OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the clinical characteristics, co-mutated genes in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with NRAS and KRAS gene mutations, and the impact of NRAS and KRAS mutations on prognosis. METHODS: The clinical data and next-generation sequencing results of 80 newly diagnosed AML patients treated at our hospital from December 2018 to December 2023 were collected. The clinical characteristics, co-mutated genes of NRAS and KRAS , and the impact of NRAS and KRAS mutations on prognosis in newly diagnosed AML patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 80 newly diagnosed AML patients, NRAS mutations were detected in 20 cases(25.0%), and KRAS mutations were detected in 9 cases(11.3%). NRAS mutations predominantly occurred at codons 12 and 13 of exon 2, as well as codon 61 of exon 3, while KRAS mutations were most commonly occurred at codons 12 and 13 of exon 2, all of which were missense mutations. There were no statistically significant differences observed in terms of age, sex, white blood cell count(WBC), hemoglobin(Hb), platelet count(PLT), bone marrow blasts, first induction chemotherapy regimen, CR1/CRi1 rates, chromosome karyotype, 2022 ELN risk classification and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-HSCT) among the NRAS mutation group, KRAS mutation group and NRAS/KRAS wild-type group (P >0.05). KRAS mutations were significantly correlated with PTPN11 mutations (r =0.344), whereas no genes significantly associated with NRAS mutations were found. Survival analysis showed that compared to the NRAS/KRAS wild-type group, patients with NRAS mutation had a relatively higher 5-year overall survival (OS) rate and relapse-free survival (RFS) rate, though the differences were not statistically significant (P =0.097, P =0.249). Compared to the NRAS/KRAS wild-type group, patients with KRAS mutation had a lower 5-year OS rate and RFS rate, with no significant differences observed (P =0.275, P =0.442). There was no significant difference in the 5-year RFS rate between the KRAS mutation group and NRAS mutation group (P =0.157), but the 5-year OS rate of patients with KRAS mutation was significantly lower than that of patients with NRAS mutation (P =0.037). CONCLUSION In newly diagnosed AML patients, KRAS mutation was significantly correlated with PTPN11 mutation. Compared to patients with NRAS/KRAS wild-type, those with NRAS mutation showed a more favorable prognosis, while patients with KRAS mutation showed a poorer prognosis; however, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Notably, the prognosis of AML patients with KRAS mutation was significantly inferior compared to those with NRAS mutation.
Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/diagnosis* ; Mutation ; Prognosis ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics* ; GTP Phosphohydrolases/genetics* ; Retrospective Studies ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Aged

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dynamic changes of glucocorticoid (GC) dose and the feasibility of GC discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients under the background of Chinese medicine (CM). METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 1,196 RA patients enrolled in the China Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry of Patients with Chinese Medicine (CERTAIN) from September 1, 2019 to December 4, 2023, who initiated GC therapy. Participants were divided into the Western medicine (WM) and integrative medicine (IM, combination of CM and WM) groups based on medication regimen. Follow-up was performed at least every 3 months to assess dynamic changes in GC dose. Changes in GC dose were analyzed by generalized estimator equation, the probability of GC discontinuation was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curve, and predictors of GC discontinuation were analyzed by Cox regression. Patients with <12 months of follow-up were excluded for the sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Among 1,196 patients (85.4% female; median age 56.4 years), 880 (73.6%) received IM. Over a median 12-month follow-up, 34.3% (410 cases) discontinued GC, with significantly higher rates in the IM group (40.8% vs. 16.1% in WM; P<0.05). GC dose declined progressively, with IM patients demonstrating faster reductions (median 3.75 mg vs. 5.00 mg in WM at 12 months; P<0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis identified age <60 years [P<0.001, hazard ratios (HR)=2.142, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.523-3.012], IM therapy (P=0.001, HR=2.175, 95% CI: 1.369-3.456), baseline GC dose ⩽7.5 mg (P=0.003, HR=1.637, 95% CI: 1.177-2.275), and absence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use (P=0.001, HR=2.546, 95% CI: 1.432-4.527) as significant predictors of GC discontinuation. Sensitivity analysis (545 cases) confirmed these findings. CONCLUSIONS RA patients receiving CM face difficulties in following guideline-recommended GC discontinuation protocols. IM can promote GC discontinuation and is a promising strategy to reduce GC dependency in RA management. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT05219214).
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy* ; Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVES: Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) is a life-threatening vascular emergency with extremely high in-hospital mortality. Open surgical repair (OSR) was historically the only treatment option but is associated with substantial trauma and perioperative risk. In recent years, endovascular repair (EVAR) has gained widespread use due to its minimally invasive nature and faster recovery, becoming the preferred option for anatomically suitable patients in many centers. However, controversy remains regarding the long-term survival benefits of EVAR compared with OSR and key prognostic factors affecting outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of OSR and EVAR for rAAA and identify independent predictors of postoperative survival to guide clinical decision-making. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 83 patients diagnosed with rAAA and treated surgically in the Department of Vascular Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, between January 2013 and December 2022. Patients were divided into an OSR group and an EVAR group based on surgical approach. Baseline clinical characteristics, perioperative data, and follow-up outcomes were compared between groups. Long-term survival was analyzed, and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to determine independent prognostic factors. RESULTS: Among the 83 patients, 32 (38.6%) underwent OSR and 51 (61.4%) received EVAR, with the proportion of EVAR steadily increasing to nearly 80% in the most recent 5 years. Patients in the EVAR group were older [(68.76±8.57) years vs (60.59±13.24) years, P=0.012], and had a lower proportion of males (76.5% vs 96.9%, P=0.013). EVAR significantly reduced operating time [(181.86±69.87) min vs (291.09±60.33) min] and hospital stay [(12.14±6.31) days vs (16.22±7.89) days (P<0.05)], but total hospitalization costs were markedly higher [(208 735.84±101 394.19) yuan vs (84 893.35±40 668.56) yuan, P<0.001]. There were no significant differences between groups in 30-day mortality (15.6% vs 15.7%), aneurysm-related mortality (9.4% vs 11.7%), overall mortality (28.1% vs 29.4%), or re-intervention rate (0 vs 5.9%) (P>0.05). The median follow-up time was 54.6 months (range, 12-144 months). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed comparable cumulative survival rates between OSR and EVAR (82.7% vs 76.2%, P=0.420). Cox regression identified hyperlipidemia [hazard ratio (HR)=2.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28 to 4.19, P=0.005] and elevated preoperative serum creatinine (HR=3.33, 95% CI 1.69 to 6.55, P<0.001) as significant predictors of poor prognosis. Both factors remained independently associated with mortality in the multivariate model (hyperlipidemia: HR=2.02, 95% CI 1.10 to 3.70; elevated serum creatinine: HR=2.77, 95% CI 1.40 to 5.47; P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS EVAR offeres advantages in operative and recovery times, though its long-term survival outcomes are comparable to OSR. A history of hyperlipidemia and elevated preoperative creatinine levels are independent predictors of poor prognosis. Surgical approach should be chosen based on anatomical feasibility and patient condition, with close management of lipid levels and renal function to improve outcomes.
Humans ; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/mortality* ; Endovascular Procedures/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Male ; Female ; Prognosis ; Aged ; Aortic Rupture/mortality* ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Aged, 80 and over

Fractional flow reserve (FFR), an established modality for functionally assessing coronary artery disease, is increasingly applied to diagnose and manage lower extremity arterial disease. By incorporating functional parameters, FFR enhances revascularization precision by quantifying the hemodynamic impact of stenotic lesions, thereby overcoming limitations of conventional imaging. Key clinical applications in lower extremity disease include functional assessment in moderate intermittent claudication, post-vascular preparation strategy optimization, and predicting revascularization outcomes and complications. Advances in pressure wire and microcatheter systems, alongside non-invasive imaging-derived FFR techniques, are improving its feasibility and applicability. However, widespread adoption is challenged by the complex anatomy of the lower extremity arterial system, frequent severe calcification and diffuse disease, and a current lack of standardized FFR cutoff values. Promoting the standardized use of FFR is crucial for shifting the clinical management paradigm from anatomy-based repair toward functional reconstruction.
Humans ; Lower Extremity/blood supply* ; Peripheral Arterial Disease/diagnosis* ; Fractional Flow Reserve, Myocardial ; Endovascular Procedures/methods* ; Intermittent Claudication/physiopathology*

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of serum ferritin in intestinal failure-associated liver disease. Methods:Clinical data of adult patients with short bowel syndrome admitted to the Department of General Surgery of Jinling Hospital affiliated to Nanjing University from January 2019 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed to determine the correlation between serum ferritin and liver enzyme profiles by linear regression,to screen the potential risk factors of liver injury by multifactorial Logistic regression analysis,and to establish a prediction model for liver fibrosis. The area under the curve was also calculated to assess the accuracy of the model. Results:A total of 106 patients with short bowel syndrome were included,of whom 55 (51.9％) had elevated serum ferritin (SF). Linear regression analysis showed a positive correlation between serum ferritin and ALT (r=0.427,P<0.001),ALP (r=0.365,P<0.001),and γ-GT (r=0.423,P<0.001),and one-way Logistic regression analysis showed that the higher the level of serum ferritin,the more pronounced the difference was (SF>ULN) The one-way logistic regression analysis showed that the higher the serum ferritin level,the more significant the difference was[SF>ULN (upper limit of normal value of serum ferritin),P=0.033;SF>1.5×ULN,P=0.018;SF>2.5×ULN,P=0.006]. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that PN dependence (OR=3.366,P=0.017) and serum ferritin>2.5 ULN (OR=3.292,P=0.014)were independent risk factors for intestinal failure-associated liver disease-liver fibrosis,and the receiver operating curve (ROC) of the subjects showed area under the curve of 74.8％,95％ CI:0.652～0.844. Conclusion:Serum ferritin can be used as a reliable clinical biomarker to help identify intestinal failure-associated liver disease.

Objective:To investigate the clinical features of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (PIL).Methods:This study was a retrospective case series study. Fifty consecutive patients diagnosed with PIL in Department of Lymphatic Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University from March 2019 to March 2021 were included and their clinical data was retrospectively reviewed. There were 20 males and 30 females included, with an age of ( M(IQR)) 14 (40) years (range:0 to 67 years). No patient had the family history. There were 26 children, including 9 males and 17 females, aged 0 (7) years (range:0 to 14 years). There were 24 adults, including 11 males and 13 females, aged 40 (26) years (range:20 to 67 years). The clinical manifestations and the results of laboratory examinations, gastrointestinal endoscopy, 99Tc m-labeled human albumin ( 99Tc m-HSA) scintigraphy, 99Tc m-DX scintigraphy, direct lymphangiography (DLG), histopathology, diet treatment, surgical intervention, and clinical symptom remission at discharge were collected. Comparisons between groups were performed using independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, or χ2 test. Results:Among the 50 cases of PIL, the main manifestations were edema (86.0%), diarrhea (76.0%), and abdominal effusion (48.0%). Lymphedema (36.0%) and chylous ascites (18.0%) were not rare in PIL patients. In 99Tc m-HAS scintigraphy, 95.9% (47/49) cases showed signs of intestinal protein loss, and 91.7% (44/48) ceses showed positive findings in 99Tc m-DX scintigraphy. In DLG, 97.8% (45/46) cases showed signs of thoracic duct obstruction, 82.6% (38/46) cases showed retroperitoneal lymphatic hyperplasia, and 23.9% (11/46) cases showed backflow of contrast agent into intestine. No significant difference was seen in gender, course of disease, clinical manifestation, serum level of albumin or globulin, lymphocyte count, positive rate of fecal occult blood and prevalence of lymphedema between adults and children (all P>0.05). Conclusions:The clinical presentations of PIL between children and adults had no significant difference. The diagnosis of PIL should be made according to clinical manifestation, 99Tc m-HAS scintigraphy, 99Tc m-DX scintigraphy, DLG, gastrointestinal endoscopy and pathological findings.

Objective:To investigate the clinical features of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (PIL).Methods:This study was a retrospective case series study. Fifty consecutive patients diagnosed with PIL in Department of Lymphatic Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University from March 2019 to March 2021 were included and their clinical data was retrospectively reviewed. There were 20 males and 30 females included, with an age of ( M(IQR)) 14 (40) years (range:0 to 67 years). No patient had the family history. There were 26 children, including 9 males and 17 females, aged 0 (7) years (range:0 to 14 years). There were 24 adults, including 11 males and 13 females, aged 40 (26) years (range:20 to 67 years). The clinical manifestations and the results of laboratory examinations, gastrointestinal endoscopy, 99Tc m-labeled human albumin ( 99Tc m-HSA) scintigraphy, 99Tc m-DX scintigraphy, direct lymphangiography (DLG), histopathology, diet treatment, surgical intervention, and clinical symptom remission at discharge were collected. Comparisons between groups were performed using independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, or χ2 test. Results:Among the 50 cases of PIL, the main manifestations were edema (86.0%), diarrhea (76.0%), and abdominal effusion (48.0%). Lymphedema (36.0%) and chylous ascites (18.0%) were not rare in PIL patients. In 99Tc m-HAS scintigraphy, 95.9% (47/49) cases showed signs of intestinal protein loss, and 91.7% (44/48) ceses showed positive findings in 99Tc m-DX scintigraphy. In DLG, 97.8% (45/46) cases showed signs of thoracic duct obstruction, 82.6% (38/46) cases showed retroperitoneal lymphatic hyperplasia, and 23.9% (11/46) cases showed backflow of contrast agent into intestine. No significant difference was seen in gender, course of disease, clinical manifestation, serum level of albumin or globulin, lymphocyte count, positive rate of fecal occult blood and prevalence of lymphedema between adults and children (all P>0.05). Conclusions:The clinical presentations of PIL between children and adults had no significant difference. The diagnosis of PIL should be made according to clinical manifestation, 99Tc m-HAS scintigraphy, 99Tc m-DX scintigraphy, DLG, gastrointestinal endoscopy and pathological findings.

Objective:To explore the significance of multiple frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MFBIA) in the combined surgical treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 30 patients with unilateral postoperative BCRL. The patients recieved staged liposuction and lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) from April to October 2021 at the Department of Lymphatic Surgery in Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University. After LVA surgery, patients were followed-up by telephone and other means, and asked to come to the hospital at 1 year and 2 years, respectively. The circumference of each part of the upper limbs, the length of forearm and arm were measured, and the limb volume was calculated. MFBIA were also performed to record limb bioelectrical impedance, extracellular water(ECW), and extracellular water ratios (ECW/TBW). SPSS 21.0 was used for statistical analysis. Clinical data of the patients were analysed by One-way Repeated Measurement Anova to examine the changes in volume of the affected arms before and after surgery and the changes in values collected by MFBIA. Subsequently, differences in the volumes and values of MFBIA of the affected arms before and after surgery, and the ratios of the above were analysed by paired t-test to compare each pair, then followed by Pearson correlation test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:After liposuction, the volume differences of affected and healthy arms were reduced from 1 147 ml ± 484 ml before surgery to 261 ml ± 304 ml after surgery, which achieved a significant reduction with statistical significance ( P<0.05). However, there were no significant changes in ECW or bioelectrical impedance at various frequencies (1-1 000 K) ( P>0.05). After LVA, the differences in volume of the affected and healthy arms further decreased to 17 ml±264 ml with statistical significance compared to that before surgery ( P<0.05), ECW decreased from 1.115 L ± 0.207 L to 0.937 L ± 0.164 L with statistical significance ( P<0.05), ECW/TBW decreased from 0.412 ± 0.008 to 0.405 ± 0.007 with statistical significance ( P<0.05), and the bioelectrical impedance at various frequencies was significantly increased with statistical significance ( P<0.05). After LVA, the difference in arm volume was positively correlated with the difference in ECW (correlation coefficient 0.602, P<0.05), positively correlated with the difference in Rate of ECW (correlation coefficient 0.560, P<0.05), and negatively correlated with the ratios of impedance at various frequencies (correlation coefficients 0.529-0.545, P<0.05). Conclusion:In the staged surgical treatment of BCRL, with the application of MFBIA, it is found that lymphatic liposuction removes the pathological adipose tissue of an arm, hence significantly reduces the volume of the affected arm. However, lymphatic stasis remains unrelieved, therefore without a significant reduction in arm oedema. After the second-stage LVA, the improvement of lymphatic return leads to the relief of arm oedema, and the volume of the affected arm approaches to that of the healthy side. MFBIA can be used for assessment of arm oedema.

Objective:To investigate the characteristics and diagnostic methods for the patients with primary lymphedema and interstitial lung disease, as well as the efficacy of thoracic duct or right lymphatic duct plasty.Methods:A retrospective study was performed on 13 patients who were treated for primary lymphedema in the Department of Lymphatic Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 2018 to December 2022. All patients were confirmed with interstitial lung disease by high-resolution CT (HRCT) and then underwent thoracic duct or right lymphatic duct plasty surgery. The 13 patients in this study were 7 males and 6 females aged 7.3 (0.7-30.0) years old. Primary lymphedema was the first manifestation in all patients, with an average morbidity age at 1.0 (0-11.0) years old. The average time from the onset of lymphedema to the confirmed interstitial lung disease was 6.3 (0.3-19.0) years. All patients underwent thoracic duct or right lymphatic duct plasty for improvement of the lymphatic flow. In addition, 9 cases (69.2%) received a direct lymphangiography (DLG). In which, 4 cases (44.4%) received further treatment of ligation of the reflux branches, and 1 (11.1%) had the treatment plans changed, because a chylous reflux into the lung through a bronchomediastinal trunk was found from DLG, therefore a ligation of the abnormal reflux branches was performed and a life-long strict low-fat diet was required. Postoperative follow-ups for evaluation of the improvements of lymphedema and pulmonary lymphatic flow were carried out by visit of outpatient clinic or via telephone interviews.Results:All patients recovered well after surgery with an average follow-up time of 47.5 (19.0-68.0) months. Lymphedema was stable in 2 cases (15.4%) and relieved in 11 cases (84.6%). Ten cases (76.9%) had completed the postoperative HRCT reviews and 9 (90.0%) were found with significant improvement in the interstitial lung disease.Conclusion:The interstitial lung disease found during the examination of patients with primary lymphedema can be explained with a lymphatic flow disorder. DLG can identify the cause and make to guide the treatment. Thoracic duct or right lymphatic duct plasty can effectively improve both of the symptom of lymphedema and interstitial lung disease.

Objective To investigate the risk factors for bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD)in twin preterm infants with a gestational age of<34 weeks,and to provide a basis for early identification of BPD in twin preterm infants in clinical practice.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for the twin preterm infants with a gestational age of<34 weeks who were admitted to 22 hospitals nationwide from January 2018 to December 2020.According to their conditions,they were divided into group A(both twins had BPD),group B(only one twin had BPD),and group C(neither twin had BPD).The risk factors for BPD in twin preterm infants were analyzed.Further analysis was conducted on group B to investigate the postnatal risk factors for BPD within twins.Results A total of 904 pairs of twins with a gestational age of<34 weeks were included in this study.The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with group C,birth weight discordance of>25%between the twins was an independent risk factor for BPD in one of the twins(OR=3.370,95%CI:1.500-7.568,P<0.05),and high gestational age at birth was a protective factor against BPD(P<0.05).The conditional logistic regression analysis of group B showed that small-for-gestational-age(SGA)birth was an independent risk factor for BPD in individual twins(OR=5.017,95%CI:1.040-24.190,P<0.05).Conclusions The development of BPD in twin preterm infants is associated with gestational age,birth weight discordance between the twins,and SGA birth.