Search

Jana K Striefler,1,2 Phung T Binder,2 Franziska Brandes,2 Daniel Rau,3 Silvan Wittenberg,3 David Kaul,4 Siyer Roohani,4 Armin Jarosch,5 Frederik M Schäfer,6 Robert Öllinger,7 Sven Märdian,3 Lars Bullinger,2,8 Kai-Uwe Eckardt,9 Jan Kruse,9 Anne Flörcken2,8 1Department of Internal Medicine II, Oncology/Hematology/BMT/Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; 2Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Tumor Immunology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; 3Centre for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; 4Department of Radiation Oncology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; 5Institute of Pathology, Campus Mitte, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; 6Department of Radiology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; 7Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; 8German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany; 9Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, GermanyCorrespondence: Jana K Striefler, II. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinik für Onkologie, Hämatologie und Knochenmarktransplantation mit Sektion Pneumologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, D-20246, Germany, Tel +49 152 228 24370, Fax +49 40 7410-58054, Email j.striefler@uke.dePurpose: Prognosis of sarcoma patients is improving, with a better understanding of sarcomagenesis revealing novel therapeutic targets. However, aggressive chemotherapy remains an essential part of treatment, bearing the risk of severe side effects that require intensive medical treatment. Available data on the characteristics and clinical outcome of sarcoma patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) are sparse.Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of sarcoma patients admitted to the ICU from 2005 to 2022. Patients ≥ 18 years with histologically proven sarcoma were included in our study.Results: Sixty-six patients were eligible for analysis. The following characteristics had significant impact on overall survival: sex (p=0.046), tumour localization (p=0.02), therapeutic intention (p=0.02), line of chemotherapy (p< 0.001), SAPS II score (p=0.03) and SOFA score (p=0.02).Conclusion: Our study confirms the predictive relevance of established sepsis and performance scores in sarcoma patients. For overall survival, common clinical characteristics are also of significant value. Further investigation is needed to optimize ICU treatment of sarcoma patients.Keywords: soft tissue sarcoma, intensive care unit, sepsis and performance scores, SOFA, SAPS II, ICU-specific survival

Abstract Introduction Video consultations have proven to be a powerful support tool for patient–doctor interactions in general, not only during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study analyzed the feasibility and usefulness of orthopedic telemedical consultations (OTCs) for orthopedic patients at the interface of a clinic and general practitioners. Methods The study was carried out at an orthopedic department of a German hospital between April 2020 and October 2020. After written informed consent was obtained, general practitioners (GPs) of a large adjunct health region could present their patients with orthopedic pathologies to specialists at the hospital via OTCs instead of the usual live consultation (LC). The patients, specialists and GPs were evaluated for their OTC experience and attitude (5-point Likert-scale and open questions, 19 to 27 items). Results A total of 89 video consultations took place with 76 patients, 16 GPs and six specialists. The average distance between the GPs/patients and the hospital was 141.9 km. The OTCs were rated as pleasant, and the experience was rated as very satisfying (average Likert-Scale rating, with 5 as strong agreement: specialists = 4.8; GPs = 4.9; patients = 4.7). Following the OTC, a LC was not necessary in 76.4% of cases. Patients with a necessary LC after an OTC showed significantly lower satisfaction with the OTC (p = 0.005). Time savings, the elimination of travel and quick contact with orthopedic consultants were positively highlighted by the participants. A total of 123 recommendations for further treatment were given, such as the initiation of physiotherapy/medication and the use of imaging diagnostics. Different technical and organizational challenges could be identified and addressed. Discussion The vast majority of the participants stated they had a very positive impression. In particular, the potential savings in travel and time as well as straightforward contact with specialists were rated positively. However, limitations in the assessment of initial presentations of complex medical conditions were also highlighted. Further studies on OTCs with a consultative health professional may show other fields of use for this mode of interdisciplinary remote communication.

Copyright of Der Unfallchirurg is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)