Basic Electrophysiologic Study

The present work was designed to determine whether the individual differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of amiodarone and its N-desethyl metabolite are related to cytochrome CYP3A metabolizer status. Methods: 12 cardiac patients with inducible ventricular tachyarrhythmias during the baseline electrophysiologic study were enrolled in this study. Urinary 24-hour excretion of 6β-hydroxycortisol (6β-OHC and the ratio of 6β-hydroxycortisol to urinary free cortisol (6β-OHC/UFC) were measured before the first amiodarone administration. Trough plasma concentrations of amiodarone and N-desethylamiodarone (N-DEA) were measured after 79 ± 11 days (2nd period) and after 182 ± 25 days (3rd period). Electrophysiologic effects of amiodarone therapy were established with serial electrophysiologic studies in 9 of these patients at the baseline and after 79 ± 11 days (during the second period). Results: Both the 6β-OHC excretion and 6β-OHC/UFC ratio varied approximately 6-fold between the patients. We found significant inverse correlation between the 6β-OHC excretion and the trough plasma concentrations of amiodarone at the time of the 3rd period (rs = -0.58, p < 0.05). Similarly, there was correlation between the 24-hour urinary 6β-OHC excretion and trough plasma concentrations of amiodarone during the 3rd period (rs = -0.64, p < 0.025). We were unable to detect any association between CYP3A activity and amiodarone pharmacodynamics. Conclusion: This study points toward important information value of CYP3A metabolizer status in the context of therapeutic drug monitoring of amiodarone.

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Intra-Carpal Injection of Ozone versus Methylprednisolone in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome of Systemic Sclerosis Patients: A Randomized Single-Blind Clinical Trial

January 2018 - Pain Physician ◽

10.36076/ppj.2021.24.e453 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. E453-E458

Keyword(s):

Systemic Sclerosis ◽

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽

Functional Status ◽

Median Nerve ◽

Carpal Tunnel ◽

Nerve Conduction ◽

Favourable Outcome ◽

University Hospital ◽

Electrophysiologic Study ◽

Tunnel Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most entrapment syndrome in general and is the most frequent peripheral nervous system involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Local injection of steroid hydrodissection or ozone-oxygen showed favourable outcome in CTS in general. OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical efficacy of ozone versus methylprednisolone intracarpal injection upon pain, functional status, and nerve conduction in patients with CTS due to SSc. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized single-blinded trial. SETTING: Anesthesia, pain, and rheumatology clinics in a university hospital. METHODS: Fifty CTS patients with > 3 months duration of SSc were equally randomized into either group O (injection of ozone/oxygen 25 mu-g/mL in 20 mL) or group M (methylprednisolone acetate 40mg, and 40 mg lidocaine in 20 mL). Visual analog scale (VAS) was measured pre-injection, then re-evaluated post-injection at 4 time points (1 week, 1 month, 3 months , and 6 months); Cochin Hand Function Scale (CHFS); and a median nerve electrophysiologic study was done before injection, then by the end of 3 months and 6 months. RESULTS: VAS was significantly lower in group M after 1 week (P = 0.01). Group O showed significantly lower VAS after 3 and 6 month (P < 0.001). Additionally, there was a significant decrease in the VAS during the whole study period within each group, in comparison to its baseline value. CHFS was significantly lower in the ozone group after 6 months (P < 0.001). The sixth month’s sensory conduction was significantly higher in group O (P = 0.002). The motor distal latency was significantly lower in the ozone group after 3 and 6 months (P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS: Follow-up period could be furtherly extended. CONCLUSION: Both intracarpal ozone or methylprednisolone afford favorable effects upon CTS in patients with SSc. However, ozone alleviates pain much more, enhances the hand functional status, and improves median nerve conduction in study with over six months duration. KEY WORDS: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, systemic sclerosis, methylprednisolone, ozone

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