Aintree University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

About: Aintree University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a healthcare organization based out in Liverpool, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Cancer. The organization has 688 authors who have published 603 publications receiving 36207 citations. The organization is also known as: Aintree Hospitals NHS Trust & Aintree Hospitals National Health Service Trust.

Improvement in the care of multiple endocrine neoplasia Type 1 through a regional multidisciplinary clinic

Abstract: Background: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Timely detection of MEN1 kindred, together with treatment of associated tumours, results in an improved outcome. We describe how the development of a dedicated multidisciplinary MEN clinic has improved the diagnosis and treatment of MEN1-associated endocrinopathies. Design and patients: A dedicated MEN clinic was developed at Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool in 2002 for patients living in Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales. The multidisciplinary approach adopted, aimed to improve communication and continuity of care. Patients see all clinicians involved in their care (Consultant Endocrinologist, Paediatrician, Clinical Geneticist and Endocrine Surgeon) simultaneously, allowing for a unified, clear approach and a reduction in unnecessary attendances. The clinicians adopt a proactive approach to tracing the relatives of patients, with the aim of identifying kindred with previously asymptomatic disease. Results: In 2002, 16 patients from 5 families were diagnosed clinically with MEN1. Twenty MEN1-associated endocrinopathies had been diagnosed and 21 surgical procedures had been performed. By the end of 2008, 45 patients from 15 families had been identified, with 83 endocrinopathies diagnosed and 50 surgical procedures performed. Ninety-four known relatives are awaiting screening for MEN1. Conclusion: The successful identification of patients with MEN1 has resulted in an exponential increase in the number of patients attending the clinic. As relatives undergo screening, the diagnosis of MEN is likely to increase. The ever increasing numbers of patients requiring screening, surveillance and treatment has implications in the planning of future service provision.

Correction to: Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy in Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome and Prediabetes: A Narrative Review.

Abstract: The authors of the article would like to amend the article title to ‘Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy in Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome and Prediabetes: A Narrative Review’.

The management of vacuum neck drains in head and neck surgery and the comparison of two different practice protocols for drain removal.

Abstract: Introduction The management of vacuum neck drains in head and neck surgery is varied. We aimed to improve early drain removal and therefore patient discharge in a safe and effective manner. Methods The postoperative management of head and neck surgical patients with vacuum neck drains was reviewed retrospectively. A new policy was then implemented to measure drainage three times daily (midnight, 6am, midday). The decision for drain removal was based on the most recent drainage period (at <3ml per hour). A further patient cohort was subsequently assessed prospectively. The length of hospital stay was compared between the cohorts. Results The retrospective audit included 51 patients while the prospective audit included 47. The latter saw 16 patients (33%) discharged at least one day earlier than they would have been under the previous policy. No adverse effects were noted from earlier drain removal. Conclusions Measuring drainage volumes three times daily allows for more accurate assessment of wound drainage, and this can lead to earlier removal of neck drains and safe discharge.

Features and prognostic utility of biopsy in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract: Background Traditional approaches in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) management utilize biopsy tissue for diagnostic purposes only. Adverse prognostic features, such as the tumor depth, are usually determined from final resection specimens, but are seldom studied in biopsy tissue. Methods A preliminary study of 139 consecutive biopsies compared biopsy size with T classification, tumor site, and operator grade, and biopsy tumor depth with the true tumor depth. Results This study demonstrated that biopsy size is independent of T classification (p = .44), subsite (p = .86), and operator grade (p = .10). The biopsy tumor depth significantly underrepresented true tumor depth (2.5 mm, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.4–2.9 vs 8.2 mm, 95% CI = 6.5–9.9; p < .001), confirming the limited prognostic utility of biopsies in OSCC. Conclusion A future clinical trial will compare the routine biopsy technique with standardized deeper biopsy techniques using punch biopsy to sample invasive fronts and investigate opportunities for up-front staging using a combination of histological features and epithelial and stromal molecular biomarkers in OSCC. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2015

A mixed-methods pilot study to evaluate a collaborative anaesthetic and surgical training package for emergency surgical cricothyroidotomy.

Abstract: In a ‘can’t intubate, can’t oxygenate’ scenario, success of emergency front-of-neck access is dependent upon a clinician’s skill, competence and confidence to initiate the procedure. Surgical crico...