Gestational diabetes, the most common medical disorder in pregnancy, is defined as glucose intolerance resulting in hyperglycaemia that begins or is first diagnosed in pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is associated with increased pregnancy complications and long-term metabolic risks for the woman and the offspring. However, the current diagnostic and management strategies recommended by national and international guidelines are mainly focused on short-term risks during pregnancy and delivery, except the Carpenter-Coustan criteria, which were based on the risk of future incidence of type 2 diabetes post-gestational diabetes. In this Personal View, first, we summarise the evidence for long-term risk in women with gestational diabetes and their offspring. Second, we suggest that a shift is needed in the thinking about gestational diabetes; moving from the perception of a short-term condition that confers increased risks of large babies to a potentially modifiable long-term condition that contributes to the growing burden of childhood obesity and cardiometabolic disorders in women and the future generation. Third, we propose how the current clinical practice might be improved. Finally, we outline and justify priorities for future research.

Poster abstract P351 from the Diabetes UK Professional Conference 2020. Although the conference was cancelled due to COVID-19, accepted abstracts were published as a service to abstract authors.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a potential complication of foot and ankle surgery. There is a lack of agreement on contributing risk factors and chemical prophylaxis requirements. The primary outcome of this study was to analyze the 90-day incidence of symptomatic VTE and VTE-related mortality in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery and Achilles tendon (TA) rupture. Secondary aims were to assess the variation in the provision of chemical prophylaxis and risk factors for VTE. This was a multicentre, prospective national collaborative audit with data collection over nine months for all patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery in an operating theatre or TA rupture treatment, within participating UK hospitals. The association between VTE and thromboprophylaxis was assessed with a univariable logistic regression model. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify key predictors for the risk of VTE. A total of 13,569 patients were included from 68 sites. Overall, 11,363 patients were available for analysis: 44.79% were elective (n = 5,090), 42.16% were trauma excluding TA ruptures (n = 4,791), 3.50% were acute diabetic procedures (n = 398), 2.44% were TA ruptures undergoing surgery (n = 277), and 7.10% were TA ruptures treated nonoperatively (n = 807). In total, 11 chemical anticoagulants were recorded, with the most common agent being low-molecular-weight heparin (n = 6,303; 56.79%). A total of 32.71% received no chemical prophylaxis. There were 99 cases of VTE (incidence 0.87% (95% CI 0.71 to 1.06)). VTE-related mortality was 0.03% (95% CI 0.005 to 0.080). Univariable analysis showed that increased age and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade had higher odds of VTE, as did having previous cancer, stroke, or history of VTE. On multivariable analysis, the strongest predictors for VTE were the type of foot and ankle procedure and ASA grade. The 90-day incidence of symptomatic VTE and mortality related to VTE is low in foot and ankle surgery and TA management. There was notable variability in the chemical prophylaxis used. The significant risk factors associated with 90-day symptomatic VTE were TA rupture and high ASA grade.

Adequate postoperative analgesics are an essential element in the recovery and rehabilitation of large joint lower-limb arthroplasty patients in their acute postoperative phase. In this study, we will establish that strong opioids like morphine should be included as postoperative analgesics to improve patient satisfaction. Material: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Arthroplasty Ward, Trauma, and Orthopaedics Department in a district general hospital of the United Kingdom. Fifty patients operated in January 2024 were enrolled in this study, out of which 25 had total hip replacement and 25 had total knee replacement. Patients were divided into two groups based on analgesics given at the time of discharge. Group A had a strong opioid and Group B had a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) plus weak opioids upon discharge. Patients with hospital stays of more than four days and patients with allergies to any analgesics were excluded. Results: Forty percent (40%) of the patients in the total hip replacement (THR) group and fifty percent (50%) in the total knee replacement (TKR) group were discharged on adequate analgesia (NSAID + weak opioids + strong opioids) and all reported manageable postoperative pain. A significant difference in pain scores on the fifth postoperative day (POD) was observed between the two groups (p = 0.001). Patient satisfaction levels also differed notably between the groups, with significant variance (p = 0.011). Group A showed a higher rate of "very satisfied" patients (n = 3). Adequate analgesics prescribing is an integral part of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) guidelines for patients undergoing knee and hip arthroplasties. Pain has catabolic systemic consequences for patients and delays postoperative recovery. We have proposed the step ladder pattern of analgesics for such patients, in which strong opioids should be given to aid in pain relief. Apart from this, a virtual consultation should be done by an arthroplasty nurse within one week of operation for their pain assessment as the pain scale

The Global Burden of Disease Study 2020 ranked acne vulgaris as the eighth most common skin condition, with a global estimated prevalence of 9.4%. The clinical presentation of acne vulgaris ranges from comedones to nodules and cysts. The main treatment options for acne are retinoids, antibiotics, and benzoyl peroxide (BPO). This study aimed to evaluate the reported efficacy and safety of the combination treatment with retinoid and benzoyl peroxide. Three databases (ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and PubMed) were searched using keywords such as acne, adapalene/benzoyl peroxide, and randomized controlled trial, and specific search moods such as "Title and abstract" for PubMed and "Title, abstract, and keywords" for ScienceDirect. On Google Scholar, the "allintitle" option was utilized. The articles were searched for the years between 2003 and 2023. The eight trials selected for systematic review reported randomized controlled trials in 4,596 individuals with the first trials being conducted in February 2007 and the last one in May 2022. There were 52.8% females in the trials, and the trials reported a primary reduction of acne lesions (efficacy) from 27.5% to 70.2%. The occurrence of adverse effects was also variable (ranging from 2.7% to 57.9%), but these effects were mild and vanished with time. The results showed that the combination of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide is a safe and effective treatment.

Colostomy formation as part of the Hartmann's procedure is often performed during emergency surgery as a damage limitation measure where attempts at bowel anastomosis and continuity are contraindicated. Hartmann's reversal (HR) remains challenging and can be attempted through open surgery and various minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopic and robotic platforms). We aimed to analyse outcomes of conventional multi-port laparoscopy (CL) versus single-incision approach (SILS) in patients undergoing HR. A comprehensive online search of various databases was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines including Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane. Comparative studies of patients undergoing CL and SILS for HR were included. Analysed primary outcomes were total operative time and mortality rate. Secondary outcomes included post-operative complications, length of hospital stay, risk of visceral injury intra-operatively, and re-operation rate. Combined overall effect sizes were calculated using the random-effects model, and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess bias. Two observational studies matching our inclusion criteria with a total of 160 patients (SILS 100 vs. CL 60) were included. Statistical difference was observed for one outcome measure: operative duration (MD - 44.79 CI - 65.54- - 24.04, P < 0.0001). No significant difference was seen in mortality rate (OR 1.66 CI 0.17-16.39, P = 0.66), overall post-operative complications (OR 0.60 CI 0.28-1.32, P = 0.20), length of stay (MD - 0.22 CI - 4.25-3.82, P = 0.92), Clavien-Dindo III + complications (OR 0.61 CI 0.15-2.53, P = 0.50), risk of visceral injury (OR 1.59 CI 0.30-8.31, P = 0.58), and re-operation rates (OR 0.73 CI 0.08-6.76, P = 0.78). Conclusion: Accounting for study limitations, the SILS procedure seems to be quicker with non-inferior outcomes compared with the conventional multi-port approach. This may lead to better patient satisfaction and cosmesis and potentially reduce the risk of future incisional hernia occurrence. However, well-designed, randomised studies are needed to draw more robust conclusions and recommendations.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare, often fatal neurological disorder caused by the John Cunningham virus (JCV). It affects immunocompromised individuals, leading to brain demyelination. Diagnosis involves MRI scans and JCV detection in cerebrospinal (CSF) fluid. The mortality rate is high, and current intervention focusses on reversing immunosuppression. We report a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) who was diagnosed with PML. He is a 66-year-old male with CLL presenting with multiple falls, right arm weakness, and cognitive impairment. Following MRI head scans and CSF analysis, he was diagnosed with PML. Treatment for CLL was deemed inappropriate due to immunosuppression risk. We initiated Levetiracetam to prevent seizures and considered mirtazapine to prevent viral spread. Mefloquine and cidofovir were considered, but the patient chose not to commence on them. He was discharged with multidisciplinary support. In conclusion, we advise that these stroke-like symptoms may necessitate comprehensive investigation beyond initial CT scans, as exemplified by this case of PML. Relying solely on radiological findings may overlook rare conditions, and clinical skills such as a good history and examination should still be prioritised.

Substantial evidence exists for the superiority of emergency over delayed cholecystectomy for gallstone disease during primary admission. Despite this, emergency surgery rates in the UK remain low compared with other developed countries, with great variation in care across the nation. We aimed to describe the local paradigm shift towards emergency surgery and investigate outcomes. This is a prospective observational study examining patients enrolled onto an emergency cholecystectomy pathway, following the hospital's subscription to the Royal College of Surgeons of England's Cholecystectomy Quality Improvement Collaborative (Chole-QuIC), between 1 December 2021 and 31 January 2023. Multivariate logistical regression models were used to identify patient and hospital factors associated with postoperative outcomes. Of the 307 suitable acute admissions, 261 (85%) had an emergency cholecystectomy, compared with 5% preceding the Chole-QuIC interventions. Waiting time dropped from 67 to 5 days. A total of 208 (79.7%) patients were primary presentations, 92 (35.2%) were classed Tokyo grade 2 and 142 (54.4%) were obese. A total of 23 (8.8%) patients underwent preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and 26 (10%) patients had a subtotal cholecystectomy. Favourable outcomes (Clavien Dindo ?3) were observed in first presentations (odds ratio (OR) 0.35;�p=0.042) and for operation times within 7 days (OR 0.32;�p=0.037), with worse outcomes in BMI ?35 (OR 3.32;�p=0.005) and operation time >7 days (OR 3.11;�p=0.037). A paradigm shift towards emergency cholecystectomy benefits both the patient and the service. Positive outcomes are apparent for early operation in patients presenting for the first time and recurrent attendees, with early operation (<7 days) providing the most favourable outcome in a select patient group.

The aim of this study is To compare robotic-assisted and conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on both short- and long-term outcomes A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant studies. The studies included were randomised controlled trials directly comparing robotic-assisted versus conventional TKA. The outcomes were pooled as mean difference (MD) or risk ratio (RR), with 95% confidence interval. RevMan software version 5.4 was used for performing the statistical analysis. Nine studies deemed eligible for inclusion. The data showed a significant favouring of robotic-assisted than the conventional TKA in mechanical alignment, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and femoral coronal plane outliers (MD = - 1.10, 95% CI [- 1.51, - 0.69], p < 0.00001), (MD = - 1.19, 95% CI [- 2.35, - 0.03], p = 0.04), and (RR = 0.49, 95% CI [0.30, 0.80], p = 0.004), respectively. On the other hand, conventional TKA was better in range of motion-flexion (long-term) than the robotic-assisted one (MD = - 3.02, 95% CI [- 3.68, - 2.37], p < 0.00001). There were no significant differences between them in knee society score-knee score, knee society score-function score, change in hospital for special surgery (HSS) knee rating scale, and change in range of motion-extension (MD = - 0.36, 95% CI [- 2.43, 1.70], p = 0.73), (MD = - 0.34, 95% CI [- 2.36, 1.68], p = 0.74), (MD = 0.78, 95% CI [- 0.84, 2.40], p = 0.34), and (MD = 0.16, 95% [- 1.32, 1.64], p = 0.83), respectively. Robotic-assisted TKA demonstrated better outcomes than conventional TKA in terms of mechanical alignment and WOMAC scores. However, the conventional TKA showed a better range of motion-flexion in the long term. More data are needed to assess long-term outcomes comprehensively.

Sarcoidosis is an immune-mediated multisystem condition of unknown etiology, characterized by non-caseating granulomatous inflammation. While it commonly affects the lungs and the reticuloendothelial system, it can affect any organ. Most of such cases involve the central nervous system, but the condition rarely presents with symptoms related to hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction. Neurosarcoidosis primarily targets the leptomeninges, leading to infiltration of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland by granuloma with deficiencies in luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and growth hormone (GH) being common. Most patients suffering from sarcoidosis develop neurological manifestations within two years of diagnosis and can present with inflammation in the pituitary gland which can mimic infiltrative pituitary lesions. We present a 54-year-old male patient, who initially presented with infertility, hypothyroidism, and growth hormone deficiency due to presumed idiopathic hypopituitarism. He had two children following gonadotropin therapy and was maintained on pituitary hormone replacement. After 13 years, he developed further symptoms of neurosarcoidosis including cerebellar infarction, optic neuritis, and paralysis in lower limbs and later developed systemic sarcoidosis including erythema nodosum and cervical lymphadenopathy. Initially, his MRI of the brain showed a decrease in the size of the pituitary gland in 2004, and there were no other features to suggest a systemic illness. A repeat MRI of the brain in 2019 showed an empty sella. His chest X-ray was normal, T-SPOT.TB was negative, and serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) was undetectable, but eventually, a lymph node biopsy confirmed features of sarcoidosis. Unfortunately, his condition has progressed despite high-dose steroid therapy and methotrexate. This case emphasizes the need for a thorough re-examination of features of neurosarcoidosis in cases of apparently idiopathic panhypopituitarism, to identify patients developing further complications, even after many years. Obtaining a tissue diagnosis is often difficult, and systemic features may be absent. Prospective studies are needed to establish a more uniform strategy for managing hypothalamic-pituitary neurosarcoidosis and identifying factors that predict treatment outcomes.