OBJECTIVE: We comprehensively characterized a large pediatric cohort with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type 1 to expand the phenotypic spectrum and to identify predictors of postsurgical outcomes. METHODS: We included pediatric patients with histopathological diagnosis of isolated FCD type 1 and at least 1 year of postsurgical follow-up. We systematically reanalyzed clinical, electrophysiological, and radiological features. The results of this reanalysis served as independent variables for subsequent statistical analyses of outcome predictors. RESULTS: All children (N = 31) had drug-resistant epilepsy with varying impacts on neurodevelopment and cognition (presurgical intelligence quotient [IQ]/developmental quotient scores = 32-106). Low presurgical IQ was associated with abnormal slow background electroencephalographic (EEG) activity and disrupted sleep architecture. Scalp EEG showed predominantly multiregional and often bilateral epileptiform activity. Advanced epilepsy magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols identified FCD-specific features in 74.2% of patients (23/31), 17 of whom were initially evaluated as MRI-negative. In six of eight MRI-negative cases, fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (PET) and subtraction ictal single photon emission computed tomography coregistered to MRI helped localize the dysplastic cortex. Sixteen patients (51.6%) underwent invasive EEG. By the last follow-up (median = 5 years, interquartile range = 3.3-9 years), seizure freedom was achieved in 71% of patients (22/31), including seven of eight MRI-negative patients. Antiseizure medications were reduced in 21 patients, with complete withdrawal in six. Seizure outcome was predicted by a combination of the following descriptors: age at epilepsy onset, epilepsy duration, long-term invasive EEG, and specific MRI and PET findings. SIGNIFICANCE: This study highlights the broad phenotypic spectrum of FCD type 1, which spans far beyond the narrow descriptions of previous studies. The applied multilayered presurgical approach helped localize the epileptogenic zone in many previously nonlesional cases, resulting in improved postsurgical seizure outcomes, which are more favorable than previously reported for FCD type 1 patients.
- MeSH
- Child MeSH
- Electroencephalography * methods MeSH
- Epilepsy MeSH
- Focal Cortical Dysplasia MeSH
- Cohort Studies MeSH
- Infant MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging * MeSH
- Malformations of Cortical Development, Group I * surgery complications diagnostic imaging MeSH
- Malformations of Cortical Development surgery complications diagnostic imaging MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Positron-Emission Tomography MeSH
- Child, Preschool MeSH
- Drug Resistant Epilepsy * surgery diagnostic imaging physiopathology MeSH
- Treatment Outcome MeSH
- Check Tag
- Child MeSH
- Infant MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Child, Preschool MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Bladder cancer (BCa) imposes a substantial economic burden on health care systems and patients. Understanding these financial implications is crucial for effective resource allocation and optimization of treatment cost effectiveness. Here, we aim to systematically review and analyze the financial burden of BCa from the health care and patient perspectives. METHODS: A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA)-compliant systematic review was conducted, searching PubMed/Medline, Embase, and public sources for studies evaluating the financial impact of BCa, encompassing costs, cost effectiveness, and financial toxicity (FT). KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: Non-muscle-invasive BCa (NMIBC) incurs significant costs for surveillance and treatment, with costs exceeding $200 000 after 5 yr for high-risk NMIBC patients progressing after bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) treatment (including inpatient, outpatient, and physician service expenses). Muscle-invasive BCa generates substantial costs from radical cystectomy (RC) and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, averaging $30 000-40 000 from surgical costs of RC, with additional expenses in case of complications. Trimodal therapy has higher costs (1-yr management cost >$200 000) than RC because of higher outpatient, radiology, and medication costs. Metastatic BCa incurs the highest financial burden, with systemic therapy costs ranging from $40 000 to over $100 000 per five-cycle course, increasing further with combination therapies (ie, enfortumab vedotin and pembrolizumab), treatment-related toxicity, and supportive care. FT is particularly prevalent among younger, less educated, and minority populations. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: BCa treatment, particularly in advanced stages, imposes a substantial economic burden. Innovations in care, while improving oncologic outcomes, necessitate detailed cost-effectiveness assessments. Addressing these economic challenges is essential for optimizing BCa management, targeting patients at a higher risk of FT, and improving patient quality of life.
- MeSH
- Cost-Benefit Analysis MeSH
- Cystectomy economics adverse effects MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Neoplasm Metastasis MeSH
- Urinary Bladder Neoplasms * economics therapy pathology MeSH
- Health Care Costs * MeSH
- Cost of Illness * MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
- Systematic Review MeSH
PURPOSE: The study sought to understand the experiences of working age adults with myeloma and their partner/family members, living in Czechia, Germany, and Poland. METHODS: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 36 working age adults living with myeloma, and three family members. Data were collected from May to October 2022. Thematic analysis was applied to the data. RESULTS: Healthcare and state support within each country are described. The degree of work engagement was informed by patients' symptom burden, treatment needs, state financial aid, and family/financial obligations. Many did not conceptualise their status as involving 'return to work' as they had continued to be engaged with their jobs throughout. For some, remote working enabled them to manage treatments/side-effects and their job, while avoiding infection. In some cases, patients did not tell their employer or colleagues about their illness, for fear of discrimination. CONCLUSION: While experiences varied between countries, common across accounts was a struggle to balance ongoing treatments with employment, at a time when participants were expected to finance their own households and maintain their income and roles. Implications for Cancer Survivors To improve quality of life, clinical discussions around treatment decision-making should take into account patients' attitudes/approach to work, type of work engaged in, and other activities considered important to them. European Union and national cancer plans should set out optimum standards for employers, to ensure an equitable benchmark for how employees are supported. Such approaches would improve legal protections and better enforcement of employer policies to accommodate patients' limitations in the workplace.
- MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Quality of Life * MeSH
- Qualitative Research MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Multiple Myeloma * psychology therapy epidemiology mortality MeSH
- Cancer Survivors * psychology statistics & numerical data MeSH
- Interviews as Topic MeSH
- Employment * statistics & numerical data MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH
- Germany MeSH
- Poland MeSH
BACKGROUND: Widespread use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) has reduced vaccine-type invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). We describe the serotype distribution of IPD after extensive use of ten-valent PCV (PCV10; Synflorix, GSK) and 13-valent PCV (PCV13; Prevenar 13, Pfizer) globally. METHODS: IPD data were obtained from surveillance sites participating in the WHO-commissioned Pneumococcal Serotype Replacement and Distribution Estimation (PSERENADE) project that exclusively used PCV10 or PCV13 (hereafter PCV10 and PCV13 sites, respectively) in their national immunisation programmes and had primary series uptake of at least 70%. Serotype distribution was estimated for IPD cases occurring 5 years or more after PCV10 or PCV13 introduction (ie, the mature period when the serotype distribution had stabilised) using multinomial Dirichlet regression, stratified by PCV product and age group (<5 years, 5-17 years, 18-49 years, and ≥50 years). FINDINGS: The analysis included cases occurring primarily between 2015 and 2018 from 42 PCV13 sites (63 362 cases) and 12 PCV10 sites (6806 cases) in 41 countries. Sites were mostly high income (36 [67%] of 54) and used three-dose or four-dose booster schedules (44 [81%]). At PCV10 sites, PCV10 serotypes caused 10·0% (95% CI 6·3-12·9) of IPD cases in children younger than 5 years and 15·5% (13·4-19·3) of cases in adults aged 50 years or older, while PCV13 serotypes caused 52·1% (49·2-65·4) and 45·6% (40·0-50·0), respectively. At PCV13 sites, PCV13 serotypes caused 26·4% (21·3-30·0) of IPD cases in children younger than 5 years and 29·5% (27·5-33·0) of cases in adults aged 50 years or older. The leading serotype at PCV10 sites was 19A in children younger than 5 years (30·6% [95% CI 18·2-43·1]) and adults aged 50 years or older (14·8% [11·9-17·8]). Serotype 3 was a top-ranked serotype, causing about 9% of cases in children younger than 5 years and 14% in adults aged 50 years or older at both PCV10 and PCV13 sites. Across all age and PCV10 or PCV13 strata, the proportion of IPD targeted by higher-valency PCVs beyond PCV13 was 4·1-9·7% for PCV15, 13·5-36·0% for PCV20, 29·9-53·8% for PCV21, 15·6-42·0% for PCV24, and 31·5-50·1% for PCV25. All top-ten ranked non-PCV13 serotypes are included in at least one higher-valency PCV. INTERPRETATION: The proportion of IPD due to serotypes included in PCVs in use was low in mature PCV10 and PCV13 settings. Serotype distribution differed between PCV10 and PCV13 sites and age groups. Higher-valency PCVs target most remaining IPD and are expected to extend impact. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as part of the WHO Pneumococcal Vaccines Technical Coordination Project.
- MeSH
- Global Health MeSH
- Child MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Infant MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Immunization Programs MeSH
- Pneumococcal Infections * prevention & control epidemiology microbiology MeSH
- Pneumococcal Vaccines * administration & dosage MeSH
- Child, Preschool MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Serogroup * MeSH
- Streptococcus pneumoniae * classification immunology MeSH
- Vaccines, Conjugate administration & dosage MeSH
- Check Tag
- Child MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Infant MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Child, Preschool MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
BACKGROUND: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) that are ten-valent (PCV10) and 13-valent (PCV13) became available in 2010. We evaluated their global impact on invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) incidence in all ages. METHODS: Serotype-specific IPD cases and population denominators were obtained directly from surveillance sites using PCV10 or PCV13 in their national immunisation programmes and with a primary series uptake of at least 50%. Annual incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated comparing the incidence before any PCV with each year post-PCV10 or post-PCV13 introduction using Bayesian multi-level, mixed-effects Poisson regressions, by site and age group. All site-weighted average IRRs were estimated using linear mixed-effects regression, stratified by product and previous seven-valent PCV (PCV7) effect (none, moderate, or substantial). FINDINGS: Analyses included 32 PCV13 sites (488 758 cases) and 15 PCV10 sites (46 386 cases) in 30 countries, primarily high income (39 sites), using booster dose schedules (41 sites). By 6 years after PCV10 or PCV13 introduction, IPD due to PCV10-type serotypes and PCV10-related serotype 6A declined substantially for both products (age <5 years: 83-99% decline; ≥65 years: 54-96% decline). PCV7-related serotype 19A increases before PCV10 or PCV13 introduction were reversed at PCV13 sites (age <5 years: 61-79% decline relative to before any PCV; age ≥65 years: 7-26% decline) but increased at PCV10 sites (age <5 years: 1·6-2·3-fold; age ≥65 years: 3·6-4·9-fold). Serotype 3 IRRs had no consistent trends for either product or age group. Non-PCV13-type IPD increased similarly for both products (age <5 years: 2·3-3·3-fold; age ≥65 years: 1·7-2·3-fold). Despite different serotype 19A trends, all-serotype IPD declined similarly between products among children younger than 5 years (58-74%); among adults aged 65 years or older, declines were greater at PCV13 (25-29%) than PCV10 (4-14%) sites, but other differences between sites precluded attribution to product. INTERPRETATION: Long-term use of PCV10 or PCV13 reduced IPD substantially in young children and more moderately in older ages. Non-vaccine-type serotypes increased approximately two-fold to three-fold by 6 years after introduction of PCV10 or PCV13. Continuing serotype 19A increases at PCV10 sites and declines at PCV13 sites suggest that PCV13 use would further reduce IPD at PCV10 sites. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as part of the WHO Pneumococcal Vaccines Technical Coordination Project.
- MeSH
- Global Health * MeSH
- Child MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Incidence MeSH
- Infant MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Infant, Newborn MeSH
- Pneumococcal Infections * prevention & control epidemiology MeSH
- Pneumococcal Vaccines * administration & dosage MeSH
- Child, Preschool MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Serogroup MeSH
- Streptococcus pneumoniae * classification immunology MeSH
- Vaccines, Conjugate administration & dosage MeSH
- Check Tag
- Child MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Infant MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Infant, Newborn MeSH
- Child, Preschool MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) represents ~80% of all thyroid cancers, most frequently presenting in women in the third and fourth decade of life. The first clinical manifestation of PTC commonly includes a palpable mass in the thyroid area or cervical lymphadenopathy in cases of metastatic disease. Hematogenous distant metastases are a sign of an advanced stage of the tumour. The present study reported an extremely rare occurrence of solitary metastasis of a PTC in the left breast of a 63-year-old male patient, mimicking primary male breast cancer (MBC). The presence of a male breast lesion that did not follow the typical imaging criteria for MBC aroused suspicion of a different primary origin. The combination of imaging methods, laboratory findings and fine-needle aspiration techniques enabling cytological and histopathological examination, with the use of a wide panel of immunohistochemical markers, is crucial to establishing a definitive and correct diagnosis.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Case Reports MeSH
INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess the impact of midline lumbar fusion with cortical bone trajectory screws (MIDLF/CBT) on the multifidus muscles, focusing on the evaluation of their postoperative atrophy. CLINICAL RATIONALE FOR THE STUDY: MIDLF/CBT is a relatively new technique increasingly used to treat spinal instability. Despite its reduced invasiveness compared to traditional posterior lumbar interbody fusion with traditional pedicle screws (PLIF/TP), concerns remain about potential damage to the multifidus muscles that are crucial for spinal stability. Understanding the extent of muscular atrophy post-MIDLF/CBT is vital for improving surgical outcomes, and potentially patient rehabilitation strategies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study retrospectively analysed preoperative and postoperative MRI scans of patients who underwent MIDLF/CBT for degenerative segmental spondylolisthesis. The bilateral width of the multifidus muscles at the operated segment and adjacent segments was measured using axial T2-weighted MRI scans. Statistical comparisons were made using a paired t test, with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The study included 16 patients with an average age of 57 ± 10 years, 10 of whom (62.5%) were women, and featured a mean follow-up period of 37 ± 25 months. Postoperative measurements showed a significant reduction in the width of the multifidus muscles at the operated segment (mean difference -3.3mm, p = 0.02) and the inferior adjacent segment (-7.4 mm, p < 0.01). A decrease in muscle width at the superior adjacent segment was also observed, although this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our study concluded that MIDLF/CBT results in significant multifidus muscle atrophy at and below the operated segment, potentially impacting postoperative rehabilitation and recovery. These findings highlight the need for further research comparing MIDLF/CBT to other spinal stabilisation techniques. Additionally, incorporating functional electromyographic assessments of paraspinal muscles could provide deeper insights into the long-term consequences of spinal surgeries and helpdevelop new approaches and strategies to mitigate paravertebral muscles atrophy, thus enhancing patient outcomes.
- MeSH
- Lumbar Vertebrae * surgery diagnostic imaging MeSH
- Spinal Fusion * methods MeSH
- Paraspinal Muscles * diagnostic imaging pathology MeSH
- Cortical Bone surgery diagnostic imaging MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging MeSH
- Pedicle Screws MeSH
- Postoperative Complications diagnostic imaging MeSH
- Retrospective Studies MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Spondylolisthesis * surgery diagnostic imaging MeSH
- Muscular Atrophy * etiology diagnostic imaging MeSH
- Check Tag
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
PURPOSE: We set out to develop a publicly available tool that could accurately diagnose spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in exome, genome, or panel sequencing data sets aligned to a GRCh37, GRCh38, or T2T reference genome. METHODS: The SMA Finder algorithm detects the most common genetic causes of SMA by evaluating reads that overlap the c.840 position of the SMN1 and SMN2 paralogs. It uses these reads to determine whether an individual most likely has 0 functional copies of SMN1. RESULTS: We developed SMA Finder and evaluated it on 16,626 exomes and 3911 genomes from the Broad Institute Center for Mendelian Genomics, 1157 exomes and 8762 panel samples from Tartu University Hospital, and 198,868 exomes and 198,868 genomes from the UK Biobank. SMA Finder's false-positive rate was below 1 in 200,000 samples, its positive predictive value was greater than 96%, and its true-positive rate was 29 out of 29. Most of these SMA diagnoses had initially been clinically misdiagnosed as limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. CONCLUSION: Our extensive evaluation of SMA Finder on exome, genome, and panel sequencing samples found it to have nearly 100% accuracy and demonstrated its ability to reduce diagnostic delays, particularly in individuals with milder subtypes of SMA. Given this accuracy, the common misdiagnoses identified here, the widespread availability of clinical confirmatory testing for SMA, and the existence of treatment options, we propose that it is time to add SMN1 to the American College of Medical Genetics list of genes with reportable secondary findings after genome and exome sequencing.
- MeSH
- Algorithms MeSH
- Exome genetics MeSH
- Genome, Human genetics MeSH
- Genomics methods MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Survival of Motor Neuron 1 Protein genetics MeSH
- Survival of Motor Neuron 2 Protein genetics MeSH
- Sequence Analysis, DNA methods MeSH
- Exome Sequencing MeSH
- Muscular Atrophy, Spinal * genetics diagnosis MeSH
- High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Previous reports provided recommendations for familial renal glucosuria diagnosis without complex view on differential diagnosis of glucosuria. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of the causes of glucosuria and to create an evidence-based diagnostic approach for children with glucosuria. We searched the current literature with a focus to identify the possible etiology of glucosuria, gaining insight into the pathophysiology of glucosuria. Urinary glucose is completely reabsorbed in the proximal tubule of kidneys. It only appears in the urine if the plasma glucose concentration exceeds the renal threshold for glucose or in the case of insufficient renal glucose reabsorption. The proteins that provide glucose reabsorption are SGLT2 and SGLT1 - sodium-dependent co-transporters that transport glucose from the lumen into epithelial cells - and GLUT2 - a passive transporter providing facilitative glucose transport from epithelial cells to plasma. Renal glucose reabsorption is affected in case of acquired or inherited complex dysfunction of proximal tubule called Fanconi Syndrome or due to pathogenic variants of genes encoding glucose transporters. Prior to diagnosing any of these, diabetes mellitus must be excluded together with other conditions leading to hyperglycemia. In conclusion, glucosuria is always an abnormal finding. The review provides a simple evidence-based diagnostic approach to navigate the differential diagnosis of glucosuria.
- MeSH
- Diagnosis, Differential MeSH
- Child MeSH
- Fanconi Syndrome diagnosis complications MeSH
- Glucose * metabolism MeSH
- Glycosuria * diagnosis etiology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Glucose Transporter Type 2 metabolism MeSH
- Kidney Tubules, Proximal metabolism MeSH
- Glycosuria, Renal * diagnosis etiology physiopathology MeSH
- Sodium-Glucose Transporter 1 metabolism MeSH
- Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 metabolism MeSH
- Check Tag
- Child MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
BACKGROUND: The current requirement is to establish the preoperative diagnosis accurately as possible and to achieve an adequate extent of surgery. The aim of this study was to define the preoperative clinical and molecular genetic risks of malignancy in indeterminate thyroid nodules (Bethesda III and IV) and to determine their impact on the surgical strategy. METHODS: Prospectively retrospective analysis of 287 patients provided the basis of preoperative laboratory examination, sonographic stratification of malignancy risks and cytological findings. Molecular tests focused on pathogenic variants of genes associated with thyroid oncogenesis in cytologically indeterminate nodules (Bethesda III and IV). The evaluation included clinical risk factors: positive family history, radiation exposure and growth in size and/or number of nodules. RESULTS: Preoperative FNAB detected 52 cytologically indeterminate nodules (28.7%) out of 181 patients. Postoperative histopathological examination revealed malignancy in 12 cases (23.7%) and there was no significant difference between Bethesda III and IV categories (P=0.517). Clinical risk factors for malignancy were found in 32 patients (61.5%) and the presence of at least one of them resulted in a clearly higher incidence of malignancy than their absence (31.3% vs. 10.0%, respectively). Pathogenic variants of genes were detected in 12/49 patients in Bethesda III and IV, and in 4 cases (33.3%) thyroid carcinoma was revealed. The rate of malignancies was substantially higher in patients with pathogenic variants than in those without (33.3% vs. 16.2%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our experience implies that molecular genetic testing is one of several decision factors. We will continue to monitor and enlarge our patient cohort to obtain long-term follow-up data.
- MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Genetic Testing MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Thyroid Neoplasms * genetics MeSH
- Retrospective Studies MeSH
- Risk Factors MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Biopsy, Fine-Needle MeSH
- Thyroid Nodule * genetics pathology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH