scholarly journals Auricular acupressure for treating early stage of knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, sham-controlled prospective study

QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
X Zhang ◽  
B He ◽  
H Wang ◽  
X Sun
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
Prospective Study ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Womac Score ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Human Knee ◽  
Auricular Acupressure ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
And Control

Summary Objective We examined whether auricular acupressure (AA) at four specifically preselected AA points can alleviate knee pain and decrease non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) consumption and its adverse effects for osteoarthritis patients. Methods Sixty-two patients (more than 40 years) with knee osteoarthritis of Kellgren–Lawrence grades of I or II upon radiographic classification were enrolled in this randomized, sham-controlled prospective study, and divided into two groups (AA group and control group). The AA group received true AA by embedding vaccaria seeds at four specific AA points (knee joint, shenmen, subcortex and sympathesis) ipsilateral to the knee osteoarthritis site, while the control group received four nonacupuncture points on the auricular helix. Visual analog scale (VAS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) score, the number of patients who needed celecoxib pills and adverse effects were recorded. Results VAS and WOMAC scores in the AA group were significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05) at Days 3 and 7 postsugery. The VAS and WOMAC score were significantly decreased after the treatment in the AA group compared with that before the treatment (P < 0.05). The use of celebrex is significantly lower in the AA group than in the control group (P < 0.05), no major side effects were observed during the auricular acupressure treatment. Conclusion Auricular acupressure plays a role in analgesic effect and can effectively decrease NSAIDs requirements without causing adverse events for the treatment of human knee osteoarthritis.

scholarly journals 883. Evaluation of Post-operative Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Patients Undergoing Urologic Procedures

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S477-S477
Author(s):  
Mohamed Elmarakbi ◽  
Julianne Care ◽  
Jillian Laude ◽  
Pharm D
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Antibiotic Prophylaxis ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Round Table Discussion ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background Many national guidelines do not recommend post-operative antibiotic prophylaxis due to lack of literature supporting its use; however, they are frequently prescribed at ChristianaCare for urologic procedures. Use of post-operative antibiotics has not correlated with reduction in post-operative infections, and has been show to increase risk for resistant infections, Clostridiodes difficile (C. difficile) and acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods A single center retrospective chart review was conducted to evaluate endpoints of patients who underwent a urologic procedure and received post-operative antibiotics (intervention group) compared to those who did not (control group) from June 1st 2018 to September 1st 2019. The primary endpoint was to compare the incidence of post-operative infections, including surgical site infections (SSIs), bacteremia, and urinary tract infections (UTIs) between the intervention and control groups. The secondary endpoints included comparing the incidence of prespecified adverse outcomes, between the two groups. Results A total of 250 patients were included in this study. Baseline demographics were similar across a number of characteristics in both groups. There was no difference between the intervention and control groups in the incidence of post-operative bacteremia (p = 0.608), SSIs (p = 0.491) and 30 day UTIs (p = 0.307). The rate of AKI between both groups were similar. There was a higher percentage of resistant organisms seen in the intervention group compared to the control group (21.4 % vs. 16.7%). The intervention group experienced an increase in post-operative antibiotic related adverse effects. Although a small number of patients were tested for C. difficile, there was one positive C. difficile PCR in the intervention group compared to zero in the control group. Conclusion The results of this study support withholding post-operative antibiotics in urologic procedures given no benefit in reducing post-operative infections and potential to increase adverse effects and development of resistant organisms. Efforts to change this current practice at our institution will be implemented via collaboration with the urology section and review of current order sets. Disclosures Jillian Laude, Pharm D, BCPS, Shionogi Inc (Other Financial or Material Support, Received one-time speaker fee for a round table discussion. The financial relationship does not relate to this research project.)

Effect of the combinative use of acupotomy therapy and ultrasonic drug penetration in treating knee joint osteoarthritis

QJM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xingen Zhang ◽  
Xianjie Sun ◽  
Guiqian Chen
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive Surgery ◽  
Knee Joint ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Womac Score ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Drug Penetration ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Performance Rate ◽  
Design And Methods ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background Knee joint osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that affecting the health in aging population. Aim We explore a minimally invasive surgery combining the use of ultrasonic drug penetration to treat early stage of knee joint osteoarthritis. Design and Methods Total 75 patients were participated in acupotomy therapy and ultrasonic drug penetration to treat joint osteoarthritis. The WOMAC (the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) scores were used to assess the performance. Results There was a significant difference in the WOMAC score between the two groups of patients (P < 0.05). The total performance rate was about 86.4% and 50% in experiment and control group. Conclusion The combination of acupotomy therapy and ultrasonic drug penetration has demonstrated to be effective and promising to treat knee joint osteoarthritis.

scholarly journals Early Use of Corticosteroid May Prolong SARS-CoV-2 Shedding in Non-Intensive Care Unit Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Multicenter, Single-Blind, Randomized Control Trial

Respiration ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Xiao Tang ◽  
Ying-Mei Feng ◽  
Ji-Xiang Ni ◽  
Jia-Ying Zhang ◽  
Li-Min Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Randomized Control Trial ◽  
Corticosteroid Treatment ◽  
Clinical Deterioration ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Early Use ◽  
Randomized Control ◽  
And Control ◽  
Single Blind

<b><i>Background:</i></b> There is still no clinical evidence available to support or to oppose corticosteroid treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> To investigate the efficacy and safety of corticosteroid given to the hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This was a prospective, multicenter, single-blind, randomized control trial. Adult patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who were admitted to the general ward were randomly assigned to either receive methylprednisolone or not for 7 days. The primary end point was the incidence of clinical deterioration 14 days after randomization. <b><i>Results:</i></b> We terminated this trial early because the number of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in all the centers decreased in late March. Finally, a total of 86 COVID-19 patients underwent randomization. There was no difference of the incidence of clinical deterioration between the methylprednisolone group and control group (4.8 vs. 4.8%, <i>p</i> = 1.000). The duration of throat viral RNA detectability in the methylprednisolone group was 11 days (interquartile range, 6–16 days), which was significantly longer than that in the control group (8 days [2–12 days], <i>p</i> = 0.030). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in other secondary outcomes. Mass cytometry discovered CD3<sup>+</sup> T cells, CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells, and NK cells in the methylprednisolone group which were significantly lower than those in the control group after randomization (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> From this prematurely closed trial, we found that the short-term early use of corticosteroid could suppress the immune cells, which may prolong severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 shedding in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. <b><i>Trial Registration:</i></b> ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04273321.

scholarly journals A Collaborative Deprescribing Intervention in a Subacute Medical Outpatient Clinic: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Metabolites ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 204
Author(s):  
Anissa Aharaz ◽  
Jens Henning Rasmussen ◽  
Helle Bach Ølgaard McNulty ◽  
Arne Cyron ◽  
Pia Keinicke Fabricius ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Inappropriate Medication ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Patient Interviews ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Multimorbid Patients ◽  
And Control

Medication deprescribing is essential to prevent inappropriate medication use in multimorbid patients. However, experience of deprescribing in Danish Subacute Medical Outpatient Clinics (SMOCs) is limited. The objective of our pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and sustainability of a collaborative deprescribing intervention by a pharmacist and a physician to multimorbid patients in a SMOC. A randomized controlled pilot study was conducted, with phone follow-up at 30 and 365+ days. A senior pharmacist performed a systematic deprescribing intervention using the Screening Tool of Older Persons’ potentially inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP) criteria, the Danish deprescribing list, and patient interviews. A senior physician received the proposed recommendations and decided which should be implemented. The main outcome was the number of patients having ≥1 medication where deprescribing status was sustained 30 days after inclusion. Out of 76 eligible patients, 72 (95%) were included and 67 (93%) completed the study (57% male; mean age 73 years; mean number of 10 prescribed medications). Nineteen patients (56%) in the intervention group and four (12%) in the control group had ≥1 medication where deprescribing status was sustained 30 days after inclusion (p = 0.015). In total, 37 medications were deprescribed in the intervention group and five in the control group. At 365+ days after inclusion, 97% and 100% of the deprescribed medications were sustained in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The three most frequently deprescribed medication groups were analgesics, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal medications. In conclusion, a collaborative deprescribing intervention for multimorbid patients was feasible and resulted in sustainable deprescribing of medication in a SMOC.

scholarly journals AB0864 DO CORTICOSTEROIDS AND HYALURONIC ACID INJECTIONS CAUSE INFECTIONS? A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF LITERATURE ON ADVERSE EFFECTS AND INFECTION RATES OF INTRA-ARTICULAR CORTICOSTEROID AND HYALURONIC ACID INJECTIONS IN PATIENTS WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1739.2-1739
Author(s):  
C. Hatzantonis
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Hyaluronic Acid ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Cochrane Reviews ◽  
Number Of Patients

Background:Knee osteoarthritis has been a leading cause of chronic pain and disability in our increasingly aging population. Conservative management options of physiotherapy and oral analgesics offer some relief, but delivery of intra-articular injections such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid has increasingly become the mainstay of pain management of knee osteoarthritis. In a clinical setting, intra-articular injections offer a means to delay a total knee replacement. Despite the abundance of literature on corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid, there is no known percentage of infection rates or adverse effects that clinicians may use to inform patients prior to obtaining consent for the injection.Objectives:To determine a rate of adverse events and infection rates in patients undergoing intra-articular injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid.Methods:A systematic review of current literature including studies involving patients ranging from 45 patients (Carmona L, 2018) to Cochrane reviews of 1767 patients (Campbell Kirk, 2015). From these studies, the number of patients, adverse reactions (i.e. pain, erythema) and serious adverse reactions (infections) were calculated.Results:Within our study, there was a large variation of numbers of adverse effects of hyaluronic acid and corticosteroids amongst studies, with percentages as variable as 0-9.3%. Corticosteroids demonstrated 11-26% reduction of adverse events compared to hyaluronic acid. However, confidence intervals were found to not be statistically significant.Conclusion:Intra-articular injections of corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid, although deemed clinically effective, continue to demonstrate variable rates of adverse effects and infection amongst patients with progressive knee osteoarthritis.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals Diverticular fistulation is associated with nicorandil usage

2010 ◽  
Vol 92 (6) ◽  
pp. 463-465 ◽  
Author(s):  
James McDaid ◽  
Claire Reichl ◽  
Ihsan Hamzah ◽  
Samantha Fitter ◽  
Laura Harbach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diverticular Disease ◽  
Fistula Formation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Patient Groups ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease ◽  
And Control ◽  
Control Study

INTRODUCTION We observed that a number of patients presenting to our clinic with diverticular fistulation were taking nicorandil for angna. Recognised side effects of nicorandil include gastrointestinal and genital ulceration. The aim of our study was to determine whether nicorandil is an aetiological agent in diverticular fistulation. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a case-control study of patients with diverticular disease related enteric fistulae. Two patient groups were identified: a study group of patients with diverticular fistulae, and a control group with uncomplicated diverticular disease. The proportion of patients who had ever used nicorandil was compared between the two groups. RESULTS A total of 153 case notes were analysed, 69 patients with fistulae and 84 control patients with uncomplicated diverticular disease. Female to male ratio in both groups was 2:1. The mean age was 71 years in the fistula group and 69 years in the control diverticular disease group (P = ns). Of those with colonic fistulae, 16% were taking nicorandil compared with 2% of the control group (odds ratio 7.8; 95% confidence interval 1.5–39.1; P = 0.008). There was no significant difference in rates of ischaemic heart disease between fistula and control groups. CONCLUSIONS Nicorandil is associated with fistula formation in diverticular disease.

scholarly journals The Relationship between Smoking and Sublingual Varices in the Elderly

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. e288-e288
Author(s):  
Niusha Barzideh ◽  
Arezoo Alaee ◽  
Arash Azizi
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cigarette Smoking ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Varicose Veins ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
And Control

Objectives: We investigated the existence of any connection between smoking and sublingual varices (SLV) in the older population. Methods: This case-control study was conducted in 2019 on adults > 65 years old at Kahrizak Charity Nursing Home, Alborz, Iran. We conducted clinical examination and inspection of 222 elderly patients. Both the case group and control group contained the same number of patients (n = 111). SLV were classified as grade 0 (few or none visible) and grade 1 (moderate or severe). The case group included patients with SLV and the control group consisted of those older adults without SLV and who were matched with the case group based on age, gender, blood pressure, denture wearing, and varicose veins in their legs. Cigarette smoking habits were investigated in both groups. Smokers were considered those who smoked at least one cigarette per day for more than six months. Chi-square and odds ratio (OR) were used to statistically analyze the exposure of participants to smoking in both groups. Results: Among 222 participants, 21.6% and 5.4% were smokers in the case and control groups, respectively. The results of our data analysis revealed that SLV were significantly associated with smoking (p < 0.001, OR = 4). Conclusions: Elderly patients with SLV are more likely to be cigarette smokers. Therefore, cigarette smoking cessation programs are recommended for older adults in society.

THE APPLICATION OF STATISTICAL METHODS IN EVALUATING THE RESULTS OF CLINICAL FINDINGS OF THE DRUG BOVHUALONIDASE AZOXIMER IN CATS WITH UROLOGICAL DISEASES

2020 ◽  
pp. 212-218
Author(s):  
А. V. Nazarova ◽  
◽  
B. S. Semenov ◽  
Т. Sh. Kuznetsova ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relative Risk ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Absolute Risk ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Saint Petersburg ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
And Control ◽  
Experimental Group

In the period from November 2018 to August 2020, we conducted a randomized blind placebo-controlled confirmatory clinical trial in parallel groups on the basis of network of veterinary clinics in Saint Petersburg and Saint Petersburg state university of veterinary medicine. The purpose of the study: to evaluate the effectiveness of Bovhualonidaze azoximer(BA) in patients subjected to surgical intervention on the urethra and bladder, to prevent postoperative complications and relapses of the underlying disease. The frequency of complications was taken as an indicator of effectiveness. 80 cats were evaluated according to the criteria for inclusion in the study, after evaluation and randomization, 53 patients (24 and 29 cats in the experimental and control groups, respectively) who had indications for surgery on the urethra and/or bladder were included in the study. After the withdrawal of some patients, 38 cats were analyzed (17 and 23 cats in the experimental and control groups, respectively). Animals in the experimental group received BA drugs in addition to conventional therapy, and animals in the control group received placebo. The rate of complications in the experimental group was 11.8 %, in the control group-61.9 %. The relative risk was 19.0 %, and the relative risk reduction was 80.9 %. The chance of developing complications in the animals of the experimental group is 12.2 times lower than in animals of the control group.. Absolute risk reduction — 50.1 %, and the number of patients to be treated — 2 patients. The confidence interval for the risk of side effects of BA drugs in cats was 0.0-10.1 %. Based on the results of our clinical study, we proved that the use of BA drugs is effective for preventing complications during surgical interventions on the urethra and bladder, and the risk of side effects when using BA drugs in cats is insignificant

Thyroid Nodules in Patients with Acromegaly: Frequency According to the ACR TI-RADS Classification and its Relationship with Disease Activity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mustafa Can ◽  
Muhammet Kocabaş ◽  
Melia Karakose ◽  
Hatice Caliskan Burgucu ◽  
Zeliha Yarar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Activity ◽  
Thyroid Nodules ◽  
Thyroid Volume ◽  
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control

Abstract Purpose: In our study, we aimed to determine the frequency of thyroid nodules in patients with acromegaly according to the American College of Radiology (ACR) Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) classification and its relationship with acromegaly disease activity. Methods: A total of 56 patients with acromegaly and age, sex, and body mass index matched with 56 healthy control subjects were included in our study. Thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, and anti-thyroperoxidase antibody levels of patients and control subjects were measured. In addition, patients and healthy controls were evaluated by ultrasonography to determine thyroid structure, thyroid volume, and thyroid nodules and to make ACR TI-RADS classification. Results: Thyroid nodules were present in 31 (55.4%) of 56 patients in the acromegaly group and 20 (35.7%) of 56 subjects in the control group, and the frequency of thyroid nodules was significantly higher in the acromegaly group (p=0.038). The mean number of nodules in the acromegaly group and control group was 1.27±1.43 and 0.48±0.73, respectively, and the mean number of nodules was significantly higher in the acromegaly group (p=0.003). The number of patients with TI-RADS 1, TI-RADS 2, and TI-RADS 4 nodules in the acromegaly group was higher than the control group (p=0.026, p=0.049, p=0.007, respectively). No difference was found in terms of cytological findings between those who have undergone FNAB in the acromegaly group and control group. Conclusion: In our study, we found that the frequency of thyroid nodules, the number of thyroid nodules, and the number of TI-RADS 1, TI-RADS 2, and TI-RADS 4 nodules increased in patients with acromegaly. There was no significant difference between acromegaly disease activity and thyroid nodule frequency, number of thyroid nodules, and TI-RADS classifications.

Impact of Medicaid expansion on pancreatic cancer care: A difference-in-difference analysis.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e18567-e18567
Author(s):  
Ahmad Hamad ◽  
Mariam Eskander ◽  
Yaming Li ◽  
Oindrila Bhattacharyya ◽  
James L Fisher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Ductal Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Medicaid Expansion ◽  
Difference In Difference ◽  
Post Surgery ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Expansion Period

e18567 Background: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) increased insurance coverage for low-income individuals, which should potentially lead to better access to care and improved oncological outcomes. This study seeks to evaluate the impact of Medicaid expansion (ME) on care for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Methods: Patients who were uninsured or on Medicaid and diagnosed with PDAC between 2004 and 2017 were queried from the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Two different expansion cohorts were included: early expansion states and 2014 expansion states. For early expansion states, the time period of pre-expansion was 2004-2009 and post-expansion was 2010-2017. As for the 2014 expansion states, the pre-expansion period was from 2004-2013 and post-expansion period was from 2014-2017. Patients in non-expansion states formed the control group. A difference-in-difference (DID) analysis was used to assess the association of ME with stage of diagnosis, treatment and survival for each expansion cohort. Results: In both early and January 2014 expansion states, there was an increase in overall Medicaid coverage (Early: DID = 0.29, 2014: DID = 0.37; P < 0.001), in particular for non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic Black patients (Non-Hispanic Black: Early: DID = 0.11, 2014: DID = 0.11; P < 0.001, Hispanic-Black: 2014: DID = 0.20; P = 0.003). There were no differences in early stage diagnosis (Early: DID = 0.02, 2014: DID = -0.02; P > 0.05). There was an increase in the number of patients receiving surgery (Early: DID = 0.05; P = 0.001, 2014: DID = 0.03; P = 0.029) but no difference in time to surgery among patients receiving surgery upfront (Early: DID = 1.75, 2014: DID = 0.38; P > 0.05). There was no difference in 30-day readmission post-surgery (Early: DID = 0.003; 2014: DID = -0.00007; P > 0.05) or 90-day mortality (Early: DID = -0.007, 2014: DID = -0.035; P > 0.05). Moreover, there was no difference in receipt of chemotherapy (Early: DID = 0.01, 2014: DID = 0.005; P > 0.05) or time to chemotherapy for patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (Early: Early: DID = 9.62, 2014: DID = 0.01; P > 0.05). Finally, there was no difference in receipt of palliative care among stage IV patients in both cohorts (Early: DID = -0.004, 2014: DID = 0.004; P > 0.05). Conclusions: This study suggests that after ME, PDAC patients were more likely to be insured and had increased access to surgical care. Future, studies should evaluate the implications of improved surgical access on clinical outcomes such as mortality.

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