BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There are limited data on real-world outcomes for patients with advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC) since immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) became available. Our objective was to analyze outcomes for patients with mUC since ICIs became available. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 131 patients with mUC attending the outpatient clinic of a single tertiary care center who received systemic therapy between June 2017 and July 2021 with follow-up up to December 2022. Summary and descriptive statistics were calculated for categorical and continuous variables. The Kaplan-Meier method was applied to calculate survival, and a Cox proportional-hazards model was used to explore associations between clinical variables and outcomes. KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: The median patient age was 68 yr (range 35-90). The first systemic therapy administered was platinum-based in 79% of cases and ICI-based in 21%. Some 61% of the cohort received a second systemic treatment, with 75% of these an ICI. Median overall survival for the entire cohort was 24 mo (interquartile range 9-35). Patients on ICI therapy for ≥6 mo had median overall survival of 59 mo (95% confidence interval 39 mo-not reached). Metastatic sites on initiation of ICI therapy and C-reactive protein kinetics were prognostic in patients receiving ICIs. Limitations include the retrospective design and inherent selection bias. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: More than 60% of patients with mUC received second-line treatment, and 75% of these received an ICI. Patients staying on immunotherapy for more than 6 mo have substantially better outcomes in comparison to patients with less time on immunotherapy and historical cohorts. PATIENT SUMMARY: We looked at the lines of therapy and outcomes for patients with advanced or metastatic cancer of the urinary tract, starting from when immunotherapy drugs called immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) became available. We found that 60% of patients have received second-line therapy, which is a double the rate in comparison to historical groups of patients. Patients with long-term ICI therapy (>6 months) had significantly better outcomes, with a median survival of more than 3 years.
- MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- imunoterapie * metody MeSH
- inhibitory kontrolních bodů * terapeutické užití MeSH
- karcinom z přechodných buněk * farmakoterapie sekundární patologie MeSH
- lékařská praxe - způsoby provádění statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- metastázy nádorů MeSH
- míra přežití MeSH
- nádory močového měchýře * farmakoterapie patologie MeSH
- retrospektivní studie MeSH
- senioři nad 80 let MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- staging nádorů MeSH
- urologické nádory farmakoterapie patologie MeSH
- výsledek terapie MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- senioři nad 80 let MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
CONTEXT: Noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) was introduced as a new entity replacing the diagnosis of noninvasive encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Significant variability in the incidence of NIFTP diagnosed in different world regions has been reported. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the rate of adoption of NIFTP, change in practice patterns, and uniformity in applying diagnostic criteria among pathologists practicing in different regions. METHODS: Two surveys distributed to pathologists of the International Endocrine Pathology Discussion Group with multiple-choice questions on NIFTP adoption into pathology practice and whole slide images of 5 tumors to collect information on nuclear score and diagnosis. Forty-eight endocrine pathologists, including 24 from North America, 8 from Europe, and 16 from Asia/Oceania completed the first survey and 38 the second survey. RESULTS: A 94% adoption rate of NIFTP by the pathologists was found. Yet, the frequency of rendering NIFTP diagnosis was significantly higher in North America than in other regions (P = .009). While the highest concordance was found in diagnosing lesions with mildly or well-developed PTC-like nuclei, there was significant variability in nuclear scoring and diagnosing NIFTP for tumors with moderate nuclear changes (nuclear score 2) (case 2, P < .05). Pathologists practicing in North America and Europe showed a tendency for lower thresholds for PTC-like nuclei and NIFTP than those practicing in Asia/Oceania. CONCLUSION: Despite a high adoption rate of NIFTP across geographic regions, NIFTP is diagnosed more often by pathologists in North America. Significant differences remain in diagnosing intermediate PTC-like nuclei and respectively NIFTP, with more conservative nuclear scoring in Asia/Oceania, which may explain the geographic differences in NIFTP incidence.
- MeSH
- buněčné jádro patologie MeSH
- folikulární adenokarcinom * patologie epidemiologie diagnóza MeSH
- lékařská praxe - způsoby provádění statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nádory štítné žlázy * epidemiologie patologie diagnóza MeSH
- papilární karcinom štítné žlázy epidemiologie patologie diagnóza MeSH
- papilární karcinom patologie epidemiologie diagnóza MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Asie MeSH
- Evropa MeSH
- Oceánie MeSH
- Severní Amerika MeSH
OBJECTIVE: Regarding the use of lung ultrasound (LU) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) across Europe, to assess how widely it is used, for what indications and how its implementation might be improved. DESIGN AND INTERVENTION: International online survey. RESULTS: Replies were received from 560 NICUs in 24 countries between January and May 2023. LU uptake varied considerably (20%-98% of NICUs) between countries. In 428 units (76%), LU was used for clinical indications, while 34 units (6%) only used it for research purposes. One-third of units had <2 years of experience, and only 71 units (13%) had >5 years of experience. LU was mainly performed by neonatologists. LU was most frequently used to diagnose respiratory diseases (68%), to evaluate an infant experiencing acute clinical deterioration (53%) and to guide surfactant treatment (39%). The main pathologies diagnosed by LU were pleural effusion, pneumothorax, transient tachypnoea of the newborn and respiratory distress syndrome. The main barriers for implementation were lack of experience with technical aspects and/or image interpretation. Most units indicated that specific courses and an international guideline on neonatal LU could promote uptake of this technique. CONCLUSIONS: Although LU has been adopted in neonatal care in most European countries, the uptake is highly variable. The main indications are diagnosis of lung disease, evaluation of acute clinical deterioration and guidance of surfactant. Implementation may be improved by developing courses and publishing an international guideline.
- MeSH
- jednotky intenzivní péče o novorozence * MeSH
- lékařská praxe - způsoby provádění statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- novorozenec MeSH
- plíce * diagnostické zobrazování MeSH
- průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
- syndrom respirační tísně novorozenců diagnostické zobrazování terapie MeSH
- ultrasonografie * metody MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- novorozenec MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Evropa MeSH
BACKGROUND: Despite the burden of pyelonephritis after kidney transplantation, there is no consensus on initial empirical antibiotic management. METHODS: We surveyed clinicians throughout the world on their practice and opinions about the initial empirical therapy of post-transplant pyelonephritis, using clinical vignettes. A panel of experts from 19 countries on six continents designed this survey, and invited 2145 clinicians to participate. RESULTS: A total of 721 clinicians completed the survey (response rate: 34%). In the hypothetical case of a kidney transplant recipient admitted with pyelonephritis but not requiring intensive care, most respondents reported initiating either a 3rd-generation cephalosporin (37%) or piperacillin-tazobactam (21%) monotherapy. Several patient-level factors dictated the selection of broader-spectrum antibiotics, including having a recent urine culture showing growth of a resistant organism (85% for extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing organisms, 90% for carbapenemase-producing organisms, and 94% for Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Respondents attributed high importance to the appropriateness of empirical therapy, which 87% judged important to prevent mortality. Significant practice and opinion variations were observed between and within countries. CONCLUSION: High-quality studies are needed to guide the empirical management of post-transplant pyelonephritis. In particular, whether prior urine culture results should systematically be reviewed and considered remains to be determined. Studies are also needed to clarify the relationship between the appropriateness of initial empirical therapy and outcomes of post-transplant pyelonephritis.
- MeSH
- antibakteriální látky * terapeutické užití MeSH
- beta-laktamasy MeSH
- cefalosporiny terapeutické užití MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- kombinace léků piperacilin a tazobactam terapeutické užití MeSH
- lékařská praxe - způsoby provádění statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- příjemce transplantátu statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa účinky léků izolace a purifikace MeSH
- pyelonefritida * farmakoterapie mikrobiologie MeSH
- transplantace ledvin * škodlivé účinky MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) exhibit a wide spectrum of clinical behavior, which makes their assessment and management quite challenging. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively assess the existing treatment landscape for patients with pNET. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted with the support of the ESSO-EYSAC Research Academy in collaboration with the E-AHPBA. An online survey was distributed via email and social media to surgical networks across Europe and beyond (September 1-30, 2023). RESULTS: Overall, 155 complete responses were obtained. A specialized NET tumor board was present at the institutions of 94 (61 %) of the study participants. The most frequently applied guidelines were from ENETS (n = 97; 63 %), NCCN (n = 74; 48 %), and ESMO (n = 53; 34 %). For resectability, similar criteria as in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were used by 111 (72 %) participants, even though 116 (75 %) participants believed that pNET/pNEC should have their own resectability criteria. Most respondents used somatostatin analogues (n = 126; 81 %) and chemotherapy (n = 85; 55 %) as neoadjuvant treatments, followed by molecularly targeted agents (n = 45; 29 %) and PRRT (n = 37; 24 %). Only 17 (11 %) participants agreed/strongly agreed that the management of pNET/pNEC is sufficiently addressed in surgical education programs. CONCLUSION: This international survey highlighted areas for improvement in the care of pNET, namely the lack of pNET-specific resectability criteria and educational programs addressing pNET management.
- MeSH
- lékařská praxe - způsoby provádění statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nádory slinivky břišní * chirurgie MeSH
- neoadjuvantní terapie MeSH
- neuroendokrinní nádory * chirurgie MeSH
- pankreatektomie MeSH
- průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
- směrnice pro lékařskou praxi jako téma MeSH
- somatostatin analogy a deriváty terapeutické užití MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Evropa MeSH
INTRODUCTION: Malnutrition is common in patients suffering from malignant diseases and has a major impact on patient outcomes. Prevention and early detection are crucial for effective treatment. This study aimed to investigate current international practice in the assessment and management of malnutrition in surgical oncology departments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The survey was designed by European Society of Surgical Oncology (ESSO) and ESSO Young Surgeons and Alumni Club (EYSAC) Research Academy as an online questionnaire with 41 questions addressing three main areas: participant demographics, malnutrition assessment, and perioperative nutritional standards. The survey was distributed from October to November 2021 via emails, social media and the ESSO website to surgical networks focussing on surgical oncologists. Results were collected and analysed by an independent team. RESULTS: A total of 156 participants from 39 different countries answered the survey, reflecting a response rate of 1.4%. Surgeons reported treating a mean of 22.4 patients per month. 38% of all patients treated in surgical oncology departments were routinely screened for malnutrition. 52% of patients were perceived as being at risk for malnutrition. The most used screening tool was the "Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool" (MUST). 68% of participants agreed that the surgeon is responsible for assessing preoperative nutritional status. 49% of patients were routinely seen by dieticians. In cases of severe malnutrition, 56% considered postponing the operation. CONCLUSIONS: The reported rate of malnutrition screening by surgical oncologists is lower than expected (38%). This indicates a need for improved awareness of malnutrition in surgical oncology, and nutritional screening.
INTRODUCTION: Previous research has raised concerns about high prevalence of drug-related problems, polypharmacy and inappropriate benzodiazepine prescribing in nursing homes (NHs) and confirmed lack of studies from Central and South-Eastern Europe. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of polypharmacy, hyperpolypharmacy and inappropriate benzodiazepine prescribing in NH residents in Croatia. METHODS: Data from 226 older NH residents from five Croatian NHs were collected using the InterRAI Long-Term Care Facilities assessment form. The prevalence and determinants of polypharmacy/hyperpolypharmacy and patterns of inappropriate benzodiazepine prescribing were documented. RESULTS: The prevalence of polypharmacy (49.6%) and hyperpolypharmacy (25.7%) among NH residents was high. In our study, 72.1% of NH residents were prescribed at least one psychotropic agent, 36.7% used 2-3 psychotropics and 6.6% used 4+ psychotropics. Among benzodiazepine users (55.8%), 28% of residents were prescribed benzodiazepines in higher than recommended geriatric doses, 75% used them for the long term and 48% were prescribed concomitant interacting medications. The odds of being prescribed polypharmacy/hyperpolypharmacy were significantly higher for older patients with polymorbidity (6+ disorders, proportional odds ratio (POR) = 19.8), type II diabetes (POR = 5.2), ischemic heart disease (POR = 4.6), higher frailty (Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS ≥5); POR = 4.3) and gastrointestinal problems (POR = 4.8). CONCLUSIONS: Our research underscores the persistent challenge of inappropriate medication use and drug-related harms among older NH residents, despite existing evidence and professional campaigns. Effective regulatory and policy interventions, including the implementation of geriatrician and clinical pharmacy services, are essential to address this critical issue and ensure optimal medication management for vulnerable NH populations.
- MeSH
- benzodiazepiny * terapeutické užití škodlivé účinky aplikace a dávkování MeSH
- domovy pro seniory statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- lékařská praxe - způsoby provádění statistika a číselné údaje normy MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nevhodné předepisování * statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- pečovatelské domovy * statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- polypharmacy * MeSH
- prevalence MeSH
- psychotropní léky terapeutické užití škodlivé účinky MeSH
- senioři nad 80 let MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- senioři nad 80 let MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Chorvatsko MeSH
OBJECTIVES: The provision of primary health care was not interrupted during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Czechia, although the capacity and resources of providers changed. We examined how the pandemic affected individual general practices throughout 2017-2021, focusing on differences between urban and rural practices. METHODS: We analysed data from the largest health insurance company in Czechia, which provides care to 4.5 million people (60% of the population). We evaluated the prescription volume, diabetes care procedures, and faecal immunochemical test (FIT) in preventive care and new pandemic-related procedures (remote consultations, testing, and vaccinations). For the spatial distribution of practices, we adapted the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development typology. RESULTS: We observed minimal declines in 2020 in the rate of prescribing (-1.0%) and diabetes care (-5.1%), with a rapid resumption in 2021, but a substantial decline in FIT (-17.8% in 2020) with slow resumption. Remote consultations were used by 94% of all practices regardless of location, with testing and vaccinations more commonly performed by rural general practitioners (GPs). CONCLUSIONS: Primary care in Czechia rose to the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, as shown by the finding that the volume of healthcare services provided through primary care did not decrease across most of the monitored parameters. This study also confirmed that rural GPs provide more care in-house, both in terms of prescribing and procedures performed in their practices. Future studies will need to focus on preventive care, which the pandemic has dampened in GP practices in Czechia.
- MeSH
- časná detekce nádoru * statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- COVID-19 * epidemiologie prevence a kontrola MeSH
- diabetes mellitus * epidemiologie MeSH
- kolorektální nádory * diagnóza epidemiologie MeSH
- lékařská praxe - způsoby provádění * statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- odborná praxe - umístění statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- pandemie prevence a kontrola MeSH
- praktičtí lékaři statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- primární zdravotní péče MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika MeSH
PURPOSE: As deaths from the illicit drug poisoning crisis continue to rise in Canada, increasing the number of healthcare professionals qualified to effectively prescribe opioids could be beneficial. The willingness of family medicine residents to undertake structured training in prescribing opioids for Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) and pain management have not been well described. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Family medicine residents (n = 20) in British Columbia, Canada, were asked about their experience with and willingness to enrol in OAT training. Informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, data were analysed thematically using NVivo software. RESULTS: Four themes were identified: (1) challenges to training implementation, (2) feelings and attitudes on prescribing practices, (3) helpful learning spaces and places of substance use training, and (4) recommendations for implementing training. Preparedness, exposure, and supportive learning environments for substance use education increased willingness to pursue OAT accreditation, while ineffective learning experiences, mixed feelings about opioid prescribing, and lack of protected time were the most common reasons for unwillingness. CONCLUSIONS: Protected time and a range of clinical experiences appear to facilitate residents' willingness to complete OAT and opioid training. Implementation strategies to enhance the uptake of OAT accreditation in family medicine residency must be prioritised.
- MeSH
- lékařská praxe - způsoby provádění MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- opioidní analgetika * terapeutické užití MeSH
- poruchy spojené s užíváním psychoaktivních látek * farmakoterapie MeSH
- rodinné lékařství MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Kanada MeSH
AIM: To date, there is a lack of international guidelines regarding the management of the endocrine features of individuals with Noonan syndrome (NS). The aim was to develop a clinical practice survey to gather information on current treatment and management of these patients across Europe. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A group of 10 experts from three clinical specialities involved in the management of NS patients (clinical geneticists, paediatric endocrinologists, and paediatric cardiologists) developed a 60-question clinical practice survey. The questionnaire was implemented in Survey Monkey and sent to physicians from these three specialities via European/national societies. Contingency tables and the Chi-Squared test for independence were used to examine differences between specialities and countries. RESULTS: In total, responses of 364 specialists (paediatric endocrinologists, 40%; geneticists, 30%; paediatric cardiologists, 30%) from 20 European countries were analysed. While endocrinologists mostly referred to national growth charts for the general population, geneticists mostly referred to NS-specific growth charts. Approximately half of the endocrinologists perform growth hormone (GH) stimulation tests in short patients with low IGF1 levels. Two thirds of endocrinologists begin GH treatment for short patients in early childhood (4-6.9 years), and over half of them selected a threshold of -2 standard deviation score (SDS) according to national growth charts. The main concerns about GH treatment appear to be presence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) (59%), increased risk of malignancy (46%), and limited efficacy (31%). When asked if they consider HCM as a contraindication for GH treatment, one third of respondents skipped this question, and among those who replied, two thirds selected 'cannot answer', suggesting a high level of uncertainty. A total of 21 adverse cardiac responses to GH treatment were reported. Although most respondents had not encountered any malignancy during GH treatment, six malignancies were reported. Finally, about half of the endocrinologists expected a typical final height gain of 1-1.5 SDS with GH treatment. CONCLUSION: This survey describes for the first time the current clinical practice of endocrine aspects of NS across Europe and helps us to identify gaps in the management but also in the knowledge of this genetic disorder.
- MeSH
- endokrinologové MeSH
- lékařská praxe - způsoby provádění MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- lidský růstový hormon terapeutické užití MeSH
- nanismus diagnóza farmakoterapie MeSH
- Noonanové syndrom diagnóza farmakoterapie MeSH
- průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Evropa MeSH