Atul F. Kamath

Bio: Atul F. Kamath is an academic researcher from Cleveland Clinic. The author has contributed to research in topics: Medicine & Arthroplasty. The author has an hindex of 30, co-authored 208 publications receiving 3561 citations. Previous affiliations of Atul F. Kamath include Pennsylvania Hospital & Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Comparative Epidemiology of Revision Arthroplasty: Failed THA Poses Greater Clinical and Economic Burdens Than Failed TKA.

Abstract: Background Revision THA and TKA are growing and important clinical and economic challenges. Healthcare systems tend to combine revision joint replacement procedures into a single service line, and differences between revision THA and revision TKA remain incompletely characterized. These differences carry implications for guiding care and resource allocation. We therefore evaluated epidemiologic trends associated with revision THAs and TKAs.

Quantifying the Burden of Revision Total Joint Arthroplasty for Periprosthetic Infection

Abstract: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents substantial clinical and economic burdens. This study evaluated patient and procedure characteristics and resource utilization associated with revision arthroplasty for PJI. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (Q4 2005-2010) was analyzed for 235,857 revision THA (RTHA) and 301,718 revision TKA (RTKA) procedures. PJI was the most common indication for RTKA, and the third most common reason for RTHA. PJI was most commonly associated with major severity of illness (SOI) in RTHA, and with moderate SOI in RTKA. RTHA and RTKA for PJI had the longest length of stay. Costs were higher for RTHA/RTKA for PJI than for any other diagnosis except periprosthetic fracture. Epidemiologic differences exist in the rank, severity and populations for RTHA and RTKA for PJI.

Effect of Body Mass Index on Complications and Reoperations After Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Abstract: Background: High body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased rates of complications after total hip arthroplasty. Studies to date have evaluated risk mainly as a dichotomous variable according to BMI thresholds. The purpose of this paper was to characterize the risk of complications and implant survival according to BMI as a continuous variable. Methods: Using prospectively collected data from our institutional total joint registry, we analyzed 21,361 consecutive hips (17,774 patients) treated with primary total hip arthroplasty between 1985 and 2012 at a single institution. The average BMI at the time of surgery was 28.7 kg/m2 (range, 15 to 69 kg/m2). Estimates of revision surgery and common complications associated with BMI were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method of assessing survivorship, with associations of outcomes assessed using a Cox model. Results: Utilizing smoothing spline parameterization, we found that reoperation (p 25 kg/m2; p < 0.001). However, we found no association between increasing BMI and any revision for mechanical failure of the implant or between increasing BMI and revision for aseptic implant loosening. There was an inverse correlation between increasing BMI and risk of revision for bearing wear. Conclusions: The rates of reoperation, implant revision or removal, and common complications after total hip arthroplasty were strongly associated with BMI. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Direct Anterior versus Miniposterior THA With the Same Advanced Perioperative Protocols: Surprising Early Clinical Results

Abstract: Background Although some surgeons strongly advocate for one approach over the other, there are few data directly comparing the direct anterior approach with a miniposterior approach for total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Metallic implant biomaterials

Abstract: Human tissue is structured mainly of self-assembled polymers (proteins) and ceramics (bone minerals), with metals present as trace elements with molecular scale functions. However, metals and their alloys have played a predominant role as structural biomaterials in reconstructive surgery, especially orthopedics, with more recent uses in non-osseous tissues, such as blood vessels. With the successful routine use of a large variety of metal implants clinically, issues associated with long-term maintenance of implant integrity have also emerged. This review focuses on metallic implant biomaterials, identifying and discussing critical issues in their clinical applications, including the systemic toxicity of released metal ions due to corrosion, fatigue failure of structural components due to repeated loading, and wearing of joint replacements due to movement. This is followed by detailed reviews on specific metallic biomaterials made from stainless steels, alloys of cobalt, titanium and magnesium, as well as shape memory alloys of nickel–titanium, silver, tantalum and zirconium. For each, the properties that affect biocompatibility and mechanical integrity (especially corrosion fatigue) are discussed in detail. Finally, the most critical challenges for metallic implant biomaterials are summarized, with emphasis on the most promising approaches and strategies.

Physiological Implications of Hydrogen Sulfide: A Whiff Exploration That Blossomed

Abstract: The important life-supporting role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has evolved from bacteria to plants, invertebrates, vertebrates, and finally to mammals. Over the centuries, however, H2S had only been known for its toxicity and environmental hazard. Physiological importance of H2S has been appreciated for about a decade. It started by the discovery of endogenous H2S production in mammalian cells and gained momentum by typifying this gasotransmitter with a variety of physiological functions. The H2S-catalyzing enzymes are differentially expressed in cardiovascular, neuronal, immune, renal, respiratory, gastrointestinal, reproductive, liver, and endocrine systems and affect the functions of these systems through the production of H2S. The physiological functions of H2S are mediated by different molecular targets, such as different ion channels and signaling proteins. Alternations of H2S metabolism lead to an array of pathological disturbances in the form of hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure, diabetes...

Hydrogen sulfide is an endogenous modulator of leukocyte-mediated inflammation

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is increasingly recognized as an important signaling molecule in the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Recently, H2S donors were reported to induce neutrophil apoptosis and to suppress expression of some leukocyte and endothelial adhesion molecules. Using rats, we examined the possibility that H2S is an endogenous regulator of key inflammatory events at the leukocyte-endothelial interface. Via intravital microscopy, we observed that H2S donors (NaHS and Na2S) inhibited aspirin-induced leukocyte adherence in mesenteric venules (ED50 of 5.0 micromol/kg for Na2S), likely via activation of ATP-sensitive K+ (K(ATP)) channels. Inhibition of endogenous H2S synthesis elicited leukocyte adherence. Leukocyte infiltration in an air pouch model was also suppressed by H2S donors (NaHS, Lawesson's reagent, and N-acetylcysteine; ED50 of 42.7, 1.3, and 29.9 micromol/kg, respectively) and exacerbated by inhibition of endogenous H2S synthesis. Carrageenan-induced paw edema was suppressed by H2S donors (NaHS and Na2S; ED50s of 35 and 28 micromol/kg, respectively) to the same extent as by diclofenac and enhanced by an inhibitor of H2S synthesis. Suppression of edema formation by H2S donors was mimicked by a K(ATP) channel agonist and reversed by an antagonist of this channel. These results suggest that endogenous H2S is an important mediator of acute inflammation, acting at the leukocyte-endothelium interface. These findings have important implications for anti-inflammatory drug development.