Chronic pruritus, or itch lasting greater than 6 weeks, is an increasingly common and debilitating medical problem. Recent studies have unveiled previously unrecognized neuroimmune axes whereby ...inflammatory cytokines act directly on the nervous system to promote itch. Thus, the emergence of newer targeted biologic therapies has generated the possibility of novel treatment strategies for chronic itch disorders. This article reviews the pathophysiology of multiple chronic itch disorders, including atopic dermatitis, chronic idiopathic pruritus, chronic urticaria, and prurigo nodularis. Furthermore, new and emerging immunomodulatory therapies that will likely alter current treatment paradigms are discussed.
Background Squamous cell carcinoma with aggressive subclinical extension (SCC-ASE) is a tumor whose extensive spread becomes revealed during surgery or pathologic review, particularly during Mohs ...micrographic surgery. Limited clinical awareness of these lesions may result in unanticipated longer surgical times and larger postoperative defects. SCC-ASE–associated clinical risk factors are not well studied. Objective We sought to evaluate the incidence of and risk factors associated with SCC-ASE. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of SCC treated with Mohs micrographic surgery between 2007 and 2012 at a single academic surgical center. SCC-ASE was defined as a lesion requiring at least 3 Mohs stages with a final surgical margin of ≥1 cm. Results Of 954 cases studied, 31% were SCC-ASE. In multivariable analysis, sex ( P = .001), history of previous nonmelanoma skin cancer ( P < .001), Fitzpatrick skin types II and III ( P = .004 and <.001, respectively), immunosuppression related to solid organ transplant ( P < .001), and cigarette use ( P < .001) were significant predictors of SCC-ASE. Limitations Single academic center selection bias, not-controlled for sun exposure differences, no information on medication regimens of solid organ transplant patients, and a small sample size are all limitations of our study. Conclusion Easily attainable demographic factors, especially immunosuppressed status and cigarette use, can help predict the occurrence of SCC-ASE and thereby optimize surgical planning and patient preparedness.
Data from selected centers show that robotic lobectomy is safe and effective and has 30-day mortality comparable to that of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). However, widespread adoption ...of robotic lobectomy is controversial. We used The Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery (STS-GTS) Database to evaluate quality metrics for these 2 minimally invasive lobectomy techniques.
A database query for primary clinical stage I or stage II non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at high-volume centers from 2009 to 2013 identified 1,220 robotic lobectomies and 12,378 VATS procedures. Quality metrics evaluated included operative morbidity, 30-day mortality, and nodal upstaging, defined as cN0 to pN1. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate nodal upstaging.
Patients undergoing robotic lobectomy were older, less active, and less likely to be an ever smoker and had higher body mass index (BMI) (all p < 0.05). They were also more likely to have coronary heart disease or hypertension (all p < 0.001) and to have had preoperative mediastinal staging (p < 0.0001). Robotic lobectomy operative times were longer (median 186 versus 173 minutes; p < 0.001); all other operative measurements were similar. All postoperative outcomes were similar, including complications and 30-day mortality (robotic lobectomy, 0.6% versus VATS, 0.8%; p = 0.4). Median length of stay was 4 days for both, but a higher proportion of patients undergoing robotic lobectomy had hospital stays less than 4 days (48% versus 39%; p < 0.001). Nodal upstaging overall was similar (p = 0.6) but with trends favoring VATS in the cT1b group and robotic lobectomy in the cT2a group.
Patients undergoing robotic lobectomy had more comorbidities and robotic lobectomy operative times were longer, but quality outcome measures, including complications, hospital stay, 30-day mortality, and nodal upstaging, suggest that robotic lobectomy and VATS are equivalent.
Abstract Hypertension Canada provides annually-updated, evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis, assessment, prevention, and treatment of hypertension. This year, we introduce 10 new guidelines. ...Three previous guidelines have been revised and 5 have been removed. Previous age and frailty distinctions have been removed as considerations for when to initiate antihypertensive therapy. In the presence of macrovascular target organ damage, or in those with independent cardiovascular risk factors, antihypertensive therapy should be considered for all individuals with elevated average systolic blood pressure readings ≥140 mmHg. For individuals with diastolic hypertension (with or without systolic hypertension), fixed-dose single pill combinations are now recommended as an initial treatment option. Preference is given to pills containing an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker in combination with either a calcium channel blocker or diuretic. Whenever a diuretic is selected as monotherapy, longer-acting agents are preferred. In patients with established ischemic heart disease, caution should be exercised in lowering diastolic pressure ≤60 mmHg, especially in the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy. Following a hemorrhagic stroke, in the first 24 hours, systolic blood pressure lowering to <140 mmHg is not recommended. Finally, guidance is now provided for screening, initial diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of renovascular hypertension arising from fibromuscular dysplasia. The specific evidence and rationale underlying each of these guidelines are discussed.
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