Pharmaceutical interventions for drug-related problems in the neonatal intensive care unit: incidence, types, and acceptability.

Background: Drug-related problems (DRPs) are widespread in hospitalized neonates, but studies on the prevalence of DRPs in this population are limited. The presence of clinical pharmacists on multidisciplinary teams helps prevent and reduce DRPs. Aim: This investigation aimed to identify and classify the incidence of DRPs in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), to determine the determining factors associated with DRPs and to document clinical pharmacists' interventions, outcomes, acceptance rates and clinical significance. Method: A prospective descriptive hospital study was conducted from August to November 2023 at the NICU of Children's University Hospital, Assiut University, Egypt. DRPs were classified using the Pharmaceutical Care Network of Europe (PCNE) classification V9.1. Results: Three hundred sixteen neonates were included in the study, with a mean gestational age of 34 ± 4 weeks and a mean birth weight of 2.03 ± 0.85 kg. A total of 1723 DRPs occurred among 283 neonates (89.6%), an average of 5.5 ± 5.1 DRPs per patient. The main types were treatment effectiveness (P1) (799, 46.4%), followed by others (P3) (469, 27.2%), and treatment safety (P2) (455, 26.4%). The leading causes were dose selection (C3) (1264, 61.9%) and "other domain" (C9) (543, 26.6%). Of the 2149 interventions introduced by pharmacists, 98.8% were accepted and 93% were accepted, and fully implemented. As a result, 92% of the DRPs were resolved. Both length of hospital stay and number of medications were significantly associated with DRPs. Conclusion: DRPs are common in the NICU; this study demonstrated the crucial role of clinical pharmacists in identifying and resolving DRPs.

Use of Pre- and Intensified Postprocedural Physiotherapy in Patients with Symptomatic Aortic Stenosis Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Study (the 4P-TAVR Study).

BACKGROUND: Physiotherapy prior to open-heart surgery lowers the rate of pneumonia and length of the hospital stay. Pneumonia is a major contributor to short-term mortality following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Hence, we hypothesized that pre- and intensified postprocedural physiotherapy in patients undergoing TAVR might impact the net functional and clinical outcome. METHODS AND RESULTS: The 4P-TAVR study was a prospective, monocentric, randomized trial. The study was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of intensified periprocedural physiotherapy including inspiratory muscle training versus standard postprocedural physiotherapy. Patients were randomized in a 1 : 1 fashion. 108 patients were included and followed up for 90 days after TAVR. While patients in group A (control group: 50 patients, age: 81.7 ± 5.0 years, 52% male) did not receive physiotherapy prior to TAVR, group B (intervention group: 58 patients, age: 82.2 ± 5.82 years, 47% male) participated in intensive physiotherapy. Compared to the control group, patients in the interventional group showed a lower incidence of postinterventional pneumonia (10 [20.0%] vs. 3 [5.1%], p=0.016) and had a 3-day shorter mean hospital stay (13.5 ± 6.1 days vs. 10.1 ± 4.7 days, p=0.02). The primary composite endpoint of mortality and rehospitalization was not different between the groups. CONCLUSION: Intensified physiotherapy is safe and has positive effects on clinical outcomes up to 90 days after TAVR but has no impact on the primary combined endpoint of mortality and rehospitalization. Longer follow-up, a multicenter design, and a higher number of subjects are needed to confirm these preliminary results. This trial is registered with DRKS00017239.

A statistical study for impacts of environmental conditions on the rapid spread of new corona virus.

The new coronavirus, COVID-19, spread quickly and causes the death for thousands of people, and a major freeze for the economy and people activities worldwide. This study made statistical analysis for the influences of the environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, and air pollution, which may aid in spreading this virus very fast. The study also investigated statistically the impact of people customs such as smoking, drinking wine, and eating pig meat on the number of deaths among infected people. The study depicted reasons for spreading it in some places much more than others over the world. A statistical software SPSS was adopted to find a correlation among the different variables affecting the virus spread. The results exhibited a significant relationship between the suggested conditions and the virus spread. The study introduced two regression equations for expecting infected people and deaths based on the examined conditions for any region.

Interarytenoid botulinum toxin A injection for the treatment of vocal process granuloma.

OBJECTIVES: To report on the efficacy and adverse effects of interarytenoid botulinum toxin A injection for the treatment of vocal process granuloma. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of eight patients with vocal process granuloma resistant to anti-reflux therapy who underwent interarytenoid botulinum toxin A injection. The mean dosage of botulinum toxin A injected was 6.56 U. RESULTS: Fifty per cent of patients had complete regression of the lesion and 50 per cent had partial regression. The main side effects were breathiness (n = 4), voice breaks (n = 1) and aspiration (n = 1). CONCLUSION: Interarytenoid botulinum toxin A injection for the treatment of vocal process granuloma is an effective mode of therapy, with transient vocal and swallowing side effects.

Prevalence of dysphagia in patients with muscle tension dysphonia.

BACKGROUND: It is hypothesised that patients with muscle tension dysphonia have a high prevalence of dysphagia in comparison to normative values reported in the literature. METHODS: This prospective study included 44 subjects diagnosed with muscle tension dysphonia, based on symptoms and laryngoscopic findings, and 25 control subjects with no history of dysphonia and normal laryngeal examination findings. Demographic data included age, gender and smoking history. The aetiology of muscle tension dysphonia was classified as primary or secondary. Evaluation involved the Eating Assessment Tool ('EAT-10') questionnaire. RESULTS: Patients' mean age was 45.93 ± 14.95 years, with a female to male ratio of 1.2:1. Fourteen patients had primary muscle tension dysphonia, while 30 had secondary muscle tension dysphonia. Among patients with secondary muscle tension dysphonia, Reinke's oedema was the most common aetiology. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of dysphagia between the study group and the control group (40.9 per cent vs 8 per cent respectively, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a higher prevalence of dysphagia in patients with the presenting symptom of dysphonia and diagnosed with muscle tension dysphonia in comparison to subjects with no dysphonia.

Craniomaxillofacial trauma management in austere and war zone environments - A role for composite tissue allotransplantation?

Facial composite tissue allotransplantation (CTA) is a powerful reconstructive option in cases of extensive severe facial injury and tissue loss. Despite the risk of allograft rejection and the post-operative need for lifelong immunosuppression, facial CTA can be used to restore the normal structural appearance and function of the face. Areas of socioeconomic deprivation and armed conflict zones have a high preponderance of patients with facial burns and other severe injuries. However, these regions often also suffer from lack of resources, expert surgical care and limited facilities. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive review of key principles relevant to facial CTA and their potential applicability in such austere environments. We present a concise literature review of the surgical and immunological basis of facial CTA aimed at the plastic surgery readership, as well as issues surrounding organ transplantations in low- and middle- income countries. We then consider the particular challenges posed by austere settings and countries of active armed conflict and discuss how these may impact the suitability of facial CTA for treating severe facial injuries in these circumstances. Facial CTA is recognised as giving huge benefits for patients with severe facial defects with potentially superior results compared with conventional autograft techniques. Its performance in austere settings is limited by scarce resources and increased pre-, intra- and post- operative risks. However, a case can be made for its use even in these more challenging situations when general organ transplantation compliance and expertise input have been addressed.

L'allotransplantation faciale de tissu composite (ATTC) est une stratégie efficace de reconstruction des pertes de substance faciales étendue. Malgré la nécessité d'un traitement immunosuppresseur ad vitam aeternam, elle peut être utilisée pour restaurer une face fonctionnelle d'apparence normale. Les atteintes faciales graves par brûlure et/ou traumatisme sont fréquentes dans les zones défavorisées et de conflit armés. En outre, les moyens humains, structurels et financiers y sont limités. Cet article a pour but de présenter une revue des bases chirurgicales et immunologique de l'ATTC et de son application par les plasticiens dans des zones faiblement développées ou en conflit. L'efficacité de l'ACT en reconstruction faciale semble supérieure aux techniques de greffes classiques. Toutefois, les risques pré-, per- et post- opératoires sont augmentés en zone hostile. Elle semble toutefois utilisable si les nécessités inhérentes au suivi d'une allogreffe sont couvertes.

[Recommendations for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) : Consensus statement of DGIIN, DGK, DGTHG, DGfK, DGNI, DGAI, DIVI and GRC]. / Empfehlungen zur extrakorporalen kardiopulmonalen Reanimation (eCPR) : Konsensuspapier der DGIIN, DGK, DGTHG, DGfK, DGNI, DGAI, DIVI und GRC.

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) may be considered as a rescue attempt for highly selected patients with refractory cardiac arrest and potentially reversible etiology. Currently there are no randomized, controlled studies on eCPR, and valid predictors of benefit and outcome which might guide the indication for eCPR are lacking. Currently selection criteria and procedures differ across hospitals and standardized algorithms are lacking. Based on expert opinion, the present consensus statement provides a proposal for a standardized treatment algorithm for eCPR.

[Recommendations for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) : Consensus statement of DGIIN, DGK, DGTHG, DGfK, DGNI, DGAI, DIVI and GRC]. / Empfehlungen zur extrakorporalen kardiopulmonalen Reanimation (eCPR) : Konsensuspapier der DGIIN, DGK, DGTHG, DGfK, DGNI, DGAI, DIVI und GRC.

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) may be considered as a rescue attempt for highly selected patients with refractory cardiac arrest and potentially reversible etiology. Currently there are no randomized, controlled studies on eCPR, and valid predictors of benefit and outcome which might guide the indication for eCPR are lacking. Currently selection criteria and procedures differ across hospitals and standardized algorithms are lacking. Based on expert opinion, the present consensus statement provides a proposal for a standardized treatment algorithm for eCPR.

Health related quality of life after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in refractory cardiac arrest.

BACKGROUND: Recent data identifies extracorporeal cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) as a potential addendum of conventional cardiopulmonary-resuscitation (cCPR) in highly specified circumstances and selected patients. However, consented criteria indicating eCPR are lacking. Therefore we provide first insights into the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes of patients treated with eCPR in a real world setting. METHODS: Retrospective single-center experience of 60 consecutive patients treated with eCPR between 01/2014 and 06/2016 providing 1-year survival- and HRQoL data obtained through the Short-Form 36 Survey (SF-36) after refractory out-of-hospital- (OHCA) and in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) of presumed cardiac etiology. RESULTS: Resuscitation efforts until initiation of eCPR averaged 66 ±â€¯35 min and 63.3% of the patients suffered from OHCA. Fifty-five (91.7%) of the overall events were witnessed and bystander-CPR was performed in 73.3% (n = 44) of cases. Cause of arrest was dominated by acute myocardial infarction (AMI, 66.7%) and initial rhythm slightly outbalanced by ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia (VF/VT 53.3%). 12-month survival was 31%. Survivors experienced more often bystander-CPR (p = .001) and a shorter duration of cCPR (p = .002). While mid-term survivors' perceived HRQoL was compromised compared to controls (p ≦ .0001 for PF, RP, RE and BP; p = .007 for GH; p = .016 for SF; p = .030 for MH; p = .108 for VT), scores however resembled HRQoL of subjects on hemodialysis, following cardiogenic shock or pulmonary failure treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). CONCLUSIONS: While HRQoL scores of our survivors ranged markedly below controls, compared to patients on chronic hemodialysis, following ECMO for cardiogenic shock or pulmonary failure most of the discrepancies ameliorated. Thus, successfull eCPR in properly selected patients does translate into an encouraging HRQoL approximating chronic renal failure.

[Cardiac arrest in a fitness trainer with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy associated with cor triatriatum sinister]. / Plötzlicher Herztod einer Fitnesstrainerin mit hypertropher Kardiomyopathie vom apikalen Typ assoziiert mit Cor triatriatum sinister.

We report on a 49-year-old fitness trainer, who was admitted to our hospital after cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation. Return of spontaneous circulation was achieved after immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Coronary angiography could exclude coronary artery disease. Echocardiography demonstrated the presence of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, associated with cor triatriatum sinister. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging additionally showed marked myocardial fibrosis. The patient underwent placement of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and was subsequently discharged for rehabilitation in good condition.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of pre-clinical studies assessing the effect of nicotine on osseointegration.

Nicotine has been associated with vasoconstriction and an impaired cellular healing response. It is therefore likely that nicotine jeopardizes osseointegration. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess pre-clinical studies on the effect of nicotine on implant osseointegration. Databases were searched up to and including March 2016 for animal/non-human studies using the following Keywords: bone to implant contact; implant; nicotine; osseointegration; bone healing; and new bone formation. In total eight in vivo design studies were included and processed for data extraction. Five studies reported no significant influence of nicotine on healing around implants. Quantitative analysis of the effects of nicotine on the osseointegration of dental implants showed a significant difference in bone-to-implant contact between test and control subjects (Z=-2.49; P=0.014). From the studies included in the present review; it appears that nicotine has an effect on implant osseointegration.

Indications for and outcome of primary repair compared with faecal diversion in the management of traumatic colon injury.

AIM: Injuries of the colon are a serious sequel of abdominal trauma owing to the associated morbidity and mortality. This study aims to assess postoperative outcome and complications of faecal diversion and primary repair of colon injuries when applied according to established guidelines for the management of colon injuries. METHOD: This retrospective study was conducted on 110 patients with colon injuries. Guided by estimation of risk factors, patients were managed either by primary repair alone, repair with proximal diversion or diversion alone. RESULTS: There were 102 (92.7%) male patients and 8 (7.3%) female patients of median age 38 years. Thirty-seven were managed by primary repair and 73 by faecal diversion. Colon injuries were caused by penetrating abdominal trauma in 65 and blunt trauma in 45 patients. Forty-three patients were in shock on admission, and were all managed by faecal diversion. Forty patients developed 84 complications after surgery. Primary repair had a significantly lower complication rate than faecal diversion (P = 0.037). Wound infection was the commonest complication. The overall mortality rate was 3.6%. CONCLUSION: Primary repair, when employed properly, resulted in a significantly lower complication rate than faecal diversion. Significant predictive factors associated with a higher complication rate were faecal diversion, severe faecal contamination, multiple colon injuries, an interval of more than 12 h after colon injury and shock.

Enhancing the care of women with rheumatic diseases during pregnancy: challenges and unmet needs in the Middle East.

Pregnancy in women with rheumatic disorders is known to be associated with risks for both the mother and fetus; however, these risks can be minimized with proper planning and careful management of the disease. In the Middle East, there are specific cultural challenges that may have a negative impact on the care that women with rheumatic disorders receive. There is a need for cross-collaboration between specialist physicians, improved awareness of rheumatic disorders among the general public and more open discussion with patients about the potential complications of pregnancy. Women in the region are often unwilling to discuss their disease with their partner and are even less likely to seek advice regarding family planning from their physician. The objective of this review is to highlight the specific challenges of pregnancy management and to discuss why establishing specialist pregnancy clinics for women with rheumatic disorders could be an effective solution. Such clinics can provide high quality care before, during and after pregnancy as shown in several European and US centers. Additionally, such clinics could be useful for the collection of pregnancy outcomes data from the Middle East, which may currently be lacking in the region, in order to highlight where further improvements can be made. With specialist care and analysis of pregnancy outcomes, the standard of care for women with rheumatic disorders in this area could be significantly improved.

The CC-genotype of the cyclooxygenase-2 gene associates with decreased risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a Tunisian population.

BACKGROUND: The cyclooxygenase-2 (cox-2) pathway is now recognized to be important in human cancer development and progression. The gene for cox-2 carries a common single nucleotide polymorphism, T8473C, located within a potential functional region in the 3'-UTR of cox-2 gene was identified. We have investigated the frequencies of cox-2 genotypes in Tunisian population to determine whether that polymorphism was associated with the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in Tunisian population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and eighty-nine NPC patients were compared to 237 healthy controls. RESULTS: The cox-2 T8473C polymorphism was significantly associated with NPC (P=0.031). The CC-genotype and C allele were more frequent in control compared to patients group [CC: OR=0.37; P=0.013; 95% CI: 0.17-0.81; C: OR=0.72; P=0.032; 95% CI: 0.53-0.97]. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the CC-genotype was associated with a significantly decreased risk of NPC (P=0.013). Tumor sizes, histologic grade, presence of primary lymph node metastases, age or sex were not associated with cox-2 genotypes. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the CC-genotype and C allele of cox-2 T8473C gene polymorphism are associated with decreased risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a Tunisian population.

Familial idiopathic basal ganglia calcification (Fahr`s disease).

Familial idiopathic basal ganglia calcification (Fahr`s disease) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by symmetrical and bilateral calcification of the basal ganglia. Calcifications may also occur in other brain regions such as dentate nucleus, thalamus, and cerebral cortex. Both familial and non-familial cases of Fahr`s disease have been reported, predominantly with autosomal-dominant fashion. The disease has a wide range of clinical presentations, predominantly with neuropsychiatric features and movement disorders. Psychiatric features reported in the literature include: cognitive impairment, depression, hallucinations, delusions, manic symptoms, anxiety, schizophrenia-like psychosis, and personality change. Other clinical features include: Parkinsonism, ataxia, headache, seizures, vertigo, stroke-like events, orthostatic hypotension, tremor, dysarthria, and paresis. Fahr`s disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of psychiatric symptoms, particularly when associated with movement disorder. The disease should be differentiated from other conditions that can cause intracranial calcification. No specific treatment is currently available. Further research is needed to bridge the gap existing in our current knowledge of the prevalence, etiology, symptoms, and treatment of Fahr`s disease.