Early Complication Rates Are Equivalent Between Isolated Cartilage Restoration and Concomitant Cartilage Restoration and Osteotomy of the Knee

OBJECTIVE

Realignment osteotomy performed concomitantly with cartilage restoration typically requires early restricted weightbearing and can add significant morbidity, potentially leading to an increased risk of early perioperative complications. The purpose of this study was to compare the 30-day complication rates after isolated cartilage restoration (ICR) versus concomitant cartilage restoration and osteotomy (CRO) using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database.

DESIGN

NSQIP registries between 2006 and 2019 were queried using Current Procedural Terminology codes to identify patients undergoing ICR (autologous chondrocyte implantation, osteochondral autograft transfer, or osteochondral allograft transplantation) and CRO (with concomitant high tibial osteotomy, distal femoral osteotomy, and/or tibial tubercle osteotomy). Complications rates between treatment groups were compared using multivariate logistic regression analyses adjusted for sex, age, steroid use, and respiratory status.

RESULTS

A total of 773 ICR and 97 CRO surgical procedures were identified. Mean patient ages were 35.9 years for the ICR group and 31.2 years for the CRO group. Operative time was significantly longer in the CRO group (170.8 min) compared with the ICR group (97.8 min). Multivariate analysis demonstrated no significant differences in rates of PE, VTE, and all-cause readmission between the ICR and CRO groups. No events of wound disruption, SSI and reoperation were found in the CRO group, while the ICR group was characterized by low rates of wound disruption, reoperation, and SSI (<1.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings further support concomitant osteotomy with cartilage restoration when appropriate and aid surgeons in the preoperative counseling of patients undergoing cartilage restoration treatment.

Synthetic Interbody Devices and Traditional Bone Graft Are Associated With a Similar Rate of Surgical Complications After 1-2 Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusions

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the rates of all-cause surgical complications of synthetic interbody devices versus allograft or autograft in patients undergoing 1-2 levels anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedures.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Cervical degenerative disorders affect up to 60% of older adults in the United States. Both traditional allograft or autograft and synthetic interbody devices (polyetheretherketone or titanium) are used for decompression and arthrodesis, with increasing utilization of the latter. However, the differences in their postsurgical complication profiles are not well-characterized.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent 1-2 level ACDFs for cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy between 2010 and 2022 were identified using the PearlDiver Mariner all-claims insurance database. Patients undergoing surgery for nondegenerative pathologies, such as tumors, trauma, or infection, were excluded. 1:1 exact matching was performed based on factors that were significant predictors of all-cause surgical complications in a linear regression model. The primary outcome measure was the development of all-cause surgical complications after 1-2 level ACDFs. The secondary outcome was all-cause medical complications.

RESULTS

1:1 exact matching resulted in two equal groups of 11,430 patients who received treatment with synthetic interbody devices or allograft/autograft. No statistically significant difference in all-cause surgical complications was found between the synthetic cohort and the allograft or autograft cohort after 1-2 level ACDFs (Relative Risk: 0.86, 95% confidence interval: 0.730-1.014, P = 0.079). No significant differences were observed regarding any specific surgical complications except for pseudoarthrosis (Relative Risk: 0.73, 95% confidence interval: 0.554-0.974, P = 0.037), which was higher in the allograft/autograft cohort.

CONCLUSION

After 1:1 exact matching to control for confounding variables, the findings of this study suggest that all-cause surgical complications are similar in patients undergoing ACDFs with synthetic interbody devices or allograft/autographs. However, the rate of pseudarthrosis appears to be higher in patients with allograft/autographs. Future prospective studies are needed to corroborate these findings.

Serum Levels of miR-122-5p and miR-125a-5p Predict Hepatotoxicity Occurrence in Patients Undergoing Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Hepatic complications are an acknowledged cause of mortality and morbidity among patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential role in the prediction of liver injury of five selected microRNAs (miRNAs)-miR-122-5p, miR-122-3p, miR-15b-5p, miR-99b-5p, and miR-125a-5p-in the setting of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT). A total of 66 patients were included in the study: 50 patients (75.8%) with multiple myeloma (MM) and 16 (24.2%) with lymphoma. Blood samples were collected after the administration of the conditioning regimen, on the day of transplant (day 0). The expression levels of selected miRNAs were quantified by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) using the miRCURY LNA miRNA Custom PCR Panels (QIAGEN). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, and the administered conditioning regimen, two miRNAs, hsa-miR-122-5p (odds ratio, OR 2.10, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.29-3.42, p = 0.0029) and hsa-miR-125a-5p (OR 0.27, 95% CI: 0.11-0.71, p = 0.0079), were independent for hepatic toxicity occurrence during the 14 days after transplant. Our model in 10-fold cross-validation preserved its diagnostic potential with a receiver operating characteristics area under the curve (ROC AUC) of 0.75, 95% CI: 0.63-0.88 and at optimal cut-off reached 72.0% sensitivity and 74.4% specificity. An elevated serum level of miR-122-5p and decreased level of miR-125a-5p on day 0 are independent risk factors for hepatotoxicity in ASCT recipients, showing promise in accurately predicting post-ASCT complications. Identifying patients susceptible to complications has the potential to reduce procedure costs and optimize the selection of inpatient or outpatient procedures.

Renal Autotransplantation for Uncontrolled Hypertension in Nonatherosclerotic Renal Artery Stenosis-2 Case Reports and a Brief Review of the Literature

Fibromuscular dysplasia is the most common cause of renovascular hypertension in young adults under 40 years old. It is potentially amenable to renal artery angioplasty, which frequently normalizes blood pressure. However, limited options exist if angioplasty is not technically possible, or restenosis occurs. Here, we describe 2 patients who presented with hypertension secondary to renal artery stenosis. In the first case, a young adult with hypertension secondary to renal artery stenosis (fibromuscular dysplasia), developed restenosis 11 weeks after an initially successful renal artery angioplasty. In the second case, a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 was diagnosed with hypertension secondary to renal artery stenosis. Angioplasty was not possible due to multiple branch occlusions. Both individuals went on to have successful renal autotransplantations, which ultimately cured their hypertension. In this article, we review the background, indications, and blood pressure outcomes in relation to renal autotransplantation in nonatherosclerotic renal artery stenosis.

The addition of doxycycline to fluoroquinolones for bacterial prophylaxis in autologous stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma

BACKGROUND

Bacterial prophylaxis with a fluoroquinolone (FQ) during autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is common, although not standardized among transplant centers. The addition of doxycycline (doxy) to FQ prophylaxis was previously linked to reduced neutropenic fever and bacteremia in multiple myeloma (MM) patients undergoing ASCT although several confounders were present. We compared the incidence of neutropenic fever and bacteremia between MM patients variably receiving prophylaxis with FQ alone and FQ-doxy during ASCT.

METHODS

Systematic retrospective chart review of MM patients who underwent ASCT between January 2016 and December 2021. The primary objective was to determine the effect of bacterial prophylaxis on neutropenic fever and bacteremia within 30 days of ASCT. Multivariable logistic regression for neutropenic fever and univariate logistic regression for bacteremia accounted for differences in subject characteristics between groups.

RESULTS

Among 341 subjects, 121 received FQ and 220 received FQ-doxy for prophylaxis. Neutropenic fever developed in 67 (55.4%) and 87 (39.5%) subjects in the FQ and FQ-doxy groups, respectively (p = .005). Bacteremia was infrequent, with 5 (4.1%) and 5 (2.3%) cases developing in the FQ and FQ-doxy groups, respectively (p = .337). Among Gram-negative bacteremia events, 7/7 Escherichia coli strains were FQ-resistant, and 5/7 were ceftriaxone-resistant.

CONCLUSION

The FQ-doxy prophylaxis group had fewer cases of neutropenic fever than the FQ group, however, there was no significant difference in bacteremia. High rates of antibiotic resistance were observed. An updated randomized controlled trial investigating appropriate prophylaxis for ASCT in the context of current oncology standards and changing antimicrobial resistance rates is warranted.

Intrathecal delivery of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in traumatic spinal cord injury: Phase I trial

Intrathecal delivery of autologous culture-expanded adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSC) could be utilized to treat traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). This Phase I trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03308565) included 10 patients with American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade A or B at the time of injury. The study's primary outcome was the safety profile, as captured by the nature and frequency of adverse events. Secondary outcomes included changes in sensory and motor scores, imaging, cerebrospinal fluid markers, and somatosensory evoked potentials. The manufacturing and delivery of the regimen were successful for all patients. The most commonly reported adverse events were headache and musculoskeletal pain, observed in 8 patients. No serious AEs were observed. At final follow-up, seven patients demonstrated improvement in AIS grade from the time of injection. In conclusion, the study met the primary endpoint, demonstrating that AD-MSC harvesting and administration were well-tolerated in patients with traumatic SCI.

[Guideline for the diagnosis and management of multiple myeloma-related renal impairment (2024 version)]

Renal impairment is a common complication of multiple myeloma (MM). All patients with MM should be assessed for the presence and severity of renal impairment. The clinicopathological manifestations of MM-related renal impairment are diverse and complex; accordingly, except for light-chain nephropathy, which can often be diagnosed without biopsy based solely on clinical criteria, a renal biopsy is needed for an accurate diagnosis. Supportive care, such as adequate hydration, is required for all patients with MM-related renal impairment. The guideline provide the principles for dose adjustment of the drugs used for MM with renal impairment, including proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulators, monoclonal antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, and alkylating agents, as well as those used for myeloma bone disease. Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell immunotherapy (CAR-T) are effective in patients with moderate renal impairment and are tolerated by the patients. The Chinese Hematology Association; the Chinese Geriatrics Association, Society of Hematology; and the Chinese Research Hospital Association, Society of Nephrology asked experts to collate information on current progress in clinical research relating to MM with renal impairment. This guideline was developed based on the gathered data combined with the latest international consensus and clinical practice guidelines.

Technical considerations and sizing of external annuloplasty in the Ross procedure

Pure aortic regurgitation and dilation of aortic annulus are the most significant risk factors for the failure of pulmonary autograft after the Ross procedure. Aortic annuloplasty has a positive effect on the durability of the autograft. Previously, we described a technique for external annuloplasty with dedicated CORONEO ring. In the present manuscript, we suggest the sizing of annuloplasty based on the diameter of pulmonary autograft annulus.

A case of peripheral T-cell lymphoma in which therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome developed and a second autologous transplantation was performed

We report a case of therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), which developed 9 years after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) for peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS). A 65-year-old male was diagnosed with PTCL-NOS. After 6 cycles of the CHOP (cyclophosphamide [CPA], doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) regimen, he achieved a first complete response (CR). He relapsed 33 months later and received salvage chemotherapy, which consisted of the CHASE regimen (CPA, high-dose cytarabine, dexamethasone, and etoposide). During the recovery phase of the first cycle of CHASE, his peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) were harvested and frozen in 2 bags. After 2 courses of CHASE, he underwent autologous PBSCT, which involved the use of the LEED preconditioning regimen (melphalan, CPA, etoposide, and dexamethasone) and one of the frozen bags. This resulted in a second CR. At 39 months after PBSCT, he relapsed with a tumor in his right arm. After it was resected, he received eight cycles of brentuximab vedotin and 45 Gy of involved-field irradiation concurrently and achieved a third CR. Nine years after autologous PBSCT, he was diagnosed with MDS with excess blasts 2 (MDS-EB-2). His disease progressed to acute myeloid leukemia after 2 courses of azacitidine therapy. He successfully underwent a second autologous PBSCT involving the busulfan and melphalan preconditioning regimen and the other frozen bag, which had been stored for 9 years. He has been in complete cytogenetic remission for 1 year since the second autologous PBSCT.

Autologous Fat Grafting in Breast Augmentation: A Systematic Review Highlighting the Need for Clinical Caution

BACKGROUND

Autologous fat grafting (AFG) is a breast augmentation method for treating volume and contour abnormalities. This systematic review aims to summarize complications, radiologic safety, volume retention, and patient satisfaction associated with AFG.

METHODS

The PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Wiley library, clinical key/Elsevier, and EBSCO databases were searched for relevant studies from January of 2009 to March of 2022. Articles describing AFG for breast augmentation were selected based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were adhered to, and the study was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. The Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions assessment was used to assess the quality of studies and the risk of bias was measured using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions.

RESULTS

A total of 35 studies comprising 3757 women were included. The average follow-up duration was 24.5 months (range, 1 to 372 months). The overall complication rate was 27.8%, with fat necrosis making up 43.7% of all complications. Average fat volume injected was 300 mL (range, 134 to 610 mL), and average volume retention was 58% (range, 44% to 83%). Volume retention was greater with supplementation of fat with platelet-rich plasma and stromal vascular fraction. The most common radiologic changes were fat necrosis (9.4%) and calcification (1.2%). After 1 year of follow-up, patient satisfaction was, on average, 92% (range, 83.2% to 97.5%). The included studies were of good quality and consisted of a moderate risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

AFG was associated with an overall complication rate of 27.8%. Additional supplementation of fat with platelet-rich plasma and stromal vascular fraction may improve graft survival. Despite poor volume retention being a persistent drawback, patient satisfaction remains high.

Late morbidity and mortality after autologous blood or marrow transplantation for lymphoma in children, adolescents and young adults-a BMTSS report

We determined the risk of late morbidity and mortality after autologous blood or marrow transplantation (BMT) for lymphoma performed before age 40. The cohort included autologous BMT recipients who had survived ≥2 years after transplantation (N = 583 [HL = 59.9%; NHL = 40.1%]) and a comparison cohort (N = 1070). Participants self-reported sociodemographics and chronic health conditions. A severity score (grade 3 [severe], 4 [life threatening] or 5 [fatal]) was assigned to the conditions using CTCAE v5.0. Logistic regression estimated the odds of grade 3-4 conditions in survivors vs. comparison subjects. Proportional subdistribution hazards models identified predictors of grade 3-5 conditions among BMT recipients. Median age at BMT was 30.0 years (range: 2.0-40.0) and median follow-up was 9.8 years (2.0-32.1). Survivors were at a 3-fold higher adjusted odds for grade 3-4 conditions (95% CI = 2.3-4.1) vs. comparison subjects. Factors associated with grade 3-5 conditions among BMT recipients included age at BMT (>30 years: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 2.31; 95% CI = 1.27-4.19; reference: ≤21 years), pre-BMT radiation (aHR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.13-2.03; reference: non-irradiated), and year of BMT (≥2000: aHR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.34-0.85; reference: <1990). The 25 years cumulative incidence of relapse-related and non-relapse-related mortality was 18.2% and 25.9%, respectively. The high risk for late morbidity and mortality after autologous BMT for lymphoma performed at age <40 calls for long-term anticipatory risk-based follow-up.

Subconjunctival dexamethasone-assisted conjunctival autograft harvesting versus normal saline during pterygium surgery - A randomized clinical trial

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of subconjunctival dexamethasone compared to normal saline on conjunctival autograft harvesting in patients undergoing pterygium surgery.

METHODS

Fifty-two eyes of 52 patients who underwent pterygium excision combined with autologous conjunctival graft (CAG) using releasable suture were included in this prospective interventional study. The patients were randomized into two groups of 26 patients each. Group A consisted of patients in whom CAG was harvested using subconjunctival 0.5 ml of 0.4% dexamethasone sodium phosphate and in group B patients, normal saline was used. The patients were assessed for postoperative pain, foreign body sensation, and watering as the subjective signs of inflammation and conjunctival inflammation and lid edema as the objective signs of inflammation at 12 and 24 h postsurgery.

RESULTS

The mean age of group A and B patients was 47.69 + 13.09 and 46.00 + 10.76 years, respectively. The male:female ratio was 1.6:1 in group A and 1.1:1 in group B. The mean surgical time in group A was 243.96 ± 52.13 s and in group B was 258.08 ± 43.99 s. Postoperative pain, foreign body sensation, and watering were significantly lower in group A patients than in group B patients at both 12 and 24 h postoperatively (group A: 4.65 ± 1.33, 4.88 ± 1.73, and 3.85 ± 1.43, respectively, at 12 h; 1.89 ± 1.03, 1.69 ± 1.09, and 1.69 ± 0.97, respectively, at 24 h and group B: 6.42 ± 0.95, 6.65 ± 0.98, and 6.27 ± 1.40, respectively, at 12 h; 3.27 ± 1.43, 3.12 ± 1.25, 2.58 ± 1.14, respectively, at 24 h) ( P < 0.001). Conjunctival inflammation was significantly lower in group A at 12 h ( P < 0.05) and 24 h ( P < 0.05) after surgery compared to group B. Lid edema failed to show any significant ( P = 0.17) difference with respect to severity in both the groups at 12 and 24 h ( P = 0.699).

CONCLUSION

Subconjunctival dexamethasone decreased patient discomfort following pterygium surgery. The dexamethasone group had reduced conjunctival inflammatory signs without any notable complications.

Age and lymphocyte/monocyte ratio as prognostic factors for autologous transplantation in the treatment of patients with follicular lymphoma

OBJECTIVE

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is an indolent, lymphoproliferative disease of B-cell origin that has a heterogeneous disease course with varying outcomes. Certain patients may undergo autologous stem cell transplantation. We investigated the outcome of autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with FL.

METHODS

Patients who received autologous stem cell transplantation at the University of Debrecen's Department of Hematology between 2004 and 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) after transplantation of patients with FL were examined. Prognostic factors that may influence the course of the disease were chosen.

RESULTS

Data were collected from 49 patients. OS was influenced only by age, whereas PFS was affected by age and the lymphocyte/monocyte ratio. The combination of age and lymphocyte/monocyte ratio defined a patient population with a particularly unfavorable prognostic risk profile: patients over 47 years of age with a pre-transplant lymphocyte/monocyte ratio greater than or equal to 2.675.

CONCLUSION

Age and lymphocyte/monocyte ratio were identified as useful prognostic factors for PFS in patients with FL following autologous stem cell transplantation.

A low thrombospondin-1 serum concentration is related to increased bacteremia risk in lymphoma patients treated with BeEAM/BEAM conditioning regimen and autologous stem cell transplantation

Infectious complications of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) are the most common adverse effects of the therapy, resulting in prolonged hospitalization and deterioration of patient well-being. Identifying predictors of these complications is essential for improving patient outcomes and guiding clinical management. This study aimed to examine thrombospondin-1 (THBS-1) serum levels as a potential biomarker for predicting bacteremia in AHSCT recipients. Blood samples were collected from 30 patients undergoing BeEAM/BEAM (bendamustine/carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, melphalan) conditioning regimen at subsequent time points during AHSCT. THBS-1 levels were quantified using ELISA kits. Patients who developed bacteremia (n = 11) during the AHSCT course had lower THBS-1 concentration compared with those without (n = 19) (22.88 ± 11.53 µg/mL vs. 15.24 ± 5.62 µg/mL, p = .0325). The ROC curve analysis revealed that THBS-1 serum concentration at the first day of BeEAM/BEAM regimen had an area under the curve of 0.732 (95%CI: 0.5390.925, p = .0186) with an optimal cut-off value of 16.5 µg/ml resulting in 82% Sensitivity and 53% Specificity for predicting bacteremia with a median of 11 days before its occurrence. Patients with lower THBS-1 concentrations experienced febrile neutropenia significantly earlier, with a median difference of 5 days (p = .0037). Patients with a low concentration of THBS-1 had a higher risk of bacteremia and a shorter time to febrile neutropenia, indicating its potential value as a complications biomarker. Patients with lower serum THBS-1 concentrations, indicating an increased risk, may be more suitable for an inpatient AHSCT procedure, where close monitoring and immediate intervention are accessible.

Avoiding Complications of Thyroidectomy: Preservation of Parathyroid Glands

Preservation of functional parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy and central neck surgery is crucial to avoid the common but serious complication of hypoparathyroidism. The first requirement is a solid foundational knowledge of anatomy and embryology which then enables the surgeon to use meticulous anticipatory dissection with identification and preservation of blood supply to the parathyroids. When preservation of blood supply is not possible, autotransplantation should be performed. New technologies harnessing the natural phenomenon of parathyroid autofluorescence to detect parathyroid tissue and indocyanine green to perform angiography may lead to improved outcomes with low risk to patients.

Guided Autotransplantation of an Immature Premolar to the Maxillary Incisor Region with Immediate Restoration of Esthetics: A Case Report

This case report describes the treatment of two maxillary central incisors following a traumatic injury with tooth #8 developing replacement resorption and #9 developing inflammatory root resorption. A 10-year-old girl presented complaining of pain in her maxillary central incisors. Upon clinical examination, teeth #8 and #9 were tender to percussion and palpation of the buccal soft tissues. Thermal and electrical pulpal sensitivity tests for teeth #8 and #9 were negative. An intraoral periapical radiograph revealed resorptive defects in tooth #8, which were filled with bone-like tissue, while tooth #9 had radiolucent resorptive defects along the root surface and a periapical radiolucency. A diagnosis of replacement resorption was made for tooth #8 and external inflammatory root resorption for tooth #9. Tooth #8 was treated with a multidisciplinary approach utilizing a guided template for premolar autotransplantation with an immediate veneer restoration, while tooth #9 was managed with root canal treatment using a tricalcium silicate cement to fill the canal. At the 1, 4, 8, 12, and 24-month follow-ups, the patient remained asymptomatic, and there was no radiographic evidence of root or periapical pathosis on either tooth. The root-end of the donor tooth transplanted to the #8 site continued to develop. This case report highlights successful interdisciplinary management of two forms of root resorption using modern treatment strategies that provided immediate function and esthetics to the maxillary central incisors in a young patient following trauma.

Clinical effects of autologous follicular unit extraction transplantation in the treatment of secondary cicatricial alopecia after infections

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical effects of autologous follicular unit extraction (FUE) transplantation in the treatment of secondary scarring alopecia caused by infections, and to evaluate its effectiveness.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study has been conducted, which included nine patients with secondary scarring alopecia caused by infections. All patients underwent initial autologous FUE hair transplantation surgery, and the occurrence of postoperative complications was monitored. Patient satisfaction was evaluated after 12 months post-surgery.

RESULTS

At the follow-up, postoperative satisfaction was 88.9% in nine patients, with only one case of postoperative infection and no incidence of skin necrosis, significant bruising and swelling, unnatural appearance or temporary hair loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Autologous FUE hair transplantation is an effective method for treating secondary scarring alopecia caused by infections. This procedure is minimally invasive, resulting in high patient satisfaction and minimal complications postoperatively.

Late Pulmonary Autograft Dilation: Can We Make a Good Operation Great? The Tailored Approach

While it is the main viable option in the growing child and young adult, the Ross procedure has expanded its applicability to older patients, for whom long-term results are equivalent, if not superior, to prosthetic aortic valve replacement. Strategies aiming at mitigating long-term autograft failure from root enlargement and valve regurgitation have led some to advocate for root reinforcement with prosthetic graft material. On the contrary, we will discuss herein the rationale for a tailored approach to the Ross procedure; this strategy is aimed at maintaining the natural physiology and interplay between the various autograft components. Several technical maneuvers, including careful matching of aortic and autograft annuli and sino-tubular junction as well as external support by autologous aortic tissue maintain these physiologic relationships and the viability of the autograft, and could translate in a lower need for late reintervention because of dilation and/or valve regurgitation.

Invasive fungal infection incidence and risk factors in patients receiving ibrutinib in real-life settings: A nationwide population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Data on the risk of invasive fungal infections (IFI) with ibrutinib treatment are scarce.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine IFI incidence and risk factors in ibrutinib-treated patients in real-life settings.

METHODS

We constituted a cohort of ibrutinib incident users in the French National Healthcare Database. All patients ≥18 years with a first dispensing of ibrutinib between 21 November 2014 and 31 December 2019 were included. Patients were followed from the cohort entry date until IFI, ibrutinib discontinuation, death, or 31 December 2020, whichever came first. The cumulative incidence function method was used to estimate the probability of IFI accounting for competing risk of death. A multivariate cause-specific Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess independent IFI risk factors.

RESULTS

Among 6937 ibrutinib-treated patients, 1-year IFI cumulative incidence was 1.3%, with invasive aspergillosis being the most frequent. Allogenic or autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) (hazard ratio [HR] 3.59, 95% confidence interval [1.74; 7.41]), previous anticancer treatment (HR 2.12, CI 95% [1.34; 3.35]) and chronic respiratory disease (HR 1.66, [1.03; 2.67]) were associated with higher risk of IFI. Besides neutropenia and corticosteroids, use of anti-CD20 agents was significantly more frequent in patients having experienced IFI (HR 3.68, [1.82; 7.45]).

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to patients with ASCT history, severe neutropenia or treated with corticosteroids, our findings support active surveillance of IFIs in those with chronic respiratory disease, previously treated, or treated with anti-CD20 agents in combination with ibrutinib. Further studies are needed to optimise IFI prophylaxis in these patient subgroups.

A prospective randomized controlled study of hamstring and bone-free quadriceps tendons autografts in arthroscopic ACL reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is one of the most common surgical procedures worldwide. However, the ideal graft source is still debatable. This study compared hamstring (HT) and bone-free quadriceps (QT) tendon autografts in terms of muscle strength and patient-reported outcomes.

METHODS

Between June 2018 and December 2019, 46 patients were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to one of two groups for the ACL reconstruction surgery-the HT autograft group or the QT autograft group. An experienced examiner performed preoperative and postoperative examinations. The HUMAC NORM isokinetic machine (Computer Sports Medicine International-CSMI, 2004) was used to assess flexor and extensor thigh muscle strength. Both groups received the same surgical technique and fixation method. All patients were examined after three, six, nine, and 12 months. The final evaluations were performed at the 24-month follow-up. Patients' scores on the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) evaluation form and the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale were used to evaluate patient-reported outcomes. The two groups were also compared in terms of postoperative complications and activity levels.

RESULTS

The difference between preoperative and postoperative knee flexor peak torques (FPT) was lower in the QT group than in the HT group. The average difference between preoperative and postoperative knee extensor peak torque (EPT) was higher in the QT group than in the HT group. As a result, the HT group had a lower postoperative H/Q ratio (flexor strength normalized to body mass divided by extensor strength normalized to body mass) than the QT group (p < 0.001). The mean IKDC scores for the HT and QT groups were 90.13 ± 6.99 and 87.12 ± 6.61, respectively. The scores of the two groups postoperatively were close, and both groups showed significant improvement. The average graft size in the QT group was significantly greater than that in the HT group. Saphenous nerve palsy was the most common complication in the HT group (22%). Thigh hematomas were observed in two patients in the QT group and required urgent intervention (12%).

CONCLUSION

After ACL reconstruction, we found a significant decrease in strength at the donor sites in both techniques, with similar patient-reported measures and stability outcomes. The H/Q strength ratio was higher in the QT group postoperatively, which may have a protective effect on the reconstructed ligament. Level of Evidence I It is a randomized controlled trial.

Prognostic factors, outcomes, and complications for dental autotransplantation: an umbrella review

BACKGROUND

Dental autotransplantation (DAT) is a biological way of replacing missing or compromised teeth for patients. The techniques often necessitate a multi-disciplinary approach. The prognosis and success of the procedure may be impacted by variable factors in varying degrees.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluating outcomes and complications of DAT, including prognostic factors using an umbrella review.

SEARCH METHODS

Six databases were searched for all relevant systematic reviews published up to 30 June 2022. No restrictions were applied to language or publication date.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of DAT studies.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Identification, screening, eligibility, and quality assessment using the AMSTAR 2 tool were performed independently by two authors (M.C. and S.A.). Two studies (20%) scored moderate, six studies (60%) scored low, and two studies (20%) scored critically low. Data were analysed using a random effects meta-analysis, and meta-regression was performed to investigate the effect of open and closed apices on the dependent variables. The results were summarised as relative risk ratios.

RESULTS

A total of 310 studies were eligible for inclusion, of which 20 studies were selected for full-text evaluation. Ten systematic reviews were included, 9 of which had a meta-analysis. Overall findings suggest that DAT offers favourable success and survival rates. Meta-regression results indicate that a closed apex increased the proportion of ankylosis and resorption, reduced survival but had no effect on success during the observational period.

LIMITATIONS

A varying degree of heterogeneity and bias was present in all systematic reviews. The samples of donor teeth included in the systematic reviews also varied morphologically.

CONCLUSIONS

DAT is a technique-sensitive procedure requiring a multidisciplinary team, vigilant case assessment and thorough consideration of the respective prognostic factors involved. Despite methodological limitations reported across studies, DAT shows favourable success and survival rates, with a distinctive advantage of bone induction and soft tissue thickness preservation, and should, therefore, be considered as a viable treatment modality. Standardisation of clinical guidelines and practice are highly recommended.

REGISTRATION

CRD42020202484.

Corynebacterium bovis infection after autologous fat grafting in breast augmentation: a case report

In this report, we present a case study of a rare human bacterium, Corynebacterium bovis, which caused an infection in a patient who had undergone autologous fat-based breast augmentation using cryopreserved fat. This infection occurred during a secondary fat grafting procedure. To identify the bacteria causing the infection, we used high-throughput DNA sequencing technology since this bacterium is seldomly reported in human infections. The patient was successfully treated with intravenous imipenem. We also discuss potential factors that may have contributed to this unusual bacterial infection and propose that DNA sequencing can be a useful tool in cases where standard culture techniques fail to identify the causative agent. Additionally, we highlight the importance of further research on the cryopreservation of fat. In summary, this case highlights the possibility of rare bacterial infections occurring after fat grafting procedures and emphasizes the importance of identifying the causative agent through advanced techniques such as DNA sequencing. Further research is needed to improve our understanding of the risks associated with cryopreservation of fat and to identify ways to prevent these types of infections in the future.

Adult presentation of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency: a possible cause of hyperammonemia after high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation

Hyperammonemia is a rare and often fatal complication following the conditioning therapy in autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients. It is characterized by anorexia, vomiting, lethargy and coma without any other apparent cause. The diagnosis is often delayed because symptoms can be subtle and ammonia is usually not included among the routine analyzes. Previous reports have not identified the molecular mechanisms behind hyperammonemia in stem cell transplant recipients. Urea cycle disorders (UCDs) are inborn errors of metabolism leading to hyperammonemia that usually presents in early childhood, whereas first presentation in adults is less common. Here we describe an adult woman with hyperammonemia following autologous stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma. No apparent cause of hyperammonemia was identified, including portosystemic shunting, liver dysfunction or recent hyperammonemia-inducing chemotherapy. Hyperammonemia, normal blood glucose as well as anion gap and a previous history of two male newborns that died early after birth, prompted biochemical and genetic investigations for a UCD. A heterozygous variant in the X-linked gene encoding ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) was identified and was regarded as a cause of UCD. The patient improved after treatment with nitrogen scavengers and high caloric intake according to a UCD protocol. This case report suggests that UCD should be considered as a possible cause of hyperammonemia following stem cell transplantation.

Changing trends in the risk factors for second primary malignancies after autologous stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma before and after the introduction of proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs

The incidence of second primary malignancies (SPM) in long-term survivors of multiple myeloma (MM) is increasing because of increased life expectancy. We retrospectively analyzed the risk factors for SPM in patients with MM after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) before and after the introduction of proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs). In total, 2,340 patients newly diagnosed with MM who underwent ASCT between 1995 and 2016 were enrolled in this study. Forty-three patients developed SPM (29 solid, 12 hematological, and 2 unknown tumors), with cumulative incidence rates of 0.8% and 2.5% at 24 and 60 months, respectively. The cumulative incidence rates of hematological and solid SPM at 60 months were 0.8% and 1.8%, respectively. The overall survival (OS) rate at 60 months after ASCT was 62.9% and the OS rates after the diagnosis of SPM at 24 months were 72.2% for hematological SPM and 70.9% for solid SPM. Multivariate analysis revealed that the use of IMiDs (P=0.024) and radiation (P=0.002) were significant independent risk factors for SPM. The probabilities of developing SPM and death due to other causes (mainly MM) at 60 months were 2.5% and 36.5%, respectively, indicating that the risk of SPM was lower than that of death from MM. Furthermore, SPM between the pre-novel and novel agent eras (ASCT between 2007 and 2016) groups significantly increased (1.9% vs. 4.3% at 60 months; P=0.022). The early occurrence of SPM after ASCT should be monitored cautiously.

Total Parathyroidectomy Without Autotransplantation for ESRD Patients With Secondary Hyperparathyroidism; an Effective Alternative

BACKGROUND

The most common operations performed for secondary hyperparathyroidism include subtotal parathyroidectomy (STPX) and total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation (TPX + AT). We present a series of ESRD patients treated with total parathyroidectomy without autotransplantation (TPX).

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort analysis of ESRD patients, age 18 years or older, with three or more glands resected on final pathology and follow-up parathyroid hormone levels obtained up to 1.5 years postoperatively. The primary endpoint was recurrence of hyperparathyroidism (defined as PTH > 500 pg/mL).

RESULTS

The incidence of recurrent hyperparathyroidism at 1.5 years was 5.9% (2/34). The incidence of persistent hyperparathyroidism at 1.5 years was 11.8% (4/34). In this series, no patients were hospitalized for symptomatic hypocalcemia or experienced pathologic bone fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrence rates are low with TPX. The most common cause of recurrent and persistent disease is resection of three rather than four glands. The known complications of TPX, pathologic fractures, and severe hypocalcemia, were not seen in this study.

Revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the ipsilateral Quadriceps tendon autograft: a modular reconstructive option

PURPOSE

Failed ACL reconstruction is a common occurrence nowadays due to the increased incidence of ACL surgeries and return to full activities following the surgery. Several challenges might stand in the face of this revision surgery particularly the graft harvest and its suitability to the situation with possible widening of the tunnel and the avoidance of additional morbidity at the contralateral side or anterior knee pain as in patellar tendon harvest. The aim of this study is to evaluate the ipsilateral quadriceps tendon as a source of autograft in revision ACL surgery which constitutes a viable option that can potentially decrease the morbidity of the procedure, and meanwhile provide a graft substitute that can be tailored to suit the dilated tunnels commonly encountered in revision surgery, thus giving the patients a good potential for better functional outcome.

METHODS

Revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was done in 30 patients using the ipsilateral quad tendon as a pure soft tissue or with a bony fragment.

RESULTS

The mean subjective international Knee Documentation Committee score (IKDC score) at two years follow-up was 65.83 ± 7.20. There is statistically significant improvement of the objective as well as the subjective IKDC scores at the end of follow-up when compared to the preoperative as well as the 6-month evaluation figures. The KT1000 arthrometer recorded a mean of 4.50 ± 1.07. Significant improvement of the limb symmetry index was at two years duration.

CONCLUSIONS

The quadriceps tendon can be a solution for several challenges that might appear during the revision ACL surgery with comparable results to other tendons and with minimal morbidity on the function of the harvested muscle tendon.

Streamlining the Fat: A Systematic Review of Active Closed Wash and Filtration in Autologous Fat Grafting After Breast Reconstruction

Although fat grafting in breast reconstruction continues to grow in popularity, the optimal technique remains elusive and outcomes are varied. This systematic review of available controlled studies utilizing active closed wash and filtration (ACWF) systems sought to examine differences in fat processing efficiency, aesthetic outcomes, and revision rates. A literature search was performed from inception to February 2022 following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) in Ovid MEDLINE (Wolters Kluwer, Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands), Ovid Embase (Wolters Kluwer), and Cochrane Library (Wiley, Hoboken, NJ). Two independent reviewers screened the studies for eligibility with Covidence software. Bibliographies and citing references from selected articles were screened from Scopus (Elsevier, Amsterdam, the Netherlands). The search identified 3476 citations, with 6 studies included. Three studies demonstrated a significantly higher volume of graftable fat harvested in a significantly lower mean grafting time with ACWF than with their respective controls. With respect to adverse events, 3 studies reported significantly lower incidences of nodule or cyst formation with ACWF with respect to control. Two studies reported a significantly lower incidence of fat necrosis with ACWF vs control, with this trend upheld in 2 additional studies. Three studies reported significantly lower revision rates with ACWF with respect to control. No study reported inferiority with ACWF for any outcome of interest. These data suggest that ACWF systems yield higher fat volumes in less time than other common techniques, with decreased rates of suboptimal outcomes and revisions, thereby supporting active filtration as a safe and efficacious means of fat processing that may reduce operative times. Further large-scale, randomized trials are needed to definitively demonstrate the above trends.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

A novel remnant liver-first strategy for liver autotransplantation in patients with end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis: a retrospective case series

BACKGROUND

Ex vivo liver resection combined with autotransplantation is an effective therapeutic strategy for unresectable end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE). However, ex vivo liver resection combined with autotransplantation is a technically demanding and time-consuming procedure associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The authors aimed to present our novel remnant liver-first strategy of in vivo liver resection combined with autotransplantation (IRAT) technique for treating patients with end-stage HAE.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients who underwent IRAT between January 2014 and December 2020 at two institutions. Patients with end-stage HAE were carefully assessed for IRAT by a multidisciplinary team. The safety, feasibility, and outcomes of this novel technique were analyzed.

RESULTS

IRAT was successfully performed in six patients, with no perioperative deaths. The median operative time was 537.5 min (range, 501.3-580.0), the median anhepatic time was 59.0 min (range, 54.0-65.5), and the median cold ischemia time was 165.0 min (range, 153.8-201.5). The median intraoperative blood loss was 700.0 ml (range, 475.0-950.0). In-hospital complications occurred in two patients. No Clavien-Dindo grade III or higher complications were observed. At a median follow-up of 18.6 months (range, 15.4-76.0) , all patients were alive. No recurrence of HAE was observed.

CONCLUSION

The remnant liver-first strategy of IRAT is feasible and safe for selected patients with end-stage HAE. The widespread adoption of this novel technique requires further studies to standardize the operative procedure and identify patients who are most likely to benefit from it.

[Efficacy and Safety of Etoposide Combined with Cyclophosphamide for Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Mobilization in Patients with Multiple Myeloma]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of etoposide combined with cyclophosphamide (EC) regimen for mobilization of autologous peripheral blood stem cells (APBSCs) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM).

METHODS

The clinical data of 48 MM patients who received APBSC transplantation (APBSCT) in Department of Hematology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from January 2015 to October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The mobilization success rate and mobilization optimal rate of EC regimen were counted, and its effect on transplant efficacy, adverse reactions, hematopoietic reconstitution after transplantation, and survival time of MM patients were analyzed.

RESULTS

APBSCs were collected on day 14 (10-19) after EC administration. The median of collected CD34+ cells was 6.82 (1.27-22.57)×106/kg, and the median number of apheresis session was 2 (1-4). The mobilization success rate (collecting CD34+ cells≥2×106 cells/kg after completion of apheresis) was 98% (47/48), and mobilization optimal rate (collecting CD34+ cells≥5×106 cells/kg after completion of apheresis) was 71% (34/48). The depth of remission were improved after APBSCT, and the complete remission (CR) rate increased from 45.8% before transplantation to 87.5% after transplantation (P <0.01). There was no transplant-related death, no blood transfusion during mobilization, and no mucositis occurred in the patients. The most common complication was neutropenia, with an incidence of 75.0% (36/48). After transplantation, all the patients successfully achieved hematopoietic reconstitution. The median time to neutrophil engraftment was 10 (9-26) days, and median time to platelet engraftment was 10 (8-33) days. By the end of follow-up, both the median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) time were not reached. The 5-year estimated PFS rate and OS rate was 53.8% and 82.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The EC regimen for mobilization of APBSC has a high acquisition success rate and controllable adverse reactions, which can be an effective and safe mobilization regimen in MM patients.

Characteristics and outcome of infectious complications after autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation in multiple myeloma patients

BACKGROUND

Infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. There has been a rapid advancement and evolution in MM treatment landscape in the last decade. There is limited information on post-AHCT infectious complications among MM patients with or without levofloxacin prophylaxis from developing countries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective study to explore the incidence, pattern, and clinical outcome of infections following AHCT in MM patients from 2010 to 2019 at our center. Patient-specific, disease-specific, and transplant-specific details were retrieved from the case files. The characteristics of infectious complications (site, intensity, organism, treatment, and outcomes) were analyzed. All patients who underwent transplantation from 2010 to 2016 received levofloxacin antibiotic prophylaxis. Common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) criteria (v5.0) were used for the grading of infections and regimen-related toxicity. International Myeloma Working Group updated criteria were used for the assessment of disease response before transplant and at day +100.

RESULTS

Ninety-five consecutive patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) (n = 85), RRMM (n = 7), plasma cell leukemia (n = 2), and Polyneuropathy, Orgaomegaly, Endocrinopathy, Monoclonal gammopathy, skin abnormalities (POEMS) syndrome (n = 1) underwent AHCT during the study period. Their median age was 55 years (range 33-68); 55.8% were males. Immunoglobulin IgG kappa was the most common monoclonal protein (32.6%), International Staging System stage III disease was present in 45.3%, and 84.2% of patients achieved more than very good partial response before AHCT. The median time from diagnosis to AHCT was 10 months (range 4-144). Eighty-nine patients (93.7%) developed fever after AHCT. Fever of unknown focus, microbiologically confirmed infections, and clinically suspected infections were found in 50.5%, 37.9%, and 5.3% of patients, respectively. Clostridiodes difficile-associated diarrhea was observed in eight patients (8.4%). Neutrophil and platelet engraftment occurred after a median of 11 days (range 9-14) and 12 days (range 9-23), respectively. The median duration of hospital stay was 16 days (range 9-29). Only two patients (2.1%) required readmission for infections within 100 days of AHCT. Transplant-related mortality (TRM) in the study population was 4.2% (n = 4). The levofloxacin prophylaxis group (n = 32, 33.7%) had earlier neutrophil engraftment (day +10 vs. day +11) and platelet engraftment (day +11 vs. day +12), but time to fever onset, duration of fever, hospital stay, TRM, and day +100 readmission rates were not significantly different from those of patients without levofloxacin prophylaxis. There was no significant difference in the spectrum of infections between patients with and without levofloxacin prophylaxis. The overall survival and progression-free survival of the study population at 5 years were 72.7% and 64.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that the incidence of infections and TRM are higher in MM patients from lower-middle income countries after AHCT than in those from developed countries. The majority of such patients lack clinical localization and microbiological proof of infection. There was no significant difference in the spectrum of infections and their outcomes in patients with and without levofloxacin prophylaxis.

Facial Hypertrophy as a Complication of Weight Gain in Autologous Fat Graft Patients: Considerations and Recommendations

Fat grafting can restore facial volume for reconstructive and cosmetic indications. Common practice often involves extracting lipoaspirate from the most abundant anatomic location. However, grafted fat retains the phenotypic characteristics of its original location and can undergo exaggerated hypertrophy with patient weight fluctuations. The aim of this study was to systematically assess the literature to summarize the reported effects of postoperative weight gain on facial hypertrophy in patients after facial fat grafting and to determine potentially avoidable factors. A search through PubMed/MEDLINE was conducted on October 4, 2022, to identify relevant articles with appropriate search terms. No lower date limit was applied and all eligible nonanimal clinical articles in English were included for review. Reports were summarized and presented as descriptive statistics. The search generated 714 articles. After abstract and full-text review of the initial set of articles, 6 were included in our analysis. All articles described poor cosmetic outcomes resulting from nonanatomic hypertrophy of the grafted fat. None of the articles reported a thorough methodology for selecting the donor site to minimize fat hypertrophy with potential future weight fluctuations. Grafted facial fat is susceptible to exaggerated hypertrophy as a result of changes in patient weight. Specifically, harvesting lipoaspirate from maximally abundant areas of the body may increase this risk. Individualizing the area of fat donation may attenuate unwanted fat growth and further contribute to increased patient quality of life.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Nutritional Risks in Patients Undergoing Total Pancreatectomy Islet AutoTransplantation in the POST Consortium

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) can relieve pain for individuals with acute recurrent or chronic pancreatitis. However, TPIAT may increase the risk of poor nutritional status with complete exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, partial duodenectomy, and intestinal reconstruction. Our study's objective was to evaluate nutritional status, anthropometrics, and vitamin levels before and after TPIAT.

METHODS

The multicenter Prospective Observational Study of TPIAT (POST) collects measures including vitamins A, D, and E levels, pancreatic enzyme dose, and multivitamin (MVI) administration before and 1-year after TPIAT. Using these data, we studied nutritional and vitamin status before and after TPIAT.

RESULTS

348 TPIAT recipients were included (68% adult, 37% male, 93% Caucasian). In paired analyses at 1-year follow-up, vitamin A was low in 23% (vs 9% pre-TPIAT, p < 0.001); vitamin E was low in 11% (vs 5% pre-TPIAT, p = 0.066), and 19% had vitamin D deficiency (vs 12% pre-TPIAT, p = 0.035). Taking a fat-soluble multivitamin (pancreatic MVI) was associated with lower risk for vitamin D deficiency (p = 0.002). Adults were less likely to be on a pancreatic MVI at follow-up (34% vs 66% respectively, p < 0.001). Enzyme dosing was adequate. More adults versus children were overweight or underweight pre- and post-TPIAT. Underweight status was associated with vitamin A (p = 0.014) and E (p = 0.02) deficiency at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies increased after TPIAT, especially if underweight. We strongly advocate that all TPIAT recipients have close post-operative nutritional monitoring, including vitamin levels. Pancreatic MVIs should be given to minimize risk of developing deficiencies.

Incidence of chronic renal injury in patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplant therapy

BACKGROUND

Haemopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is a well-established treatment option for many haematologic immunologic and oncologic diseases, allowing the safe administration of high-dose chemotherapy. Increased risk of acute renal injury is associated with HSCT; however, the risk of chronic kidney injury in autologous HSCT remains unclear.

AIMS

This cohort study investigates the incidence of chronic renal injury and its predisposing factors in a single-centre population of 139 patients who underwent autologous HSCT.

METHODS

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was measured at baseline and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months following autologous stem cell reinfusion and used as a marker of renal dysfunction.

RESULTS

A significant reduction in mean eGFR of patients was observed from baseline (80.62 ± 2.97 mL/min) to 24 months (71.54 ± 4.14 mL/min), independent of primary diagnosis (P = 0.0019). At baseline, 12% of the cohort had stage 3 or worse chronic renal injury and this increased to 38% by 24 months. By univariate analysis, age at baseline greater than the mean of 58 years and the occurrence of acute kidney injury during the peritransplant period emerged as predictive factors for the development of chronic kidney disease at 24 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The current results indicate there is an increased incidence of chronic renal injury in patients who have undergone autologous peripheral blood haemopoietic stem cell transplantation therapy and this injury is potentiated by the autologous stem cell transplant procedure.

Efficacy of parathyroid autotransplantation in endoscopic total thyroidectomy with CLND

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of autologous parathyroid transplantation in laparoscopic total thyroidectomy combined with central lymph node dissection (CLND).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of clinical data of 152 patients admitted to the General Surgery Department of Gansu Provincial People's Hospital who underwent endoscopic total thyroidectomy combined with CLND from June 2018 to December 2021. The intraoperative parathyroid glands were divided into the orthotopic preservation group (non-transplantation group) and the immediate active autologous transplantation group (transplantation group) according to the different treatment management of parathyroid glands during operation. The levels of Ca2+ in parathyroid blood and the incidence of hypoparathyroidism were compared between the two groups before operation and 1 day, 3 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after operation.

Results

There was no significant difference in PTH between the preoperative transplantation group compared and the non-transplantation group (P>0.05); The PTH in the transplantation group was lower than that of the non-transplantation group 1 and 3 d after surgery, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05); No statistically significant difference in PTH between patients in the transplantation group compared with those in the non-transplantation group at 1 week postoperatively (P>0.05); PTH was significantly higher in the transplant group than in the non-transplant group at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05); there was no statistically differences (P>0.05) in serum Ca2+ between the preoperative, 1d, 3d and 1 week postoperative transplantation group and the non-transplantation group; Blood Ca2+ was significantly higher in the transplant group than in the non-transplant group at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05); The rate of temporary hypoparathyroidism in the transplantion group was higher than that in the non-transplantion group, and the rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism was lower than that in the non-transplantion group (P=0.044); There was no significant difference in the concentration of PTH in the cephalic vein of the elbow between the transplanted side and the non-transplanted side at 1 day and 3 days postoperatively (P>0.05); the concentration of PTH in cephalic vein of the elbow was significantly higher than that in non-transplanted side at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months postoperatively (P<0.001); the number central area dissection and metastasis dissection in the transplantation group were significantly higher than those in the non-transplantation group (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Most autologous parathyroid glands, having functional parathyroid autograft, is helpful to the occurrence of hypoparathyroidism after endoscopic total thyroidectomy with CLND, and it is an effective strategy to prevent permanent hypoparathyroidism, and more thorough area dissection is beneficial to the disease prognosis.

Clinicopathologic Features of Therapy-Related Myeloid Neoplasms in Patients with Myeloma in the Era of Novel Therapies

The development of therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (t-MN) is a rare complication that can occur in myeloma patients treated primarily with novel therapies. To better understand t-MNs in this context, we reviewed 66 such patients and compared them with a control group of patients who developed t-MN after cytotoxic therapies for other malignancies. The study group included 50 men and 16 women, with a median age of 68 years (range, 48-86 years). Therapies included proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, and high-dose melphalan-based autologous stem cell transplantation (HDM-ASCT) in 64 (97%), 65 (98.5%), and 64 (97%) patients, respectively; 29 (43.9%) patients were exposed to other cytotoxic drugs besides HDM. The latency interval from therapy to t-MN was 4.9 years (range, 0.6-21.9 years). Patients who received HDM-ASCT in addition to other cytotoxic therapies had a longer latency period to t-MN compared with patients who only received HDM-ASCT (6.1 vs 4.7 years, P = .009). Notably, 11 patients developed t-MN within 2 years. Therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome was the most common type of neoplasm (n = 60), followed by therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (n = 4) and myelodysplastic syndrome/myeloproliferative neoplasm (n = 2). The most common cytogenetic aberrations included complex karyotypes (48.5%), del7q/-7 (43.9%), and/or del5q/-5 (40.9%). The most frequent molecular alteration was TP53 mutation, in 43 (67.2%) patients and the sole mutation in 20 patients. Other mutations included DNMT3A, 26.6%; TET2, 14.1%; RUNX1, 10.9%; ASXL1, 7.8%; and U2AF1, 7.8%. Other mutations in less than 5% of cases included SRSF2, EZH2, STAG2, NRAS, SETBP, SF3B1, SF3A1, and ASXL2. After a median follow-up of 15.3 months, 18 patients were alive and 48 died. The median overall survival after the diagnosis of t-MN in the study group was 18.4 months. Although the overall features are comparable to the control group, the short interval to t-MN (<2 years) underscores the unique vulnerable status of myeloma patients.

Tracking the evolution of therapy-related myeloid neoplasms using chemotherapy signatures

Patients treated with cytotoxic therapies, including autologous stem cell transplantation, are at risk for developing therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (tMN). Preleukemic clones (ie, clonal hematopoiesis [CH]) are detectable years before the development of these aggressive malignancies, although the genomic events leading to transformation and expansion are not well defined. Here, by leveraging distinctive chemotherapy-associated mutational signatures from whole-genome sequencing data and targeted sequencing of prechemotherapy samples, we reconstructed the evolutionary life-history of 39 therapy-related myeloid malignancies. A dichotomy was revealed, in which neoplasms with evidence of chemotherapy-induced mutagenesis from platinum and melphalan were hypermutated and enriched for complex structural variants (ie, chromothripsis), whereas neoplasms with nonmutagenic chemotherapy exposures were genomically similar to de novo acute myeloid leukemia. Using chemotherapy-associated mutational signatures as temporal barcodes linked to discrete clinical exposure in each patient's life, we estimated that several complex events and genomic drivers were acquired after chemotherapy was administered. For patients with prior multiple myeloma who were treated with high-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation, we demonstrate that tMN can develop from either a reinfused CH clone that escapes melphalan exposure and is selected after reinfusion, or from TP53-mutant CH that survives direct myeloablative conditioning and acquires melphalan-induced DNA damage. Overall, we revealed a novel mode of tMN progression that is not reliant on direct mutagenesis or even exposure to chemotherapy. Conversely, for tMN that evolve under the influence of chemotherapy-induced mutagenesis, distinct chemotherapies not only select preexisting CH but also promote the acquisition of recurrent genomic drivers.

AUTOLOGOUS POSTERIOR CAPSULE FLAP TRANSPLANTATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF REFRACTORY MACULAR HOLE IN A PSEUDOPHAKIC EYE

PURPOSE

To report a case of refractory macular hole (MH) in pseudophakic eye treated with autologous posterior capsule flaps transplantation.

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

A 48-year-old man visited our hospital with visual loss in the right eye because of unclosed MH. The patient had undergone two previous surgeries in another hospital, that is, the first included a cataract surgery, vitrectomy, and internal limiting membrane peeling with sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6 ) gas tamponade, and the second included an ineffective autologous internal limiting membrane flap technique and massaging the edges of the MH with a soft-tipped flute needle followed by the same gas, but the MH remained open. In our hospital, posterior capsule flaps were acquired from the same eye, inserted into the MH, and the same gas tamponade was performed, which was about four months after the disease onset (3 months after the prior second surgery). The patient kept face-down position for a week after the surgery and the MH was closed, which remained for over 12 months. The visual acuity improved from 20/250 to 20/60, and the retinal sensitivities around the MH gradually improved.

CONCLUSION

An autologous posterior capsule flaps transplantation was effective in the management of refractory MH to not only close the MH but also improve the visual outcomes.

Incidence and risk factors of opportunistic infections after autologous stem cell transplantation: a nationwide, population-based cohort study in Korea

Several guidelines classify autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) as a low to intermediate risk group for infection. In a nationwide population-based study, using the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database, patients with lymphoma and multiple myeloma (MM) who underwent ASCT from 2002 to 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Cumulative incidence rates (CIRs) and risk factors of opportunistic infections were investigated. CIRs of fungal, Varicella zoster virus (VZV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Pneumocystis jirovecii infections in lymphoma were 7.9%, 16.0%, 7.4%, and 5.1%, respectively, and CIRs in MM were 6.3%, 19.1%, 4.2%, and 5.6%, respectively. Fungal infection was significantly higher in patients with previous infection (Hazard ratio (HR) 2.003, p = 0.005) in lymphoma. Incidence of CMV infection was significantly higher in patients with prior CMV infection: HR 4.920, p < 0.001 (lymphoma); HR 3.022, p = 0.030 (MM). VZV infection was significantly lower in patients receiving prophylaxis: HR 0.082, p < 0.001 (lymphoma); HR 0.096, p < 0.001 (MM). For P. jirovecii infection, busulfex and melphalan conditioning (HR 1.875, p = 0.032) and previous P. jirovecii infection (HR 4.810, p < 0.001) had a higher incidence in MM. Patients who underwent ASCT should receive VZV prophylaxis and prophylaxis for fungal and P. jirovecii may be considered in patients with previous same infection.

Osteochondritis dissecans of the metacarpal head in a soldier treated with osteochondral autograft transplantation surgery: A case report

RATIONALE

Osteochondral autograft transplantation surgery (OATS) was introduced as a treatment for hand osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), and successful results were reported. However, the cartilage height of the donor plug has not yet been established compared with that of other joints. We present a case using OATS for OCD of the 3rd metacarpal (MCP) head that occurred in a soldier and the findings of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images taken at 12 weeks after surgery.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 21-year-old male presented with a painful, swollen 3rd MCP joint in the right hand. He was a soldier and right-handed; in addition, he did not recall any traumatic events, nor had he taken any corticosteroid medications before. The patient was excluded from military training and underwent conservative treatment with medication and a brace in a military hospital for 3 months.

DIAGNOSIS

The patient was diagnosed with OCD due to avascular necrosis of the 3rd MCP head of the right hand through X-ray and MRI.

INTERVENTIONS

OATS was planned as a surgical treatment. Surgery uncovered a 10 × 10 mm2, isolated cartilage defect of the 3rd MCP head that had an irregular margin and a loose body. Using Arthrex OATS, a 10-mm diameter, 10-mm depth hole was made at the articular defect site, and an 11-mm diameter, 12-length plug was harvested from the left lateral femoral condyle. The donor plug was inserted into the prepared defect site with press-fit fixation.

OUTCOMES

At the last follow-up, the height of the articular cartilage had subsided with union on MRI 12 weeks after the surgery. However, the patient was asymptomatic with a normal range of motion of the right hand, and he returned to military training.

LESSONS

Although the joints of the hand are small and non-weight bearing, the level of articular cartilage of the donor plug was subsided in a follow-up MRI in our case. We suggest that the difference in cartilage thickness between the donor and the recipient might have been the cause of subsidence of the articular cartilage, and therefore, it may be helpful to transplant donors with similar thicknesses of articular cartilage.

Complications Associated with Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICC) in People Undergoing Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) in Home Hospitalization

INTRODUCTION

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic generated the need to keep immunosuppressed patients away from hospital institutions for as long as possible. This in turn stimulated the implementation of a home hospitalization model for autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT).

PURPOSE

To analyze whether there are significant differences in post-transplantation complications related to catheters observed in patients treated in the home-transplant care modality compared to patients treated in the hospital.

METHODOLOGY

Observational, analytical, longitudinal, and retrospective study of cases and controls. A convenience sample was chosen, in which the cases comprised 20 patients included in the home HSCT care model. For each patient, it was considered suitable to propose two controls among those who received autologous transplantation in the last five years with a baseline demographic and pathological profile similar to the case for whom they were control.

RESULTS

The home patients achieved an average of 22.4 ± 2.6 days of evolution with an average of 16.4 ± 2.08 days post-transplant, compared to the hospital process with an average of 21.21 ± 4.18 days of evolution and 15.51 ± 3.96 days post-transplant (evolution days p = 0.022; post-transplant days p = 0.002). A higher percentage of use of parenteral nutrition (p = 0.036) and transfusions (p = 0.003) was observed during the post-transplant phase in the hospital. The rest of the therapeutic measures did not show significant differences. When analyzing the frequency of adverse effects in the post-transplant phase, a significant increase in neutropenic fever (OR = 8.55) and positive blood cultures (OR = 6.65) was observed in hospital patients. Any other significant differences in other variables related to PICC were found (presence and days of neutropenic fever, catheter infection, complications, pathogens, admission to the ICU, or death). Concerning local complications (pain, DVT, Medical adhesive-related Skin Injury, and erythema), there was more erythema in the hospital (p = 0.056).

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained indicate that regarding the appearance of complications associated with PICCs in home hospitalization HSCT patients, there are no significant differences compared to hospitalization, so that home care can be a safe context for people with these lines.

Pregnancy outcomes in women following the Ross procedure

INTRODUCTION

The Ross procedure, where a pulmonary autograft (neoaorta) replaces the aortic valve, has excellent long-term outcomes in patients with congenital aortic valve disease. However, there are reports of neoaortic dilatation and dissection. An increasing number of women are wishing to become pregnant following the Ross procedure, but little is known about the occurrence and risks of neoaortic dilatation and complications in pregnancy. We investigated neoaorta function and outcomes in pregnancy following the Ross procedure.

METHODS

This retrospective study investigated women post-Ross procedure at a tertiary ACHD unit between 1997 and 2021. Imaging evaluated neoaortic root dimensions and regurgitation pre-, and post- pregnancy, compared with matched non-pregnant controls. Primary endpoints were change in neoaortic dimensions, degree of regurgitation and adverse maternal outcomes.

RESULTS

Nineteen pregnancies in 12 women were included. The mean change in neoaortic root diameter post-pregnancy was 1.8 mm (SD 3.4) (p = 0.017). There was no significant change in neoaortic dimensions in matched controls during follow-up. There were no cases of dissection, arrhythmia, acute coronary syndrome, or maternal mortality. Three deliveries were pre-term, including one emergency Caesarean section due to maternal cardiac decompensation, requiring aortic root replacement post-partum but there were no neonatal deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancy following the Ross procedure is associated with neoaortic dilatation, and pregnancy is generally well tolerated. Although adverse maternal outcomes are uncommon, there are still rare cases of cardiac complications in and around the time of pregnancy. These findings emphasise the need for accessible pre-pregnancy counselling, risk stratification and careful surveillance through pregnancy by specialist cardio-obstetric multi-disciplinary teams.

Interprofessional Team-based Care of the Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Patient With Hepatic Veno-occlusive Disease/Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (VOD/SOS) is a well-recognized complication of allogeneic and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). The diagnosis and treatment of VOD/SOS require the involvement of multiple specialists covering a wide range of expertise. Interprofessional team-based medical care is standard practice for patients undergoing HCT and has been shown to improve patient and provider satisfaction, enhance efficiency, and improve patient outcomes, particularly for patients in complex medical situations like those with VOD/SOS post-HCT. Interdisciplinary team-based models focus on the synthesis and harmonization of knowledge and methods from different disciplines to create an integrative approach to patient care that both maximizes the expertise of each involved specialist and encourages thought beyond each specialist's discipline. Multidisciplinary team members provide additive support and work collaboratively with the core team to provide knowledge from their field. The composition of the interdisciplinary HCT team should center on the needs of the patient and institutional resources and involve the expertise of additional multidisciplinary team members based on clinical needs. This review focuses on interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary team-based care of patients with VOD/SOS post-HCT and provides an example of a collaborative VOD/SOS team that includes transplant physicians, nurses, pharmacists, nutrition/dietary specialists, and intensive care teams.

Engraftment syndrome following Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a systematic approach toward diagnosis and management

Engraftment syndrome (ES) is a non-infectious complication seen both in autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants and is characterized by the presence of non-infectious fever, diarrhea, skin rash, pulmonary infiltration, pulmonary edema, and deranged renal and liver function tests This review will be delineating the incidence of ES, important differential diagnoses to be considered and management options. The literature search was done through various databases like PubMed, Google scholar, Cochrane library, and EMBASE. The incidence of engraftment syndrome was ranging from 8 to 50% in patients undergoing Autologous stem cell transplantation while the incidence was 10-77% in patients undergoing Allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Fever was the most commonly observed symptom of ES in both Autologous and Allogeneic stem cell transplantation while the second most frequently reported symptom was non-infectious diarrhea in patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation and Skin rash in patients with Allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and immune response dysregulation were highlighted as the mechanism behind ES development. The significant difference between ES and aGVHD was observed based on cytokines, with IL-12, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels in plasma being higher in patients with ES as compared to patients with aGVHD. Intravenous methylprednisolone was used as the treatment of choice in the majority of the studies. Overall the incidence of ES was high in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells transplantation. The survival in patients developing ES was less compared to those who did not develop ES. Engraftment syndrome is one of the complications following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation that need early identification, differentiation from infectious complications, and aGVHD and timely initiation of corticosteroids therapy.

Lentiviral Gene Therapy for Artemis-Deficient SCID

BACKGROUND

The DNA-repair enzyme Artemis is essential for rearrangement of T- and B-cell receptors. Mutations in DCLRE1C, which encodes Artemis, cause Artemis-deficient severe combined immunodeficiency (ART-SCID), which is poorly responsive to allogeneic hematopoietic-cell transplantation.

METHODS

We carried out a phase 1-2 clinical study of the transfusion of autologous CD34+ cells, transfected with a lentiviral vector containing DCLRE1C, in 10 infants with newly diagnosed ART-SCID. We followed them for a median of 31.2 months.

RESULTS

Marrow harvest, busulfan conditioning, and lentiviral-transduced CD34+ cell infusion produced the expected grade 3 or 4 adverse events. All the procedures met prespecified criteria for feasibility at 42 days after infusion. Gene-marked T cells were detected at 6 to 16 weeks after infusion in all the patients. Five of 6 patients who were followed for at least 24 months had T-cell immune reconstitution at a median of 12 months. The diversity of T-cell receptor β chains normalized by 6 to 12 months. Four patients who were followed for at least 24 months had sufficient B-cell numbers, IgM concentration, or IgM isohemagglutinin titers to permit discontinuation of IgG infusions. Three of these 4 patients had normal immunization responses, and the fourth has started immunizations. Vector insertion sites showed no evidence of clonal expansion. One patient who presented with cytomegalovirus infection received a second infusion of gene-corrected cells to achieve T-cell immunity sufficient for viral clearance. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia developed in 4 patients 4 to 11 months after infusion; this condition resolved after reconstitution of T-cell immunity. All 10 patients were healthy at the time of this report.

CONCLUSIONS

Infusion of lentiviral gene-corrected autologous CD34+ cells, preceded by pharmacologically targeted low-exposure busulfan, in infants with newly diagnosed ART-SCID resulted in genetically corrected and functional T and B cells. (Funded by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03538899.).

A prospective study of dysgeusia and related symptoms in patients with multiple myeloma after autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

Dysgeusia is a common but understudied complication in patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto-HCT). We assessed the feasibility of using chemical gustometry (CG) to measure dysgeusia and explored its associations with symptom burden, nutrition, chemotherapy pharmacokinetics (PK), and the oral microbiome.

METHODS

We conducted a single-center, prospective feasibility study (NCT03276481) of patients with multiple myeloma undergoing auto-HCT. CG was performed longitudinally testing five flavors (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, umami) to calculate a total taste score (maximum score, 30). We measured caloric intake and patient-reported symptoms, assessing their correlation with oral microbiota composition and salivary and blood melphalan PK exposure.

RESULTS

Among all 45 patients, 39 (87%) completed at least four (>60%) and 22 (49%) completed all six CG assessments. Median total CG scores remained stable over time but were lowest at day +7 (27, range 24-30) with recovery by day +100. Symptom burden was highest by day +10 (area under the curve, 2.9; range, 1.0-4.6) corresponding with the lowest median overall caloric intake (1624 kcal; range, 1345-2267). Higher serum/salivary melphalan levels correlated with higher patient-reported dysgeusia and lower caloric intake. Oral microbiota α-diversity was stable early and increased slightly by day +100.

CONCLUSIONS

Assessment of dysgeusia by CG is feasible after auto-HCT. Most dysgeusia, symptom burden, and lowest caloric intake occurred during the blood count nadir. Higher melphalan concentrations correlated with more dysgeusia and poorer caloric intake. Future studies will aim to modulate melphalan exposure by PK-targeted dosing and characterize patient taste preferences to personalize diets for improved nutritional intake.

LAY SUMMARY

Taste changes after cancer treatments are very common. We used chemical gustometry (taste testing) to study taste changes and to better understand why patients with multiple myeloma experience this symptom after autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation. We found that taste testing was feasible, taste changes peaked when blood counts were lowest, and most patients recovered their taste by 100 days after transplantation. Taste changes correlated with lower food intake and with higher levels of chemotherapy in the body. Future work will focus on using personalized chemotherapy doses to reduce taste changes and to match patients' individual taste preferences with their diets.

Effect of intraoperative fluid type on postoperative systemic inflammatory response and end organ dysfunction following total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation in children

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of intraoperative fluid type [half normal saline (0.45NS) or lactated Ringer's solution (LR)] on the risk of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and acute kidney injury after total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation in children.

METHODS

Retrospective review where demographics, operative details, systemic inflammatory response, and evaluation for end organ dysfunction over the first 5 postoperative days was obtained. Mixed effects Poisson regression compared risk of SIRS and acute kidney injury by intraoperative fluid type.

RESULTS

Forty three patients were included with no difference in demographic characteristics between groups. SIRS was observed in 95, 77, and 71% over post operative days 1, 3, and 5. Intraoperative fluid type was found to not be associated with postoperative SIRS (RR: 0.91, p = 0.23). However, female sex (RR: 1.30, p < 0.01), increased BMI (RR: 1.08, p < 0.01), and longer operative time (RR: 1.07, p < 0.01) were found to be factors that are associated with increased risk of postoperative SIRS. Intraoperative 0.45NS use was associated with increased acute kidney injury compared to LR on postoperative day 1 (52% vs 0%, p < 0.01), but not on postoperative days 3 or 5.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative fluid type (0.45NS vs LR) does not increase the risk of postoperative SIRS in children after TPIAT. Predictive factors that are associated with an increased risk of eliciting postoperative SIRS includes female sex, increased BMI, and longer operative times.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Local intramuscular transplantation of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells for critical lower limb ischaemia

BACKGROUND

Peripheral arterial disease is a major health problem, and in about 1% to 2% of patients, the disease progresses to critical limb ischaemia (CLI), also known as critical limb-threatening ischaemia. In a substantial number of individuals with CLI, no effective treatment options other than amputation are available, with around a quarter of these patients requiring a major amputation during the following year. This is the second update of a review first published in 2011.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms of local intramuscular transplantation of autologous adult bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) as a treatment for CLI.

SEARCH METHODS

We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was 8 November 2021.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of CLI in which participants were randomly allocated to intramuscular administration of autologous adult BMMNCs or control (either no intervention, conventional conservative therapy, or placebo).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes of interest were all-cause mortality, pain, and amputation. Our secondary outcomes were angiographic analysis, ankle-brachial index (ABI), pain-free walking distance, side effects and complications. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included four RCTs involving a total of 176 participants with a clinical diagnosis of CLI. Participants were randomised to receive either intramuscular cell implantation of BMMNCs or control. The control arms varied between studies, and included conventional therapy, diluted autologous peripheral blood, and saline. There was no clear evidence of an effect on mortality related to the administration of BMMNCs compared to control (risk ratio (RR) 1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15 to 6.63; 3 studies, 123 participants; very low-certainty evidence). All trials assessed changes in pain severity, but the trials used different forms of pain assessment tools, so we were unable to pool data. Three studies individually reported that no differences in pain reduction were observed between the BMMNC and control groups. One study reported that reduction in rest pain was greater in the BMMNC group compared to the control group (very low-certainty evidence). All four trials reported the rate of amputation at the end of the study period. We are uncertain if amputations were reduced in the BMMNC group compared to the control group, as a possible small effect (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.99; 4 studies, 176 participants; very low-certainty evidence) was lost after undertaking sensitivity analysis (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.19 to 1.39; 2 studies, 89 participants). None of the included studies reported any angiographic analysis. Ankle-brachial index was reported differently by each study, so we were not able to pool the data. Three studies reported no changes between groups, and one study reported greater improvement in ABI (as haemodynamic improvement) in the BMMNC group compared to the control group (very low-certainty evidence). One study reported pain-free walking distance, finding no clear difference between BMMNC and control groups (low-certainty evidence). We pooled the data for side effects reported during the follow-up, and this did not show any clear difference between BMMNC and control groups (RR 2.13, 95% CI 0.50 to 8.97; 4 studies, 176 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We downgraded the certainty of the evidence due to the concerns about risk of bias, imprecision, and inconsistency.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We identified a small number of studies that met our inclusion criteria, and these differed in the controls they used and how they measured important outcomes. Limited data from these trials provide very low- to low-certainty evidence, and we are unable to draw conclusions to support the use of local intramuscular transplantation of BMMNC for improving clinical outcomes in people with CLI. Evidence from larger RCTs is needed in order to provide adequate statistical power to assess the role of this procedure.