ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Herpes zoster (HZ) is caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, which occurs frequently in liver transplant recipients with impaired cellular immunity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for HZ after adult liver transplantation (LT). METHODS: In our institution, 993 patients underwent adult LT from January 1997 to December 2013. We retrospectively analyzed the incidence rate of HZ and risk factors for HZ after LT. RESULTS: Of 993 LT recipients, 101 (10.2%) were diagnosed with HZ. The incidence of HZ at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years was 6.6%, 9.1%, 10.0%, and 11.9%, respectively. Therefore, we observed that the incidence of HZ after LT was 16.3 per 1,000 person-years. Older age (≥50 years) at LT and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) exposure were independent risk factors of HZ infection after adult LT. CONCLUSION: Patients older than 50 years or with MMF exposure are considered to be at high risk for HZ. Therefore, adult liver recipients with such factors should not be given strong immunosuppression treatments.
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Herpes Zoster , Herpesvirus 3, Human , Immunity, Cellular , Immunosuppression Therapy , Incidence , Liver Transplantation , Liver , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Transplant RecipientsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The presence of pain during interventional pain management such as prolotherapy and intramuscular stimulation is stressful to patients and can affect the treatment outcome. We studied the safety and efficacy of two drug regimens: midazolam alone and midazolam/alfentanil for sedation anesthesia during prolotherapy and intramuscular stimulation. METHODS: Fifty three patients received either midazolam 0.04-0.08 mg/kg (Group M) or midazolam 0.01-0.02 mg/kg with alfentanil 4-8microgram/kg (Group A) for prolotherapy or intramuscular stimulation. We recorded the pain response, sedation score and side effects during the procedure, as well as amnesia, satisfaction and time to discharge after the procedure. RESULTS: Both drug regimens had significant sedation scores, amnesia and overall provided patient satisfaction. The treatment of pain was superior in Group A. Respiratory depression of three patients occurred in Group A. The time to discharge was longer in Group M. CONCLUSIONS: Midazolam and midazolam/alfentanil used for sedation anesthesia during prolotherapy and intramuscular stimulation were both effective; however, midazolam alone was the safer approach.
Subject(s)
Humans , Alfentanil , Amnesia , Anesthesia , Midazolam , Pain Management , Patient Satisfaction , Respiratory Insufficiency , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Cervical disc herniation is one of the most common causes of neck, shoulder and arm pain. There are many treatments for a cervical disc herniation, such as rest, physical therapy, medication, epidural steroid injection and surgery. However, conservative treatments sometimes have limited effectiveness, and a surgical discectomy is often associated with numerous complications. Nowadays, a percutaneous discectomy, using a Dekompressor(R) , has been used in herniated disc patients, but a posterolateral extruded disc is not an indication. Herein, our experience using a 19 G Dekompressor(R) , on a 52 year-old male patient with a left C6 7 posterolateral extruded disc, is reported. Decompression was successfully performed, and the pain and range of motion was immediately improved.