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Aims: SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease. Here, we analyzed whether specific biomarkers predict the clinical course of COVID-19 in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities. Methods and results: We enrolled 2147 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection which were included in the Lean European Open Survey on SARS-CoV‑2 (LEOSS)-registry from March to June 2020. Clinical data and laboratory values were collected and compared between patients with and without cardiovascular comorbidities in different clinical stages of the disease. Predictors for mortality were calculated using multivariate regression analysis. We show that patients with cardiovascular comorbidities display significantly higher markers of myocardial injury and thrombo-inflammatory activation already in the uncomplicated phase of COVID-19. In multivariate analysis, elevated levels of troponin [OR 1.54; (95% CI 1.22–1.96), p < 0.001)], IL-6 [OR 1.69 (95% CI 1.26–2.27), p < 0.013)], and CRP [OR 1.32; (95% CI 1.1–1.58), p < 0.003)] were predictors of mortality in patients with COVID-19. Conclusion: Patients with cardiovascular comorbidities show elevated markers of thrombo-inflammatory activation and myocardial injury, which predict mortality, already in the uncomplicated phase of COVID-19. Starting targeted anti-inflammatory therapy and aggressive anticoagulation already in the uncomplicated phase of the disease might improve outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities.
Background: The high-oblique sagittal osteotomy (HOSO) is an alternative to a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO). Due to its novelty, there are no long-term studies which have focused on describing the incidence and type of complications encountered in the post-operative follow-up. The aim of this retrospective study is to analyze patients operated on with this surgical technique and the post-operative complications encountered. Patient and methods: The electronic medical records of all patients treated with orthognathic surgery at the Department of Oral, Maxillofacial and Facial Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, between the years 2009 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: A total of 116 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The cases operated on with the standard osteosynthesis (X, Y, and straight) showed a complication rate of 36.37% (n = 4/11). The cases operated on with the HOSO-dedicated plates (HOSO-DP) showed, in total, a complication rate of 6.67% (n = 7/105). The most common post-operative complication resulting from both fixation methods was a reduction in mouth opening and TMJ pain for 4.3%. During the first years of performing the surgery (2009–211), a variety of standard plates had material failure causing non-union or pseudarthrosis. No cases of material failure were observed in the cases operated on with the HOSO-DP. The statistical results showed a highly significant dependence of a reduction in OP-time over the years, when the HOSO was performed without additional procedures (R2 > 0.83, P < 0.0015). Conclusion: The rate of complications in the HOSO were shown to be comparable to the rate of complications from the BSSO reported in the literature. Moreover, the use of the ramus dedicated plate appears to provide enough stability to the bone segments, making the surgery safer. Clinical relevance: The HOSO needs to be considered by surgeons as an alternative to BSSO. Once the use of the HOSO-DP was established, the rate of complications and the operation time reduced considerably.
Ischemic lesion location based on the ASPECT score for risk assessment of neurogenic dysphagia
(2020)
Dysphagia is common in patients with middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarctions and associated with malnutrition, pneumonia, and mortality. Besides bedside screening tools, brain imaging findings may help to timely identify patients with swallowing disorders. We investigated whether the Alberta stroke program early CT score (ASPECTS) allows for the correlation of distinct ischemic lesion patterns with dysphagia. We prospectively examined 113 consecutive patients with acute MCA infarctions. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) was performed within 24 h after admission for validation of dysphagia. Brain imaging (CT or MRI) was rated for ischemic changes according to the ASPECT score. 62 patients (54.9%) had FEES-proven dysphagia. In left hemispheric strokes, the strongest associations between the ASPECTS sectors and dysphagia were found for the lentiform nucleus (odds ratio 0.113 [CI 0.028–0.433; p = 0.001), the insula (0.275 [0.102–0.742]; p = 0.011), and the frontal operculum (0.280 [CI 0.094–0.834]; p = 0.022). A combination of two or even all three of these sectors together increased relative dysphagia frequency up to 100%. For right hemispheric strokes, only non-significant associations were found which were strongest for the insula region. The distribution of early ischemic changes in the MCA territory according to ASPECTS may be used as risk indicator of neurogenic dysphagia in MCA infarction, particularly when the left hemisphere is affected. However, due to the exploratory nature of this research, external validation studies of these findings are warranted in future.
Objectives: To analyze the performance of radiological assessment categories and quantitative computational analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps using variant machine learning algorithms to differentiate clinically significant versus insignificant prostate cancer (PCa). Methods: Retrospectively, 73 patients were included in the study. The patients (mean age, 66.3 ± 7.6 years) were examined with multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) prior to radical prostatectomy (n = 33) or targeted biopsy (n = 40). The index lesion was annotated in MRI ADC and the equivalent histologic slides according to the highest Gleason Grade Group (GrG). Volumes of interest (VOIs) were determined for each lesion and normal-appearing peripheral zone. VOIs were processed by radiomic analysis. For the classification of lesions according to their clinical significance (GrG ≥ 3), principal component (PC) analysis, univariate analysis (UA) with consecutive support vector machines, neural networks, and random forest analysis were performed. Results: PC analysis discriminated between benign and malignant prostate tissue. PC evaluation yielded no stratification of PCa lesions according to their clinical significance, but UA revealed differences in clinical assessment categories and radiomic features. We trained three classification models with fifteen feature subsets. We identified a subset of shape features which improved the diagnostic accuracy of the clinical assessment categories (maximum increase in diagnostic accuracy ΔAUC = + 0.05, p < 0.001) while also identifying combinations of features and models which reduced overall accuracy. Conclusions: The impact of radiomic features to differentiate PCa lesions according to their clinical significance remains controversial. It depends on feature selection and the employed machine learning algorithms. It can result in improvement or reduction of diagnostic performance.
Integrity of dural closure after autologous platelet rich fibrin augmentation: an in vitro study
(2020)
Background: Watertight closure of the dura mater is fundamental in neurosurgery. Besides the classical suturing techniques, a variety of biomaterials have been proposed as sealants. Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) is an autologous biomaterial which can readily be obtained through low-speed centrifugation of patient’s own blood. It is rich in fibrin, growth factors, leucocytes and cytokines and has shown adhesive properties while promoting the physiological wound healing process. In this study, we investigated the effect of applying PRF in reinforcing the watertight dura mater closure. Methods: We created an in vitro testing device, where the watertight dura mater closure could be hydrostatically assessed. On 26 fresh harvested bovine dura maters, a standardised 20-mm incision was closed with a running suture, and the leak pressure was measured first without (primary leak pressure) and then with PRF augmentation (secondary leak pressure). The two groups of measurements have been statistically analysed with the Student’s paired t test. Results: The “running suture only group” had a leak pressure of 10.5 ± 1.2 cmH2O (mean ± SD) while the “PRF-augmented group” had a leak pressure of 47.2 ± 2.6 cm H2O. This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001; paired t test). Conclusions: Autologous platelet rich fibrin augmentation reliably reinforced watertight closure of the dura mater to a > 4-fold increased leak pressure after failure of the initial standard running suture technique.
Hepatic inflammasome activation as origin of Interleukin-1α and Interleukin-1β in liver cirrhosis
(2020)
Background and purpose: Superficial siderosis of the central nervous system is a sporadic finding in magnetic resonance imaging, resulting from recurrent bleedings into the subarachnoid space. This study aimed to determine the frequency of spinal dural cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks amongst patients with a symmetric infratentorial siderosis pattern. Methods: In all, 97,733 magnetic resonance images performed between 2007 and 2018 in our neurocenter were screened by a keyword search for “hemosiderosis” and “superficial siderosis.” Siderosis patterns on brain imaging were classified according to a previously published algorithm. Potential causative intracranial bleeding events were also assessed. Patients with a symmetric infratentorial siderosis pattern but without causative intracranial bleeding events in history were prospectively evaluated for spinal pathologies. Results: Forty-two patients with isolated supratentorial siderosis, 30 with symmetric infratentorial siderosis and 21 with limited (non-symmetric) infratentorial siderosis were identified. Amyloid angiopathy and subarachnoid hemorrhage were causes for isolated supratentorial siderosis. In all four patients with a symmetric infratentorial siderosis pattern but without a causative intracranial bleeding event in history, spinal dural abnormalities were detected. Dural leaks were searched for in patients with symmetric infratentorial siderosis and a history of intracranial bleeding event without known bleeding etiology, considering that spinal dural CSF leaks themselves may also cause intracranial hemorrhage, for example by inducing venous thrombosis due to low CSF pressure. Thereby, one additional spinal dural leak was detected. Conclusions: Persisting spinal dural CSF leaks can frequently be identified in patients with a symmetric infratentorial siderosis pattern. Diagnostic workup in these cases should include magnetic resonance imaging of the whole spine.
Background: Fabry disease (FD), the second most prevalent lysosomal storage disorder, is classified as a rare disease. It often leads to significant quality of life impairments and premature death. Many cases remain undiagnosed due to the rarity and heterogeneity. Further, costs related to treatment often constitute a substantial financial burden for patients and health systems. While its epidemiology is still unclear, newborn screenings suggest that its actual prevalence rate is significantly higher than previously suspected. Methods: Based on well-established methodologies, this study gives an overview about the background of the development of FD-related research and provides a critical view of future needs. Results: On the grounds of benchmarking findings, an increasing research activity on FD can be observed. Most publishing countries are the USA, some European countries, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. In general, high-income countries publish comparably more on FD than low- or middle-income economies. The countries' financial and infrastructural background are unveiled as crucial factors for the FD research activity. Conclusions: Overall, there is a need to foster FD research infrastructure in developing and emerging countries with focus on cost-intensive genetic research that is independent from economic interests of big pharmaceutical companies.
Objective: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) is a mainstay treatment for severe and drug-refractory essential tremor (ET). Although stimulation-induced dysarthria has been extensively described, possible impairment of swallowing has not been systematically investigated yet. Methods: Twelve patients with ET and bilateral VIM-DBS with self-reported dysphagia after VIM-DBS were included. Swallowing function was assessed clinically and using by flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing in the stim-ON and in the stim-OFF condition. Presence, severity, and improvement of dysphagia were recorded. Results: During stim-ON, the presence of dysphagia could be objectified in all patients, 42% showing mild, 42% moderate, and 16 % severe dysphagia. During stim-OFF, all patients experienced a statistically significant improvement of swallowing function. Interpretation: VIM-DBS may have an impact on swallowing physiology in ET-patients. Further studies to elucidate the prevalence and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are warranted.
Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, demanding new treatment options. With the advent of immune checkpoint blockade, immunotherapy emerged as a treatment option. In addition to lymphocytes, tumor-associated macrophages exert a significant, albeit controversial, impact on tumor development. Pro-inflammatory macrophages are thought to hinder, whereas anti-inflammatory macrophages promote tumor growth. However, molecular markers to identify prognostic macrophage populations remain elusive. Methods: We isolated two macrophage subsets, from 48 primary human breast tumors, distinguished by the expression of CD206. Their transcriptomes were analyzed via RNA-Seq, and potential prognostic macrophage markers were validated by PhenOptics in tissue microarrays of patients with invasive breast cancer. Results: Normal human breast tissue contained mainly CD206+ macrophages, while increased relative amounts of CD206− macrophages were observed in tumors. The presence of CD206+ macrophages correlated with a pronounced lymphocyte infiltrate and subsets of CD206+ macrophages, expressing SERPINH1 and collagen 1, or MORC4, were unexpectedly associated with improved survival of breast cancer patients. In contrast, MHCIIhi CD206− macrophages were linked with a poor survival prognosis. Conclusion: Our data highlight the heterogeneity of tumor-infiltrating macrophages and suggest the use of multiple phenotypic markers to predict the impact of macrophage subpopulations on cancer prognosis. We identified novel macrophage markers that correlate with the survival of patients with invasive mammary carcinoma.
Aims: Systemic inflammatory response, identified by increased total leucocyte counts, was shown to be a strong predictor of mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Yet the mechanisms of inflammation-associated poor outcome after TAVI are unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed at investigating individual inflammatory signatures and functional heterogeneity of circulating myeloid and T-lymphocyte subsets and their impact on 1 year survival in a single-centre cohort of patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVI. Methods and results: One hundred twenty-nine consecutive patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis admitted for transfemoral TAVI were included. Blood samples were obtained at baseline, immediately after, and 24 h and 3 days after TAVI, and these were analysed for inflammatory and cardiac biomarkers. Myeloid and T-lymphocyte subsets were measured using flow cytometry. The inflammatory parameters were first analysed as continuous variables; and in case of association with outcome and area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) ≥ 0.6, the values were dichotomized using optimal cut-off points. Several baseline inflammatory parameters, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP; HR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.15–1.63; P < 0.0001) and IL-6 (HR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.03; P = 0.003), lower counts of Th2 (HR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91–0.99; P = 0.009), and increased percentages of Th17 cells (HR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.02–1.38; P = 0.024) were associated with 12 month all-cause mortality. Among postprocedural parameters, only increased post-TAVI counts of non-classical monocytes immediately after TAVI were predictive of outcome (HR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.05; P = 0.003). The occurrence of SIRS criteria within 48 h post-TAVI showed no significant association with 12 month mortality (HR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.13–2.43, P = 0.45). In multivariate analysis of discrete or dichotomized clinical and inflammatory variables, the presence of diabetes mellitus (HR = 3.50; 95% CI: 1.42–8.62; P = 0.006), low left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (HR = 3.16; 95% CI: 1.35–7.39; P = 0.008), increased baseline hsCRP (HR = 5.22; 95% CI: 2.09–13.01; P < 0.0001), and low baseline Th2 cell counts (HR = 8.83; 95% CI: 3.02–25.80) were significant predictors of death. The prognostic value of the linear prediction score calculated of these parameters was superior to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons score (AUC: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.78–0.99 vs. 0.75; 95% CI: 0.64–0.86, respectively; P = 0.036). Finally, when analysing LV remodelling outcomes, ROC curve analysis revealed that low numbers of Tregs (P = 0.017; AUC: 0.69) and increased Th17/Treg ratio (P = 0.012; AUC: 0.70) were predictive of adverse remodelling after TAVI. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate an association of specific pre-existing inflammatory phenotypes with increased mortality and adverse LV remodelling after TAVI. Distinct monocyte and T-cell signatures might provide additive biomarkers to improve pre-procedural risk stratification in patients referred to TAVI for severe aortic stenosis.
Cerumen was found to be a promising alternative specimen for the detection of drugs. In a pilot study, drugs of abuse were identified at a higher detection rate and a longer detection window in cerumen than in urine. In this study, cerumen from subjects was analyzed after they ingested the designer stimulant 4-fluoroamphetamine (4-FA) in a controlled manner. Methods: Twelve subjects ingested placebo and 100 mg of 4-FA. Five of them were also given 150 mg of 4-FA in 150 mL Royal Club bitter lemon drink at least after 7 days. Cerumen was sampled using cotton swabs at baseline, 1 h after the ingestion of the drug and at the end of the study day (12 h). After extraction with ethyl acetate followed by solid-phase extraction, the extracts were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Results and discussion: In the cerumen of all 12 subjects, 4-FA was detected 12 h after its ingestion; in most subjects, cerumen was detected after 1 h of ingestion, ranging from 0.06 to 13.90 (median 1.52) ng per swab. The detection of 4-FA in cerumen sampled 7 days or more after the first dose suggested a long detection window of cerumen. Conclusions: Cerumen can be successfully used to detect a single drug ingestion even immediately after the ingestion when a sufficient amount of cerumen is used.
Background: Approximately one in three patients suffers from preoperative anaemia. Even though haemoglobin is measured before surgery, anaemia management is not implemented in every hospital. Objective: Here, we demonstrate the implementation of an anaemia walk-in clinic at an Orthopedic University Hospital. To improve the diagnosis of iron deficiency (ID), we examined whether reticulocyte haemoglobin (Ret-He) could be a useful additional parameter. Material and Methods: In August 2019, an anaemia walk-in clinic was established. Between September and December 2019, major orthopaedic surgical patients were screened for preoperative anaemia. The primary endpoint was the incidence of preoperative anaemia. Secondary endpoints included Ret-He level, red blood cell (RBC) transfusion rate, in-hospital length of stay and anaemia at hospital discharge. Results: A total of 104 patients were screened for anaemia. Preoperative anaemia rate was 20.6%. Intravenous iron was supplemented in 23 patients. Transfusion of RBC units per patient (1.7 ± 1.2 vs. 0.2 ± 0.9; p = 0.004) and hospital length of stay (13.1 ± 4.8 days vs. 10.6 ± 5.1 days; p = 0.068) was increased in anaemic patients compared to non-anaemic patients. Ret-He values were significantly lower in patients with ID anaemia (33.3 pg [28.6–40.2 pg]) compared to patients with ID (35.3 pg [28.9–38.6 pg]; p = 0.015) or patients without anaemia (35.4 pg [30.2–39.4 pg]; p = 0.001). Conclusion: Preoperative anaemia is common in orthopaedic patients. Our results proved the feasibility of an anaemia walk-in clinic to manage preoperative anaemia. Furthermore, our analysis supports the use of Ret-He as an additional parameter for the diagnosis of ID in surgical patients.
USP22 controls necroptosis by regulating receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 ubiquitination
(2020)
Dynamic control of ubiquitination by deubiquitinating enzymes is essential for almost all biological processes. Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 22 (USP22) is part of the SAGA complex and catalyzes the removal of mono-ubiquitination from histones H2A and H2B, thereby regulating gene transcription. However, novel roles for USP22 have emerged recently, such as tumor development and cell death. Apart from apoptosis, the relevance of USP22 in other programmed cell death pathways still remains unclear. Here, we describe a novel role for USP22 in controlling necroptotic cell death in human tumor cell lines. Loss of USP22 expression significantly delays TNFα/Smac mimetic/zVAD.fmk (TBZ)-induced necroptosis, without affecting TNFα-mediated NF-κB activation or extrinsic apoptosis. Ubiquitin remnant profiling identified receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) lysines 42, 351, and 518 as novel, USP22-regulated ubiquitination sites during necroptosis. Importantly, mutation of RIPK3 K518 reduced necroptosis-associated RIPK3 ubiquitination and amplified necrosome formation and necroptotic cell death. In conclusion, we identify a novel role of USP22 in necroptosis and further elucidate the relevance of RIPK3 ubiquitination as crucial regulator of necroptotic cell death.
Background and purpose: Superficial siderosis of the central nervous system is a sporadic finding in magnetic resonance imaging, resulting from recurrent bleedings into the subarachnoid space. This study aimed to determine the frequency of spinal dural cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks amongst patients with a symmetric infratentorial siderosis pattern. Methods: In all, 97,733 magnetic resonance images performed between 2007 and 2018 in our neurocenter were screened by a keyword search for “hemosiderosis” and “superficial siderosis.” Siderosis patterns on brain imaging were classified according to a previously published algorithm. Potential causative intracranial bleeding events were also assessed. Patients with a symmetric infratentorial siderosis pattern but without causative intracranial bleeding events in history were prospectively evaluated for spinal pathologies. Results: Forty-two patients with isolated supratentorial siderosis, 30 with symmetric infratentorial siderosis and 21 with limited (non-symmetric) infratentorial siderosis were identified. Amyloid angiopathy and subarachnoid hemorrhage were causes for isolated supratentorial siderosis. In all four patients with a symmetric infratentorial siderosis pattern but without a causative intracranial bleeding event in history, spinal dural abnormalities were detected. Dural leaks were searched for in patients with symmetric infratentorial siderosis and a history of intracranial bleeding event without known bleeding etiology, considering that spinal dural CSF leaks themselves may also cause intracranial hemorrhage, for example by inducing venous thrombosis due to low CSF pressure. Thereby, one additional spinal dural leak was detected. Conclusions: Persisting spinal dural CSF leaks can frequently be identified in patients with a symmetric infratentorial siderosis pattern. Diagnostic workup in these cases should include magnetic resonance imaging of the whole spine.
Linking epigenetic signature and metabolic phenotype in IDH mutant and IDH wildtype diffuse glioma
(2020)
Aims: Changes in metabolism are known to contribute to tumour phenotypes. If and how metabolic alterations in brain tumours contribute to patient outcome is still poorly understood. Epigenetics impact metabolism and mitochondrial function. The aim of this study is a characterisation of metabolic features in molecular subgroups of isocitrate dehydrogenase mutant (IDHmut) and isocitrate dehydrogenase wildtype (IDHwt) gliomas. Methods: We employed DNA methylation pattern analyses with a special focus on metabolic genes, large-scale metabolism panel immunohistochemistry (IHC), qPCR-based determination of mitochondrial DNA copy number and immune cell content using IHC and deconvolution of DNA methylation data. We analysed molecularly characterised gliomas (n = 57) for in depth DNA methylation, a cohort of primary and recurrent gliomas (n = 22) for mitochondrial copy number and validated these results in a large glioma cohort (n = 293). Finally, we investigated the potential of metabolic markers in Bevacizumab (Bev)-treated gliomas (n = 29). Results: DNA methylation patterns of metabolic genes successfully distinguished the molecular subtypes of IDHmut and IDHwt gliomas. Promoter methylation of lactate dehydrogenase A negatively correlated with protein expression and was associated with IDHmut gliomas. Mitochondrial DNA copy number was increased in IDHmut tumours and did not change in recurrent tumours. Hierarchical clustering based on metabolism panel IHC revealed distinct subclasses of IDHmut and IDHwt gliomas with an impact on patient outcome. Further quantification of these markers allowed for the prediction of survival under anti-angiogenic therapy. Conclusion: A mitochondrial signature was associated with increased survival in all analyses, which could indicate tumour subgroups with specific metabolic vulnerabilities.
Purpose: Auditory functional MRI (fMRI) often uses silent inter-volume delays for stimulus presentation. However, maintaining the steady-state of the magnetization usually requires constant delays. Here, a novel acquisition scheme dubbed “pre-Saturated EPI using Multiple delays in Steady-state” (SEPIMS) is proposed, using spin saturation at a fixed delay before each volume to maintain steady-state conditions, independent of previous spin history. This concept allows for variable inter-volume delays and thus for flexible stimulus design in auditory fMRI. The purpose was to compare the signal stability of SEPIMS and conventional sparse EPI (CS-EPI). Methods: The saturation module comprises two non-selective adiabatic saturation pulses. The efficiency of the saturation and its effect on the SEPIMS signal stability is tested in vitro and in vivo. Results: Data show that SEPIMS yields the same signal stability as CS-EPI, even for extreme variations between inter-volume delay durations. However, dual saturation pulses are required to achieve sufficiently high saturation efficiency in compartments with long T1 values. Importantly, spoiler gradient pulses after the EPI readout have to be optimized to avoid eddy-current-induced image distortions. Conclusion: The proposed SEPIMS sequence maintains high signal stability in the presence of variable inter-volume durations, thus allowing for flexible stimulus design.
Background and Objective: Long-term tooth retention is the ultimate goal of periodontal therapy. Aim of this study was to evaluate tooth loss (TL) during 10 years of supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) in periodontal compromised patients and to identify factors influencing TL on patient level. Material and Methods: Patients were re-examined 120 ± 12 months after active periodontal therapy. TL and risk factors [smoking, initial diagnosis, SPT adherence, interleukin-1 polymorphism, cardiovascular diseases, age at baseline, bleeding on probing (BOP), change of practitioner, insurance status, number of SPT, marital and educational status] influencing TL on patient level were assessed. Results: One-hundred patients (52 female, mean age 65.6 ± 11 years) lost 121 of 2428 teeth (1.21 teeth/patient; 0.12 teeth/patient/y) during 10 years of SPT. Forty-two of these were lost for periodontal reasons (0.42 teeth/patient; 0.04 teeth/patient/y). Significantly more teeth were lost due to other reasons (P < .001). Smoking, baseline severity of periodontitis, non-adherent SPT, positive interleukin-1 polymorphism, marital and educational status, private insurance, older age at baseline and BOP, small number of SPT were identified as patient-related risk factors for TL (P < .05). Conclusion: During 120 ± 12 months of SPT, only a small number of teeth was lost in periodontally compromised patients showing the positive effect of a well-established periodontal treatment concept. The remaining risk for TL should be considered using risk-adopted SPT allocation.