Improved Cartilage Quality on Delayed Gadolinium-Enhanced MRI of Hip Cartilage after Subchondral Drilling of Acetabular Cartilage Flaps in Femoroacetabular Impingement Surgery at Minimum 5-Year Follow-Up

Objective To assess whether subchondral drilling of acetabular cartilage flaps during femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) surgery improves (1) acetabular dGEMRIC indices and (2) morphologic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scores, compared with hips in which no additional treatment of cartilage lesions had been performed; and (3) whether global dGEMRIC indices and MRI scores correlate. Design Prospective cohort study of consecutive patients with symptomatic FAI treated with open surgery between 2000 and 2007. Patients with subchondral drilling of acetabular cartilage flaps were allocated to the study group, those without drilling to the control group. All patients underwent indirect 3-T MR arthrography to assess cartilage quality by dGEMRIC indices and a semiquantitative morphologic MRI score at minimum 5 years after surgery. dGEMRIC indices and morphologic MRI scores were compared between and among groups using analysis of covariance/paired t tests. Results No significant difference was found between the global dGEMRIC indices of the study group (449 ± 147 ms, 95% CI 432-466 ms) and the control group (428 ± 143 ms, 95% CI 416-442 ms; P = 0.235). In regions with cartilage flaps, the study group showed higher dGEMRIC indices (472 ± 160 ms, 95% CI 433-510 ms) compared with the control group (390 ± 122 ms, 95% CI 367-413 ms; P < 0.001). No significant differences were found for the morphologic MRI scores. A strong inversely linear correlation between the dGEMRIC indices and the morphologic MRI scores ( r = −0.727, P < 0.001) was observed. Conclusions Treatment of acetabular cartilage flaps with subchondral drilling leads to better cartilage quality in regions with cartilage flaps at minimum 5 years of follow-up.

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Capsular closure versus unrepaired interportal capsulotomy after hip arthroscopy in patients with femoroacetabular impingement, results of a patient-blinded randomised controlled trial

Hip International ◽

10.1177/11207000211005762 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 112070002110057

Author(s):

Niels H Bech ◽

Inger N Sierevelt ◽

Sheryl de Waard ◽

Boudijn S H Joling ◽

Gino M M J Kerkhoffs ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Femoroacetabular Impingement ◽

Hip Arthroscopy ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Poor Quality ◽

Control Group ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Randomised Controlled

Background: Hip capsular management after hip arthroscopy remains a topic of debate. Most available current literature is of poor quality and are retrospective or cohort studies. As of today, no clear consensus exists on capsular management after hip arthroscopy. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of routine capsular closure versus unrepaired capsulotomy after interportal capsulotomy measured with NRS pain and the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS). Materials and methods: All eligible patients with femoroacetabular impingement who opt for hip arthroscopy ( n = 116) were randomly assigned to one of both treatment groups and were operated by a single surgeon. Postoperative pain was measured with the NRS score weekly the first 12 weeks after surgery. The HAGOS questionnaire was measured at 12 and 52 weeks postoperatively. Results: Baseline characteristics and operation details were comparable between treatment groups. Regarding the NRS pain no significant difference was found between groups at any point the first 12 weeks after surgery ( p = 0.67). Both groups significantly improved after surgery ( p < 0.001). After 3 months follow-up there were no differences between groups for the HAGOS questionnaire except for the domain sport ( p = 0.02) in favour of the control group. After 12 months follow-up there were no differences between both treatment groups on all HAGOS domains ( p > 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this randomised controlled trial show highest possible evidence that there is no reason for routinely capsular closure after interportal capsulotomy at the end of hip arthroscopy. Trial Registration: This trial was registered at the CCMO Dutch Trial Register: NL55669.048.15.

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Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Sexual Self-Efficacy and Marital Satisfaction among Couples with Marital Conflicts

10.32592/ajnpp.2020.7.1.104 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 29-36

Keyword(s):

Marital Satisfaction ◽

Cognitive Therapy ◽

Marital Conflict ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Analysis Of Covariance ◽

Control Group ◽

Marital Conflicts ◽

Significant Difference

Background: Marital conflict is a type of lack of ongoing meaningful agreement between spouses. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on sexual self-efficacy and marital satisfaction in couples with marital conflicts. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was carried out on the intervention and control groups with a pretest/posttest design and follow-up. The study population consisted of 30 females who referred to counseling centers in district 1 of Tehran, Iran, in 2018 through simple random sampling. The participants were randomly divided into two groups, each with 15 members. The intervention group received mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and the control group received no intervention. Data collection tools were the questionnaires of sexual self-efficacy, marital satisfaction, and marital conflicts. The questionnaires were filled out by the participants before and after the intervention and 3 months later. The collected data were analyzed using repeated measurement analysis and analysis of covariance by SPSS software (version 22). Results: The results of the study showed that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy led to increased sexual self-efficacy (P<0.033) and marital satisfaction (P<0.003) in the intervention group; however, in the control group, there was no significant difference in pretest, posttest and follow-up scores. Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy can improve sexual self-efficacy and marital satisfaction in couples with marital conflicts.

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The role of ozonized oil and a combination of tobramycin/dexamethasone eye drops in the treatment of viral conjunctivitis: a randomized clinical trial

International Ophthalmology ◽

10.1007/s10792-020-01503-4 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 40 (12) ◽

pp. 3209-3215

Author(s):

C. Cagini ◽

M. Mariniello ◽

M. Messina ◽

A. Muzi ◽

C. Balducci ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Signs ◽

Pcr Analysis ◽

Control Group ◽

Study Group ◽

Eye Drops ◽

Adenoviral Infection ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Corneal Infiltrates ◽

Punctate Keratitis

Abstract Purpose To determine whether topical tobramycin 0.3%/dexamethasone 0.1% plus ozonized oil eye drops reduces clinical signs and infectious viral titers of presumed viral conjunctivitis more than tobramycin/dexamethasone eye drops alone. Methods Prospective, single-blind, randomized, parallel-groups trial. Eighty patients with a clinical diagnosis of presumed viral conjunctivitis were randomizedly divided into two treatment groups: a study group and a control group, 40 for each group. Patients in the study group received topical tobramycin 0.3%/dexamethasone 0.1% eye drops, plus ozonized oil eye drops, both four times daily; patients in the control group received only topical tobramycin 0.3%/dexamethasone eye drops four times daily. The treatment was for seven days in both groups. Swabs were taken from the conjunctival fornix for adenovirus PCR analysis on the day of recruitment and at seven days follow-up. Clinical signs were also recorded on the day of recruitment and at follow-up examination: the main outcomes were conjunctival injection and conjunctival chemosis, graded on a 4-point clinical scale, presence or absence of superficial punctate keratitis and subepithelial corneal infiltrates. Results No statistically significant difference was reached in adenoviral infection negativization between the two groups, although the study group showed a higher number of PCR negative results at seven days follow-up. PCR real time detected adenoviral infection in 17 of 24 patients on the day of recruitment and it was positive in 4 patients on the seventh day (viral positivity reduction of 76%). In the control group PCR was positive for adenovirus in 18 of 24 patients on the day of recruitment and in 7 patients at seven days follow-up (reduction of 61%). There was statistically significant difference on conjunctival clinical signs between the study and control groups. Significant difference was also found on superficial punctate keratitis resolution between the study and the control group. In the former superficial punctate keratitis was detected in 14 eyes on the first day and in 5 eyes after seven days while in the latter superficial punctate keratitis was found in 124 eyes on the first day and in 6 eyes on the seventh day. No difference was found in subepithelial corneal infiltrates appearance between the two groups. Conclusions The use of ozonized-oil containing eye drops in combination with topical tobramycin 0.3%/dexamethasone 0.1% eye drops four times daily seems to reduce the signs of conjunctivitis, and the duration of viral infection, although it does not affect the subepithelial corneal infiltrates appearance.

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The effects of an emotional intelligence skills training program on the consistent anger levels of Turkish university students

Social Behavior and Personality An International Journal ◽

10.2224/sbp.2009.37.4.565 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 37 (4) ◽

pp. 565-576 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Müge Yilmaz

Keyword(s):

Emotional Intelligence ◽

University Students ◽

Training Program ◽

Skill Training ◽

Skills Training ◽

Control Group ◽

Study Group ◽

Skill Training Program ◽

Significant Difference

The effect of an emotional intelligence skill training program on the levels of consistent anger of university students was investigated in 32 volunteers. A pretest, posttest model with a control group as study design was used and 16 individuals made up the study group and 16 individuals were in the control group. Levels of consistent anger were assessed by the State Trait Anger Scale (Spielberger, Jacobs, Russell, & Crane, 1983, adapted by Özer, 1994). In the data analysis, Mann-Whitney U Test, Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs Signed Ranks Test, and One-Way ANOVA for Repeated Measures were used. Results indicate that the level of consistent anger of those who attended the 12-session emotional intelligence skill training program was lower than for those who did not attend this program (p < .001). In the follow-up study conducted 3 months later with the study group, there was no significant difference between consistent anger posttest scores and follow-up test scores. The data gathered indicate that an emotional intelligence skill training program may lower the levels of consistent anger for university students. Students whose consistent anger level is high would benefit from psychological counseling.

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Comparing the Effectiveness of Behavioral Activation and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Cognitive-Attentional Syndrome in Patients with Depression

Middle East Journal of Rehabilitation and Health ◽

10.5812/mejrh.109550 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol In Press (In Press) ◽

Author(s):

Sahar Amiri ◽

Parvin Ehteshamzadeh ◽

Fariba Hafezi ◽

Mohammad Reza Borna

Keyword(s):

Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽

Behavioral Activation ◽

Analysis Of Covariance ◽

Control Group ◽

Commitment Therapy ◽

Acceptance And Commitment ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

And Control

Background: Cognitive-attentional syndrome (CAS) is one of the primary constructs of depression, the treatment of which is highly challenging because of its high prevalence and the emergence of symptoms such as feelings of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of behavioral activation (BA) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in CAS in patients with depression. Methods: This quasi-experimental research utilized a pretest, posttest, and two-month follow-up design with a control group. The study population comprised 260 patients with a diagnosis of depression who referred to the psychological centers of Ahvaz in 2019. The sample consisted of 45 patients with depression selected by convenience sampling. We randomly divided the participants into two experimental groups (BA and ACT) and a control group (n = 15 per group). The research instrument included the cognitive-attentional syndrome (CAS-1) questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0 with descriptive and inferential statistics, such as mean, standard deviation, and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Results: In terms of CAS and its components, there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the posttest and follow-up phases (P = 0.0001). Besides, ACT and BA significantly reduced CAS and its components in the posttest phase (P = 0.0001). However, the effectiveness of BA in decreasing CAS and its components remained during the follow-up phase. Furthermore, the results showed that ACT was more effective in reducing attention to threat and metacognitive beliefs during the posttest phase. Conclusions: According to research findings, both BA and ACT are efficient therapies in reducing CAS in patients with depression. Thus, both approaches can be used to strengthen treatment interventions to reduce CAS in patients with depression.

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Efficacy of Shenqi Runchang Tongbian Decoction in Treatment of Children with Constipation and Its Effect on Clinical Symptoms of Children

Tobacco Regulatory Science ◽

10.18001/trs.7.5.76 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (5) ◽

pp. 1551-1557

Author(s):

Huang Yuanqin ◽

Li Xiaoqian ◽

he Huizhen ◽

Li Lin ◽

Xu Hui

Keyword(s):

Abdominal Pain ◽

Symptom Score ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Abdominal Distension ◽

Control Group ◽

Study Group ◽

Secondary Symptom ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Defecation Frequency

To investigate the efficacy of Shenqi Runchang Tongbian Decoction in the treatment of children with constipation and its effect on the clinical symptoms of children. Methods: From January 2016 to January 2020, 100 patients with constipation were randomly divided into two groups. The control group was treated with lactulose oral solution, and the study group was treated with Shenqi Runchang Tongbian Decoction. Both groups were administered with drugs for 14 days, and the two groups were followed up on the 28th day. The effectiveness of the two groups was compared before treatment and during follow-up. The changes of various symptom scores were compared before treatment, after treatment and during follow-up, and the changes of primary symptom score, secondary symptom score and total score were compared before treatment, after treatment and during follow-up. Results: After treatment, the effectiveness of the study group was higher than that of the control group at follow-up (P <0.05). After treatment and during the follow-up, the scores of facial color, lips, sleep, urination, hand-foot-heart-chest, appetite, halitosis, abdominal distension and abdominal pain, defecation duration, defecation difficulty, defecation frequency and stool property of the two groups were lower than those before treatment (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the scores of facial color, sleep, urination and hand-foot-heart-chest symptoms before and after treatment of the control group and the study group (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the scores of facial color, lips, sleep, urination and hand-foot-heart-chest symptoms before treatment and during follow-up between the control group and the study group (P > 0.05). The scores of lip symptoms after treatment in the study group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The scores of appetites, halitosis, abdominal distension and abdominal pain, defecation duration, defecation difficulty, defecation frequency, stool property after treatment and during follow-up in the study group were lower than those in the control group (P <0.05). The total score, the secondary symptom score and the primary symptom score of the two groups before treatment and during follow-up were lower than those before treatment (P < 0.05). The total score, the secondary symptom score and the primary symptom score in the study group were lower than those in the control group after treatment and during follow-up (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The treatment of children with constipation with Shenqi Runchang Tongbian Decoction can improve the secondary symptoms and primary symptoms of children and improve the comprehensive curative effect, especially in the aspects of improving appetite, halitosis, abdominal distension and abdominal pain, defecation duration, defecation difficulty, defecation frequency and stool property. It can effectively enhance the gastrointestinal function and promote the rehabilitation of children. It is worthy of being popularized in clinical practice.

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Efficacy of Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation in the Knee in Adults Forty Years and Older

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967118s00091 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (7_suppl4) ◽

pp. 2325967118S0009

Author(s):

Katlyn Robinson ◽

Dennis C. Crawford

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

International Knee Documentation Committee ◽

Osteochondral Allograft ◽

Control Group ◽

Study Cohort ◽

Study Group ◽

Allograft Transplantation ◽

Significant Difference

Objectives: Fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation (FOCA) have been used successfully to treat large chondral and osteochondral defects of the knee. The purpose of the present study was to determine the efficacy of this treatment in patients older than 40, in comparison to a cohort 39 and younger. Methods: We utilized a prospective database of 107 consecutive patients, with baseline PRO data receiving osteochondral allograft transplantation to the knee from a single surgeon practice over 8 years (March 2007-July 2015). Patient and donor characteristics were routinely collected, as were patient annual PRO measures, principally International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Table 1 summarizes cohort demographics; 68 patients completed surveys at a minimum of 24 month follow-up and were categorized into two cohorts based on age at surgery. Group A (study group) consisted of 33 patient’s forty years of age and greater, 8 women and 25 men, with a mean age of 52.8 years (40-68) and average final up of 3.5 years. Group B (control group) consisted of 35 patient’s less than forty years, 12 women and 23 men, with a mean age of 27.8 years (15-39) and average final follow up of 2.6 years. Results: Both groups showed a significant improvement in outcome KOOS and IKDC scores at 12 months, 24 months and final follow up. 11 patients (31%) in the control cohort and 8 patients (24%) in study cohort underwent a second surgery on the index knee after the OCA transplantation. A statistically significant improvement in the study group from baseline to final follow-up (p<.02) was seen for all KOOS subscores (Symptom:+ 4.83, Pain: +13.05, ADL: +17.44, Sports: +14.48, QOL: +25.3) and IKDC (+22.46). A statistically significant improvement in the control group from baseline to final follow-up (p<.02) was seen for all 5 KOOS subscores; (Symptom:+15.22, Pain: +8.68, ADL: +18.52, Sports: +30, QOL: +32.71) and IKDC (+32.9). In the study group, the maximum improvements (112% of baseline, 45% of baseline) were seen in the KOOS QOL and sports respectively. Similar changes in the control group included 138% improvement from baseline KOOS QOL and 83.3% for sports. Despite this, there was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to any average KOOS subscore or IKDC score, at any time during the observation period. Conclusion: There was no significant difference between the group’s outcomes data at final follow up. This implies the efficacy of OCA transplantation in adults forty years of age and older is similar to that of younger adults. Interestingly, we saw the greatest improvement in each of the two cohorts in the quality of life subscale of the KOOS. Significant sustained improvements in the symptom, ADL and pain subscales of the KOOS and IKDC were also observed in both groups. Overall, patients over 40 years benefit in a similar manner to younger patients after FOCA and these benefits appear greatest for Quality of Life. [Table: see text]

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Evaluation of complete blood count parameters in the first trimester: an early indicator of miscarriage?

10.25083/2559.5555/6.1.9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 48-52

Author(s):

İbrahim Kale ◽

Çağlar Helvacıoğlu ◽

Tuğba Erel Muğurtay

Keyword(s):

Blood Count ◽

Complete Blood Count ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

First Trimester ◽

Control Group ◽

Study Group ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Relationship ◽

Objective Investigation

Objective. Investigation of the relationship between the first trimester complete blood count parameters and miscarriage. Materials and Methods. The study group consisted of 39 patients who admitted to the hospital with the diagnosis of abortus imminens between January 2016 and December 2019, and whose pregnancy ended as miscarriage before the 20th week. The control group consisted of 200 randomly selected healthy pregnant women, with follow-up and delivery in our hospital. Patient information was obtained retrospectively from the hospital records. Results. Age and BMI of both groups were similar. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of basophil, neutrophil, eosinophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, platelets, RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, MPV, Pct and PDW, while leukocyte and neutrophil counts was statistically significantly higher in the miscarriage group (p=0,002, p=0,001, respectively). NLR was statistically higher in the miscarriage group (p=0,005), PLR was also higher in the miscarriage group, but this did not reach statistical significance (p=0,056). Both groups were similar in terms of MLR. Conclusions. High NLR levels obtained from the hemogram results in the first trimester seems to be associated with miscarriage. NLR can be an easy, cheap and useful tool for predicting pregnancy prognosis in patients with abortus imminens.

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Autologous Stem Cell (AUTO) vs Non-Myeloablative Allogeneic Transplantation (NMT) after High-Dose Rituximab (HD-R) -Containing Conditioning Regimens for Relapsed Chemosensitve Follicular Lymphoma (FL).

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v106.11.48.48 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 106 (11) ◽

pp. 48-48 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Issa F. Khouri ◽

Rima M. Saliba ◽

Chitra M. Hosing ◽

Sandra A. Acholonu ◽

Luis E. Fayad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Controlled Trial ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Conditioning Regimen ◽

Control Group ◽

High Dose ◽

Unrelated Donor ◽

Study Group ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Risk Of Progression

Abstract We evaluated the safety and efficacy of NMT vs. AUTO as a treatment modality for patients (pts) with relapsed chemosensitive FL. Pts were considered for AUTO if they did not have a matched sibling donor. Pts were eligible for NMT if they had a donor, especially if pts were > 1st relapse or failed a prior AUTO. Between March 1999 and April 2005, 68 consecutive pts were treated. 47 received a NMT after conditioning with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, HD-R (Blood89:3595, 2001). Twenty-one other pts received AUTO after either Cy/TBI/HD-R (N=8) or BEAM/HD-R (N= 13) (JCO23:2240,2005). The HD-R regimen consisted of 2 injections pre-transplant in NMT or during cell mobilization for AUTO, at 375 mg/m2 and 1000 mg/m2, respectively. Pts then received two additional doses of 1000 mg/m2 at days +1 and +8 post-transplant. Median age of pts (53 yrs), time from diagnosis to transplant (3yrs), % pts in PR (57%) at study entry were equal in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference in gender distribution, histology subtypes of FL grades, history of marrow involvement, beta-2 microglobulin (b2-m), IPI and LDH levels between the two groups. There were however more pts in the NMT group who had > 1 relapse (38% vs 19%, P = 0.09), or had > 3 lines of therapy (28% vs none). Eight pts (17%) in the NMT group had failed a prior AUTO. Sixty-six pts (97%) had peripheral blood (PB) transplant, two other pts with NMT received marrow from an unrelated donor. With a median follow-up time of 34 months, overall survival rates at 3-year were 88% and 84% for the NMT and AUTO groups, respectively (P=0.8). DFS and risk of progression were comparable between the two groups (85% vs 84%, and 3% vs 5%, respectively). DFS for the 8 pts who received NMT after failing a prior AUTO was 87% at 4-year. Causes of death varied between the AUTO group [Secondary leukemia (2), viral encephalitis (1)] and the NMT group [acute GVHD (2), chronic GVHD (2), unknown (1)]. We compared the outcome of AUTO in this study [AUTO Study Group), to a historical group [AUTO Control Group] of pts who received an AUTO under an immediately preceding protocol (years of therapy: 1994-1998). Pts in the AUTO Control Group were younger [Median age was 47 vs. 53 yrs, respectively, P = 0.007)], received Cy/VP-16/TBI without HD-R as conditioning regimen, and mostly (84% of pts) received in-vitro purged marrow as the source of graft (P < 0.001). Other disease characteristics were not statistically different between them. Results at 3-years demonstrated a higher risk of progression in the AUTO Control Group compared to the AUTO Study Group (26% vs. 5%, respectively, P = 0.09), an inferior DFS (58% vs. 84%, respectively, P = 0.04), and a tendency for a shorter survival (74% vs 84%, respectively, P = 0.2). These data suggest that NMT has a spectrum of safety that becoming comparable to AUTO. HD-R appears to improve the outcome after AUTO. Longer follow-up is needed to assess remission duration in the 2 study groups. A prospective controlled trial of AUTO vs. NMT using HD-R in each arm is warranted to assess the optimal strategy for treatment of relapsed FL.

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Lack of Complications in Skin Surgery of Patients Receiving Clopidogrel as Compared with Patients Taking Aspirin, Warfarin, and Controls

The American Surgeon ◽

10.1177/000313481007600103 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 76 (1) ◽

pp. 11-14 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Eyal Kramer ◽

Eran Hadad ◽

Melvyn Westreich ◽

Avshalom Shalom

Keyword(s):

Antiplatelet Agent ◽

Surgical Techniques ◽

Late Complications ◽

Control Group ◽

Study Group ◽

Medical Conditions ◽

Past Medical History ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Skin Surgery

Clopidogrel, a new antiplatelet agent that irreversibly inhibits platelet aggregation, is widely used today. This prospective work was conducted to evaluate the safety of performing skin surgery on patients taking clopidogrel. Patients undergoing surgery for excision of skin or subcutaneous lesions under local anesthesia taking clopidogrel were the study group. The control group comprised 2073 historical patients who had undergone a similar procedure. Data collected included: age, sex, past medical history, medications, and late complications. Follow-up was done at 1 to 2 weeks and 3 to 6 months. There were 32 patients on clopidogrel, having 38 lesions removed. Of these, seven patients were on aspirin and clopidogrel combined. The groups taking clopidogrel, aspirin, and warfarin had significantly more males, were older, and had significantly more comorbid medical conditions. There was no significant difference in the incidence of any of the complications in any of the groups. This study shows that patients taking clopidogrel before skin surgery, though older and with more associated medical conditions, do not experience a greater rate of complications. We conclude that patients undergoing minor excisional cutaneous surgery should continue taking clopidogrel because there is no apparent risk for increased complications when good meticulous surgical techniques are used.

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