Pulse dye laser therapy and superficial cryotherapy as a novel combination treatment for hypertrophic scars and keloids

Background: Hypertrophic scars are benign and fibrotic skin lesions caused by defects in the regulation of cellularity during the wound-healingprocess, in which there is higher collagen production and less degradation. Genetic predisposing factors and different skin injuries may play a role in developing these types of lesions. On the other hand, keloids are overgrowths of fibrous tissue outside the original boundaries of trauma, yet these may also occur spontaneously. There are numerous treatment options for both conditions, including silicone gel sheeting, pressure therapy, intralesional triamcinolone acetonide, radiation, laser therapy, cryosurgery, interferon, 5-fluorouracil, and surgical excision as well as a multitude of extracts and topical agents. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of pulse dye laser (PDL) therapy and superficial cryotherapy as a combination treatment for hypertrophic scars and keloids. Method: Four Arabic female patients were seen at the outpatient clinic of the Department of Dermatology at the King Fahd Hospital of the University in Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The patients had keloids and hypertrophic scars. Treatment with cryotherapy every week for three weeks followed by one session of pulsed dye laser was administered rotationally for three to six months until the lesions displayed remarkable physical improvement or complete resolution. Results: All patients experienced significant improvement, showing a reduction in the size, erythema, pliability, and pruritus. None of the hypertrophic scars or keloids deteriorated during the one year of treatment. No complications were noted during the treatment period. Conclusion: Sequential PDL therapy combined with superficial cryotherapy may be an option for treating hypertrophic scars and keloids.

Proposal for Prevention of Drowsy Driving-Related Motor Vehicle Accidents in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is known to be associated with various health concerns, including sleepiness, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, diminished quality of life, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke. OSA-induced sleepiness at the wheel reduces vigilance and driving performance, which significantly increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents. Sleepiness-induced motor vehicle accidents are characterized by high morbidity and mortality. OSA is a well-established significant risk factor for drowsy driving-related motor vehicle accidents, which can be prevented through appropriate treatment. However, currently no clinical guidelines or regulations are available for evaluation or management of the risk of motor vehicle accidents in patients with OSA in Korea. In this review, we discuss the risk of motor vehicle accidents in patients with OSA, the effects of positive airway pressure therapy as a preventive measure to reduce this risk, and the published recommendations for OSA in other countries with regard to fitness to drive. We propose recommendations for screening, evaluation, and treatment of OSA with regard to the risk of motor vehicle accidents, which would serve as useful practical guidelines for sleep specialists in clinical practice. Further research is warranted to establish optimal strategies for effective improvements in OSA-related traffic safety.

Comparison of Saans neonatal continuous positive airway pressure against standard of care for intra-hospital transport of neonates with respiratory distress syndrome

Background: CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy, effective in managing neonates with respiratory distress. While CPAP therapy is indicated right from birth, existing CPAP systems are designed for/installed in, NICUs. As a result, most neonates with RD (respiratory distress) are managed with only oxygen therapy during transportation in low resource settings. This study compares a novel, low-cost, portable neonatal CPAP system for use in transport from the labor room to the NICU, against conventional oxygen therapy in low resource settings.Methods: This was an open-label, 2 arm study with a treatment arm (low-cost indigenous CPAP device for therapy) and a control group (oxygen therapy). A total of 132 neonates were assigned with 66 in (matched-control study), in each group.Results: Both arms (CPAP and oxygen) had similar gestational age. gender distributions and initial SAS scores. The CPAP group had higher use of antenatal steriods (38 versus 26) compared to oxygen group and a lower need for surfactant (28 versus 40). Also, a larger number of neonates required ventilation in oxygen group (42) versus CPAP group (15), with the p=0.000561 the result is significant at p<0.05.Conclusions: CPAP therapy induced in labor room measurably improves neonates health and reduces respiratory distress. The indigenous low-cost CPAP device (Saans) used in this study effectively provides CPAP therapy to neonates during transport from the labor room to the NICU, reducing respiratory distress and the need for mechanical ventilation, making useful addition to labor rooms.