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1.
J Occup Health ; 2024 May 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38713917

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Police officials' stressful and physically demanding activities were reported with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study explored the prevalence of CVD risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and overweight among police officials in Kerala, India. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 255 police officials in selected police stations in the Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. The World Health Organization STEPs questionnaire for non-communicable disease risk factor surveillance was used to collect information. We collected STEP 1(demographics, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and diet) and STEP 2 (weight, height, and blood pressure) data. Multivariable analysis was done to identify factors associated with hypertension. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 42 years (range:30-55 years) and the majority were men (83.5%). Current use of tobacco or alcohol was reported by 22.7% of the participants. The prevalence of overweight was 64.7% and physical inactivity was 35.1%. Self-reported prevalence of diabetes was 7.5% and hyperlipidemia was 11.4%. Hypertension prevalence was 40.4%. Among hypertensives, 35.9% were aware, 20.4% were treated, and 5.8% had controlled blood pressure. The control rate was 28.6% among treated hypertensives. When controlling for age, diabetic [Odds Ratio (OR): 3.57, 95% CI:1.16-10.90] and overweight (OR:1.88, CI:1.06-3.35) participants were more likely to have hypertension compared to their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Police officers have a high prevalence of significant CVD risk factors such as hypertension, physical inactivity, and being overweight. These findings reinforce the need for interventions addressing the above risk factors to prevent CVD in this population.

2.
Acta Orthop Belg ; 90(1): 83-89, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38669655

ABSTRACT

There is no consensus as to the optimal skeletal fixation method for Gustilo-Anderson IIIb fractures. External fixation methods have previously shown higher rates of superficial infection, whilst internal fixation has shown higher risk of deep infection, but lower risk of other complications. This paper investigates outcomes in open tibial fractures based on fixation method. A retrospective review was performed for patients presenting to an ortho-plastic unit with GA IIIb tibial fractures between June 2013 and October 2021. 85 patients were identified. The most common implant was an intramedullary nail (IMN), used in 29 patients (34.1%); open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) was performed in 16 patients (18.8%). 18 patients (21.2%) were definitively managed with a frame alone. Mean follow-up from was 18 months (2-77). Patients with ORIF needed a mean of 3.37 operations; it was 2.48 for IMN which was significantly different from frames at 5.00 (p=0.000). The mean time to bony union after definitive fixation was 11.4 months. This differed depending on the implant used for fixation, with ORIF at 7.1 months, 10.1 for IMN, and frames at 17.2 months; ORIF significantly differed from frames (p=0.009). Superficial infection was common, seen in 38.8% of patients, and only 3 patients (4%) developed deep infections involving metalwork, with no difference in rates of either based on fixation method This study supports that ORIF has faster healing times, with less time to union compared to frames. It also shows that no implant was superior to another in terms of outcomes.


Subject(s)
Fracture Fixation, Internal , Fractures, Open , Tibial Fractures , Humans , Tibial Fractures/surgery , Male , Female , Retrospective Studies , Fractures, Open/surgery , Middle Aged , Adult , Aged , Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods , Treatment Outcome , Young Adult , Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary/methods , Open Fracture Reduction/methods , Adolescent , Aged, 80 and over
3.
Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) ; 36(1): e61-e71, 2024 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37953073

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Global guidelines recommend that all older patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy should undergo a geriatric assessment. However, utilisation of the geriatric assessment is often constrained by its time-intensive nature, which limits its adoption in settings with limited resources and high demand. There is a lack of evidence correlating the results of the geriatric assessment with survival from the Indian subcontinent. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to assess the impact of the geriatric assessment on survival in older Indian patients with cancer and to identify the factors associated with survival in these older patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observational study, conducted in the geriatric oncology clinic of the Tata Memorial Hospital (Mumbai, India). Patients aged 60 years and older with cancer who underwent a geriatric assessment were enrolled. We assessed the non-oncological geriatric domains of function and falls, nutrition, comorbidities, cognition, psychology, social support and medications. Patients exhibiting impairment in two or more domains were classified as frail. RESULTS: Between June 2018 and January 2022, we enrolled 897 patients. The median age was 69 (interquartile range 65-73) years. The common malignancies were lung (40.5%), oesophagus (31.9%) and genitourinary (12.1%); 54.6% had metastatic disease. Based on the results of the geriatric assessment, 767 (85.4%) patients were frail. The estimated median overall survival in fit patients was 24.3 (95% confidence interval 18.2-not reached) months, compared with 11.2 (10.1-12.8) months in frail patients (hazard ratio 0.54; 95% confidence interval 0.41-0.72, P < 0.001). This difference in overall survival remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, primary tumour and metastatic status (hazard ratio 0.56; 95% confidence interval 0.41-0.74, P < 0.001). In the patients with a performance status of 0 or 1 (n = 454), 365 (80.4%) were frail; the median overall survival in the performance status 0-1 group was 33.0 months (95% confidence interval 24.31-not reached) in the fit group versus 14.4 months (95% confidence interval 12.25-18.73) in the frail patients (hazard ratio 0.50; 95% confidence interval 0.34-0.74, P = 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, the geriatric assessment domains that were predictive of survival were function (hazard ratio 0.68; 95% confidence interval 0.52-0.88; P = 0.003), nutrition (hazard ratio 0.64; 95% confidence interval 0.48-0.85, P = 0.002) and cognition (hazard ratio 0.67; 95% confidence interval 0.49-0.91, P = 0.011). DISCUSSION: The geriatric assessment is a powerful prognostic tool for survival among older Indian patients with cancer. The geriatric assessment is prognostic even in the cohort of patients thought to be the fittest, i.e. performance status 0 and 1. Our study re-emphasises the critical importance of the geriatric assessment in all older patients planned for cancer-directed therapy.


Subject(s)
Geriatric Assessment , Neoplasms , Aged , Humans , Middle Aged , Geriatric Assessment/methods , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Prognosis , Proportional Hazards Models , Comorbidity
4.
J Pharm Bioallied Sci ; 15(Suppl 1): S383-S390, 2023 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37654287

ABSTRACT

Aim: Pain management is a cornerstone in the practice of endodontics. However, optimum pain control has been a challenge in cases of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis resulting in a "hot tooth." Thus, the objective of the study is to assess the knowledge and attitude and to determine the clinical protocols of "hot tooth" management followed among general practitioners and specialists. Materials and Methods: The KAP questionnaire contained 05 knowledge, 04 attitudes, and 06 practice-related items. The questionnaire was pretested among 10 randomly selected general dentists and endodontists. Testing-retesting was also performed. The questionnaire was self-administered and the acceptance to answer the questionnaire was considered consent to participate in the study. The sample size was calculated to be 200 with a 95% level of confidence. Descriptive statistics were used. For significance level, P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The Chi-square test was used for comparison between the endodontists and the general dentists. Results: The anesthetic techniques that clinicians are most skilled in are infiltration and inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) - 96.6% and 98.5% respectively. The intraosseous technique (IO) was the least preferred technique (6.8%). The most common supplementary injection used among both the BDS and MDS graduates was intrapulpal anesthesia. In cases of acute pulpitis, 54% of the respondents prescribed NSAIDs as a pre-anesthetic medication. Conclusion: The current study shows that supplemental injections like intraosseous and intraligamental techniques are underutilized. Also, the benefits of preanesthetic medication for hot tooth management are not harnessed among clinicians despite the sufficient body of evidence.

5.
J Pharm Bioallied Sci ; 15(Suppl 1): S110-S113, 2023 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37654296

ABSTRACT

The goal of this study is to find a cure for the masticatory muscle disease known as hemimasticatory spasm (HMS). This retrospective investigation intends to find a more efficient therapeutic approach for HMS patients by examining the clinical effectiveness of masseteric nerve avulsion performed on HMS using a temporomandibular arthroscope. A clinical study was piloted where the subjects were treated for masseter nerve avulsion by TMJ arthroscopy. The follow-up was done till 2 years, and the subjects were evaluated for the various characteristics like difficulties, masticatory abilities, and various sounds at the joint for the various functions of the joint. The diagnosis was done using the electrophysiological electromyogram (EMG) at the designated time intervals. There was a complete remission in all the subjects. The masseter nerve avulsion was effective since the scores lowered. Within 3 years of the operation, electrophysiological EMG depicted no discharge potential with a high frequency, and the total efficiency when paired with the clinical effectiveness was deemed acceptable. The maximal masseter power between the treated and nontreated sides was comparable. The mastication, on comparing, was also as effective as the normal side; however, lower mastication was noted in the first year. The avulsed nerve tissues lacked any apparent demyelination. Masseteric nerve avulsion with temporomandibular arthroscope assistance provided acceptable and stable total effectiveness for the intervention of the hemimasticatory spasm. While the strength of the muscle of the afflicted side was only marginally reduced, its masticatory effectiveness was optimally preserved.

6.
Natl J Maxillofac Surg ; 14(3): 485-491, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38273917

ABSTRACT

Fascial space infections are common emergencies presented to a maxillofacial surgeon. Space infection requires early diagnosis and prompt management. When left untreated, space infection spreads and involves not just one space, but also its adjacent spaces. Abscess in the head and neck region are treated by surgical incision and drainage, along with antibiotics and removal of the causative factor. The surgical incision and drainage of an abscess, if carried out based on physical examination may result in, excessive pain, tissue trauma, unnecessary extensive incisions, excess time and failure to locate and evacuate the abscess fluid. To avoid all such complications, ultrasonography is not only an invaluable diagnostic tool but also aids in ultrasonography guided drainage of fascial space infections.

7.
J Family Med Prim Care ; 11(6): 3000-3005, 2022 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36119227

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The clinical and epidemiological presentations of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in India is still not well explored. We studied the epidemiological and clinical profile and outcomes of COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary care private hospital in Kerala, India. Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed data of 476 adult (≥18 years) COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Kerala from September 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021. The patients were categorized into mild, moderate, and severe cases and followed till discharge or death. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 with a significance set at P < 0.05. Results: The median age was 57 years (56% men). Mild, moderate, and severe cases accounted for 17%, 65%, and 18%, respectively. Around 75% had at least one comorbidity, and 51% had multiple comorbidities. The most common comorbidities were diabetes (45%), hypertension (44%), dyslipidemia (15%), and cardiac problems (12%). The elevated D-dimer values among patients in different categories were significantly different, with 74% in severe, 46% in moderate, and 19% in mild category patients. Serum ferritin, C-reactive protein, lactic acid dehydrogenase, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio values were significantly higher for severely ill patients. Thirty deaths (67% men) occurred during the study period, with a case fatality rate of 6.3%. Mortality mainly happened in the older age group (80%) and those with multimorbidity (90%). Conclusion: Age and multimorbidity are the major contributing factors for death in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Generalization of the findings necessitates well-designed large-scale studies.

8.
J Epidemiol Glob Health ; 12(1): 104-112, 2022 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35006580

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: India has a dual burden of tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM). Integrated care for TB/DM is still in the early phase in the country and can be considerably enhanced by understanding and addressing the challenges identified from stakeholders' perspectives. This study explored the challenges and opportunities at individual, health system and policy level for integrated care of TB/DM comorbidities in India. METHODS: We used an outlier case study approach and conducted stakeholder interviews and focus group discussions with relevant program personnel including field staff and program managers of TB and DM control programs as well as officials of partners in Indian states, Kerala and Bihar. RESULTS: The integrated management requires strengthening the laboratory diagnosis and drug management components of the two individual programs for TB and DM. Focused training and sensitization of healthcare workers in public and private sector across all levels is essential. A district level management unit that coordinates the two vertical programs with a horizontal integration at the primary care level is the way forward. Substantial improvement in data infrastructure is essential to improve decision-making process. CONCLUSION: Bi-directional screening and management of TB/DM comorbidities in India requires substantial investment in human resources, infrastructure, drug availability, and data infrastructure.


Subject(s)
Delivery of Health Care, Integrated , Diabetes Mellitus , Tuberculosis , Diabetes Mellitus/diagnosis , Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology , Diabetes Mellitus/therapy , Health Personnel , Humans , India/epidemiology , Private Sector , Tuberculosis/diagnosis , Tuberculosis/epidemiology , Tuberculosis/prevention & control
9.
Health Res Policy Syst ; 19(Suppl 2): 56, 2021 Aug 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34380514

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: With increased penetration of the internet and social media, there are concerns regarding its negative role in influencing parents' decisions regarding vaccination for their children. It is perceived that a mix of religious reasons and propaganda by anti-vaccination groups on social media are lowering the vaccination coverage in Malappuram district of Kerala. We undertook a qualitative study to understand the factors responsible for generating and perpetuating vaccine hesitancy, the pathways of trust deficit in immunization programs and the interaction between various social media actors. METHODS: In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted among parents/caregivers, physicians, public sector health staff, alternative system medical practitioners, field healthcare workers and teachers in areas with highest and lowest vaccination coverage in the district, as well as with communication experts. RESULTS: The trust deficit between parents/caregivers and healthcare providers is created by multiple factors, such as providers' lack of technical knowledge, existing patriarchal societal norms and critical views of vaccine by naturopaths and homeopaths. Anti-vaccine groups use social media to influence caregivers' perceptions and beliefs. Religion does not appear to play a major role in creating vaccine resistance in this setting. CONCLUSIONS: A long-term, multipronged strategy should be adopted to address the trust deficit. In the short to medium term, the health sector can focus on appropriate and targeted vaccine-related communication strategies, including the use of infographics, soft skills training for healthcare workers, technical competency improvement through a mobile application-based repository of information and creation of a media cell to monitor vaccine-related conversations in social media and to intervene if needed.


Subject(s)
Social Media , Vaccines , Child , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Immunization Programs , Patient Acceptance of Health Care , Trust , Vaccination
10.
Semin Intervent Radiol ; 38(1): 3-8, 2021 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33883796

ABSTRACT

Trauma is a major cause of death in the United States, particularly in the younger population. Many traumatic deaths, as well as major morbidity, occur secondary to uncontrolled hemorrhage and eventual exsanguination. Interventional radiology plays a major role in treating these patients, and interventional techniques have evolved to the point where they are an integral part of treatment in these critically ill patients. This article reviews the role of interventional radiology in the treatment algorithms for traumatic injury sponsored by major societies and associations.

11.
J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg ; 122(3): 315-318, 2021 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32977036

ABSTRACT

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) ankylosis as a sequelae following hemarthrosis from trauma, middle ear infection and progressive debilitating arthritis of various etiologies has been well understood, but challenges always arise in terms of choosing least morbid procedure with maximum functional outcome. Total joint replacement (TJR) is the common final stage correction mandating extensive surgical exposure with good technical expertise with its limitations of risk of failure and complications. A case of post-traumatic TMJ degeneration with ankylosis reconstructed using a customised GD-condylar cap prosthesis is described. The patient had an uneventful post-operative period with an acceptable functional outcome. CONCLUSION: The condylar cap prosthesis is a bio-compatible and biomechanically designed in such a way that it can be used for indicated cases by performing minimally invasive surgical technique to achieve an optimal functional and aesthetic outcome.


Subject(s)
Ankylosis , Arthroplasty, Replacement , Joint Prosthesis , Temporomandibular Joint Disorders , Ankylosis/diagnosis , Ankylosis/etiology , Ankylosis/surgery , Humans , Temporomandibular Joint/surgery , Temporomandibular Joint Disorders/complications , Temporomandibular Joint Disorders/surgery
12.
J Trop Pediatr ; 66(2): 228-230, 2020 04 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31504992

ABSTRACT

Four-year old boy was admitted with acute onset of fever with seizures and altered sensorium. His mother had history of contact with influenza A H1N1 virus (H1N1) infection. Blood counts, electrolytes, blood sugar and ammonia were normal. Liver enzymes were mildly elevated. CSF study showed elevated protein, normal sugar and no pleocytosis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) viral panel was negative. Magnetic resonance imaging brain was suggestive of acute necrotizing encephalopathy. His throat swab and sputum polymerase chain reaction was positive for H1N1. He was managed with ventilation, intravenous steroids and other supportive measures. At discharge his sensorium improved but had neurological sequelae. We are presenting this case as this is a very rare complication of H1N1 infection with high rate of mortality. Early supportive measures and steroids/intravenous immunoglobulin may save the patient.


Subject(s)
Acute Febrile Encephalopathy/diagnosis , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Fever/etiology , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/isolation & purification , Influenza, Human/complications , Leigh Disease/diagnosis , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Seizures/etiology , Acute Disease , Acute Febrile Encephalopathy/virology , Child, Preschool , Humans , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/genetics , Liver/pathology , Male , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Sputum/virology , Syndrome
13.
BJOG ; 126 Suppl 4: 43-49, 2019 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30868706

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To study maternal complications and pregnancy outcome in women with pulmonary hypertension, attending a tertiary centre in south India. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: Tertiary centre in south India. POPULATION: Pregnant women with pulmonary hypertension. METHOD: Data regarding demographics, clinical course, medication received, and echocardiographic diagnosis regarding pulmonary hypertension and antenatal care received were collected from the records. Details of labour and delivery, and postpartum follow up were retrieved. We compared the outcome based on the presence or absence of cyanosis and right ventricular systolic pressure levels. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Maternal mortality, occurrence of complications such as heart failure, fetal growth restriction. RESULTS: There were 81 pregnancies in 73 women with pulmonary hypertension. The majority of them had pulmonary hypertension secondary to congenital heart disease (80.8%); 17.8% had Eisenmenger syndrome. An advanced pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) medication, sildenafil, was administered in 25 (31.3%) pregnancies. There were four maternal deaths, of which three had Eisenmenger syndrome. Heart failure complicated 6.3% and fetal growth restriction 26.3% of pregnancies. Morbidity was significantly increased in women with pulmonary hypertension associated with a cyanotic cardiac lesion or with right ventricular systolic pressure >70 mmHg. CONCLUSION: Despite advances in care, mortality in pregnant women with pulmonary hypertension is a matter of concern, especially in those with Eisenmenger syndrome. Multidisciplinary team management in tertiary centres and the use of advanced PAH medications even in low- to middle-income countries with limited resources, could lead to a reduction in morbidity and mortality related to pulmonary hypertension. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Multidisciplinary care and use of new medication may improve outcomes in pregnant women with pulmonary hypertension.


Subject(s)
Eisenmenger Complex/mortality , Hypertension, Pulmonary/mortality , Maternal Mortality , Perinatal Death , Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular/mortality , Adult , Eisenmenger Complex/diagnosis , Female , Fetal Growth Retardation/etiology , Gestational Age , Humans , Hypertension, Pulmonary/diagnosis , India/epidemiology , Middle Aged , Postpartum Period , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular/diagnosis , Premature Birth/epidemiology , Retrospective Studies
16.
Mymensingh Med J ; 26(4): 927-933, 2017 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29208886

ABSTRACT

The aim was to study the angiographic profile in patients presented as acute coronary syndrome and its relation with risk factors and comparison between genders. This prospective observational study was performed on total 352 patients of acute coronary syndrome were analyzed for various risk factors, angiographic pattern in Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, South India from January 2015 to July 2016. Mean age of presentation was 52.62±11.63 years. Male were 271(77.0%) and female were 81(23.0%). Majority of patients were STEMI (67.6%) followed by UA (24.4%) and NSTEMI (8%). Smoker was 117(33.3%) patients. Hypertensive were 124(35.2%) of patients and 149(42.3%) were diabetics. Family history of CAD was positive in 45(12.8%). On angiographic evaluation left main reference diameter was lower in females (4.02±0.72) than males (4.07±0.82). LAD was most commonly involved followed by RCA and LCX among all three group of acute coronary syndrome. Left main was least involved (8.3%). In STEMI SVD (40.3%) was most common presentation, after that DVD was seen in 22.3%, TVD in 10.5%, non-obstructive coronary was seen in 16% of patients and normal coronary was seen in 11% of patients. In UA 28%, 22.8%, 13.2%, 15.8%, 20.2% was seen in SVD, DVD, TVD, non-obstructive and normal coronary respectively. Long length coronary lesions (>20mm) were seen in majority in all type of acute coronary syndrome. Coronary lesion length was not associated with presentation acute coronary syndrome and genders. Male were most commonly presented as acute coronary syndrome. STEMI was most common presentation. Diabetic was most prevalent risk factor. SVD was most common angiographic pattern and LAD was most common involved arteries.


Subject(s)
Acute Coronary Syndrome , Coronary Angiography , Acute Coronary Syndrome/diagnostic imaging , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , India , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Risk Factors
17.
Anaesthesia ; 72(9): 1125-1133, 2017 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28696015

ABSTRACT

We investigated the strength of commonly used spinal needles in relation to the amount of deformation, and registered forces during standardised testing. We investigated differences between manufacturers for the same length and gauge of Luer and non-Luer needles, and examined the effect of the internal stylet in terms of needle strength. A specialised rig was designed to perform the testing in both the horizontal and axial plane, reflecting common industrial tests and clinical use. Needles from four commonly used manufacturers were used (Vygon, Becton Dickinson, B Braun, and Pajunk). Needles of 25 G and 27 G were tested in 90-mm and 120-mm lengths. We found significant differences in terms of the size of final deformation and 'toughness'/resistance to deformation between needles of different brands. There were also significant differences between horizontal tests conducted as an industry standard and our own axial test. This may have bearing on clinical use in terms of the incidence of bending and breakage. The presence of the internal stylet resulted in significantly greater toughness in many needles, but had little effect on the degree of deformation. Comparison of Luer and non-Luer needles of the same brand and size showed few significant differences in strength. This result is reassuring, given the imminent change from Luer to non-Luer needles that is to occur in the UK.


Subject(s)
Anesthesia, Spinal/instrumentation , Needles , Equipment Design , Health Care Sector , Humans , Injections, Spinal , Mechanical Phenomena , Needles/standards , United Kingdom
18.
Aliment Pharmacol Ther ; 45(11): 1427-1432, 2017 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28382751

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ledipasvir and sofosbuvir is a well-tolerated regimen with high sustained virological response (SVR) rates in pre-liver transplant patients infected with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), but data in liver transplant recipients outside of clinical trials is limited. AIM: To address this knowledge gap and assess SVR rates without the use of ribavirin in liver transplant recipients METHODS: This is a retrospective study examining the treatment of 75 post-liver transplant recipients with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir without ribavirin. Differences between SVR cohorts and predictors of SVR were analysed in an intention-to-treat (ITT) fashion. RESULTS: A total of 408 genotype 1, HCV patients were treated with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir from October 2014 to August 2015 at our centre. Seventy-three patients were post-liver transplant and were treated with a median of 2.9 years from transplant. Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir achieved an SVR12 of 95.9%. African Americans made up 28.8% of the cohort. Sixty-three per cent of patients were treated previously, including 13.7% of patients previously treated with direct-acting antivirals. Only 2.7% had recurrent allograft cirrhosis, and the majority (90.4%) was on calcineurin inhibitor based immunosuppressive therapy. Approximately 82% of patients had chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 2 or 3. In univariate logistic regression, only detectable week 8 viral load was predictive of failure to achieve SVR. CONCLUSION: Our data confirm excellent SVR outcomes and favourable safety and tolerability profiles with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir without ribavirin in post-liver transplant recipients infected with HCV, despite treatment guidelines to use ribavirin.


Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents/administration & dosage , Benzimidazoles/administration & dosage , Fluorenes/administration & dosage , Hepatitis C, Chronic/drug therapy , Liver Transplantation , Sofosbuvir/administration & dosage , Aged , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , Drug Therapy, Combination , Female , Genotype , Hepacivirus/genetics , Humans , Liver Cirrhosis/drug therapy , Logistic Models , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Sustained Virologic Response , Treatment Outcome , Viral Load
19.
Anaesthesia ; 72(6): 749-754, 2017 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28251614

ABSTRACT

We investigated the flow rates of 25-G and 27-G spinal needles, of 90-mm and 120-mm lengths, from Vygon, BD, B. Braun and Pajunk; the needles had either a Luer connector, or a Surety® or UniVia® non-Luer connector. We used a bench-top model of entering the spinal space, pressurised to 35 cmH2 O to simulate cerebrospinal fluid pressure in the sitting position. We examined the time to first appearance of simulated cerebrospinal fluid in the needle hub, as well as the amount of fluid collected over 120 s after the needle was introduced. The mean (SD) times to first appearance of fluid in the needle hub of Luer spinal needles varied from 0.36 (0.22) s for the 25-G 90-mm BD to 3.14 (0.72) s for the 27-G 120-mm B. Braun, and in the non-Luer spinal needles from 0.22 (0.17) s for the 25-G 90-mm B. Braun to 2.99 (0.71) s for the 27-G 120-mm Pajunk. There was a significant difference in the time to first appearance of fluid in the needle hub between Luer and non-Luer needles of the same type for seven of 14 comparisons made, of which four showed slower appearance of fluid in the non-Luer version. In some of these cases, the time to appearance of fluid was nearly twice as long with the non-Luer counterpart. The mean (SD) weight of fluid collected in 120 s using the Luer spinal needles varied from 0.21 (0.05) g for the 27-G 120-mm Pajunk to 1.21 (0.18) g for the 25-G 90-mm Vygon, and using the non-Luer spinal needles from 0.25 (0.05) g for the 27-G 120-mm Pajunk to 1.55 (0.05) g for the 25-G 90-mm B. Braun. All of the needle types showed a greater weight of fluid collected using the non-Luer compared with the Luer version, with six of the 14 needle types showing a significant difference. Significant variations in flow were also seen between the same needle type from different manufacturers. We conclude that changing from Luer to non-Luer versions of spinal needles does not merely change the hub design and connection, but may introduce important differences in function.


Subject(s)
Anesthesia, Spinal/instrumentation , Needles , Cerebrospinal Fluid/chemistry , Equipment Design , Humans
20.
Ann R Coll Surg Engl ; 99(4): e115-e117, 2017 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28349756

ABSTRACT

Extruded talus is a rare serious result from a high-energy injury to a supinated and plantar flexed foot. Treatment remains controversial with a lack of congruent evidence for talar reimplantation. A 34-year-old woman was involved in a road traffic accident at 40 mph. Imaging revealed a left talus extruded anterolaterally with a talar neck fracture. Additional injuries included right acetabular fracture, transverse process fractures and rib fractures, which were treated conservatively. The talus was reimplanted and the talar neck fixed with a cortical screw. A hindfoot nail was used to fuse the calcaneus, talus and tibia. Follow-up at two years showed solid tibiotalocalcaneal fusion, with no evidence of avascular development, and the patient was fully weight bearing without pain. We believe this is the first published case of successful primary tibiotalocalcaneal fusion for extruded talus injuries.


Subject(s)
Ankle Fractures/surgery , Ankle Injuries/surgery , Ankle Joint/surgery , Arthrodesis/methods , Bone Screws , Replantation/methods , Talus/injuries , Accidents, Traffic , Acetabulum/injuries , Adult , Calcaneus/surgery , Female , Humans , Multiple Trauma , Rib Fractures , Subtalar Joint/surgery , Talus/surgery , Tibia/surgery
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