Radiological Success Rate Research Articles

Percutaneous computed tomography-guided drainage of presacral fluid collections: a comprehensive analysis of 93 cases in a single-center experience

PurposeTo retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided drainage of presacral fluid collections.MethodsThe records of patients who underwent percutaneous CT-guided drainages of presacral fluid collections at our institution from January 2015 to October 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics and morphological data, procedural details, complications, and outcomes were analyzed.ResultsIn all, 93 patients with 95 presacral fluid collections received percutaneous CT-guided drainages. A total of 117 procedures were performed with 18 patients who required re-drainages. Technical and radiological success rate of drainage placement procedures was, respectively, 98% and 78%. One of 93 [1%] patients experienced a minor complication from drainage placement. No major complications occurred. The preferred approach was left infrapiriformis transgluteal in prone position. Median drainage size was 10 Fr (range 6–14 Fr).ConclusionsPercutaneous CT-guided drainage is a safe and effective treatment option for presacral fluid collections, which in selected cases can be used as an alternative to surgery or as a preparatory phase for it, with minor complications occurring rarely.

Dental Implant Placement in the Maxilla Following Ridge Augmentation with Free Iliac Bone Graft and Oral Rehabilitation with Fixed Prosthesis: a Three-Year Follow-Up Study.

This prospective follow-up study aimed to evaluate the stability values of tapered titanium implants inserted into maxilla following ridge augmentation with free iliac bone graft and crestal bone changes up to three years of follow-up. A total of seven patients with 34 tapered titanium implants in the maxilla with fixed protheses were enrolled in this prospective follow-up study. Patients with previously augmented maxillae using free iliac bone grafts were included. Implant stability was measured (Osstell™) for up to three months of healing. Peri-implant bone resorption was measured using radiographic images taken immediately after implant surgery and after three years. Using a clinical and radiological examination survival and success rates were evaluated. After implant insertion, the stability was 60.93, whereas the stability increased significantly (P = 0.0192) to 64.97 at implant exposure (after 3 months). The mean bone loss around the implants was 1.13 mm after three years. Clinical parameters revealed a mean sulcus depth of 2.76 (1.18) mm and a bleeding on probing score of 0.29 (0.58). The survival rate was 100%, and the success rate was 67.65% at the end of the study. Tapered implants can be used in free iliac bone grafts for fixed dentures. Implant stability values were high after insertion. In terms of a success rate of 67.65%, the patient's jaw reconstruction indicated a reduced implant success when comparing the data with healthy patients without any augmentation procedures.

Ulcer Bleeding in the United States: Epidemiology, Treatment Success, and Resource Utilization.

Peptic ulcer disease is the most frequent cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We sought to establish the epidemiology and hemostasis success rate of the different treatment modalities in this setting. Retrospective cohort study using the National Inpatient Sample. Non-elective adult admissions with a principal diagnosis of ulcer bleeding were included. The primary outcome was endoscopic, radiologic and surgical hemostasis success rate. Secondary outcomes were patients' demographics, in-hospital mortality and resource utilization. On subgroup analysis, gastric and duodenal ulcers were studied separately. Confounders were adjusted for using multivariate regression analysis. A total of 136,425 admissions (55% gastric and 45% duodenal ulcers) were included. The mean patient age was 67years. The majority of patients were males, Caucasians, of lower income and high comorbidity burden. The endoscopic, radiological and surgical therapy and hemostasis success rates were 33.6, 1.4, 0.1, and 95.1%, 89.1 and 66.7%, respectively. The in-hospital mortality rate was 1.9% overall, but 2.4% after successful and 11.1% after failed endoscopic hemostasis, respectively. Duodenal ulcers were associated with lower adjusted odds of successful endoscopic hemostasis, but higher odds of early and multiple endoscopies, endoscopic therapy, overall and successful radiological therapy, in-hospital mortality, longer length of stay and higher total hospitalization charges and costs. The ulcer bleeding endoscopic hemostasis success rate is 95.1%. Rescue therapy is associated with lower hemostasis success and more than a ten-fold increase in mortality rate. Duodenal ulcers are associated with worse treatment outcomes and higher resource utilization compared with gastric ulcers.

Single-Center Experience of Surgical Treatment of Subjects with Late-Presenting Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Aim: This study aimed to delineate the single-center experience surrounding the long-term consequences of surgical reconstruction in subjects with late-presenting DDH (developmental dysplasia of the hip). Methods: We analyzed 23 hips of 21 subjects aged >6 years who underwent surgical interventions, such as pelvic osteotomy, open reduction, femoral shortening, and derotation, for developmental hip dysplasia. Results: After a median follow-up of 23.34 (8–120) months, there were no noteworthy alterations in the Harris score and anteversion. Nevertheless, significant improvements were observed in SHARP, CE angle, and depth and width index over the follow-up duration. Using Sever’s radiological criteria, 87.1% of subjects achieved excellent and good results. Assessment of femoral head avascular necrosis, based on Bucholz and Ogden’s classification, produced the subsequent findings: 52% of hips were Type I; 13% were Type II; 22% were Type III; and 13% were categorized as Type IV. Conclusion: Despite achieving favorable postoperative radiological outcomes, there's a noticeable decline in clinical success in these subjects, especially as their age increases. Additionally, they face an elevated risk of avascular necrosis. The juxtaposition of a 75% radiological success rate with a 50% clinical success rate accentuates this contrast. Crucially, the success rate of surgical corrections in late-presenting DDH is tied to the age of the patient, with the success rate decreasing as age progresses.

Correlation between quality of obturation and outcome of pulpectomized primary molars following root canal instrumentation with pediatric rotary file systems

IntroductionThe success of root canal treatment is influenced by several factors including the type and technique of root canal preparation, the type of irrigants used, the quality of obturation, and post-endodontic restoration. Recent systematic reviews have concluded that there is no substantial evidence to establish the superiority of rotary file systems over hand files in terms of clinical and radiographic success in pulpectomized teeth. AimTo determine the correlation between quality of obturation and long-term outcome of pulpectomized primary molars following root canal instrumentation with pediatric rotary file systems and a hand file system. MethodsThe study involved 100 primary molars from children aged 4–7 years that required pulpectomy. The teeth were divided into four groups, each consisting of 25 teeth. In the first, second, third, and fourth groups, root canal instrumentation was carried out with Pedo-Flex pediatric rotary files (Group PF), Kedo-SG pediatric rotary files (Group KS), Pro-AF Baby Gold pediatric rotary files (Group BG), and hand nickel titanium K files (Group HF), respectively. Obturation was performed with zinc oxide eugenol cement using an engine-driven Lentulo-spiral. The quality of the root filling was assessed immediately after obturation through radiographic examination. The pulpectomized teeth were then evaluated both clinically and radiographically over a two-year period. ResultsThe quality of obturation was superior in the root canals instrumented with pediatric rotary file systems compared to hand files. At the end of follow-up period, the clinical success rate was 100% and the radiological success rates were 88%, 92%, 92%, and 80% in Groups PF, KS, BG, and HF, respectively. The optimally filled pulpectomized primary molars resulted in a superior success rate than compared to underfilled or overfilled teeth. ConclusionThe quality of obturation significantly influences the success rate of pulpectomized teeth. Therefore, the use of pediatric rotary files is recommended as rotary files contribute to a greater number of optimally filled canals.

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy: long term results

Objective: Hydrocephalus is a major cause of morbidity in the pediatric population, with potentially severe consequences if left untreated hydrocephalus.
 Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) has become the method of choice in the treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus. However, age, ventricular anatomy, and etiology could determine success rates (SR) of ETV. The aim of this study was to identify putative factors that could influence the outcome of ETV in children.
 Methods: Clinical data of 148 consecutive patients under 18 years of age who underwent 150 consecutive ETVs from January 2000 to January 2019 were reviewed. Data were analyzed with regards to clinical and radiological SR. The actual long-term SR was compared to that predicted by the ETV Success Score (ETVSS) model.
 Results/Discussion: The study group included 63 males (43%) and 85 females (57%) ranging in age from 11 days to 18 years (mean age of, 6.17 ± 1.02 years; median age 4.5 years) at surgery. Concerning the etiology of hydrocephalus, tumors and aqueductal stenosis (AS) were the most frequently observed, with each occurring in 43 cases (29%), followed by malformations in 31 (21%), cystic lesions in 7 (5%) and other etiologies in 67 patients (16%). The overall SR at the first ETV attempt was 80% (118/148), compared to 74.8% (variance 14.35, 95% CI 69.37–78.22) predicted by the ETVSS. Regarding age, SR was 58% in patients under 6 months of age, 65% in children between 6 months and 1 year, and 86% in children older than 1 year. SR for AS and hydrocephalus associated with posterior fossa tumors were 88 and 90%, respectively. Unsatisfactory results were related to previous intraventricular hemorrhage and infection. The overall complication rate in this series was 13%.
 The lower SR after ETV in young children may be explained by the poor CSF reabsorption capacity of newborn infants due to immaturity of the arachnoid granulations;
 Univariate and multivariate analysis showed in our series that both the etiology of hydrocephalus and patient´s age group were relevant factors predicting success.
 A literature review showed that SR in children under 6 months of age ranged from 32% to 45%, and in children older than one year it ranged from 56% to 71%. A few studies have analyzed the postoperative course and SR after a period of 3 years.
 Conclusion: ETV is safe and effective in children. In this series, the age of the patient and etiology of hydrocephalus were related to SR. Also, the ETVSS was accurate to predict outcome. Intraventricular hemorrhage, previous CNS infection, myelomeningocele, prematurity and recurrent shunt revisions have been associated with high failure rates of ETV in all age groups, particularly in infants under 6 months of age. In a long-term follow-up, surgical experience was statistically significant in reducing complications.

Clinical and radiographic evaluation of low-level laser therapy in primary teeth pulpotomy treatment: a randomized clinical trial

Aim. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of diode laser and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in primary pulpotomy treatments with deep dentinal caries. Materials and methods. The study comprised 90 patients (42 females and 48 males) aged 6–9 years with deep dentin caries in the lower second molar. The patients were assigned to the following treatment groups: the diode laser group (n^S= 45) or the LLLT group (n^S= 45). The appointments were scheduled 3, 6, and 12 months after the treatment, and both clinical and radiographic follow-ups were performed. Results. The diode laser group had a clinical success rate of 95.6% and a radiological success rate of 93.3% at 12 months, while the LLLT group had a clinical success rate of 97.7% and a radiological success rate of 90.9%. There were no statistically significant differences in the success rates of the two groups. Conclusions. LLLT+CH may be a good treatment alternative for pulpotomy instead of devital diode laser pulpotomy.

Pediatric Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: A Systematic Review and Treatment Algorithm

Category: Hindfoot; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) peak in incidence during childhood, yet there exists a paucity of research on treatment among skeletally immature populations due to their high potential for spontaneous recovery without interventions. Unfortunately for patients who do require treatment, existing guidelines are based on adult studies, which likely differ in prognoses and outcomes due to varying capacity for regeneration. This paper compares outcomes across conservative and various surgical interventions for pediatric OLTs, with the synthesized evidence forming the basis of a treatment algorithm. Methods: An electronic literature search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE databases for primary studies published prior to January 2022. Pediatric status in OLTs was defined as age < 18 at diagnosis, since many studies did not assess skeletal maturity. The main outcomes were clinical and radiological success rates, defined as achievement of good or fair outcomes according to measures used by individual studies. Articles were categorized by treatment method, and outcome rates were obtained via simple pooling. Results: 35 studies involving 714 lesions were included. Studies were categorized into five overarching treatment methods – (1) conservative treatment, (2) bone marrow stimulation, (3) retrograde drilling, (4) fixation, and (5) osteochondral transplantation. These interventions had pooled clinical success rates of (1) 45%, (2) 85%, (2) 90%, (4) 82%, and (5) 74%, respectively. The pooled radiological success rates were (1) 58%, (2) 85%, (3) 55%, (4) 89%, and (5) 81%. Escalation from conservative to surgical treatment occurred at a rate of 62% among studies in which this was reported. Articles were heterogeneous in measurement tools and pre- treatment characteristics; average baseline lesion size was (1) 129.8, (2) 131.0, (3) 87.8, (4) 137.8, and (5) 237.5mm^2 across the five treatment methods, and initial Berndt-Harty staging was likewise disparate. Conclusion: Conservative treatments yielded lower clinical and radiological success rates than surgical interventions, but warrant an initial trial in stable lesions due to their cost-effective and non-invasive nature. Surgery should be indicated for unstable lesions, or failed conservative treatment. Drilling and bone marrow stimulation are effective in lower grade lesions, while fixation should be considered for loosened fragments, and transplantation for large, non-salvageable lesions. Future research utilizing more robust methodology and reporting outcomes according to baseline lesion characteristics will consolidate these guidelines.

Traditional Bonesetters Clinics

Introduction: In India, majority patients with musculoskeletal injuries are attended by traditional medicine treatment provider. Bone setting services data from Subcontinent is not available. Methods: Prospective epidemiological study across 10 cities. Objective: To document bonesetter's spectrum of services and work-based information; radiological services use, treatment methods, treatment cost, treatment duration, referral timing, complication incidence and success rates. Results: Study encompasses 915 Traditional Bone Setters working over area of 6725 km2. Meerut houses most bonesetters (n=130); industry dominated by men (98.5%). 55% bonesetters are of 51-70 years. Overall experience 53.75 years. 9.50 % Bonesetters have radiograph machines. 55.95% practicing bonesetters are 3rd generation lineage. 32.67% bonesetters prescribe allopathic medications. For treatment, Males visit more (55%) followed by Females (25%) and Third gender (15%) patients. Patients age group 5-94 years. 22.4 patients visit each bonesetter daily. An average treatment lasts 4-5 sessions; treatment cost 300-400 Indian Rupees per sitting (3.60-4.80 USD). Patient report 2.75 days post injury & treatment lasts 14.5 days. 90% Bonesetters take time till 3rd bandage (9-10days) to decide on referral. Patient's satisfaction is 64% and 45% complication rates. Discussion: Traditional Bone Setters form largest specialised group offering services for musculoskeletal injuries in India; attracting 25-40 patients per practitioner daily. High complication and referral rates are worrisome. Conclusion: Clientele visiting bonesetters form major chunk of patients that should be treated by Orthopaedic Surgeons. Policies should be made to integrate bonesetters into structured health services; to benefit community at larger scale with fewer complications and man hours lost to work.

Simple Kidney Cysts: Sclerotherapy versus Laparoscopy

Introduction: The simple kidney cyst is part of a heterogeneous family of cystic kidney disease, and is the most common entity. It is admitted that these cysts are, except for a few anecdotic cases, all benign. Aim: The aim of this work is to compare the efficiency of sclerotherapy and laparoscopy in the treatment of simple kidney cysts. Material and Methods: This was prospective study of 30 simple kidney cysts cases. We split patients into 2 arms. In arm A, 15 patients were treated by sclerotherapy under local anesthesia and in arm B, 15 patients were treated by laparoscopy under general anesthesia. Results: Average operative time was significantly lower in arm A (15 min vs 45 min, p <0.001). No postoperative complication was noted in arm A, whereas conversion was required in arm B (0% vs. 6.7%, p = 1). The average length of stay was not significant, 3.2 days versus 2.8 days (p = 0.52). The overall radiological success rate was 80% for arm A and 87.5% for arm B. Conclusion: This shows that sclerotherapy offers a shorter operative time, and a lower postoperative pain. Although, laparoscopic results are better than sclerotherapy’s. We cannot statistically conclude the superiority of one method over the other.

Success and Complication Rates of Transvenous Lead Extraction in a Developing High-Volume Extraction Center: The Zurich Experience

Transvenous lead extractions are increasingly performed for malfunction or infection of cardiac implantable electronic devices, but they harvest a potential for complications and suboptimal success. Apart from multicenter registries and reports from highly experienced single centers, the outcome in individual newly developing high-volume centers starting a lead extraction program is less well established. We aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological success and complication rate at our center, having started a lead extraction program less than a decade ago. We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent transvenous lead extraction at the University Hospital Zurich from 2013 to 2021 regarding success as well as complications and compared our results to previously reported outcome rates. A total of 346 patients underwent 350 transvenous lead extractions from January 2013 to December 2021. Combined radiological success was achieved in 97.7% and clinical success in 96.0% of interventions. Procedure-related major complications occurred in 13 patients (3.7%). Death within 30 days after transvenous lead extractions occurred in 13 patients (3.7%), with a procedure-related mortality of 1.4% (five patients). Transvenous lead extractions in newly developing high-volume centers can be performed with high clinical and radiological success rates, but procedure-related major complications may affect a relevant number of patients. Compared to large single or multicenter registries of experienced centers, the success rate may be lower and the complication rate higher in centers newly starting with lead extraction, which may have important implications for patient selection, procedural planning, proctoring, and safety measures.

Evaluation of the efficacy of mineral trioxide aggregate and bioceramic putty in primary molar pulpotomy with symptoms of irreversible pulpitis (a randomized-controlled trial).

Preserving the primary teeth is important, as they play an important role in the integrity of the dental arch, the development of the craniofacial complex, speech, and chewing. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of both Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and Bioceramic putty in primary molar pulpotomy with symptoms of irreversible pulpitis. In this study, 40 s primary mandibular molars in 40 healthy children aged 6-8 years were examined and classified into 2 groups according to the material: group A, with 20 primary molars capped by MTA, and group B, with 20 teeth capped by Bioceramic putty. Clinical and radiographic evaluation of the treatment results was carried out after 1 week, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year. Clinical and radiological success rates in the MTA group reached 95%, where a case of failure was observed after a year of follow-up. In the Bioceramic group, the success rate reached 100% after a year of follow-up, without any statistically significant differences between groups (p = .311). Pulpotomy using biocompatibility materials (MTA-Bioceramic) in primary molars with symptoms of irreversible pulpitis is considered effective due to the better advantages of the use of Bioceramic over MTA.This clinical trial was approved by Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials (12621001631897).

Retrospective review comparing intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy (alteplase) and surgical intervention in complex pleural effusion

BackgroundIntrapleural fibrinolytic therapy (IPFT) is one of the treatment options for complex pleural effusion. In this study, the IPFT agent used was alteplase, a tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). This study aims to determine the difference in the outcome of patients with complex pleural effusion between IPFT and surgery in terms of radiological improvement, inflammatory parameters, length of stay, and post-intervention complications.MethodsA retrospective review of patients with complex pleural effusion treated at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center from January 2012 to August 2020 was performed. Patient demographics, chest imaging, drainage chart, inflammatory parameters, length of hospital stay, and post-intervention and outcome were analyzed.ResultsFifty-eight patients were identified (surgical intervention, n = 18; 31% and IPFT, n = 40, 69%). The mean age was 51.7 ± 18.2 years. Indication for surgical intervention was pleural infection (n = 18; 100%), and MPE (n = 0). Indications for IPFT was pleural infection (n = 30; 75%) and MPE (n = 10; 25%). The dosages of t-PA were one to five doses of 2–50 mg. The baseline chest radiograph in the IPFT group was worse than in the surgical intervention group. (119.96 ± 56.05 vs. 78.19 ± 55.6; p = 0.029) At week 1, the radiological success rate for IPFT and surgical intervention were 27% and 20%, respectively, and at weeks 4–8, the success rate was 56% and 80% respectively. IPFT was associated with lesser complications; fever (17.5%), chest pain (10%), and non-life-threatening bleeding (5%).ConclusionIPFT was comparable to surgery in radiological outcome, inflammatory parameters, and length of stay with lesser reported complications.

Impact of anticoagulation therapy on outcomes in patients undergoing transvenous lead extraction

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Oral anticoagulation (OAC) is essential for patients (pts) at high risk for thromboembolism. However,uninterrupted anticoagulation and bridging with enoxaparin increases the risk of pocket hematoma (PH) andinfection (I). Aim To evaluate the impact of OAC in the rate of PH and outcomes in pts undergoing lead extraction (LE) usingthe Pisa Technique (PT). Methods A single centre prospective study of consecutive procedures (Pr) of LE using the PT between February2013 and October 2019. Demographic, clinical, device and procedure related variables, morbidity and mortality(M) data were compared between pts without OAC (O0) and pts with AC (O1). Results 320 electrodes (E) were removed in a total 171 Pr in 159 pts (mean age - 67.7 years, mean LVEF - 48%,male - 72%). The LE were from the following implanted systems: pacemaker – 110 pts, cardiac resynchronizationtherapy – 29 pts, cardioverter-defibrillator – 20 pts. The radiological success rate was 91.2% and the clinicalsuccess rate was 98.3%. There were 14 cases of PH. During a mean follow-up (FU) of 33 months, 11 pts had toundergo a new Pr, 5 of them due to pocket I. 8 pts (5.0%) died during hospital stay, and 19 pts during the firstyear post-Pr. There were no deaths during the Pr. O1 included 56 pts (35.4%), of which 51.9% were under vitaminK antagonists (AVK) and 48.1% under direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC). 11 pts were receiving OAC due toprosthetic mechanical valve, and the remainder due to atrial fibrillation (AF). Pts in O1 were significantly older(p=0.026), presented a lower LVEF (p=0.001), a higher prevalence of valvular heart disease - VHD -(p=0.002),overt heart failure (p=0.006), AF (p<0.001) and previous cardiac surgery - CS - (p<0.001). OAC was associatedwith a higher rate of PH (OR 2,44, IC 95% 1.02-5,84, p=0.046) and pts with PH presented a significantlyprolonged hospital stay (22.7 vs 9.8 days, p=0.031). These pts also presented a higher hospitalization rate duringthe first year post-Pr (OR 2,48, IC95% 1.27-4.88, p=0.009). There was no difference in all-cause hospital M(p=0.522), all-cause M during first year of follow-up (p=0.551) or need for reintervention (p=0.375). Among pts inO1, pts under AVK presented a significantly higher rate of PH (OR 18,67, IC95% 2,23-156,17, p=0.007). Conclusion Pts receiving OAC, particularly pts under AVK, presented a higher rate of PH after LE. PerioperativeOAC management is crucial to reduce the morbidity rate in this population.

Influence of radiotherapy on dental implants placed in individuals before diagnosed with head and neck cancer: focus on implant-bed-specific radiation dosage.

The influence of radiotherapy on implants placed before diagnosed as head and neck cancer (HNC) is a potentially informative but poorly explored topic. The aims of this study were to investigate the influence of implant-bed-specific radiation dose on dental implants and to evaluate the impact of these implants on radiation dosimetry. We conducted a retrospective study with 58 irradiated patients that received dental implant restorations before undergoing radiation treatment for HNC. The radiological success rate and the peri-implant bone resorption values were measured radiographically at 1 and 3years after radiotherapy. Patients with no implants matching tumor site and stage served as a control group (n = 58). The median implant-bed-specific radiation dose was 40.3Gy, which was significantly lower than tumor bed 62.4Gy. An implant-bed-specific radiation dose higher than 40.0Gy showed a significantly decreased radiologic success rate when compared to lower doses. Finally, evaluation of the radiation treatment plans revealed similar radiation hot spots in the test group of patients with implants and those of the control group. Our study confirms that radiotherapy negatively worsens peri-implant bone resorption, especially for implant-bed-specific dose more than 40Gy, and the presence of implants within the radiation fields does not alter radiation dosimetry. The findings could be clinically informative to both surgeons and radio-oncologists. The interactions between radiotherapy and implants placed prior to radiotherapy treatment remain a largely unexplored topic. Based on the analysis of 3-dimensional modulated radiation plans, this study demonstrates the impact of implant-bed-specific radiation dose on marginal bone resorption of implants placed pre-radiation and considers the influence of these implants on radiation dosimetry. CHICTR2100051923: ( http://www.chictr.org.cn/usercenter.aspx ).

Endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux after kidney transplantation: outcomes and predictive factors of clinical and radiological success.

This study aimed to identify and describe the outcomes of different endoscopic treatments and the predictive factors affecting success in the treatment of symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) after kidney transplantation. Patients who had undergone endoscopic injection treatment for symptomatic VUR detected by VCUG with at least 1-year follow-up were included in the study. Patients with dysfunctional and/or obstructive voiding patterns were excluded from the study. We retrospectively evaluated the patient's characteristics, operative information about the type of injection (one, two, or four-point) and the bulking agent (DX-HA, PPC), and perioperative data. Clinical success was defined as no febrile UTI, and radiological success was defined as the absence of VUR in VCUG 3months after the operation. Clinical success, radiological success, and encountered complications were statistically analyzed. A total of 76 patients were included in this study. The one-point, two-point, and four-point injection technique was applied to 32 (42.1%), 13 (17.1%), and 31 (40.7%) of patients, respectively. PPC and DX-HA were used as bulking agents in 54 (71.1%) and 22 (28.9%) patients, respectively. The clinical success rate was 73.7% (n = 56). In logistic regression analysis, a significant efficacy of the four-point technique was observed in the univariate analysis of clinical success (p = 0.042). The radiological success rate was 40.8% (n = 31). In the logistic regression analysis, DX-HA and PPC radiological success was attained in 4 (18.1%) and 27 (50%) patients, respectively (p = 0.01). Ureterovesical junction (UV) stricture developed in 5 (6.5%) patients. There was no difference between injection techniques and bulking agents in terms of the development of UV stricture (p = 0.32; p = 0.08). The success of endoscopic treatmentin patients with VUR after kidney transplantation can be increased by multiple injections. Furthermore, PPC can be used to obtain a higher radiological success.

Comparative Evaluation of Clinical and Radiographic Success of Aloe-Vera and Formocresol Pulpotomy in Primary Molars- A Randomised Control Trial

Background: Despite pulp devitalisation and systemic toxicity, Formocresol is still preferred for pulpotomy. Recently, there has been an increase in use of herbal pulp agents due to their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties with less adverse effects compared to those that are chemically synthesized. Aloe-Vera is one such agent which is evaluated in this clinical study. Objective: The objective of the research was to assess and compare the clinical and radio-logical success rate of Aloe-vera and Formocresol pulpotomy in deciduous molars. Methodology: This randomized control trial included sixty deciduous molars requiring pulpotomy. Random allocation was done to two groups with thirty teeth in each group. Comparative evaluation of the clinical and radiological success rate of Aloe-vera and Formocresol pulpotomies were assessed for a duration of 6-months. Results: Chi-square test was employed to differentiate the results in two groups. The results showed satisfactory clinical and radiological success rates in both groups. The differences were not significant at 1-month, 3-months and 6-months follow up visits among the groups, with a P-value of 0.38 (P <0.05). Conclusion: Aloe-vera can be successfully used in deciduous teeth for pulpotomy

Evaluation of the clinical efficiency of rotary and manual files for root canal instrumentation in primary teeth pulpectomies: A comparative randomized clinical trial

Aim: To evaluate and compare the instrumentation time, obturation time, quality of obturation, and clinical and radiological success of pulpectomized teethfollowing root canal preparation of primary molars with rotary and manual file system. Methods: A total of 150 primary molars requiring pulpectomy were selected from children aged four to seven years. These teeth were divided into three groups of 50 teeth each. In Groups 1, 2, and 3, cleaning and shaping were carried out with Kedo-S pediatric rotaryfiles, HERO Shaper rotary files, and manual NiTi K-files, respectively. Obturation was carried out with zinc oxide eugenol cement and an engine-driven Lentulo spiral. The instrumentation and obturation times were recorded. A radiographic assessment of thequality of the root filling was carried out immediately after obturation. Finally, the pulpectomized teeth were clinically and radiographically evaluated over a two-year period. Results: The mean instrumentation times for Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 14.56 ± 2.89 min, 17.93 ± 3.51 min, and 29.00 ± 2.08 min, respectively. The mean obturation times for Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 8.11 ± 1.7 min, 7.93 ± 1.3 min, and 9.64 ± 17.61 min, respectively. The mean difference in the quality of obturation was not statistically significant in primary molars instrumented with Kedo-S pediatricand HERO Shaper rotary file systems (p = 0.16). However, this mean difference was significant when compared between primary molar instrumented with rotary file systems and manual NiTi files (p = <0.001). At two years, the clinical success rate was 100% and the radiological success rates were 95.3%, 97.9%, and 89.5% in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Conclusions: The rotary file systems took significantly less instrumentation and obturation time than the manual NiTi files. There were no significant differences in obturation quality or success rates after two years.

Clarithromycin versus Amoxicillin alone or with Clavulanate in Acute Maxillary Sinusitis: A Meta-analysis of Clinical Trials

Objective: A meta-analysis was performed to explore the relative effects of clarithromycin and amoxicillin (with or without clavulanate potassium) in the treatment of acute maxillary sinusitis. Methods: Six studies were identified in the peer-reviewed literature. All were randomized single-blind (investigator-blind) or open-label trials in outpatients diagnosed with acute maxillary sinusitis. A total of 1580 patients were enrolled, of whom 1194 were clinically evaluable. The total daily dose of clarithromycin was 1000 mg; the total daily dose of amoxicillin (with or without clavulanate potassium) was either 1500 or 2000 mg. The duration of study drug treatment varied from 8 to 14 days. Endpoints comprised clinical and radiological success within 48 h of the end of study drug treatment plus bacteriologic cure and eradication. Success and cure rate differences were analyzed using fixed- and random-effect models. The absence of between-study heterogeneity was tested using Cochran’s Q-test. Results: Clinical success rates varied between 85.8% and 97.9% for clarithromycin and between 84.2% and 96.8% for amoxicillin. The combined rate difference in clinical success rates between clarithromycin and amoxicillin was +1.9% (P=0.14). Radiological success rates (four studies) varied from 78.2% to 94.0% for clarithromycin and 79.7% to 95.0% for amoxicillin, with a combined rate difference of zero (P=1.00). Bacteriologic cure rates (four studies) were 87.1–94.6% for clarithromycin, compared with 89.8–98.1% for amoxicillin, with a combined difference in cure rates of –3.2% (P=0.16). Overall bacterial eradication rates were comparable between the two treatments (clarithromycin, 89.3%; amoxicillin, 92.1%). Conclusion: These data, with their limitations properly acknowledged, identify clarithromycin as a valid and viable alternative to amoxicillin for the treatment of acute maxillary sinusitis in adults.

Bleomycin for Percutaneous Sclerotherapy of Venous and Lymphatic Malformations: A Retrospective Study of Safety, Efficacy and Mid-Term Outcomes in 26 Patients.

Percutaneous sclerotherapy is used to treat venous and lymphatic vascular malformations, which can cause significant discomfort and/or disfigurement. The purpose of this study is to describe the bleomycin sclerotherapy technique and to evaluate its clinical and radiological efficacy and safety. We retrospectively identified consecutive patients with venous malformations (VMs) and lymphatic malformations (LMs) who underwent bleomycin sclerotherapy in 2011–2020 at our institution. We collected the clinical and radiological success rates, complications and recurrences separately in the VM and LM groups. We identified 26 patients, 15 with VMs and 11 with LMs. The significant volume reductions obtained were 45% in the VM group and 76% in the LM group (p = 0.003 and p = 0.009, respectively). Significant reductions in discomfort/pain and in cosmetic disfigurement were obtained in both groups. An overall improvement was reported by 69% and 82% of patients in the VM and LM groups, respectively. No major complications occurred during the mean follow-up of 51 ± 34 months in the VM group and 29 ± 18 months in the LM group. A recurrence developed within 2 years in 23% of patients. Bleomycin is clinically and radiologically effective for the treatment of venous and lymphatic malformations, with a high level of patient safety.