Loss to Specialized Cardiology Follow-Up in Adults Living with Congenital Heart Disease

Background:Much has been written about the loss to follow-up in the transition between pediatric and adult Congenital Heart Disease(CHD)care centers.Much less is understood about the loss to follow-up(LTF)after a successful transition.This is critical too,as patients lost to specialised care are more likely to experience mor-bidity and premature mortality.Aims:To understand the prevalence and reasons for loss to follow-up(LTF)at a large Australian Adult Congenital Heart Disease(ACHD)centre.Methods:Patients with moderate or highly complex CHD and gaps in care of>3 years(defined as LTF)were identified from a comprehensive ACHD data-base.Structured telephone interviews examined current care and barriers to clinic attendance.Results:Overall,407(22%)of ACHD patients(n=1842)were LTF.The mean age at LTF was 31(SD 11.5)years and 54%were male;311(76%)were uncontactable.Compared to adults seen regularly,lost patients were younger,with a greater socio-economic disadvantage,and had less complex CHD(p<0.05 for all).We interviewed 59 patients(14%).The top 3 responses for care absences were“feeling well”(61%),losing track of time(36%),and not needing fol-low-up care(25%).Conclusions:A large proportion of the ACHD population becomes lost to specialised cardiac care,even after a successful transition.This Australian study reports younger age,moderate complexity defects,and socio-economic disadvantage as predictive of loss to follow-up.This study highlights the need for novel approaches to patient-centered service delivery even beyond the age of transition and resources to maintain patient engagement within the ACHD service.

Environmental Impact Assessment Follow-Up of Seismic Survey Offshore Activities in Brazil

Follow-up of environmental impacts is an integral part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, closely related to the effectiveness of the instrument. EIA follow-up has been receiving a lot of interest from scientists and practitioners, though it is recognized as one of the weakest points of EIA systems globally. Also, EIA follow-up is influenced by the context, mainly in terms of the types of projects or activities and their related impacts on the environment. Therefore, the present paper is focused on the investigation of the follow-up stage applied to the activity of seismic survey coupled with offshore oil & gas exploitation in Brazil. Research was based on a qualitative approach that included document analysis and semi-structured interviews with analysts involved in EIA processes, and sought to generate evidence of effectiveness of the EIA follow-up as conducted by the Federal Environment Agency (Ibama) in order to situate the practice of follow-up in the broader context of international best practice principles. Based on the findings, it was concluded that, due to the peculiarities of offshore seismic survey, it is necessary to promote adaptations in the procedures for monitoring impacts in order to ensure proper alignment with the principles and conceptual foundations that guide EIA practice. Specifically, the timing of the execution of the activity imposes challenges for its integration into the “conventional” cycle that has guided the monitoring of the impacts in the EIA of projects.

Patient satisfaction and follow-up adherence to glaucoma case management clinic in China

AIM:To assess glaucoma patient satisfaction and follow-up adherence in case management and identify associated predictors to improve healthcare quality and patient outcomes.METHODS:In this cross-sectional study,a total of 119 patients completed a Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-18 and a sociodemographic questionnaire.Clinical data was obtained from the case management system.Follow-up adherence was defined as completing each follow-up within±30d of the scheduled time set by ophthalmologists during the study period.RESULTS:Average satisfaction scored 78.65±7,with an average of 4.39±0.58 across the seven dimensions.Age negatively correlated with satisfaction(P=0.008),whilst patients with follow-up duration of 2 or more years reported higher satisfaction(P=0.045).Multivariate logistics regression analysis revealed that longer follow-up durations were associated with lower follow-up adherence(OR=0.97,95%CI,0.95-1.00,P=0.044).Additionally,patients with suspected glaucoma(OR=2.72,95%CI,1.03-7.20,P=0.044)and those with an annual income over 100000 Chinese yuan demonstrated higher adherence(OR=5.57,95%CI,1.00-30.89,P=0.049).CONCLUSION:The case management model proves effective for glaucoma patients,with positive adherence rates.The implementation of this model can be optimized in the future based on the identified factors and extended to glaucoma patients in more hospitals.

Essential role of postoperative follow-up in the management of clear cell sarcoma

Clear cell sarcoma(CCS)is a rare melanocytic soft tissue sarcoma known for itspropensity to metastasize to the lymph nodes and typically has an unfavorableprognosis.Currently,surgical resection is the primary treatment for localizedCCS,while radiotherapy and chemotherapy are preferred for metastatic cases.The roles of adjuvant chemotherapy,radiotherapy,and lymph node dissection arecontroversial.Although immunotherapy has emerged as a promising avenue inCCS treatment research,there are no established clinical standards for postoperativefollow-up.This editorial discusses a recent article by Liu et al,with afocus on current diagnostic modalities,treatment approaches,and the challengingprognosis associated with CCS.Our aim is to underscore the importance of longtermpatient follow-up in CCS management.

Long-term assessment of collagenase treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture:A 10-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND Enzymatic fasciotomy with collagenase clostridium histolyticum(CCH)has revolutionized the treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture(DC).Despite its benefits,the long-term outcomes remain unclear.This study presented a comprehensive 10-year follow-up assessment of the enduring effects of CCH on patients with DC.AIM To compare the short-term(12 wk)and long-term(10 years)outcomes on CCH treatment in patients with DC.METHODS A cohort of 45 patients was treated with CCH at the metacarpophalangeal(MCP)joint and the proximal interphalangeal(PIP)joint and underwent systematic reevaluation.The study adhered to multicenter trial protocols,and assessments were conducted at 12 wk,7 years,and 10 years post-surgery.RESULTS Thirty-seven patients completed the 10-year follow-up.At 10 years,patients treated at the PIP joint exhibited a 100%recurrence.However,patients treated at the MCP joint only showed a 50%recurrence.Patient satisfaction varied,with a lower satisfaction reported in PIP joint cases.Recurrence exceeding 20 degrees on the total passive extension deficit was observed,indicating a challenge for sustained efficacy.Significant differences were noted between outcomes at the 7-year and 10-year intervals.CONCLUSION CCH demonstrated sustained efficacy when applied to the MCP joint.However,caution is warranted for CCH treatment at the PIP joint due to a high level of recurrence and low patient satisfaction.Re-intervention is needed within a decade of treatment.

Intensive follow-up vs conventional follow-up for patients with nonmetastatic colorectal cancer treated with curative intent:A metaanalysis

BACKGROUND The frequency and content of follow-up strategies remain controversial for colorectal cancer(CRC),and scheduled follow-ups have limited value.AIM To compare intensive and conventional follow-up strategies for the prognosis of non-metastatic CRC treated with curative intent using a meta-analysis.METHODS PubMed,Embase,and the Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for potentially eligible randomized controlled trials(RCTs)from inception until April 2023.The Cochrane risk of bias was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies.The hazard ratio,relative risk,and 95%confidence interval were used to calculate survival and categorical data,and pooled analyses were performed using the random-effects model.Additional exploratory analyses were performed for sensitivity,subgroups,and publication bias.RESULTS Eighteen RCTs involving 8533 patients with CRC were selected for the final analysis.Intensive follow-up may be superior to conventional follow-up in improving overall survival,but this difference was not statistically significant.Moreover,intensive follow-up was associated with an increased incidence of salvage surgery compared to conventional follow-up.In addition,there was no significant difference in the risk of recurrence between intensive and conventional follow-up strategies,whereas intensive follow-up was associated with a reduced risk of interval recurrence compared to conventional follow-up.Finally,the effects of intensive and conventional follow-up strategies differed when stratified by tumor location and follow-up duration.CONCLUSION Intensive follow-up may have a beneficial effect on the overall survival of patients with non-metastatic CRC treated with curative intent.

The natural course of bacillus Calmette-Guerin induced bladder lesions:A long-term follow-up study and systematic review

Objective:Bacillus Calmette-Gue´rin(BCG)instillation is the standard adjuvant treatment for intermediate-and high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer after transurethral resection.Nevertheless,its toxicity often causes bladder complications.On follow-up cystoscopy,post-BCG bladder lesions can be pathologically benign,urothelial carcinoma recurrence,or other types of bladder malignancy.Only a small number of case reports have been published on post-BCG bladder lesions.Their clinical features,natural course,and management remain unknown.Methods:We retrospectively studied cystoscopic videos and medical records of BCG-treated bladder cancer patients at our center.During a long-term follow-up,we took biopsies on tumor-like lesions and described their changes.In addition,we summarized previous studies on post-BCG bladder lesions by systematic literature searching and review.Results:We described a series of three cases with post-BCG bladder lesions mimicking tumor recurrence from a total of 38 cases with follow-up data for more than 5 years.Those lesions could last,grow,or disappear spontaneously,and remain pathological benign for years.In systematic review,we identified and analyzed a total of 15 cases with post-BCG bladder lesions with detailed clinical information.Eleven of the 15 were benign and have a good prognosis with nephrogenic adenoma being the most common pathological type.Conclusion:Based on previous studies and our experience,benign lesions after BCG instillation cannot distinguish with cancer recurrence by cystoscopy alone,even under narrow band imaging mode.Nonetheless,given most of them have a good prognosis,random biopsy or transurethral resection might be spared in the patients with long-term negative biopsy and urine cytology.

Stent-assisted coiling of intracranial carotid ophthalmic segment aneurysm segment aneurysms:Long-term follow-up from a single center

Background:To evaluate the efficacy of stent-assisted coiling(SAC)for the treatment of carotid ophthalmic segment aneurysm segment aneurysms(OSAs)of the internal carotid artery(ICA)through detailed long-term follow-up of a large patient cohort.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed 88 consecutive patients with OSAs between January 2009 and January 2020 at our center.Angiographic results were evaluated using the modified Raymond grading system and clinical outcomes were evaluated using the mRS scale.The primary endpoints were major aneurysm recurrence and poor clinical outcomes for at least 18 months of follow-up.The patients were asked to attend clinical follow-up assessments and possibly undergo DSA or MR via telephone.Results:We enrolled 88 patients with 99 OSAs treated with coiling,of whom 76 were treated with SAC.The coiling procedures were successful in all 88 patients.Overall,complications occurred in 8 patients(9.1%).No procedure-related mortality was observed.67(76.1%)experienced immediate aneurysm occlusion at the end of the procedure.Long-term angiographic follow-up(18 months)was available in 45/88 aneurysms(51%)(average 18.7±5.2 months).Four patients continued their follow-up for 5 years after initial aneurysm treatment.After a clinical follow-up time of 28.7 months(range,12-51 months),85 patients(95.5%)achieved favorable clinical outcomes(mRS scores of 0-2).Conclusions:This study indicates that SAC treatment is a safe and effective therapeutic alternative for ruptured and unruptured OSAs.The procedural risks are low with relatively long-term effectiveness.

Effects of an Omaha System-based follow-up regimen on self-care and quality of life in gastrointestinal surgery patients

BACKGROUND Currently,a variety of new nursing methods and routine nursing have been widely used in the nursing of gastrointestinal surgery patients.AIM To investigate the effect of follow-up protocol based on the Omaha System on self-care ability and quality of life of gastrointestinal surgery patients.METHODS A total of 128 patients with inflammatory bowel disease in gastrointestinal surgery in gastrointestinal surgery from March 2019 to August 2021 were divided into A(n=64)and B(n=64)groups according to different nursing methods.The group A received a follow-up program Omaha System-based intervention of the group B,whereas the group B received the routine nursing intervention.Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire,Crohn’s and Colitis Knowledge Score(CCKNOW),inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire(IBDQ),Exercise of Self-nursing Agency Scale(ESCA),The Modified Mayo Endoscopic Score,and Beliefs about Medicine Questionnaire(BMQ)were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Following the intervention,the group A were facing score significantly increased than group B,while the avoidance and yield scores dropped below of group B(all P<0.05);in group A,the level of health knowledge,personal care abilities,self-perception,self-awareness score and ESCA total score were more outstanding than group B(all P<0.05);in group A the frequency of defecation,hematochezia,endoscopic performance,the total evaluation score by physicians and the disease activity were lower than group B(all P<0.05);in the group A,the total scores of knowledge in general,diet,drug,and complication and CCKNOW were higher than group B(all P<0.05);in group A,the necessity of taking medicine,score of medicine concern and over-all score of BMQ were more significant than group B(all P<0.05);at last in the group A,the scores of systemic and intestinal symptoms,social and emotional function,and IBDQ in the group A were higher than group B(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION For gastrointestinal surgery patients,the Omaha System-based sequel protocol can improve disease awareness and intervention compliance,help them to face the disease positively,reduce disease activity,and improve patients’self-nursing ability and quality of life.

Follow-Up Care of HIV-Positive Pregnant Women in North Central Nigerian: A 15-Year Review

Background: Pregnant women bear the greatest burden of people living with HIV in the West Africa sub-region, and the country requires continuous optimal follow-up care for their disease after delivery. Documentation of such very important services is rarely done in this high-burden environment, and hence the present study. Method: A 15-year retrospective review of medical records of HIV-positive pregnant women who attended antenatal care services from January 2006 to December 2020 at the prevention of the mothers-to-child transmission unit of the health facility was carried out to document the HIV service provided at the unit, and the follow-up care at the adult HIV special treatment clinic for the continuation of their HIV treatment. Results: Of the 1245 HIV-positive pregnant mothers reviewed during the period, 702 (56.4%) were between the ages of 26 - 35 years, 1043 (83.8%) were on HIV treatment before their index pregnancy, 202 (16.2%) were diagnosed of HIV infection during their last trimester and labor, while 878 (70.5%) continued their HIV services at adult HIV special treatment clinic after delivery. The predictors of continuous care include: maternal parity with [OR] 0.51 (0.35 - 0.73), p = 0.02, time of presentation in trimester with [OR] 1.54 (1.15 - 2.06), p = 0.003, duration on antiretroviral therapy [OR] 2.14 (1.57 - 2.9) p Conclusion: The high rate of optimal follow-up care of HIV-positive mothers after delivery in the adult special treatment clinic in this study speaks of the preparedness and good supportive services provided to these mothers in the health facility. However, the high rate of loss to follow-up among this cohort of women requires a more focused intervention during their postpartum period for a better outcome.

Postpartum Intrauterine Device: Use and Follow-Up of Users in the Maternity Ward of the Ratoma Communal Medical Center in Conakry, Guinea

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the use of the postpartum intrauterine device in the maternity ward of the Ratoma communal medical center in Conakry. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out between July 1st 2015 and June 30 2016, i.e. a duration of one year. Results: A total of 551 patients received advice on various contraceptive methods. Most of this advice was given in the post-partum period (40.2%) and during antenatal care (39.1%). Of the patients advised, 87 (15.8%) used the intrauterine device. The majority of users (93%) were married and uneducated (63.2%), and 39.1% were poor. The majority (56.3%) of intra-uterine devices were inserted in the immediate post-partum period. The majority of women had no adverse events either during the first six weeks (n = 57;65.5%) or at 3rd months (n = 75;86.2%) or 6th months (n = 76;87.4%) after IUD insertion. Most users remained complication-free throughout the follow-up period (n = 76;87.4% at 6th weeks and 3rd months, and n = 77;88.5% at 6th months). The continuation rate was 89.7% at 6 weeks and 3rd months, and 87.4% at 6th months after insertion. The majority of users (87.0%) were satisfied with the care they received. Conclusion: This study showed very few complications among intrauterine device users, and high continuation and satisfaction rates. The intrauterine device is a long-acting, effective, reversible and safe contraceptive that can be used by most women for birth spacing in Guinea, where women do not regularly visit health facilities.

Determinants of the Ophthalmological Follow-Up of Sickle Cell Patients at the National Center of Research and Care for Sickle Cell Patients in Lome-Togo

Objectives: To assess the factors influencing the ophthalmological follow-up of sickle cell patients in Togo. Materials and Methods: The national center of research and care for sickle cell patients (CNRSD) served as study setting. It was a descriptive and analytical study by interview over a three-month period from December 01, 2020 to March 02, 2021. Was included in the study, any patient with sickle cell disease genotype SS or SC, age ≥ 17 years, regularly followed at the CNRSD and having accepted the interview by a survey sheet. Excluded were patients with sickle cell trait genotype AS or AC or with a disability that prevented them from being interviewed. Results: Two hundred and fifty (250) patients with sickle cell disease were interviewed. The mean age was 29.1 years ± 11.12 years [17 years;67 years] and the sex ratio = 0.52. Nine patients over ten (9/10) attended at least secondary school. The jobless represented 25.60% of the total population followed respectively by students and laborers in 20.40% and 16% of cases. Twenty-four percent (24%) of patients were followed up in ophthalmology department. Statistically, there was no significant relationship between level of education (p = 0.4083), occupation (p = 0.6441) and knowledge of the ocular complications of sickle cell disease. Statistically, there was a significant relationship between knowledge of the ocular complications of sickle cell disease and compliance with ophthalmological follow-up (p = 0.0009). Conclusion: The knowledge of eye disorders related to sickle cell disease by patients with sickle cell disease improves their ophthalmological follow-up. Greater awareness on eye disorders related to sickle cell disease by medical staff towards patients with sickle cell disease would improve ophthalmological follow-up. .

Evolution of HBV Viral Load during Clinical and Biological Follow-Up of Chronic Hepatitis B Patients at the Saint Camille Hospital in Ouagadougou

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to document the dynamics of HBV viral load during the follow-up of chronic hepatitis B patients at the Saint Camille Hospital in Ouagadougou (HOSCO) from 2017 to 2021. This descriptive retrospective study was carried out in the Hepato-Gastro-Enterology Department of HOSCO and focused on patients who were undergoing treatment for chronic viral hepatitis B. A total of 260 cases of chronic hepatitis B were included in the study. The most affected age group was 21 to 30 years, accounting for 48.08% of the cases. Lifestyle factors included alcohol consumption (3.08%) and tobacco use (2.69%). Major risk factors for transmission included lack of vaccination (98.46%), family history of HBV infection (68.00%) and engagement in high-risk activities (28.00%). Patients requiring treatment were prescribed Tenofovir 300 mg tablets. FibroScan® showed the presence of stage F3-F4 fibrosis (2.14%) and S3 steatosis (13.33%). After one year of follow-up, 6.92% of patients achieved an undetectable viral load with normalized transaminase levels. The majority of other patients had a detectable viral load but below 20,000 IU/mL. The prevalence of viral hepatitis B remains significant worldwide. Although effective and well-monitored treatment can lead to undetectable viremia, prevention remains the most effective strategy for successful management of this disease.

Adult Congenital Lumbar Kyphosis Requiring Anteroposterior Correction and Fusion: A Case Report with 32-Year Follow-Up

Congenital pure kyphosis due to failure of vertebral body segmentation is a relatively rare entity, and surgical intervention is infrequent compared to that for failure of vertebral body formation [1] [2]. There are very few reports of long-term follow-up of surgical treatment in patients with congenital pure kyphosis, and all the reported cases were diagnosed as failure of formation and had an age at the time of surgery of less than 18 years. It is important for orthopedic surgeons to follow the postoperative course of rare cases over 30 years. Here, we present a surgically treated case with ultra-long term follow-up of a 50-year-old patient with congenital pure kyphosis of the lumbar spine. Imaging of the lumbar spine showed six vertebrae and an unsegmented bar at L3-4 causing a pure kyphosis of 54°. The wedge-shaped block vertebra had 4 pedicles with the neural foramen between the pedicles without concomitant disc space, with compensatory thoracic hypokyphosis and lower lumbar hyperlordosis. One-stage correction and fusion surgery using anterior opening and posterior closing osteotomy was successfully performed. Both clinical and radiographic results were excellent and have been maintained for over 30 years postoperatively. The basic principle in the surgical treatment of adult spinal deformity is to achieve and maintain a good global sagittal balance over time. This case reaffirms the importance of spinopelvic harmony.

Risk stratification of renal transplant recipients using routine parameters: Implication of learning from SARS-CoV-2 into transplant follow-up program

BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2(SARS-CoV-2)infection is a global pandemic that is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality among recipients of solid organ transplantation.In the course of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection,various laboratory markers have been identified as predictors for high risk of mortality.AIM To risk stratify renal transplant recipients(RTxR)using general demographic parameters,comorbidities and routine laboratory markers for the severity of the disease and its outcomes.We believe that learning about these routinely monitored parameters can help us plan better strategies for the RTxR follow-up program.METHODS This present study includes RTxR who acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection from March 2020 to February 2021.We recorded the basic demographics,comorbidities and routine laboratory markers.We investigated the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on RTxRs and risk-stratified the progression of disease severity and outcomes in terms of recovery or mortality.RESULTS From 505 RTxRs in our renal transplant follow-up program,29(7.75%)RTxRs had PCR-positive SARS-CoV-2 infection.We recorded 8 deaths from SARS-CoV-2 infection giving an overall mortality rate of 1.6%but a significant 27.6%mortality in SARS-CoV-2 positive recipients.Age more than 68 years,non-Caucasian ethnicity and male gender were associated with a significant drop in survival probability;P≤0.001.<0.001 and<0.0001 respectively.87.5%of the deceased were diabetic;P≤0.0.0001.Estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 26 mL/min/1.73 m2,serum albumin less than 20 g/L,Hemoglobin less than 9.6 g/L and serum calcium less than 1.70 mmol/L were all associated with significantly increased risk of mortality;P=0.0128,<0.001,<0.0001 and 0.0061 respectively.CONCLUSION This study has identified some routinely used modifiable parameters in predicting a higher risk of mortality and morbidity.This knowledge can be used in RTxR follow-up programs by addressing these parameters early to help reduce the morbidity and mortality in RTxRs.

Cancer Occurrence and Associated Factors to Malignancy in BIRADS-3 Lesions in Yaoundé: The Need to Be More Proactive for Patients above 40, Non-Compliant with Imaging Follow-Up and Presenting with Nipple Discharge

Background and objectives: Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System in Category 3 (BIRADS-3) includes probably benign lesions which need a short-term imaging follow-up. However, in our context, the lesions graded BIRADS-3 remain insufficiently evaluated. We therefore conducted this study to assess the cancer occurrence and associated factors in BIRADS-3 lesions during the follow-up in order to propose an adaptation of the management for lesions in this category in our setting. Patients and methods: A retrospective longitudinal study of patients with lesions initially classified as BIRADS-3 and who realised each at least one additional imaging check-up between January 2014 and December 2022 in five Yaoundé hospitals. All clinical and imaging data were analysed using SPSS® 21.0 software with a significant p-value Results: Patients were aged 13 to 73 (33.0 ± 13.4) years, with a history of breast mass (315 cases;79.7%), breast pain (25 patients;6.3%), nipple discharge (20 patients;5.1%) or past family history of breast cancer (25 cases;6.3%). The most common baseline abnormalities were mammogram opacities (64.8%) and microcalcifications (48.6%), whereas initial breast ultrasound showed solid masses (77.0%) and cystic lesions (11.1%). Compliance with imaging appointment periods was low with only 23.9% of all patients performing an imaging control at the scheduled moment. During the follow-up, 115 patients (29.1%) were upgraded to BIRADS-4 and histology performed revealed 43 cancers (10.9% of overall initial BIRADS-3 sample). The presence of malignancies was associated to age above 40 years (p = 0.0001) and to the presence of nipple discharge (p = 0.0375). Conclusion: The frequency of malignancies among initial BIRADS-3 lesions in our series is higher than that described in the guidelines. This study highlights the need to be more proactive in the management of BIRADS-3 lesions in our setting as the compliance with follow-up is low. So, biopsy should be considered as an alternative to long-term follow-up for patients above 40, non-compliant with imaging check-ups and presenting with nipple discharge.

Prevalence of and risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a Chinese population: An 8-year follow-up study

AIM: To investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) in a Chinese population.METHODS: A total of 1948 adults from China was followed for 8 years. A cross-sectional study was performed to investigate the prevalence of NAFLD at baseline, and then the participants were followed for 8 years to investigate risk factors for the development of NAFLD.RESULTS: A total of 1948 participants were enrolled at baseline, of whom 691 were diagnosed with NAFLD. During the 8-year follow-up, 337 baseline NAFLD-free participants developed NAFLD. They had a greaterincrease in body mass index(BMI), serum uric acid, fasting plasma glucose, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and a considerable decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. 123 participants who had NAFLD at baseline lost NAFLD during the 8-year follow-up period. They had a greater decrease in BMI, fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase.CONCLUSION: NAFLD is prevalent in Chinese population with a rapidly increasing tendency. It can be reversed when patients lose their weight, control their hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia, and reduce the liver enzyme levels.

Follow-up of intestinal metaplasia in the stomach: When, how and why

Gastric cancer remains the second most frequent cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. Screening programs in some Asian countries are impractical in the majority of other countries worldwide. Therefore, follow-up of precancerous lesions is advisable for secondary gastric cancer prevention. Intestinal metaplasia (IM) is recognized as a precancerous lesion for gastric cancer, increasing the risk by 6-fold. IM is highly prevalent in the general population, being detected in nearly 1 of every 4 patients undergoing upper endoscopy. The IM prevalence rate is significantly higher in patients with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, in first-degree relatives of gastric cancer patients, in smokers and it increases with patient age. IM is the "breaking point" in the gastric carcinogenesis cascade and does not appear to regress following H. pylori eradication, although the cure of infection may slow its progression. Gastric cancer risk is higher in patients with incomplete-type IM, in those with both antral and gastric body involvement, and the risk significantly increases with IM extension over 20% of the gastric mucosa. Scheduled endoscopic control could be cost-effective in IM patients, depending on the yearly incidence of gastric cancer in IM patients, the stage of gastric cancer at diagnosis discovered at surveillance, and the cost of endoscopy. As a pragmatic behavior, yearly endoscopic control would appear justified in all IM patients with at least one of these conditions: (1) IM extension > 20%; (2) the presence of incomplete type IM; (3) first-degree relative of gastric cancer patients; and (4) smokers. In the remaining IM patients, a less intensive (2-3 years) could be proposed.

Follow-up study of hepatitis C virus infection in uremic patients on maintenance hemodialysis for 30 months

INTRODUCTIONA high prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus(HCV)(range from 3.3%-80%)has beenreported in hemodialysis(HD)patients,andworrisome as it often becomes chronic and induceschronic liver disease,therefore thenephrologists face a major challenge of how toprevent it.The main route of HCV transmission

Prognostic value of plasma Epstein-Barr virus DNA level during posttreatment follow-up in the patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma having undergone intensity-modulated radiotherapy

Background: The value of Epstein-Barr virus(EBV) DNA assay during posttreatment follow-up of the patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) presenting with different pretreatment plasma EBV DNA levels remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of plasma EBV DNA assay during posttreatment followup in the patients with NPC who have undergone intensity-modulated radiotherapy.Methods: The medical records of 385 NPC patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy between November 2009 and February 2012 were reviewed. All patients underwent plasma EBV DNA assays before treatment, within3 months after treatment, and then every 3-12 months during posttreatment follow-up period. The recurrence rates for patients with different pretreatment and posttreatment follow-up plasma EBV DNA levels were analyzed.Results: Of the 385 patients, 267(69.4%) had detectable pretreatment plasma EBV DNA(> 0 copy/mL) and 93(24.2%) had detectable posttreatment EBV DNA during a median follow-up of 52.8 months(range 9.3-73.8 months).Detectable EBV DNA during posttreatment follow-up was found in 14.4%(17/118) and 28.5%(76/267) of patients with undetectable and detectable pretreatment EBV DNA, respectively, and was significantly associated with tumor recurrence in both patient groups. EBV DNA was detectable in 12.8%(40/313) of patients who remained disease-free,56.4%(22/39) of patients with locoregional recurrence alone, and 93.9%(31/33) of patients with distant metastasis as the first recurrence event(P < 0.001); 6.5%(19/292) of patients with undetectable EBV DNA and 57.0%(53/93) of patient with detectable EBV DNA during posttreatment follow-up experienced tumor recurrence. Compared with other cut-off values, the cut-off value of 0 copy/mL for EBV DNA during posttreatment follow-up had the highest area under the ROC curve(AUC) value(0.804,95% confidence interval 0.741-0.868) for predicting tumor recurrence(sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy: 73.6%, 87.2%, and 84.7%, respectively).Conclusion: Plasma EBV DNA level during posttreatment follow-up is a good marker for predicting distant metastasis but not locoregional recurrence in the patients with NPC irrespective of the pretreatment EBV DNA levels.