Author: Jason Curtis

Use of recombinant parathyroid hormone in treatment of bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis leading to spontaneous healing (2019)

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Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Chundoo S.; *Pilkington R.; *Bhatia S.; *Garton M.

Citation:
British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Dec 2019; vol. 57 (no. 10)

Abstract:
Introduction: Case presentation of 61 year old female patient who developed BRONJ (bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaw) and a pathological triple fracture of the anterior mandible. She had underlying vitamin D deficiency and secondary hypoparathyroidism. She also suffers from anca positive rheumatoid arthritis and is under the active care of rheumatology.
Method(s): Patient was treated with conservative measures which failed to give a good quality of life outcome. Under special license, with involvement from rheumatology, the patient was started on monthly injections of recombinant parathyroid hormone (teriparatide).
Result(s): Over 12-18 months, the serial radiographs reveal bony union of all fracture sites. Patient now has good quality of life and patient is back on disease modifying drugs to control their active rheumatoid arthritis.
Conclusions/Clinical Relevance: Novel approach to using teriparatide for patients with end-stage BRONJ. License of the drug as well as current NICE guidelines for its use and patient specific requirements such as fragility fracture risks age and DEXA scores are also discussed. The action of the drug on osteoblastic formation and bone turnover is discussed. This will help practitioners have another agent to add to their treatment options in treating the effects of BRONJ.

A technical note describing the use of a carotid artery bypass graft in the management of head and neck cancer with carotid artery involvement and review of literature (2019)

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Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Hamps C.; *Pilkington R.; *Merriman C.; *Thomas S.; *Bhatia S.

Citation:
British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Dec 2019; vol. 57 (no. 10)

Abstract:
Introduction Carotid blowout syndrome (CBS) refers to rupture of the carotid artery and is an uncommon but often catastrophic complication of head and neck cancer when arterial wall integrity is compromised,
particularly where surgical procedures and radiotherapy are involved. Rupture occurs most commonly in the common carotid artery in proximity to the furcation, often within 10-40 days post surgery. Methods We present the use of a great saphenous vein carotid artery bypass graft in the management of a 47-year-old woman with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma (T2 N1 M0 RO V1) utilizing the Pruitt F3 carotid shunt system to minimize cerebral perfusion compromise. We explore pre and post-operative surgical considerations including suggested graft-monitoring protocols. Results The body of evidence supporting the use of carotid bypass grafts is limited. Despite data paucity, case series are available demonstrating variable mortality. A systematic review of PubMed was conducted revealing three English language case series. One series reported a 2-year survival of 82% with carotid sacrifice and autogenous venous graft where distant metastatic disease is absent. 96% of patients experienced no neurologic sequela whilst 3.9% suffered CVA post-operatively. Our own patient remains free of neurologic symptoms and graft patency has been confirmed at 3 months. Clinical Relevance Tumour resection involving in the carotid artery presents an array of surgical management possibilities including tumour shaving, artery ligation or resection. The long-term survival of carotid bypass graft is unknown and reported complications vary, it remains a promising technique in the prevention of carotid blowout syndrome.

The change in presentation and treatment of dental abscess in ten years at Telford Hospital (2019)

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Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Wu E.

Citation:
British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Dec 2019; vol. 57 (no. 10)

Abstract:
Background A dental infection often requires simple treatment but an abscess can turn into a life threatening condition. In the UK in April 2006 a new dental contract was introduced, it changed the renumeration tariffs from pay per item to a 3 tier banding payment system in the hope of shifting the balance to prevention rather than treatment. Aims The aim of this project is to study the change in incidence and severity of dental infections presenting to Telford Hospital Emergency Department (ED), the treatment required plus the potential implications on Maxillofacial Services. Methods Data was collected from 2006 and 2016. Using the ED database codes for 'soft tissue infection/abscess or Facio-maxillary conditions' patients were identified. Only those notes stating a clear dental cause were included. Results The median age range in 2006 and 2016 was 30years old. In 2016, 20% of patients had been commenced on Antibiotics (most commonly amoxicillin) compared to only 3% in 2006. The number of patients presenting to ED doubled in 2016 and the procedures (LA/ GA) more than quadrupled resulting in a rise in inpatient stay from 1 to 11 days in total. The increase in GA could indicate increased severity of the abscess. Conclusions It would appear that the work load managed by Maxillofacial Surgeons has increased. There has also been an increase in incidence and severity of dental infections.  Whether this is secondary to deterioration in dental health or unwillingness by the public to pay to for dental health care is unclear.

Temporal artery biopsy harvesting length audit, patient satisfaction with post op management. A guide for clinical commissioning group planning (2019)

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Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Pilkington R.; *Chundoo S.; *Rollings L.; *Messahel A.; *Thomas S.; *Bhatia S.

Citation:
British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Dec 2019; vol. 57 (no. 10)

Abstract:
Introduction: Giant cell or temporal arteritis (GCA) is a vasculitis mainly affecting patients over 50yrs. Diagnosis is facilitated by a temporal artery biopsy (TAB). Due to the increased risk loss of visual loss, patients are started on high dose steroids to reduce this risk. However, a timely diagnosis with the aid from a TAB can help steer the patient into a more medically directed pathway of an appropriate reduction or prolonged use of steroids. We used British Society of Rheumatology (BSR) guidelines to audit our harvest length (recommend > 20 mm) and a telephone questionnaire to follow up patients. Method Retrospective audit over 2.5 years, 146 patients underwent a TAB performed at the Princess Royal and Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.
Results: Male:female (30:70), average age 69yrs.We had a 99.3% TAB harvest of the artery and harvest length > 10 mm was 100% and > 20 mm was 87%. Mean length 24 mm. A positive diagnosis of GCA was made from 24.6% of the TAB. A telephone questionnaire was conducted with a 44% response. 11% reported some postoperative bleeding and 4% some discomfort from the sutures. 0% reported any ongoing problems from the surgical site or concerns from the scar. Clinical relevance In our unit we provide a comprehensive service to a large geographical region. In line with Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG) this audit shows that we are providing a quality service to the practitioners who refer their patients for this treatment provision. Hopefully this audit can be used to further improve our service.

Reconstruction of the radial forearm free flap donor site with an acellular dermal regenerative matrix "Integra" on Fitzpatrick Type 1 skin (2019)

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Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Pilkington R.; *Saggu M.; *Thomas S.; *Bhatia S.

Citation:
British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Dec 2019; vol. 57 (no. 10)

Abstract:
Introduction: The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) is still one of the most commonly used free flaps in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The flap provides a thin flap making intra-oral repair less bulky however, one of the drawbacks to this flap is the donor site morbidity. We report the use of an acellular dermal regenerative matrix material (Integra, Integra Life Sciences, Plainsboro, NJ) to provide a substrate for wound coverage. Method: Our novel approach is used to minimise the donor site scarring and is used to treat a fit and healthy right handed 37-year-old man who presented with a mucoepidermoid carcinoma arising from minor salivary glands in the hard palate. He required resection with reconstruction with a left RFFF. He has Type 1 Fitzpatrick skin and is prone to severe keloid scarring and is not keen to have a skin graft taken to cause further scarring.
Results: We review the types of techniques to close the RFFF donor site. This is the first case using integra to close this site and show the healing stages involved. Clinical relevance This case reveals that the use of the Integra has resulted in a neodermis which then allowed ingress of the surrounding epidermis to fully cover the donor site. It has alleviated the need to take a split skin or full thickness graft which would have added more keloid scarring for the patient.

The diagnostic value of cytology in parotid Warthin's tumors: international multicenter series (2020)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Borsetto, Daniele; Fussey, Jonathan M; Cazzador, Diego; Smith, Joel; Ciorba, Andrea; Pelucchi, Stefano; Donà, Sara; Boscolo-Rizzo, Paolo; Tomasoni, Michele; Lombardi, Davide; Nicolai, Piero; Zanoletti, Elisabetta; Colangeli, Roberta; Emanuelli, Enzo; *Osborne, Max S; *Ahsan, Syed F; Tofanelli, Margherita; Tirelli, Giancarlo; McNamara, Katherine; Liew, Leonard; *Harrison, Katherine; Fassina, Ambrogio; Sarcognato, Samantha; Sharma, Neil; Rao, Kanishka; Pracy, Paul; Nankivell, Paul

Citation:
Head & Neck; 2020; Vol 42(3) p. 522-529

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION Warthin's tumor (WT) is a common benign salivary gland neoplasm with a negligible risk of malignant transformation. However, there is a risk of malignant tumors being misdiagnosed as WT on cytology and inappropriately managed conservatively.
METHODS Patients from nine centers in Italy and the United Kingdom undergoing parotid surgery for cytologically diagnosed WT were included in this multicenter retrospective series. Definitive histology was compared with preoperative cytological diagnoses. Surgical complications were recorded.
RESULTS A total of 496 tumors were identified. In 88.9%, the final histological diagnosis was WT. In 21 cases (4.2%) a malignant neoplasm was diagnosed, which had been incorrectly labeled as WT on cytology.
CONCLUSIONS The risk of undiagnosed malignancy should be balanced against surgical risks when considering the management of WT. Although nonsurgical management remains an appropriate option, there may be a rationale for serial clinical or radiological evaluation if surgical excision is not performed.

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A method to improve the accuracy between the presumed depth of excision and the actual depth of excision in women (2018)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
*Papoutsis D.; *Kandanearachchi P.; *Sahu B.; Antonakou A.; Tzavara C.

Citation:
Hippokratia; 2018; vol. 22 (no. 3); p. 113-121

Abstract:
Background: We aimed to determine whether continuous auditing of the presumed depth of excision and
comparing with the actual depth of excision in women having large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) improves the ability to acquire the desired depth of excision.
Method(s): This was a prospective study of women submitted to a single LLETZ treatment between 2017-2018. Two senior colposcopists recorded what they presumed was the depth of excision at the time of treatment and the subsequent histopathology report provided the actual excised depth. Multiple linear regression identified independently associated parameters with the difference between presumed and actual excision depth. Nonlinear regression determined the learning plateau defined as the theoretical minimal score of difference one could achieve with infinite practice.
Result(s): There were significant differences in practices with the first colposcopist using an 18-mm loop and the second colposcopist a 15-mm loop in the majority of cases. The median absolute and percentage difference between the presumed and actual excised depth was 2 mm and 16.6% and 3.5 mm and 35.4% for the two colposcopists, respectively. A learning plateau was identified only for the first colposcopist. We found that auditing consecutive excisions decreased significantly the difference between the presumed and actual depth of excision with a learning plateau at 2.2 mm of absolute difference and 22.6% of percentage difference and with a learning rate of 13 cervical excisions.
Conclusion(s): There might be a benefit in auditing our treatment practice as there seems to be a learning
plateau through this method

Link to full-text [open access - no password required]

HEART UK consensus statement on Lipoprotein(a): A call to action (2019)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Cegla J.; Neely R.D.G.; France M.; Ferns G.; Byrne C.D.; Halcox J.; Datta D.; *Capps N.; Shoulders C.; Qureshi N.; Rees A.; Main L.; Payne J.; Cramb R.; Viljoen A.; Soran H.

Citation:
Atherosclerosis; Dec 2019; vol. 291 ; p. 62-70

Abstract:
Lipoprotein(a), Lp(a), is a modified atherogenic low-density lipoprotein particle that contains apolipoprotein(a). Its levels are highly heritable and variable in the population. This consensus statement by HEART UK is based on the evidence that Lp(a) is an independent cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor, provides recommendations for its measurement in clinical practice and reviews current and emerging therapeutic strategies to reduce CVD risk. Ten statements summarise the most salient points for practitioners and patients with high Lp(a). HEART UK recommends that Lp(a) is measured in adults as follows: 1) those with a personal or family history of premature atherosclerotic CVD; 2) those with first-degree relatives who have Lp(a) levels >200 nmol/l; 3) patients with familial hypercholesterolemia; 4) patients with calcific aortic valve stenosis and 5) those with borderline (but <15%) 10-year risk of a cardiovascular event. The management of patients with raised Lp(a) levels should include: 1) reducing overall atherosclerotic risk; 2) controlling dyslipidemia with a desirable non-HDL-cholesterol level of <100 mg/dl (2.5 mmol/l) and 3) consideration of lipoprotein apheresis.

Link to full-text [open access - no password required]

Corrigendum: It has been brought to our attention that the wording of the German reimbursement criteria for apheresis is not clear in the above paper (Section 7. Management of patients with raised Lipoprotein(a), Subheading: Apheresis). This should read: “In Germany, Lp(a) levels exceeding 60 mg/dl and LDL-cholesterol in normal range along with progressive CVD has been approved as an indication for regular lipoprotein apheresis since 2008.”

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Human immunodeficiency disease in new diagnoses of head and neck squamous cell cancer: are we testing? (2019)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
*McNamara K.J.; Saunders T.F.C.; *Ahsan F.; *Fernandez C.

Citation:
Journal of Laryngology and Otology; Vol. 133(12) p. 1038-1040

Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus infected patients have a three-fold increased risk of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The British HIV Association recommends human immunodeficiency virus testing in all new diagnoses of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE(S): This observational study aimed to examine the current routine practice of human immunodeficiency virus testing in patients with newly diagnosed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and to address the importance of this test in promoting the early diagnosis and treatment of human immunodeficiency virus.
METHOD(S): All head and neck cancer multidisciplinary teams in England were questioned on their protocol for human immunodeficiency virus testing in new diagnoses of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
RESULT(S): Only 1 out of 30 hospitals leading head and neck multidisciplinary teams (3.3 per cent) routinely offered human immunodeficiency virus testing in this high-risk patient group.
CONCLUSION(S): This observational study highlights that head and neck specialists are not aware of, and are consequently not complying with, routine human immunodeficiency virus testing as recommended by the British HIV Association guidelines.

An Epidemiological Study of Foot and Ankle Motocross Motorcycling Injuries in the United Kingdom (2020)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
*Orfanos G.; *Paavana T.; *Hill S.O.; *Singh R.A.; *Hay S.M.

Citation:
Foot and Ankle Surgery; Oct 2020; vol. 26 (no. 7); p. 797-800

Abstract:
Background: Motocross is a recreational and competitive sport involving motorcycle racing on off-road circuits. Participants have enjoyed their sport worldwide for over 100 years. In the United Kingdom, there are over 200 clubs, with over 900 events annually. Unfortunately, little evidence exists on motocross injuries and their prevention. The aim of this study is to report and to quantify the different foot and ankle injuries observed in motocross.
Method(s): Data was collected prospectively between August 2010 to August 2015 at our regional trauma unit, regardless of whether the sport was performed competitively or recreationally.
Result(s): Foot and ankle related injuries were identified in 210 patients (age range 4-78 years), with the majority being male participants (189, 90%). The majority of injuries occurred within the 21- to 30-year-old-age group. Most injuries were sustained around the start of the motocross season, in early spring and the summer months. A total of 76 patients (36%) required operative intervention. The most common injury was ankle fracture (49, 23%), followed by ankle sprain (44, 21%).
Conclusion(s): This is the first epidemiological study in the United Kingdom documenting foot and ankle injuries in motocross. The frequency and severity of motocross-related injuries is presented. This may serve to provide recommendations and guidelines in the governing bodies of this sport. The surge in motocross popularity is correlates with an increase in injuries and inevitably the resources required to treat them.
Level of Evidence: Prospective descriptive epidemiological study. Level 1.

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