Israel Medical Association Journal

Background: Patients with mechanical prosthetic heart valves must be treated with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) due to an increased risk of valve thrombosis and systemic embolism.

Objectives: To assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on VKA treatment control in patients with mechanical prosthetic heart valves.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective nationwide cohort study using the Clalit Health Services database. The cohort included patients who underwent either aortic or mitral valve replacement using a prosthetic mechanical valve. The primary outcomes included the overall time in therapeutic range (TTR) and the percent of patients with a TTR < 50% during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to preceding year.

Results: The cohort included 2381 patients. The percentage of patients who had at least two international normalized ratio (INR) tests during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly lower compared to the year preceding the pandemic (81% and 87%, respectively, P < 0.001). In both years, the percentage of patients without any documented INR test was high (31.5% in the first COVID-19 pandemic year and 28.9% in the preceding year, P < 0.001). TTR was significantly lower during the 1st year of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the preceding year (68.1% ± 26 and 69.4% ± 24, P = 0.03). A TTR > 50% was demonstrated in 78% and 81% during the pandemic and the preceding year, P = 0.009.

Conclusions: We noted overall poor VKA control in patients with mechanical heart valves. During the COVID-19 pandemic, VKA control became even worse as reflected by significantly lower TTR and INR tests rates.

Background: Cloacal malformation represents the rarest and most complex congenital anorectal malformation in females and is characterized by the convergence of urinary, gynecological, and intestinal systems within a single common channel. Three-dimensional computed tomography reconstruction (3D CT cloacagram) has emerged as a valuable method for anatomical assessment and preoperative planning.

Objectives: To evaluate our experience with 3D CT cloacagram and assess its results.

Methods: This retrospective case series included all patients with cloacal malformation who underwent preoperative 3D CT cloacagram at a single institution during 2019–2023. Collected data included patient characteristics, timing of the 3D CT cloacagram, results of the 3D CT cloacagram, comparison with endoscopic results, surgical procedures, and postoperative outcome.

Results: Six patients with cloacal malformation were included in this study, including two with posterior cloaca. The median common channel length on 3D CT cloacagram was 24.5 mm (range 9–48 mm) and the median urethral length was 15.5 mm (range 13-24 mm). The surgical approach involved a combined abdominoperineal approach in three patients and posterior sagittal anorectal vaginal urethral plasty in one patient. Two patients were awaiting surgical reconstruction at the time of publication.

Conclusions: Our implementation of 3D cloacagram has facilitated precise measurements of both the urethra and common channel lengths, two key factors in formulating surgical strategies for cloacal reconstruction. Moreover, this technique has markedly improved our capacity for surgical planning contributing to colorectal, gynecological, and urological perspectives.

Background: Local anesthetics are used in various sites and mechanisms to maximize perioperative analgesia and reduce opioid use and side effects. Pain management in the bariatric setting is challenging and the efficacy of local anesthetics intraoperatively is under current evaluation.

Objectives: To determine the safety and efficacy of a new intra-abdominal anesthetic technique performed during laparoscopic bariatric operations: visceral block.

Methods: During this prospective randomized double-blinded pilot study, 16 patients undergoing bariatric surgery were treated with the injection of ropivacaine to the anterior esophagogastric junction fat, and 15 were injected with saline as control.

Results: The procedure was shown to be safe, and no adverse events nor side effects were encountered. A non-statistically significant trend toward the use of a non-opioid analgesia was documented during the first postoperative hours.

Conclusions: Visceral block is a safe and feasible intraoperative procedure. A trend toward its efficacy warrants future larger scale studies.

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse in pregnancy is rare. Consequent complications include cervical infection, spontaneous abortion, and premature birth. Conservative management by means of a pessary have been described as improving maternal symptomatology and minimizing gestational risk. The delivery mode is controversial.

Objective: To describe the clinical courses of patients diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse during pregnancy, and to present our multidisciplinary approach.

Methods: In this retrospective case series, we summarized the obstetrical outcomes of women diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse during pregnancy in a single university-affiliated hospital.

Results: We identified eight women with advanced uterine prolapse at a mean age of 30.3 years. Seven were diagnosed with advanced uterine prolapse (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification [POPQ] stage ≥ 3). All were treated by pessary placement, which was tolerable and provided symptomatic relief. The pessary type was chosen according to the prolapse stage. In women with cervical prolapse POPQ stage > 2 and cervical edema, a support pessary was less beneficial. However, the prolapse was well-controlled with a space-filling Gellhorn pessary. Low complication rates were associated with vaginal deliveries. The few complications that were reported included minor cervical laceration, postpartum hemorrhage, and retained placenta.

Conclusions: Treatment of pelvic organ prolapse during pregnancy must be individualized and requires a multidisciplinary approach of urogynecologists, obstetricians, dietitians, pelvic floor physiotherapists, and social workers. Conservative management, consisting of insertion of a vaginal pessary when prolapse symptoms appeared, provided adequate support for the pelvic floor, improved symptomatology, and minimized pregnancy complications. Vaginal delivery was feasible for most of the women.

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) comprises a group of conditions characterized by reversible vasoconstrictions of cerebral arteries. Clinical manifestations include sudden-onset severe headaches with or without additional neurologic signs and symptoms [1].

The incidence of RCVS is 2.7 cases per million adults. It predominantly affects women, and about 9% of all RCVS cases occur during the postpartum period [2,3]. Other possible precipitating factors, such as subarachnoid hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, and exposure to vasoactive drugs, have also been reported in association with RCVS [2]. The exact pathophysiology of RCVS is not well understood, although hormonal influences have been suggested as possible contributing factors.

Alkalosis-induced cerebral vasoconstriction is described but not well understood. Hyperventilation is commonly used in neurologic patients to decrease intracranial pressure and cerebral blood flow. Hyperventilation causes cerebral vasoconstriction directly by hypocapnia and may indirectly affect through alkalosis.

We present a case of RCVS in a postpartum patient admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with severe metabolic alkalosis necessitating hemodialysis.

Background: Data regarding the management of adnexal torsion (AT) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are scarce.

Objectives: To study the effects of actions to limit the spread of COVID-19 on AT management.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all women who underwent laparoscopy for suspected AT between March 2011 and February 2021. We compared the COVID-19 pandemic period, (15 March 2020–2 August 2021, group A) to a parallel period (2019–2020, group B), and a 9-year period preceding the pandemic (March 2011–February 2020, group C).

Results: We performed 97 laparoscopies in group A, 82 in group B, and 635 in group C. The proportion of women presenting following in vitro fertilization treatment was lower (odds ratio [OR] 0.22, 95% confidence interval ]95%CI] (0.06–0.86), P < 0.023). Time from admission to decision to operate was shorter (2.7 vs. 3.9 hours, P = 0.028) in group A than group B. Time from admission to surgery was shorter (9.1 vs. 12.5 hours, P = 0.005) and the rate of surgically confirmed AT was lower (59 [60.8%] vs. 455 [71.7%], P = 0.030, OR 0.61, 95%CI 0.39–0.95) in group A than group C. Among surgically confirmed AT cases only, mean time from admission to decision was shorter in group A than group B (2.6 vs. 4.6 hours, P = 0.014).

Conclusions: We identified differences in time from admission to clinical decision and from admission to surgery among women with suspected AT during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended through six months as it supports infant growth and development. Yet, many mothers do not exclusively breastfeed in early postpartum.

Objectives: To examine factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge among culturally diverse women.

Methods: This cross-sectional study used data of women who gave birth at a major medical center in Israel in 2015–2017. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were conducted to examine maternal characteristics and associated breastfeeding outcomes by hospital discharge.

Results: Among 10,978 women, 17.8% (n=1958) exclusively breastfed, 57.9% (n=6357) partially breastfed, and 24.3% (n=2663) did not breastfeed. Among Israeli-born and former Soviet Union-born Jewish women, breastfeeding intention (odds ratio [OR] 19.59, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 10.27–37.35 and OR 15.92, 95%CI 5.79–43.80, respectively) and early breastfeeding (OR 2.415, 95%CI 1.91–3.05 and OR 2.04, 95%CI 1.57–2.64, respectively) were associated with exclusive breastfeeding. The only significant factor associated with exclusive breastfeeding among refugees and Israeli-born Muslim women was early breastfeeding (OR 1.61, 95%CI 1.20–2.16). For Ethiopian-born Jewish women, not married (OR 0.330, 95%CI 0.114–0.955) and cesarean delivery (OR 0.481, 95%CI 0.232–0.998) were negatively associated with exclusive breastfeeding.

Conclusions: Despite having access to the same hospital-based breastfeeding support, there were differences among ethno-culturally diverse women in Israel. In this study, we identified maternal characteristics associated with early breastfeeding among women of diverse ethno-cultural backgrounds. Study findings highlight the importance of ethno-cultural considerations in breastfeeding practices and inform health professionals of factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding in early postpartum.

Background: Perianal abscess is a common condition among adults. The treatment of choice includes early and efficient drainage. The data regarding risk factors for abscess recurrence, fistula formation, and complications are limited as recent publications mainly focus on patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Objectives: To determine risk factors for abscess recurrence and fistula formation with regard to patient and surgical characteristics.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who presented to the emergency department and were diagnosed with perianal abscess between 2011–2020.

Results: We included 983 consecutive patients; 741 men, average age 43 years. Recurrence was documented in 434 cases. Crohn’s disease was reported in 70, of which 50 had recurrent episodes (P < 0.0001); 121 of the 234 patients who smoked had recurrence (P = 0.0078); 8% had short symptomatic period (< 24 hours), which was a predisposing factor for recurrence, P < 0.0001. Patients in the non-recurrent group waited 2.53 hours less for surgical intervention (P < 0.0005(. The average time for recurrent episode was 18.95 ± 33.7 months. Fistula was diagnosed in 16.9% of all cases, while 11.6% were within the recurrent group. Surgical expertise of the physician did not significantly change the recurrence rate.

Conclusions: Crohn’s disease and smoking were the only significant risk factors for recurrence of perianal abscess. Timely intervention and drainage of sepsis should not be delayed. Involvement of more experienced surgeons did not seem to alter the natural history of the disease.

Mucin gene 5AC (MUC5AC), a secreted mucin, is the most important component of the gastric mucus unstirred, protecting layer, preventing the enzymatic attack of acid and pepsin, toxins, and microorganisms. We investigated the effect of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection on MUC5AC expression in the gastric mucosa. English language medical literature searches were conducted for gastric MUC5AC expression in H. pylori infected patients compared to uninfected people, or cases after eradication. PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and CENTRAL databases were searched. Meta-analysis was performed and pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated. Heterogeneity was evaluated and I² statistic was used to measure the proportion of inconsistency in individual studies.

We also calculated a potential publication bias. In all, 11 studies representing 13 sub-studies were selected according to the inclusion criteria. The OR of MUC5AC expression in a random effect analysis was 0.217, 95%CI 0.124–0.377, P < 0.0001, significantly lower in H. pylori gastritis than in normal mucosa. When only studies with high-quality scores were calculated, OR was 0.239, 95%CI 0.137–0.419, P < 0.0001. Heterogeneity and inconsistency were small, with no significant publication bias. MUC5AC expression is lower in H. pylori infected mucosa, which may significantly affect the effective colonization and survival of the bacterium and persistent chronic inflammation.

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PSA) is an infectious pathogen associated with acute appendicitis; however, it is not consistently addressed by empirical antibiotic therapy, despite potential complications.

Objectives: To investigate the incidence, predictors, and outcomes of PSA-associated acute appendicitis in children.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis involving pediatric patients who underwent acute appendicitis surgery and had positive peritoneal cultures. Clinical, microbiological, and intraoperative data were extracted from medical records.

Results: Among 2523 children with acute appendicitis, 798 (31.6%) underwent peritoneal cultures, revealing 338 positive cases (42.3%), with PSA detected in 77 cases (22.8%). Children with PSA were three times more likely to exhibit high intraoperative grading ≥ 3 (93.4% vs. 76.8%, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.2–8.3, P = 0.023) and nearly four times more likely to have polymicrobial cultures (88.3% vs. 62.1%, 95%CI 1.8–8.0, P < 0.001) than those without PSA in peritoneal cultures. Duration of symptoms did not predict PSA isolation (P = 0.827). Patients with PSA had longer median hospital stays (8 days, interquartile range [IQR] 7–10) than those with other pathogens (7 days, IQR 5–9) (P = 0.004). Antibiotic treatment duration, intensive care unit admission rates, readmission, and mortality were similar between the two groups (P = 0.893, 0.197, 0.760, and 0.761, respectively).

Conclusions: PSA is a common pathogen in children diagnosed with acute appendicitis and positive peritoneal cultures. The likelihood of isolating PSA increases with high-grade intraoperative assessment and in the presence of multiple pathogens in peritoneal cultures, suggests antipseudomonal treatment.

Background: Although minimally invasive surgery for Crohn’s disease has been validated in previous studies, most of those reports have referred to laparoscopic-assisted procedures with an extra-corporeal anastomosis.

Objectives: To evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes of total laparoscopic ileocolic resection with an intracorporeal anastomosis for Crohn’s disease patients.

Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective review of all patients who underwent primary ileocolic resection for Crohn’s disease between 2010 and 2021. Group A included 34 patients who underwent total laparoscopic ileocolic resection with intracorporeal anastomosis. Group B comprised 144 patients who underwent an open or laparoscopic-assisted procedure.

Results: No differences were noted in operative time (mean 167 minutes vs. 152 minutes, P = 0.122), length of stay (median 6.4 days vs. 7.5 days, P = 0.135), readmission rates (11.8% vs. 13.2%, P = 1), and microscopic involvement of surgical margins (7.7% vs. 18.5%, P = 0.249). Group A had significantly fewer postoperative surgical site infections (2.9% vs. 22.2% respectively, P = 0.013), with no differences in other complications prevalence. After a median follow-up of 46 months, there were similar rates of endoscopic recurrence (47.1% vs. 51.4%, P = 0.72), clinical recurrence (35.3% vs. 47.9%, P = 0.253), and surgical recurrence (2.9% vs. 4.9%, P = 0.722).

Conclusions: Total laparoscopic ileocolic resection with intracorporeal anastomosis for Crohn’s disease is safe and resulted in favorable outcomes in terms of postoperative wound healing. The long-term disease recurrence rates were like those of laparoscopic-assisted and open ileocolic resection.

Background: The prevalence of pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) in women of reproductive age has surged globally, contributing to increased rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a crucial marker for diagnosing and monitoring PGDM, with periconceptional levels influencing the risk of congenital anomalies and complications.

Objectives: To evaluate the association between periconceptional HbA1c levels and perinatal complications in pregnant women with poorly controlled PGDM.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of pregnancies between 2010 and 2019, HbA1c > 6% at 3 months prior to conception or during the first trimester. Outcomes of periconceptional HbA1c levels were compared.

Results: The cohort included 89 women: 49 with HbA1c 6–8%, 29 with HbA1c 8–10%, and 11 with HbA1c > 10%. Higher HbA1c levels were more prevalent in type 1 diabetics and were associated with increased end-organ damage risk. Women with elevated HbA1c levels tended toward unbalanced glucose levels during pregnancy. The cohort exhibited high rates of preterm delivery, hypertensive disorders, cesarean delivery, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. Overall live birth rate was 83%. While a significant correlation was found between HbA1c levels and preterm delivery, no consistent association was observed with other adverse outcomes.

Conclusions: Periconceptional glycemic control in PGDM pregnancies is important. Elevated HbA1c levels are associated with increased risks of adverse outcomes. Beyond a certain HbA1c level, risks of complications may not proportionally escalate.

Late arrival ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is defined as a patient-related delay > 12 hours. It is estimated to represent a significant portion of STEMI patients. As reflected by society guidelines, this group of patients impose great therapeutic challenge, namely due to controversy in the literature regarding optimal care, together with major adverse clinical outcomes [1]. In addition to a possible myocardial infarction (MI), mechanical complications include ventricular septal defect (VSD), left ventricular (LV) free wall, or papillary muscle rupture. Prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial to improve outcomes as post-infarction ventricular septal defect (PIVSD) carries a high mortality rate. We describe the successful management of a large VSD complicated by cardiogenic shock in a latecomer STEMI patient with complex coronary artery disease (CAD).

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease involving apocrine gland-bearing regions. There is an under-representation of non-Caucasians in epidemiologic studies of HS. The characteristics of HS in Israeli Arabs have not yet been studied.

Objectives: To investigate the demographic and clinical profile of HS in the Israeli Arab population.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted in two cohorts of patients with HS in Israel. The patients were derived from the database of a large health management organization (n=4191, 639 Arabs; population-based) and a major tertiary medical center (n=372, 49 Arabs). Demographic and clinical data were compared between ethnic groups.

Results: The prevalence of HS in Israeli Arabs was found to be 0.5%, fivefold higher than in Jews. Arab patients were younger (35.3 vs. 40.5 years, P < 0.001) and mostly male (52% vs. 35.7%, p < 0.001), with lower rates of co-morbidities, including smoking (40.8% vs. 55.7%, p < 0.001), hyperlipidemia, and depression as well as a higher rate of dissecting cellulitis (10.2% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.008). HS was more severe in Arabs, but of shorter duration, with mainly axillary involvement (79.6% vs. 57.9%, p = 0.004). Treatment with hormones was more common in Jews, and with biologic agents in Arabs.

Conclusions: The findings suggest a different phenotype of HS in Arabs, warranting further study.

Background: The recreational use of nitrous oxide (N₂O) has increased in recent years with a noticeable surge in the incidence of nitrous oxide-related myeloneuropathy.

Objectives: To raise awareness of increasing myeloneuropathy due to recreational nitrous oxide misuse in Israel.

Methods: We conducted a case series documenting the clinical and investigative features of eight patients presenting with nitrous oxide-induced myeloneuropathy who were admitted to our departments.

Results: Paresthesia was the chief complaint in all patients, with sensory gait ataxia being a common feature, which was often accompanied by Romberg's sign and mild lower limb weakness. Vitamin B12 levels were below the normal range in seven patients, accompanied by elevated homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels. Magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed hyperintense signals in the dorsal columns of the cervical spine. All patients improved following vitamin B12 injections.

Conclusions: Enhancing awareness, prompting the use of appropriate investigations, and advocating for timely treatment are needed to overcome the risks associated with nitrous oxide misuse.