Publications

BACKGROUND: The available literature on the anatomy and imaging of the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) focusses on the osteometric indices described for the detection of abnormal relationships between the components of CVJ. However, a knowledge of the normal osteometry of this region in the Indian population is critically important for the operating surgeon as it may influence the surgical technique as well as the choice, size and configurations of the implants. It is also important to determine whether critical differences exist between the osteometric data of Indians and the rest of the world for this part of the anatomy. Accordingly, the present study is an attempt to quantitate the osteometric indices for the anatomically normal CVJ in Indian subjects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied the imaging data of 49 consecutive adult patients (31 males, 18 females) who underwent a computed tomographic (CT) angiogram for suspected vascular conditions unrelated to the craniovertebral junction. Several parameters related to the atlanto-dental relationship, foramen magnum, atlas and axis vertebrae were recorded, including the dimensions of the commonly instrumented bony regions and also the indices related to the CVJ bony relationships. The data was also compared between the two genders, statistically through the Student's t-test using the statistical program "R".

RESULTS: No patient had an atlanto dens interval >2.5 mm. The mean distance of the odontoid tip from the McRae line in this series was 5.11 mm and no patient had the odontoid tip above the McRae line. Female subjects had significantly smaller diameters of C1 lateral masses and odontoid screw trajectory length when compared to males. Additionally, in the Indian population, the length range of odontoid screw trajectory and the thickness of the narrowest part of the C2 pedicles was smaller with respect to similar data from other geographical regions. However, the rest of the parameters resembled the data from studies conducted on populations with other ethnicities.

CONCLUSION: The osteometric parameters of the CVJ in the Indian population are largely similar to those described globally. However, there are some important differences too which can influence the design of surgical implants suited to the Indian population.

OBJECTIVES: Timed barium swallow (TBS) assesses esophageal emptying in patients with achalasia and is considered the standard workup for patients with dysphagia. Our aim was to determine the usefulness of TBS in differentiating patients with achalasia (type 1-3), esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO), and non-achalasia dysphagia.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study including consecutive patients who underwent TBS evaluation between May 2013 and September 2015. Patients were separated into untreated achalasia (n=117), EGJOO (n=46), and non-achalasia (n=146) groups. Diagnosis of achalasia/EGJOO was based on high-resolution manometry using Chicago Classification. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the accuracy of TBS (barium height at 1 and 5 min and tablet retention) in identifying achalasia vs. EGJOO and non-achalasia.

RESULTS: Barium column height of 5 cm at 1 min showed a sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 71% and barium column height of 2 cm at 5 min showed a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 86% in differentiating untreated achalasia from EGJOO and non-achalasia. Combined liquid barium and tablet increases diagnostic yield from 79.5 to 100% in untreated achalasia patients and from 48.9 to 60% in EGJOO patients.

CONCLUSIONS: TBS is a simple and useful test in differentiating untreated achalasia, EGJOO, and non-achalasia dysphagia. We propose that barium height >2 cm at 5 min be used as cutoff point for identifying achalasia. Combination of liquid barium and tablet increased the diagnostic yield of TBS in achalasia and EGJOO. Retention of barium tablet alone suggests functional/anatomic obstruction at the esophagogastric junction.

INTRODUCTION: Esophageal dilation is an effective and safe treatment option for fibrostenotic eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Despite the safety, adverse events occur, yet there is scarce literature on the best treatment postcomplications.

METHODS: Patients with diagnosis of EoE (≥15 eosinophils per high-power field) from 2011 to 2015 treated at our center were included. Thirty patients with fibrostenotic disease had records available regarding serial dilation therapy. Eight patients previously experienced complications by outside providers. Groups were created based on history of complication before our dilation versus a group without. Mean difference and odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.

RESULTS: There were 8 complications, 7 occurred during dilation and 1 during passage of the endoscope. Esophageal diameter at initial dilation was lower in patients with prior complications 9.0±1.51 versus 11.73±2.98 mm (95% CI: -4.44, -1.02; P=0.003). However, end-esophageal diameter was similar across both groups 15.8±1.8 versus 16.1±2.0 mm. Total number of dilation sessions: 4.0±1.8 versus 2.32±1.0 (95% CI: 0.17, 3.19; P=0.03), as well as sessions to reach 17 mm diameter 3.8±1.0 versus 2.3±1.0 (95% CI: -0.08, 2.89; P=0.04), were higher in the patients with complications. The length of time in months to reach an esophageal diameter of 17 mm was longer in patients with complications, but the difference was not statistically significant 3.50±0.6 versus 2.3±2.3 months (P=0.09).

CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal dilation is a safe and effective modality to treat severe fibrostenotic EoE in patients with prior history of complications. The keys to success are: (1) start with lower diameter bougies and (2) dilate slowly over a longer time course to reach targeted diameter and symptom resolution.

BACKGROUND: The pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap is a reliable reconstructive option in breast cancer patients; however, it carries known risk of donor site hernia formation. Some hormonal therapy drugs have been associated with hernia formation in animal models. Minimal data exist concerning impact of hormonal therapy for breast cancer on abdominal donor site complications after breast reconstruction.

METHODS: Patients who underwent TRAM flap for breast cancer or high-risk status at a single institution by the senior author from 2003 to 2015 were identified. Charts were reviewed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, treatments, and abdominal complications were recorded. Patients were divided into groups based on use of hormonal therapy as well as exposure to specific drugs. Statistical analyses were performed.

RESULTS: A total of 358 patients were included. Overall hernia rate was 5.9%. About 231 (64.5%) patients had hormonal therapy, whereas 127 (35.5%) did not. Difference in hernia formation was not statistically significant between the hormonal therapy group (6.9%) and the no hormonal therapy group (3.9%; P = 0.359). Patients exposed to tamoxifen and those exposed to anastrozole had no significant difference in complication rates compared with the no hormonal therapy group, whereas patients exposed to letrozole had increased rate of hernia (13.5%; P = 0.037) and infection (21.6%; P = 0.013) compared with the no hormonal therapy group (3.9% and 7.1%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: Hormonal therapy is a useful adjunct for chemoprevention in breast cancer; however, use of letrozole in patients undergoing reconstruction with pedicled TRAM can lead to increase in certain complication rates.

This single-center study attempts to quantify the incidence of symptomatic CSF viral escape (CSFVE) in patients receiving atazanavir/r (ATV/r)-containing regimen. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients receiving ATV/r-containing ART who were diagnosed with symptomatic CSFVE from August 2012 to January 2017. Primary objective was to assess the incidence of symptomatic CSFVE in patients receiving ATV/r-containing ART in clinical practice. Incidence rates were calculated by dividing the number of patients who experienced CSFVE by the number of person-months at risk and summarized as per 10,000 (ten thousand) person-months at risk. Nine hundred thirty-three patients receiving ATV/r containing ART with a total of 36,068 person-months of follow-up were included. Incidence rate of symptomatic CSFVE was 4.4 per 10,000 person-months (95% CI 2.7 to 7.2). The incidence of CSFVE was 9.5 per 10,000 person-months (95% CI 5.7 to 15.7) when the nadir CD4 count was ≤ 200 compared to 0.49 (95% CI 0.07 to 3.5) with a nadir CD4 count > 200 (IRR 19.1 (95% CI 2.93 to 802.8), p < 0.0001). Nadir CD4 count ≤ 200 was associated with substantially increased risk of symptomatic CSFVE, further strengthening efforts to diagnose and treat patients early in disease.

Statins are widely prescribed, yet statin muscle pain limits their use, leading to increased cardiovascular risk. No validated therapy for statin muscle pain exists. The goal of the study was to assess whether metformin was associated with reduced muscle pain. A secondary analysis of data from the ACCORD trial was performed. An ACCORD sub-study assessed patients for muscle cramps and leg/calve pain while walking, typical non-severe statin muscle pain symptoms. We compared muscle pain between patients using a statin (n = 445) or both a statin and metformin (n = 869) at baseline. Overall patient characteristics were balanced between groups. Unadjusted analysis showed fewer reports of muscle cramps (35%) and leg/calve pain while walking (40%) with statins and metformin compared to statin only (muscle cramps, 42%; leg/calve pain while walking, 47%). Multivariable regression demonstrated a 22% odds reduction for muscle cramps (P = 0.049) and a 29% odds reduction for leg/calve pain while walking (P = 0.01). Metformin appears to reduce the risk of non-severe statin muscle pain and additional research is needed to confirm the findings and assess metformin's impact on statin adherence and related cardiovascular outcomes.

BACKGROUND: HIV-associated lymphomas (HAL) remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV patients, especially in the setting of treatment-refractory disease. Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is considered a curative option for patients with refractory HAL.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report the efficacy of autologous HCT in 20 patients with HAL [non-Hodgkin lymphoma = 14 (70%), Hodgkin lymphoma = 6 (30%)]. At the time of transplantation, the median peripheral blood CD4+ count was 226 cells/μL. HIV virus load was undetectable in 14 (70%) of 20 patients.

RESULTS: The median follow-up of surviving patients was 47 months (range, 20-119 months). The median time to neutrophil engraftment was 11 days. The median progression-free survival and median overall survival have not been reached. At 4 years after transplantation, progression-free survival and overall survival were 65% and 70%, respectively. Six patients died from disease relapse or progression (n = 5) and infection (n = 1). Nonrelapse mortality was 0 and 5% at 100 days and 4 years after transplantation, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Autologous HCT is an effective therapy for refractory/relapsed HAL with manageable toxicity, similar to non-HIV patients.

High-dose therapy (HDT) and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto-HCT) has been anecdotally prescribed in gray zone lymphoma (GZL), showing encouraging efficacy. We conducted a multicenter retrospective study aimed at assessing outcomes after auto-HCT in 32 patients with GZL treated at 9 transplantation centers in the United States. The median age of patients at transplantation was 38 years (range, 18 to 70 years), and the majority were male (n = 21; 66%). The median number of lines of therapy before transplantation was 2 (range, 1 to 4). BEAM was the most commonly prescribed regimen (n = 23; 72%). The median duration of follow-up for surviving patients was 34 months (range, 1 to 106 months). Median overall survival (OS) was not reached. The 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) and OS for all patients were 69% and 78%, respectively. Three-year PFS and OS were 100% for patients who received only 1 line of therapy before auto-HCT versus 65% (PFS, P = .25) and 75% (OS, P = .39) for those receiving >1 line. The cumulative incidence of relapse/progression was 4% at 1 year post-transplantation and 31% at 3 years post-transplantation. The 3-year nonrelapse mortality was 0%. These findings suggest that HDT and auto-HCT is an effective treatment in patients with GZL. Our findings ideally require confirmation in a larger cohort of patients, preferably in the setting of large prospective multicenter randomized controlled trials. However, we acknowledge that such studies could be difficult to conduct in patients with GZL owing to the disease's rarity. Alternatively, a multicenter prospective study that includes tissue banking and a data registry is warranted to help better understand the biology and natural history of the disease.

Hypoalbuminaemia has been previously described to predict worse non-relapse mortality (NRM) and inferior overall survival (OS) in allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT) recipients. Here, we evaluate the role of hypoalbuminaemia (<35 g/l) at time of onset of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) when incorporated into the refined aGVHD score. The study population consisted of 522 patients, median age 53 (18-75) years, who underwent an allo-HCT mostly for haematological malignancies. Standard risk (SR) aGVHD comprised 467 patients (89%) and the number of high risk (HR) cases was 55 (11%). Median follow-up for all surviving patients was 26 (3-55) months. Two-year OS was significantly better in patients with SR aGVHD with a serum albumin ≥35 g/l compared to SR with albumin <35 g/l [70% (95% CI = 64-76%) vs. 49% (95% CI = 42-56%), P < 0·0001]. Also, patients with SR aGVHD and a serum albumin level of ≥35 g/l had a significantly lower NRM at 1-year post-transplantation [6% (95% CI = 3-10%) vs. 25% (95% CI = 20-32%), P < 0·0001]. After our findings are validated in a large cohort of patients, we propose that hypoalbuminaemia should be incorporated into the refined aGVHD risk score to further its ability to predict outcomes within this group.

PURPOSE: Patient navigation (PN) is a model of healthcare coordination designed to reduce barriers to achieving optimal health outcomes. Systematic reviews evaluating whether PN is associated with higher patient satisfaction with cancer care are lacking.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic review to synthesize evidence of comparative studies evaluating the effectiveness of PN programs to improve satisfaction with cancer-related care. We included studies reported in English that: (1) evaluated a PN intervention designed to increase satisfaction with cancer care; and (2) involved a randomized controlled trial (RCT) or non-RCT approach. Standardized forms were used to abstract data from studies. These data were evaluated for methodological quality, summarized qualitatively, and synthesized under a random effects model.

RESULTS: The initial search yielded 831 citations. Nine met inclusion criteria. Five had adequate data (1 RCT and 4 non-RCTs) to include in the meta-analysis. Methodological quality of included studies ranged from weak to strong, with half rated as weak. Findings of the RCTs showed a statistically significant increase in satisfaction with cancer care involving PN (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 2.30; 95% confidence interval 1.79, 2.80, p < 0.001). Pooled results from non-RCTs showed no significant association between PN and satisfaction with cancer-related care (standardized mean difference = 0.39; 95% confidence interval - 0.02, 0.80, p = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS: Although PN has been widely implemented to improve cancer care, high-quality studies are needed to characterize the relationship between PN and satisfaction with cancer-related care.