Patients In Group-1 Research Articles

A Pilot Study on the Comparative Efficacy and Tolerability of a Novel Dermo-cosmetic Cream with 15% Azelaic Acid for Mild to Moderate Acne: A New Approach to Acne Treatment.

Acne is a one of the most frequent skin conditions among teenagers and young adults. It is currently managed with topical retinoids and antibiotics, which can present numerous side effects, thus reducing treatment adherence and effectiveness. We evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a novel dermo-cosmetic cream (α-AZ) in treating mild to moderate acne. Subjects were randomized into three groups: group1 received α-AZ cream, group2 was treated with α-AZ combined with an oral acne treatment routine, and group3 received a topical acne treatment, for 84days. All treated patients underwent a 28-day maintenance period with α-AZ cream. Total acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) scoring, quality of life (QoL), and skin tolerance were all evaluated during the treatment and maintenance periods. Acne and PIH lesions significantly decreased in group1 compared to group3 (p < 0.001), with a reduction in acne of 66.52 ± 2.92% in group1 versus 52.55 ± 3.90% in group3. Patients in group1 achieved nearly clear skin by the end of the treatment. α-AZ cream treatment was well tolerated and all participants experienced an enhanced QoL. Participants expressed high satisfaction. Additional enhancements in all groups were noted during the maintenance phase across all clinical parameters. The novel dermo-cosmetic α-AZ cream could serve as a valuable new approach to current treatments for mild and moderate acne. It can be used alone, as a once-daily adjuvant to oral acne treatments, or as part of a maintenance regimen. ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN70142596, registered retrospectively on 11/12/2023.

Is the obesity paradox leading to a less stringent secondary prevention strategy in post-acute coronary syndrome patients?

Abstract Introduction Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are at very high risk of recurrent cardiovascular (CV) events. Despite being a major CV risk factor, obesity was associated with best survival in patients with ACS, the so-called "obesity paradox". It is uncertain if this finding is leading to a less stringent secondary prevention strategy in this group of patients, and whether it influences prognosis. Purpose To analyze the impact of obesity on outcomes after ACS and on other CV risk factor management. Methods Single-center, retrospective observational study that included all consecutive post-ACS patients enrolled in a phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program in 2017, with a follow-up of 24 months. Patients were classified in 2 groups according to body mass index (BMI) at baseline: Group 1 (G1) were obese patients (BMI≥30 kg/m2), and Group 2 (G2) were non-obese patients (BMI&amp;lt;30kg/m2). Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were defined as a composite of death, non-fatal ACS, non-fatal stroke, and unplanned revascularization. Results 198 patients were included (mean age of 60.3±10.7 years, 82% male) with a mean BMI of 27.7±4.2 kg/m2. Forty-seven patients (23.7%) had a BMI≥30 kg/m2. Patients in G1 were more likely to have hypertension (79% vs 55%; p=0.003) and diabetes (36% vs 20%; p=0.022). CR program was associated with smoking cessation, significant BMI (G1: -0.69 (95%CI: -0.40 to -0.10); G2: -0.39 (95%CI: -0.20 to -0.57) and LDL-Cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction (G1: -38 (95%CI: -25 to -50); G2: -29 (95%CI: -22 to -36), and functional capacity improvement (G1: +1.2 METs (95%CI: +0.9 to +1.5); G2: +1.1 METs (95%CI: +1.0 to +1.4) in both groups at 3 months, with similar magnitude of improvement. At 24 months, BMI had returned to baseline values in both groups, while the improvement in smoking status, LDL-C and functional capacity persisted. At 24 months, MACE occurrence was numerically increased in obese group (G1: 26.1% vs. G2: 17.2%, p=0.182), with a statistically significant higher incidence of non-fatal recurrent ACS in G1 (17% vs. 7.3%, p=0.048). Conclusions ACS patients with obesity have worse prognosis, despite the similar improvement in CV risk profile. Our data also suggests that, despite the short-term improvement in BMI, current treatment strategies are not effective at achieving a persistent weight control over 24-months.

EVALUATING GLIOMA PATIENT PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS REPETITIVE TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION FOR REHABILITATION

Abstract AIMS Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is established for depression, chronic pain, and motor rehabilitation after stroke. It is an emerging tool for other purposes including cognitive rehabilitation. Recent evidence supports its use for motor rehabilitation after brain surgery. We sought to evaluate patient perceptions towards rTMS. METHOD Two studies were undertaken. Group 1 – patients who received seven days of rTMS for motor rehabilitation for post-operative weakness (MRC 0-1 in any limb) following resection of a glioma or other resective pathology were prospectively surveyed on the last day of their rTMS treatment, as well as their next of kin (NOK). Group 2 – patients who had previously been treated for a glioma but did not receive rTMS were retrospectively surveyed through two brain tumour charities, as well as their NOK. RESULTS Group1: 21 responses. 11 patients, 10 NOK. Commonest pathology was glioblastoma(n=3). Group2: 24 responses. 16 patients, 8 NOK. Commonest pathology was grade 2 glioma(n=7). Most Group1 respondents reported a positive experience with rTMS(n=15). Group1 patients experienced substantial subjective improvements in motor functioning(n=6), some improvements(n=3), or no change(n=2). None reported worsening. Experiencing adverse symptoms (e.g. headache) was associated with reduced likelihood of motor improvements(p=0.01). Most improvements were in gross rather than finer motor domains. Patients in Group2 were accepting of longer and more frequent rTMS sessions than Group1(p=0.03 and p=0.01 respectively). The commonest concerns raised pertained to seizures, side effects, and geographic availability. The commonest hope raised pertained to cognitive or motor improvements. CONCLUSION rTMS is well-tolerated and patients and their NOK support its use. Respondents would find longer and more sessions acceptable. Understandably, there is less tolerance for rTMS in the early post-operative period. However, enthusiasm for rTMS is substantial in the later stable post-operative phases. Our findings support the further development of rTMS as a tool for improving patient rehabilitation.

Investigation of the relationship between type I (α,β) interferon and viral load in patients with Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF)

In this study, type I interferon (IFN-α ve IFN-β) levels, viral load levels, the relationship between viral load and interferons, and the relationship between interferon levels and disease severity and mortality in patients with Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) were investigated. 100 patients diagnosed with CCHF between April-2010 and September-2011 and 74 healthy individuals were selected as control group. IFN-α ve in patient sera was analysed by IFN-β seviyeleri ELISA method and viral load levels were analysed by Real-Time PCR method. Individuals in the patient group were classified as severe (group1) and mild (group2) patients according to the criteria defined by Swanepoel et al. During the follow-up, 25 of the patients in the severe group died. Patients in the severe group who died were classified as group1a and patients who survived were classified as group1b. INF-α ve β düzeyleri CCHF patients in the control group, group1 patients in group2 and control group was found to be significantly higher than the group (p&lt;0.05). When the viral load levels detected in patients in group1 and group2 were compared, the statistical difference was found to be insignificant (p&gt;0.05). Viral load levels in group1a were statistically significant compared to group1b and group2 (p&lt;0.05). In the ROC analysis performed in terms of IFN-α düzeyleri detected in the first blood samples of the patients, the cut off value for predicting mortality was 25042 pg/ml. In this analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) of IFN-α için was 0.713 and statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). IFN-β için values were statistically insignificant (p&gt;0.05). The cut off value for viral load was 8445500 copies/ml, AUC was 0.870 and statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). There was a significant and positive correlation between IFN-α ile and IFN-β arasında in group1a (r=0.551, p&lt;0.05). In conclusion, we found high levels of interferon and viral load in CCHF patients in this study, suggesting that high levels of interferon are released in CCHF patients, but the secreted interferon cannot prevent viral replication adequately. It is likely that the CCHF virus has various evasion mechanisms to avoid the effect of interferon. Further studies are needed to clarify/confirm this situation.

Effectiveness of different tirofiban administration times in patients with no-reflow myocardial infarction during percutaneous coronary intervention.

To compare the effectiveness of different tirofiban administration time windows in patients with no-reflow myocardial infarction (MI) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This single centre retrospective observational study included patients with no-reflow MI, undergoing PCI at the Hanyang Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology from March 2020 to May 2023. All patients were administered tirofiban. Patients who received tirofiban with postinterventional thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow ≥ 1 were grouped as Group-I, and patients who were directly given tirofiban through the guiding catheter without forward blood flow were grouped as Group-II. TIMI blood flow classification, levels of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB), incidence of complications and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in the two groups before and after the treatment were statistically analyzed. A total of 156 patients were included in this study, including 79 patients in Group-I and 77 patients in Group-II. There was no significant difference in the baseline data between the two groups (P>0.05). After treatment, TIMI blood flow classification of the two groups improved and was significantly better in Group-I compared to Group-II (P<0.05). After treatment, levels of Serum cTnT and CK-MB in the two groups decreased, and were significantly lower in Group-I than in Group-II (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between Group-I (3.80%) and Group-II (6.49%) (P>0.05). The incidence of MACE in Group-I (3.80%) was lower than that in Group-II (12.99%) (P<0.05). Compared with the direct application of tirofiban, tirofiban given when TIMI Grade≥ 1 for patients with no-reflow MI during PCI can more effectively regulate the blood flow status of target vessels, reduce myocardial injury, and reduce the risk of MACE.

Outcomes and Complications of Pediatric Eustachian Tube Dilation Surgery.

To determine whether balloon dilation of Eustachian tube (BDET) improves postoperative audiology and quality of life scores in children with chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction. Retrospective study. Tertiary care pediatric center. Eligible participants were patients 8 years or older, with a history of 2 prior tubes placement. Group 1-patients completed pre-and post-Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Quality of Life Survey (ETDQ-7) survey scores, Group 2-patients had available pre- and postdilation tympanogram data (TD), and Group 3-patients had both ETDQ-7 survey and TD. The average time for the first and subsequent follow-ups was 3.8 and 12.9 months, respectively. A total of 43 patients (85 ears) underwent BDET. The mean age was 13.3 years (8-18 years). Twenty-four patients were male (55.8%) and over 80% were Caucasian. The average mean ETDQ-7 score before and after dilation was 3.9 and 2.5, respectively. Ninety-three percent experienced improvement of their postoperative ETDQ-7 scores and 53% had normal postdilation ETDQ-7 score (P < .0001). Thirty-seven ears in Group 2 (60.7%) had improvement in postdilation TD. A greater proportion of ears showed improvement of 62.3% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) [50.1%-74.5%] compared to 37.7% without improvement, 95% CI [25.5%-49.87%]. Ears with type A or B TD were more likely to show improvement than ears with type C, perforated, or with tubes (P < .0001). Eighteen out of 30 ears in Group 3 (60%) experienced an improvement in both ETDQ-7 and tympanogram. BDET is a safe, efficacious alternative to tubes in selected pediatric patients.

Pediatric Burns - Who Requires Follow-up? A Study of Urban Pediatric Emergency Department Patients.

Hundreds of children suffer burn injuries each day, yet care guidelines regarding the need for acute inpatient treatment vs outpatient follow-up vs no required follow-up remain nebulous. This gap in the literature is particularly salient for the emergency clinician, who must be able to rapidly determine appropriate disposition. This was a retrospective review of patients presenting to a Level II pediatric trauma center, January 1, 2017-December 31, 2019, and discharged with an International Classification of Diseases, Rev 10, burn diagnosis. We obtained and analyzed demographics, burn characteristics, and follow-up data using univariate and bivariate analysis as well as logistic regression modeling. Patients were stratified into three outcome groups: group 1-patients who underwent emergent evaluation at a burn center or were admitted at their first follow-up appointment; group 2-patients who followed up at a burn center (as an outpatient) or at the emergency department (and were discharged home); and group 3-patients with no known follow-up. A total of 572 patients were included in this study; 58.9% of patients were 1-5years of age. Sixty-five patients met group 1 criteria, 189 patients met group 2 criteria, and 318 patients met group 3 criteria. Sixty-five percent of patients met at least one American Burn Association criteria, and 79% of all burns were second-degree burns. Flame and scald burns were associated with increased odds (odds ratio [OR] 1.21, OR 1.12) of group 1 vs group 2 + group 3 (P = 0.02, P < 0.001). Second/third-degree burns and concern for non-accidental trauma were also associated with increased odds of group 1 vs 2 or 3 (OR = 1.11, 1.35, P ≤ 0.001, 0.001, respectively). Scald burns were associated with increased odds of group 2 compared to group 3 (OR 1.11, P = 0.04). Second/third degree burns were also associated with increased odds of group 2 vs 3 (OR 1.19, P ≤ 0.001). There were few statistically significant variables strongly associated with group 1 (emergent treatment/admission) vs group 2 (follow-up/outpatient treatment) vs group 3 (no follow- up). However, one notable finding in this study was the association of scald burns with treatment (admission or follow-up) suggesting that the presence of a scald burn in a child may signify to clinicians that a burn center consult is warranted.

Low-level laser therapy and laser acupuncture therapy for pain relief after initial archwire placement : Arandomized clinical trial.

Pain is among the most unpleasant experience during fixed orthodontic therapy. This study compared the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and laser acupuncture therapy (LAT) in pain reduction after initial archwire placement. This randomized, parallel-group, single-blind clinical trial included 60female patients who required four premolar extractions to relieve crowding. The subjects were randomly designated into four groups of 15. After placement of the initial orthodontic archwire, patients in group1 took ibuprofen (400 mg), whereas those in group2 received LLLT (808 nm, 200 mW, 2 J/cm2) on both buccal and lingual sides of the teeth. In group3 (LAT), the laser (808 nm, 200 mW, 24 J/cm2) was applied bilaterally to acupuncture points (SI18, ST6, LI4, SJ2, and SJ5). Subjects in group4 received placebo laser treatment. Patients were requested to record the intensity of spontaneous pain, pain while biting with anterior teeth, and pain while biting with posterior teeth at different times using avisual analogue scale (VAS). The intensity of spontaneous and biting pain increased up to the first or second days following initial archwire placement and diminished to anegligible value by the seventh day. No significant difference was found between the study groups concerning spontaneous and biting pain at any timepoint of investigation (P > 0.05). With the protocols used in the study, low-level laser therapy and laser acupuncture therapy were as effective as ibuprofen and placebo laser treatment for pain reduction in orthodontic patients. IRCT, IRCT20200622047886N1. Registered 2020-06-29; https://www.irct.ir/trial/49121.

Efficacy of nil per oral, total parenteral nutrition, milrinone and non-suction chest tube drainage-based management for chylothorax following pediatric cardiac surgery.

A single centre experience with chylothorax in post cardiac surgical patients. Retrospective review. Chylothorax developed in 55 out of 873 operated patients (6.3%). Median age of the chylothorax cohort was 95 days (range 1-995). Neonates constituted 36% and 49% were infants. Group-1(35 patients-treated during the years 2011-2015) included those who were managed with low fat diet initially with other standard measures including steroid, octreotide, pleurodesis, lymphangiogram or thoracic duct ligation whenever required.Group-2 (20 patients, treated between year 2016-2018) were managed with nil per oral, total parenteral nutrition, extended use of milrinone and no use of chest tube suction with other above standard measures when required.Group-1 and group-2 were comparable in terms of their age and weight (p > 0.05).We observed lower volume of chest drainage, shorter intubation time, length of intensive care stay and hospital stay in group-2 compared to group-1 though they were statistically not significant (p > 0.05). Occurrence of massive chylothorax (>20 ml/kg/day) in group-1 was significantly higher [18 patients (51%) in group-1 vs 4 patients in group-2 (20%) (Chi-square 5.25, p = 0.02)]. In hospital mortality in group-1 was higher compared to group-2 (5/35 = 14.5% vs 1/20 = 5%), however, it was statistically not significant [risk ratio 2.86; 95% CI 0.36, 22.77; p = 0.59)]. Acute kidney injury was observed in about 25% of patients who had chylothorax. A higher mortality was observed in patients with chylothorax who had acute kidney injury [5/14 (35%)] compared to those who did not have acute kidney injury [1/41 (2.4%)] (Chi-square 11.89, p = 0.001)]. In a heterogenous cohort of post-cardiac surgical patients who developed chylothorax, our suggested new regime (nil per oral, parenteral nutrition, extended use of milrinone and no suction applied to the chest drains) contributed to reduce the frequency of massive chylothorax occurrence significantly.

Efficacy and Safety of Ketogenic Diet Treatment in Pediatric Patients with Mitochondrial Disease.

Mitochondrial diseases (MDs) are a heterogeneous group of disorders resulting from abnormal mitochondrial function. Currently, there is no causal treatment for MDs. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of the ketogenic diet (KD) in patients with MD and to analyse selected biochemical and clinical parameters evaluating the effectiveness of KD treatment in patients with MDs. A total of 42 paediatric patients were assigned to four groups: group 1-patients with MD in whom KD treatment was started (n = 11); group 2-patients with MD remaining on an ordinary diet (n = 10); group 3-patients without MD in whom KD treatment was initiated (n = 10), group 4-patients without MD on a regular diet (n = 11). Clinical improvement was observed in 9/11 patients with MD treated with KD. Among patients with MD without KD, the clinical condition deteriorated in 7/10 patients, improved in 2/10 patients, and remained unchanged in one patient. Adverse events of KD occurred with a comparable frequency in groups 1 and 3. There was no significant difference in changes in biomarker concentrations over the course of the study among patients treated and untreated with KD.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Based Ischemic Injury Pattern in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Sensu Left Ventricular Global Systolic Function.

The purpose of the study was to identify factors characterizing a decrease in LV global systolic function in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after revascularization using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based ischemic injury pattern and laboratory parameters sensu left ventricular global systolic function. A total of 109 STEMI patients were examined. The patients underwent contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI with a 1.5 Tesla GE SIGNA Voyager (GE HealthCare, Chicago, IL, USA) on the 7th-10th days from the onset of the disease. According to cardiac MRI analysis, the patients were divided into the following groups with regard to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) values: Group 1-patients with LVEF ≥ 50%; group 2-patients with mildly reduced LVEF 40-49%; group 3-patients with low LVEF < 40%. A predominance of most parameters of the ischemic injury pattern was noted in patients with mildly reduced and low LVEF versus patient group with LVEF ≥ 50%. Some risk factors for a decrease in LVEF < 50% systolic function in STEMI patients after revascularization were revealed: male gender; time from the onset of the anginal attack to revascularization; coronary artery status; several LV parameters; ischemic injury characteristics; natriuretic peptide and troponin I levels.

P539 Assessment of VEdolizumab aNd Ustekinumab in Elderly patients with Crohn’s disease (CD): the IG-IBD AVENUE study

Abstract Background Comparative data regarding ustekinumab (UST) and vedolizumab (VDZ) effectiveness and safety in elderly inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients are limited. The aim of the present nationwide multicenter cohort study was to compare persistence and safety of these drugs in elderly versus non-elderly Italian IBD patients. Methods Data from 20 Italian centers were retrospectively collected. Based upon age and treatment, IBD patients aged ≥65 years were allocated to group 1 (G1) and group 3 (G3) (cases) if treated with UST or VDZ, respectively, and to group 2 (G2) and 4 (G4) (controls) if they were aged &amp;lt; 65 years and treated with UST or VDZ, respectively. The primary outcome was drug persistence at week 52. Propensity score analysis was performed for primary outcome using the inverse probability of treatment weighting method. Secondary outcomes included: steroid free remission (SFR) at week 52 and frequency of adverse events (AEs) at the end of follow-up. Results A total of 439 patients (176 elderly and 260 non-elderly) were included in the study. Among elderly patients, 93 and 83 were included in the group G1 and G3, respectively. Among non-elderly patients, 147 and 116 were included in the group G2 and G4, respectively. Baseline characteristics are represented in Table 1. No differences were found in terms of persistence between G1 vs G3, G1 vs G2 and G3 vs G4 (Figure 1). Higher baseline Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI) (OR=2.09, 1.15 – 3.78; 0.015) and baseline steroid therapy (OR=1.10, 1.04 – 1.15; p&amp;lt;0.001) were identified as predictors of a lower drug persistence at Cox model. Steroid free remission at week 52 was achieved by 80% and 77% of elderly patients in G1 and in G3 (p=0.63), respectively. Similarly, no differences for SFR were found between G1 and G2 (p=0.73) and between G3 and G4 (p=0.68). Incidence rate for AEs were G1 and G2 were 7.85 and 7.90 respectively; for G3 and G4 IR were 5.81 and 12.50 respectively. No differences were found in the UST groups (IRR=0.99; p=0.98) while in VDZ-treated patients, non-elderly had a higher rate of AEs (IRR=0.46; p=0.006). Conclusion These data confirm that ustekinumab and vedolizumab are highly effective drugs in patients with IBD, associated with a good safety profile in both elderly and in non-elderly IBD patients.

Effect of Topical Application of Tranexamic Acid on Wound Drainage and Seroma Formation after Modified Radical Mastectomy: An Observational Study

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy detected in the female population in Kerala, India. Seroma formation after Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM) may lead to a delay in recovery, a prolongation of hospital stay, and can also affect treatment by delaying adjuvant therapy and increasing the risk of infection. Topical Tranexamic Acid (TXA) reduces bleeding, wound drainage duration and seroma formation. Aim: To find the effect of topical application of TXA on wound drainage and seroma formation after MRM. Materials and Methods: The present prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery, Government Medical College, Kottayam, Kerala, India, from February 2022 to January 2023. A total of 150 patients who underwent MRM were randomly selected to receive either TXA or a placebo before wound closure. Two groups were formed: Group-1 (interventional group) received 20 mL of diluted TXA (25 mg/mL), while Group-2 (placebo group) received normal saline. Each group consisted of 75 female patients. They were compared based on drain amount, number of days the drain was in place and seroma formation. Categorical parameters like the number of days the drain was kept, cumulative drain amount, and seroma occurrence were expressed as percentages. Statistical analysis was done with Chi-square test with a p-value &lt;0.05. Results: The median age of the patients was 50-60 years. On postoperative day 1, the drain amount in Group-1 was 37.3%, while in Group-2, it was 54.7%, with 1.3% of patients in Group-1 and 6.7% in Group-2 having more than 300 mL drained (p-value=0.001). By postoperative day 7, 21.3% of patients in Group-1 had drained less than 50 mL, compared to only 4% in Group-2 (p-value=0.02). The majority of patients in Group-1 had their drains removed in 5-10 days (97.3%), whereas in Group-2, drains were removed in 11-14 days (56%). Seroma formation occurred in 8% of patients in Group-1 and 5.3% in Group-2 (p-value=0.512). Conclusion: All patients tolerated TXA without any side effects and it effective in lowering the volume and duration of wound drainage following MRM.

Safety and efficacy of bronchial thermoplasty in refractory asthma with severe obstructive respiratory dysfunction.

Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) is a recently developed non-pharmacological therapy for refractory bronchial asthma. Although increasing evidence has suggested that BT is effective for various phenotypes of severe asthma, its safety and efficacy in patients with severe irreversible impaired lung function are unclear. To assess the efficacy and safety of BT in patients with refractory asthma, including patients with a severely impaired forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). This was a single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 15 patients with refractory asthma (Global Initiative for Asthma step 4 or 5), including patients with severely impaired airflow limitation (% predicted pre-bronchodilator FEV1 <60%), who had undergone BT between June 2016 and January 2022. We analyzed the efficacy (change in asthma symptoms, exacerbation rate, pulmonary function, asthma medication, and serum inflammatory chemokine/cytokines before and after BT) and complications in all patients. We compared these data between patients with severe obstructive lung dysfunction [group 1(G1)] and patients with FEV1 ⩾ 60% [group 2 (G2)]. Six patients were in G1 and nine were in G2. Clinical characteristics, T2 inflammation, and concurrent treatment were equivalent in both groups. BT significantly improved asthma-related symptoms (measured using the Asthma Control Test and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire scores) in both groups. FEV1 was significantly improved in G1 but not in G2. Four patients in G2, but none in G1, experienced asthma exacerbation requiring additional systemic corticosteroids (including two requiring prolonged hospitalization) after BT. Long-term responders (patients who reduced systemic or inhaled corticosteroid without newly adding biologics in a follow-up > 2 years) of BT were identified in G1 and G2 (n = 2, 33.3% and n = 4, 44.4%, respectively). BT in patients with refractory asthma and severe airflow limitation is equally safe and efficacious as that in patients with moderate airflow limitation.

Clinical Efficacy of Ambu AuraGainTM and i-gel® in Patients Undergoing Elective Gynaecological Laparoscopic Surgeries Under General Anaesthesia: A Randomised Clinical Study

Introduction: Second-generation supraglottic airway devices that provide high seal pressures are found to be suitable for patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery, as they have a separate port for gastric tube insertion, effectively separating the airway and the oesophagus. The present study compares the usage of two such second-generation supraglottic devices-AuraGain™ and i-gel® in patients undergoing gynaecological laparoscopic surgeries. Aim: To compare the Oropharyngeal Leak Pressure (OLP) and airway pressures achieved by the i-gel® and Ambu AuraGain™ after insertion in the supine position and during laparoscopic carbon dioxide peritoneum in the Trendelenburg position. Materials and Methods: This randomised clinical, singleblinded study conducted at the Department of Anaesthesiology, Narayana Medical College, Nellore, Andhra pradesh, India involved 100 female patients undergoing elective gynaecological laparoscopic surgeries under general anaesthesia with controlled ventilation. The primary objective was to compare the clinical performance of Ambu AuraGain™ (Group-A) and i-gel® (Group-I) concerning their oropharyngeal seal pressures and airway pressures in gynaecological laparoscopic surgeries. The secondary outcomes measured included the time taken for insertion, ease of insertion of the device, effects on postinsertion haemodynamic parameters like heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, ease of gastric tube insertion, and fibreoptic bronchoscopic grading of the visualised glottic structures after device placement, as well as postoperative side effects like blood staining upon removal of the device and sore throat. Data were analysed using Student’s t-test and chi-square test. Results: The mean age in Group-A was 39.62±4.085 years, and in Group-I, it was 39.48±2.468 years. The mean peak inspiratory pressures after device insertion were 14.34 mmHg in Group-A and 16.66 mmHg in Group-I. Haemodynamic parameters postinsertion were similar in both groups {Group-A: Mean Heart Rate (HR) 87.22 bpm, Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) 89.72 mmHg, Oxygen Saturation (SpO2 ) 99.58%; Group-I: Mean HR 87.50 bpm, MAP 89.72 mmHg, SpO2 99.72%). Fibreoptic bronchoscopic grading in Group-A was 0/0/9/41, and in Group-I, it was 0/0/11/39. Blood staining upon removal was noted in four patients (8%) in Group-A and in 3 patients (6%) in Group-I. Sore throat in the postoperative period was noted in 14% of patients in Group-A and 8% in Group-I. Conclusion: Ambu AuraGain™ was found to provide a better seal and higher OLP compared to the i-gel® in gynaecological laparoscopic surgeries and therefore provide safer and more effective ventilation for patients undergoing such surgeries. I-gel® was found to be easier and quicker to insert than the AuraGain™.

Comparison between stapled hemorrhoidopexy and harmonic scalpel hemorrhoidectomy in the management of third- and fourth-degree piles: arandomized clinical trial.

This study compared the results of stapled hemorrhoidopexy (SH) and harmonic scalpel hemorrhoidectomy (HSH) in the management of gradeIII and gradeIV piles regarding the time of the procedure, postoperative pain, patient satisfaction, wound infection, bleeding, incontinence, and recurrence within 1year. This was asingle-blind, prospective, randomized, controlled, single-center trial conducted from January to December 2022 that included 50(68.75%) male and 20(31.25%) female patients with third- and fourth-degree piles. The patients were divided into two groups of 35patients each. GroupI underwent SH and groupII underwent HSH. The mean age of groupI was 42.94years and of groupII, 42.20years. The mean time of the procedure was 24.42 min ± 2.367 for SH and 31.48 min ± 2.21 for HSH. Postoperative pain in groupI was lower than in groupII during the first 2weeks, but there was persistent mild pain in most patients in groupI at the 2‑week follow-up. In groupII there was significant improvement in pain after 2weeks, with higher patient satisfaction. Wound infection was detected in 3(5%) patients in groupI and no patients in groupII (p = 0.077). Postoperative bleeding occurred in 4(11.4%) patients in groupI in the form of spotting after defecation only during the first postoperative month; no bleeding was detected in groupII (p = 0.039). There were 3(15%) cases of flatus incontinence but after taking a detailed history these were found to be cases of urgency to defecate rather than incontinence. There were 7(20%) cases of recurrence at the 1‑year follow-up in groupI and 1(2.9%) case in groupII (p = 0.024). Compared with SH, HSH was safer, easier, and associated with alower incidence of recurrence after 1year and with higher patient satisfaction.

Disfajisi olan çocukların değerlendirilmesi

Purpose: Difficulty in swallowing; It is a symptom that occurs as a result of mechanical inhibition of the transfer of ingested food from the mouth to the stomach. It can be due to acute and chronic diseases. It is presented because of the limited number of studies comparing the characteristics of both types of oropharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia in healthy and chronically ill children in the pediatric population.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: 201 pediatric patients admitted with dysphagia between May 2019 and November 2020 were included. They were grouped according to the types of dysphagia.&#x0D; Results: Group-1 consisted of 80 pediatric patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia, while group-2 consisted of 121 pediatric patients with esophageal dysphagia. 51.7% of the patients were female, mean age was 9.4 years. While all patients in Group-2 had solid food dysphagia, Group-1 had 27% liquid and 53% solid-liquid dysphagia. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube for 50 pediatric patients who could not be fed safely; A nasogastric feeding tube was placed in 4 children. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed in 72.6% of the patients, and esophageal pathology was detected in 55.4%.&#x0D; Conclusions: Although the incidence of dysphagia is high in children with chronic diseases, it should not be forgotten that it can also be seen in healthy children and may be associated with treatable

A Single-Center Large Cohort of Chronic Neutropenia Patients and a Model for Estimation of Congenital Neutropenias

Chronic neutropenia (CrN) is defined as neutropenia lasting longer than 3 months and has various underlying etiologies, including congenital neutropenia (CN). We aimed to determine the underlying etiologies of patients with CrN and define the characteristics at diagnosis suggestive for CN as a final diagnosis. The study included 197 pediatric and adolescent patients who were diagnosed with CrN between 2010 and 2022 in a single-center. Patients with transient neutropenia, splenomegaly, alloimmune, secondary autoimmune, myelodysplastic syndrome and hematological malignancies, other bone marrow failure syndromes such as Fanconi anemia, and aplastic anemia due to CrN were excluded from the study. The patients included in the study were sub-classified into 5 groups according to their final diagnosis. Group 1, patients with CN (n=64, %32.5) included all genetically verified CrN patients. Group 2, patients with primary autoimmune neutropenia (pIN) group (n=10, %5.1) with anti-granulocyte antibody (AGA) positivity. Group 3, patients with unclassified chronic idiopathic neutropenia (UCIN) (n=73, %37.1). Group 3 included patients who had a clinical severity resembling immune neutropenia, but whose AGA testing was either negative or not available; but the CrN resolved during follow-up. Group 4, included the patients with unclassified chronic benign neutropenia (UCBN) (n=34, %17.3) and included the patients with ongoing neutropenia, who do not have a history of serious infections, no underlying genetic cause for neutropenia, no AGA positivity. Group 5, unspecified congenital neutropenia (UCN) group (n=16, %8,1), was defined as the group of patients whose genetic tests did not detect a mutation in genes related to CN, but history reveales severe infections and a possible CN as an underlying cause. Genetic testing of patients varies from single gene evaluation with Sanger sequencing analysis to Whole Exome Sequencing (WES). The median age at diagnosis of neutropenia of the patients included in the study was 12 (0-168) months 53.8% of the patients were male (n=106). There was consanguinity between parents in 34.5% and at least 1 family member was diagnosed with neutropenia in the in 18.8%. Among the patients in Group 1, HAX-1 mutation was detected in 19 (29.7%) patients and it was found to be the most common genetic defect causing CN. Other common genetic disorders include ELANE mutations (18.8%), Shwachman Diamond Syndrome (10.9%), Hermansky Pudlak Syndrome (7.8%) and glycogen storage type 1 b (6.3%). G6PC3 deficiency, VPS45 deficiency, Barth syndrome and Kabuki syndrome in 2 each (3.1%), ADA2 deficiency, Cohen Syndrome, Poikiloderma with neutropenia, Prolidase deficiency, CLPB deficiency, Majeed syndrome, GINS4 deficiency, reticular dysgenesis, germline RUNX1 mutation were detected in 1 patient. There are 3 patients with acute myeloid leukemia and all of them died before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Two of these patients were diagnosed with SDS, and one had ELANE mutation. One patient with the HAX-1 mutation developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma and was treated with HSCT and is still alive. There were 7 patients (3.6%) who underwent HSCT. 9 patients (4.6%) died. Except for 3 patients who died from AML and 1 who died after HSCT; 1 patient with Barth syndrome deceased related to associated dilated cardiomyopathy, Another patient with G6PC3 mutation died after complications of cardiac surgery due to associated cardiac anomaly and 3 patients (2 VPS45, 1 CLPB) died due to infections. Patients in Group1 and Group 2+Group3 were compared, in order to answer the question of “Can we create a model that predicts CN?”. Many parameters were compared and a multivariate model was created with statistically significant risk factors. CN was seen 6,3 times more in those with parental consanguinity, 8,9 times in those with a family history of neutropenia, 4,8 times in those with more than 2 hospitalizations due to infection, and 4,1 times more in those with recurrent oral involvement (p&amp;lt;0.05). Patients diagnosed with CN were estimated based on the results of the multifactor logistic regression model. The rate of correct identification of the patients by the model is 88.9%. In conclusion, our study is one of the largest single-center studies and suggests a novel classification of CrN patients.

Effectiveness of Myoinositol alone or in Companion with Metformin in Improving Hormonal, Metabolic, and Clinical Features of PCOS Women

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) referring to a syndrome that is recognized as a life-course disease and has both metabolic and reproductive signs; main pathophysiological cause includes insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and oxidative stress state. The study aimed to assess the impact of combining Myoinositol and Metformin, the main insulin-sensitizing drugs, on improving clinical, metabolic, and hormonal parameters in females with PCOS. A clinical trial that was prospective, randomized, and comparative on 54 patients (aged 18-40 y) are divided into three groups: group1 patients allocated to receive Myo-inositol(4g), group2 patients assigned to receive Metformin(1g) and group3 patients assigned to receive Myo-inositol(4g) + Metformin(1g) all for three months. Baseline and post-intervention fasting blood samples were collected to evaluate hormonal, metabolic parameters, and oxidative stress biomarkers. Metformin and Myoinositol together lead to a significant drop free testosterone (P = 0.002), LH (P 0.003), LH to FSH ratio(P=0.004), FSI (P 0.012), the HOMA IR (p 0.019), hirsutism score (p=&lt;0.001) and acne score (p= 0.003), besides substantial increase in GPX (P 0.02). Meanwhile, Myoinositol supplement causes a substantial drop in free testosterone (p=0.013), FSI (P 0.02), and HOMA – IR (P value=0.025) also a substantial rise in GPX (P=0.005). Combining Myoinositol with metformin results in improving clinical, metabolic, hormonal parameters, as well as oxidative indicators for PCOS females.

Ocular drug delivery systems: glaucoma patient perceptions from a German university hospital eye clinic.

This study aimed to report on glaucoma patients' beliefs and illness perceptions and to investigate their opinion on ocular drug delivery devices (ODD). We performed a cross-sectional study in a large tertiary-referral outpatient glaucoma clinic, with 102 patients. Validated anonymized questionnaires were used. We investigated the awareness and acceptance regarding ODD (contact lenses (CLs), punctal plugs (PPs), subconjunctival implants, anterior chamber (AC) injections, and drug-emitting stents) and looked at factors that could influence a patient's decision for having an ODD. Sixty-three patients (61.8%) confirmed they would rather have ODD than keep their eye-drops (38.2%). The most important factors influencing their decision were effectiveness and long-lasting effect. A large proportion of patients reported a preference for CLs (48.0%), PPs (52.9%), or drug-emitting stents (44.1%). When comparing patients who preferred ODD (group-1) versus eye-drops (group-2), significantly more patients in group-1 were worried (p < 0.001) or felt disrupted (p < 0.001) by their use of eye-drops. A significantly greater share of patients in group-1 showed acceptance towards CLs (60.3% vs. 38.5%; p = 0.032), AC injections (38.1% vs. 12.8%, p = 0.006), or drug-emitting stents (54% vs. 28.2%, p = 0.023), whilst there were no significant differences regarding the acceptance of PPs (p = 0.363) or subconjunctival implants (p = 0.058). ODD for the treatment of glaucoma were broadly deemed acceptable by patients in this study. Effectiveness and long-lasting effect were the most important factors for a decision towards having an ODD. The majority of patients who preferred an ODD felt severely affected by their disease and were negatively influenced by their glaucoma medication intake.