scholarly journals Could methylene blue be used to manage burning mouth syndrome? A pilot case series

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Papa Abdou Lecor ◽  
Babacar Touré ◽  
Nathan Moreau ◽  
Adeline Braud ◽  
Wisam Dieb ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Methylene Blue ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Topical Therapy ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Numeric Rating Scale ◽  
Burning Mouth Syndrome ◽  
Spontaneous Pain ◽  
Dental Clinic ◽  
Burning Mouth

Objective: Burning mouth syndrome is a disabling condition of complex pathophysiology characterized by spontaneous pain felt in the oral mucosa in the absence of evident mucosal lesions which lacks efficient treatments to this day. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of methylene blue in the management of burning mouth syndrome. Methods: The study was conducted at the dental clinic of the Anta Diop University and Newtown dental clinic of Dakar, Senegal. A solution of methylene blue as a mouth-rinse (0.5%) was applied for 5 minutes in five patients satisfying the ICHD-3 diagnostic criteria for burning mouth syndrome. This procedure was repeated every 6 hours 3 times per 24h, during 7 days. Using numeric rating scale, pain severity was assessed as the mean pain felt during the last day of application. Results: After 7 days, the pain was significantly reduced by two-thirds and almost absent at 3 and 6 months follow-up. No secondary effects of the use of methylene blue were observed. Putative mechanisms of action and potential implications for treatment are discussed. Conclusion: Methylene blue is an old compound but a novel topical therapy that could prove beneficial in the management of burning mouth syndrome.

A Treatment-Based Classification Algorithm to Treat Achilles Tendinopathy: An Exploratory Case Series

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 260-268
Author(s):  
Patti Syvertson ◽  
Emily Dietz ◽  
Monica Matocha ◽  
Janet McMurray ◽  
Russell Baker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Numeric Rating Scale ◽  
Achilles Tendinopathy ◽  
Global Rating ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Indirect Treatment

Context:Achilles tendinopathy is relatively common in both the general and athletic populations. The current gold standard for the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy is eccentric exercise, which can be painful and time consuming. While there is limited research on indirect treatment approaches, it has been proposed that tendinopathy patients do respond to indirect approaches in fewer treatments without provoking pain.Objective:To determine the effectiveness of using a treatment-based-classification (TBC) algorithm as a strategy for classifying and treating patients diagnosed with Achilles tendinopathy.Participants:11 subjects (mean age 28.0 ±15.37 y) diagnosed with Achilles tendinopathy.Design:Case series.Setting:Participants were evaluated, diagnosed, and treated at multiple clinics.Main Outcome Measures:Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Disablement in the Physically Active Scale (DPA Scale), Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment–Achilles (VISA-A), Global Rating of Change (GRC), and Nirschl Phase Rating Scale were recorded to establish baseline scores and evaluate participant progress.Results:A repeated-measures ANOVA was conducted to analyze NRS scores from initial exam to discharge and at 1-mo follow-up. Paired t tests were analyzed to determine the effectiveness of using a TBC algorithm from initial exam to discharge on the DPA Scale and VISA-A. Descriptive statistics were evaluated to determine outcomes as reported on the GRC.Conclusion:The results of this case series provide evidence that using a TBC algorithm can improve function while decreasing pain and disability in Achilles tendinopathy participants.

A Survey of Chronic Pain Due to Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulae

Neurosurgery ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toru Sasamori ◽  
Kazutoshi Hida ◽  
Toshiya Osanai ◽  
Shunsuke Yano ◽  
Toshitaka Seki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Numeric Rating Scale ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Spontaneous Pain ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Spinal Cord Atrophy ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Numeric Rating

Abstract BACKGROUND: Chronic pain due to spinal dural arteriovenous fistulae (SDAVF) during follow-up is a serious issue because it can affect patients' quality of life. The severity of posttreatment chronic leg pain in patients with SDAVF is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence, severity, and characteristics of chronic leg pain in patients with SDAVF and to examine the clinical factors associated with chronic pain. METHODS: We conducted a survey of their chronic posttreatment leg pain in 49 SDAVF patients. It consisted of a numeric rating scale and a neuropathic pain symptom inventory (NPSI). Of the 49 patients, 32 (65.3%) completed the questionnaire. There were 24 males and 8 females whose mean age was 69.1 years. The mean follow-up period was 86.3 months. RESULTS: Chronic leg pain was reported by 26 (81.3%) of 32 patients; 14 experienced pain before treatment and 12 had new-onset posttreatment pain. The pain was reported as moderate to severe by 21 (80.8%) of 26 patients; the mean numeric rating scale and NPSI scores were 6.0 ± 2.3 and 17.4 ± 10.3, respectively. The NPSI subscores were significantly higher for spontaneous pain and paresthesia/dysesthesia than for paroxysmal pain. We found no significant clinical factors related to chronic posttreatment pain; on magnetic resonance imaging scans we identified spinal cord atrophy in 8 patients with chronic pain. CONCLUSION: Most of our SDAVF patients reported moderate to severe chronic leg pain characterized by spontaneous pain and paresthesia/dysesthesia. Spinal cord atrophy on magnetic resonance imaging scans was a characteristic in patients with chronic pain.

scholarly journals Simplicity Radiofrequency Ablation Demonstrates Greater Functional Improvement Than Analgesia: A Prospective Case Series

2021 ◽  
pp. E185-E190
Keyword(s):  
Radiofrequency Ablation ◽  
Sacroiliac Joint ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Numeric Rating Scale ◽  
Pain Clinic ◽  
Functional Improvement ◽  
Data Points ◽  
Prospective Case Series

BACKGROUND: Pain originating from the posterior sacroiliac complex is notoriously difficult to effectively treat due to its complex anatomy and variable innervation. Data on radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is limited. The Abbott Simplicity probe creates 3 monopolar lesions along the medial aspect of the sacroiliac joint and 2 bipolar lesions between the active portions of the probe. This device has been studied previously with improvement of pain-associated disability and pain reduction, but insufficient data is present to determine its utility at this time. Using the most recent literature for the potential innervation of the posterior sacroiliac joint, it is reasonable to explore this novel device and its ability to treat sacroiliac joint pain. OBJECTIVES: Identify the percentage of improved posterior sacroiliac complex pain and improved function in patients who completed posterior sacroiliac complex radiofrequency ablation using the Simplicity probe. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series. SETTING: A single outpatient pain clinic. METHODS: This prospective case-series occurred at an outpatient pain clinic. Data were analyzed after completion of follow-up appointments. Inclusion criteria included 2 successful lateral branch blocks. Fourteen patients with posterior sacroiliac complex pain were examined and completed sacroiliac ablation with the Simplicity probe. The numeric rating scale and the Modified Oswestry Disability Index were used as outcome measures for pain and function, respectively. The primary outcome measures were improvement in the numeric rating scale score by a reduction of 2.5 points and an improvement in Modified Oswestry Disability Index by 15% based upon previous studies demonstrating these values as the minimal clinical important difference . Patients were followed at a 3 to 6 month interval and 12 month interval (an average of 88 and 352 days, respectively). RESULTS: In total, 14 patients were examined. At the first follow-up, 29% of patients had analgesia and 38% functionally improved. At the second follow-up, 15% of patients had analgesia and 31% functionally improved. LIMITATIONS: Considering data were collected retrospectively, this study relied on completed charts. Therefore, data points of interest were limited to what was previously documented, which included multiple answers or the absence of numerical data points. In addition, patients were disproportionately female (71.4%). Data were also affected by patients lost to follow-up. Also, this study examined a relatively small number of patients, therefore the results should be carefully considered. CONCLUSIONS: Radiofrequency ablation of the posterior sacroiliac complex with the Simplicity probe resulted in more functional improvement than analgesia. This study provides more data for clinicians to utilize in managing posterior sacroiliac complex pain. IRB: Protocol number 20170342HU. Not registered in clinical trials. KEY WORDS: Posterior sacroiliac complex, sacroiliac pain, chronic low back pain, radiofrequency denervation, functional improvement, strip lesion, multi-lesion, Simplicity probe

scholarly journals Trajectories of fatigue in actively treated patients with established rheumatoid arthritis starting biologic DMARD therapy

RMD Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. e001372
Author(s):  
Sella Aarrestad Provan ◽  
Brigitte Michelsen ◽  
Joseph Sexton ◽  
Tillmann Uhlig ◽  
Hilde Berner Hammer
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Numeric Rating Scale ◽  
Tender Joint Count ◽  
Tender Joint ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Biologic Dmard ◽  
Clinically Significant

ObjectivesTo define fatigue trajectories in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who initiate biological DMARD (bDMARD) treatment, and explore baseline predictors for a trajectory of continued fatigue.MethodsOne-hundred and eighty-four patients with RA initiating bDMARDs were assessed at 0, 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months. Swollen and tender joint counts, patient reported outcomes (PROMs), blood samples and ultrasound examinations were collected at each time point. Fatigue was assessed by the fatigue Numeric Rating Scale (0–10) from the Rheumatoid Arthritis Impact of Disease (RAID) questionnaire. Clinically significant fatigue was predefined as fatigue ≥4. Three trajectories of interest were defined according to level of RAID fatigue: no fatigue (≤3 at 5/6 visits), improved fatigue (≥4 at start, but ≤3 at follow-up) and continued fatigue (≥4 at 5/6 visits). Baseline variables were compared between groups by bivariate analyses, and logistic regression models were used to explore baseline predictors of continued vs improved fatigue.ResultsThe majority of patients starting bDMARD therapy followed one of three fatigue trajectories, (no fatigue; n=61, improved; n=33 and continued fatigue; n=53). Patients with continued fatigue were more likely to be anti–citrullinated protein antibody and/or rheumatoid factor positive and had higher baseline PROMs compared to the other groups, while there were no differences between the groups for variables of inflammation including. Patient global, tender joint count and anxiety were predictors for the continued fatigue trajectory.DiscussionA trajectory of continued fatigue was determined by PROMs and not by inflammatory RA disease activity.

The efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization for knee pain on patients with knee osteoarthritis: A case series

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Kun Yung Kim ◽  
Gi-Wook Kim
Keyword(s):  
Conservative Treatment ◽  
Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
Knee Pain ◽  
Transcatheter Arterial Embolization ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Arterial Embolization ◽  
Numeric Rating Scale ◽  
Knee Oa ◽  
Before And After

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is accompanied by inflammation and angiogenesis. Modifying angiogenesis through transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) can be a potential treatment for knee OA. OBJECTIVE: We subjected five OA knees in three patients to TAE and report the results of our post-treatment observations. CASE DESCRIPTION: Three patients that had experienced knee pain for a minimum of one year prior to the study, and whose pain had persisted despite conservative treatment, were included in this study. Patients more often chose conservative treatment over surgical treatment. Pain and functional scales were evaluated before, immediately, and 1 month after TAE using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). TAE was performed by an experienced interventional radiologist. The average values of NRS evaluated before and after 5 TAEs were 5.2 before TAE, 3 immediately after TAE, and 3.6 after 1 month of TAE, and the average values of WOMAC were 52, 38.4, and 36.4, respectively. There were no major adverse effects. CONCLUSION: The examined cases support the conclusion that TAE is an effective treatment for patients with knee OA. Substantial pain relief and WOMAC improvement were observed both immediately and one month after TAE.

scholarly journals Case Report: Clinical and Pharmacokinetic Profile of Lithium Monotherapy in Exclusive Breastfeeding. A Follow-Up Case Series

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Luisa Imaz ◽  
Dolors Soy ◽  
Mercé Torra ◽  
Llüisa García-Esteve ◽  
Cristina Soler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Data ◽  
Close Monitoring ◽  
Young Mania

Background: Most guidelines advise that women taking lithium should not breastfeed. The variation in transfer is just one reason behind this advice.Objectives: To present clinical and pharmacokinetic data of nine mother–infant pairs exposed to lithium monotherapy during late pregnancy and exclusive breastfeeding at the Perinatal Psychiatric Unit (2006–2018).Methods: We obtained sociodemographic data, medical risk factors, obstetric variables, and family and personal psychiatric history by semi-structured interview, and assessed maternal psychopathology with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Young Mania Rating Scale. A senior neonatologist reviewed neonatal outcomes at birth using the Peripartum Events Scale. Paired maternal and cord blood and infant venous blood samples were collected. During the breastfeeding period, we monitored serum lithium and creatinine concentrations in mother–infant pairs at delivery, and at days 1–5, 7–11, 30, and 60 postpartum, and monthly until 6-months.Results: Lithium equilibrated completely across the placenta [1.13 (0.10), range (1.02–1.30)]. No women presented symptoms of postpartum lithium intoxication, two of the neonates presented transient hypotonia (22%). Lithium exposure was significantly less during breastfeeding than during late pregnancy, and serum lithium concentrations decreased up to 44% overtime from delivery to the first-month, and up to 60% to the third-month postpartum. There was no growth or developmental delay in the follow-up period. One woman had a manic episode with psychotic features at 45 days postpartum.Conclusions: In carefully selected women with bipolar disorder, lithium therapy when breastfeeding can be an appropriate option if coupled with close monitoring of the mother-infant pair.

A Case Report of Burning Mouth Syndrome Treated with Individualised Homeopathy

Homeopathy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 109 (01) ◽  
pp. 023-029
Author(s):  
Katharina Gaertner ◽  
Martin Frei-Erb
Keyword(s):  
Patient Reported Outcomes ◽  
Unknown Origin ◽  
Burning Mouth Syndrome ◽  
Beneficial Result ◽  
Efficient Treatment ◽  
Validated Questionnaires ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Burning Mouth ◽  
Observation Period

Introduction Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a rare disease of unknown origin. No efficient treatment is known, and integrative approaches are warranted. So far, individualised homeopathy (iHOM) has not been evaluated or reported in any peer-reviewed journal as a treatment option. Methods At the Centre of Complementary Medicine at a university institute in Switzerland, a 38-year-old patient with BMS and various co-morbidities was treated with iHOM between July 2014 and August 2018. The treatment involved prescription of individually selected homeopathic single remedies. During follow-up visits, outcome was assessed with two validated questionnaires concerning patient-reported outcomes. To assess whether the documented changes were likely to be associated with the homeopathic intervention, an assessment using the modified Naranjo criteria was performed. Results Over an observation period of 4 years, an increasingly beneficial result from iHOM was noted for oral dysaesthesia and pains as well as for the concomitant symptoms. Conclusion Considering the multi-factorial aetiology of BMS, a therapeutic approach such as iHOM that integrates the totality of symptoms and complaints of a patient might be of value in cases where an association of psychological factors and the neuralgic complaints is likely.

Erector spine plane block as postoperative rescue analgesia in thoracic surgery

2020 ◽  
Vol 106 (5) ◽  
pp. 388-391
Author(s):  
Marco Rispoli ◽  
Roberta Tamburri ◽  
Moana Rossella Nespoli ◽  
Marianna Esposito ◽  
Dario Maria Mattiacci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thoracic Surgery ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Dynamic Assessment ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Blood Gas Analysis ◽  
Numeric Rating Scale ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Gas Analysis ◽  
Rescue Analgesia ◽  
Surgical Ward

Objective: Erector spine plane block (ESPB) is a newly defined regional anesthesia technique performed by injection of local anesthetic beneath the erector spine muscle. We tested ESPB as a regional rescue analgesia bedside technique to be performed in the thoracic surgical ward, reporting a 7-patient case series. Methods: We report our experience in rescue analgesia after thoracic surgery. During the postoperative stay, numeric rating scale (NRS) score >3 and inability to perform physiotherapy or effective cough due to postoperative pain represented the criteria for proposing rescue analgesia with ESPB. NRS at rest and during movements was recorded; blood gas analysis and spirometry were performed to evaluate PaO2/FiO2 (P/F), forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) before ESPB execution. After performing the ESPB, static and dynamic NRS, P/F, and FVC and FEV1 were recorded at 40 minutes and 80 minutes. Results: NRS had a reduction at rest and in dynamic assessment. The P/F did not improve but spirometric measures improved. FVC had a relevant improvement only after 80 minutes; FEV1 was increased after 40 minutes. Conclusion: The use of ESPB as postoperative rescue analgesia can offer several advantages due to effective rescue analgesia and safety that makes it easy to perform in the thoracic surgical ward or in an outpatient clinic setting.

scholarly journals Transposition of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve

2019 ◽  
Vol 130 (2) ◽  
pp. 496-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amgad Hanna
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scale ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Numeric Rating Scale ◽  
Cutaneous Nerve ◽  
Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve ◽  
Meralgia Paresthetica ◽  
Femoral Cutaneous Nerve ◽  
Simple Decompression ◽  
Reoperation Rates ◽  
Numeric Rating

OBJECTIVEMeralgia paresthetica causes pain, burning, and loss of sensation in the anterolateral thigh. Surgical treatment traditionally involves neurolysis or neurectomy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). After studying and publishing data on the anatomical feasibility of LFCN transposition, the author presents here the first case series of patients who underwent LFCN transposition.METHODSNineteen patients with meralgia paresthetica were treated in the Department of Neurological Surgery at University of Wisconsin between 2011 and 2016; 4 patients underwent simple decompression, 5 deep decompression, and 10 medial transposition. Data were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. No randomization was performed. The groups were compared in terms of pain scores (based on a numeric rating scale) and reoperation rates.RESULTSThe numeric rating scale scores dropped significantly in the deep-decompression (p = 0.148) and transposition (p < 0.0001) groups at both the 3- and 12-month follow-up. The reoperation rates were significantly lower in the deep-decompression and transposition groups (p = 0.0454) than in the medial transposition group.CONCLUSIONSBoth deep decompression and transposition of the LFCN provide better results than simple decompression. Medial transposition confers the advantage of mobilizing the nerve away from the anterior superior iliac spine, giving it a straighter and more relaxed course in a softer muscle bed.

Conjunctival bleb compression sutures: An effective method of addressing hypotony after trabeculectomy or trabeculectomy-related procedures

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 731-734 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan TS Yu ◽  
Karl Mercieca ◽  
Leon Au
Keyword(s):  
Intraocular Pressure ◽  
Topical Therapy ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Pressure Control ◽  
Posterior Flap ◽  
Anterior Flap ◽  
Pressure Lowering ◽  
Flow Through

Purpose: Over-filtration is a well-known complication of trabeculectomy and related procedures, especially with adjunctive antimetabolites. Secondary hypotony can result in reduced visual acuity and compromise long-term surgical success. Persistent hypotony requires intervention and we describe an effective adaptation of placing conjunctival compression sutures directly over the scleral flap. Methods: A retrospective consecutive case series of all patients who underwent conjunctival compression suturing from 2012 to 2014 at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, UK. Under sub-tenon’s anaesthesia, two 9/0 nylon figure-of-eight transconjunctival sutures were placed horizontally across the bleb: the first over the anterior flap/ostium and the second over the posterior flap edge to reduce flow through the trabeculectomy flap. Results: A total of 10 patients underwent conjunctival compression suturing, and all patients had successful reversal of hypotony and symptom resolution within 1 week with corresponding clinical improvement. Intraocular pressure control was maintained without topical pressure-lowering agents in seven patients (median = 10 mmHg, range = 7–12 mmHg) with a median follow-up of 35.9 months (range = 11–61 months). Two patients required topical therapy to maintain intraocular pressure ≤ 14 mmHg and one patient’s hypotony returned after 10 months but remained untreated due to pre-existing poor vision. No patients required a return to theatre. Conclusion: This series demonstrates that conjunctival compression sutures can successfully provide long-term control of trabeculectomy-bleb-related hypotony. This technique offers an effective alternative for glaucoma surgeons in addressing post-trabeculectomy hypotony.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document