Cervical screening programs are highly protective for cervical cancer, but only for women attending screening procedure.
Identify socio-economic and demographic determinants for non-attendance in ...cervical screening.
Design: Population-based case-control study. Setting: Sweden. Population: Source population was all women eligible for screening. Based on complete screening records, two groups of women aged 30-60 were compared. The case group, non-attending women, (N = 314,302) had no smear registered for 6-8 years. The control group (N = 266,706) attended within 90 days of invitation. Main outcome measures: Risk of non-attendance by 9 groups of socioeconomic and demographic variables. Analysis: Unadjusted odds ratios (OR) and OR after adjustment for all variables in logistic regression models were calculated.
Women with low disposable family income (adjOR 2.06; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.01-2.11), with low education (adjOR 1.77; CI 1.73-1.81) and not cohabiting (adjOR 1.47; CI 1.45-1.50) were more likely to not attend cervical screening. Other important factors for non-attendance were being outside the labour force and receiving welfare benefits. Swedish counties are responsible for running screening programs; adjusted OR for non-participation in counties ranged from OR 4.21 (CI 4.06-4.35) to OR 0.54 (CI 0.52-0.57), compared to the reference county. Being born outside Sweden was a risk factor for non-attendance in the unadjusted analysis but this disappeared in certain large groups after adjustment for socioeconomic factors.
County of residence and socio-economic factors were strongly associated with lower attendance in cervical screening, while being born in another country was of less importance. This indicates considerable potential for improvement of cervical screening attendance in several areas if best practice of routines is adopted.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Purpose
To determine the biology, recurrence rate, metastatic patterns and survival times in primary triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with focus on the comparison between younger and elderly ...patients.
Methods
Patients with primary TNBC stage I–IV diagnosed from 2007 to 2015 were identified and information on tumor biology, stage, treatment, recurrences and death recorded.
Results
A total of 524 patients, median age 60 years (range 24–94) with a median follow-up of 55 months (range 0–129) were identified. Stage was similar in younger (< 40 years) (
n
= 58) and older (> 74 years) (
n
= 96) patients (
p
= 0.37). A statistically significant difference was found concerning histopathologic grade (
p
= 0.006) and Ki67 (median 80% versus 70%;
p
= 0.002) but not for LVI (
p
= 0.9) with more aggressive tumors among younger patients. Adjuvant/neoadjuvant chemotherapy was more frequently given to younger compared with older patients (96% versus 12%;
p
= 0.0005). Only brain (
p
= 0.016) and liver (
p
= 0.047) metastases were more often registered among younger patients while other locations were similar. Shorter survival times, recurrence-free survival (RFS), distant disease-free survival (DDFS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) were found in the older group, although not after adjusting for adjuvant/neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Most deaths (68%) in the older group were caused by TNBC. When comparing patients > 75 years (
n
= 92) with ≤ 75 years (
n
= 432), a worse outcome among older was also observed: RFS (
p
= 0.00012), DDFS (
p
= 0.00041), BCSS (
p
< 0.0001) and survival following distant metastasis (
p
= 0.0064)
Conclusions
Primary TNBC in younger patients is more often of poor differentiation grade and highly proliferative compared with older patients. The majority of older patients still have grade III tumors with a Ki67 > 60% and outcome is poor. Few older patients in our study were treated with chemotherapy both in adjuvant and palliative setting, underlining the need for more prospective trials and treatment options suitable for this patient population.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Bilateral THAs performed in the same patient should not be considered independent observations, neither biologically nor statistically. As a result, when surgical results are reviewed, it is common ...to analyze only the first of the two hips, assuming that the first, and not the second hip of a staged bilateral THA, better resembles unilateral THAs. This assumption has not been empirically justified.Question/purposes (1) In patients with staged bilateral THA, is the first or second hip more similar to a unilateral THA in terms of age at surgery, presence of any preoperative Charlson comorbidity, and risk of postoperative reoperation? (2) Should the date of a first or second hip surgery of a staged bilateral THA be used as a starting point for patient survival to better resemble patients with unilateral THA?
We identified 68,357 THAs due to osteoarthritis in 63,613 patients from the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register (SHAR) in 1999-2015. Of those THAs, 14,780 concerned the first hip of a staged bilateral procedure performed between 1999 and 2004; 28,542 were unilaterals from 2004 to 2008, and 25,035 concerned the second hip of a staged bilateral procedure performed 2008 to 2015. We excluded patients who underwent one-stage bilateral THAs. We used different inclusion periods to distinguish unilateral procedures from the first and second hips from staged bilateral procedures because sufficiently long set-up and follow-up periods were needed before and after each period to identify possible contralateral THAs. This introduced potential period confounding, meaning that possible group differences might not be distinguished from unrelated outcome differences over time. We investigated if such time trends existed. It did not for age and reoperation rates, but it did for comorbidity and patient survival. Our primary study endpoint was whether patients with unilateral THAs were more similar to patients with a first hip of a staged bilateral THA, or to patients with their second hip operated. We used Student's t-test to compare mean age at surgery. The proportion of patients with at least one presurgery Charlson comorbidity were compared by 95% bootstrap confidence intervals, after subtracting the yearly time-trend to avoid period confounding. Postoperative risks of reoperation were compared by log-rank tests of Kaplan-Meier curves and by comparing 5-year reoperation rates by pair-wise 95% CIs. Our secondary study endpoint was to compare patient survival for patients with a unilateral THA, a first hip of a staged bilateral THA, or a second hip of a staged bilateral THA. We evaluated this by relative 5-year survival, comparing patients of each group with the general Swedish population of the same age, sex, and year of birth. This way, possible survival differences would be less likely explained by period confounding.
Patients undergoing unilateral THA were older than those undergoing a first hip of a staged bilateral THA (70 ± 10 versus 66 ± 9 years, mean difference of 4; p < .001), but they were not different from patients undergoing the second hip of a staged bilateral THA (70 ± 9 years, mean difference of 0; p = 0.74). The period-adjusted proportion of patients with unilateral THA and presurgery comorbidity (Charlson index > 0) was 20% (95% CI: 19.8-20.7). This was no different from patients with a second hip from a staged bilateral THA (20%; 19.7-20.6), but higher compared to patients with a first hip of a staged bilateral THA (15%; 14.5-15.4). For reoperation rates, the log-rank tests showed no difference between unilateral THAs and the second hips of staged bilateral THAs ((Equation is included in full-text article.)). Such difference was found for unilaterals compared with the first hips of staged bilateral THAs ((Equation is included in full-text article.)). The Kaplan-Meier estimate of reoperation rates at 5 years after surgery were also no different for the unilateral THAs compared with the second hips of staged bilateral THAs (3% 95% CI 2.8 to 3.2 for both groups). It was lower (2% 95% CI 1.8 to 2.3) for a first hip of a staged bilateral THA. For the secondary outcome, the relative 5-year survival differed for all groups. It was 105% (95% CI 104.9 to 105.9) for patients with unilateral THA, 107% (95% CI 106.3 to 107.4) for patients with a second hip from a staged bilateral THA and 109% (95% CI 108.8 to 109.5) for patients with a first hip of a staged bilateral THA. Patients with only a first hip of a planned staged bilateral THA who did not survive long enough to undergo their second THA were classified as unilaterals. The rank-order of survival curves are therefore by design ("immortal time bias"). We conclude, however, that survival for patients with unilateral THA more closely resembles the survival of patients with a second hip of a staged bilateral THA, compared with the first.
Our findings, which are based on observational register data, challenge the common practice in epidemiologic studies of analyzing only the first hip of a staged bilateral THA. We recommend analyzing the second THA in a patient who has undergone staged bilateral THA rather than the first because the second procedure better resembles unilateral THA.
Level III, therapeutic study.
In epidemiological studies researchers use logistic regression as an analytical tool to study the association of a binary outcome to a set of possible exposures.
Using a simulation study we ...illustrate how the analytically derived bias of odds ratios modelling in logistic regression varies as a function of the sample size.
Logistic regression overestimates odds ratios in studies with small to moderate samples size. The small sample size induced bias is a systematic one, bias away from null. Regression coefficient estimates shifts away from zero, odds ratios from one.
If several small studies are pooled without consideration of the bias introduced by the inherent mathematical properties of the logistic regression model, researchers may be mislead to erroneous interpretation of the results.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Abstract Introduction The aim of every patient with hip fracture is to regain previous function but we know little about the outcome, especially patient-reported outcome. We wanted to investigate ...what factors influence the result one year after hip fracture, including fast-track for hip fracture patients, as well as investigating the patients’ satisfaction with their rehabilitation and to what degree they regained their pre-fracture function. Methods All patients (>20 years, non-pathological fracture, residents in the catchment area, n = 664) having surgery for hip fracture at our hospital during 2011 were included in a retrospective cohort study. From medical records, information was gathered about pre-fracture condition as well as fracture type, surgical details, length of stay and whether the patient entered the hospital through the fast-track system. Medical records were scrutinised for general complications up to six months and for local complications up to one year after surgery. A postal questionnaire was sent one year after surgery inquiring about health status, pain and satisfaction along with multiple-choice questions regarding mobility and rehabilitation. Variables were analysed with linear regression or the proportional odds model. Results The most common general complications were new falls, pneumonia and new fractures. Deep infection was the most frequent local complication. The only significant effect of the fast-track system was shorter time to surgery (78 vs. 62% had surgery within 24 h, p < 0.001). A total of 29% reported to have regained their previous mobility and 30% considered the rehabilitation to be adequate. Mean value for pain VAS was 24 (SD 22) and for satisfaction 28 (SD 25). Absence of general and local complications correlated to satisfaction and hip pain. General complications correlated to loss of function. Higher age correlated to inadequate rehabilitation. Conclusion General complications seem to be the major risk factor, being the only factor affecting functional outcome and together with local complications affecting pain and satisfaction. To avoid general complications, co-operation between orthopaedic surgeons and internists may be crucial in the aftercare of hip fracture patients. A majority did not receive adequate rehabilitation and efforts need to be made to improve the rehabilitation process.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
Background and purpose - Femoral neck fractures (FNFs) are commonly treated with some kind of arthroplasty, but evidence on whether to use hemiarthroplasty (HA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA) is ...lacking. HA reduces the risk of dislocation, but may lead to acetabular erosion. THA implies longer surgery and increased bleeding. THA may result in better function and health-related quality of life, but evidence is contradictory. We compared HA and THA and in terms of revision, reoperation and death.
Patients and methods - Data were extracted from the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register for 11,253 patients with acute FNF receiving cemented HA or THA during 2008-2012. 2,902 patients with THA were matched by propensity score matching with as many patients with HA based on age, sex, BMI, and ASA classification. We used competing risks survival regression with reoperation or death and revision or death as endpoints.
Results - THA patients had significantly reduced risk of revision (absolute risk reduction 0.51; 95% CI 0.39-0.67) and reoperation (0.58; 0.46-0.74). THA was associated with an almost 50% reduced mortality (risk ratio as competing risk for reoperation 0.51; 0.46-0.57).
Interpretation - In our national register study of femoral neck fractures, THA had a lower risk than HA for further surgical procedures related to the hip. The reasons for lower mortality after THA are not known. Despite matching, there might be a selection of more healthy patients for this procedure, and other factors unknown to us, with or without relation to the choice of implant.
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DOBA, FSPLJ, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VSZLJ
Background and purpose - Total hip replacement (THR) aims mainly to improve quality of life via restoration of hip function and provision of pain relief. This study sought to assess whether ...improvements in quality of life between the preoperative and 1-year postoperative period were associated with patient satisfaction
Patients and methods - Data were extracted for 69,083 THR operations with complete data reported to the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register (SHAR) between 2008 and 2015. Health-related quality of life and patient satisfaction were captured using the Euro-Qol-5D (EQ-5D) and visual analogue scale (VAS), respectively. Multivariable analysis was performed to assess associations between the changes in pre- and postoperative EQ5D and patient satisfaction.
Results - In patients reporting severe or moderate problems with mobility preoperatively, improvement to no problems was associated with numerically higher patient satisfaction (coefficient -18 95% CI -22 to -14 and -18 -18 to -17). Improvement in the self-care dimension from severe or moderate problems to no problems was associated with numerically higher patient satisfaction (-15 -16 to -14 and -13 -15 to -11). Improvement from severe problems with the ability to perform usual activities to no problems was associated with numerically higher patient satisfaction (-18 -19 to -17). This association was also found for improvement in pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression (-16 -17 to -15 and -15 -16 to -14).
Interpretation - Our results indicate that satisfaction with the operated hip is a valid patient-reported outcome reflecting the changes in different EQ-5D dimensions and should be included in the follow-up of patients after THR surgery.
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DOBA, FSPLJ, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VSZLJ
Background and purpose - The association between long-term patient survival and elective primary total hip replacement (THR) has been described extensively. The long-term survival following ...reoperation of THR is less well understood. We investigated the relative survival of patients undergoing reoperation following elective THR and explored an association between the indication for the reoperation and relative survival.
Patients and methods - In this observational cohort study we selected the patients who received an elective primary THR and subsequent reoperations during 1999-2017 as recorded in the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register. The selected cohort was followed until the end of the study period, censoring or death. The indications for 1st- and eventual 2nd-time reoperations were analyzed and the relative survival ratio of the observed survival and the expected survival was determined.
Results - There were 9,926 1st-time reoperations and of these 2,558 underwent further reoperations. At 5 years after the latest reoperation, relative survival following 1st-time reoperations was 0.94% (95% CI 0.93-0.96) and 0.90% (CI 0.87-0.92) following 2nd-time reoperations. At 5 years patients with a 1st-time reoperation for aseptic loosening had higher survival than expected; however, reoperations performed for periprosthetic fracture, dislocation, and infection had lower survival.
Interpretation - The relative survival following 1st- and 2nd-time reoperations in elective THR patients differs by reason for reoperation. The impact of reoperation on life expectancy is more obvious for infection/dislocation and periprosthetic fracture.
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DOBA, FSPLJ, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VSZLJ
Background and purpose - The direct lateral approach (DLA) and the posterior approach (PA) are the most common surgical approaches in total hip replacement (THR) in Sweden. We investigated how the ...relationship between surgical approach and risk of reoperation due to dislocation has evolved over time.
Patients and methods - Data were extracted from the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register from 1999 to 2014. We selected all THRs due to osteoarthritis with head sizes 28, 32, and 36 mm that were performed with either the DLA or the PA. Resurfacing prostheses were excluded. Kaplan-Meier curves for risk of reoperation due to dislocation and all-cause for the 2 surgical approaches were compared for 2 periods (1999-2006 and 2007-2014) up to 2 years postoperatively. We used Cox regression for sex, age, type of fixation, and head size to determine hazard ratios (HR) with DLA set as reference.
Results - 156,979 THRs met the selection criteria. In 1999-2006, the PA was associated with increased risk of reoperation due to dislocation (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.7-3.0) but there was no difference in the risk of all-cause reoperation (HR 1.1, CI 0.9-1.2). In 2007-2014 there was no statistically significant difference in the risk of reoperation due to dislocation (HR 1.2, CI 0.9-1.6) but the risk of all-cause reoperation was lower (HR 0.8, CI 0.7-0.9) for the PA.
Interpretation - This study confirms historic reports on the increased risk of early reoperations due to dislocations using the PA compared with the DLA. However, in contemporary practice, the higher risk of reoperation due to dislocation associated with PA has declined, now being similar to that after DLA. We believe improved surgical technique for the PA may explain the results. Surprisingly, the PA was associated with lower risk of all-cause reoperation in 2007-2014. This finding warrants further investigation.
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DOBA, FSPLJ, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VSZLJ
Background and purpose - International comparisons of total hip arthroplasty (THA) practices and outcomes provide an opportunity to enhance the quality of care worldwide. We compared THA patients, ...implants, techniques, and survivorship in Sweden, Australia, and the United States.
Patients and methods - Primary THAs due to osteoarthritis were identified using Swedish (n = 159,695), Australian (n = 279,693), and US registries (n = 69,641) (2003-2015). We compared patients, practices, and implant usage across the countries using descriptive statistics. We evaluated time to all-cause revision using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. We assessed differences in countries' THA survival using chi-square tests of survival probabilities.
Results - Sweden had fewer comorbidities than the United States and Australia. Cement fixation was used predominantly in Sweden and cementless in the United States and Australia. The direct anterior approach was used more frequently in the United States and Australia. Smaller head sizes (≤ 32 mm vs. ≥ 36 mm) were used more often in Sweden than the United States and Australia. Metal-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene was used more frequently in the United States and Australia than in Sweden. Sweden's 5- (97.8%) and 10-year THA survival (95.8%) was higher than the United States' (5-year: 97.0%; 10-year: 95.2%) and Australia (5-year: 96.3%; 10-year: 93.5%).
Interpretation - Patient characteristics, surgical techniques, and implants differed across the 3 countries, emphasizing the need to adjust for demographics, surgical techniques, and implants and the need for global standardized definitions to compare THA survivorship internationally.
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DOBA, FSPLJ, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VSZLJ
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