Pregnancy status at the time of COVID-19 vaccination and incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Pregnancy status at the time of COVID-19 vaccination and incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection via Clinical Infectious Diseases Advance Access Abstract Background Pregnant women are recommended to receive COVID-19 vaccines; however, relative effectiveness of vaccination by pregnancy status is unclear. Methods We compared the relative effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines according to whether women received both while pregnant (n= 7,412), one dose while pregnant (n = 3,538), both while postpartum (n = 1,856), or both doses while neither pregnant nor postpartum (n = 6,687). We estimated risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection starting 14 days after the second dose using Cox regression, reporting hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Secondly, we examined relative effectiveness of a third (booster) dose while pregnant compared to outside pregnancy. The major circulating variant during the study period was the Delta variant. Results 54% of women received two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine, 16% received two doses of the mRNA-1273 vaccine, while 30% receiv ed one dose of both vaccines. Compared to women who received both doses while neither pregnant nor postpartum, the adjusted HR for a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test was similar if the woman received both doses while pregnant (1.04; 95% CI: 0.94, 1.17), one dose while pregnant and one dose before or after pregnancy (1.03; 95% CI: 0.93, 1.14), or both doses while postpartum (0.99; 95% CI: 0.92, 1.07). The findings were similar for BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty) and mRNA-1273 (Moderna Spikevax), and during Delta- and Omicron-dominant periods. We observed no differences in the relative effectiveness of the booster dose according to pregnancy status. Conclusions We observed similar effectiveness of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 infection among women regardless of pregnancy status at the time of vaccination. View on Web

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Risk factors for tooth loss and progression of periodontitis in patients undergoing periodontal maintenance therapy

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Risk factors for tooth loss and progression of periodontitis in patients undergoing periodontal maintenance therapy via Journal of Clinical Periodontology ABSTRACT Aim The aim of this study was to investigate patient and tooth-level factors that may predict tooth loss and periodontitis progression in patients who have undergone at least 5 years of periodontal maintenance. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, 135 patients were examined after active periodontal therapy (APT) and periodontal maintenance for 5.09-8.65 years (mean 6.16±0.74 years). Regression models were applied to identify risk factors associated with tooth loss and disease progression. Results Stage IV periodontitis (Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR)=4.61; 95%CI [2.97,7.18], p<0.001), the presence of ≥5 sites with probing pocket depth (PPD)≥5mm at the end of APT (IRR=2.04; 95%CI [1.32,3.20], p<0.01), and residual PPD≥7mm at the end of APT (OR=3.01; 95%CI [1.14, 7.94], p<0.05) were risk factors for tooth loss. Residual PPD of 5mm (OR=2.02; 95%CI [1.20, 3.40], p<0.01) and 6mm (OR=2.41; 95%CI [1.22, 4.76], p<0.05) at the end of APT were risk factors for disease progression. Above 3mm, each 1mm increase in maximum PPD/clinical attachment loss was associated with an increased risk of tooth loss and disease progression. Conclusions Stage IV periodontitis is associated with an increased risk of tooth loss. Teeth with PPD≥5mm at the end of APT are at risk of periodontitis progression or tooth loss. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. View on Web

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American Radium Society (ARS) Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) for Locoregional Gastric Adenocarcinoma: Systematic Review and Guidelines

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader American Radium Society (ARS) Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) for Locoregional Gastric Adenocarcinoma: Systematic Review and Guidelines via American Journal of Clinical Oncology - Current Issue Objective: The objective of this study was to systematically evaluate the data regarding the use of neoadjuvant, perioperative, surgical, and adjuvant treatment options in localized gastric cancer patients and to develop Appropriate Use Criteria recommended by a panel of experts convened by the American Radium Society. Methods: Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses methodology was used to develop an extensive analysis of peer-reviewed phase 2/2R/3 trials, as well as meta-analyses found within the Ovid Medline database between 2010 and 2020. The expert panel then rated the appropriateness of various treatments in 5 representative clinical scenarios through a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi). Results: For patients with medically operable locally advanced gastric cancer, the strongest recommendation was for perioperative chemotherapy based on high-quality data. Acceptable alternatives included surgery followed by either chemotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT). For patients with upfront resection of stages I to III gastric cancer (no neoadjuvant therapy), the group strongly recommended adjuvant therapy with either chemotherapy alone or CRT, based on high-quality data. For patients with locally advanced disease who received preoperative chemotherapy without tumor regression, the group strongly recommended postoperative chemotherapy or postoperative CRT. Finally, for medically inoperable gastric cancer patients, there was moderate consensus recommending definitive concurrent CRT. Conclusions: The addition of chemotherapy and/or radiation, either in the neoadjuvant, adjuvant, or perioperative setting, results in improved survival rates for patients compared with surgery alone. For inoperable patients, definitive CRT is a reasonable treatment option, though largely palliative. View on Web

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Voluntary Cough Testing as a Clinical Indicator of Airway Protection in Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Voluntary Cough Testing as a Clinical Indicator of Airway Protection in Cervical Spinal Cord Injury via The Laryngoscope Voluntary cough testing (VCT) is an established predictor of aspiration in neurogenic dysphagia. However, the relation between VCT and protective laryngeal kinematics during swallowing post-traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (tCSCI) remains unknown. Our study shows that blunted volitional cough post-tCSCI reflects airway invasion and impaired laryngeal kinematics during swallowing. Objective Voluntary cough testing (VCT) may be useful for determining aspiration risk in neurogenic dysphagia; however, has yet to be investigated in traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (tCSCI). The study explored if VCT may elucidate swallowing safety and kinematics related to airway protection in tCSCI survivors. Methods Ten inpatients, 13–73 days post-tCSCI (7 incomplete injuries), completed VCT and a modified barium swallowing study that was analyzed via the Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS) and norm-referenced measures of swallowing events related to airway protection. Spearman rho correlations explored relations among cough airflow, median PAS, and airway protection. Mann–Whitney U tests explored group differences based on clinical airway invasion (PAS > 2) and receiver operating characteristic statistics probed the sensitivity/specificity of VCT measures. Results Safe (PAS > 2) and unsafe swallowers differed by cough volume acceleration (CVA) for the total sample and by inspiratory duration for incomplete injuries (p = 0.03, r > 0.7). A cut-off value of 24.8 L/s for CVA predicted airway invasion (AUC = 0.917, p = 0.03) with sensitivity = 100%/specificity = 75%. CVA correlated with delayed laryngeal vestibule closure during swallowing for both the total sample and for incomplete injuries (r s > 0.6, p < 0.05). Blunted peak flow and prolonged cough phases were associated with disordered laryngeal kinematics and prolonged bolus transit during swallowing (p < 0.05). Conclusions Reduced CVA, blunted peak flow, and prolonged cough phases reflected PAS and disrupted mechanisms of airway protection in tCSCI survivors, demonstrating promise for VCT as a clinical assessment for post-tCSCI dysphagia. Level of Evidence 3 Laryngoscope, 2022 View on Web

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P11.71.B Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) in a patient with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm: a rare neurologic manifestation in a rare disease

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader P11.71.B Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) in a patient with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm: a rare neurologic manifestation in a rare disease via # Neuro-Oncology Current Issue Abstract Background Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare aggressive myeloid hematological malignancy. Skin lesions, bone marrow, lymph nodes or visceral organs can be involved. 30% of patients will have infiltration to the nervous system,occult asymptomatic infiltration is frequent. Immunophenotype express CD4, CD56, and CD123, and flow cytometry is essential. Material and Methods 70-yo Hispanic male with a 1-month history of multiple violaceous cutaneous nodules and adenopathies.Neurological complaints included diplopia, hypoesthesia in the left face, dysphagia, gait difficulties, and generalized weakness with distal hypoesthesia. Examination revealed multiple cranial neuropathy (bilateral VI and VII nerve palsies, left V3 and VIII palsies and IX, X involvement), global areflexia, length-dependent weakness, ataxic gait and cerebellar syndrome. An inguinal ganglionar biopsy retrieved cells positive for CD4, TCL 1, CD68 and CD123, whereas CD3, CD20, CD7, CD8, CD30 and myeloperoxidase were negative. PET/CT showed multiple supra and infradiaphragmatic adenopathies, bilateral pleural, pericardial and abdominal implants. Bone marrow biopsy was negative. Brain MRI showed contrast enhancement in the cerebellar folia and in the roots of the cranial nerves clinically involved. Multiple CSFs demonstrated high protein count (281- 310mg/dl), normal glucose and cell count; CSF flow cytometry and cytology reported no blastic infiltration (negative CD4, CD56 and CD123), CSF onconeuronal antibodies were negative. Nerve conduction studies fulfilled definite electrodiagnostic EFNS criteria for CIDP. Sural nerve biopsy reported inflammatory demyelination without infiltration. Systemic chemotherapy (Cyclophosphamide/Vincristine) with intrathecal cytarbine/methotrexate was administered. Results Favorable initial, but brief response was noticed for the cranial nerves and gait. He had neurological relap se with gait impossibility. Neuraxis MRI showed no contrast enhancement in the brain but new contrast enhancement of lumbosacral roots. Nerve conduction studies reported severe worsening criteria of CIDP. The PET/CT demonstrated complete response. Five days of methylprednisolone (1gr IV) followed by oral prednisone were prescribed (50 mg qd). However, two weeks later he suffered clinical neurological worsening with respiratory failure. IVIg was started (.4g/kg/day for 5 days) with no improvement; palliative care decision was consented. Conclusion We report the case of an adult male with multiple cranial nerve palsy, cerebellar syndrome and refractory rapidly progressive asymmetric polyneuropathy with BPDCN. CIDP in the absence of multiple attempts to demonstrate nervous system infiltration led us to consider this as a paraneoplastic phenomenon refractory to treatment. To our knowledge no CIDP has been reported in this rare disease View on Web

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P17.06.B Different dosage of bevacizumab treatment in recurrent IDHwt glioblastoma/IDHmut grade 4 astrocytoma and its impact on outcome

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader P17.06.B Different dosage of bevacizumab treatment in recurrent IDHwt glioblastoma/IDHmut grade 4 astrocytoma and its impact on outcome via # Neuro-Oncology Current Issue Abstract Background Angiogenesis is one of the most distinctive hallmarks of glioblastoma (GBM). Although bevacizumab did not show to improve overall survival in phase 3 trials, it was approved by FDA and is often prescribed as off-label therapy in the recurrent clinical setting. The aim of this study is to evaluate the difference in terms of survival and safety between the 5 mg/m2 and 10 mg/m2 bevacizumab schedule in recurrent GBM. Material and methods All pts treated at Veneto Institute of Oncology from May 2013 to March 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Major inclusion criteria were: histologically confirmed diagnosis of IDHwt GBM/IDHmut grade 4 astrocytoma (according to the WHO 2021 classification), relapse after first or subsequent line of therapy, treatment with bevacizumab at 5 mg/m2 or/and 10 mg/m2 every 2 weeks until progression/death or unacceptable toxicity. Bevacizumab was admini stered as off-label therapy. The treatment schedule was at physician's discretion. RANO criteria and CTCAE v5.0 were used for response and toxicity assessment. Results 81 pts were enrolled. From starting bevacizumab the median follow-up was 10.9ms [95% CI 9.8-14.0] and median age was 53ys (range 18-81). 33 (41%) pts received the 5 mg/m2 schedule. Among them, 2 (6%) were IDHmut grade 4, 8 (24%) had ≥65ys and ECOG-PS was 0-1 in 16 (48%) and ≥2 in 17 (51%), respectively. MGMT was methylated in 15 of 30 (50%) evaluable pts. Median number of prior lines of treatment was 2 (range 1-4) and 30% of pts received bevacizumab at first recurrence. 28 (84.9%) pts were evaluable for response: 7 (21%) and 5 (15%) showed PR and SD. 48 pts received the 10 mg/m2 schedule: 5 (10%) were IDHmut grade 4 astrocytoma; 29 (60%) had an ECOG-PS of 0 or 1 and 4 (8%) had ≥65ys, MGMT was methylated in 20 of 44 (45%) evaluable pts. 36 (75%) pts received bevacizumab beyond the second line of therapy. 46 (96%) pts were evaluable for response: 6 (12%) had PR, 19 (39%) SD. mOS from the start of bevacizumab was 7.3ms (95% CI 4.3-6.4), mPFS was 4.4ms [95% CI 3.7 - 6.4]. At univariate analysis, pts who received the 5 mg/m2 or the 10 mg/m2 schedule had a mOS of 5.4 and 7.7ms (p=0.08); mOS for pts with ECOG-PS < or ≥2 was 9.0 and 5.4ms (p=0.04) while mOS for pts with <2 or ≥2 lines of therapy was 4.7 and 7.7ms (p=0.056). Age and type of the tumor were not statistically significant. At multivariate analysis, MGMT methylated status was the only factor statistically associated with OS (HR=0.48, 95% CI, p=0.002) and PFS (HR=0.33, 95% CI, p=0.001), while a number of prior lines of therapy ≥2 (HR=2.07, 95% CI, p=0.02) was significantly associated only with PFS. Grade 3-4 most common adverse events were hypertension (18%) in pts treated with 5 mg/m2 and hypertension (16%) and proteinuria (2%) in pts treated with 10 mg/m2. Conclusions Bevacizumab tr eatment with a dosage of 5 mg/m2 and 10 mg/m2 seems to give comparable outcome in terms of survival in recurrent GBM pts. No difference was demonstrated for safety. View on Web

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KS05.5.A Alterations in white matter fiber density associated with structural MRI and metabolic PET lesions following multimodal therapy in glioma patients

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader KS05.5.A Alterations in white matter fiber density associated with structural MRI and metabolic PET lesions following multimodal therapy in glioma patients via # Neuro-Oncology Current Issue Abstract Background In glioma patients, multimodal therapy and recurrent tumor result in local brain tissue changes, characterized by pathologic findings in structural MRI and metabolic PET images. Little is known about these different lesion types' impact on the local white matter fiber architecture and clinical outcome. Patients and Methods This study included data from 121 pretreated patients (median age, 52 years; ECOG, 01) with histomolecularly characterized glioma (WHO grade IV glioblastoma, n=81; WHO grade III anaplastic astrocytoma, n=28; WHO grade III anaplastic oligodendroglioma, n=12), who had a resection, radiotherapy, alkylating chemotherapy, or combinations thereof. After a median time of 14 months (range, 1-214 months), post-therapeutic structural and metabolic findings were evaluated using anatomical MRI and O-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine (FET) PET acquired on a 3T hybrid PET/MR scanner. Local fiber densi ty was estimated from tractography based on highangular resolution diffusion-weighted imaging. A cohort of 121 healthy subjects selected from the 1000BRAINS study and matched for age, gender and education served as a control group. Results The median volume of resection cavities, contrast-enhancing regions, regions with pathologically increased FET uptake, and T2/FLAIR hyperintense regions amounted to 20.9, 7.9, 30.3, and 53.4 mL, respectively. Compared to the control group, the average local fiber density in these regions was significantly reduced (p<0.001). Resection cavities showed the highest reduction, followed by contrast-enhancing lesions and metabolically active tumors on FET PET (relative fiber density reduction, -87%, -65%, -55%, respectively). The local fiber density was inversely related (p=0.005) to the FET uptake in recurrent tumors. T2/FLAIR hyperintense lesions, either assigned to peritumoral edema in recurrent glioma or radiation-induced gliosis, had a c omparable impact on reducing fiber density (48% and 41%, respectively). The total fiber loss (average fiber loss multiplied by lesion volume) associated with contrast-enhancing lesions (p=0.006) and T2/FLAIR hyperintense lesions (p=0.013) had a significant impact on the general performance status of the patients (ECOG score). Conclusions Our results suggest that apart from resection cavities, reduction in local fiber density is greatest in contrast-enhancing recurrent tumors, but total fiber loss induced by edema or gliosis has an equal detrimental effect on the patients' performance due to the larger volume affected. Funding Funded by the 1000BRAINS study (INM, Research Centre Juelich, Germany), Horizon 2020 (Grant No. 945539 (HBP SGA3; SC)), and Heinz Nixdorf Foundation. View on Web

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