scholarly journals Ureteric stenting versus non-stenting following uncomplicated ureteroscopic lithotripsy: A Prospective randomized trial.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saddam Al Demour ◽  
Adel Alrabadi ◽  
Abedallatif AlSharif ◽  
Mera Ababneh ◽  
Motaz Melhem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Operative Time ◽  
Flank Pain ◽  
Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Ureteric Stenting ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Analgesia Requirement ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2

Abstract Background: There is no consensus about whether a double-J ureteric stent (DJ-US) should be placed following uncomplicated ureteroscopy for stone retrieval. This study aimed to compare three groups of patients who underwent uncomplicated ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL) and to evaluate whether stents could be eliminated after the procedure. Methods: A total of 105 patients underwent uncomplicated URSL for ureteric stones were prospectively randomized into three groups: group 1 (34 patients) with DJ-US, group 2 (35 patients) with DJ-US on extraction string, and group 3 (36 patients) with no DJ-US after the procedure. The outcomes measured were; postoperative Visual Analog Score (VAS) for flank pain and dysuria score, urgency, frequency, suprapubic pain, hematuria, analgesia requirement, operative time, re-hospitalization, and return to normal physical activity.Results: Mean operative time was significantly longer in groups 1 and 2 compared to group 3 [mean time ± SD, 22.2 ± 9.1 min, 20.2 ± 6 min, 15.1 ± 7.1 min respectively, p<0.0001]. The results of the VAS for flank pain and dysuria scores, urgency, frequency, hematuria, and suprapubic pain showed a significant difference at all time points of follow-up, with significantly higher in groups 1 and 2 compared to group 3. Further analysis showed that measured outcomes, and analgesia need for groups 1 and 2 were similar, at all time points except at week 1 and 1 month where group 2 patient’s had less symptoms.Conclusion: DJ-US placement appear to be unnecessary in procedures considered uncomplicated by operating urologists during surgery. The advantages of DJ-US with extraction string over DJ-US only include earlier and easy removal with earlier relief of symptoms, and less analgesia requirements.

scholarly journals Effects of posterior tibial slope on the mid-term results of medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

Arthroplasty ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhijie Chen ◽  
Kaizhe Chen ◽  
Yufei Yan ◽  
Jianmin Feng ◽  
Yi Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Tibial Slope ◽  
Posterior Tibial ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Postoperative Knee ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effect of medial posterior tibial slope (PTS) on mid-term postoperative range of motion (ROM) and functional improvement of the knee after medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Methods Medical records of 113 patients who had undergone 124 medial UKAs between April 2009 through April 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. The mean follow-up lasted 7.6 years (range, 6.2–11.2 years). Collected were demographic data, including gender, age, height, weight of the patients. Anteroposterior (AP) and lateral knee radiographs of the operated knees were available in all patients. The knee function was evaluated during office follow-up or hospital stay. Meanwhile, postoperative PTS, ROM, maximal knee flexion and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score (pre−/postoperative) of the operated side were measured and assessed. According to the size of the PTS, patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 (<4°), group 2 (4° ~ 7°) and group 3 (>7°). The association between PTS and the knee function was investigated. Results In our cohort, the average PTS was 2.7° ± 0.6° in group 1, 5.6° ± 0.9° in group 2 and 8.7° ± 1.2° in group 3. Pairwise comparisons showed significant differences among them (p < 0.01). The average maximal flexion range of postoperative knees in each group was 112.4° ± 5.6°, 116.4° ± 7.2°, and 117.5° ± 6.1°, respectively, with significant difference found between group 1 and group 2 (p < 0.05), and between group 1 and group 3 (p < 0.05). However, the gender, age, and body mass index (BMI) did not differ between three groups and there was no significant difference between groups in terms of pre−/postoperative HSS scores or postoperative knee ROM. Conclusion A mid-term follow-up showed that an appropriate PTS (4° ~ 7°) can help improve the postoperative flexion of knee. On the other hand, too small a PTS could lead to limited postoperative knee flexion. Therefore, the PTS less than 4° should be avoided during medial UKA.

The Relationship between Serum Ferritin Levels and 5-Year All-Cause Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Emre Erdem ◽  
Ahmet Karatas ◽  
Tevfik Ecder
Keyword(s):  
Serum Ferritin ◽  
Hemodialysis Patients ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
All Cause Mortality ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Group 1

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The effect of high serum ferritin levels on long-term mortality in hemodialysis patients is unknown. The relationship between serum ferritin levels and 5-year all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients was investigated in this study. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A total of 173 prevalent hemodialysis patients were included in this study. The patients were followed for up to 5 years and divided into 3 groups according to time-averaged serum ferritin levels (group 1: serum ferritin &#x3c;800 ng/mL, group 2: serum ferritin 800–1,500 ng/mL, and group 3: serum ferritin &#x3e;1,500 ng/mL). Along with the serum ferritin levels, other clinical and laboratory variables that may affect mortality were also included in the Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Eighty-one (47%) patients died during the 5-year follow-up period. The median follow-up time was 38 (17.5–60) months. The 5-year survival rates of groups 1, 2, and 3 were 44, 64, and 27%, respectively. In group 3, the survival was lower than in groups 1 and 2 (log-rank test, <i>p</i> = 0.002). In group 1, the mortality was significantly lower than in group 3 (HR [95% CI]: 0.16 [0.05–0.49]; <i>p</i> = 0.001). In group 2, the mortality was also lower than in group 3 (HR [95% CI]: 0.32 [0.12–0.88]; <i>p</i> = 0.026). No significant difference in mortality between groups 1 and 2 was found (HR [95% CI]: 0.49 [0.23–1.04]; <i>p</i> = 0.063). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Time-averaged serum ferritin levels &#x3e;1,500 ng/mL in hemodialysis patients are associated with an increased 5-year all-cause mortality risk.

scholarly journals Comparison of Changes in Number of Hyperreflective Dots After İntravitreal Ranibizumab or Dexamethasone İmplant in Patients with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aylin Karalezli ◽  
Sema Kaderli ◽  
Ahmet Kaderli ◽  
Cansu Kaya ◽  
Sabahattin Sul
Keyword(s):  
First Year ◽  
Intravitreal Ranibizumab ◽  
Retinal Layers ◽  
Vein Occlusion ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Purpose: To compare the effect of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) or intravitreal dexamethasone implants (IVD) on regression of hyperreflective dots (HRDs) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) B-scan in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods: 37 eyes of 37 patients with cystoid macular edema who received IVR or IVD and followed up for at least 12 months were included in this study. The patients were divided into three groups according to intravitreal treatment. Group 1 consisted of 12 eyes who received only IVD, group 2 consisted of 10 eyes who received only IVR on a pro re nata and group 3 consisted of 15 eyes who received both IVD and IVR. OCT parameters (CMT, number of HRDs, status of external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ)) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were compared between the groups over the follow-up time. HRDs were categorized as HRD in inner retinal layers (from the internal limiting membrane to the inner nuclear layer) or HRD in outer retinal layers (from the outer plexiform layer to the outer border of the photoreceptor layer).Results: There was no significant difference between groups in terms of BCVA, CMT, HRDs in the inner and the outer retinal layers at baseline visit. (p˃0.05 for all) Comparing the baseline values in all groups, a significant decrease was observed in CMT in the first year. (For group 1; p=0.013, group 2; p=0.010; group 3, p<0.001) The BCVA was significantly increased after 1 year in all groups. (p=0.001, p=0.006, p<0.001) The mean number of HRDs in inner and outer retinal layers were significantly decreased in group 1 and group 3. (For group 1; p<0.001, p=0.001, for group 3; p<0.001, p<0.001) However, there was no significant difference in terms of the mean number of HRDs in inner and outer retinal layers for group 2. (p=0.134, p=0.477) At the first year, the number of HRDs in inner and outer retinal layers was significantly lower in group 1 and group 3 than group 2. (For inner HRDs; group 1 vs. group 2 p=0.007, group 2 vs. group 3 p<0.001. For outer HRDs group 1 vs. group 2 p<0.001, group 2 vs. group 3 p<0.001.) The BCVA was higher in group 3 than group 2 at 1year. (p=0.048). There was no significant difference in terms of post-treatment CMT and the number of HRDs between group 1 and group3 in posthoc tests (p=0.621, p=0.876, and p=0.632).Conclusion: The reduction in HRDs at 12 months and better BCVA after IVD intimates that the HRDs should be considered as inflammatory markers in the follow-up of CME in BRVO. Thus, IVD injection could be more appropriate for patients with higher HRDs after BRVO.

Clinical Implications of Clonal Cytogenetic Abnormalities of Aquired Aplastic Anemia.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 4217-4217
Author(s):  
Sung Hyun Kim ◽  
Ji Hyun Lee ◽  
Kyung A. Kwon ◽  
Suee Lee ◽  
Sung Yong Oh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aplastic Anemia ◽  
Hematologic Malignancies ◽  
Initial Diagnosis ◽  
Monosomy 7 ◽  
Cytogenetic Abnormalities ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Normal Cytogenetics

Abstract Abstract 4217 Background Cytogenetic abnormalities (CA) have been reported infrequently in patients with otherwise typical aplastic anemia (AA). The relevance of CA in AA to the prognosis of AA and the evolution to the hematologic malignancies is controversial. Design and Methods One hundred and twenty-nine adult AA patients from four centers located in Busan, South Korea, who had successful cytogenetics at initial diagnosis were retrospectively analyzed. Results .The median follow-up duration of the overall patients was 46.8months. The ratio of severe AA to non-severe AA was 59:41. The patients were classified into 5 groups according to the CA and progression to the hematologic malignancies. Among the patients with normal cytogenetics at initial diagnosis, 117 remained AA with normal cytogenetics (Group 1). Six patients (4.7%) had CA at initial diagnosis (Group 2). The CA showed trisomy 8 in two cases and trisomy 11, deletion of Y chromosome, t(2;9), and t(22;?) in each case. One with trisomy 11 later developed monosomy 1. None of the Group 2 evolved to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Two patients with normal cytogenetics at initial diagnosis later developed monosomy 4, and monosomy 7, respectively, with persistent AA (Group 3). Group 3 patients were treated only with intermittent transfusion but spontaneously recovered from cytopenia and are still alive without transfusion requirement. Among the AA with normal cytogenetics at initial diagnosis, four patients (3.2%) progressed to AML or MDS; two remained normal cytogenetics (Group 4), and two patients obtained structural CA (Group 5) at follow-up, respectively. Conclusion The majority of the AA patients had normal cytogenetics at initial diagnosis. Non-severe AA patients may have CA. AA patients with CA at initial diagnosis or at follow-up are not at greater risk of evolution to the hematologic malignancies, and have no significant difference in survival. Prospective studies and more patients are needed to establish the clinical relevance of CA. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Predictive Value of Minimal Residual Disease: Analysis By Flow-Cytometry in Children with Relapsed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 2494-2494
Author(s):  
Myriam Ruth Guitter ◽  
Jorge Gabriel Rossi ◽  
Elisa Sajaroff ◽  
Carolina Carrara ◽  
Pizzi Silvia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
Residual Disease ◽  
Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽  
P Value ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Introduction: Despite the advances observed in the outcome of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment during the last 20 years, relapse remains the most common cause of treatment failure in childhood ALL. Several factors have been associated to the prognosis of these patients; however, minimal residual disease (MRD) emerges as a relevant predictor of outcome. Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess MRD by flow-cytometry in relapsed ALL and to evaluate its prognostic impact as a predictor factor of outcome at the end of the induction therapy and prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Patients and Methods: From Aug'10 to Jun'15, 123 ALL patients were treated at our center. MRD determination at least at two time-points during relapse treatment was a requirement for considering a patient eligible for the present study. Sixty-six cases were excluded due to the following causes: 10 patients died during induction, 2 died early in complete remission (CR), 29 did not respond to chemotherapy, in 13 patients MRD determination was not performed: 4 did not have clinical data available, 4 patients were Down Syndrome and 4 children received treatment for relapse in other centers. Thus, fifty-seven patients achieved CR and were evaluated for MRD at two time points. Of them, 56 patients belonged to S4 and S3 and 1 patient to S1 group as defined by the Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster stratification for relapsed ALL. MRD was analyzed by multiparametric flow-cytometry following ALL-IC 2009 guidelines. Negative MRD was defined as disclosing less than 0.1% of blasts. For this analysis, patients were stratified based on MRD levels at two different time points: after end of induction, before HSCT or at any other time point during the follow-up for patients who did not undergo HSCT. Three groups were defined: Group-1: negative at both time points (n= 23), Group-2: positive at 1 time point (n= 13) and Group-3: positive at both time points (n= 21). Patients who relapsed before receiving HSCT were considered Group-3. Twenty-five patients underwent HSCT: 13 of them from Group-1, 9 from Group-2 (2 had positive MRD previous to receive HSCT) and 3 patients from Group-3. HSCT was performed with matched familiar donor in 16 cases and matched unrelated donor in 9 cases. Results: The distribution of events according to receiving or not HSCT was: 5 died due to transplant related mortality (TRM), 9 relapsed after receiving HSCT and 16 during treatment with chemotherapy. With a median follow-up of 16 (range: 6-67) months, overall 3-year EFS probability (EFSp) (SE) was 32 (8)%. The 3-year EFSp was 75 (11)% for Group-1, 24 (14)% for Group-2 and 0% for Group-3 (p-value <0.00001). Comparing patients who did not receive HSCT vs. patients who did, EFSp (SE) was 32 (12)% and 29 (11)% respectively (p-value: non-significant). The EFSp (SE) according to MRD groups in patients who underwent HSCT was: Group-1: 53 (19)%, Group-2: 14 (13)% and 0% for Group-3 (p-value: 0.06). Conclusions: MRD quantification by flow-cytometry demonstrated to be a significant prognostic factor for relapsed ALL. Both, TRM and death in CR rates, were high and should be decreased by improving supportive measures. MRD determination by flow-cytometry in patients who underwent HSCT showed a trend to achieve a better EFSp, thus representing a relevant tool for stratifying relapsed ALL patients in order to achieve a better selection of patients to receive HSCT. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Renal and Inflammation Markers—Renalase, Cystatin C, and NGAL Levels in Asymptomatic and Symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a One-Month Follow-Up Study

Diagnostics ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 108
Author(s):  
Natalia Serwin ◽  
Elżbieta Cecerska-Heryć ◽  
Ewa Pius-Sadowska ◽  
Karol Serwin ◽  
Anna Niedźwiedź ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Kidney Function ◽  
Cystatin C ◽  
Asymptomatic Infection ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin ◽  
Immune Parameters ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Neutrophil Gelatinase

The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of asymptomatic infection and the occurrence of symptomatic COVID-19 on specific biochemical, renal, and immune parameters—renalase, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) cystatin C (CysC), and creatinine—and their weekly fluctuations during a one-month observation period in COVID-19 patients admitted to hospital. The study involved 86 individuals: 30 patients with diagnosed COVID-19, 28 people with asymptomatic infection confirmed with IgG antibodies—the IG(+) group—and 28 individuals without any (IgG, IgE) anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies—the IG(−) group. In the COVID-19 group, blood was drawn four times: (1) on day 0/1 after admission to hospital (C1 group), (2) 7 days later (C7 group), (3) 14 days later (C14 group), and (4) 28 days later (C28 group). In the IG(−) and IG(+) groups, blood was drawn once. There were no significant differences in creatinine, Cys C, and uric acid between any of the analyzed groups. NGAL levels were significantly higher in IG(+) and at all time-points in the COVID-19 groups than in controls. A similar observation was made for renalase at the C7, C14, and C28 time-points. Plasma renalase, NGAL, and CysC are unrelated to kidney function in non-critically ill COVID-19 patients and those with asymptomatic infection. Renalase and NGAL are most likely related to the activation of the immune system rather than kidney function. Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection causes a rise in plasma NGAL levels similar to those observed in symptomatic COVID-19 patients. Therefore, more attention should be paid to tracking and monitoring the health of these people.

Microbiological evaluation of corneal and contact lens cultures in contact lens-associated bacterial keratitis

2020 ◽  
pp. bjophthalmol-2020-317832
Author(s):  
Sabrina Mukhtar ◽  
Sarah Atta ◽  
Asad Durrani ◽  
Chandrashan Perera ◽  
Regis Kowalski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Contact Lens ◽  
Diagnostic Yield ◽  
Analysis Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Baseline Characteristics ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Organism Group ◽  
Group 1

PurposeTo determine the degree of microbiological agreement between corneal scrapings and contact lens cultures in cases of contact lens-associated keratitis.MethodsElectronic medical records of all cases of contact lens-associated keratitis at a single institution from April 2006 to May 2019 were reviewed. Cases where both corneal scrapings and contact lens cultures were obtained were included in the study. Group 1 demonstrated agreement between corneal scrapings and contact lens cultures. Group 2 demonstrated growth on both cultures, but disagreement in isolated organism. Group 3 demonstrated negative corneal cultures but growth on contact lens cultures and the diagnostic yield of contact lens microbiological cultures and agreement between corneal and contact lens cultures.ResultsA total of 80 eyes of 72 patients were included in the study. 135 total incidences of microbiological results were included for data analysis. Group 1 contained nine incidences (6.7%), group 2 contained 60 incidences (44.4%) and group 3 contained 66 incidences (49%). In group 3, 50% of the cases were treated based on contact lens culture data. There was no statistically significant difference between all three groups in terms of baseline characteristics, presenting vision, vision at last follow-up, number of antibiotics used or complications from keratitis. Pseudomonas was the most common microorganism isolated, and in 89% of these cases, there was disagreement between corneal and contact lens cultures.ConclusionsAlthough there was a disagreement in the microbiological yield between contact lens and corneal cultures, contact lens cultures were useful in management of patients while achieving similar outcomes.

scholarly journals P1112COMPARISON OF EFFICACY BETWEEN MAINTENANCE HEMODIALYSIS AND THEIR COMBINATION WITH HEMOPERFUSION IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING CHRONIC HEMODIALYSIS TREATMENT

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amela Beciragic ◽  
Alma Mutevelic-Turkovic ◽  
Badema Äœengiä† Roljiä† ◽  
Fahrudin Masnic ◽  
Aida Coric ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Difference ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Uremic Toxins ◽  
Maintenance Hemodialysis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Background and Aims The occurance of mid- and longterm uremic complications is related to the low clearance rate of middle and large molecule uremic toxins when hemodialysis (HD) alone is adopted. As the uremic toxins and their corresponding biological effects become increasingly clear, blood purification treatment that aims to remove these toxins, has developed from a stage of life-sustaining to improving the quality of life. The objective of this study was to evaluated demographic, clinical and laboratory data in patients who underwent the combination of maintenance hemodialysis with hemoperfusion (HP) and in those who recieved HD alone and to investigate whether this combination could improve the clearance rate of middle and large molecule uremic toxins. Method A total of 26 patients, who underwent routine hemodialysis, were assessed in this study. Those patients were randomly divided into three groups: Group 1 (7 patients) received combined treatment of HD with HP biweekly (HD 2 times a week with HD+HP once a week), whereas Group 2 (10 patients) was given HD with high flux dialyzer and Group 3 (9 patients) was given HD with low flux dialyzer 3 times a week. This study was followed for 4 months. Before and after the observational period demographic and clinical data were taken from the medical history and blood samples were taken for hemoglobin (Hb), iron (Fe), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), albumin (Alb), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P04) and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Results This study included 13 female and 13 male patients with a mean age of 41, 62 + 11.12 and a mean dialysis duration of 62, 78+53, 33 months. When it comes to baseline characteristics, patients of the group 3 were significantly older than patients in other groups (p=0.001). At the end of the four months observation period, the same difference according to age was noticed (p=0.01). Also, HD+HP group had significantly higher values of TIBC (p=0.006) and significantly lower serum levels of P04 (p=0.001). EPO doses were very similar in group 1 and 2, but in group 3 there were noticeably lower than in those two groups but without a significant difference. The serum levels of albumin were higher in group 3 compared to the other two groups but also without statistical difference. No statistical difference between groups after the follow up period was observed in terms of Hb, Fe, PTH, Ca, BMI, duration of dialysis treatment and vascular access. When groups are viewed individually, in the HD+HP group serum P04 levels were significantly lower after the 4 months off the follow up period than it was at the beginning (p=0.031) and also TIBC was significantly higher (p=0.018). In group 2 the values of TIBC were significantly lower after the follow up period than it was at the beginning (p=0.025). No significant difference was noticed in group 3 but serum PTH levels tends to decrease after 4 months compared to baseline measurement. Conclusion This combination treatment of HD with HP was superior to HD in reducing levels of phosphorus. These findings suggests a potential role of reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in this population especially when it is known that hyperphosphatemia has been pointed out as the primary culprit in the process of cardiovascular calcification. Also, patients who underwent the combined treatment showed higher values of TIBC but unfortunately no difference was noticed between Hb levels and EPO doses. These results eventually demonstrates their role in the improvement of renal disease anemia, which opens up the possibility of further research on a larger sample and over a longer period of time.

scholarly journals Conservative Treatment Versus UltrasoundGuided Injection in the Management of Meralgia Paresthetica: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 3;23 (6;3) ◽  
pp. 253-264
Author(s):  
Gülcan Öztürk
Keyword(s):  
Conservative Treatment ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Meralgia Paresthetica ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Vas Scores ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Background: Meralgia paresthetica (MP) is an entrapment mononeuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN), in which conservative treatment options are not always sufficient. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound (US)-guided LFCN injection in the management of MP by comparing with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy and sham TENS therapy. Study Design: A prospective, randomized, sham-controlled study. Setting: Health Sciences University Training and Research Hospital in Turkey. Methods: Patients diagnosed with LFCN compression with clinical and electrophysiological findings were included in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to 3 groups: (1) USguided injection group, (2) TENS group, and (3) sham TENS group. The blockage of the LFCN was performed for therapeutic MP management in group 1. Ten sessions of conventional TENS were administered to each patient 5 days per week for 2 weeks, for 20 minutes per daily session in group 2, and sham TENS was applied to group 3 with the same protocol. Visual Analog Scale (VAS), painDETECT questionnaire, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test (SWMt), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and health-related quality of life (36-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF36]) at onset (T1), 15 days after treatment (T2), and 1 month after treatment (T3) were used for evaluation. Patients and the investigator who evaluated the results were blinded to the treatment protocol during the study period. Results: A total of 54 of the 62 patients (group 1 n = 17, group 2 n = 16, group 3 n = 21) completed the study, 3 patients from group 1, 4 patients from group 2, and 1 patient from group 3 dropped out during the follow-up period. The mean changes in painDETECT and SWMt scores showed a statistically significant difference between groups in favor of group 1 at T2 and T3 compared with T1 (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of VAS, SF-36, and PSQI scores (P > 0.05). In-group analysis of VAS scores showed a statistically significant decrease in T2 and T3 compared with T1 in group 1 (P < 0.05). In-group analysis of the VAS scores statistically significant decrease was shown in T2 compared with T1 in group 2 (P < 0.05). In-group analysis of painDETECT scores statistically significant decrease was shown in T2 and T3 compared with T1 in all groups (P < 0.05). In-group analysis of SWMt scores statistically significant decrease was shown in T2 and T3 compared with T1 in group 1 (P < 0.05). In-group analysis of SF-36 and PSQI scores, there was no statistically significant decrease in all groups (P > 0.05). Limitations: The limitation of the study was a short follow-up period. Conclusions: US-guided LFCN injection and TENS may be therapeutic options for MP treatment, however, for patients with neuropathic pain symptoms, US-guided LFCN injection may be a safe and alternative method to conservative treatment. Key words: Meralgia paresthetica, ultrasound-guided injection, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

scholarly journals Alcohol assessment and feedback by email for university students: main findings from a randomised controlled trial

2013 ◽  
Vol 203 (5) ◽  
pp. 334-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim McCambridge ◽  
Marcus Bendtsen ◽  
Nadine Karlsson ◽  
Ian R. White ◽  
Per Nilsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Feedback Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Alcohol Assessment ◽  
Group 1

BackgroundBrief interventions can be efficacious in changing alcohol consumption and increasingly take advantage of the internet to reach high-risk populations such as students.AimsTo evaluate the effectiveness of a brief online intervention, controlling for the possible effects of the research process.MethodA three-arm parallel groups design was used to explore the magnitude of the feedback and assessment component effects. The three groups were: alcohol assessment and feedback (group 1); alcohol assessment only without feedback (group 2); and no contact, and thus neither assessment nor feedback (group 3). Outcomes were evaluated after 3 months via an invitation to participate in a brief cross-sectional lifestyle survey. The study was undertaken in two universities randomising the email addresses of all 14910 students (the AMADEUS-1 study, trial registration: ISRCTN28328154).ResultsOverall, 52% (n = 7809) of students completed follow-up, with small differences in attrition between the three groups. For each of the two primary outcomes, there was one statistically significant difference between groups, with group 1 having 3.7% fewer risky drinkers at follow-up than group 3 (P = 0.006) and group 2 scoring 0.16 points lower than group 3 on the three alcohol consumption questions from the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C) (P = 0.039).ConclusionsThis study provides some evidence of population-level benefit attained through intervening with individual students.

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