Venous thromboembolism during neoadjuvant chemotherapy for ovarian cancer.

Objective: To determine the incidence of venous thromboembolism in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy in UK gynecological cancer centers. Secondary outcomes included incidence and timing of venous thromboembolism since cancer presentation, impact on cancer treatment, and mortality.

Methods: All UK gynecological cancer centers were invited to participate in this multi-center retrospective audit through the British Gynecological Cancer Society.

Bile acid diarrhoea and metabolic changes after cholecystectomy: a prospective case-control study.

Introduction: Bile acid diarrhoea (BAD) can occur due to disruption to the enterohepatic circulation such as following cholecystectomy. However, the mechanism behind this is as yet unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of post-cholecystectomy diarrhoea and to assess whether FGF19 within the gallbladder was associated with the development of BAD.

A UK multicentre audit of the management of patients with primary hypercholesterolaemia or mixed dyslipidaemia with bempedoic acid against published lipid-lowering treatment targets.

Background: Bempedoic acid, an adenosine triphosphate citrate lyase inhibitor, was introduced to UK practice via a pre-reimbursement access scheme for adults with primary hypercholesterolaemia or mixed dyslipidaemia who are at high risk of cardiovascular disease, in whom statins are either not tolerated or contraindicated, who have not achieved target cholesterol, despite being on ezetimibe therapy, and do not qualify for PCSK9 inhibitor treatment. This retrospective multicentre audit aimed to evaluate the achievement of lipid-lowering targets with bempedoic acid in UK patients based on recommendations in the Joint British Societies (JBS) guidelines for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Methods: Pseudo-anonymized medical record data for 221 adults treated with bempedoic acid as part of the UK scheme were entered into a bespoke data collection tool at four UK hospitals.

Swept-source optical coherence tomography in ocular surface diseases: anterior segment analysis repeatability and its limits.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the repeatability of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in diverse ocular surface disorder (OSD) cohorts, exploring various anterior segment parameters and their accuracy in different disease groups.

Methods: A total of 239 participants across six distinct OSD groups and healthy controls underwent nonmydriatic AS-OCT imaging using the Tomey CASIA 2 device. Anterior segment parameters including anterior chamber depth, width, angle metrics, corneal thickness, keratometry, lens vault, and others were meticulously assessed.

Symptom-triggered testing detects early stage and low volume resectable advanced stage ovarian cancer.

Objective: Symptom-triggered testing for ovarian cancer was introduced to the UK whereby symptomatic women undergo an ultrasound scan and serum CA125, and are referred to hospital within 2 weeks if these are abnormal. The potential value of symptom-triggered testing in the detection of early-stage disease or low tumor burden remains unclear in women with high grade serous ovarian cancer. In this descriptive study, we report on the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, disease distribution, and complete cytoreduction rates in women presenting via the fast-track pathway and who were diagnosed with high grade serous ovarian cancer.

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor therapy and mechanisms of resistance in epithelial ovarian cancer.

Advanced epithelial ovarian cancer is the commonest cause of gynaecological cancer deaths. First-line treatment for advanced disease includes a combination of platinum-taxane chemotherapy (post-operatively or peri-operatively) and maximal debulking surgery whenever feasible. Initial response rate to chemotherapy is high (up to 80%) but most patients will develop recurrence (approximately 70-90%) and succumb to the disease.

Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis: A Case Report with Patient Perspective.

We present a case report on a spot diagnosis of Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis (TPP) with a unique first-person account of events from the patient. It illustrates the importance of pattern recognition and exemplifies how timely treatment enables quick resolution of a life-threatening medical emergency. Patient X's account affirms the condition's insidious onset and rapid deterioration.

Endoscopic duodenal-jejunal bypass liner treatment of moderate obstructive sleep apnoea-A pilot study.

We aimed to assess the extent to which people with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes, obesity (BMI 30-45 kg/m) and moderate obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) requiring continuous positive airway pressure ventilation (CPAP) were able to discontinue CPAP following EndoBarrier-related weight loss. We assessed sleep and metabolic parameters before, during and after EndoBarrier in 12 participants with moderate OSA requiring CPAP (75% female, 8/12 [66%] type 2 diabetes, 4/12 [34%] prediabetes, mean ± SD age 52.6 ± 9.

The optimal endometrial thickness threshold for prediction of endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women without bleeding remains uncertain-Systematic review and meta-analysis.

The incidental finding of endometrial thickness (ET) >4 mm in the absence of postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) is a common cause of referring women to secondary care. However, there is lack of consensus amongst gynecologists as regards the management. It is estimated that up to 15 % of endometrial cancers occur in women without PMB.

Case Reports of Severe Paediatric Sickle Cell Retinopathy: Disease Manifestations, Progression and Treatments.

Severe sickle retinopathy is commonly known in adults but not in children, hence any related treatment for sickle retinopathy in children was not well described. We reported 2 paediatric sickle patients (aged 12 and 13) presented with severe sickle retinopathy and described details of their disease progression and treatments over 2-3 years, along with the challenges faced when managing this particular group of young age sickle cell patients. Our case reports also demonstrated the benefits of laser photocoagulation treatment to early sickle proliferative disease, and how complications from advanced severe retinopathy hindered effective treatments.

British Heart Rhythm Society Standards for Implantation and Follow-up of Cardiac Rhythm Management Devices in Adults: January 2024 Update.

This updated guidance is designed to help with implantation and follow-up with agreed standards of practice. The update includes new guidance on subcutaneous defibrillators, leadless pacemakers and conduction system pacing. It includes new guidance on considerations at the time of a potential box change and techniques to be considered to minimise the risk of infection.

A case of small bowel evisceration through the rectum and anus.

A 46-year-old man presented with a small bowel prolapsing through the anus after straining on the toilet, which was starting to become ischaemic. He admitted to inserting a plastic object in his rectum about half an hour before straining. The bowel was kept moist by placing an intravenous drip line with saline dripping onto a wet swab.

Is a Carotid Doppler Scan Useful for Managing Patients with Suspected Ocular Ischemic Syndrome?

Purpose: This review aims to understand the value of a carotid Doppler scan (CDS) when managing patients with clinical/suspected ocular ischaemic syndrome (OIS); correlations between internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis reports; subsequent patterns of referral to vascular experts; and subsequent decisions concerning surgical versus medical management.

Methods: A retrospective review of 402 CDS requests by a single eye center over 4 years (2016-2019) for patients with a clinical suspicion of OIS was conducted. Data analysis included 344 patients who had reported CDS of both ICAs.