Search Results (40)

Background/Objective: Candidemia is a serious complication following intensive chemotherapy and is associated with high mortality in pediatric patients. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with 28-day mortality in pediatric patients with candidemia. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 63 pediatric patients diagnosed with acute leukemia and candidemia following intensive chemotherapy. Clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and epidemiological data were collected. Antifungal susceptibility data were available for 60 patients. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to estimate the 28-day mortality rate, and Cox regression was performed to identify prognostic factors. Results: The 28-day mortality rate among the 63 patients (57.1% male, median age 9.74 years) was 36.5%. Candida tropicalis was the predominant species (96.8%). Antifungal susceptibility rates were 100% for amphotericin B and caspofungin and 22.2% for fluconazole. The factors independently associated with reduced 28-day mortality were an absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) ≥ 0.2 G/L at the time of candidemia diagnosis (5.3% vs. 50% mortality; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.01–0.61), the use of antifungal prophylaxis (AFP) (26.3% vs. 52%; HR 0.31; 95% CI, 0.13–0.74), and granulocyte transfusion (GTX) combined with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) (20% vs. 47.4%; HR = 0.31; 95% CI, 0.11–0.85). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that an ALC ≥ 0.2 G/L, AFP, and the administration of a GTX combined with G-CSF may be considered favorable prognostic factors. Full article

Background: While timely blood transfusion is critical for restoring oxygen-carrying capacity after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), allogeneic blood product transfusions are independently associated with increased long-term mortality, necessitating a risk-stratified approach to balance oxygen delivery against immunological complications and infection risks. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 3376 patients undergoing isolated CABG between 2005 and 2023 at a single tertiary center. Patients who died during their perioperative hospital stay within 30 days were excluded. Transfusion burden was assessed both as the absolute number of blood product units (packed red blood cells, platelet transfusion, fresh frozen plasma) and as a percentage of calculated patient blood volume. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 5 years. Flexible Cox regression with penalized smoothing splines, adjusted for EuroSCORE II, was used to model dose–response relationships. Results: From our cohort of 3376 patients, a total of 137 patients (4.05%) received >10 units of packed red blood cells (PRBC) perioperatively. These patients were older (median 71 vs. 68 years, p < 0.001), more often female (29% vs. 15%, p < 0.001), and had higher preoperative risk (EuroSCORE II: 2.53 vs. 1.41, p < 0.001). After 5 years, mortality was 42% in the massive transfusion group versus 10% in controls. Spline regression revealed an exponential increase in mortality with transfused units: 14 units yielded a 1.5-fold higher hazard of death (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.31–1.64), rising to HR 2.71 (95% CI 2.12–3.47) at 30 units. When transfusion was indexed to blood volume, this relationship became linear and more tightly correlated with mortality, with lower maximum hazard ratios and narrower confidence intervals. Conclusions: Indexing transfusion burden to the percentage of patient blood volume replaced provides a more accurate and clinically actionable predictor of 5-year mortality after CABG than absolute unit counts. Our findings support a shift toward individualized, volume-based transfusion strategies to optimize patient outcomes and resource stewardship in a time of limited availability of blood products. Full article

Background/Objectives: Bowel resection may be necessary during cytoreductive surgery (CS) in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer to achieve complete tumor removal. However, concerns about increased perioperative risks and unclear survival benefits have led to ongoing debate. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of bowel resection on perioperative mortality and overall survival (OS) in patients undergoing CS. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 127 patients with FIGO stage IIB–IV epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent primary or interval CS between 2007 and 2021. Patients were stratified based on the performance of bowel resection. Clinical, surgical, and survival data were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards modeling. Primary outcomes were 90-day mortality and OS. Results: Bowel resection was performed in 58 patients (46%) with more extensive disease and poorer ECOG performance scores. Although the resection group had increased perioperative risks (e.g., higher transfusion rates and ICU use), OS was similar between groups (log-rank p = 0.122). Multivariate analysis identified that increasing age (HR = 1.042, p = 0.005) was independently associated with poorer OS, whereas lymph node dissection (HR = 0.450, p = 0.003) and undergoing primary CS (HR = 0.540, p = 0.047) were associated with improved survival. Bowel resection was not independently associated with OS. Conclusions: Bowel resection does not adversely affect OS when optimal cytoreduction is achieved. Although it increases perioperative complexity, it can be safely incorporated into CS in selected patients. These findings support its use as part of an individualized surgical strategy for advanced ovarian cancer. Full article

Background/Objectives: Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a common complication in patients with colorectal cancer presenting for surgery. Perioperative IDA is associated with increased post-operative mortality and morbidity. The impact on clinical outcomes for the active management of anaemia before surgery, with treatments such as intravenous (IV) iron, is uncertain. Methods: We performed a single-centre nested cohort study, analysing prospectively collected data from patients with colorectal cancer who were treated with IV iron prior to elective major abdominal surgery. Cox proportional hazard models were used to quantify the effect of anaemia treatment on length of stay. Other outcomes, including transfusion rates, were estimated using logistic regression analyses. Models were adjusted for age, sex, comorbidities and surgical details. Results: The length of stay was longer for patients with untreated anaemia compared to patients without anaemia (adjusted hazard ratio, HR 0.66 [95% confidence interval, CI 0.45, 0.95]). For patients with anaemia, the length of stay was shorter in those treated when compared to those not treated (adjusted HR 0.59 [95% CI 0.45, 0.78]). Patients with untreated anaemia had higher transfusion rates than patients with treated anaemia (adjusted odds ratio, OR 0.35 [95% CI 0.18, 0.66]) and non-anaemic patients (adjusted odds ratio, OR 0.20 [95% CI 0.07, 0.55]). Conclusions: This study suggests that treating iron deficiency anaemia with IV iron pre-operatively reduces length of stay and transfusion rates in colorectal cancer patients. Full article

Background: As the surgical repertoire for the management of sinonasal tumors evolves over time, an improved understanding of risks for postoperative complications is imperative. Objectives: To identify factors associated with 30-day postoperative complications following the resection of sinonasal tumors. Methods: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried from 2005 to 2020 for patients undergoing open or endoscopic surgical resection of sinonasal tumors. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify factors associated with postoperative complications. Kaplan–Meier survival analyses and log-rank tests were used to compare time to complication onset. Frailty was defined as a 5-factor modified frailty index score > 2. Results: Of the 859 patients with sinonasal tumors, 539 (62.7%) were male, and the average age (± SD) was 59.3 ± 14.1 years. Postoperative complications were observed in 251 (29.2%) patients. The most common 30-day complications were bleeding requiring transfusions (n = 172; 20.0%) and ventilation longer than 48 h (n = 37; 4.3%). Frailty (aHR [95% CI]: 3.58 [1.80–7.12]), malignancy (3.43 [1.59–7.38]), and maxillary tumor location (2.40 [1.86–3.09]) were associated with greater risk for 30-day postoperative complications. Similarly, patients with frailty (χ² = 7.0; p = 0.008), malignant tumors (χ² = 13.4; p < 0.001), or maxillary sinus tumors (χ² = 34.6; p < 0.001) experienced earlier onset of postoperative complications. Conclusions: Frailty, malignancy status, and tumor location may modulate risk for 30-day postoperative complications following the resection of sinonasal tumors. These results may help to inform preoperative patient counseling and identify individuals at increased risk of postoperative complications. Full article

Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is a serious public health issue. Although a number of effective hepatitis B vaccines are available, hepatitis B still poses a threat to global public health. Patients with OBI are usually asymptomatic, but there may be active HBV DNA present in their blood, leading to the risk of virus transmission during blood transfusions or organ transplantation, constituting a hazard to the health of recipients and increasing the risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Although China has progressed in the development of blood-screening technology, OBI is still a significant hidden danger to blood transfusion safety. Therefore, in blood screening and blood transfusion, strengthening the monitoring and management of OBI is crucial to ensure blood safety and protect public health. Full article

We investigated the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and prognostic role of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and non-dilated left ventricular cardiomyopathy (NDLVC) in patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (β-TDT). We retrospectively included 415 β-TDT patients who underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance to quantify myocardial iron overload (MIO) and biventricular function parameters and to detect replacement myocardial fibrosis. Demographic and laboratory parameters were comparable among patients with no overt cardiomyopathy (NOCM; n = 294), DCM (n = 12), and NDLVC (n = 109), while cardiac size and systolic function were significantly different. Compared to NOCM patients, DCM and NDLVC patients had a higher prevalence of MIO and replacement myocardial fibrosis. During a mean follow-up of 57.03 ± 18.01 months, cardiac complications occurred in 32 (7.7%) patients: 15 heart failures, 15 supraventricular arrhythmias, and 2 pulmonary hypertensions. Compared to the NOCM group, both the NDLVC and the DCM groups were associated with a significantly increased risk of cardiac complications (hazard ratio = 4.26 and 8.81, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, the independent predictive factors were age, MIO, and the presence of DCM and NDLVC versus the NOCM phenotype. In β-TDT, the detection of NDLVC and DCM phenotypes may hold value in predicting cardiac outcomes. Full article

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of sarcopenia on outcomes in patients undergoing curative resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA standards were conducted, searching for studies comparing patients with and without sarcopenia undergoing surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. The outcomes included postoperative mortality, Clavien–Dindo ≥ 3 complications, intraoperative blood loss, need for blood transfusion, length of hospital stay, and overall survival (OS) (time-to-event). The odds ratio (OR), mean difference (MD), and adjusted hazard ratio (HR) were calculated as summary measures using random effect modelling. Risk of bias was assessed with the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. Results: Five studies featuring 1304 patients were included. There was no significant difference in postoperative mortality (OR 1.85, 95% CI 0.75–4.57, p = 0.18), Clavien–Dindo ≥ 3 complications (OR 1.44, 95% CI 0.92–2.25, p = 0.11), length of hospital stay (MD 2.13 days, 95% CI −0.89–5.15, p = 0.17) or OS (adjusted HR 1.48, 95% CI, 0.97–2.28, p = 0.07) between the patients with and without sarcopenia. Sarcopenia increased intraoperative blood loss (MD 388.00 mL, 95% CI, 114.99–683.01, p = 0.006) and the need for blood transfusion (OR 2.27, 95% CI, 1.66, 3.10, p < 0.00001). Conclusions: Sarcopenia may increase the risk of bleeding during the resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (low certainty); however, this may not translate into a higher risk of postoperative morbidity or mortality (moderate certainty). Our findings regarding the OS may be subject to type 2 error; hence, the effect of sarcopenia on long-term outcomes after the resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma remains unknown and requires further research. Full article

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly affected both supply and demand for blood transfusion. This study aimed to investigate the prescription patterns of blood products and identify the risk factors for blood transfusion in patients with severe COVID-19. Methods: This nationwide population-based cohort study was performed in the Republic of Korea between January 2021 and December 2021. Adult patients (≥19 years) with severe COVID-19 who received oxygen therapy were examined. Data were obtained from the National Health Insurance Service database. Results: During the study period, 41,203 patients developed severe COVID-19. The overall transfusion rate was 7.11%, with 14,477 units of packed red blood cells, 4501 units of fresh frozen plasma, 20,532 units of platelet concentrates, and 1875 units of cryoprecipitate. Blood transfusion was independently associated with 90-day mortality (hazard ratio: 1.36, 95% confidence interval: 1.21–1.53, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified underlying chronic kidney disease; exposure to surgery, thrombolysis, or thrombectomy; renal replacement therapy; mechanical ventilation; and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as significant risk factors for blood transfusion in patients with severe COVID-19. Conversely, underlying cerebrovascular diseases, a Charlson Comorbidity Index score of ≥6, admission to intensive care units, and anticoagulant use were identified as protective factors. Conclusions: This study provides an overview of blood transfusion patterns in patients with severe COVID-19. Understanding these patterns may help optimize the stockpiling of medical resources. Full article

Background/Objectives: Roxadustat is an oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor approved to treat anemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The efficacy and safety of roxadustat compared with parenteral erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) were evaluated in patients with anemia of CKD receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD). Methods: This analysis pooled data from four phase 3, multicenter, randomized, open-label, active-comparator studies (PYRENEES, SIERRAS, HIMALAYAS, ROCKIES). The primary endpoints evaluated were hemoglobin change from baseline (CFB) to Weeks 28–36 without rescue therapy and hemoglobin CFB to Weeks 28–52 regardless of rescue therapy use. Safety data were reported. Results: This analysis included 422 patients (215 roxadustat, 207 ESA). Hemoglobin CFB to Weeks 28–36 without rescue therapy and hemoglobin CFB to Weeks 28–52 regardless of rescue therapy achieved non-inferiority for roxadustat vs. ESAs. The mean weekly dose of roxadustat was maintained over time (Weeks 1–4, 3.86 mg/kg/week; Weeks 101–104, 3.27 mg/kg/week), whereas the mean weekly ESA dose increased by 24% (Weeks 1–4, 115.70 IU/kg/week; Weeks 101–104, 143.40 IU/kg/week). Fewer patients treated with roxadustat received intravenous iron supplementation and rescue therapy, and patients treated with an ESA required blood transfusions sooner. Roxadustat-treated patients experienced a greater decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels relative to baseline vs. ESA-treated patients. Treatment-emergent adverse events were similar in both treatment groups. Major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), MACE plus unstable angina or congestive heart failure, and all-cause mortality hazard ratios were <1; the lower limit of the 95% CIs was <0.6, and the upper limit was >1.3. Conclusions: Roxadustat was non-inferior to ESAs in correcting and maintaining hemoglobin levels, with stable dosing and a comparable safety profile, in anemic patients receiving PD. Full article

Background/Objectives: Deep infiltrating endometriosis has been linked to worsened maternal and neonatal outcomes. However, reports regarding bowel endometriosis are still scanty. We aimed to evaluate pregnancy, delivery, and newborn adverse outcomes in women after laparoscopic-assisted surgery for bowel endometriosis. Methods: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary-care university hospital. From January 2015 to December 2021, pregnant women who were diagnosed and treated for bowel endometriosis were matched using a 1:3 ratio with pregnant women with no history of endometriosis. Patients were matched using the Cox proportional hazards model to determine parity, age, BMI and gestational age-adjusted relative risk (aRR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Co-primary outcomes were the incidence of labor abnormalities and cesarean section (CS) rate. Co-secondary outcomes were incidence of complications related to pregnancy, delivery, and newborn. Results: A total of 71 pregnancies among women treated for bowel endometriosis and 213 from healthy controls were included. Patients requiring IVF/ET for getting pregnant were in the bowel endometriosis group relative to controls (43.7% vs. 11.7%; p < 0.001). Increased risk of labor abnormalities was present for bowel endometriosis relative to controls (21.1% vs. 17.4%; p = 0.040; aRR 1.39 [95% CI 1.06–2.05]). Risk of non-cephalic fetal presentation (14.1% vs. 6.1%; p = 0.016; aRR 3.08 [95% CI 2.03–4.68]), CS rate (43.7% vs. 24.9%; p = 0.003; aRR 1.75 [95% CI 1.23–2.49]), and emergent CS rate (19.7% vs. 8.5%; p = 0.009; aRR 2.21 [95% CI 1.55–3.16]) were significantly higher in women treated for colorectal endometriosis compared with controls. Moreover, placenta previa (9.9% vs. 0.0%; p < 0.001; aRR 21.82 [95% CI 2.19–116.40]), second-trimester hemorrhage (5.6% vs. 0.9%; p = 0.017; aRR 6.00 [95% CI 1.12–32.06]), postpartum hemorrhage (15.5% vs. 3.3%; p < 0.001; aRR 4.71 [95% CI 1.90–11.70]), and the need for transfusion during labor (5.6% vs. 0.5%; p = 0.004; aRR 12.00 [95% CI 1.36–105.60]) were increased in treatments vs. controls. Concerning neonatal outcomes, an increased risk for neonatal intensive care unit admission was seen in postsurgical endometriotic women relative to healthy controls (26.0% vs. 6.9%; p < 0.001; aRR 3.75 [2.04–3.86]). Conclusions: Women treated for bowel endometriosis seem more exposed to adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes relative to healthy controls. However, additional prospective and comparative studies are needed to validate the available evidence. Full article

Background: We prospectively evaluated the predictive value of multiparametric cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) for cardiovascular complications in non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (β-NTDT) patients who started regular transfusions in late childhood/adulthood (neo β-TDT). Methods: We considered 180 patients (38.25 ± 11.24 years; 106 females). CMR was used to quantify cardiac iron overload, biventricular function, and atrial dimensions, and to detect left ventricular (LV) replacement fibrosis. Results: During a mean follow-up of 76.87 ± 41.60 months, 18 (10.0%) cardiovascular events were recorded: 2 heart failures, 13 arrhythmias (10 supraventricular), and 3 cases of pulmonary hypertension. Right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic volume index (EDVI), RV mass index (MI), LV replacement fibrosis, and right atrial (RA) area index emerged as significant univariate prognosticators of cardiovascular complications. The low number of events prevented us from performing a multivariable analysis including all univariable predictors simultaneously. Firstly, a multivariable analysis including the two RV size parameters (mass and volume) was carried out, and only the RV MI was proven to independently predict cardiovascular diseases. Then, a multivariable analysis, including RV MI, RA atrial area, and LV replacement fibrosis, was conducted. In this model, RV MI and LV replacement fibrosis emerged as independent predictors of cardiovascular outcomes (RV MI: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.18; LV replacement fibrosis: HR = 6.26). Conclusions: Our results highlight the importance of CMR in cardiovascular risk stratification. Full article

Background: Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) continues to be a subject of active research due to its high mortality rates and associated complications. Cerebral malperfusion in ATAAD can have a devastating impact on patients’ neurological function and overall quality of life. We aimed to explore the risk profile and prognosis in ATAAD patients presenting with preoperative imaging signs of cerebral malperfusion (PSCM). Methods: We obtained patient data from our Aortic Dissection Registry, which included 480 consecutive ATAAD cases who underwent surgical repair between 2001 and 2021. Primary endpoint outcomes included the in-hospital and 30-day mortality, postoperative new neurological deficit, mechanical ventilation hours, and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay. Results: Of the total cohort, 82 patients (17.1%) had PSCM. Both groups had similar distributions in terms of age, sex, and body mass index. The patients in the PSCM group presented with a higher logistic EuroSCORE (47, IQR [31, 64] vs. 24, IQR [15, 39]; p < 0.001) and a higher portion of patients with a previous cardiac surgery (7.3% vs. 2.0%; p = 0.020). Intraoperatively, the bypass, cardioplegia, and aortic cross-clamp times were similar between both groups. However, the patients in the PSCM group received significantly more intraoperative packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and platelets transfusions (p < 0.05). Following the surgery, the patients who presented with PSCM had markedly longer ventilation hours (108.5 h, IQR [44, 277] vs. 43 h, IQR [16, 158], p < 0.001) and a significantly longer ICU length of stay (7 days, IQR [4, 13] vs. 5 days, IQR [2, 11]; p = 0.013). Additionally, the patients with PSCM had significantly higher rates of postoperative new neurological deficits (35.4% vs. 19.4%; p = 0.002). In the Cox regression analysis, PSCM was associated with significantly poorer long-term survival (hazard ratio (HR) 1.75, 95%CI [1.20–2.53], p = 0.003). Surprisingly, hypertension was shown as a protective factor against long-term mortality (HR: 0.59, 95%CI [0.43–0.82], p = 0.001). Conclusion: PSCM in ATAAD patients is linked to worse postoperative outcomes and poorer long-term survival, emphasizing the need for early recognition and tailored management. Full article

We assessed the value of pancreatic T2* magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for predicting cardiac events from a large prospective database of transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) patients. We considered 813 TDT patients (36.47 ± 10.71 years, 54.6% females) enrolled in the Extension-Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia Network. MRI was used to measure hepatic, pancreatic, and cardiac iron overload (IO), to assess biventricular function and atrial dimensions, and to detect replacement myocardial fibrosis. The mean follow-up was 50.51 ± 19.75 months. Cardiac complications were recorded in 21 (2.6%) patients: one with heart failure (HF) and 20 with arrhythmias. The single patient who developed HF had, at the baseline MRI, a reduced pancreas T2*. Out of the 20 recorded arrhythmias, 17 were supraventricular. Pancreatic T2* values were a significant predictor of future arrhythmia-related events (hazard ratio = 0.89; p = 0.015). Pancreas T2* remained significantly associated with future arrhythmias after adjusting for any other univariate predictor (age and male sex, diabetes, history of previous arrhythmias, or left atrial area index). According to the receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis for arrhythmias, a pancreas T2* < 6.73 ms was the optimal cut-off value. In TDT, pancreatic iron levels had significant prognostic power for arrhythmias. Regular monitoring and the development of targeted interventions to manage pancreatic IO may help improve patient outcomes. Full article

Lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) are identified as potent developmental neurotoxicants. Neonates are the main group receiving multiple blood transfusions. The exposure of neonates to these heavy metals (HMs) can occur through blood transfusions. This study aimed to determine the concentrations of lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) in various blood products (plasma, platelets, packed red blood cells (pRBCs), and whole blood (WB)) to explore the probability of concurrent exposure of these HMs and to identify the metal load per transfusion with risk assessment. Residual bloods from blood bank bags were collected after neonatal transfusion. Pb, Hg, and Cd concentrations were determined in 120 samples of blood products by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Pb and Cd levels were over the normal levels in 19.2 and 5.9% of all blood units, respectively. In 35 and 0.8% of blood units, the Pb and Cd concentrations, respectively, were higher than that recommended for transfusions in premature neonates. The anticipated safe value was surpassed by 2.5% for Cd of all transfusions, primarily because of WB. However, Hg was detected only in 5.8% of all samples and their concentrations were within the normal range. The concurrent neonatal exposure to Pb, Hg, and Cd was statistically significant. Hazard quotients of Hg and Cr were >1 and Pb cancer risk was 2.41 × 10⁻⁴. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first report examining Pb, Hg, and Cd in blood products other than WB and pRBCs using ICP-MS. This study demonstrated the exposure of neonates to Pb, Hg, and Cd during transfusion with a considerable amount of Pb. It confirms the significant concurrent exposure to the three HMs, which maximize their potential developmental neurotoxicity with a high probability of developing non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health effects. Full article