Erasmus University Medical Center

About: Erasmus University Medical Center is a healthcare organization based out in Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Medicine. The organization has 8162 authors who have published 11395 publications receiving 517117 citations.

DOG1 and CD117 are the antibodies of choice in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumours.

Abstract: Novelli M, Rossi S, Rodriguez-Justo M, Taniere P, Seddon B, Toffolatti L, Sartor C, Hogendoorn P C W, Sciot R, Van Glabbeke M, Verweij J, Blay J Y, Hohenberger P, Flanagan A & Dei Tos A P (2010) Histopathology57, 259–270 DOG1 and CD117 are the antibodies of choice in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumours Aims: The histopathological diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) is typically made based on a combination of clinical and morphological features supported by immunohistochemistry studies. The aim of this study was to examine the staining quality, sensitivity, specificity and utility of antibodies used commonly in GIST diagnosis. Methods and results: Immunohistochemistry with a panel of antibodies [CD117, DOG1, protein kinase C (PKC)-theta, nestin, CD34, smooth muscle actin (SMA), desmin, S100 and CD171] was performed on whole sections from 187 GIST and 29 gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumours, and on several microarrays including 355 GISTs and 120 soft tissue sarcomas. Results showed that DOG1 and CD117 were the most sensitive and specific antibodies used in GIST diagnosis. PKC-theta and nestin were sensitive, but less specific, also staining other spindle cell tumours commonly considered in the differential diagnosis of GIST. CD34 staining was less sensitive than many of the other antibodies and of limited aid in diagnosis. The smooth muscle markers SMA and desmin, together with the neural marker S100, were unhelpful in confirming a diagnosis of GIST, but were particularly useful in the exclusion/diagnosis of other gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumour types. Conclusions: In the majority of histologically suspected GISTs a combination of CD117 and DOG1 immunostaining is sufficient to confirm the histological diagnosis.

Evaluation of seizure treatment in anti-LGI1, anti-NMDAR, and anti-GABABR encephalitis

Abstract: Objective This nationwide cohort study evaluates seizure responses to immunotherapy and antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in patients with anti-leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1), anti-NMDA receptor (NMDAR), and anti-gamma-aminobutyric-acid B receptor (GABABR) encephalitis. Methods Anti-LGI1, anti-NMDAR, and anti-GABABR encephalitis patients with new-onset seizures were included. Medical information about disease course, AEDs and immunotherapies used, effects, and side effects were collected. Outcome measures were (1) seizure freedom while using AEDs or immunotherapy, (2) days to seizure freedom from start of AEDs or immunotherapy, and (3) side effects. Results Of 153 patients with autoimmune encephalitis (AIE) (53 LGI1, 75 NMDAR, 25 GABABR), 72% (n = 110) had epileptic seizures, and 89% reached seizure freedom. At least 53% achieved seizure freedom shortly after immunotherapy, and 14% achieved seizure freedom while using only AEDs (p < 0.0001). This effect was similar in all types (p = 0.0001; p = 0.0005; p = 0.013, respectively). Median time to seizure freedom from AEDs start was 59 days (interquartile range [IQR] 27–160), and 28 days from start of immunotherapy (IQR 9–71, p < 0.0001). Side effects were psychotic behavior and suicidal thoughts by the use of levetiracetam, and rash by the use of carbamazepine. Carbamazepine was more effective than levetiracetam in reducing seizures in anti-LGI1 encephalitis (p = 0.031). Only 1 patient, of 86 surviving patients, developed epilepsy after resolved encephalitis. Conclusion Epilepsy after resolved encephalitis was rare in our cohort of patients with AIE treated with immunotherapy. In addition, seizure freedom is achieved faster and more frequently after immunotherapy. Therefore, AEDs should be considered as add-on treatment, and similar to treatment of other encephalitis symptoms, immunotherapy is crucial.

Prognosis After Aortic Valve Replacement With a Bioprosthesis Predictions Based on Meta-Analysis and Microsimulation

Abstract: Background—Bioprostheses are widely used as an aortic valve substitute, but knowledge about prognosis is still incomplete. The purpose of this study was to provide insight into the age-related life expectancy and actual risks of reoperation and valve-related events of patients after aortic valve replacement with a porcine bioprosthesis. Methods and Results—We conducted a meta-analysis of 9 selected reports on stented porcine bioprostheses, including 5837 patients with a total follow-up of 31 874 patient-years. The annual rates of valve thrombosis, thromboembolism, hemorrhage, and nonstructural dysfunction were 0.03%, 0.87%, 0.38%, and 0.38%, respectively. The annual rate of endocarditis was estimated at 0.68% for >6 months of implantation and was 5 times as high during the first 6 months. Structural valve deterioration was described with a Weibull model that incorporated lower risks for older patients. These estimates were used to parameterize, calibrate, and validate a mathematical microsimulation model....

A review of topical negative pressure therapy in wound healing: sufficient evidence?

Abstract: Background Topical negative pressure (TNP) therapy has become a useful adjunct in the management of various types of wounds. However, the TNP system still has characteristics of a “black box” with uncertain efficacy for many users. We extensively examined the effectiveness of TNP therapy reported in research studies. Data sources A database search was undertaken, and over 400 peer-reviewed articles related to the use of TNP therapy (animal, human, and in vitro studies) were identified. Conclusions Almost all encountered studies were related to the use of the commercial VAC device (KCI Medical, United States). Mechanisms of action that can be attributed to TNP therapy are an increase in blood flow, the promotion of angiogenesis, a reduction of wound surface area in certain types of wounds, a modulation of the inhibitory contents in wound fluid, and the induction of cell proliferation. Edema reduction and bacterial clearance, mechanisms that were attributed to TNP therapy, were not proven in basic research.