Permanent Adverse Events Research Articles

Using a nonablative monopolar radiofrequency laser in the treatment of acne vulgaris

Background: Acne vulgaris is a prevalent cutaneous disorder that significantly affects patient quality of life. There have been several reports of successful acne treatment using lasers. However, few studies have reported the use of radiofrequency (RF) lasers for acne. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a noninvasive monopolar RF laser in the treatment of acne vulgaris on the face. Methods: A randomized, prospective, split-face study was performed. Eleven participants were recruited. Patients were treated with the RF laser on one half of the face and no laser treatment on the other half. Two treatments were performed at 2-week intervals. Patients returned for follow-up 2 weeks after the final treatment. Results: After 4 weeks, the lesion counts of papules, comedones, red macules, and the sebumeter measured values all significantly decreased on the treated area compared to those on untreated areas. In the photograph analysis, the grade of acne (using Cook's acne grading method) also significantly improved after treatment. Patients reported tolerable pain and mild erythema with laser treatment. However, there were no permanent adverse events. Conclusion: Treatment with the noninvasive RF laser successfully reduces acne lesions (papules, comedones, and red macules) and sebum secretion without severe adverse events.

Permanent Cutaneous Adverse Events After Injection With Deoxycholic Acid

Permanent Cutaneous Adverse Events After Injection With Deoxycholic Acid

Safety and long-term efficacy of ventro-oral thalamotomy for focal hand dystonia: A retrospective study of 171 patients.

ObjectiveTo report the safety and long-term efficacy of ventro-oral thalamotomy for 171 consecutive patients with task-specific focal hand dystonia.MethodsBetween October 2003 and February 2017, 171 consecutive patients with task-specific focal hand dystonia underwent unilateral ventro-oral thalamotomy. Etiologies included writer's cramps (n = 92), musician's dystonias (n = 58), and other occupational task-related dystonias (n = 21). The task-specific focal hand dystonia scale was used to evaluate patients' neurologic conditions (range 1–5, high score indicated a better condition). The scores before surgery; at 1 week, 3 months, and 12 months postoperatively; and the last available follow-up period were determined. Postoperative complications and postoperative recurrence were also evaluated.ResultsThe scores before surgery; at 1 week (1.72 ± 0.57, 4.33 ± 0.85 [p < 0.001]), 3 months (4.30 ± 1.06 [p < 0.001]), and 12 months (4.30 ± 1.13 [p < 0.001]); and the last available follow-up (4.39 ± 1.07 [p < 0.001]) postoperatively improved. The mean clinical follow-up period was 25.4 ± 32.1 months (range: 3–165). Permanent adverse events developed in 6 patients (3.5%). Eighteen patients developed recurrent dystonic symptoms postoperatively. Of these 18 patients, 9 underwent ventro-oral thalamotomy again, of which 7 achieved improvement.ConclusionVentro-oral thalamotomy is a feasible and reasonable treatment for patients with refractory task-specific focal hand dystonias. Prospective, randomized, and blinded studies are warranted to clarify more accurate assessment of the safety and efficacy of ventro-oral thalamotomy for task-specific focal hand dystonia.Classification of evidenceThis study provides Class IV evidence that for patients with task-specific focal hand dystonia, ventro-oral thalamotomy improves dystonia.

Outcome and safety of rechallenge [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 in patients with metastatic prostate cancer.

Data are sparse regarding the feasibility of radioligand therapy (RLT) with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 as a retreatment. We aimed to assess the outcome and safety of rechallenge PSMA-RLT in patients with progressive prostatic cancer who previously benefited from this therapy. Patients who received rechallenge therapy at our department from January 2015 to March 2018 were assessed. Non-haematological and haematological adverse events were evaluated from laboratory data and clinical reports and were graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v. 5.0). Time to prostate-specific-antigen (PSA) progression and the overall survival (OS) rate of the study patients were calculated from the date of the first rechallenge cycle. Furthermore, the OS calculated from the first cycle baseline PSMA-RLT was compared with the survival of patients who received only baseline PSMA-RLT. The response data were determined using [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-PET/CT and measurements of the tumour marker PSA. Included in this retrospective study were 30 patients who were initially treated with a median of 3cycles (range 1-5) of PSMA-RLT and were eventually retreated after a median of 6months (range 2-26). Each patient received a median of 3 (range 1-6) rechallenge cycles. None of the patients experienced a disabling or life-threatening grade 4 adverse event according to the Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC). Grade 3 toxicity occurred in 8 patients (27%). Serious adverse events included leucopoenia (n = 2), neutropoenia (n = 1), anaemia (n = 4), thrombopenia (n = 4) and elevated renal parameters (n = 1). Irreversible adverse events occurred in 21 patients (70%). The permanent adverse events were mild/moderate (CTC grade 1/2) in 19 patients and serious (CTC grade 3) in two patients, respectively. According to PSA measurements, 75-90% of patients showed a benefit (response/stable) from the first 4 rechallenge cycles. The median OS was 12months calculated from the first rechallenge cycle and 25months calculated from the first cycle baseline PSMA-RLT. For comparison, the median OS in patients who received only baseline PSMA-RLT was 9months. The difference according to the logrank test was significant: p value <0.001. Patients with a PSA decrease after the first cycle of rechallenge PSMA-RLT survived a median of 19months, while patients with a PSA increase survived only 6months. Rechallenge prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) therapy has an acceptable safety profile. The majority of the retreated patients benefited from the rechallenge therapy. Patients who showed a biochemical response achieved a longer OS compared to patients who did not respond. The median OS was significantly longer in patients after rechallenge PSMA-RLT than in patients who received only baseline PSMA-RLT.

PMH34 - Assessing the Cost-Effectiveness of Three-Monthly Paliperidone Palmitate Versus its Prior Monthly Formulation for the Management of Schizophrenia in the UK Setting

Improving treatment continuity and adherence to antipsychotic therapy in schizophrenia is a major challenge. The 3-monthly long-acting therapy of paliperidone palmitate (PP3M) has the longest dosing interval available compared to other antipsychotics whilst having the same active ingredient, as the existing 1-monthly long-acting therapy (PP1M). This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of PP3M versus PP1M in patients with schizophrenia in the UK. A Markov model with monthly cycles encompassed a first treatment line (PP3M or PP1M) followed by a period off-treatment, and then a follow-up therapy (a mix of treatments reflecting UK practice). At each cycle, patients could either remain in stable disease, experience a relapse, experience temporary or permanent adverse events, or die. Relapse and adverse event rates were based on a non-inferiority head-to-head trial and were set equal in both arms; first line treatment discontinuation of PP1M was based on UK real-world evidence and assumed equivalent for PP3M. Accounting for differences in drug exposure length between PP1M and PP3M, a time-dependent relapse rate was applied during the period off-treatment. The benefits of a reduced administration frequency were reflected in the stable state utility for PP3M by applying an increment to the PP1M baseline utility. The perspective of the UK National Health Service was adopted throughout a two-year time horizon. Costs and effects were discounted at an annual rate of 3.5%. PP3M is dominant compared to PP1M, showing cost savings (£ -638) and an increase in QALYs (+0.069). Cost savings were driven by reductions in relapse and administration costs for PP3M, whilst QALY gains were derived from the reduced administration frequency. Results robustness was demonstrated via sensitivity and scenario analyses. The introduction of PP3M to the UK setting constitutes an improvement, bringing savings and QoL benefits to the current LAI-based standard of care for schizophrenia patients.

Risk of permanent adverse events with mefloquine

Risk of permanent adverse events with mefloquine

Focused Ultrasound for Essential Tremor: Review of the Evidence and Discussion of Current Hurdles.

BackgroundWhile there is no breakthrough progress in the medical treatment of essential tremor (ET), in the past decades several remarkable achievements happened in the surgical field, such as radiofrequency thalamotomy, thalamic deep brain stimulation, and gamma knife thalamotomy. The most recent advance in this area is magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS).MethodsThe purpose of this review is to discuss the new developments and trials of MRgFUS in the treatment of ET and other tremor disorders.ResultsMRgFUS is an incisionless surgery performed without anesthesia and ionizing radiation (no risk of cumulative dose and delayed side effects). Studies have shown the safety and effectiveness of unilateral MRgFUS-thalamotomy in the treatment of ET. It has been successfully used in a few patients with Parkinson’s disease-related tremor, and in fewer patients with fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome. The safety and long-term effects of the procedure are still unclear, as temporary and permanent adverse events have been reported as well as recurrence of tremor.DiscussionMRgFUS is a promising new surgical approach with a number of unknowns and unsolved issues. It represents a valuable option particularly for patients who refused or could not be candidates for other procedures, deep brain stimulation in particular.

Microneedling: A Comprehensive Review.

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses fine needles to puncture the epidermis. The microwounds created stimulate the release of growth factors and induce collagen production. The epidermis remains relatively intact, therefore helping to limit adverse events. The indications for microneedling therapy have grown significantly, and it is becoming a more widely used treatment in dermatology. A comprehensive review of microneedling in human subjects and its applications in dermatology. A search was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE and Science Direct databases. Search terms included "microneedling," "needling," and "percutaneous collagen induction." All available studies involving human subjects were included in the discussion, with priority given to prospective, randomized trials. Studies demonstrate microneedling efficacy and safety for the treatment of scars, acne, melasma, photodamage, skin rejuvenation, hyperhidrosis and alopecia and for facilitation of transdermal drug delivery. While permanent adverse events are uncommon, transient erythema and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation are more commonly reported. Microneedling appears to be an overall effective and safe therapeutic option for numerous dermatologic conditions. Larger and more randomized controlled trials are needed to provide greater data on the use of microneedling for different dermatologic conditions in different skin types.

Neuroplasticity and amblyopia: vision at the balance point.

New insights into triggers and brakes of plasticity in the visual system are being translated into new treatment approaches which may improve outcomes not only in children, but also in adults. Visual experience-driven plasticity is greatest in early childhood, triggered by maturation of inhibitory interneurons which facilitate strengthening of synchronous synaptic connections, and inactivation of others. Normal binocular development leads to progressive refinement of monocular visual acuity, stereoacuity and fusion of images from both eyes. At the end of the 'critical period', structural and functional brakes such as dampening of acetylcholine receptor signalling and formation of perineuronal nets limit further synaptic remodelling. Imbalanced visual input from the two eyes can lead to imbalanced neural processing and permanent visual deficits, the commonest of which is amblyopia. The efficacy of new behavioural, physical and pharmacological interventions aiming to balance visual input and visual processing have been described in humans, and some are currently under evaluation in randomised controlled trials. Outcomes may change amblyopia treatment for children and adults, but the safety of new approaches will need careful monitoring, as permanent adverse events may occur when plasticity is re-induced after the end of the critical period.Video abstracthttp://links.lww.com/CONR/A42.

Efficacy of Fiber Tractography in the Stereotactic Surgery of the Thalamus for Patients with Essential Tremor.

Several targets and targeting methods are utilized in stereotactic surgery to achieve tremor suppression for patients with intractable tremor. Recent developments in magnetic resonance imaging, including diffusion tensor imaging, have enabled the setting of appropriate targets in stereotactic surgery. In this retrospective study, the optimal target to suppress tremors in stereotactic surgery was explored using diffusion tensor image-based fiber tractography. Four tracts were focused on in this study, namely: the cerebello-thalamo-premotor cortical fiber tract, cerebello-thalamo-primary motor cortical fiber tract, spino-thalamo-somatosensory cortical fiber tract, and pyramidal tract. In 10 patients with essential tremor, we evaluated the thalamotomy lesions and active contacts of the lead in thalamic stimulation by diffusion tensor image-based fiber tractography to reveal which part of the cerebral cortex is most affected by stereotactic surgery. Tremor suppression and adverse events were also evaluated in the patients involved in this study. Consequently, the good tremor suppression was achieved in all patients. There had been no permanent adverse events 3 months after surgery. Twelve lesions in thalamotomy patients or active contacts of the lead in thalamic stimulation patients were on the cerebello-thalamo-premotor cortical fiber tract (12/14 lesions or active contacts: 86%). In conclusion, the cerebello-thalamo-premotor cortical fiber tract may be an optimal target for tremor suppression. Diffusion tensor image-based fiber tractography may enable us to both determine the optimal target to achieve strong tremor suppression and to reduce the number of adverse events by keeping lesions or electrodes away from important fiber tracts, such as the pyramidal tract and spinothalamic fibers.

Prospective Comparison of Dual Wavelength Long-Pulsed 755-nm Alexandrite/1,064-nm Neodymium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Laser versus 585-nm Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment for Rosacea.

BackgroundRosacea treatments including oral/topical medications and laser therapy are numerous but unsatisfactory.ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of the dual wavelength long-pulsed 755-nm alexandrite/1,064-nm neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser (LPAN) with that of 585-nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) for rosacea.MethodsThis was a randomized, single-blinded, comparative study. Full face received four consecutive monthly treatments with LPAN or PDL, followed-up for 6 months after the last treatment. Erythema index was measured by spectrophotometer, and digital photographs were evaluated by consultant dermatologists for physician's global assessment. Subjective satisfaction surveys and adverse effects were recorded.ResultsForty-nine subjects with rosacea enrolled and 12 dropped out. There were no significant differences between LPAN and PDL in the mean reduction of the erythema index (p=0.812; 3.6% vs. 2.8%), improvement of physician's global assessment (p=1.000; 88.9% vs. 89.5%), and subject-rated treatment satisfaction (p=0.842; 77.8% vs. 84.2%). PDL showed more adverse effects including vesicles than LPAN (p=0.046; 26.3% vs. 0.0%). No other serious or permanent adverse events were observed in both treatments.ConclusionBoth LPAN and PDL may be effective and safe treatments for rosacea.

Dorsal anterior cingulotomy and anterior capsulotomy for severe, refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder: a systematic review of observational studies.

OBJECT The object of this study was to perform a systematic review, according to Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) guidelines, of the clinical efficacy and adverse effect profile of dorsal anterior cingulotomy compared with anterior capsulotomy for the treatment of severe, refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). METHODS The authors included studies comparing objective clinical measures before and after cingulotomy or capsulotomy (surgical and radiosurgical) in patients with OCD. Only papers reporting the most current follow-up data for each group of investigators were included. Studies reporting results on patients undergoing one or more procedures other than cingulotomy or capsulotomy were excluded. Case reports and studies with a mean follow-up shorter than 12 months were excluded. Clinical response was defined in terms of a change in the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) score. The authors searched MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge through October 2013. English and non-English articles and abstracts were reviewed. RESULTS Ten studies involving 193 participants evaluated the length of follow-up, change in the Y-BOCS score, and postoperative adverse events (AEs) after cingulotomy (n = 2 studies, n = 81 participants) or capsulotomy (n = 8 studies, n = 112 participants). The average time to the last follow-up was 47 months for cingulotomy and 60 months for capsulotomy. The mean reduction in the Y-BOCS score at 12 months' follow-up was 37% for cingulotomy and 55% for capsulotomy. At the last follow-up, the mean reduction in Y-BOCS score was 37% for cingulotomy and 57% for capsulotomy. The average full response rate to cingulotomy at the last follow-up was 41% (range 38%-47%, n = 2 studies, n = 51 participants), and to capsulotomy was 54% (range 37%-80%, n = 5 studies, n = 50 participants). The rate of transient AEs was 14.3% across cingulotomy studies (n = 116 procedures) and 56.2% across capsulotomy studies (n = 112 procedures). The rate of serious or permanent AEs was 5.2% across cingulotomy studies and 21.4% across capsulotomy studies. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review of the literature supports the efficacy of both dorsal anterior cingulotomy and anterior capsulotomy in this highly treatment-refractory population. The observational nature of available data limits the ability to directly compare these procedures. Controlled or head-to-head studies are necessary to identify differences in efficacy or AEs and may lead to the individualization of treatment recommendations.

Adverse events associated with fluoroscopically guided lumbosacral transforaminal epidural steroid injections

Background contextAlthough the types and incidence of adverse events (AEs) associated with transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) have been described, no study has used a systematic standardized questionnaire to solicit AEs from patients to capture an accurate range and incidence of complications. PurposeThe aim was to systematically identify the types and incidence of AEs associated with TFESI. Additionally, this study evaluated demographic and clinical factors that may predict a higher risk of an AE. Study design/SettingThis was a retrospective cohort study from a multiphysician academic PM&R clinic. Patient samplePatients, aged 19 to 89, who underwent a fluoroscopically guided TFESI for lumbosacral radicular pain between 2004 and 2007 were included. Outcome measuresThe relationship of AEs with gender, age, trainee presence, steroid type, preprocedure visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, systolic blood pressure, fluoroscopy time, and corticosteroid injectate volume was analyzed. MethodsAdverse event data were collected using a survey both immediately and at 24 to 72 hours after TFESI. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square, Fisher exact, or Wilcoxon rank sum two-sided tests. Logistic regression analysis was also performed. C.P. is the owner of Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Physiatric Log & Analysis System computer software. ResultsIn 1,295 consecutive patients undergoing 2,025 TFESI procedures, immediate AEs and delayed AEs occurred after 182 (9.2%) and 305 (20.0%) injections, respectively. The most common immediate AEs were: vasovagal reaction (4.2%) and interrupted procedure from intravascular flow (1.7%). Common delayed AEs included: pain exacerbation (5.0%), injection site soreness (3.9%), headache (3.9%), facial flushing/sweating (1.8%), and insomnia (1.6%). Significant associations were identified between AEs and gender, age, preprocedure VAS, steroid type, and fluoroscopy time. Trainee involvement in the procedure did not impact the complication rate. ConclusionsFluoroscopically guided lumbosacral TFESI is associated with a similar rate of minor AEs both immediately and 24 to 72 hours after procedure that are typical of other axial corticosteroid injections. Permanent AEs were not found in this sample. The most common AEs associated with TFESI include vasovagal episodes, procedure interruption from intravascular flow, pain exacerbation, injection site soreness, headache, and insomnia.

Application of single-stage stereotactic radiosurgery for cerebral arteriovenous malformations >10 cm3.

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a safe and effective treatment for small arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), the use of this modality for the treatment of large AVMs is still controversial, although it has been used in difficult cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes of patients who underwent single-stage SRS for large AVMs and to discuss the role of SRS in the treatment of these challenging lesions. Between 1998 and 2010, 65 patients with AVMs >10 cm(3) underwent single-stage SRS using the Leksell Gamma Knife. Patients who had prospective volume-staged SRS were excluded from this series. Outcomes including the rates of obliteration, hemorrhage after treatment, and adverse events were retrospectively evaluated. The mean nidus volume was 14.9 cm(3) (±3.8 cm(3)), and a mean margin dose of 20 Gy (±1.5 Gy) was applied. The mean observation period was 60 months (range, 7-178 months). The nidus obliteration rates after SRS were 44%, 76%, and 81% at 3, 5, and 6 years, respectively. The annual hemorrhage rate after SRS was 1.94% and permanent adverse events were observed in 2 patients (3%). For large AVMs <20 cm(3), single-stage radiosurgery by applying >16 Gy marginal dose presented favorable obliteration rates with relatively low rate of morbidity. Further accumulation of cases is awaited to fully evaluate the results of single-stage radiosurgery for large AVMs.

Corneal Cross-linking in Patients Younger than 18 Years: Long-term Follow-up in Three Israeli Medical Centers

ABSTRACT Purpose To report refractive, topographic and safety outcomes of corneal cross-linking (CXL) in patients younger than 18 years of age with progressive keratoconus. Materials and methods In this retrospective study, we enrolled 31 eyes of 21 children aged 11 to 17 years that underwent corneal riboflavin-ultraviolet A induced CXL due to progressive keratoconus at three different ophthalmology departments in Israel. They were followed for 3 to 48 months (average 23 ± 13.6 months). Evaluated parameters were uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), manifest refraction, pachymetry, slit- lamp examination and corneal topography at baseline and at 1,3,6,12,24 and 48 months. Results We found a nonsignificant improvement in UCVA and BSCVA with a small reduction of manifest cylinder and no significant change in spherical equivalent or K-values. Following CXL, stability of UCVA and BSCVA at the last follow-up examination was found in 71 and 77% of treated eyes, respectively. No permanent adverse events have been recorded throughout the study period. Conclusion In our series, CXL was a safe procedure in the pediatric population. Stabilization of progressive keratoconus was achieved in visual acuity, refractive and topography parameters with no improvement in corneal indices in contrary to adult CXL treatment. How to cite this article Bakshi E, Barequet IS, Aizenman I, Levinger S, Avni I, Zadok D. Corneal Corss-linking in Patients Younger than 18 Years: Long-term Follow-up in Three Israeli Medical Centers. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2014;3(2):84-87.

Somatostatin-based radiopeptide therapy with [177Lu-DOTA]-TOC versus [90Y-DOTA]-TOC in neuroendocrine tumours

Somatostatin-based radiopeptide treatment is generally performed using the β-emitting radionuclides (90)Y or (177)Lu. The present study aimed at comparing benefits and harms of both therapeutic approaches. In a comparative cohort study, patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumours underwent repeated cycles of [(90)Y-DOTA]-TOC or [(177)Lu-DOTA]-TOC until progression of disease or permanent adverse events. Multivariable Cox regression and competing risks regression were employed to examine predictors of survival and adverse events for both treatment groups. Overall, 910 patients underwent 1,804 cycles of [(90)Y-DOTA]-TOC and 141 patients underwent 259 cycles of [(177)Lu-DOTA]-TOC. The median survival after [(177)Lu-DOTA]-TOC and after [(90)Y-DOTA]-TOC was comparable (45.5 months versus 35.9 months, hazard ratio 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.63-1.30, p = 0.49). Subgroup analyses revealed a significantly longer survival for [(177)Lu-DOTA]-TOC over [(90)Y-DOTA]-TOC in patients with low tumour uptake, solitary lesions and extra-hepatic lesions. The rate of severe transient haematotoxicities was lower after [(177)Lu-DOTA]-TOC treatment (1.4 vs 10.1%, p = 0.001), while the rate of severe permanent renal toxicities was similar in both treatment groups (9.2 vs 7.8%, p = 0.32). The present results revealed no difference in median overall survival after [(177)Lu-DOTA]-TOC and [(90)Y-DOTA]-TOC. Furthermore, [(177)Lu-DOTA]-TOC was less haematotoxic than [(90)Y-DOTA]-TOC.

E-063 Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms using a new, low profile intracranial micro-catheter: Initial experience

IntroductionEndovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms has gained wide acceptance and, in many clinical situations, considered the first line therapy. Despite the technological advancements in the last 2 decades, significant challenges...

Lumbar Plexus Blockade Reduces Pain After Hip Arthroscopy

Hip arthroscopy causes moderate to severe postoperative pain. We hypothesized that performance of a lumbar plexus block (LPB) would reduce postoperative pain in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) for patients discharged home on the day of surgery. Patients received a combined spinal epidural with IV sedation, ondansetron, and ketorolac. Half of the patients (n = 42) also underwent a single-injection bupivacaine LPB. Postoperative analgesia (PACU and after discharge) was provided with oral hydrocodone/acetaminophen (5/500 mg) and an oral nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug. IV hydromorphone was given as needed in the PACU. The LPB reduced pain at rest in the PACU (GEE: β estimate of the mean on a 0 to 10 scale = -0.9; 95% confidence interval = -1.7 to -0.1; P = 0.037). Mean PACU pain scores at rest were reduced by the LPB from 4.2 to 3.3 (P = 0.048, 95% confidence interval for difference = 0.007-1.8; uncorrected for multiple values per patient, using independent samples t test for preliminary evaluation comparing pain between the groups). There were no statistically significant differences in PACU analgesic usage, PACU pain with movement, and patient satisfaction. No permanent adverse events occurred, but 2 LPB patients fell in the PACU bathroom, without injury. Three unplanned admissions occurred; one LPB patient was admitted for epidural spread and urinary retention. Two control patients were admitted, one for oxygen desaturation and one for pain and nausea. LPB resulted in statistically significant reductions in PACU resting pain after hip arthroscopy, but the absence of improvement in most secondary outcomes suggests that assessment of risks and benefits of LPB should be individualized.

Superselective ophthalmic artery infusion of melphalan for intraocular retinoblastoma: preliminary results from 140 treatments

To report our experience in superselective ophthalmic artery infusion of melphalan (SOAIM) for intraocular retinoblastoma. From June 2008 to October 2010, 38 patients (18 women, 20 men; age range at first treatment, 7 months to 22 years) with 41 eyes with retinoblastoma were scheduled for SOAIM, for 17 newly diagnosed retinoblastomas Tumour, Node and Metastasis (TNM) 7th Edition 1a (n = 1), 1b (n = 1), 2a (n = 7), 2b (n = 4) and 3a (n = 4) and 24 retinoblastomas with partial remission/relapse TNM 7th Edition 1b (n = 13), 2a (n = 1) and 2b (n = 10). Eight patients (ten eyes) have been treated by SOAIM alone. Follow-up was 6-27 months in 28 patients (30 eyes). Ophthalmic artery cannulation failed in two patients. Thirty-six patients underwent 140 treatments by internal (n = 112) or external (n = 28) carotid arteries. No major procedural complications occurred. Two patients have been lost to follow-up. Remaining 34 patients (37 eyes) had no metastatic disease. Four patients suffered permanent ocular complications: chorioretinal dystrophy (n = 2), ptosis (n = 1) and strabismus/exotropia (n = 1). Eight (22%) eyes in eight (24%) patients underwent enucleation: 7/16 (43%) newly diagnosed retinoblastomas and 1/22 (4.5%) retinoblastomas undergoing partial remission/relapse. For all treated eyes, Kaplan-Meier eye enucleation-free rates (K-M) were 85.4% (95% CI, 73.3-97.5%), 74.4% (95% CI, 57-91.8%) and still stable at 6, 12 months and 2 years, respectively. For eyes with partial remission/relapse, and eyes at presentation, K-M at 2 years were 95.5% (95% CI, 86.9-100%) and 45.6% (95% CI, 16.6-74.6%), respectively. Superselective ophthalmic artery infusion of melphalan was safe and powerful, especially following other therapies. Superselective ophthalmic artery infusion of melphalan should be added to focal therapies spectrum. In selected cases, melphalan should be combined with other chemotherapeutic agents.

Microfocused Ultrasound for Nonablative Skin and Subdermal Tightening to the Periorbitum and Body Sites: Preliminary Report on Eighty-Two Patients

Lax crepey skin is a major unsightly finding throughout the face and body that occurs from chronological aging and environmental photodamage. Surgical lifting procedures are unable to induce sufficient neocollagenesis and also associated with visible scars, risks and recovery time. In this preliminary report, non-invasive delivery of microfocused ultrasonic thermal coagulation points at two levels of the dermis outside the orbital rims was effective in reduction of crepey, wrinkled and sagging skin for about 1 ? years in nineteen treated patients. Matched Orientation Mirror Imaging produced an average brow height elevation of 1 - 2 mm. Microfocused thermal coagulation points at multiple tissue levels also induced tissue tightening and reduction of crepey wrinkled skin in the décolletage, brachium, periumbilicus, inner thigh and knees. Investigator and Subject Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale graded responses that correlated to the severity of the degree of crepiness and laxity. Pain management during the procedure included the use of infiltration of local anesthesia. No permanent adverse events were observed. Further innovations in the current technology are needed for more effective and safer delivery of energy to improve the appearance of crepey and lax tissue in the head, neck and body.