedation can be unpleasant for patients, resulting in unsatisfactory examinations. Prior familiarization videos (FVs) and intra-procedural Entonox inhalation have shown inconsistent effects. This study investigated their effects on undesirable participant factors (anxiety, stress, discomfort, pain, satisfaction, later unpleasant recall of procedure, and vasovagal reactions) and clinical effectiveness (extent of bowel seen, lesions detected, and procedural/recovery times).

METHODS

This cluster-randomized single-center study evaluated 138 participants undergoing FS. There were 46 controls, 49 given access to FV, and 43 access to both FV and self-administered Entonox. Participant factors were measured by self-administered questionnaires, independent nurse assessments, and heart rate variability (HRV) metrics.

RESULTS

Questionnaires showed that the FV group was slightly more tense and upset before FS, but knowledge of Entonox availability reduced anxiety. Nonlinear HRV metrics confirmed reduced intra-procedural stress response in the FV/Entonox group compared with controls and FV alone (P < 0.05). Entonox availability allowed more bowel to be examined (P < 0.001) but increased procedure time (P < 0.05), while FV alone had no effect. FV/Entonox participants reported 1 month after FS less discomfort during the procedure. Other comparisons showed no significant differences between treatment groups, although one HRV metric showed some potential to predict vasovagal reactions.

CONCLUSIONS

Entonox availability significantly improved clinical effectiveness and caused a slight reduction in undesirable participant factors. The FV alone did not reduce undesirable participant factors or improve clinical effectiveness. Nonlinear HRV metrics recorded effects in agreement with stress reduction and may be useful for prediction of vasovagal events in future studies.

Relationship Between Adalimumab Concentrations, Antidrug Antibodies, and Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the influence of patient characteristics and disease activity on adalimumab (ADA) concentrations; to assess the relationships between ADA concentrations, the presence of antidrug antibodies (ADAb), and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA); and to determine the association between cytokine concentrations and ADA concentrations.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of people with RA receiving ADA for at least 4 weeks was undertaken. Disease activity was assessed by the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28), with responders defined as DAS28 ≤ 3.2. Serum and plasma were obtained for ADA concentrations and ADAb, and a panel of cytokines were obtained for a subgroup. ADA concentrations were compared between demographic and clinical subgroups using ANOVA. The independent associations between clinical and demographic features were analyzed using a general linear model. Variables significantly associated with ADA concentrations from the univariate analyses were entered into multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Of the 156 participants, 69.2% were female and the mean age was 57.4 (SD 12.7) years. Multivariate analysis revealed that higher C-reactive protein (P < 0.001) and higher weight (P < 0.004) were independently associated with lower ADA concentrations. ADA concentrations were higher in those with DAS28 ≤ 3.2 compared to those with DAS28 > 3.2 (median 10.8 [IQR 6.4-20.8] mg/L vs 7.1 [IQR 1.5-12.6] mg/L, P < 0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between interleukin 6 (IL-6) and ADA concentrations (r = -0.04, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

ADA concentration correlates negatively with markers of inflammatory disease activity in RA, including IL-6. ADA concentration in the range 5 to 7 mg/L over the dose interval are associated with better disease control.

Is colchicine prophylaxis required with start-low go-slow allopurinol dose escalation in gout? A non-inferiority randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether placebo is non-inferior to low-dose colchicine for reducing gout flares during the first 6 months of allopurinol using the 'start-low go-slow' dose approach.

METHODS

A 12-month double-blind, placebo-controlled non-inferiority trial was undertaken. Adults with at least one gout flare in the preceding 6 months, fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) recommendations for starting urate-lowering therapy and serum urate ≥0.36 mmol/L were recruited. Participants were randomised 1:1 to colchicine 0.5 mg daily or placebo for the first 6 months. All participants commenced allopurinol, increasing monthly to achieve target urate <0.36 mmol/L. The primary efficacy outcome was the mean number of gout flares/month between 0 and 6 months, with a prespecified non-inferiority margin of 0.12 gout flares/month. The primary safety outcome was adverse events over the first 6 months.

RESULTS

Two hundred participants were randomised. The mean (95% CI) number of gout flares/month between baseline and month 6 was 0.61 (0.47 to 0.74) in the placebo group compared with 0.35 (0.22 to 0.49) in the colchicine group, mean difference 0.25 (0.07 to 0.44), non-inferiority p=0.92. There was no difference in the mean number of gout flares/month between randomised groups over the 12-month period (p=0.68). There were 11 serious adverse events in 7 participants receiving colchicine and 3 in 2 receiving placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

Placebo is not non-inferior to colchicine in prevention of gout flares in the first 6 months of starting allopurinol using the 'start-low go-slow' strategy. After stopping colchicine, gout flares rise with no difference in the mean number of gout flares/month between groups over a 12-month period.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN 12618001179224.

Consensus-defined sarcopenia predicts adverse outcomes after elective abdominal surgery: meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia refers to the progressive age- or pathology-associated loss of skeletal muscle. When measured radiologically as reduced muscle mass, sarcopenia has been shown to independently predict morbidity and mortality after elective abdominal surgery. However, the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) recently updated their sarcopenia definition, emphasizing both low muscle 'strength' and 'mass'. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the prognostic impact of this updated consensus definition of sarcopenia after elective abdominal surgery.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were systematically searched for studies comparing prognostic outcomes between sarcopenic versus non-sarcopenic adults after elective abdominal surgery from inception to 15 June 2022. The primary outcomes were postoperative morbidity and mortality. Sensitivity analyses adjusting for confounding patient factors were also performed. Methodological quality assessment of studies was performed independently by two authors using the QUality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool.

RESULTS

Twenty articles with 5421 patients (1059 sarcopenic and 4362 non-sarcopenic) were included. Sarcopenic patients were at significantly greater risk of incurring postoperative complications, despite adjusted multivariate analysis (adjusted OR 1.56, 95 per cent c.i. 1.39 to 1.76). Sarcopenic patients also had significantly higher rates of in-hospital (OR 7.62, 95 per cent c.i. 2.86 to 20.34), 30-day (OR 3.84, 95 per cent c.i. 1.27 to 11.64), and 90-day (OR 3.73, 95 per cent c.i. 1.19 to 11.70) mortality. Sarcopenia was an independent risk factor for poorer overall survival in multivariate Cox regression analysis (adjusted HR 1.28, 95 per cent c.i. 1.13 to 1.44).

CONCLUSION

Consensus-defined sarcopenia provides important prognostic information after elective abdominal surgery and can be appropriately measured in the preoperative setting. Development of targeted exercise-based interventions that minimize sarcopenia may improve outcomes for patients who are undergoing elective abdominal surgery.

Efficacy and safety of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in symptomatic patients following fundoplication failure: a meta-analysis

Revisional surgery may be required in a subset of patients who remain symptomatic despite undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While revisional LF (RLF) is feasible in these patients, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) may serve as an alternative, although its efficacy and safety remains unknown. This study aimed to determine the outcomes of LRYGB in symptomatic patients following failed LF for GERD. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed databases were systematically searched for studies reporting LRYGB outcomes in symptomatic adults despite undergoing LF for GERD. Postoperative symptom resolution, recurrence of heartburn and dysphagia, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use, and body mass index (BMI) reduction were assessed to determine LRYGB efficacy. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were used to evaluate LRYGB safety. Twenty-two studies with 1523 patients were included. Pooled rates of symptom resolution, recurrence of heartburn and dysphagia, PPI use, morbidity, and mortality were 71.6% (95% CI 59.4-86.4), 15.6% (8.9-27.3), 20.7% (12.5-34.3), 29.6% (18.8-46.5), 39.5% (29.9-52.3), and 2.2% (1.2-4.0), respectively, following LRYGB. Similar rates were observed after RLF. However, BMI reduction was significantly greater after LRYGB compared with RLF (mean difference 6.1 kg/m², 4.8-7.4; p < 0.0001). LRYGB resulted in symptom relief in a majority of patients, and proved comparable to RLF regarding symptom recurrence and PPI use. Morbidity and mortality following LRYGB also did not differ from RLF. However, LRYGB was associated with considerably greater weight loss relative to RLF. Therefore, LRYGB is efficacious and an acceptable revisional procedure in symptomatic GERD patients who have previously undergone LF.

The 45-year evolution of the Mathys RM monoblock cups: have the paradigm shifts been worthwhile?

INTRODUCTION

The Robert Mathys (RM) monoblock uncemented cup is a design less commonly used in primary total hip replacement. It's purported advantages over modular cemented cups are: (1) its modulus of elasticity approximating bone, thus mimicking load transmission and the biomechanical behaviour of the cup to better match stresses on the acetabulum, leading to bone-preservation; and (2) as a 1-piece cup there is absence of a mobile interface between a liner and shell, preventing backside wear. Since its inception in 1983 there have been 3 major design changes: the RM Classic, the RM Pressfit, and the RM Vitamys with the most modern polyethylene (vitamin E).

METHODS

In a retrospective cohort study of the New Zealand Joint Registry, all designs of RM acetabular cup were reviewed. Data were included from1998 to 2018. All-cause revision rates, reasons for revision and the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) were assessed.

RESULTS

In total 13,272 acetabular cups were included. The all-cause revision rates did not differ between the designs. Revision rates for aseptic loosening in the RM Vitamys were lower, but the follow-up was shorter and more larger heads were used. There was no difference in the OHS.

CONCLUSION

All implant designs were safe. The use of larger heads led to a decrease in revisions due to dislocation. It has to be waited out whether the RM Vitamys performs superior in the long-term due to the highly cross-linked polyethylene.

Predictors of Patient and Physician Assessments of Gout Control

OBJECTIVE

To understand the clinical variables that contribute to the patient and physician assessments of gout control and which variables predict discordant assessments.

METHODS

Patients (n = 223) with gout taking allopurinol ≥300 mg daily attended a standardized gout assessment visit. Participants and physicians completed questionnaires rating their assessment of current gout control using a numerical rating scale (0 = not at all controlled, 10 = fully controlled). Discordance between patients' and physicians' scores was defined as an absolute difference of >2 units.

RESULTS

The mean ± SD patient gout control score was 8.09 ± 2.24, and the physician gout control score was 7.38 ± 2.63 (P < 0.001 for comparison). Absence of gout flares in the last 12 months and in the last 3 months and serum urate at the treatment target (<6 mg/dl) were associated with higher patient and physician gout control scores. Absence of tophus also predicted higher physician, but not patient, gout control scores. Discordant scores for gout control were present in 50 participants (22.3%), mostly due to lower assessment of disease control by physicians. Gout flare in the preceding 3 months (odds ratio [OR] 5.9, P < 0.001) and tophus (OR 3.1, P = 0.007) predicted discordant disease-control assessments in which physicians scored lower gout control than patients.

CONCLUSION

For both patients and physicians, absence of gout flares and serum urate levels at the treatment target predict assessment of gout control. However, discordance between patients and physicians in their assessment of disease control is not uncommon, with recent gout flares and tophus predicting lower scores by physicians than patients.

Comparative performances of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor and Mid-regional proADM to predict composite death and new heart failure rehospitalisation in acutely breathless patients

Background

Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a pleotropic receptor, capable of orchestrating plaque vulnerability and vascular immune dysfunction. Mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) is the stable peptide precursor of adrenomedullin, with concentrations reflective of vasodilation and cardiac remodelling. We compared the prognostic performances of suPAR and MR-proADM for the composite clinical endpoint of death and new heart failure (HF) in patients with undifferentiated breathlessness.

Methods

Patients presenting to hospital with the primary complaint of acute dyspnoea were recruited in New Zealand (n=612) and in Singapore (n=483)]. Baseline plasma measurements were undertaken for suPAR (ViroGates) and MR-proADM (Thermo Scientific). Cardiac biomarker levels of NT-proBNP (Roche) was available on all patients. Statistical assessment was made using SPSS v28 (IBM), with all biomarkers treated as continuous variables and presented as median [interquartile range (IQR)]. Prognostic performance of suPAR, MR-proADM and NT-proBNP to predict the composite clinical endpoint of death/new HF at 90-days and 1-yr were assessed using receiver operator curve (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) analysis (Z-scores) and Cox hazard regression analysis (per doubling of biomarker concentrations) after adjustment for traditional risk factors. P-value &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

In the entire acutely breathless cohort [median age: 65 years (IQR: 52.9–76.0), 63.1% males], 343/1095 of patients had the final adjudication of ADHF. suPAR and MR-proADM concentrations were higher with increasing age (Spearmans rho, r&gt;0.46, P&lt;0.0001), lower eGFR (r&gt;0.58, P&lt;0.0001) and in those with ADHF (r&gt;0.40, P&lt;0.0001). During the follow-up period, 122 patients were categorised with death/new HF by 90-days, rising to 281 at 1-year. suPAR and MR-proADM were able to predict death/new HF at 90-days (both ROC-AUC &gt;0.77) and at 1-year (both ROC-AUC ≥0.78) (Table 1). All markers were however less accurate in predicting this endpoint in the presence of ADHF (ROC-AUC &lt;0.71). After adjustment in Cox-regression modelling, suPAR obtained HR &gt;1.35 per doubling of suPAR concentrations (P=0.001) for outcomes at 90-days and at 1-year (Table 2), achieving the highest prognostic performance for this clinical endpoint, followed by NT-proBNP (HR &gt;1.29) (Table 2), whilst MR-proADM was not an independent predictor of death/HF in this cohort. suPAR was also an independent predictor of death/HF for patients with ADHF, obtaining HR &gt;1.35 per doubling of concentrations. Above a cut-off concentration of 3.6 ng/mL, suPAR was associated with a HR of 2.1 (95% CI: 1.55–2.91) for death/HF at 1-year for acutely dyspnoeic patients.

Conclusion

suPAR concentrations is superior than MR-proADM in predicting the clinical end-point of death/HF at 1-year in this cohort. It may aid in risk-stratification strategies for the management of acutely breathless patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): National Heart Foundation of New ZealandHealth Research Council of New Zealand

Medium-term outcomes in single anaesthetic bilateral total knee replacement surgery: a single surgeon series

BACKGROUND

The lifetime risk of developing symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) is estimated to be 45%, with up to two thirds of patients presenting with bilateral knee symptoms. Patients presenting with end stage bilateral knee OA may benefit from single anaesthetic bilateral total knee replacement (SABTKR). Our study aim was to compare the outcomes of SABTKR with unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a single surgeon series over a 20 year period.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of a single surgeon's data from the New Zealand Joint Registry (NZJR) over a 20-year period from January 1999 to December 2018. This review reports on patient demographics, functional outcomes, revision rates and mortality rates.

RESULTS

1225 total knee replacements were performed by the senior author (995 TKAs and 115 patients underwent SABTKRs) over the 20 year period reviewed. The mean ages of the TKA and SABTKR groups were 67.7 and 66.7 years, respectively. There was 16.9% mortality rate for the TKA group versus 7.8% in SABTKR group. There were no revisions in the SABTKR group versus 17 revisions in the TKA group representing a revision rate of 0.23/100 component years which can be viewed against a 20 year revision rate of 0.48/100 component years (p < 0.05) for all comers in the NZJR.

CONCLUSION

This NZJR study demonstrates excellent medium term survival outcomes for selected patients having simultaneous bilateral total knee replacements.

Teleconsultation in orthopaedic surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of patient and physician experiences

INTRODUCTION

The primary purpose of this review was to evaluate patient and physician preference and satisfaction for teleconsultation in orthopaedic surgery compared to traditional face-to-face consultation. In addition, we evaluated the effects of teleconsultation on patient length of visit, healthcare costs, range of motion (ROM), pain, quality of life (QOL), and ongoing management plans.

METHODS

A systematic review of MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Randomised control trials and case control studies comparing teleconsultation with traditional, face-to-face consultation in the management of orthopaedic conditions were included. The primary outcome measures were patient and physician preference and satisfaction. Secondary outcomes included patient length of visit, healthcare costs, ROM, pain, QOL, and ongoing management plans.

RESULTS

A total of 13 articles meeting the eligibility criteria were included for systematic review and 8 for meta-analysis. There was no significant difference in patient satisfaction, length of visit, or time spent with the physician between the telemedicine and in-office control group. The mean difference of patient preference for telemedicine was significantly higher in the telemedicine group compared to the in-office visit group (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.12-1.87, p = 0.005).

DISCUSSION

Telemedicine was not inferior to face-to-face office visits in regard to patient and physician preference and satisfaction. Therefore, it would be an effective adjunct to face-to-face office visits, serving as a mechanism of triage and long-term continuity of care.

Vasovagal syncope triggered by recent moderate weight loss?

AIM

In adults, the onset of vasovagal syncope is often unexplained. We wished to explore if moderate weight loss triggers the onset of vasovagal syncope (VVS).

METHODS

A retrospective case-control study comparing demographic characteristic, syncope symptoms, and tilt-table results of patients who had recently lost weight (n=57), with randomly selected weight-stable patients (n=73), and controls, patients without syncope (n=24).

RESULTS

VVS was diagnosed in 480 out of 1,209 clinic patients of whom 57 (11.9%) reported moderate weight loss. The mean (SD) reported weight loss was 11.5 (7) kg over 18.7 (13) months. Age and gender did not differ between groups: in the weight loss, weight stable, and control groups the mean age was 44.8, 45.2, and 44 years respectively; and proportion female 60%, 64%, and 54%. Body weight, mass index and calculated blood volume at presentation were also similar in the different groups. Weight loss preceded or coincided the onset of syncope in 80% of patients; the length of time over which weight loss occurred was associated with the length of time of syncope symptoms, product moment correlation coefficient 0.45, p=0.001. Syncope in childhood and teenage years was less frequent in the weight loss group compared to the weight stable group: 37% vs 53%. After 10 minutes of head-up tilt, stroke volume was preserved in both syncope groups compared to controls; percentage of baseline mean (SD) in the weight loss, weight stable, and control groups: 71(18), 69(10), and 61 (11) respectively; despite lower blood pressure in the weight loss groups with mean (SD) 90 (14) mmHg, 93 (13) and 103 (14) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Some patients have onset of VVS within a few months of weight loss resulting in earlier presentation to clinic. The physiological mechanism for this is uncertain.

Effect of omega-three supplementation on serum urate and gout flares in people with gout; a pilot randomized trial

Objectives

To determine the effect of omega-three supplementation with fish oil on serum urate, weight and body mass index (BMI) in people with gout.

Methods

A pilot 6-month, randomized, open-label clinical trial was undertaken in people with gout with serum urate ≥ 0.36 mmol/l. Forty participants were randomized to receive 6.2 g omega-3 fish oil daily or no fish oil for 24 weeks. Blood was obtained monthly for serum urate and red cell EPA (20:5n-3) DHA (22:6n-3) were measured using a blood spot collection system.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in the mean (SEM) decrease in serum urate between baseline and week 24 between randomized groups: fish oil − 0.021 (0.02) mmol/l versus control − 0.006 (0.02) mmol/l. There was no significant difference in change in weight or BMI between baseline and week 24 between randomized groups. There was a statistically significant correlation between red cell omega-three concentrations and the total number of flares per participant between week 12 and week 24; total omega-three r =  − 0.75 (p ≤ 0.001), EPA r =  − 0.75 (p ≤ 0.001) and DHA r = -0.76 (p ≤ 0.001). In the omega-three fish oil group four participants reported gastrointestinal adverse effects definitely or probably related to the omega-three supplementation.

Conclusions

The lack of untoward effect of omega three fish oil supplementation on serum urate and BMI together with the relationship between higher omega-three concentrations and lower gout flares supports the development of further adequately powered clinical trials to determine the role of omega-three supplements as prophylaxis against gout flares in people starting urate lowering therapy.

Clinical trial registration ACTRN12617000539336p Registered 13/04/2017.

Extended Interval Dosing Natalizumab and impact on neuropsychological deficits in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Background: Cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric symptoms are frequently reported in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). Natalizumab (NTZ) is usually administered on a 4-weekly Standard Interval Dosing (SID) schedule. However, Extended Interval Dosing (EID) at 6–8 weekly intervals has been proven non-inferior regarding relapse risk, with a lower risk of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). The impact of EID NTZ on neuropsychological deficits in RRMS has not been studied. Objective: To determine if EID NTZ demonstrates an improvement in neuropsychological parameters in RRMS patients. Method: We performed a retrospective, observational analysis of 34 RRMS patients treated between August 2015–2017. Patients underwent baseline neuropsychological testing before commencing EID NTZ. A second evaluation was performed, on average 28 months after commencing treatment. Results: Z scores at the initial assessment showed baseline cognitive impairment in multiple domains. 14/20 Z-scores showed an improvement post-NTZ and 5/14 reached statistical significance; namely Trails A (visual attention/processing speed), Line-orientation (visual-spatial), Picture-naming (word finding), Digital-Span (attention, executive function and memory) and Story-recall (memory). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) data remained unchanged. Correlation matrix showed no association between HADS scores, the time between assessments and the changes in Z scores. Conclusion: This data suggests the efficacy of EID NTZ in improving cognitive impairment in RRMS. A prospective observational study is warranted.

Plasma interleukin-23 and circulating IL-17A+IFNγ+ ex-Th17 cells predict opposing outcomes of anti-TNF therapy in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

TNF-α inhibitors are widely used in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with varying success. Response to TNF-α inhibition may reflect the evolution of rheumatoid inflammation through fluctuating stages of TNF-α dependence. Our aim was to assess plasma concentrations of Th-17-related cytokines and the presence of circulating effector T-cells to identify predictors of response to TNF-α inhibitors.

METHODS

Ninety-three people with RA were seen prior to and 4-6 months after commencing etanercept or adalimumab. Plasma concentrations of Th17-related cytokines, circulating effector T-cells, their production of relevant transcription factors and intracellular cytokines were measured at baseline. EULAR response criteria were used to define poor (ΔDAS28 ≤ 1.2 and/or DAS28 > 3.2) and good (ΔDAS28 > 1.2 and DAS28 ≤ 3.2) responders. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of response.

RESULTS

Participants with plasma IL-23 present at baseline were more likely to be poor responders [15/20 (75%) of IL-23⁺ versus 36/73 (49.3%) of IL-23^-; p = 0.041]. While frequencies of Th1, Th17, ex-Th17 and T_reg cell populations were similar between good and poor responders to anti-TNF therapy, IL-17A⁺IFNγ⁺ ex-Th17 cells were more prevalent in good responders (0.83% of ex-T_H17 cells) compared to poor responders (0.24% of ex-Th17 cells), p = 0.023. Both plasma IL-23 cytokine status (OR = 0.17 (95% CI 0.04-0.73)) and IL-17A⁺IFNγ⁺ ex-Th17 cell frequency (OR = 1.64 (95% CI 1.06 to 2.54)) were independently associated with a good response to anti-TNF therapy. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis, including both parameters, demonstrated an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.70 (95% CI 0.60-0.82; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma IL-23 and circulating IL-17A⁺IFNγ⁺ ex-Th17 cells are independently associated with response to anti-TNF therapy. In combination, plasma IL-23 and circulating IL-17A⁺IFNγ⁺ ex-Th17 cells provide additive value to the prediction of response to anti-TNF therapy in RA.

Free testosterone is related to aspects of cognitive function in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome

Evidence suggests impairment in aspects of cognitive function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Direct effects of raised testosterone levels associated with PCOS are a potential mechanism. We aimed to explore the relationship between testosterone levels and cognitive functioning in women. Women with a range of testosterone levels, including women with PCOS, were recruited. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured by self-report. Participants underwent a comprehensive battery of cognitive tests assessing psychomotor speed, visuospatial learning and memory, verbal learning and memory, and executive function. Free testosterone serum levels were assessed. All measures were completed at the same time point. Correlation analysis (Spearman's Rho) was used to explore associations between free testosterone and cognitive test variables. Eighty-one women were recruited, with 40 meeting diagnostic criteria for PCOS. Free testosterone was normally distributed, with significant overlap between women with PCOS and controls. Mean depressive and anxiety symptoms were in the mild range. Higher free testosterone levels were significantly correlated with poorer performance on measures assessing psychomotor speed and visuospatial learning. These significant correlations remained after adjusting for confounders (premorbid verbal IQ, depressive, and anxiety symptoms). Higher free testosterone levels in women were associated with poorer cognitive function, specifically psychomotor speed and visuospatial learning. Women with PCOS and raised free testosterone levels may experience impairment in these aspects of cognitive function which are not accounted for by mood or anxiety symptoms.

The lifetime risk of revision following total knee arthroplasty : a New Zealand Joint Registry study

AIMS

The success of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is usually measured using functional outcome scores and revision-free survivorship. However, reporting the lifetime risk of revision may be more meaningful to patients when gauging risks, especially in younger patients. We aimed to assess the lifetime risk of revision for patients in different age categories at the time of undergoing primary TKA.

METHODS

The New Zealand Joint Registry database was used to obtain revision rates, mortality, and the indications for revision for all primary TKAs performed during an 18-year period between January 1999 and December 2016. Patients were stratified into age groups at the time of the initial TKA, and the lifetime risk of revision was calculated according to age, sex, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade. The most common indications for revision were also analyzed for each age group.

RESULTS

The overall ten-year survival rate was 95.6%. This was lowest in the youngest age group (between 46 and 50 years) and increased sequentially with increasing age. The lifetime risk of requiring revision was 22.4% in those aged between 46 and 50 years at the time of the initial surgery, and decreased linearly with increasing age to 1.15% in those aged between 90 and 95 years at the time of surgery. Higher ASA grades were associated with increased lifetime risk of revision in all age groups. The three commonest indications for revision were aseptic loosening, infection, and unexplained pain. Young males, aged between 46 and 50 years, had the highest lifetime risk of revision (25.2%).

CONCLUSION

Lifetime risk of revision may be a more meaningful measure of outcome than implant survival at defined time periods when counselling patients prior to TKA. This study highlights the considerably higher lifetime risk of revision surgery for all indications, including infection, in younger male patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(2):235-241.

Changes in Mood, Anxiety, and Cognition with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Treatment: A Longitudinal, Naturalistic Study

PURPOSE

Individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at increased risk of depression and anxiety symptoms and impairment in aspects of cognitive function. However, there is little evidence regarding effects of standard treatment for PCOS on these features of the syndrome. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of 12 weeks of naturalistic treatment of PCOS, with usual medications, on depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and cognitive function.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-three participants with PCOS received 12 weeks of individualised treatment based on clinical presentation. Changes in depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed with the self-report Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at baseline and 12 weeks, and cognitive function was assessed at the same time-points with a battery of tests spanning cognitive domains of verbal learning and memory, visuospatial learning and memory, psychomotor speed, attention and executive function. Outcomes were compared with a control group of 40 healthy participants.

RESULTS

Participants with PCOS (mean age = 29.2 years; mean Body Mass Index = 27.4) were treated with a variety of medications, predominantly spironolactone (n = 22) and oral contraceptives (n = 16). Depression and anxiety symptoms improved significantly over the course of treatment, with moderate effect sizes (Cohen's d 0.43-0.55, p < 0.05). Effect sizes of the difference in change from that of the control group were moderate but did not reach statistical significance. Women undergoing PCOS treatment demonstrated significant improvements in aspects of cognitive function, but improvement did not differ significantly from controls and effect size changes were similar, suggesting practise effects in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides preliminary evidence that treatment of PCOS may be associated with improvement in psychiatric aspects of the syndrome, particularly depressive symptoms.

Domain-Based Functional Improvements in Bipolar Disorder After Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy

BACKGROUND

Studies typically report overall change in function when assessing bipolar disorder (BD) interventions, but individual domains are not analyzed. Which aspects of functioning are impacted is clearly important and may differ between treatments.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from two previous clinical trials of Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) for BD patients. Change in total and subscale scores on the Social Adjustment Scale Self-Report (SAS-SR) from 0 to 78 weeks, were analyzed.

RESULTS

152 BD patients took part in randomized controlled trials of IPSRT (n = 38) vs. Specialist Supportive Care (SSC) (n = 43), and of IPSRT (n = 41) vs. treatment as usual (TAU) which was discharge to primary care (n = 30). IPSRT was superior to TAU on change in the social and leisure activities and extended family subscales, and SAS-SR total score over 18 months.

LIMITATIONS

Studies were not designed to be pooled. Patients in study 1 were younger and symptomatic at baseline. Patients assigned to TAU were more likely to drop-out. Patients did not respond to subscales that were not personally applicable (work, marital, children).

CONCLUSION

IPSRT had a positive impact on two SAS-SR subscales compared to TAU over 18 months. Other subscales were limited by the lack of respondents due to individual applicability. Different psychotherapy may have differential effects on different domains of function. Measures of function and research into functioning in BD should include domain-based measures, and report the numbers of participants who respond to questions in each domain.

Association between serum urate and flares in people with gout and evidence for surrogate status: a secondary analysis of two randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Use of serum urate as a treatment target and outcome measure has become controversial in view of the 2017 American College of Physicians guidelines, which advocated a treat-to-symptom rather than a treat-to-target serum urate approach to gout management. The relevance of serum urate as a treatment target measure implies that achievement of target serum urate is causally associated with improvement in patient-important outcomes such as reduction in the number of gout flares. The aim of this study was to assess the causal relationship between achieving target serum urate and the occurrence of gout flares.

METHODS

We analysed individual patient-level data from two randomised trials on urate-lowering therapies in people with gout conducted in Nottingham, UK, and New Zealand. We included participants randomly assigned to immediate dose escalation in the New Zealand study and all participants in the Nottingham study (a nurse-led gout care group and a general practitioner-led usual care group). Individuals who on average achieved a serum urate concentration less than 6 mg/dL (0·36 mmol/L) based on data at 6, 9, and 12 months post-baseline were defined as serum urate responders. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants having at least one gout flare, and the secondary outcome was the mean number of flares per participant per month, from 12 to 24 months after baseline, compared between serum urate responders and non-responders. In adjusted logistic regression models, serum urate at baseline, previous flare history (in the year preceding study entry), presence of tophi at baseline, and, for the Nottingham dataset, the original randomisation group, were included as covariates. The Nottingham study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01477346. The New Zealand study was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12611000845932.

FINDINGS

From the combined individual data from both trials, we identified 343 serum urate responders and 245 serum urate non-responders. Significantly fewer serum urate responders had a gout flare than did serum urate non-responders between 12 and 24 months (91 [27%] of 343 vs 156 [64%] of 245; adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0·29 [95% CI 0·17 to 0·51], p<0·0001). The mean number of flares per participant per month between 12 and 24 months was significantly lower in serum urate responders than in serum urate non-responders (adjusted mean difference -1·41 [95% CI -1·77 to -1·04], p<0·0001). This association was independent of the original randomised treatment allocation.

INTERPRETATION

Achieving an average serum urate concentration less than 6 mg/dL is associated with an absence of gout flares and a reduction in the number of flares in the subsequent 12 months in people with gout. These results support a treat-to-target serum urate approach in the management of gout.

FUNDING

None.

Order out of chaos? Autism spectrum disorder coordinators' impact on service delivery in New Zealand

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) coordinators (ASDCs) on key aspects of the experience of obtaining an ASD diagnosis and post-diagnostic supports in New Zealand.

METHOD

Members of New Zealand ASD parent support groups were surveyed.

RESULTS

Of 516 parents, 41.3% had seen an ASDC. The majority were satisfied. Parents who saw ASDCs pre-diagnosis were more likely to be satisfied with the diagnostic process (p = .04) and saw fewer professionals before receiving a diagnosis (p = .04). Parents who had seen ASDCs post-diagnosis were more likely to be satisfied with post-diagnostic supports (p < .001) and their coordination (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

ASDCs are well regarded by parents and improve key aspects of the process of obtaining an ASD diagnosis and post-diagnostic supports. Given the particularly low rates of parent satisfaction with post-diagnostic supports (23%) and their coordination (19%), ASDCs may be of most value when employed post-diagnosis to assist parents in navigating key supports and co-developing comprehensive individualised care plans.

Protocol for the MAnagement of Systolic blood pressure during Thrombectomy by Endovascular Route for acute ischemic STROKE randomized clinical trial: The MASTERSTROKE trial

REGISTRATION

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12619001274167p.

RATIONALE

Cerebral blood flow is blood pressure-dependent when cerebral autoregulation is impaired. Cerebral ischemia and anesthetic drugs impair cerebral autoregulation. In ischemic stroke patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy, induced hypertension is a plausible intervention to increase blood flow in the ischemic penumbra until reperfusion is achieved. This could potentially reduce final infarct size and improve functional recovery.

AIM

To test if patients with large vessel occlusion stroke treated with endovascular thrombectomy will benefit from induced hypertension.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, parallel group, open label, multicenter clinical trial with blinded assessment of outcomes.

PROCEDURES

Patients with anterior circulation stroke treated with endovascular thrombectomy with general anesthesia within 6 h of symptom onset, and patients with 'wake up' stroke or presenting within 6 to 24 h with potentially salvageable tissue on computed tomography perfusion scanning, are included. Participants are randomized to a systolic blood pressure target of 140 mmHg or 170 mmHg from procedure initiation until recanalization. Methods to maintain the blood pressure are at the discretion of the procedural anesthesiologist.

STUDY OUTCOMES

The primary efficacy outcome is improvement in disability measured by modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days. The primary safety outcome is all-cause mortality at 90 days.

ANALYSIS

The Mann-Whitney U test will be used to test the ordinal shift in the seven-category modified Rankin Scale score. All-cause mortality will be estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using a log-rank test.

A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-, Biofeedback-, and Game-Based eHealth Intervention to Treat Anxiety in Children and Young People With Long-Term Physical Conditions (Starship Rescue): Co-design and Open Trial

Background

Approximately 10%-12% of New Zealand children and young people have long-term physical conditions (chronic illnesses) and are more likely to develop psychological problems, particularly anxiety and depression. Delayed treatment leads to worse health care and poorer long-term outcomes. Recently, eHealth interventions, especially those based on principles of cognitive behavioral therapy and biofeedback, have been shown to be moderately effective in reducing anxiety. However, these modalities have rarely been combined. Young people have expressed a preference for well-designed and technology-based support to deal with psychological issues.

Objective

This study aims to co-design and evaluate the acceptability and usability of a cognitive behavioral therapy and biofeedback-based, 5-module eHealth game called Starship Rescue and to provide preliminary evidence regarding its effectiveness in addressing anxiety and quality of life in young people with long-term physical conditions.

Methods

Starship Rescue was co-designed with 15 children and young people from a tertiary hospital in New Zealand. Following this, 24 others aged 10-17 years participated in an open trial of the game, accessing it over an 8-week period. The acceptability of the game to all participants was assessed using a brief, open-ended questionnaire. More detailed feedback was obtained from a subset of 10 participants via semistructured interviews. Usability was evaluated via device-recorded frequency and duration of access on completion of the game and the System Usability Scale. Anxiety levels were measured at baseline, completion, and 3 months after completion of the game using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale and Spence Child Anxiety Scale, and at the start of each module and on completion using an embedded Likert visual analog scale. Quality of life was measured at baseline, completion, and 3 months after completion using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory scale.

Results

Users gave Starship Rescue an overall rating of 5.9 out of 10 (range 3-10) and a mean score of 71 out of 100 (SD 11.7; minimum 47.5; maximum 90) on the System Usability Scale. The mean period for the use of the game was just over 11 weeks (78.8 days, 13.5 hours, 40 minutes). Significant reductions in anxiety were noted between the start and end of the game on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (−4.6; P<.001), Spence Child Anxiety Scale (−9.6; P=.005), and the Likert visual analog scales (−2.4; P=.001). Quality of life also improved on the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory scale (+4.3; P=.04). All changes were sustained at the 3-month follow-up.

Conclusions

This study provides preliminary evidence for Starship Rescue as an acceptable, usable, and effective eHealth intervention for treating anxiety in young people with long-term physical conditions. Further evaluation is planned via a randomized controlled trial.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Network Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12616001253493; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=371443

Anaesthetic depth and delirium after major surgery: a randomised clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Postoperative delirium is a serious complication of surgery associated with prolonged hospitalisation, long-term cognitive decline, and mortality. This study aimed to determine whether targeting bispectral index (BIS) readings of 50 (light anaesthesia) was associated with a lower incidence of POD than targeting BIS readings of 35 (deep anaesthesia).

METHODS

This multicentre randomised clinical trial of 655 at-risk patients undergoing major surgery from eight centres in three countries assessed delirium for 5 days postoperatively using the 3 min confusion assessment method (3D-CAM) or CAM-ICU, and cognitive screening using the Mini-Mental State Examination at baseline and discharge and the Abbreviated Mental Test score (AMTS) at 30 days and 1 yr. Patients were assigned to light or deep anaesthesia. The primary outcome was the presence of postoperative delirium on any of the first 5 postoperative days. Secondary outcomes included mortality at 1 yr, cognitive decline at discharge, cognitive impairment at 30 days and 1 yr, unplanned ICU admission, length of stay, and time in electroencephalographic burst suppression.

RESULTS

The incidence of postoperative delirium in the BIS 50 group was 19% and in the BIS 35 group was 28% (odds ratio 0.58 [95% confidence interval: 0.38-0.88]; P=0.010). At 1 yr, those in the BIS 50 group demonstrated significantly better cognitive function than those in the BIS 35 group (9% with AMTS ≤6 vs 20%; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients undergoing major surgery, targeting light anaesthesia reduced the risk of postoperative delirium and cognitive impairment at 1 yr.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ACTRN12612000632897.

Computerized cognitive behavioural therapy for gender minority adolescents: Analysis of the real-world implementation of SPARX in New Zealand

OBJECTIVE

SPARX is a form of computerized cognitive behavioural therapy in serious game format funded via the Ministry of Health to be freely available in New Zealand. At registration users identify themselves as male, female, transgender or intersex. We aimed to establish whether adolescent transgender users of SPARX, compared to adolescent male and female users, were more likely to have high mental health needs at baseline and were more likely to complete SPARX. We also sought to determine changes in transgender adolescents' depressive symptoms after using SPARX.

METHODS

Quantitative analysis of 5 years of usage data from the nation-wide delivery of SPARX in New Zealand.

RESULTS

There were 9079 adolescents who completed the registration process and used SPARX, 2.3% (n = 207) identified as transgender. The majority of transgender registrants (69.0%) completing a baseline Patient Health Questionnaire - modified for Adolescents were categorized as having high mental health needs, significantly more so than male and female registrants (p < 0.001). Over half of all SPARX registrants completed the first module of the program, with subsequently lower proportions of transgender registrants completing Module 4 (p = 0.005) and Module 7 (i.e. the last module, p = 0.048). Of those registrants completing a baseline and subsequent Patient Health Questionnaire - modified for Adolescents, both male (n = 247) and female (n = 630) registrants, on average, had improvements in their scores (2.68 and 3.15, respectively), whereas transgender registrants (n = 14) did not (-0.43) (p = 0.048).

CONCLUSION

This is the first study describing the impact of an e-therapy on transgender young people. The analysis of data from this free self-help intervention suggests that transgender adolescents seeking treatment for depression have particularly high mental health needs, and an existing well tested tool may be less effective for them than it is for others. Taken together the results appear to suggest targeted efforts may be required for transgender adolescents.

Longitudinal development of incident gout from low-normal baseline serum urate concentrations: individual participant data analysis

INTRODUCTION

Elevated serum urate (SU) concentration is the central risk factor for the development of gout. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence of gout in people with low and normal SU levels (< 7.00 mg/dL).

METHODS

Longitudinal cohort data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (ARIC), Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study (CARDIA), and both the Original and Offspring cohorts of the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) were used to determine incident gout by baseline SU over 3, 5, 10, 12 and 15 year periods. A Cox proportional hazards model with covariables of age, gender, ethnicity, and cohort was calculated to report the hazard ratios (HR) for incident gout.

RESULTS

The incidence of gout at 15 years for a baseline SU < 4.00 mg/dL was 0.59%, 4.00-4.49 mg/dL was 1.28%, 4.50-4.99 mg/dL was 0.86%, 5.00-5.49 mg/dL was 0.94%, 5.50-5.99 mg/dL was 1.52%, 6.00-6.49 mg/dL was 2.91%, 6.50-6.99 mg/dL was 3.2%, and > 7.00 mg/dL was 12.2%. In an adjusted Cox proportional hazards model, compared to the referent baseline SU < 4.00 mg/dL, there was a non-significant increase in incident gout for baseline SU bands between 4.00-5.49 mg/dL, whereas incident gout was significantly increased for SU 5.50-5.99 mg/dL (HR 2.60), 6.00-6.49 mg/dL (HR 3.70), 6.50-6.99 mg/dL (HR 5.24) and > 7.00 mg/dL (HR 18.62).

CONCLUSION

A baseline SU of 5.50 mg/dL or more is a risk factor for development of gout over 15 years. However, incident gout does occur over time in a small proportion of people with lower baseline SU levels.

Real-world outcomes associated with new cancer medicines approved by the Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency: A retrospective cohort study

Purpose

Real-World Data (RWD) studies are increasingly used to support regulatory approvals, reimbursement decisions, and changes in clinical practice for novel cancer drugs. However, few studies have systematically appraised their quality or compared outcomes to pivotal trials.

Methods

All RWD studies (2010–2019) for drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) from 2010 to 2015 for solid organ tumours in the non-curative setting were identified. Quality assessment was undertaken using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Survival differences between each RWD study and the pivotal trial were determined using a related sample Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results

293 RWD studies for 45 of the 57 drug indications approved by the FDA/EMA were identified. The most common tumour types were prostate cancer (29%, n = 86) and melanoma (15%, n = 43). A quarter of the studies had industry funding. No high-quality studies were identified, and 78% were low quality. Comparative survival analysis between RWD and pivotal trials was possible for 224 studies (37 drug indications). Differences in median survival between the RWD studies and their corresponding trial ranged from −32 months to 21 months (IQR –4·2 months to 1·6 months). Low-quality studies were more likely to report superior survival outcomes (23%) compared to higher quality studies (8%) (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

RWD study quality for novel cancer drugs is low and of insufficient rigour to inform reimbursement decisions and clinical practice. RWD studies seeking publication should provide a completed quality assessment tool on submission. Greater investment in properly designed RWD studies is required.

•

Study provides a systematic appraisal of FDA/EMA approved drugs in real-world practice.

•

Most novel FDA/EMA cancer drugs have real-world data (RWD) studies, but the quality is low.

•

Variability in survival outcomes exists, and findings should be applied cautiously.

•

Most RWD studies reported inferior survival outcomes compared to the pivotal trial.

•

Pre-publication critical appraisal checklists should be used for RWD studies.

Retrospective real-world comparative effectiveness of ovine forestomach matrix and collagen/ORC in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers

The retrospective pragmatic real‐world data (RWD) study compared the healing outcomes of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) treated with either ovine forestomach matrix (OFM) (n = 1150) or collagen/oxidised regenerated cellulose (ORC) (n = 1072) in out‐patient wound care centres. Median time to wound closure was significantly (P = .0015) faster in the OFM group (14.6 ± 0.5 weeks) relative to the collagen/ORC group (16.4 ± 0.7). A sub‐group analysis was performed to understand the relative efficacy in DFUs requiring longer periods of treatment and showed that DFUs treated with OFM healed up to 5.3 weeks faster in these challenging wounds. The percentage of wounds closed at 36 weeks was significantly improved in OFM treated DFUs relative to the collagen/ORC. A Cox proportional hazards analysis showed OFM‐treated wounds had a 18% greater probability of healing versus wounds managed with collagen/ORC, and the probability increased to 21% when the analysis was adjusted for multiple variables. This study represents the first large retrospective RWD analysis comparing OFM and collagen/ORC and supports the clinical efficacy of OFM in the treatment of DFUs.

Intersex adolescents seeking help for their depression: the case study of SPARX in New Zealand

OBJECTIVE

SPARX is a computerized cognitive behavioral therapy self-help program for adolescent depression that is freely available in New Zealand. At registration, users identify themselves as either male, female, intersex, or transgender. We aimed to describe the mental health of adolescent intersex users.

METHOD

A secondary analysis of SPARX usage data over 5 years.

RESULTS

Of the 8922 adolescents users, 0.6% (n = 50) identified as intersex. Based on Patient Health Questionnaire 9 - modified for Adolescents (PHQ-A) results, 78.3% of intersex users had high levels of depression and/or self-harm and suicidal ideation. The mean PHQ-A scores for intersex users were significantly higher than for males and females (p < .001). As only three intersex users completed SPARX Level 4 or more (of the seven-level program), we were unable to meaningfully investigate any reductions in their depressive symptoms over time.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a dearth of empirical data on the mental health of intersex adolescents. These results suggest that intersex adolescents seeking help from an online resource have high mental health needs compared with other young people, possibly because they defer seeking help.

Teleconsultation in the Management of Elective Orthopedic and Spinal Conditions During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Prospective Cohort Study of Patient Experiences

Background

The global adoption of teleconsultation has been expedited as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. By allowing remote communication, teleconsultation may help limit the spread of the virus while maintaining the crucial patient-provider relationship.

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate the value of teleconsultation compared to in-person visits in the management of elective orthopedic and spinal procedures.

Methods

This was a prospective observational cohort study of 853 patients receiving orthopedic and spinal care at a private outpatient clinic in New Zealand. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: (1) patients receiving telephone consultation remotely, and (2) patients receiving in-person office consultations at the outpatient clinic. All patients received telephone consultations for 4 weeks during the mandated COVID-19 lockdown, followed by 4 weeks of telephone or in-person consultation. Patient preference, satisfaction, and duration of visit were recorded. Comparisons of patient preference between groups, visit type, sex, and location were performed using chi-square tests; similarly, satisfaction scores and visit durations were compared using a general linear model.

Results

We report that 91% (353/388) of patients in the telephone group preferred teleconsultation over in-person office visits during the COVID-19 lockdown (P<.001). A combined-group analysis showed that 55.3% (446/807) of all patients preferred teleconsultation compared to 31.2% (252/807) who preferred in-person office visits (P<.001). Patients in the telephone group reported significantly higher satisfaction scores (mean 9.95, SD 0.04, 95% CI 9.87-10.03) compared to patients in the in-person group (mean 9.53, SE 0.04, 95% CI 9.45-9.62; P<.001). Additionally, in-person consultations were significantly longer in duration compared to telephone consultations, with a mean visit time of 6.70 (SE 0.18) minutes, 95% CI 6.32-7.02, compared to 5.10 (SE 0.17) minutes, 95% CI 4.73-5.42 (P<.001).

Conclusions

Patients who use telephone consultations are more likely to prefer it over traditional, in-person visits in the future. This increased preference, coupled with higher patient satisfaction scores and shorter duration of visits, suggests that teleconsultation has a role in orthopedic surgery, which may even extend beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

Periprosthetic fractures of the femur in primary total hip arthroplasty: a New Zealand Joint Registry analysis

BACKGROUND

Periprosthetic femoral fractures around total hip arthroplasty (THA) are increasing annually, and are a major cause for revision surgery in the New Zealand Joint Registry (NZJR). The aim of this study was to determine the timing and risk factors for periprosthetic femoral fractures in THA requiring revision surgery in the NZJR.

METHODS

All patients with a primary THA who sustained a periprosthetic femoral fracture requiring revision THA recorded in the NZJR were reviewed to determine age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) rating and femoral stem fixation (cemented or uncemented). Revision rates were calculated per 100 component years (cy), and risk factors determined in the first 90 days, and beyond.

RESULTS

Between 1999 and 2017, there were 713 revision THA for periprosthetic femoral fractures. Early revision THA was significantly associated with ASA score and body mass index ≥40. There was no gender difference (P = 0.274). The revision rate in uncemented femoral stems (1.12/100 cy) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than cemented stems (0.16/100 cy). After 90 days, the revision rate was significantly higher with increasing age (P < 0.001), males (P < 0.001) and higher ASA score (P < 0.001). The difference between cemented (0.07/100 cy) and uncemented (0.05/100 cy) stems did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.108).

CONCLUSION

The rate of revision THA for periprosthetic femoral fracture is higher in uncemented femoral stems in the first 90 days, and is significantly associated with ASA score and morbid obesity. After 90 days, the rate is lower for uncemented femoral stems, but did not reach statistical significance.

Functional and Mood Outcomes in Bipolar Disorder Patients With and Without Substance Use Disorders Undergoing Psychotherapy

Objectives: Research suggests that patients with co-morbid bipolar disorder (BD) and substance use disorder (SUD) have a poorer illness course and clinical outcome. The evidence is limited as SUD patients are often excluded from BD studies. In particular, evidence regarding long term outcomes from studies using psychotherapies as an adjunctive treatment is limited. We therefore examined data from two studies of Interpersonal Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) for BD to determine whether lifetime or current SUD affected outcomes. Methods: Data were analyzed from two previous clinical trials of IPSRT for BD patients. Change in scores on the Social Adjustment Scale (SAS) from 0 to 78 weeks and cumulative mood scores from 0 to 78 weeks, measured using the Life Interval Follow-Up Evaluation (LIFE), were analyzed. Results: Of 122 patients (non-SUD n = 67, lifetime SUD but no current n = 43, current SUD n = 12), 79 received IPSRT and 43 received a comparison therapy-specialist supportive care-over 18 months. Lifetime SUD had a significant negative effect on change in SAS score but not LIFE score. There was no effect of current SUD on either change in score. Secondary analysis showed no correlation between symptom count and change in SAS total score or LIFE score. Conclusion: Current SUD has no impact on mood or functional outcomes, however, current SUD numbers were small, limiting conclusions. Lifetime SUD appears to be associated with impaired functional outcomes from psychotherapy. There is limited research on co-morbid BD and SUD patients undergoing psychotherapy.

A long-term follow-up of safety and clinical efficacy of NTCELL® [Immunoprotected (Alginate-encapsulated) porcine choroid plexus cells for xenotransplantation] in patients with Parkinson's disease

INTRODUCTION

In 2019, we published the results of a Phase IIb randomized controlled trial of putaminal encapsulated porcine choroid plexus cell (termed NTCELL®) administration in patients with Parkinson's disease. This study failed to meet its primary efficacy end-point of a change in UPDRS part III score in the 'off' state at 26-weeks post-implant. However, a number of secondary end-points reached statistical significance. We questioned whether with longer follow-up, clinically significant improvements would be observed. For this reason, we decided to follow-up all patients periodically to week 104. Herein, we report the results of this long-term follow-up.

METHODS

All 18 patients included in the original study were periodically re-assessed at weeks 52, 78 and 104 post-implant. At each time-point, motor and non-motor function, quality of life and levodopa equivalent daily dose was assessed using a standardized testing battery.

RESULTS

At week 104, no significant differences in UPDRS part III scores in the 'off' state were observed in any of the treatment groups compared to baseline. Only a single serious adverse event - hospitalisation due to Parkinson's disease rigidity not responding to changes in medications - was considered potentially related to the implant procedure. There was no evidence of xenogeneic viral transmission.

CONCLUSION

Un-blinded, long-duration follow-up to week 104 post-implantation showed no evidence that putaminal NTCELL® administration produces significant clinical benefit in patients with moderately advanced Parkinson's disease.

Prognostic performance of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor for 1-year mortality in Asian and Western patients with acute breathlessness

Background

Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a pleotropic receptor, capable of orchestrating plaque vulnerability and vascular immune dysfunction. We have previously reported on the prognostic ability of suPAR in cardiovascular disease (CVD). However the performance of suPAR to predict death in an Asian population with undifferentiated breathlessness has not been described.

Methods

Patients presenting to hospital with the primary complaint of breathlessness were recruited according to identical criteria in New Zealand [(NZ), n=612] and in Singapore (n=483)]. Baseline measurements of suPAR plasma concentrations were undertaken with a CE-marked ELISA (ViroGates). NT-proBNP, hsTnT (both Roche) and standard biochemistry analytes were also measured. Statistical assessment was made using SPSS v25 (IBM), with all biomarkers treated as continuous variables and presented as median [interquartile range (IQR)]. Group comparisons were made by Mann-Whitney U test. Prognostic performance of suPAR, NT-proBNP and hsTnT for 1-yr mortality prediction was assessed using receiver operator curve (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) analysis (Z-scores) and Cox hazard regression analysis (log-values). P-value &lt;0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The adjudicated diagnosis of ADHF was more common in NZ than in Singapore (37 vs. 25%, P&lt;0.0001) in concordance with the higher median age (16 yrs older) of NZ patients and poorer kidney function. Diabetes was however more prevalent amongst Singaporean patients. There were a total of 143 deaths [NZ, n=113 (18%); Singapore, n=30 (6%)] within 1 year from hospital admission. In both cohorts, median suPAR concentrations were higher in those who died vs those who survived (P&lt;0.0001) (Figure). For the Singapore cohort, suPAR (AUC=0.85) discriminated 1-yr mortality better than hs-TnT (AUC=0.78) and NT-proBNP (AUC=0.79). For the NZ cohort, suPAR (AUC=0.71) was similar to hs-TnT (AUC=0.73) and NT-proBNP (AUC=0.69) for 1-yr death prediction. In the combined cohort, after the adjustment of conventional risk factors, suPAR (P=0.007) was the superior biomarker for 1-year death prediction in the subgroup of ADHF patients only (n=51/343). suPAR concentrations above a cut-off value of 3.1 ng/mL, were associated with hazard ratios of 7.4 (95% CI:1.6–17.4) (P=0.009) for Singapore patients and 2.8 (95% CI:1.5–5.3) (P=0.001) for NZ patients for death within 1 year.

Conclusion

This is a first report confirming the strong prognostic ability of suPAR in mortality prediction for acutely breathless patients in an Asian population despite the presence of several demographic and clinical differences compared to a Western population. The inclusion of suPAR may add value to risk stratification models in acutely dyspnoeic patients.

suPAR concentrations in 1-yr outcomes

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Health Research Council of New Zealand, National Heart Foundation of New Zealand

Lack of effect of tart cherry concentrate dose on serum urate in people with gout

OBJECTIVES

Cherry concentrate has been suggested to reduce serum urate (SU) and gout flares. The aims of this study were to determine the magnitude of the effect of tart cherry concentrate on SU in people with gout, the most effective dose of tart cherry concentrate for lowering SU, and adverse effects.

METHODS

Fifty people with gout and SU > 0.36 mmol/l were recruited. Half were on allopurinol and half were on no urate-lowering therapy. Participants were randomized to receive tart cherry juice concentrate: placebo, 7.5 ml, 15 ml, 22.5 ml or 30 ml twice daily for 28 days. Blood samples were taken at baseline, then at 1, 3 and 5 h post cherry and then on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28. The area under the curve for SU was calculated over the 28-day study period.

RESULTS

Cherry concentrate dose had no significant effect on reduction in SU area under the curve, urine urate excretion, change in urinary anthocyanin between day 0 and day 28, or frequency of gout flares over the 28-day study period (P = 0.76). There were 24 reported adverse events, with only one (hyperglycaemia) considered possibly to be related to cherry concentrate. Allopurinol use did not modify the effect of cherry on SU or urine urate excretion.

CONCLUSION

Tart cherry concentrate had no effect on SU or urine urate excretion. If there is an effect of cherry concentrate on gout flares over a longer time period, it is not likely to be mediated by reduction in SU.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=368887, ANZCTR 12615000741583).

Clinical Effectiveness Trial of Adjunctive Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy for Patients With Bipolar Disorder

OBJECTIVE

This study compared relapse rates at 18 months among patients with bipolar disorder who, after discharge from publicly funded mental health services, received either adjunctive interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) or treatment as usual (general practice medical care).

METHODS

Patients diagnosed as having a bipolar I or II disorder who had been discharged from publicly funded mental health services in New Zealand during the previous 3 months were randomly assigned to 18 months of IPSRT or to treatment as usual. The primary outcome measure was the Life Interval Follow-Up Evaluation (LIFE) completed at weeks 26, 52, and 78 of treatment. Secondary measures were scores on the Social Adjustment Scale (SAS) and the Quality of Life-Bipolar Disorder Scale (QoL-BD) and readmission to mental health services.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 88 patients. In this intention-to-treat analysis, no significant differences were observed in rates of mood episodes between the groups (odds ratio=0.93, 95% confidence interval=0.37-2.17, p=0.86). A statistically significant difference was seen between the intervention and treatment-as-usual groups in scores on the SAS (effect size=0.5) but not on the QoL-BD. A significantly lower readmission rate was observed among the intervention group.

CONCLUSIONS

This pragmatic clinical effectiveness trial found that a combination of IPSRT and medication management over 18 months did not significantly improve mood relapse but did improve patient functioning.

Coordination difficulties and self-esteem: The views of children, adolescents, and their parents

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to examine the views of children and adolescents with significant coordination difficulties, and their parents, regarding factors they considered had most supported and hindered the development of their self-esteem (SE).

METHODS

A survey was sent to members of the Dyspraxia Support Group of New Zealand asking participants to prioritise the three factors that had most positively and negatively influenced the development of the young person's SE. Quantitative content analysis was utilised to summarise responses in order to describe main influences.

RESULTS

Both groups rated love and support from family as an important factor that had promoted SE. Young people placed more emphasis than parents on friendship and rewarding activities. Parents emphasised the importance of a supportive school environment and the benefits of "diagnosis." Both groups frequently rated aspects directly related to coordination difficulties and bullying as negative influences on SE.

CONCLUSION

The results provide information for young people with coordination difficulties, their parents, and occupational therapists regarding useful strategies for developing healthy SE. Occupational therapists have a critical role in the assessment of children and adolescents with coordination difficulties which leads to better understanding of the young person by others. Additionally, task-oriented treatment approaches are indicated and are likely to lead to increased rates of participation of young people in rewarding activities, including with friends. Further research is required to determine whether these occupational therapy interventions promote increases in SE.

Anaesthetic depth and complications after major surgery: an international, randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

An association between increasing anaesthetic depth and decreased postoperative survival has been shown in observational studies; however, evidence from randomised controlled trials is lacking. Our aim was to compare all-cause 1-year mortality in older patients having major surgery and randomly assigned to light or deep general anaesthesia.

METHODS

In an international trial, we recruited patients from 73 centres in seven countries who were aged 60 years and older, with significant comorbidity, having surgery with expected duration of more than 2 h, and an anticipated hospital stay of at least 2 days. We randomly assigned patients who had increased risk of complications after major surgery to receive light general anaesthesia (bispectral index [BIS] target 50) or deep general anaesthesia (BIS target 35). Anaesthetists also nominated an appropriate range for mean arterial pressure for each patient during surgery. Patients were randomly assigned in permuted blocks by region immediately before surgery, with the patient and assessors masked to group allocation. The primary outcome was 1-year all-cause mortality. The trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12612000632897, and is closed to accrual.

FINDINGS

Patients were enrolled between Dec 19, 2012, and Dec 12, 2017. Of the 18 026 patients screened as eligible, 6644 were enrolled, randomly assigned to treatment or control, and formed the intention-to-treat population (3316 in the BIS 50 group and 3328 in the BIS 35 group). The median BIS was 47·2 (IQR 43·7 to 50·5) in the BIS 50 group and 38·8 (36·3 to 42·4) in the BIS 35 group. Mean arterial pressure was 3·5 mm Hg (4%) higher (median 84·5 [IQR 78·0 to 91·3] and 81·0 [75·4 to 87·6], respectively) and volatile anaesthetic use was 0·26 minimum alveolar concentration (30%) lower (0·62 [0·52 to 0·73] and 0·88 [0·74 to 1·04], respectively) in the BIS 50 than the BIS 35 group. 1-year mortality was 6·5% (212 patients) in the BIS 50 group and 7·2% (238 patients) in the BIS 35 group (hazard ratio 0·88, 95% CI 0·73 to 1·07, absolute risk reduction 0·8%, 95% CI -0·5 to 2·0). Grade 3 adverse events occurred in 954 (29%) patients in the BIS 50 group and 909 (27%) patients in the BIS 35 group; and grade 4 adverse events in 265 (8%) and 259 (8%) patients, respectively. The most commonly reported adverse events were infections, vascular disorders, cardiac disorders, and neoplasms.

INTERPRETATION

Among patients at increased risk of complications after major surgery, light general anaesthesia was not associated with lower 1-year mortality than deep general anaesthesia. Our trial defines a broad range of anaesthetic depth over which anaesthesia may be safely delivered when titrating volatile anaesthetic concentrations using a processed electroencephalographic monitor.

FUNDING

Health Research Council of New Zealand; National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia; Research Grant Council of Hong Kong; National Institute for Health and Research, UK; and National Institutes of Health, USA.

A Prospective Study of Cosmetic Outcomes for Patients Treated with Breast Conservation and Radiation Therapy using Shorter Fractionation Schedules at Auckland Hospital, New Zealand

AIMS

Breast cosmesis is an important outcome for women after breast conservation. It has been shown to be correlated with better patient satisfaction, sexuality and self-esteem. This study reports the subjective and objective breast cosmesis outcomes for women treated at Auckland Hospital Radiation Oncology Department using hypofractionated radiation therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Breast cosmesis was evaluated using a subjective questionnaire and standardised photographs before radiation, at 6 weeks, 1 year, 3 years and 5 years after radiation. Objective evaluation of the photographs and completion of questionnaires were undertaken by clinicians at the same time points. The questionnaire evaluated global cosmesis on a four-point scale - excellent (E), good (G), fair (F) and poor (P). Patient, tumour and treatment factors were evaluated to assess the impact on cosmesis.

RESULTS

Three hundred and fifty-eight patients completed the baseline assessments and two hundred and two patients completed the 5-year assessments. Sixty-eight per cent of patients at baseline and 70% at 5 years scored their cosmesis as E/G compared with 52% and 51%, respectively, by clinician assessment. Age >50 years, separation ≤25 cm, non-diabetic, T1 tumours, node negative, quadrant of the scar, no boost and no adjuvant endocrine therapy were correlated with E/G cosmesis. On multivariate analysis at baseline, the individual breast factors that were significantly associated with a score of E/G cosmesis were breast shape (P = 0.028) and scar appearance (P = 0.001). At 5 years, breast shape (P = 0.003), nipple shape (P = 0.019) and scar appearance (P = 0.001) were found to be significant.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that most women reported no significant change in their breast cosmesis after hypofractionated radiation treatment over 5 years and that a number of patient, tumour and treatment factors may impact on breast cosmesis.

Risk factors for periprosthetic femoral fractures around total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Periprosthetic fractures are becoming increasingly common, often leading to poor patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with periprosthetic femoral fractures (PPFFx).

METHODS

Two independent reviewers conducted a systematic review of the databases MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, from the earliest available date to December 2017. We included all clinical articles reporting more than 100 post-operative PPFFx around total hip arthroplasty (THA). Outcomes included demographics, fracture type, risk factors and time to fracture.

RESULTS

A total of 12 868 PPFFx were reported across 18 eligible studies; 64% occurred following primary THA and 36% occurred after revision THA, and 66% of all fractures were in females. Vancouver B2 fractures were the most common type (39%). We found the odds of sustaining a PPFFx is significantly lower after a primary THA compared to revision THA (odds ratio 0.31, 95% confidence interval 0.24-0.40, P < 0.00001). The incidence of PPFFx is 2.96 per 1000 person-years following primary THA compared to 9.08 per 1000 person-years following revision THA (odds ratio 0.33, 95% confidence interval 0.27-0.40). The time to fracture was 6.03 years following primary THA and 4.08 years following revision THA. Gender and cementation did not significantly affect the odds of fracture.

CONCLUSION

The odds of sustaining a PPFFx following revision THA is three times greater compared to primary THA. Other risk factors including gender and cementation did not affect the odds of fracture.

VITALITY: impact of adalimumab on health and disability outcomes in patients with Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriasis treated in clinical practice in New Zealand

Objective: VITALITY, a 6-month, multicenter, prospective, observational study, assessed the effects of originator adalimumab (HUMIRA) on health and disability outcomes in patients with Crohn's disease (CD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or psoriasis treated in routine clinical practice in New Zealand (NZ). Methods: Biologic-naïve adults initiating adalimumab in accordance with NZ funding requirements were recruited. The primary endpoint was 6-month change from baseline in World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0 score in all participants completing the study (full analysis set). Secondary endpoints included 6-month change in other patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of work activity and wellbeing (Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: General Health, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Flourishing Scale, and Subject Vitality Scale) and in disease-specific PRO measures. Results: In total, 164 participants with severe disease initiating adalimumab completed the WHODAS 2.0 at baseline, of whom 114 (69.5%) completed the study at 6 months. Mean WHODAS 2.0 score halved from 15.2 points (SD = ±9.1) at baseline to 7.3 points (SD = ±7.2) after 6 months' adalimumab treatment (mean difference = 7.9 points; 95% CI = 6.4-9.4; p < .001), with statistically significant improvements seen as early as 2 months after adalimumab initiation (p < .001). The proportion of participants with a WHODAS 2.0 score ≥ 10 more than halved, from 68.3% to 28.9%, between baseline and 6 months. Other PROs also improved significantly at 6 months, as did disease-specific measures. No new adalimumab safety signals were observed. Conclusions: Health and disability outcomes improved significantly after 6 months of adalimumab use in NZ patients with severe CD, RA, or psoriasis. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02451839.

Relationships Between Allopurinol Dose, Oxypurinol Concentration and Urate-Lowering Response-In Search of a Minimum Effective Oxypurinol Concentration

The aims of this study were to determine factors that predict serum urate (SU) lowering response to allopurinol and the conversion of allopurinol to oxypurinol, and to determine a minimum therapeutic oxypurinol concentration. Data from 129 participants in a 24-month open, randomized, controlled, parallel-group, comparative clinical trial were analyzed. Allopurinol dose, SU, and plasma oxypurinol concentrations were available at multiple time points. The slope for the association between allopurinol dose and SU was calculated as a measure of sensitivity to allopurinol. The slope for the association between allopurinol dose and oxypurinol was calculated as a measure of allopurinol metabolism. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify a minimum oxypurinol concentration predictive of SU < 6 mg/dL. There was a wide range of SU concentrations for each allopurinol dose. The relationship between sensitivity to allopurinol and allopurinol metabolism for each 100 mg allopurinol dose increase varied between individuals. Body mass index (P = 0.023), creatinine clearance (CrCL; P = 0.037), ABCG2 Q141K (P = 0.019), and SU (P = 0.004) were associated with sensitivity to allopurinol. The minimum oxypurinol concentration for achieving the urate target was found to be about 104 μmol/L, but predictive accuracy was poor (ROC curve area under the curve (AUC) 0.65). The minimum therapeutic oxypurinol concentration was found to increase with decreasing renal function. Although there is a positive relationship between change in oxypurinol and change in SU concentration, a minimum therapeutic oxypurinol is dependent on CrCL and cannot reliably predict SU target. Other variables, including ABCG2 Q141K genotype, impact on sensitivity to allopurinol (ACTRN12611000845932).