CLINICAL EVALUATION OF PATIENTS WITH VANCOMYCIN SPACER RETAINED FOR MORE THAN 12 MONTHS

ABSTRACT Objective: There is no consensus in the literature regarding the time taken to remove antibiotic spacers in the treatment of bone infections. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical results of patients with prolonged retention of the same. Methods: Patients selected were diagnosed with post-osteosynthesis infection and/or osteomyelitis and were submitted to treatment using an orthopedic cement spacer (polymethylmethacrylate) with vancomycin, retaining it for a period of more than 12 months. They were clinically evaluated to determine the presence of local or systemic infectious signs via hemogram, investigations of inflammatory markers, liver, renal and, with radiographic control. Results: Eighteen patients were included in the study. The mean retention time of the spacer was 30.4 months (15 – 61 months). No patient had clinical signs of local or systemic infectious relapse at the time of evaluation. Seven patients (39%) presented non-disabling pain in the operated limb. Seventeen patients (94%) presented a reduction in C-reactive protein values compared to the preoperative period. Radiographically, no migration, no spacer failure, or bone sequestration occurred. Conclusion: In this retrospective case series, cement spacer retention with vancomycin for more than 12 months was associated with good clinical results, without relapse of the infectious condition. Nível de Evidência IV. Estudos Terapêuticos - Investigação dos Resultados do Tratamento.

Download Full-text

Pseudo paralysis of the shoulder and increased C-reactive protein are predictive factors for septic shoulder in children superior to other clinical symptoms: a retrospective case series of 25 patients

Journal of Children s Orthopaedics ◽

10.1302/1863-2548.14.190126 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 85-90 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Cezara Danilov ◽

Christoph Ihle ◽

Francisco F. Fernandez ◽

Gunnar Blumenstock ◽

Thomas Wirth ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Septic Arthritis ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Case Series ◽

Diagnostic Procedures ◽

White Blood Count ◽

C Reactive Protein ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Reactive Protein ◽

Shoulder Arthritis

Purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate predictable parameters with the highest sensitivity used in the diagnosis of children septic shoulder arthritis. Methods All children treated in our paediatric orthopaedic hospital between 2000 and 2017 with intraoperative verified septic arthritis of the shoulder were included in this retrospective study. Diagnostic procedures e.g. ultrasound, MRI, radiograph or blood samples as well as typical clinical symptoms were evaluated as predictable parameters for septic shoulder arthritis in paediatric patients. Descriptive statistics as well as sensitivity analysis were performed. Results In all, 25 children, 20 boys and five girls, aged from eight days to 15 years, were included for further statistical analysis. All parameters included were tested for sensitivity with binomial confidence intervals (Cis) of 95%. Predictive parameters with highest sensitivity were pseudo paralysis (100%, CI 0.86 to 1.00) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (96%, CI 0.79 to 0.99) superior to temperature (52%, CI 0.3 to 0.73), white blood count (11%, CI 0.01 to 0.34), radiograph (21%, CI 0.04 to 0.50), ultrasound (71%, CI 0.47 to 0.88) or MRI (100%, CI 0.78 to 1.00). Conclusion The diagnosis of a septic arthritis of the shoulder in children can be challenging for the clinician and especially for the resident doctor. Clinical symptoms such as pseudo paralysis and increased CRP level must be considered as predictive markers not to delay further diagnostics and treatment. Level of Evidence IV

Download Full-text

Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Patients with COVID-19 in Arak, Iran

The Open Public Health Journal ◽

10.2174/1874944502013010712 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 712-717

Author(s):

Morteza Mousavi-Hasanzadeh ◽

Hossein Sarmadian ◽

Fatemeh Safi ◽

Mohammad Jamalian ◽

Amir Almasi-Hashiani

Keyword(s):

Clinical Characteristics ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Case Fatality ◽

C Reactive Protein ◽

Reactive Protein ◽

The Mean ◽

Mixed Ground ◽

Taste And Smell ◽

Muscle Ache

Background: The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 is increasing. Here we present the clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 in Arak, Iran. Methods: In this study, 139 COVID-19 confirmed cases from 15 February to 15 March 2020 in Arak, Iran, were investigated. The clinical signs, symptoms, laboratory and radiological findings and outcomes were analyzed. Results: The mean age of the patients was 55.41 years (S.D.: 17.11) and 55.40% of them were males. 26.81% of patients had recently traveled to other epidemic cities. The most common clinical manifestations were fever (71.64%), cough (67.16%), shortness of breath (55.22%), muscle ache (50.00%) and the most prevalent complications were taste and smell disruption (29.5%), weakness (22.3%), anorexia (20.1%) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (15.8%). Almost half of the patients had lymphopenia, an elevated level of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C - reactive protein (CRP). In terms of outcome, 9.3% of patients needed an ICU admission as a result of ARDS in which 15.32% were directly admitted to the ICU. 43.2% of patients have been discharged and the case fatality rate (CFR) was estimated as 11.5%. Conclusion: COVID-19 pneumonia usually occurred at an age older than 50 years and in the male gender. The most common initial clinical laboratories and radiological presentations are fever, cough, lymphopenia with elevated CRP and ESR and Bilateral mixed ground-glass opacities with consolidation.

Download Full-text

Clinical results of Visian implantable collamer lens implantation according to various sizes and implantation angles

European Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1177/11206721211033468 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 112067212110334

Author(s):

Bu Ki Kim ◽

Young Taek Chung

Keyword(s):

Case Series ◽

Clinical Results ◽

Implantable Collamer Lens ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Lens Implantation ◽

Group A ◽

The Mean ◽

Group B

Purpose: To investigate the clinical outcomes of Visian implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation according to lens size and implantation angle. Setting: Onnuri Smile Eye Clinic, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Design: Retrospective case series. Methods: This study included 566 eyes of 283 patients treated with ICL implantation. Patients were divided into three groups: horizontally implanted same-sized ICL (group A), horizontally implanted different sized-ICL (group B: large ICL and small ICL) and same sized-ICL implanted with a different implantation angle (group C: horizontal and vertical). Results: At 12-month follow-up, the mean vault was 0.78 ± 17, 0.48 ± 0.13, 0.71 ± 0.18 and 0.44 ± 0.16 mm when large and small sized ICL was used in group B ( p < 0.001), and when ICL was horizontally and vertically implanted in group C ( p = 0.021), respectively. And the mean SE was −0.11 ± 0.30, −0.34 ± 0.42, −0.3 ± 0.56 and −0.64 ± 0.66 dioptres (D), when the large and the small sized ICL was used group B ( p = 0.039), and when the ICL was horizontally and vertically implanted in group C ( p = 0.036), respectively. No significant difference in UDVA, IOP and ECD between both eyes in groups B and C was observed. No statistical difference was found in the vault between both eyes for groups B and C. Conclusions: The vault was significantly higher and the SE was significantly more hyperopic when a larger-sized ICL was used or the ICL was horizontally implanted compared to when the ICL was vertically implanted.

Download Full-text

Minimally Invasive Distal Metatarsal Metaphyseal Osteotomy (DMMO) of the Fifth Metatarsal for Bunionette Correction

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/1071100717745536 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 39 (4) ◽

pp. 450-457 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Kar Hao Teoh ◽

Kartik Hariharan

Keyword(s):

Minimally Invasive ◽

Callus Formation ◽

Case Series ◽

Clinical Results ◽

Osteotomy Site ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Average Improvement ◽

The Mean

Background: Different osteotomies have been proposed for the treatment of bunionette deformity. Minimally invasive surgery is now increasingly popular for a variety of forefoot conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome following fifth minimally invasive distal metatarsal metaphyseal osteotomy (DMMO) for bunionette deformity. Methods: Nineteen patients (21 feet) who had symptomatic bunionette deformity and failed conservative treatment between 2014 and 2016 were included in this retrospective study. Clinical data were recorded, and pre- and postoperative Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) scores and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score were collected. The mean follow-up was 28 months (range, 12-47). Results: The mean MOXFQ summary index score decreased from 71 (range, 59-81) preoperatively to 10 (range, 0-30) postoperatively. All 3 MOXFQ domains also improved. The average improvement in VAS score was 7. Forefoot swelling and some painful symptoms took an average of 3 months to settle. There were no wound or nerve complications. One patient required a dorsal cheilectomy for a symptomatic prominent dorsolateral callus formation. Conclusion: The minimally invasive fifth DMMO for bunionette deformity was a safe and effective technique. It had relatively few complications and led to good clinical results. We believe it is important to warn patients that the forefoot swelling will take months to settle compared to an osteotomy with fixation, and there is a 10% chance of a prominent callus over the osteotomy site. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Download Full-text

Possible Benefit of Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers in COVID-19 Patients: A Case Series

Journal of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System ◽

10.1155/2021/9951540 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Su Jin Lee ◽

Taehwa Kim ◽

Woo Hyun Cho ◽

Doosoo Jeon ◽

Seungjin Lim

Keyword(s):

Angiotensin Ii ◽

Potential Benefit ◽

Case Series ◽

Angiotensin Ii Receptor Blockers ◽

Angiotensin Ii Receptor ◽

C Reactive Protein ◽

Case Presentation ◽

Reactive Protein ◽

Receptor Blockers ◽

The Mean

Introduction. Dysfunction in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) has been observed in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It is presumed that the effect of reducing interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels by angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) by RAAS modulation. We investigated changes in angiotensin II and IL-6 levels in four COVID-19 patients treated with ARBs. Case Presentation. Cases 1 and 2 were who had not received ARBs before and were newly administered ARBs. Case 3 restarted ARBs after discontinuation for 7 days, and case 4 received an increased dose of ARBs. The mean in angiotensin II levels (607.5 pg/mL, range: 488–850 pg/mL, reference range < 100 pg / mL ), C-reactive protein (CRP) (10.58 mg/dL, range 4.45-18.05 mg/dL), and IL-6 (55.78 pg/mL, range: 12.86–144.82 pg/mL, reference range < 7 pg / mL ) was observed at the admission in all patients. Upon clinical improvement, the mean decrease in CRP (1.02 mg/dL, range 0.06-3.78 mg/dL) and IL-6 (5.63 pg/mL, range 0.17-20.87 pg/mL) was observed in all patients. Conversely, angiotensin II levels gradually increased. Conclusion. This report supports the potential benefit of ARBs to improve the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients by controlling RAAS dysfunction.

Download Full-text

Effects and Safety of Convalescent Plasma Administration in a Group of Polish Pediatric Patients with COVID-19: A Case Series

Life ◽

10.3390/life11030247 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 247

Author(s):

Paweł Małecki ◽

Kamil Faltin ◽

Anna Mania ◽

Katarzyna Mazur-Melewska ◽

Agnieszka Cwalińska ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pediatric Patients ◽

Case Series ◽

Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

C Reactive Protein ◽

Virus Elimination ◽

Reactive Protein ◽

Promising Treatment ◽

Pcr Method ◽

The Mean

Despite the enormous advances in knowledge about the SARS-CoV-2 infection, the optimal treatment for COVID-19 is still not well defined. The use of convalescent plasma seems to be a promising method of treatment but requires further evaluation. Although it is usually mild, in children with underlying chronic diseases, the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection may be very severe. We described a series of 13 pediatric patients (mean age 10.4 years, median 12) treated with convalescent plasma as a method of COVID-19 therapy. Medical history, with particular emphasis on comorbidities, clinical course, laboratory parameters, supportive treatment and virus elimination time, were analyzed. The mean hospitalization time was 22.6 days (median 20). The most common abnormalities included increased levels of C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and lymphopenia. Median time from symptom onset to convalescent plasma transfusion was 10.6 days (median 7 days). Six patients (46.2%) had a viral clearance on RT-PCR method from a nasopharyngeal swab within 3 days of transfusion, while in the remaining patients the mean elimination time was 12.1 days (median 6 days). Clinical improvement was achieved in all patients; no adverse effects were found in any of the cases. Convalescent plasma may be a promising treatment for COVID-19 in children.

Download Full-text

Serum C-reactive protein metabolite (CRPM) is associated with incidence of contralateral knee osteoarthritis

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-86064-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Anne-Christine Bay-Jensen ◽

Asger Bihlet ◽

Inger Byrjalsen ◽

Jeppe Ragnar Andersen ◽

Bente Juhl Riis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Phase Iii ◽

Response To Treatment ◽

C Reactive Protein ◽

Two Phase ◽

Knee Oa ◽

Reactive Protein ◽

Inflammatory Phenotype ◽

The Mean ◽

Using Data

AbstractThe heterogeneous nature of osteoarthritis (OA) and the need to subtype patients is widely accepted in the field. The biomarker CRPM, a metabolite of C-reactive protein (CRP), is released to the circulation during inflammation. Blood CRPM levels have shown to be associated with disease activity and response to treatment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated the level of blood CRPM in OA compared to RA using data from two phase III knee OA and two RA studies (N = 1591). Moreover, the association between CRPM levels and radiographic progression was investigated. The mean CRPM levels were significantly lower in OA (8.5 [95% CI 8.3–8.8] ng/mL, n = 781) compared to the RA patients (12.8 [9.5–16.0] ng/mL, n = 60); however, a significant subset of OA patients (31%) had CRPM levels (≥ 9 ng/mL) comparable to RA. Furthermore, OA patients (n = 152) with CRPM levels ≥ 9 ng/mL were more likely to develop contra-lateral knee OA assessed by X-ray over a two-year follow-up period with an odds ratio of 2.2 [1.0–4.7]. These data suggest that CRPM is a blood-based biochemical marker for early identification OA patients with an inflammatory phenotype.

Download Full-text

FXa Inhibition and Coagulation Changes During DVT Prophylaxis by Enoxaparin Over the Course of a 15-Day Follow-Up in Septic Patients

Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis ◽

10.1177/1076029609345686 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 16 (5) ◽

pp. 584-590 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Zuzana Zenáhlíková ◽

Jan Kvasnička ◽

Zuzana Kudrnová ◽

Magda Sudrová ◽

Radka Brzežková ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Severe Sepsis ◽

Protein C ◽

Factor Xa ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

C Reactive Protein ◽

Once Daily ◽

Reactive Protein ◽

Factor Xa Inhibition ◽

The Mean

The objective of our study was to examine the changes in coagulation parameters and inflammatory reaction over the course of 15 days in patients with severe sepsis. We tried to identify mechanisms by which sepsis-induced pathophysiological changes may influence the effectiveness of subcutaneously (SC) administered enoxaparin 40 mg once daily. A total of 16 patients (8 men, 8 women; age 35-83 years) meeting the inclusion criteria of severe sepsis were enrolled in this study. The follow-up was performed on days 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 of hospitalization at the intensive care unit (ICU). Blood coagulation (activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT], prothrombin time [PT], fibrinogen, antithrombin (AT), protein C [PC], D-dimer, fragment 1.2 [F1.2], factor Xa [FXa] inhibition) and inflammatory reactants (interleukin 6 [IL-6], C-reactive protein [CRP], orosomucoid, α-1-antitrypsin) were tested. The mean FXa inhibition was 0.17 (±0.17) IU/mL. The arbitrarily established range of FXa inhibition for prophylaxis, 0.2 to 0.4 IU/mL, was reached in 22 cases (20%), while in 74 cases (68%), it was below and in 13 cases (12%) above the aforementioned range. Factor Xa inhibition positively correlated with AT (r = .42; P < .001) and PC (r = .45; P < .001) activities. A negative correlation was found between the FXa inhibition and α-1-antitrypsin concentrations (r = —.33; P = .01) but only in the subgroup with α-1-antitrypsin concentrations ≥2.2 g/L. We confirmed that in most patients with sepsis, the prophylaxis with enoxaparin did not lead to the required FXa inhibition. The inhibition of FXa by enoxaparin depends mainly on the AT and PC activities.

Download Full-text

Postarthroscopy Imaging in Femoroacetabular Impingement: Persistent Pain May Be Due to an Insufficient Correction of Preoperative Abnormalities

Joints ◽

10.1055/s-0037-1601411 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 05 (01) ◽

pp. 021-026 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Cosimo Tudisco ◽

Salvatore Bisicchia ◽

Sandro Tormenta ◽

Amedeo Taglieri ◽

Ezio Fanucci

Keyword(s):

Case Series ◽

Persistent Pain ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Mean Values ◽

Center Edge ◽

Patient Groups ◽

The Mean ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of correction of abnormal radiographic parameters on postoperative pain in a group of patients treated arthroscopically for femoracetabular impingement (FAI). Methods A retrospective study was performed on 23 patients affected by mixed-type FAI and treated arthroscopically. There were 11 males and 12 females with a mean age of 46.5 (range: 28–67) years. Center-edge (CE) and α angles were measured on preoperative and postoperative radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies and were correlated with persistent pain at follow-up. Results The mean preoperative CE and α angles were 38.6 ± 5.2 and 67.3 ± 7.2 degrees, respectively. At follow-up, in the 17 pain-free patients, the mean pre- and postoperative CE angle were 38.1 ± 5.6 and 32.6 ± 4.8 degrees, respectively, whereas the mean pre- and postoperative α angles at MRI were 66.3 ± 7.9 and 47.9 ± 8.9 degrees, respectively. In six patients with persistent hip pain, the mean pre- and postoperative CE angles were 39.8 ± 3.6 and 35.8 ± 3.1 degrees, respectively, whereas the mean pre- and postoperative α angles were 70.0 ± 3.9 and 58.8 ± 2.6 degrees, respectively. Mean values of all the analyzed radiological parameters, except CE angle in patients with pain, improved significantly after surgery. On comparing patient groups, significantly lower postoperative α angles and lower CE angle were observed in patients without pain. Conclusion In case of persistent pain after arthroscopic treatment of FAI, a new set of imaging studies must be performed because pain may be related to an insufficient correction of preoperative radiographic abnormalities. Level of Evidence Level IV, retrospective case series.

Download Full-text

Clinical features of cats with aqueous tear deficiency: a retrospective case series of 10 patients (17 eyes)

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery ◽

10.1177/1098612x18810867 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 21 (10) ◽

pp. 944-950 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Lisa K Uhl ◽

Akihiko Saito ◽

Hiroko Iwashita ◽

David J Maggs ◽

Jonathan P Mochel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Features ◽

Ocular Surface ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Case Series ◽

Reference Interval ◽

Clinical Findings ◽

Response To Therapy ◽

Ocular Surface Disease ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Schirmer Tear Test

Objectives The aim of this study was to describe the clinical findings, diagnostic test results and response to therapy of cats with Schirmer tear test 1 (STT-1) values below the reference interval. Methods The medical records of three institutions were searched for cats with ocular surface disease and STT-1 values <9 mm/min, confirmed at two or more separate visits. Results Ten cats (17 eyes) were included. The mean ± SD (range) age and STT-1 values in affected eye(s) were 6.1 ± 5.7 (0.2–16) years and 2.4 ± 3.1 (0–8) mm/min, respectively. Concurrent ocular surface disease was bilateral in 5/10 cats. Clinical signs included conjunctivitis (14/17 eyes), corneal ulceration (6/17 eyes), non-ulcerative keratitis (4/17 eyes), symblepharon (4/17 eyes), eosinophilic keratitis (3/17 eyes), corneal sequestrum (3/17 eyes), corneal fibrosis (2/17 eyes) and meibomitis (2/17 eyes). Management included: topically applied lacrimomimetics, antiviral drugs, corticosteroids or immunomodulatory drugs; orally administered famciclovir; or surgical procedures, in various combinations. Response to therapy (defined as an increase in STT-1 value of ⩾5 mm/min) was transient (seen at a single reassessment) in 65% of eyes and sustained (seen at ⩾2 consecutive reassessments) in 18% of eyes. Conclusions and relevance Clinical features seen in cats with low STT-1 values are described, although the association between aqueous deficiency and the reported ocular changes is unknown at this time. We encourage clinicians to assess the tear film in cats with ocular surface disease, and initiate therapy with lacrimomimetics if STT-1 values are repeatedly below normal. Such information will further define aqueous tear deficiency in cats, providing a better understanding of disease prevalence, pathogenesis and treatment.

Download Full-text