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Setting Up Our Lab-in-a-Box: Paving the Road Towards Remote Data Collection for Scalable Personalized Biometrics
Personalizing Cochlear Implant Care in Single-Sided Deafness: A Distinct Paradigm from Bilateral Hearing Loss
Cardiovascular Complications Are Increased in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Path Toward Achievement of a Personalized Risk Estimation

Journal Description

Journal of Personalized Medicine

Journal of Personalized Medicine is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on personalized medicine, published monthly online by MDPI. The Inter-American Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (SICCMI), Korean Society of Brain Neuromodulation Therapy (KBNT), American Board of Precision Medicine (ABOPM) and Brazilian Society of Personalized Medicine (SBMP) are affiliated with JPM and their members receive a discount on article processing charges.

Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, PubMed, PMC, Embase, and other databases.
Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q1 (Medicine (miscellaneous))
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 25 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 5.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2025).
Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2075-4426

Latest Articles

13 pages, 741 KB

Open AccessReview

Model-Informed Precision Dosing: Conceptual Framework for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Integrating Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Within Population Health Informatics

by Jennifer Le, Hien N. Le, Giang Nguyen, Rebecca Kim, Sean N. Avedissian, Connie Vo, Ba Hai Le, Thanh Hai Nguyen, Dua Thi Nguyen, Dylan Huy Do, Brian Le, Austin-Phong Nguyen, Tu Tran, Chi Kien Phung, Duong Anh Minh Vu, Karandeep Singh and Amy M. Sitapati

J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(2), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16020076 (registering DOI) - 31 Jan 2026

Background/Objective: Traditional therapeutic drug monitoring is limited by manual interpretation and specific constraints like sampling at steady-state and requiring a minimum of two drug concentrations. The integration of model-informed precision dosing (MIPD) into population health informatics represents a promising approach to address [...] Read more.

Background/Objective: Traditional therapeutic drug monitoring is limited by manual interpretation and specific constraints like sampling at steady-state and requiring a minimum of two drug concentrations. The integration of model-informed precision dosing (MIPD) into population health informatics represents a promising approach to address drug safety and efficacy. This article explored the integration of MIPD within population health informatics and evaluated its potential to enhance precision dosing using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and electronic health records (EHRs). Methods: PubMed and Embase searches were conducted, and all relevant peer-reviewed studies in English published between 1958 and December 2024 were included if they pertained to MIPD and population-level health, with the use of AI/ML algorithms to predict individualized drug dosing requirements. Emphasis was placed on vulnerable populations such as critically-ill, geriatric, and pediatric groups. Results: MIPD with the Bayesian method represents a scalable innovation in precision medicine, with significant implications for population health informatics. By combining AI/ML with comprehensive electronic health records (EHRs), MIPD can offer real-time, precise dosing adjustments. This integration has the potential to improve patient safety, optimize therapeutic outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs, especially for vulnerable populations where evidence is limited. Successful implementation requires collaboration among clinicians, pharmacists, and health informatics professionals, alongside secure data management and interoperability solutions. Conclusions: Further research is needed to define, implement, and evaluate practical applications of AI/ML. This insight may help develop standards and identify drugs for MIPD to advance personalized medicine within population health informatics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence for Personalized Medicine: Bridging Innovative Technologies and Patient-Centric Care)

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Graphical abstract

28 pages, 1932 KB

Open AccessReview

Drug-Coated Balloons in Coronary Bifurcation Disease: A State-of-the-Art Review

by Saad M. Ezad, Natasha Khullar, Peter O’Kane and Jonathan Hinton

J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(2), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16020075 (registering DOI) - 31 Jan 2026

Coronary bifurcation disease remains one of the more challenging lesion subsets to treat with percutaneous coronary intervention due to bifurcation geometry and increased risk of target lesion failure. Whilst a provisional approach is preferred in most bifurcations, two-stent techniques may be required where [...] Read more.

Coronary bifurcation disease remains one of the more challenging lesion subsets to treat with percutaneous coronary intervention due to bifurcation geometry and increased risk of target lesion failure. Whilst a provisional approach is preferred in most bifurcations, two-stent techniques may be required where there is a high risk of side branch compromise or a bailout; however, this further increases procedure complexity. Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) are emerging as a promising alternative that allow vessel healing without leaving behind a permanent metallic implant by delivering antiproliferative medication directly to the vessel wall and simplifying procedures. This state-of-the-art review summarises the current evidence and the evolving role of DCBs in the management of coronary bifurcation lesions with a focus on patient- and lesion-specific factors that might influence the treatment strategy choice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Complex and High-Risk Coronary Interventional Procedures)

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12 pages, 764 KB

Open AccessArticle

Particularities in Surgical Results Following Obstetrical and Gynecological Surgery Using Pharmacological, Anesthesiological and Genetic Markers

by Gabriel Valentin Tănase, Manuela Ciocoiu, Adina Elena Tănase and Ciprian Gavrila Ilea

J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(2), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16020074 (registering DOI) - 31 Jan 2026

Aim: Finding innovative paraclinical parameters is necessary for advancing clinical research, in obstetrics and gynecology for subjective symptoms such as pain, especially in patients with a weakened immune system, following, for example, different obstetrical and gynecological surgeries. The purpose of this study [...] Read more.

Aim: Finding innovative paraclinical parameters is necessary for advancing clinical research, in obstetrics and gynecology for subjective symptoms such as pain, especially in patients with a weakened immune system, following, for example, different obstetrical and gynecological surgeries. The purpose of this study was to analyze if genetic markers can correlate with the postoperative outcome and surgical results in obstetrics and gynecology. We wanted to analyze whether patients carrying the G gene responsible for the A11G polymorphism of the OPRM1 receptor really have a higher need for analgesic doses for postoperative pain control, depending on the histopathological results, benign or malignant tumors, dimensions of tumors, type of incision performed, and hospitalization period. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 111 patients, including both obstetrical and gynecological cases. Blood samples (2 mL) for DNA analysis were obtained before surgery in a tube containing EDTA as an anticoagulant and immediately stored at −20 °C until required for further use. The blood samples, which were collected at the time of intravenous cannulation before surgery, were analyzed for the presence of SNP 118AG. Results: We examined the mutation of the opioid receptor called OPRM1 for the polymorphism noted with AG with a plus sign (+) (present) in 24.3% of the patients, with a minus sign (−) (AA) (absent) in 66.7% of the patients, and with a result with both genes modified (GG) in 9%. We correlated the data obtained in histopathology and clinical anamnesis with these results. The OPRM1(+) morphine receptor mutation was more frequently encountered in patients with biopsy uterine curettage (60%) with benign results in anatomopathology, uterine myomectomy of at least 5 cm fibromas with benign results in anatomopathology (50%), Madden mastectomy (50%), interventional hysteroscopy (33.3%) with extraction of benign tumors such as polyps or endometrial hyperplasia, caesarean section-associated surgeries (20.7%), and ovarian cystectomy (20%) (p = 0.048) that had a final benign anatomopathology result. Conclusions: Pain management in the postoperative phase is difficult for clinicians because of the response of patients to opioid therapy. Some of this variability in pain response may result from single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human opioid receptor mu-1 (OPRM1) that alter receptor binding or signal transduction. Part of the difficulty in identifying genes and variants that affect postsurgical pain is the inconsistent findings and poor replicability of results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Personalized Medicine in Gynecology and Obstetrics)

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14 pages, 297 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Chronic Endometritis in Endometriosis: A Personalized Diagnostic Tool?

by María Luna Arana, Augusto Pereira Sánchez, Gema Vaquero Argüello, Eva Tejerina González, Milagros Alonso-Iniesta and Tirso Pérez Medina

J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(2), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16020073 (registering DOI) - 31 Jan 2026

(1) Background: Endometriosis and chronic endometritis (CE) are pathologies that are positively correlated and have similar paracrine and immunological alterations. This leads us to wonder whether their interrelationship plays a role in the etiopathogenesis or progression of endometriosis. The purpose of this [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Endometriosis and chronic endometritis (CE) are pathologies that are positively correlated and have similar paracrine and immunological alterations. This leads us to wonder whether their interrelationship plays a role in the etiopathogenesis or progression of endometriosis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether patients with endometriosis and CE have a more advanced stage of the disease, higher rates of pain, a poorer response to treatment, and a greater association with other pathologies compared to women with endometriosis without CE. (2) Methods: This is a cross-sectional pilot design study of 37 women with endometriosis who underwent endometrial aspiration for the diagnosis of CE and were followed up at the Puerta de Hierro Hospital. (3) Results: All patients with CE in this study had adenomyosis (p = 0.004). There was a relatively homogeneous distribution of CE in the different endometriosis phenotypes. The group of patients with endometriosis and CE indicated higher rates of pain during ovulation and less pain during defecation and sexual intercourse. (4) Conclusions: A high prevalence of CE was observed in patients with endometriosis, as well as a trend suggesting a relationship between CE and adenomyosis that should be studied. The following article attempts to reflect a link found between endometriosis and chronic endometritis, which would be important when prescribing personalized medicine, as it forces us to look for a specific disease in a specific patient profile. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Personalized Medicine in Endometriosis)

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27 pages, 6214 KB

Open AccessReview

Gastric-Type Cervical Adenocarcinoma: Clinicopathologic Features, Molecular Landscape, and Therapeutic Challenges

by Hiroshi Yoshida, Daiki Higuchi, Waku Takigawa, Nao Kikkawa, Taro Yamanaka, Ayaka Nagao, Mayumi Kobayashi-Kato, Masaya Uno, Mitsuya Ishikawa and Kouya Shiraishi

J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(2), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16020072 (registering DOI) - 31 Jan 2026

Endocervical adenocarcinoma is now classified within an etiologic framework based on the presence or absence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma (GAS) is the prototypical HPV-independent subtype, accounting for up to 25% of endocervical adenocarcinomas and showing a particularly high [...] Read more.

Endocervical adenocarcinoma is now classified within an etiologic framework based on the presence or absence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma (GAS) is the prototypical HPV-independent subtype, accounting for up to 25% of endocervical adenocarcinomas and showing a particularly high frequency in East Asia. GAS is typically diagnosed at a more advanced stage than usual-type HPV-associated endocervical adenocarcinoma (UEA); exhibits deep stromal and parametrial invasion, lymphovascular space invasion, and a strong propensity for ovarian and peritoneal metastasis; and is associated with markedly worse survival, even in stage I disease. Radiological evaluation is challenging because of diffuse infiltrative growth, prominent mucin production, and frequent underestimation of extra-cervical spread. Histologically, GAS shows gastric-type (pyloric) differentiation, ranging from minimal deviation adenocarcinoma to poorly differentiated forms, and often overlaps with precursor lesions such as atypical lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia and gastric-type adenocarcinoma in situ. Immunophenotypically, GAS is typically p16-negative, ER/PR-negative, and frequently exhibits mutant-type p53 and expression of gastric markers including MUC6, HIK1083, and claudin 18.2. Recent next-generation sequencing and multi-omics studies have revealed recurrent alterations in TP53, CDKN2A, STK11, KRAS, ARID1A, KMT2D, and homologous recombination-related genes, together with the activation of PI3K/AKT, WNT/β-catenin, TGF-β, and EMT pathways and characteristic metabolic reprogramming. GAS is highly resistant to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and its current management follows guidelines for squamous and usual-type adenocarcinoma. Emerging data support precision-medicine approaches targeting HER2/HER3, PD-1/PD-L1, and claudin 18.2, and suggest a role for PARP inhibition and other genotype-directed therapies in selected subsets. Given its aggressive biology and rising relative incidence in the HPV-vaccination era, GAS represents a critical unmet need in gynecologic oncology. Future progress hinges on developing reliable diagnostic biomarkers, refining imaging protocols, and validating targeted therapies through international clinical trials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Pathology in Cancer Research)

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20 pages, 942 KB

Open AccessReview

Artificial Intelligence in Minimally Invasive and Robotic Gastrointestinal Surgery: Major Applications and Recent Advances

by Matteo Pescio, Francesco Marzola, Giovanni Distefano, Pietro Leoncini, Carlo Alberto Ammirati, Federica Barontini, Giulio Dagnino and Alberto Arezzo

J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(2), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16020071 (registering DOI) - 31 Jan 2026

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping gastrointestinal (GI) surgery by enhancing decision-making, intraoperative performance, and postoperative management. The integration of AI-driven systems is enabling more precise, data-informed, and personalized surgical interventions. This review provides a state-of-the-art overview of AI applications in GI surgery, [...] Read more.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping gastrointestinal (GI) surgery by enhancing decision-making, intraoperative performance, and postoperative management. The integration of AI-driven systems is enabling more precise, data-informed, and personalized surgical interventions. This review provides a state-of-the-art overview of AI applications in GI surgery, organized into four key domains: surgical simulation, surgical computer vision, surgical data science, and surgical robot autonomy. A comprehensive narrative review of the literature was conducted, identifying relevant studies of technological developments in this field. In the domain of surgical simulation, AI enables virtual surgical planning and patient-specific digital twins for training and preoperative strategy. Surgical computer vision leverages AI to improve intraoperative scene understanding, anatomical segmentation, and workflow recognition. Surgical data science translates multimodal surgical data into predictive analytics and real-time decision support, enhancing safety and efficiency. Finally, surgical robot autonomy explores the progressive integration of AI for intelligent assistance and autonomous functions to augment human performance in minimally invasive and robotic procedures. Surgical AI has demonstrated significant potential across different domains, fostering precision, reproducibility, and personalization in GI surgery. Nevertheless, challenges remain in data quality, model generalizability, ethical governance, and clinical validation. Continued interdisciplinary collaboration will be crucial to translating AI from promising prototypes to routine, safe, and equitable surgical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Technologies and Personalized Medicine in Gastrointestinal Surgery)

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13 pages, 2282 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Primary Clitoral Melanoma: Personalized Therapeutic Strategies Informed by Clinical Evidence and Systematic Review

by Anna Pitsillidi, Laura Vona, Guglielmo Stabile and Günter Noé

J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(2), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16020070 (registering DOI) - 31 Jan 2026

Introduction: Mucosal melanomas are rare, and vulvar melanoma is typically diagnosed at an advanced stage with aggressive behavior and poor prognosis. The clitoral region adds challenges due to its functional importance and lack of a dedicated staging system, requiring individualized management. This review [...] Read more.

Introduction: Mucosal melanomas are rare, and vulvar melanoma is typically diagnosed at an advanced stage with aggressive behavior and poor prognosis. The clitoral region adds challenges due to its functional importance and lack of a dedicated staging system, requiring individualized management. This review evaluates current evidence on prognosis with emphasis on clitoral involvement and highlights diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, underscoring the need for personalized strategies and prospective multicentre studies. Materials and Methods: A systematic review, registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251151187), was conducted per PRISMA guidelines across PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science, including English-language case reports and series of primary clitoral melanoma published until August 2025, with no historical limits. Results: 15 cases from 10 studies were identified. The mean patient age was 60 years, with most tumors presenting at advanced stages (median Breslow thickness of 8 mm, frequent ulceration). Immunohistochemical markers and gene mutations are rarely investigated in reported cases. All patients underwent surgery, with variable lymph node assessment; adjuvant therapy was rarely used. Recurrence occurred in nearly one-third of cases, sometimes more than 10 years after initial treatment. Conclusions: Primary clitoral melanoma is extremely rare and often diagnosed late, underscoring the need for heightened clinical awareness. Wide local excision with organ preservation is preferred, and bilateral sentinel lymph-node biopsy can improve staging. The absence of a dedicated staging system and limited systemic evidence highlight the need for standardized protocols. Emerging molecular and immunologic approaches are promising, but prospective multicentre studies are essential to guide management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Personalized Medicine in Gynecological Oncology: Update and Challenge)

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32 pages, 27435 KB

Open AccessReview

Artificial Intelligence in Adult Cardiovascular Medicine and Surgery: Real-World Deployments and Outcomes

by Dimitrios E. Magouliotis, Noah Sicouri, Laura Ramlawi, Massimo Baudo, Vasiliki Androutsopoulou and Serge Sicouri

J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(2), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16020069 - 30 Jan 2026

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping adult cardiac surgery, enabling more accurate diagnostics, personalized risk assessment, advanced surgical planning, and proactive postoperative care. Preoperatively, deep-learning interpretation of ECGs, automated CT/MRI segmentation, and video-based echocardiography improve early disease detection and refine risk stratification beyond [...] Read more.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping adult cardiac surgery, enabling more accurate diagnostics, personalized risk assessment, advanced surgical planning, and proactive postoperative care. Preoperatively, deep-learning interpretation of ECGs, automated CT/MRI segmentation, and video-based echocardiography improve early disease detection and refine risk stratification beyond conventional tools such as EuroSCORE II and the STS calculator. AI-driven 3D reconstruction, virtual simulation, and augmented-reality platforms enhance planning for structural heart and aortic procedures by optimizing device selection and anticipating complications. Intraoperatively, AI augments robotic precision, stabilizes instrument motion, identifies anatomy through computer vision, and predicts hemodynamic instability via real-time waveform analytics. Integration of the Hypotension Prediction Index into perioperative pathways has already demonstrated reductions in ventilation duration and improved hemodynamic control. Postoperatively, machine-learning early-warning systems and physiologic waveform models predict acute kidney injury, low-cardiac-output syndrome, respiratory failure, and sepsis hours before clinical deterioration, while emerging closed-loop control and remote monitoring tools extend individualized management into the recovery phase. Despite these advances, current evidence is limited by retrospective study designs, heterogeneous datasets, variable transparency, and regulatory and workflow barriers. Nonetheless, rapid progress in multimodal foundation models, digital twins, hybrid OR ecosystems, and semi-autonomous robotics signals a transition toward increasingly precise, predictive, and personalized cardiac surgical care. With rigorous validation and thoughtful implementation, AI has the potential to substantially improve safety, decision-making, and outcomes across the entire cardiac surgical continuum. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Mathematical Modeling and Data Analysis in Personalized Medical Research)

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Graphical abstract

16 pages, 696 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Comorbid Generalized Anxiety Disorder on rTMS/iTBS Clinical Outcomes in Major Depression: A Multicenter Registry-Based Observational Study

by Yoshihiro Noda, Ryota Osawa, Yuya Takeda, Keiko Fujita, Takumi Tsuji and Ryosuke Kitahata

J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(2), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16020068 - 30 Jan 2026

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is often accompanied by generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a comorbidity linked to greater illness burden and potentially poorer outcomes. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) are established treatments for MDD, yet the impact of [...] Read more.

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is often accompanied by generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a comorbidity linked to greater illness burden and potentially poorer outcomes. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) are established treatments for MDD, yet the impact of comorbid GAD and concomitant medications remains unclear. This study aimed to compare rTMS/iTBS treatment outcomes between patients with MDD with and without comorbid GAD, and to examine the association between concomitant psychotropic medication use, stimulation protocol, and treatment response in a real-world clinical setting. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational analysis using registry data from 108 patients (MDD + GAD: n = 36; MDD only: n = 72). Patients received either Left-iTBS or Right-rTMS. Baseline severity, percentage change in Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) scores, response, and remission were assessed. Logistic and linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, and baseline severity were applied. Sensitivity analyses stratified by stimulation protocol and benzodiazepine (BDZ) use were performed. Results: Baseline severity did not differ between groups. MADRS reduction was numerically lower in the comorbid GAD group (48.3% vs. 52.7%, p = 0.09), whereas HAMD-17 reduction was comparable. Response and remission rates did not differ significantly. Medication use and stimulation protocol did not show statistically significant independent associations with outcomes. Sensitivity analyses confirmed equivalent outcomes between Left-iTBS and Right-rTMS. BDZ users showed a non-significant trend toward lower MADRS improvement and remission. Conclusions: rTMS/iTBS produced substantial clinical improvement and was well tolerated in both patients with MDD and those with MDD comorbid with GAD. Although comorbid anxiety showed a modest tendency to attenuate MADRS score reduction, overall response and remission rates were comparable between groups. Neither concomitant medications nor stimulation protocol significantly affected treatment outcomes, while the potential influence of BDZ exposure warrants further investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Depression and Anxiety: Recent Advances in Personalized Treatment and Management)

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Graphical abstract

12 pages, 679 KB

Open AccessArticle

Patient Perception of Lower-Limb Straightness at One Week After Unrestricted Kinematically Aligned Total Knee Arthroplasty: Exploring the Concept of “Inherent Straightness”

by Toshiya Kano, Yoshinori Soda, Kimihiro Inoue and Mitsuhiro Nakamura

J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(2), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16020067 - 30 Jan 2026

Background/Objectives: Mechanical neutrality has long been regarded as the principal alignment target in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, radiographic neutrality does not necessarily reflect physiological morphology or patient perception. This study aimed to evaluate one-week postoperative patient-perceived lower-limb straightness after unrestricted kinematic alignment [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Mechanical neutrality has long been regarded as the principal alignment target in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, radiographic neutrality does not necessarily reflect physiological morphology or patient perception. This study aimed to evaluate one-week postoperative patient-perceived lower-limb straightness after unrestricted kinematic alignment (KA) TKA and to examine its relationship with radiographic alignment parameters and functional findings. Methods: A total of 175 patients (203 knees) who underwent unrestricted KA-TKA were retrospectively reviewed. Pre- and postoperative radiographs, clinical assessments, and a study-specific, non-validated questionnaire were analyzed one week postoperatively. Patient perception of straightness was assessed using the Straightness Visual Analog Scale (S-VAS) and the Straightness Satisfaction Visual Analog Scale (SS-VAS). Radiographic parameters included the hip–knee–ankle angle (HKAA), the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), the mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), the joint line convergence angle (JLCA), and Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) patterns. Correlative analyses between VAS scores and radiographic and clinical parameters were examined. Results: Preoperatively, 85% of knees were perceived as bowed, and all were reported as straight after surgery. Among knees not perceived as bowed preoperatively, 60% were newly perceived as straight postoperatively, while 40% remained perceived as straight. Postoperative satisfaction was high (S-VAS 88.9 ± 11.6; SS-VAS 92.3 ± 12.9). Associations between S-VAS/SS-VAS and HKAA were weak but statistically significant, whereas both showed moderate positive correlations with postoperative knee extension (S-VAS r = 0.54; SS-VAS r = 0.59). Conclusions: At one week after surgery, patients tended to perceive lower-limb straightness as being associated with restoration of physiological morphology and improved knee extension rather than with radiographic mechanical neutrality. Patient-perceived straightness reflects an individualized and natural sense of limb alignment (“inherent straightness”) and should be interpreted as an exploratory, patient-centered concept based on an early postoperative test, supporting a personalized framework for alignment evaluation in unrestricted KA-TKA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Personalized Medical Care)

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25 pages, 2817 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Burden and APOE Methylation in a Korean Multi-Generational Alzheimer’s Disease Family: An Exploratory Multi-Omics Case Study

by Je-Hyun Eom, Mu-Yeol Cho, Ji-Won Kim, Yunwoo Kim, Seung-Jo Yang, Jiyoung Hwang, Dahye Lee, Hye-Sung Kim, Young-Youn Kim and Hanseung Baek

J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(2), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16020066 - 29 Jan 2026

Background/Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) exhibits high heritability (60–80%), yet individual-level genetic risk prediction remains challenging. While APOE ε4 is the strongest genetic risk factor, incomplete penetrance complicates risk assessment. Methods: We analyzed seven blood-related members across three generations using the Korean [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) exhibits high heritability (60–80%), yet individual-level genetic risk prediction remains challenging. While APOE ε4 is the strongest genetic risk factor, incomplete penetrance complicates risk assessment. Methods: We analyzed seven blood-related members across three generations using the Korean Chip v2.0 genotyping (~1.2 M SNPs) and Illumina EPICv2 DNA methylation profiling. Genetic burden score (GBS) was calculated by summing risk alleles across 320 variants in six AD-associated genes (APOE, PICALM, CLU, CR1, BIN1, and ABCA7). Results: An unexpected pattern was observed in this family: the affected individual (J-003) had the lowest GBS (39 alleles), while individuals with higher genetic burden (51–61 alleles) remained cognitively healthy. J-003 also exhibited lower APOE methylation (β = 0.495) compared to the family mean (β = 0.523). CR1 contributed the most risk alleles across the family, followed by PICALM. Conclusions: This single-case observation cannot establish causality, generalizability, or biological significance. The affected individual’s lower APOE methylation may represent a causal factor, disease consequence, or coincidental variation—scenarios that cannot be distinguished from this dataset. Validation in larger cohorts with multiple affected individuals is required to determine whether integrated multi-omics approaches can inform personalized risk assessment in familial contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Counseling and Genome Sequencing in Pediatrics)

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11 pages, 613 KB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Associated with Difficult-to-Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis (D2T-RA): Real-World Evidence from a Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study

by Maurizio Benucci, Francesca Li Gobbi, Emanuele Antonio Maria Cassarà, Riccardo Terenzi, Elisa Cioffi, Christian D’Elia, Sabrina Aliberti, Serena Guiducci, Edda Russo, Barbara Lari, Valentina Grossi, Maria Infantino and Mariangela Manfredi

J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(2), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16020065 - 29 Jan 2026

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease characterized by persistent synovial inflammation and progressive joint destruction. Despite the implementation of the treat-to-target (T2T) strategy and the introduction of several classes of biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs), [...] Read more.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease characterized by persistent synovial inflammation and progressive joint destruction. Despite the implementation of the treat-to-target (T2T) strategy and the introduction of several classes of biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs), a considerable proportion of patients continues to exhibit active, refractory disease. In 2021, the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) defined this condition as Difficult-to-Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis (D2T-RA). This study aimed to identify clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic factors associated with D2T-RA. Methods: A total of 344 patients with established RA were retrospectively evaluated. Among them, 164 fulfilled the 2021 EULAR criteria for D2T-RA (D2T group), while 180 did not (NO-D2T group). Clinical (age, sex, disease duration, BMI, smoking, comorbidities), laboratory (RF, ACPA, ESR, CRP), clinimetric (DAS28, CDAI, PhGA, PGA, HAQ), and therapeutic data (glucocorticoid use, methotrexate treatment and dose, monotherapy, advanced therapy exposure, number of failed advanced therapies, current DMARD regimen) were analyzed. Results: Factors significantly associated with D2T-RA included female sex, longer disease duration, higher RF and ACPA titers, elevated ESR levels, glucocorticoid therapy, and a greater number of failed advanced therapies. Although both groups achieved low disease activity or remission by DAS28 and CDAI, JAK inhibitors—particularly Filgotinib and Upadacitinib—were significantly more common in the D2T cohort and appeared associated with clinical stabilization. Conclusions: This study strengthens the understanding of the predictive profile of D2T-RA, confirming the role of disease chronicity and persistent inflammation in the development of treatment resistance. Importantly, the observed trend toward clinical stabilization achieved under JAK inhibitor therapy reinforces their potential to address unmet therapeutic needs in D2T-RA, providing a mechanistically grounded strategy for patients refractory to conventional and biologic DMARDs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Personalized Medicine for Rheumatic Diseases)

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10 pages, 1581 KB

Open AccessArticle

A New Generation of Eco-Designed Embolic Agents: Towards Sustainable and Personalized Interventional Radiology

by Alexis Ruimy, Thibault Agripnidis, Julien Panneau, Johanna Nguyen, Farouk Tradi, Thierry Marx, Raphaël Haumont, Pauline Brige, Benjamin Guillet and Vincent Vidal

J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(2), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16020064 - 29 Jan 2026

Background: Embolization is a key therapeutic option in interventional radiology for the management of acute arterial bleeding and solid organ injuries. While various embolic agents exist, there is a persistent clinical need for materials that are not only highly effective but also biocompatible, [...] Read more.

Background: Embolization is a key therapeutic option in interventional radiology for the management of acute arterial bleeding and solid organ injuries. While various embolic agents exist, there is a persistent clinical need for materials that are not only highly effective but also biocompatible, easy to deliver, and cost-effective. We aim to evaluate a new eco-friendly dry foam agar-based embolization agent (ABEA) in an uncontrolled solid organ hemorrhage model. Material and Methods: Ten pigs underwent a controlled splenic injury. After a 5 min free-bleeding period, five pigs were treated with splenic artery ABEA embolization, while the remaining five received no treatment and served as the control group. Follow-up angiography was performed immediately after embolization and at 5 and 15 min in the treated pigs. Mean arterial pressures and average blood loss volumes were evaluated for 120 min. Results: The control group showed continuous blood loss, leading to a significantly higher total blood loss than the ABEA-treated group (1451 mL vs. 611 mL at 120 min, p < 0.05). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) remained below the hemorrhagic shock threshold throughout the procedure in the control group, validating the model of uncontrolled hemorrhage. In addition, a significant stabilization of MAP was observed in treated pigs, remaining above the critical level of hemorrhagic shock and differed significantly from control group values. Conclusions: Embolization with ABEA maintained MAP above critical levels and significantly reduced blood loss volume in a hemorrhagic model. These results support the technical feasibility and short-term hemostatic performance of ABEA in an acute setting. While preliminary, this proof-of-concept has provided the basis for a validated clinical study currently underway to evaluate its effectiveness and safety in human patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Interventional Radiology: New Advances and Prospects)

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12 pages, 234 KB

Open AccessArticle

Age at Onset Impact on Clinical Profile, Treatment, and Real-Life Perception in Spondyloarthritis Patients, Enhancing a Personalized Approach: A Monocentric Cohort Analysis

by Federico Fattorini, Linda Carli, Cosimo Cigolini, Lorenzo Esti, Marco Di Battista, Marta Mosca and Andrea Delle Sedie

J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(2), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16020063 - 28 Jan 2026

Background: Spondyloarthritis (SpA) typically develops before 40 years of age, but increasing life expectancy has led to a growing number of cases in older adults. It is well known that age at onset may influence disease presentation, comorbidities, and patient outcomes. Objectives [...] Read more.

Background: Spondyloarthritis (SpA) typically develops before 40 years of age, but increasing life expectancy has led to a growing number of cases in older adults. It is well known that age at onset may influence disease presentation, comorbidities, and patient outcomes. Objectives: To assess whether age at onset influences SpA clinical presentation. Methods: We analyzed clinical, demographic, clinimetric, and imaging data in 272 SpA patients, grouped by onset age: early (≤40, n = 119), intermediate (41–59, n = 127), and late (≥60, n = 26). All patients had a minimum follow-up duration of 12 months. Their epidemiologic, clinic, and clinimetric data were collected, as well as patient-reported outcome measures (PROs) [Patient Global Assessment (PGA), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), FACIT-Fatigue (FACIT-F), SHORT-FORM 36 (SF-36), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAI), CSI (Central Sensitization Inventory), and Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease (PsAID) questionnaire]. In univariate analyses, differences in categorical variables across onset groups were assessed using Fisher’s exact test; for continuous variables, between-group comparisons were performed using the Mann–Whitney U test (two-tailed) or the Kruskal–Wallis test, as appropriate, with Bonferroni correction for post hoc analyses. Multivariable regression models were subsequently fitted, adjusting for sex, diagnosis, and disease duration. For binary outcomes, multivariable logistic regression models were used, while multivariable linear regression models (ANCOVA) were applied for continuous outcomes. The overall association between onset group and each outcome was formally tested using likelihood ratio tests, comparing models including the onset variable with nested models excluding it. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Patients’ mean age was 60.0 ± 13.7 years; 55.9% of them were males; and there were 188 cases (69.1%) of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and 84 cases (30.9%) of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). In early-onset patients, inflammatory back pain (IBP) was more frequent, whereas late-onset patients more often presented with joint swelling. A family history of SpA and psoriasis was less common in late-onset forms. Comorbidities, including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, hypertension, hyperuricemia, and diabetes, were more prevalent in older-onset patients, resulting in a higher overall comorbidity burden in Groups 2 and 3. Patient-reported outcomes were largely similar across age groups, although work activity limitation was more pronounced in younger patients. Conclusions: Age at onset seems to influence SpA phenotypes: early-onset could favor axial involvement, while late-onset may associate with peripheral arthritis. Late-onset forms are associated with a more severe comorbidity burden, in particular for cardiovascular risk factors. Lung involvement proved to be more prevalent with respect to the general population, so it should be checked in the routinary assessment of SpA patients. These findings suggest that rheumatologists could tailor their routine assessments based on patients’ age at disease onset. Interestingly, work productivity seems more impacted in early-onset patients. All these points highlight the importance of age at disease onset in SpA, guiding toward personalized medicine in terms of follow-up, therapy, and more holistic patient management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Trends and Advances in Spondyloarthritis)

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19 pages, 743 KB

Open AccessReview

Demographic Mix of Care Homes and Personalised Use of SGLT-2 Inhibitors and GLP-1RAs in Residents with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

by Alan J. Sinclair, Fiza Waseem and Ahmed H. Abdelhafiz

J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(2), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16020062 - 28 Jan 2026

Diabetes prevalence in older people residing in care homes is rising. This cohort of patients is characterised by multiple morbidities, polypharmacy, and frailty. As a result, they are exposed to an increasing burden of hypoglycaemia, which leads to unnecessary hospital visits and negative [...] Read more.

Diabetes prevalence in older people residing in care homes is rising. This cohort of patients is characterised by multiple morbidities, polypharmacy, and frailty. As a result, they are exposed to an increasing burden of hypoglycaemia, which leads to unnecessary hospital visits and negative consequences. In addition, due to their high baseline morbidities, the risk of cardiovascular events increases. The newly introduced therapy of SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1RA has a very low risk of hypoglycaemia and a significant cardiovascular protective effect. This makes it an appealing choice to be used in older people with complex morbidities, such as care home residents. So far, the current use of these agents is suboptimal in these settings because clinicians are cautious of side effects and tolerability, and also, clinical studies have not included this population. Furthermore, the guidelines in this area lack a personalised approach and are too general, with no clear specific description of which patients are suitable for such therapy. The currently available little evidence is indirect, which confirms the superior benefits of such therapy in frail compared with robust subjects, especially in those who are overweight or obese. The demographic mix of care homes is largely heterogeneous in terms of variations in body composition. In addition to malnourished, frail phenotype subjects, the prevalence of individuals with obesity living in these settings is increasing. Therefore, there is scope for increased use of these new agents in residents who have at least a normal or higher body weight. Because of the high baseline cardiovascular risk, these patients will benefit most from such therapy. Otherwise, these agents are better when less used for frail patients who are anorexic and malnourished because of the risk of inducing further weight loss, volume loss, low blood pressure, falls, and fractures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diabetes Mellitus: Current Research and Future Perspectives, 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 4214 KB

Open AccessArticle

Minimally Invasive Surgical Strategies in Intraventricular Tumors: Preliminary Experience with Tubular Retractors for a Personalized Approach in Intraventricular Meningiomas

by Alessio Iacoangeli, Valentina Liverotti, Mario Chiapponi, Denis Aiudi, Andrea Mattioli, Lucia di Somma, Andrea Carai, Michele Luzi, Roberto Trignani, Hani A. Mahboob, Gustavo Luzardo, Alberto Feletti, Carlo Efisio Marras, Maurizio Iacoangeli and Maurizio Gladi

J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(2), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16020061 - 27 Jan 2026

Background: Intraventricular tumors represent a minority in the context of brain tumors, but their surgical treatment is particularly complex due to their vascularization and visualization, especially in deep localization. The characteristics of these tumors make them ideal candidates for minimally invasive surgical [...] Read more.

Background: Intraventricular tumors represent a minority in the context of brain tumors, but their surgical treatment is particularly complex due to their vascularization and visualization, especially in deep localization. The characteristics of these tumors make them ideal candidates for minimally invasive surgical strategies such as the tubular retractor technique, above all in the elderly population. Objectives: A 1-year multi-center, retrospective case series was performed: the authors describe their preliminary experience using a neuronavigated tubular retractor in the management of 11 cases of intraventricular meningiomas. Methods: Clinical and radiological findings were examined to define the outcomes. We used an alternative tubular retractor system obtained using a modified preexisting general surgery trocar (ENDOPATH XCEL 15 mm trocar) or the NICO System BrainPath. Results: Gross total resection, defined as the removal of all the tumor visible from the brain scans, was achieved in all cases. Ten out of eleven of the patients did not experience major complications or permanent neurological deficits. Four patients presented transitory post-operative agitation, visual blurring and transient hemiparesis. All patients (mean age 72.6 years) were discharged from the hospital in 5–7 days. Conclusions: Our preliminary experience suggests that the use of navigated tubular retractors, by displacing the fibers and hence minimizing the damage to the surrounding cerebral parenchyma, is feasible and safe, representing a minimally invasive technique for a personalized and patient-tailored approach. The use of the selective ultrasonic aspirator makes it possible to excise the tumor through the narrow corridor of the tubular lumen of around 2 cm, and this technique can also be improved using both endoscope and microscope guidance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Personalized Therapy in Clinical Medicine)

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16 pages, 262 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Variants in Potassium Channel Genes and Their Clinical Implications in Kazakhstani Patients with Cardiac Arrhythmias

by Ayaulym Chamoieva, Saule Rakhimova, Zhannur Abilova, Ainur Akhmetova, Gulbanu Akilzhanova, Madina Zhalbinova, Asset Daniyarov, Kenes Akilzhanov, Askhat Molkenov, Ulykbek Kairov, Anargul Kuanysheva, Nurlan Shaimardanov, Ayan Abdrakhmanov, Makhabbat Bekbossynova and Ainur Akilzhanova

J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(2), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16020060 - 26 Jan 2026

Background/Objectives: Cardiac arrhythmias are among the leading causes of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Pathogenic variants in potassium channel genes play a key role in inherited arrhythmia syndromes, yet their contribution in Central Asian populations remains poorly characterized. Methods: We performed targeted [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Cardiac arrhythmias are among the leading causes of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Pathogenic variants in potassium channel genes play a key role in inherited arrhythmia syndromes, yet their contribution in Central Asian populations remains poorly characterized. Methods: We performed targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) using a 96-gene custom Haloplex panel in 79 Kazakhstani patients with clinically diagnosed arrhythmias, including atrioventricular block, sick sinus syndrome, and atrial fibrillation. Detected variants in potassium channel genes were classified according to ACMG guidelines and correlated with clinical phenotypes. Results: A total of 52 variants were identified across 11 potassium channel genes. Two likely pathogenic variants (KCNH2 p.Cys66Gly and p.Arg176Trp) and six variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in KCNQ1, KCNE2, KCNE3, and KCNJ8 were detected. Two novel previously unreported variants were found in KCNE5 and KCND3. Patients harboring pathogenic variants commonly presented with early-onset arrhythmias or a positive family history of cardiovascular disease. Carriers of KCNH2 variants exhibited mild QT prolongation and recurrent syncope. Conclusions: This is the first genetic study of potassium channel gene mutations in Kazakhstani patients with cardiac arrhythmias. The detection of pathogenic and novel variants highlights the clinical utility of integrating genetic testing into diagnostic and management pathways for arrhythmia syndromes. Population-specific genomic data are essential for improving risk stratification, guiding medication safety, and enabling cascade family screening in Central Asia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Atrial Fibrillation and Cardiac Arrhythmias: Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Therapy)

24 pages, 1695 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Challenges and Treatment Strategies in Elderly Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis

by John K. Triantafillidis, Konstantinos Malgarinos, Georgia Kontrarou, Emmanouil Kritsotakis, Victoria Polydorou, Konstantinos Pantos, Konstantinos Sfakianoudis, Agni Pantou, Anastasios Karandreas, Manousos M. Konstandoulakis and Apostolos E. Papalois

J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(2), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16020059 - 23 Jan 2026

Introduction: The proportion of elderly patients with IBD is steadily increasing due to the aging population and improved survival. Patients in this age group present specificities in diagnosis and treatment, particularly regarding the use of biological agents, where immunosenescence, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy [...] Read more.

Introduction: The proportion of elderly patients with IBD is steadily increasing due to the aging population and improved survival. Patients in this age group present specificities in diagnosis and treatment, particularly regarding the use of biological agents, where immunosenescence, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy affect the precise assessment of benefit and risk. Aim: This systematic review, which was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement, aims to synthesize available data on the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and therapeutic management of IBD in the elderly, with emphasis on the most recent data and practical guidelines for the use of biological therapies. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Embase was conducted. A total of 40 studies were included, comprising 5 randomized controlled trials, 15 prospective cohort studies, and 20 retrospective observational studies. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, observational cohort studies, and population-based analyses. Given substantial clinical and methodological heterogeneity, findings were synthesized narratively. Data on demographics, disease phenotype, comorbidities, and treatment outcomes were extracted and analyzed. In addition, a narrative synthesis of major randomized trials of biologic therapies, recent guidelines, and data from prospective studies and patient registries was performed with a focus on safety and real-world outcomes in the elderly. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results: The majority of included studies (85%) were found to have a low to moderate risk of bias, providing a reliable basis for the synthesis. Data show an increasing incidence of IBD in the elderly, often with a milder clinical course and a higher ratio of UC to CD. Multimorbidity and polypharmacy are significant challenges that increase the risk of adverse events. Although classic therapies remain effective, in many cases, a lower threshold is required to initiate advanced therapies, such as biologic agents. Anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents, as well as biologics with alternative mechanisms of action such as vedolizumab (α4β7 integrin antagonist) and ustekinumab (interleukin-12/23 inhibitor), represent key therapeutic options in elderly patients with IBD. These biologic factors have efficacy comparable to that in younger patients and are considered attractive options due to reduced systemic immunosuppression and favorable safety profiles. JAK inhibitors are a practical option but are associated with an increased thromboembolic risk and require careful patient selection. Older age is associated with higher absolute rates of serious infections, hospitalizations, and, in some series, mortality. Individualized decision-making, including frailty assessment, vaccination coverage, infection control, and dose adjustments based on renal and hepatic function, is essential for optimal care. Conclusions: IBD in the elderly is a distinct clinical entity with unique challenges in diagnosis and management. A multidisciplinary approach and individualized treatment strategies are essential to ensure the balance between disease control and minimizing the risks associated with comorbidity and polypharmacy. Further research, including specifically designed clinical trials, is needed to optimize treatment and outcomes in this unique patient group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Personalized Therapy in Clinical Medicine)

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13 pages, 821 KB

Open AccessArticle

Venous Cannulation Pain as a Marker of Postoperative Pain Vulnerability: A Pre-Specified Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

by Anna K. M. Persson and Krister Mogianos

J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(1), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16010058 - 22 Jan 2026

Background: Identification of patients at risk and prevention of acute postoperative pain (APOP) are central to individualized anesthesia and analgesia. Venous cannulation pain (VCP) has shown promise as a predictor of APOP. In the PeriOPerative Individualization Trial (POPIT), VCP was evaluated as [...] Read more.

Background: Identification of patients at risk and prevention of acute postoperative pain (APOP) are central to individualized anesthesia and analgesia. Venous cannulation pain (VCP) has shown promise as a predictor of APOP. In the PeriOPerative Individualization Trial (POPIT), VCP was evaluated as a pain-sensitivity stratification method to guide anesthesia and reduce postoperative pain. This report presents a predefined secondary analysis with the primary aim to evaluate VCP as a method for postoperative pain prediction. As a secondary aim, we sought to explore factors that influence VCP. Methods: 271 patients were stratified into two cohorts, high-risk (VCP ≥ 2.0) and low-risk (VCP < 2.0), for APOP, based on their VCP. Within each group, patients were randomized to receive either: standard care or opioid-free anesthesia (low-risk cohort), and standard care or multimodal anesthesia with opioids (high-risk cohort). Differences in acute and persistent pain, quality of recovery, postoperative opioid consumption, and proportion of patients experiencing moderate to severe APOP depending on VCP levels were investigated. The predictive capacity of VCP was evaluated and adjusted for in terms of potential confounders. Results: High-risk patients, grading VCP ≥ 2.0 (VAS units) experienced more APOP on the day of surgery (difference 0.9 NRS-units, 95% CI 0.2–1.6, p = 0.009) and after 24 h during movement (difference 0.6 NRS-units, 95% CI 0.0–1.3, p = 0.048). Patients grading VCP < 2.0 had better quality of recovery after 24 hr (difference 7, 95% 1–13, p = 0.002) and lower postoperative opioid consumption (difference 7.5 mg, 95% 5.7–9.3, p < 0.001). The OR for VCP ≥ 2.0 to predict APOP in PACU was 1.76 (95% CI 1.02–3.04, p = 0.043), but in a multivariate model, adjusted for age, VCP ≥ 2, gender, pain catastrophizing, preoperative pain, and pain on the day of surgery, female gender was the only independent predictor of APOP (OR 2.65 (95% CI 1.33–5.29), p = 0.006). Conclusions: Pain during venous cannulation as a predictor of acute pain after surgery was significant in univariate regression, but the results were lost when adjusting for confounders like gender and current pain. However, VCP continues to show potential in associated postoperative recovery outcomes such as opioid consumption. The level of pain associated with venous cannulation is influenced by gender, preoperative pain, and current pain on the day of surgery. Pain sensitivity stratification needs refinement before implementation in clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Diagnostics in Personalized Medicine)

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3 pages, 887 KB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Althenayyan et al. Alternatively Spliced Isoforms of MUC4 and ADAM12 as Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer Metastasis. J. Pers. Med. 2023, 13, 135

by Saleh Althenayyan, Mohammed H. AlMuhanna, Abdulkareem AlAbdulrahman, Bandar Alghanem, Suliman A. Alsagaby, Abdulaziz Alfahed, Glowi Alasiri and Mohammad Azhar Aziz

J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(1), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16010057 - 22 Jan 2026

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