Prospective Comparative Study Research Articles

Comparison of dexmedetomidine dosing strategies based on Bispectral Index (BIS) and Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) in patients undergoing infraumbilical surgeries under spinal anesthesia: A prospective comparative study

Comparison of dexmedetomidine dosing strategies based on Bispectral Index (BIS) and Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) in patients undergoing infraumbilical surgeries under spinal anesthesia: A prospective comparative study

Comparative analysis of the microbiota of prostate secretion in patients with chronic abacterial prostatitis of categories IIIa and IIIb

Numerous studies have established that chronic prostatitis/ chronic pelvic pain syndrome ( CP/CPPS) is the focus of attention of the global medical community, because it is the most common type of disease, the treatment of which has largely unsatisfactory results.Purpose of the work: to conduct a comparative analysis of the microbiota of prostate secretions in patients with CP/CPPS IIIa and IIIb using mass spectrometry of microbial markers (MSMM).Material and methods. A prospective comparative study was conducted from 2018 to 2023 at the SM-Clinic medical center. 205 patients with prostatitis-like symptoms and 70 males who applied for a screening examination with no complaints at the age of 25 to 50 years were selected. The subjects were divided into three groups: group 1 – patients with CP/CPPS category IIIa, group 2 ( n = 85) patients with CP/CPPS category IIIb with clinical manifestations of chronic prostatitis and group 3 ( n = 70) – without clinical manifestations prostatitis/control group. A study of the microbiota of prostate secretions was carried out using gas chromatograph mass spectrometer "Maestro" (LLC "Interlab", Russia).Results. The results of statistical analysis showed that the level of cocci and bacilli, anaerobes, actinobacteria, fungi and yeasts, as well as total viruses in patients with CP/CPPS IIIa, compared with patients with CP/CPPS IIIb and the control group, was significantly higher ( p = 0.0020 ; p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001; p = 0.0254; p = 0.0254). It was revealed that in patients with CP/CPPS IIIa, compared with patients with CP/CPPS IIIb and healthy people, there was a significant increase in the total load of cocci and bacilli, anaerobes, actinobacteria, fungi and yeasts, as well as total viruses . When analyzing the relationship between the absolute number of microorganisms, it was revealed that an increase in the level of many microorganisms is associated with an increase in the probability of detecting a leukocyte level 10. An analysis of the relationship between the occurrence of individual microorganisms and leukocyte values in prostate secretions ≥10 showed that an increase in the indicators of many microorganisms, compared with the control group, increased the chances of having a leukocyte level ≥10 several times.Conclusion. Identification of microbial associations in prostate secretions using the MSMM method and an increase in the total load of microorganisms in patients with CP/CPPS IIIa, compared with CP/CPPS IIIa and the control group, suggests the role of infection in a certain part of patients with CP/CPPS IIIa, which dictates the need to change the view of the urologist in the diagnosis and treatment strategy of these patients.

Prevention of premature birth in female patients with bacterial vaginosis using a complex of natural antimicrobial peptides and cytokines

Introduction. The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) comprises 23–29 %, which in pregnant women is a known risk factor for premature birth (PB) that rates increases by 2.9-fold. BV treatment with antibiotics has no effect PB incidence, therefore stressing a need to search for alternative remedies.Aim: to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, including antibacterial therapy and a complex preparation containing natural antimicrobial peptides and cytokines, to reduce the incidence of birth defects in pregnant women with BV.Materials and Methods. Design: a prospective open comparative cohort study in parallel groups was conducted with 101 pregnant women: Group I (n = 69) received the antibiotic Metronidazole, 500 mg tablets orally twice a day for 7 days, and a complex preparation containing exogenous natural antimicrobial peptides and cytokines (Superlymph®) suppositories per 25 IU once a day vaginally in the evening for 20 days; Group II (n = 32) received Metronidazole alone (the same regimen). Patient examination was carried out using approaches included clinical methods, accepted in obstetrics, and laboratory tests – microscopy of vaginal content smears, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results. The PB (within 240–366 weeks) incidence in Group I was significantly lower than in Group II and comprised 2.9 % vs. 21.9 %, respectively (p = 0.004), with an 8-fold decline in developing PB risk (relative risk (RR) = 0.13; 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.03–0.60), whereas inter-group percentage of pregnant women with high risk (PB history) was comparable (p = 0.39) so that PB incidence did not differ from pregnant women without former PB. Microbiological recovery after treatment for BV was achieved in 85.5 % of patients from Group I vs. 56.3 % in Group II (RR = 1.52; 95 % CI = 1.10–2.10; p = 0.002) based on real-time PCR data. The persistence of anaerobic flora after treatment was significantly lower in Group I vs. Group II reaching 7.2 and 34.4 % (p < 0.001), respectively, with a 5-fold lower PB risk (RR = 0.21; 95 % CI = 0.08–0.56). Cessation of viral shedding compared to the number of patients with initial viral shedding was achieved in 94.6 % vs. 8.3 % of patients, respectively, with a 50-fold decline in risk (RR = 0.02; 95 % CI = 0.005–0.08; p < 0.001). The number of newborns weighing less than 2500 g was significantly lower from paired mothers who received Superlymph® + Metronidazole comprising 2.9 % vs. 15.6 % treated with Metronidazole alone (p = 0.03), whereas a risk of low birth weight neonates was decreased by 6-fold (RR = 0.16; 95 % CI = 0.03–0.88). The condition of the neonates assessed by birth Apgar score was comparable.Conclusion. The use of a complex preparation Superlymph® (suppositories per 25 IU once an day vaginally, for 20 days) along with oral antibiotic Мetronidazole in pregnant women with BV facilitates a decline in PB incidence down to 2.9 % at gestational age of 240–366 weeks lowering a risk of PB exceeding that of antibacterial therapy by 8-fold, including patients with former PB.

Optimization of intrauterine interventions in spontaneous abortion

Introduction. Retained products of conception (RPOC) are detected in 15 % of women after spontaneous or medical abortion. RPOC blind removal from the uterine cavity remains the "gold standard" of surgical treatment, which, however, may be associated with a high risk of certain complications that pose a serious threat to female reproductive function and quality of life. An alternative method for eliminating RPOC proposed by operative hysteroscopy demonstrating the visual control advantages.Aim: to evaluate clinical effectiveness and safety of RPOC removal in incomplete spontaneous abortion using hysteroscopic morcellation.Materials and Methods. The prospective comparative study included 135 women with incomplete spontaneous abortion aged 18 to 40 years, divided into 3 groups: group 1 – 42 patients after RPOC electromechanical vacuum aspiration (EVA); group 2 – 44 patients after RPOC manual vacuum aspiration (MVA); group 3 – 49 patients after RPOC hysteroscopic morcellation (HM). In all patients, the level of total endotoxin was measured, metroaspirate cytokine profile was analyzed, the indicator of endometrial microcirculation was assessed before surgical treatment and on day 1 afterwards, and genital ultrasound examination was performed on day 3–5 post-surgery.Results. In the post-surgical vs. pre-treatment period, the EVA and MVA groups revealed significantly increased levels of total endotoxin and interleukin (IL) IL-1β (p < 0.05). In contrast, these parameters in the HM group changed insignificantly (p > 0.05). In all groups, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels after surgery were significantly elevated (p = 0.001). In the EVA and MVA groups, levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 were markedly decreased (p = 0.001), which did not change in the HM group (p > 0.05). A significantly accelerated microcirculation rate was noted in the EVA and MVA groups while comparing it at pre-surgery level (p = 0.001), but not in the HM group (p = 0.415). Incomplete RPOC removal was reported for 4.5 % MVA patients, all EVA and HM patients had total RPOC elimination. Intraoperative bleeding, uterine perforation were not reported in any examined patient.Conclusion. The early-stage treatment results showed that RPOC removal by the HM is an effective and safe approach. Limited inflammatory response and stable endometrial microcirculation upon using the HM evidence about a minimal impact on the endometrium that lowers probability of postoperative adhesion.

The Effect of Therapeutic Hypothermia on Serum Carboxy-Terminal Hydrolase L1 and Amplitude EEG Changes in Hypoxic-Ischemic Neonates

Abstract Background Hypoxia-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is one of the most important complications of the newborn period. It is the result of depriving nerve tissue of oxygen and glucose, which may be the result of either hypoxia or ischemia. Objective To assess effect of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) on EEG changes and Carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1level in neonatal HIE at Al-Zahraa university and El Haram hospitals. Patients and Methods This was a prospective comparative study that was conducted at the NICU unit Al ZahraaUniversity and El Haram hospitals for a period from (May 2020 till June 2022). This study included 50 full term newborns (37 to 40 weeks of gestational age) with clinical and laboratory evidence of HIE II–III, They were divided into two groups: Group 1: 25 HIE neonates who were treated with therapeutic hypothermia and group 2: 25 HIE neonates who weren’t received therapeutic hypothermia. Newborns with congenital anomalies, intracranial lesion, epileptic seizure, spinal cord injury or cardiac arrest were excluded from the study. We record EEG changes during 72 hrs by an electroencephalogram with a bioelectric amplifier (Deltamed, Bourgogne), (Philips) Screen. Blood samples were analyzed for UCH-L1 levels by (SEG945Mi). The neonates involved in cooling group were placed over a cooling blanket (Blanketrol III), for 72 hours. Results The results showed there was statistically significant relation between high UCH-L1 level and higher grades of the Sarnat score and primitive reflexes of both the cooling group and non cooling group. The results also showed that there were lower levels of UCH-L1 in cooling group compared to non cooling group of the studied neonates Also there was significant negative correlation found between UCH-L1 level and PH, and HCO3 values. This study showed that there was statistically significant relation found between UCH-L1 level and EEG recording on the 3rd day of both the studied groups. This study showed that (84%) of the non cooling group had EEG abnormalities compared to (68%) of the cooling group. Among both groups of the studied neonates, 76% had EEG abnormalities in form of (34%) had suppression EEG, (16%) were occipito-temporal, (20%) fronto-temporal and (6%) centro-parital. Regarding the site of EEG abnormality (18%) were right sided, (24%) were left sided. The study showed that 72% of cooling group were discharged compared to 48% of non cooling group. Conclusion From our study we concluded significant improvement in EEG records in ischemic neonates who were treated with therapeutic hypothermia. UCH- L1 is a good early neuronal injury biomarker for detecting severity of HIE P value < 0.001 and is a good predictor of hypoxia with specificity 92% and ppv 86.7% and NPV 65.7%. Therapeutic hypothermia has been noted to reduce severe disability among survivors.

Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty vs Conventional Milligan-Morgan Hemorrhoidectomy for Treatment of Third and Fourth Degree Hemorrhoids: A Prospective Comparative Study

Abstract Background Hemorrhoids are the most common disease of anal canal affecting a large number of people at least once during their lifetime and can interfere with their daily functioning. Surgical treatment is the best available option for symptomatic hemorrhoid cases, which are refractory to medical treatment. In spite of many modifications made to the hemorrhoid surgical techniques, postoperative pain and discomfort remain the major concern for patients, which is why they often refuse to undergo surgical treatment. Laser ablation has opened new possibilities for the minimally invasive treatment of hemorrhoids. Objective To compare the outcomes between laser hemorrhoidoplasty and the conventional Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy for treatment of third and fourth degree haemorrhoids especially postoperative pain, bleeding, and recurrence. Patients and Methods Recent studies have proven that laser ablation was much better regarding postoperative pain and hemorrhage in the various degrees of hemorrhoids. Our study also confirmed that laser ablation technique has shorter operative time, less severe postoperative pain, bleeding and comparable regression of hemorrhoid columns. Studies with longer follow-up period (around 2 years) have also reported effectiveness of laser for the treatment of hemorrhoids which was confirmed in our study over 6 months. Results Although some studies showed that wound inflammation or hemorrhoid thrombosis could be a problem however our study showed no postoperative local infection in the group treated with laser ablation and only two patients were presented with thrombosis of external hemorrhoid 7–10 days after the surgery, which was resolved with medical treatment. Conclusion Laser hemorroidoplasty has better outcomes than the traditional surgical resection of hemorrhoid disease for the control of grade III and IV symptomatic refractory hemorrhoids specially regarding post-operative pain and bleeding which are the main concerns for most patients.

Prophylactic Intravitreal Methotrexate Infusion during Vitrectomy to Prevent Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy in Cases of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Abstract Aim To assess the efficacy and safety of intravitreal methotrexate (MTX) infusion (IMI) during pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) to prevent proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) in patients with established PVR grade C and patients at high risk for PVR development. Settings and Design A prospective comparative interventional study conducted from September 2020 till November 2021 at Ain Shams University Hospitals, Egypt. Materials and Methods Forty-seven eyes of patients with RRD undergoing PPV were divided into case group receiving IMI during the surgery and control group. Each group was subdivided into a subgroup with high-risk patients to develop PVR and a subgroup with established PVR grade C preoperatively. Outcome measures at the end of three months postoperatively were retinal attachment rate, incidence of PVR, reoperation rate to flatten the retina and the changes in retina and/or optic nerve function assessed by full field electroretinogram (ff-ERG) and flash visually evoked potential (VEP) Results Seven cases (15%) and four cases (9%) developed PVR after one month and three months respectively. Five cases (10 %) required reoperation to re-flatten the retina, 43 cases (91 %) had complete flattening of the retina after three months. No statistically significant differences were reported between the studied groups regarding the studied outcome measures, and no serious adverse events were reported secondary to IMI. Conclusion IMI use was found to be safe in intraocular use, but it did not affect the anatomical success rate. Key words: Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy, Recurrent Retinal Detachment, Electrophysiology. Key Messages: More studies need to be conducted to further evaluate if MTX has a role in the prevention of PVR after vitrectomy.

Microneedling with Topical Insulin versus Microneedling with Topical Saline in Treatment of Striae Alba

Abstract Background Striae distensae, an extremely common condition, are a challenging cosmetic problem and pose a significant psychological burden for patients. Various treatment modalities have been applied with low satisfaction rate. Objectives To evaluate the clinical response, efficacy, safety and adverse effect of combined microneedling with topical insulin compared to microneedling alone in the treatment of striae alba. Patients and Methods This randomized prospective controlled comparative study included 20 patients suffering from stria albae on both sides of the abdomen. The diagnosis was made via clinical diagnosis of dermatological findings. All patients were consecutively selected from the dermatology outpatient clinic, Ain-Shams University Hospitals in the period from November 2021 till April 2022. Results The result The study showed that there was significant improvement in striea alba indentation index after treatment in both the insulin sides and placebo sides, the insulin sides being superior. In comparing both methods, there was no statistically significant difference between them as regards Erythema and hyperpigmentation. The current study showed nearly equal patient satisfaction scores in both groups. Conclusion Both microneedling alone and microneedling with topical insulin were effective and safe methods in treating patients with striae alba. Using topical insulin had better result than microneedling alone. Both methods are tolerated regarding Microneedling with insulin had no short term side effects.

Aesthetic and Functional Evaluation of Abdominal Contouring Using Lipo-Abdominoplasty versus Lipo-Abdominoplasty with TULUA Procedure: A Comparative Clinical Study

Abstract Background Lipoabdominoplasty techniques may be followed by a wide range of complications as flap necrosis, wounddehiscence, surgical site infection, epigastric bulging, malpositioned umbilicus, high transverse scar and seroma formation. Villegas in 2014 introduced the TULUA abdominoplasty to improve the aesthetic outcome and to avoid the many associated complications mentioned. The objective of this study is to compare the aesthetic and functional outcomes between the traditional lipoabdominoplasty and TULUA abdominoplasty. Methods in this prospective comparative clinical study, sixty adult women with excess subcutaneous abdominal fat and skin laxity after repeated pregnancies with mild to moderate degree of diastasis of recti were included. The patients’ ages ranged between 28-55 years, their BMI scores were 25-35 kg/m2. Group A (30 patients) underwent lipoabdominoplasty while group B (30 patients) underwent TULUA abdominoplasty. The patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months where the comparative study included aesthetic results as regards the abdominal contouring using clinical outcome scaling systemin addition to functional aspects assessing anatomical features, changes in anterior abdominal wall and finally the complication rate between both techniques. Results The average total liposuction aspirate volume of the abdomen was 2400 ml in group A, while in group B, the average volume was 3500 ml. The mean surface area of vertical plicature measured intraoperatively was 211.93 (±54.66) cm2 in group A, while in group (B) transverse plicature surface area was 369.47(±84.22) cm2. The increase in intra-abdominal pressure IAP after plication and skin closure in group A was 7.93±1.26 cmH2O; while for group B there was a highly significant increase by 9.87±1.01 cmH2O. Flap sloughing was seen in 4 cases(13.3%), wound dehiscence 2 cases (6.6%) seroma in 3 cases(10%) for group A,conversely no cases reported flap necrosis, wound dehiscence or seroma that need to be aspired in group B. The aesthetic outcomes were evaluated using a 5 points likert scale system through three indicators, f or group A,an overall result that was 4.50 ± 0.87, umbilical appearance 4.61±0.73, and scar quality 4.35 ± 0.82; On the other hand group B showed overall result 4.53 ± 0.71, umbilical appearance 4.52 ± 0.82, and scar quality 4.43 ± 0.87. Conclusions TULUA procedure is a safe, reproducible shift in abdominoplasty, with fewer complications to occur.

Laparoscopic vs Open Orchiopexy for Palpable Undescended Testis in Children

Abstract Background Cryptorchidism is the absence of one or both testes in the scrotum and is generally synonymous with undescended testis. Undescended testis is the most common genital disorder identified at birth. Undescended testes occur in 1–3% of full-term and up to 45% of preterm male neonates. Approximately 80% of undescended testes are clinically palpable and 20% are non-palpable. Aim of the Work To compare between laparoscopic and open orchiopexy evaluating final testicular position, success rate, and complications. Patients and Methods A prospective comparative study was made in Urology department, Ain Shams University Hospital for Twelve months starting from 1st of June 2021 to 1st of May 2022 on 50 children (aged from 1-18 years) with UDT and were included in the study and divided in to 2 groups 25 for each study group. Results In the present study the mean age in group I was 8.1± 0.99 y and in group II was 9.28± 0.91 y with no significant difference. The mean operative time in group I was 63.6 ± 5.56 min, and in group II was 58.44. ± 5.28 min with no statistically significant difference. There was in group I all the studied cases had no testicular atrophy, no testicular ascent, no need for redo-orchiopexy and a hernial sac was detected in all cases. In group II all the studied cases had no testicular atrophy, 92% had negative testicular ascent and 96% had a hernial sac. As regard to complications, only 2 patients presented with wound infection in group I and in group II there were a case with wound infection, a case with hydrocele and 2 cases with scrotal haematoma with no significant difference. Conclusion For the treatment of inguinal cryptorchidism, laparoscopic orchiopexy is a safer and less invasive option than open groin surgery. In children with palpable undescended testis, laparoscopic orchiopexy is linked with improved testicular position and a better success rate as open orchiopexy.

Comparative study of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy versus Laparoscopic Single Anastomosis Sleeve Ileal Bypass (SASI) as a Treatment Modality for Morbidly Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract Background Bariatric surgery has been shown to be the most successful approach in managing morbid obesity that can achieve and sustain great weight loss for a long period. Furthermore, bariatric surgery can achieve better resolution of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) than intensive medical therapy alone. The present study aimed to compare the effect of Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) against Single Anastomosis Sleeve Ileal Bypass (SASI) regarding the control of Diabetes Mellitus and weight loss. Patients and Methods This is a prospective comparative study conducted on 60 obese patients (BMI of 30 kg/m2 associated with obesity-related comorbidities including T2DM) to evaluate the effect of SG Versus SASI on obese patients with type II DM. it was carried out in Misr University Hospital from January 2022 to June 2022. This study included 60 patients which are divided randomly into two groups; one group consisted of 30 patients underwent SASI, the other group consisted of 30 patients underwent SG. The main outcome measures were excess weight loss (EWL) and resolution of T2DM at 6 after surgery. Results The results of this study showed that there was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding EWL (the mean EWL % was 47.39±8.07 & 48.09 ±1.4 for SASI & SG respectively). Improvement in T2DM after SASI was better than SG (80% vs 66.7%, respectively) with no statistically difference between them. SASI required longer operative time than SG (116.83±19.23 versus 60.5 ±9.77, respectively). Complications occurred in 2 (6.7%) patients after SASI and 5 (16.7%) patients after SASI. Conclusion There was a statistically significant effect of SASI and SG on morbidly obese patients with T2DM; improving both obesity and obesity related co- morbidities with no statically significant difference between both groups regarding EWL and Improvement in T2DM after 6 months. So, large sample size with long-term follow-up period should be performed to better evaluate these technical surgeries and their efficacy regarding postoperative weight loss, metabolic changes, and nutritional status of patients.

Training outcomes of novice clinicians in the use of dynamic computer assisted implant surgery: A prospective comparative study

Background/PurposeThe increasing importance of computer assisted implant surgery (CAIS) in the practice of implant dentistry calls for adequate education and training of clinicians. However, limited evidence exists to support optimal educational strategies and best practices. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of distributed training with dynamic CAIS (d-CAIS) on the precision of freehand implant placement by inexperienced operators. Materials and methodsSix senior undergraduate dental students underwent simulation training in freehand implant surgery (5 implants) followed by distributed training in d-CAIS (6 implants). A final assessment of freehand implant placement (5 implants) was conducted thereafter. Outcomes were compared to a benchmark set by an experienced surgeon who repeated the same simulation exercises. Total surgical time and implant placement precision were recorded. ResultsThe average precision of implant placement improved significantly after the d-CAIS training for novice operators. 3D platform deviation (1.63 ± 0.85 vs 0.92 ± 0.23; P < 0.001), 3D apical deviation (1.93 ± 0.88 vs 1.21 ± 0.19; P < 0.001), and angular deviation (5.27 ± 2.30 vs 2.74 ± 1.37; P < 0.001). The students achieved platform deviation comparable to this of the expert, but lagged in angle, apex precision, and total surgical time. ConclusionShort-term, distributed simulation training with d-CAIS can significantly enhance the precision of freehand implant placement by novice operators. However, novice operators still lagged at certain aspects of precision and surgical time when compared with the performance of an experienced surgeon in the same setup.

Role of tourniquet release timing on blood loss and functional outcomes in total knee arthroplasty: Insights from a low- and middle-income country.

To identify the effect of releasing a tourniquet before versus after wound closure in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on blood loss, functional outcomeand postoperative complications. A prospective cohort study was conducted including 53 patients from May 2023 to September 2023. All patients underwent unilateral TKA and were divided into two groups based on surgeon preference of deflating tourniquet, Group A consisted of patients in whom the tourniquet was deflated before wound closure for haemostasis and Group B consisted of patients in which tourniquet was deflated after wound closure and compressive dressing. Blood loss was evaluated via intraoperative blood loss (the number of soaked sponges/gauzes, blood in a suction bottle, total output in a suction bottle-irrigation used)and on-field blood lossand calculated blood loss (Using Gross and Meunier's formula). The Functional outcome was evaluated using Knee injury and osteoarthritis score-42 questions. Early postoperative complications and differences in the requirement of blood transfusions were also assessed. There was a significant difference in intraoperative blood loss between the two groups. The median intraoperative blood loss was 135 mL(interquartile range [IQR]: 90-149) in Group A and 56.2 mL (IQR: 45-68) in Group B (p value: 0.001). However, no difference was found between the groups in calculated blood loss using Gross and Meunier's formula. The median calculated blood loss was 439 mL (IQR: 450-813) in Group A and 508 mL (IQR:226-671) in group B (pvalue: 0.981). There was no significant difference between the groups in blood transfusion requirements or functional outcomes. Based on our results, we conclude that the intraoperative blood loss in TKA is significantly different between the groups but only represents a fraction of true blood loss (23%). The timing of releasing the tourniquet does not affect functional outcomes, blood transfusionand postoperative morbidity; hence, any time can be opted as per surgeon preference. Level II,prospective comparative study.

Correlation of Vitamin C with Risk Factors of Coronary Artery Disease to Measure the Disease Prognosis to Prepare a Diagnostic Strategy

Abstract BACKGROUND: Reports depicted insufficient plasma Vitamin C levels and significant associations to both acute and chronic inflammation. Recently, use of intravenous Vitamin C has gained visibility for its effectiveness in coronavirus-19 treatment. There were no studies available currently to detect the clinical correlation between plasma Vitamin C with risk factors of coronary artery disease (CAD). The present aim of the study is to estimate the Vitamin C levels in CAD patients as well as to correlate with clinical and laboratory variables to assess the severity of CAD and also to formulate a diagnostic strategy. METHODS: A prospective comparative study was conducted in 100 diagnosed cases of CAD and estimate plasma Vitamin C levels and compared with healthy individuals. Spearman correlation analysis was performed between Vitamin C levels and risk factors of CAD. RESULTS: Maximum CAD cases were in the age group of 60–70 years. The mean age was 58.54 ± 11.60 years in the CAD patients. Among risk factors, 54% of patients had hypertension, 54% of patients had diabetes mellitus, and 27% of patients had dyslipidemia. There significant association noted between diabetes and type of CAD (P = 0.015). Among CAD cases, 70% of patients had ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 11% of patients had a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), 17% of patients had unstable angina (USA), and only 2% of patients had central sleep apnoea (CSA). Angiogram diagnosis shows that 34% of patients had single-vessel disease (SVD), 28% of patients had double-vessel disease (DVD), 8% of patients had triple-vessel disease (TVD), 2% of patients had left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease, 13% patients had mild CAD, and 15% patients had normal epicardial coronaries. The range of plasma Vitamin C concentrations level was from 33.25 to 92.5 μmol/L in CAD patients. The mean plasma Vitamin C concentration levels in CAD patients were lower than in healthy individuals (66.96 ± 13.6 vs. 71.33 ± 10.8 μmol/L). There was no statistically significant difference between CAD and non-CAD for plasma Vitamin C concentration levels (P = 0.085). The mean Vitamin C level was higher in DVD (70.6 ± 10.9) than the TVD, LM (71.6 ± 5.82), SVD (68.49 ± 12.4), mild CAD (65.55 ± 13.1), and TVD (62.92 ± 8.9). There was no statistically significant difference in plasma Vitamin C levels in the coronary angiogram (CAG) diagnosis for CAD cases (P = 0.103). The mean plasma Vitamin C levels were higher in NSTEMI (72.98 ± 10.8) than the STEMI (69.5 ± 12.5), USA (63.6 ± 15.2), and CSA (58.45 ± 3.5) μmol/L. There was no statistically significant difference in plasma Vitamin C levels in the type of CAD (P = 0.135). A negative correlation is noted between Vitamin C and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (r = −0.32, P = 0.02). Similarly, there is a negative correlation between Vitamin C and TGL (r = −0.28, P = 0.0067), whereas there is a positive correlation between Vitamin C and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (r = 0.27, P = 0.0025). CONCLUSION: The mean of Vitamin C concentration levels was lower in CAD patients than in healthy individuals. There is a significant negative correlation between Vitamin C and LDL and between Vitamin-C and TGL. A positive correlation was observed between Vitamin-C and HDL. Vitamin C along with HDL was markedly decreased in CAD and may be the cause. Hence, the combination of Vitamin C, LDL, and HDL can be considered prognostic detectors to know the CAD at its early stages.

Three-snip punctoplasy with everting interrupted sutures versus three-snip punctoplasty with mini-Monoka stent for management of punctal stenosis (prospective comparative study)

Purpose To compare the results of three-snip punctoplasty with the placement of three everting interrupted sutures versus three-snip punctoplasty with mini-Monoka stent in managing punctual stenosis. Patients and methods Fifty adult patients underwent three-snip punctoplasty with three everting interrupted sutures in one eye (right eye) (group A), and the other eye (left eye) (group B) underwent three-snip punctopasty with mini-Monoka stent. The sutures and stent were removed 6 weeks after the surgery. Epiphora, punctal opening, tear height meniscus, fluorescein and disappearance test results were analyzed and compared to preoperative information. Results Hundred eyes of 50 patients with a median age of 59 years, and females accounted for 56% of the sample. Anatomical and functional success in the right eye (group A) was 87.8 and 85.7%, respectively. On the other hand, the left eye (group B) anatomical and functional success were 89.7 and 87.7%, respectively. Regarding epiphora, there was a statistically significant difference between presurgical and postsurgical follow-up examinations in both right and left groups regarding Munk score. Tear Meniscus Height (TMH) decreased all through the follow-up visits between the two groups, almost to half, with no significant difference between both groups. Conclusion Both three-snip punctoplasty with everting sutures and three-snip punctoplasty with mini-Monoka stent are successful techniques in the management of punctal stenosis.

Prospective comparative study between anterior approach and conventional approach right formal hepatic resection for large hepatocellular carcinom

Prospective comparative study between anterior approach and conventional approach right formal hepatic resection for large hepatocellular carcinom

Evaluation of Electrical Cardiometry to Assess Fluid Responsiveness in Patients with Acute Circulatory Failure: A Comparative Study with Transthoracic Echocardiography.

Acute circulatory failure is commonly encountered in critically ill patients, that requires fluid administration as the first line of treatment. However, only 50% of patients are fluid-responsive. Identification of fluid responders is essential to avoid the harmful effects of overzealous fluid therapy. Electrical cardiometry (EC) is a non-invasive bedside tool and has proven to be as good as transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) to track changes in cardiac output. We aimed to look for an agreement between EC and TTE for tracking changes in cardiac output in adult patients with acute circulatory failure before and after the passive leg-raising maneuver. Prospective comparative study, conducted at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital. We recruited 125 patients with acute circulatory failure and found 42.4% (53 out of 125) to be fluid-responsive. The Bland-Altman plot analysis showed a mean difference of 2.08 L/min between EC and TTE, with a precision of 3.8 L/min. The limits of agreement (defined as bias ± 1.96SD), were -1.7 L/min and 5.8 L/min, respectively. The percentage of error between EC and TTE was 56% with acceptable limits of 30%. The percentage error beyond the acceptable limit suggests the non-interchangeability of the two techniques. More studies with larger sample sizes are required to establish the interchangeability of EC with TTE for tracking changes in cardiac output in critically ill patients with acute circulatory failure. Sharma S, Ramachandran R, Rewari V, Trikha A. Evaluation of Electrical Cardiometry to Assess Fluid Responsiveness in Patients with Acute Circulatory Failure: A Comparative Study with Transthoracic Echocardiography. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(7):650-656.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair With Suture Tape Augmentation of Proximal Tears and Early Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Suture Tape Augmentation Result in Comparable Clinical Outcomes With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction at 2-Year Follow-Up

To compare the postoperative side-to-side laxity and short-term clinical outcomes of patients who received primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair with suture tape augmentation, acute anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with suture tape augmentation performed within 8 weeks of injury (ACLRacute), or ACLR beyond 8 weeks of injury. After institutional review board approval was obtained, 100 patients were enrolled in this prospective trial: 34 primary ACL repair with suture tape augmentation, 33 ACLRs performed within 8 weeks of injury (ACLRacute), and 33 ACLRs. Patients were allocated to ACL repair if a proximal avulsion was present with good tissue quality (Sherman type 1), confirmed by intraoperative diagnostic arthroscopy. Preoperative side-to-side anteroposterior knee laxity was assessed with KT-1000 arthrometer, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) including the visual analog scale, Marx activity scale, Veterans RAND 12-item health survey (VR-12 physical & mental), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score survey subscales, and range of motion were collected. These objective and subjective measures were repeated at regular intervals postoperatively through 2 years. Minimal clinically important difference calculations were performed assessing postoperative PRO changes at 2 years compared with preoperative. The average time from injury to surgery was 5.03 ± 1.2 weeks for the ACL repair group, 5.09 ± 0.74 weeks for the ACLRacute, and 43.22 ± 33.5 weeks for the ACLR group. Postoperatively, the KT-1000 side-to-side laxity difference for 30 lbs was determined to be 0.1 ± 0.37 (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.7 to 0.8) for ACL repair versus ACLR (P < .0001), -0.8 ± 0.35 (95% CI -1.5 to -0.1) for ACLRacute versus ACLR (P < .0001), and 0.8 ± 0.40 (95% CI 0.0-1.6) for ACL repair versus ACLRacute (P < .0001). The data reveal ACL repair and ACLRacute are noninferior to ACLR at 2-year follow-up. The postoperative difference from baseline for all PROs demonstrated improvement for all PROs. Magnetic resonance imaging at 1 year revealed tissue healing for the 3 ACL injury treatment groups. Patients who underwent ACL repair of proximal tears with suture tape augmentation or ACL reconstruction within 8 weeks from injury resulted in noninferior side-to-side knee laxity, comparable PROs, and similar range of motion at 2-year follow-up compared with ACLR. Level II, prospective comparative study.

The Pathognomonic ultrasonographic findings in fetus with COVID-19 infection

Aim: The main goal is to identify the pathognomonic sonographic signs for foetal SARS-CoV-2 infection and to determine whether or not transplacental SARS-CoV-2 transmission is possible. Patients and Methods: In total, 105 pregnant women with positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR swabs during the first trimester with mild or moderate infection without hospitalisation and/or oxygen support were included in this prospective comparative study, which was carried out at the ultrasound and foetal medicine unit of Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital from January 2021 to June 2023. The SARS-CoV-2 positive group was compared to the control group with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: In the COVID-19 group, pathognomonic ultrasonographic results were considerably more common. The COVID-19 group had a considerably higher frequency of placental calcifications and oligohydramnios. In the COVID-19 cohort, patients with positive pathognomonic ultrasonographic results had considerably higher BMIs. In the COVID-19 cohort, gestational age at infection, and BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2 were significant independent risk factors for the development of pathognomonic ultrasonographic abnormalities. Those in the control group who had positive pathognomonic ultrasonographic results were older and had higher rates of hypertension. Significant independent risk variables for the incidence of pathognomonic ultrasonographic findings in the control group included age ≥34.0 years and hypertension. Conclusion: There is no evidence of a teratogenic effect linked to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first few months of pregnancy. However, early pregnancy infection with COVID-19 is linked to pathognomonic ultrasonography findings of placental calcifications and oligohydramnios.

Local Autologous Blood Injection Versus Corticosteroid Injection in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis- A Prospective Comparative Study

Local Autologous Blood Injection Versus Corticosteroid Injection in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis- A Prospective Comparative Study