Rating Scale Values Research Articles

Assessment of Three Distinct Approaches to Postoperative Pain in Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair, a Randomized Prospective Study.

Background: Contemporarily, transabdominal preperitoneal repair (TAPP) procedure in inguinal hernia treatment is counted among the routine minimal invasive general surgery practices. Increased patient's comfort, namely less postoperative pain, is considered to be its greatest advantage. However, pain following surgery can still be an important problem. Port site local anesthetic injection (PSLAI), iliohypogastric-/ilioinguinal nerve block (IINB), and preperitoneal local anesthetic spraying (PLAS) are relatively new techniques with sparse data to address this issue. Therefore, we conducted this prospective study to evaluate these three methods in patients who underwent TAPP for inguinal hernia repair. Methods: A total of 99 patients were enrolled and randomized equally into three groups. Every patient received a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device. PCA usage, total analgesic demands, and numerical rating scale values were recorded at 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively (p.o). Results: Patients' demographic data (age, gender, BMI) did not reveal any significant difference between groups (P > .05). Procedure duration was found to be significantly longer in IINB group compared with others (p < .05). Number of PCA usages, total analgesic demand, additional analgesic requirement did not differ significantly between groups at 24-hour p.o (P > .05). PLAS group was found to have less average NSR score compared with other groups at 24 hours p.o (p < .05). Conclusions: All three procedures show promising outcomes with PLAS technique appearing to be slightly superior in terms of pain management in the immediate postoperative period. However, to reach a conclusion more randomized controlled trials covering various aspects and techniques of minimal invasive approach to inguinal hernia repair should be published.

Significance of acupuncture treatment for medical staff with low back pain: A case report.

A 24-year-old female nurse with a 4-month history of low back pain (LBP) was treated with acupuncture because of difficulty to her working. At the first presentation, the numerical rating scale (NRS) value was 7. After 2 weeks, the NRS value improved to 2-3, and she could bend over better, including when working night shifts. After 4 months, the NRS value remained at 1-2 so her relocating or leaving of absence from the ICU department was avoided. Acupuncture treatment for medical staff with LBP could relieve their pain and improve decreased clinical performance in hospitals or clinics.

An efficient tool for Parkinson's disease detection and severity grading based on time-frequency and fuzzy features of cumulative gait signals through improved LSTM networks

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a widespread neurodegenerative condition that affects many individuals annually. Early identification and monitoring of disease progression are crucial to effectively managing symptoms and preventing motor complications. This research proposes an automated PD diagnosis and severity-grading model based on time-frequency and fuzzy features using improved uni-directional and bi-directional long short-term memory networks with sensitive hyperparameters optimization. We utilize vertical ground reaction force signals collected from Physionet's publicly available dataset recorded during regular and dual-task clinical trials of walking measurements. Only the cumulative signal of both feet was then utilized and segmented into 30-s windows without further pre-processing. Subsequently, we extracted only four key time-frequency and fuzzy features from each segment, effectively capturing the signal's inherent uncertainty. Bayesian optimization is employed in both detection and grading approaches to fine-tune the two critical hyperparameters: the initial learning rate and the number of hidden units in the network. The detection phase yields an exceptional accuracy of 99.19%, surpassing state-of-the-art studies with the same dataset. In the grading phase, classification based on the unified PD rating scale values achieves an accuracy of 92.28%. The proposed study delves into the potential of cumulative gait signals as a powerful diagnostic tool for PD, aiming to extract precise and intricate information by implementing straightforward and minimal processing endeavors. This method demonstrates significant efficiency in terms of complexity, cost, and energy consumption by utilizing a single-dimensional signal, eliminating the need for pre-processing steps, and limiting the features used for training.

Comparison of the analgesic effects of different bupivacaine concentrations in continuous femoral block after total knee arthroplasty surgery

Aim: In regional anesthesia practice, anesthesists’ goal must be to use the lowest effective concentration of local anesthetics to provide sufficient pain relief while minimizing side effects and complications. This study was designed to compare the analgesic efficacy of two different concentrations of bupivacaine (0.125% and 0.1%) in continuous femoral block for postoperative analgesia.Method: In this study, fifty patients were enrolled, all of whom underwent femoral nerve block catheterization. The block procedure involved the administration of 30ml of bupivacaine solution at a concentration of 0.25%. Following a thirty-minute interval post-block application, patients underwent knee surgery under general anesthesia. During the closure of subcutaneous tissues, an additional 10ml of bupivacaine solution was injected through the catheter. Two groups were formed based on the concentration of the solution administered: Group(0.125%) received bupivacaine at a concentration of 0.125%, while Group(0.1%) received it at a concentration of 0.1%. Subsequently, upon arrival at the postoperative care unit, infusion through the catheter commenced at a rate of 10ml/h-1, maintaining the same concentrations for both groups. In addition to the nerve block, all patients were provided with intravenous Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) devices containing morphine for pain management. Throughout the postoperative period, sensory and motor block levels, Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) values for static and dynamic pain assessment, total morphine consumption, morphine demand, as well as any observed side effects and complications, were meticulously recorded for analysis.Results: Postoperatively the NRSstatic values at 24th and 48th hours and NRSdynamic values at the 24th hour were higher in Group(0.1%) and it was statistically significant(p&lt;0,007). And at 48th hour, morphine consumption was significantly higher in Group(0.1%) (p&lt;0,05).Conclusions: In our study, all patients across both experimental groups initially experienced satisfactory analgesia. However, within the 24-hour postoperative period, Group(0.1%) exhibited a decline in the quality of analgesia, necessitating increased utilization of rescue analgesics. This escalation in rescue analgesic use was associated with a higher incidence of adverse effects and reduced patient comfort levels within this group. Consequently, our findings indicate that the 0.125% concentration of bupivacaine yielded superior efficacy compared to the 0.1% concentration in the context of continuous femoral block administration.

The effect on the incidence of rebound pain of the application of anterior suprascapular nerve block added to interscalene brachial plexus block for shoulder surgery: A randomized controlled study

This study aimed to compare the incidence of rebound pain applied with anterior suprascapular nerve block (ASSB) added to interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) as postoperative analgesia in shoulder surgery. This prospective, observer-blinded, randomized study involved 60 patients who were to undergo shoulder surgery. The patients were divided into two groups: group ISB (n=30) received ISB block, while group ISB+ASSB (n=30) received ASSB in addition to ISB. The primary outcome was to determine the occurrence of rebound pain. Secondary outcomes were numerical rating scale (NRS) values of postoperative pain at 6, 8, 12, 16, 18, 24, and 48 hours, 48-hour opioid consumption, sleep scale for the postoperative night and subsequent 6 nights, and the quality of recovery (QoR) scale evaluated on postoperative days 1 and 7. No statistically significant difference was found between the ISB group (56.7%) and the ISB+ASSB group (40%) in the incidence of rebound pain following the resolution of peripheral nerve block (PNB) (p=0.196). The ISB+ASSB group had a significantly longer time to PNB wear off (14.77±2.07 ) compared to the ISB group (12.87±1.94) (p=0.001). The postoperative day 1 QoR-15 values were significantly better in the ISB+ASSB group (122.60±10.79) than in the ISB group (116.33±11.48) (p=0.031). Sleep evaluation on the postoperative night showed a significant difference between the groups; ISB+ASSB (3[2-3])–ISB (2[1-3]). The addition of ASSB to ISB did not have a sufficient effect with respect to the incidence of postoperative rebound pain following shoulder surgery. However, there was seen to be a positive effect on prolonging the PNB and on the QoR day 1 values.

Objective assessment of eye alignment and disparity-driven vergence in Parkinson's disease.

Self-reported diplopia is described in up to one-third of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. The purpose of our study was to expand our understanding of the mechanistic underpinnings of diplopia in PD. We hypothesize that the time-based control of eye alignment and increased eye deviation under binocular viewing will be related to the fusion-initiating and fusion-maintaining component deficits of disparity-driven vergence in PD. We used high-resolution video-oculography to measure eye alignment under binocular and monocular viewing and disparity-driven vergence in 33 PD and 10 age-matched healthy participants. We computed eye deviation and time-based control of eye alignment, occurrence of conjugate saccadic eye movements, latency and gain of vergence (fusion initiation), and variance of eye position at the end of dynamic vergence (fusion maintenance). We categorized PD subjects into three groups, considering their time-based control of eye alignment as compared to healthy controls in binocular viewing. Group 1 = 45% had good control and spent >80% of the time when the eyes were well-aligned, Group 2 = 26% had intermediate control and spent <80% but greater >5% of the time when the eyes were well-aligned, and Group 3 = 29% had very poor control with increased eye deviation majority of the times (<5% of the time when the eyes were well-aligned). All three groups exhibited greater eye deviation under monocular viewing than controls. PD subjects exhibited fusion-initiating and fusion-maintaining vergence deficits (prolonged latencies, reduced vergence gain, increased variance of fusion-maintaining component) with a greater probability of saccadic movements than controls. Group 2 and Group 3 subjects were more likely to exhibit failure to initiate vergence (>20%) than Group 1 (13%) and controls (0%) trials. No significant difference was found in the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-a tool to measure the severity of PD) values between the three PD groups (Group 1 = 33.69 ± 14.22, Group 2 = 38.43 ± 22.61, and Group 3 = 23.44 ± 1, p > 0.05). The majority of PD subjects within our cohort had binocular dysfunction with increased eye deviation under monocular viewing and disparity-driven vergence deficits. PD subjects with intermediate or poor control of eye deviation under binocular viewing had greater fusion-initiating and fusion-maintaining vergence deficits. The study highlights the importance of assessing binocular dysfunction in PD subjects independent of the severity of motor symptoms.

Peripheral nerve stimulation for the treatment of chronic knee pain

The average age of our population is increasing, resulting in a high incidence of chronic degenerative knee pathologies. Several treatment options, including surgical procedures are available to help mitigate these pathologies. However, the percentage of subjects with chronic post-surgical knee pain is still estimated at 16–20%. Neuromodulation techniques such as spinal cord stimulation and dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRGS) are treatment options for subjects with chronic knee pain. The evidence for peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is minimal due to a limited number of neuromodulation systems capable of targeting the distal part of the lower limbs. This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy externally powered PNS systems for the treatment of chronic intractable knee pain targeting the saphenous nerve. Patients suffering from chronic intractable post-surgical knee pain received landmark-guided peripheral nerve stimulation of the branches of the saphenous nerve. All implants were performed with an externally powered PNS system to avoid lead migration as a result of cross-joint lead positions tunneling towards an Implantable Pulse Generator to the trunk. Data were collected retrospectively. Subject-reported outcome was measured via numerical rating scale values on a 10-point scale measuring pain intensity at rest and in motion. Additional data were collected for the subjects treated at the Charité location, including quality of life with the SF-36 form, quality of sleep with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and mood states with the short form of the General Depression Scale. Thirty-three patients received direct to permanent implant, landmark-guided peripheral nerve stimulation of the saphenous nerve branches. Six (18.2%) subjects reported non-sufficient initial benefit from the therapy and were explanted. Two subjects were explanted due to wound infections. The total study population reported included 25 patients. These subjects reported significant improvements related to pain, quality of life, mood quality, and quality of sleep. Additionally, subjects were able to reduce their opioid medication significantly after PNS therapy. Externally powered PNS at the saphenous nerve branches is a straightforward, selective and safe technique for patients with chronic knee pain. The landmark-guided implantation technique is less invasive than classical neuromodulation techniques such as spinal cord or DRGS and complication rates remain low. Short-term results are promising and show considerable reductions in pain scores and opioid intake. Long-term results are pending.

Seasonal estimation of groundwater vulnerability

Index-based methods estimate a fixed value of groundwater vulnerability (GWV); however, the effects of time variations on this estimation have not been comprehensively studied. It is imperative to estimate a time-variant vulnerability that accounts for climatic changes. In this study, we used a Pesticide DRASTICL method separating hydrogeological factors into dynamic and static groups followed by correspondence analysis. The dynamic group is composed of depth and recharge, and the static group is composed of aquifer media, soil media, topography slope, impact of vadose zone, aquifer conductivity and land use. The model results were 42.25–179.89, 33.93–159.81, 34.08–168.74, and 45.56–205.20 for spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. The results showed a moderate correlation between the model predictions and observed nitrogen concentrations with R2 = 0.568 and a high correlation for phosphorus concentrations with R2 = 0.706. Our results suggest that the time-variant GWV model provides a robust yet flexible method for investigating seasonal changes in GWV. This model is an improvement to the standard index-based methods, making them sensitive to climatic changes and portraying a true vulnerability estimation. Finally, the correction of the rating scale value fixes the problem of overestimation in standard models.

Delineation of Water Quality Aspects Through Water Quality Index Using GIS and Statistical Approach in Faisalabad

Drinking water is essential for life and survival, deterioration of its quality may affect human being at global level. Therefore, monitoring of water quality is essential component for life cycle. For this purpose, a study was carried out in Faisalabad tehsil to monitor the water quality aspects using Water Quality Index (WQI). Six parameters were selected like EC, Turbidity, TDS, Nitrates, Arsenic and Fluorides, their individual effect beyond threshold levels and combined effect on water rating scale was determined using GIS and statistical approach. Thirteen sampling locations were selected to determine the Water Quality Index. Statistical approach provided the maximum, minimum, mean and standard deviation of parameters among sampling locations. These parameters were spatially distributed using arc map to provide conversant approach at tehsil level. Relative weights of influencing parameters (Wi), Water quality rating scale (Qi) which is ratio of concentration of parameters in the water sample to standard value of parameters. Combined effect of Wi and Qi provided WQI as rating scale value which was between 22 to 375. After analysis, it determined the water quality as excellent (7.5%), good (23.07%), poor 30.76%), very poor (15.38%) and unfit for drinking purpose (23.07%). It prevailed that water should be filtered or purify before use to avoid hazardous effect on human health.

Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Versus Rectus Sheath Block for Postoperative Pain After Caesarean Delivery: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Postoperative analgesia in caesarean deliveries is becoming increasingly important, since early bonding between mother and infant can be established with effective postoperative analgesia while preventing the unpleasant effects of pain. Additionally, inadequate postoperative analgesia is associated with chronic pain and postpartum depression. The primary objective of this study was to compare the analgesic effects of transversus abdominis plane block and rectus sheath block in patients undergoing elective caesarean delivery. A total of 90 parturients with American Society of Anesthesia status I-II, aged 18-45 years, at >37 gestational weeks, and scheduled for elective caesarean delivery were included in the study. All patients received spinal anaesthesia. Parturients were randomised into 3 groups. Bilateral ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block was performed on the transversus abdominis plane group, bilateral ultrasoundguided rectus sheath block on the rectus sheath group, and no block on the control group. All patients were given intravenous morphine through a patient-controlled analgesia device. A pain nurse, blinded to the study, recorded the cumulative morphine consumption and pain scores during resting and coughing using a numerical rating scale at postoperative hours 1, 6, 12, and 24. Numerical rating scale values recorded during rest and coughing were lower in the transversus abdominis plane group at postoperative hours 2, 3, 6, 12, and 24 (P < .05). Morphine consumption was lower in the transversus abdominis plane group at postoperative hours 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 24 (P < .05). Transversus abdominis plane block provides effective postoperative analgesia in parturients. However, rectus sheath block provides inadequate postoperative analgesia in parturients who undergo caesarean delivery.

Pain management with epidural catheter and epidural analgesia after spinal dorsal instrumentation of lumbar spine.

Spinal dorsal instrumentation (SDI) is an established treatment for degenerative spinal diseases. Adequate and immediate postoperative pain control is important for patient recovery and may be compromised by uncertainty about its efficacy and concern about early postoperative surgical complications or adverse events. The aim of the current study was to compare the use of epidural analgesia (EA) with systemic analgesia (SA) as regards pain reduction and early postoperative complications after SDI. Pain management with epidural or systemic analgesia in patients undergoing SDI by posterior approach between January 2019 and July 2020 was evaluated by clinical functional testing, measuring total opioid amounts used, and evaluating numerical rating scale values 24 and 96 hours postoperatively. The following were also monitored: demographic data, number of affected segments, length of hospital stay, inflammatory markers (leukocytes and serum C-reactive protein), early postoperative surgical complication rates, and adverse events. In total 79 patients were included (33 in the EA and 46 in the SA group). The SA group had significantly lower numerical rating scale values at days 1 to 4 after surgery (P ≤ .001) and lower cumulative opioid use than the EA group (P < .001). We found no difference in infection parameters, length of hospital stay or surgery-related complication rates. Our data demonstrate that epidural anesthesia was inferior to an opioid-based SA regime in reducing postoperative pain in patients undergoing spinal surgery. There is no benefit to the use of epidural catheters.

Anterior thoracolumbar column reconstruction with the vertebral body stent—safety and efficacy

PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess safety and efficacy of vertebral body stenting (VBS) by analyzing (1) radiographic outcome, (2) clinical outcome, and (3) perioperative complications in patients with vertebral compression fractures treated with VBS at minimum 6-month follow-up.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, 78 patients (61 ± 14 [21–90] years; 67% female) who have received a vertebral body stent due to a traumatic, osteoporotic or metastatic thoracolumbar compression fracture at our hospital between 2012 and 2020 were included. Median follow-up was 0.9 years with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Radiographic and clinical outcome was analyzed directly, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months postoperatively, and at last follow-up.ResultsAnterior vertebral body height of all patients improved significantly by mean 6.2 ± 4.8 mm directly postoperatively (p < 0.0001) and remained at 4.3 ± 5.1 mm at last follow-up compared to preoperatively (p < 0.0001). The fracture kyphosis angle of all patients improved significantly by mean 5.8 ± 6.9 degrees directly postoperatively (p < 0.0001) and remained at mean 4.9 ± 6.9 degrees at last follow-up compared to preoperatively (p < 0.0001). The segmental kyphosis angle of all patients improved significantly by mean 7.1 ± 7.6 degrees directly postoperatively (p < 0.0001) and remained at mean 2.8 ± 7.8 degrees at last follow-up compared to preoperatively (p = 0.03). Back pain was ameliorated from a preoperative median Numeric Rating Scale value of 6.5 to 3.0 directly postoperatively and further bettered to 1.0 six months postoperatively (p = 0.0001). Revision surgery was required in one patient after 0.4 years.ConclusionVertebral body stenting is a safe and effective treatment option for osteoporotic, traumatic and metastatic compression fractures.

Ultrasound-Guided Treatment of Meralgia Paresthetica: With or Without Corticosteroid? A Double-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Study.

Blockade of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) with local anesthetic (LA) has therapeutic role as well as diagnostic value for meralgia paresthetica (MP). The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided LA and LA + CS injections in the treatment of MP. This was a prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled study. Thirty-two patients were evaluated clinically, and electrophysiologically and diagnosed as MP by diagnostic block. They were randomly assigned to two groups and all patients completed the study. The first group (n = 17) received 2 mL of lidocaine 2%+1 mL of betamethasone, while the second group (n = 15) received 2 mL of lidocaine 2% + 1 mL saline solution. No statistically significant difference was detected between the groups in numeric rating scale (NRS) values. In both groups, NRS values were significantly decreased after the injection that confirms the diagnosis of MP. The improvement continued on the following weeks in both groups. At the 4th week, the NRS value reached to 2.47 in the CS group and reached to 3.13 in the LA group. Both CS and LA injections for the treatment of MP were found to be clinically effective and both may be therapeutic options. In intractable cases, once the nerve block is applied with or without CS, well-being can be achieved by keeping the patient away from the triggering factors. To provide effective and isolated injection of LFCN, that may have frequent anatomical variations, ultrasonography guidance could be suggested.

ERECTOR SPINAE PLANE BLOCK FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE MITRAL VALVE SURGERY HAS NO IMPACT ON POSTOPERATIVE OUTCOMES: A DOUBLE-BLIND, PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED PLACEBO-CONTROLLED TRIAL

<h3>Objective</h3> Compared to traditional sternotomy, minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) using video-assisted thoracoscopy has been shown to result in an increased incidence of moderate to severe acute postoperative pain.1 The Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) block, a novel fascial plane block, may be an useful and safe option for postoperative analgesia in MIMVS.2 As randomized trials in this field are sparse, we hypothesized that an intermittent ESP block with ropivacaine 0.5% (intervention group) compared to normal saline 0.9% (control group) is effective in reducing postoperative pain after MIVMS.3 <h3>Design & Methods</h3> PPThis single center, double-blind, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was approved by the local Ethics Committee (S62638 June 4th 2019, EudraCT 2019-001125-27). The trial was supported by the EACTA Research Grant 2020. Primary endpoint was postoperative 24h morphine consumption. Based on pilot data and to have an 80% power to show a 25% reduction in 24h morphine consumption in the intervention-group compared to the control-group, 64 patients had to be randomized (1:1 ratio). A pre-planned sample size recalculation was performed after inclusion of 32 patients. Multiple secondary endpoints were evaluated up to 30-days postoperatively including postoperative pain scores, midaxillary sensory block, rescue treatments for pain and hospital length of stay.3 <h3>Results</h3> Sample size recalculation revealed the need to recruit 4 additional patients in each group. 72 patients were randomized between July 2nd 2019 and November 4th 2021. Regarding our primary outcome, 2 patients in the intervention-group could not be assessed due to reintubation and ischemic cerebral event. In the control-group, we observed 2 epileptic seizures requiring unblinding of the randomization to start appropriate treatment. There were no differences in baseline or procedural characteristics. The median (IQR) 24h morphine consumption was not different between the intervention- and control-group: 41mg [30;55] vs 37mg [29;50], p=0.70, respectively (Table 1). Mean numerical rating scale values for pain showed no significant differences between groups (Figure 1). The number of morphine boli requested each hour by the patient, sensory block, rescue treatments for pain and hospital length of stay were comparable (Figure 2 & Table 1). <h3>Conclusion</h3> In the current placebo-controlled trial following MIMVS, we were unable to demonstrate any benefit from the addition of an intermittent ESP-block to a standard multimodal analgesia regimen.

18F]PI‐2620 PET in four‐repeat tauopathies: a preliminary study

AbstractBackgroundThere is a critical need for tau PET radiotracers that accurately detect non‐Alzheimer’s disease (AD) tau pathology. We aim to evaluate [18F]PI‐2620 PET tracer retention in patients with non‐AD, 4R tau‐related clinical syndromes, including progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) with Richardson’s syndrome (PSP‐RS) and with predominant parkinsonism (PSP‐P), corticobasal syndrome (CBS), and nonfluent/agrammatic variant of primary progressive aphasia (nfvPPA).Method38 participants underwent amyloid and [18F]PI‐2620 PET (Table 1). 5 mCi ± 10% of [18F]PI‐2620 was administered. [18F]PI‐2620 PET SUVR images were generated using an inferior cerebellar gray matter reference from PET data acquired 30‐60 minutes post‐injection. Mean SUVR values were extracted from each participant in neuroanatomical structures that have elevated tau burden in PSP and CBS due to corticobasal degeneration (regions of interest in Table 2). Comparison between each diagnostic group and healthy controls (HCs) was performed using a one‐tailed, independent‐samples t‐test. Spearman correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between tracer binding (SUVR) and disease severity (PSP rating scale) in patients with PSP‐RS.ResultPatients with PSP‐RS had increased tracer retention in the left globus pallidus internus and externus, left subthalamic nucleus, and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex compared to HCs (all p &lt; 0.05). CBS and nfvPPA patients did not have increased tracer retention at any ROIs compared to HCs, but there were low numbers of patients in these groups (Table 2, Figures 1‐3). PSP rating scale values did not correlate with tracer binding in PSP‐RS (no correlations in any regions, rs &lt; 0.44, p &gt; 0.05 uncorrected).Conclusion[18F]PI‐2620 PET 30‐60 minute SUVR images may have limited ability to distinguish PSP from HCs, especially on visual read, and tracer uptake did not correlate with PSP disease severity. Other post‐injection PET acquisition windows (e.g., 30‐40 minute SUVR, 0‐60 minute DVR) will be evaluated to determine if they can maximize differences between PSP and HCs. A limitation of this preliminary study is the modest number of patients and controls, with most controls provided from a different study. Additional participants are being scanned in the multicenter 4RTNI study to understand the utility of this tracer as a neuroimaging biomarker for 4R tauopathies.

Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Based Hydrogel Film Combined with Umbilical Cord Blood Platelet gel as an Innovative Tool for Chronic Wound Management: A Pilot Clinical Study.

Treatment of chronic leg ulcers remains a major challenge and it is a substantial financial burden on individuals, families, caregivers, and health care system. There is increasing evidence on using of autologous Platelet-rich-plasma in wound repair but limited clinical data are available on the efficacy and safety of the use of umbilical cord blood platelet gel (CBPG). In our pilot study, for the first time, we aimed to evaluated the safety and efficacy of the use of umbilical CBPG combined with a hydrogel dressing in 10 patients with chronic venous ulcers (VU). The protocol consisted of application of umbilical cord blood platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combined with a Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based hydrogel dressing once a week for 4 weeks. The 80% of patients after 4 weeks of treatment had a significantly decrease in wound size. Moreover, we obtained an improvement in terms of mean Wound Bed Score (WBS), numeric rating scale (NRS) value and the EQ-5D index score. This pilot study showed that the topically therapeutic administration of umbilical CBPG associated with a CMC-based hydrogel dressing has the potential to accelerate the healing of chronic lesions without adverse reaction. However, additional studies with larger sample size and longer follow-up periods are required to confirm our findings.

Clinical efficacy of ultrasound guided erector spinae plane block in patients undergoing microwave ablation.

To compare the effect of pre-emptive erector spinae plane block (ESPB) applied before the procedure on opioid consumption during the procedure and analgesic demand and opioid consumption after the procedure. American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification (ASA) I-II, 30 patients, with liver tumor and planned for microwave ablation (MWA) treatment were included in the interventional radiology clinic, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey, Turkey between 2021 and 2022. Patients were randomized either to the ESPB or control group. Ultrasound-guided ESPB block with 20mL of 0.25% bupivacaine was performed preoperatively in the ESPB group patients, and the patients who was not performed the ESPB the control group. All the patients were administered 1 µg/kg fentanyl, 1-2mg/kg propofol, and 1mg/kg ketamine for sedation during the MWA procedure after standard monitoring. Total opioid consumption and numeric rating scale (NRS) scores for pain were recorded at 0, 20, 40, and 60 minutes, and at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours after the procedure. Total opioid consumption and total opioid amount during the procedure were statistically significantly lower in the ESPB group (p<0.001). Although all of the patients in the control group needed additional fentanyl throughout the procedure, only 5 patients in the ESPB group needed additional fentanyl (p<0.001). Post-procedure NRS score values were significantly lower in the ESPB group at 40 minutes, 60 minutes and 4 hours (p<0.05). Numeric rating scale values at other times were statistically similar (p>0.05) CONCLUSION: This study showed that ESPB provided effective preemptive analgesia during MWA procedures.

Pain levels and patient comfort after lower limb arthroplasty comparing i.v. patient-controlled analgesia, continuous peripheral nerve block and neuraxial analgesia: a retrospective cohort analysis of clinical routine data

BackgroundInsufficient pain control after lower limb arthroplasty results in delayed recovery and increased risk for pain chronicization. The ideal kind of analgesia is still discussed controversially. We conducted a retrospective analysis of single-center routine data from a German university hospital, including patients receiving either total hip (THA) or knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsAll patients received general anesthesia. Patients undergoing THA received either continuous epidural ropivacaine infusion (0.133%, Epi) or patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with the Wurzburg Pain Drip (tramadol, metamizole and droperidol, WPD) or with piritramide (Pir). After TKA, patients received either continuous femoral nerve block (ropivacaine 0.2%, PNB) or Pir.ResultsThe analyzed cohort comprised 769 cases. Use of WPD after THA (n = 333) resulted in significantly reduced Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) values at rest, compared to Epi (n = 48) and Pir (n = 72) (.75 [IQR 1.14] vs. 1.17 [1.5], p = .02 vs. 1.47 [1.33], p < .0001) as well as maximum NRS scores (2.4 [1.7] vs. 3.29 [1.94], p < .001 vs. 3.32 [1.76], p < .0001). Positive feedback during follow-up visits was significantly increased in patients with a WPD PCA (p < .0001), while negative feedback (senso-motoric weakness/technical problems/nausea/dizziness/constipation) was particularly increased in Epi patients and lowest in those with WPD (p < .0001). After TKA, Pir (n = 131) resulted in significantly reduced NRS values at rest, compared to PNB (n = 185) (1.4 [1.4] vs. 1.6 [1.68], p = .02). Positive feedback was increased in patients with a Pir PCA in comparison with PNB (p = .04), while negative feedback was increased in PNB patients (p = .04). Overall, WPD presented with the lowest rate of any complications (8.7%), followed by Pir (20.2%), PNB (27.6%) and Epi (31.3%) (p < .001).ConclusionsIn the assessed population, the use of a WPD PCA after THA offered better pain control and patient comfort in comparison with continuous epidural or piritramide-based analgesia. After TKA, the use of a Pir PCA provided superior analgesia and a lower complication rate compared to continuous PNB.

Quadratus Lumborum Block with Laparoscopic Assisted Catheter Placement Technique in Donor Nephrectomy: A Preliminary Report

Quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is a new fascial plane block that may be helpful for laparoscopic surgeries. In this present study, we aim to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of QLB in laparoscopic living related donor nephrectomy (LLRDN) applied continuously via a catheter that was placed under laparoscopic vision by the surgeon. Following the approval of the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Istanbul University, Istanbul Medical Faculty (2019/1552), 9 study (Group QLB) and 26 control (Group M) patients that underwent LLRDN were enrolled in this retrospective study. All donors underwent left nephrectomy via transperitoneal laparoscopic approach. An epidural catheter was placed between the QL and psoas major (PM) fascial plane intraoperatively by the surgeon under laparoscopic direct vision, and bupivacaine 0.25% 20 mL was injected through the catheter. After the operation, for group QLB, we used a continuous infusion of bupivacaine 0.1% 7 mL/h over 24 hours. Group M patients received intravenous morphine patient controlled analgesia for 24 hours, postoperatively. Pain scores, total morphine consumption, and complications during the first 24 hours after surgery were recorded. During the first postoperative 24 hours, morphine requirement decreased by more than 70% in Group QLB (Group QLB: 5.11 ± 1.16 mg vs Group M: 16.8 ± 7.1 mg) (P < .0001). Postoperative Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) values at the 45th minute and first hour were both significantly lower in Group QLB than Group M (P < .01). This preliminary report showed that QL catheter placement technique provides good postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing LLRDN. However, further randomized controlled studies with extended patient numbers are required to test the efficacy of the technic.

Safety and efficacy of percutaneous vesselplasty (Vessel-X) in the treatment of symptomatic thoracolumbar vertebral fractures

AIMS: to assess radiological and clinical outcomes, in terms of safety and efficacy, of symptomatic vertebral fractures with and without posterior wall and\or both endplates involvement, treated with vesselplasty technique (Vessel-X, Dragon Crown Medical Co., Ltd Shandong, China).&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 66 Patients who underwent 92 vesselplasty procedures, performed for the treatment of symptomatic vertebral body fractures from March 19 to September 2020. We divided the fractures in two subgroups: 36 vertebral fractures with posterior wall and/or both endplates involvement, which we defined complex, while all the others were defined simple. Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) values has been registered 1 day before the procedure and at 1, 6 and 12 months follow-up. We also evaluated vertebral height restoration by comparing pre-interventional with post-interventional imaging.&#x0D; RESULTS: 92 vertebrae were treated (58 lumbar, 34 thoracic), with 24 multilevel procedures. We observed a technical success rate of 100%, without major complications; a single case of asymptomatic paravertebral cement leak was reported. Both simple and complex subgroups registered a significative statistical difference in NRS and ODI between preoperative and at 1, 6 and 12 months (p 0.05). A significant statistical difference was demonstrated in vertebral height comparing pre-operative and post-operative data (p 0.05). No significant difference in vertebral height restoration was observed between simple and complex vertebral fractures groups.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: Vesselplasty represents a safe and effective technique for the treatment of both simple and complex painful vertebral fractures, granting a significant reduction of symptoms, excellent cement leakage control and proper vertebral height restoration.