A Patient With Bilateral Conjunctivitis Positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a Conjunctival Sample.

PURPOSE: To present a patient with bilateral conjunctivitis, testing positive for viral RNA of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in both nasopharyngeal and conjunctival samples. METHODS: A 40-year-old man with bilateral acute conjunctivitis and suspicious signs of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presented to the hospital. A detailed ophthalmic examination was performed. Samples obtained from conjunctival and nasopharyngeal swabs were tested by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus. Ocular findings and duration of the presence of viral RNA in the conjunctival specimens were evaluated at follow-up visits. RESULTS: Slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed bilateral acute follicular conjunctivitis. The RT-PCR assay demonstrated the presence of viral RNA in the nasopharyngeal and conjunctival specimens at the initial visit and at the 4-day follow-up. Conjunctivitis findings were decreased after 4 days and recovered completely without any sequelae within10 days. The PCR results of both nasopharyngeal and conjunctiva specimens were negative for the viral RNA at 10 days. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral conjunctivitis is rare in patients infected with COVID-19. Although it is difficult to detect viral RNA from conjunctival swabs, conjunctival secretions may be a source of contamination, and protective measures must be taken.

Dressings and topical agents for treating pressure ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, decubitus ulcers and pressure injuries, are localised areas of injury to the skin or the underlying tissue, or both. Dressings are widely used to treat pressure ulcers and promote healing, and there are many options to choose from including alginate, hydrocolloid and protease-modulating dressings. Topical agents have also been used as alternatives to dressings in order to promote healing.A clear and current overview of all the evidence is required to facilitate decision-making regarding the use of dressings or topical agents for the treatment of pressure ulcers. Such a review would ideally help people with pressure ulcers and health professionals assess the best treatment options. This review is a network meta-analysis (NMA) which assesses the probability of complete ulcer healing associated with alternative dressings and topical agents. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of dressings and topical agents for healing pressure ulcers in any care setting. We aimed to examine this evidence base as a whole, determining probabilities that each treatment is the best, with full assessment of uncertainty and evidence quality. SEARCH METHODS: In July 2016 we searched the Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid Embase and EBSCO CINAHL Plus. We also searched clinical trials registries for ongoing and unpublished studies, and scanned reference lists of relevant included studies as well as reviews, meta-analyses, guidelines and health technology reports to identify additional studies. There were no restrictions with respect to language, date of publication or study setting. SELECTION CRITERIA: Published or unpublished randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of at least one of the following interventions with any other intervention in the treatment of pressure ulcers (Stage 2 or above): any dressing, or any topical agent applied directly to an open pressure ulcer and left in situ. We excluded from this review dressings attached to external devices such as negative pressure wound therapies, skin grafts, growth factor treatments, platelet gels and larval therapy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently performed study selection, risk of bias assessment and data extraction. We conducted network meta-analysis using frequentist mega-regression methods for the efficacy outcome, probability of complete healing. We modelled the relative effectiveness of any two treatments as a function of each treatment relative to the reference treatment (saline gauze). We assumed that treatment effects were similar within dressings classes (e.g. hydrocolloid, foam). We present estimates of effect with their 95% confidence intervals for individual treatments compared with every other, and we report ranking probabilities for each intervention (probability of being the best, second best, etc treatment). We assessed the certainty (quality) of the body of evidence using GRADE for each network comparison and for the network as whole. MAIN RESULTS: We included 51 studies (2947 participants) in this review and carried out NMA in a network of linked interventions for the sole outcome of probability of complete healing. The network included 21 different interventions (13 dressings, 6 topical agents and 2 supplementary linking interventions) and was informed by 39 studies in 2127 participants, of whom 783 had completely healed wounds.We judged the network to be sparse: overall, there were relatively few participants, with few events, both for the number of interventions and the number of mixed treatment contrasts; most studies were small or very small. The consequence of this sparseness is high imprecision in the evidence, and this, coupled with the (mainly) high risk of bias in the studies informing the network, means that we judged the vast majority of the evidence to be of low or very low certainty. We have no confidence in the findings regarding the rank order of interventions in this review (very low-certainty evidence), but we report here a summary of results for some comparisons of interventions compared with saline gauze. We present here only the findings from evidence which we did not consider to be very low certainty, but these reported results should still be interpreted in the context of the very low certainty of the network as a whole.It is not clear whether regimens involving protease-modulating dressings increase the probability of pressure ulcer healing compared with saline gauze (risk ratio (RR) 1.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.92 to 2.94) (moderate-certainty evidence: low risk of bias, downgraded for imprecision). This risk ratio of 1.65 corresponds to an absolute difference of 102 more people healed with protease modulating dressings per 1000 people treated than with saline gauze alone (95% CI 13 fewer to 302 more). It is unclear whether the following interventions increase the probability of healing compared with saline gauze (low-certainty evidence): collagenase ointment (RR 2.12, 95% CI 1.06 to 4.22); foam dressings (RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.26); basic wound contact dressings (RR 1.30, 95% CI 0.65 to 2.58) and polyvinylpyrrolidone plus zinc oxide (RR 1.31, 95% CI 0.37 to 4.62); the latter two interventions both had confidence intervals consistent with both a clinically important benefit and a clinically important harm, and the former two interventions each had high risk of bias as well as imprecision. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: A network meta-analysis (NMA) of data from 39 studies (evaluating 21 dressings and topical agents for pressure ulcers) is sparse and the evidence is of low or very low certainty (due mainly to risk of bias and imprecision). Consequently we are unable to determine which dressings or topical agents are the most likely to heal pressure ulcers, and it is generally unclear whether the treatments examined are more effective than saline gauze.More research is needed to determine whether particular dressings or topical agents improve the probability of healing of pressure ulcers. The NMA is uninformative regarding which interventions might best be included in a large trial, and it may be that research is directed towards prevention, leaving clinicians to decide which treatment to use on the basis of wound symptoms, clinical experience, patient preference and cost.

Aditivos y mezclas de anestésicos locales para bloqueos nerviosos periféricos / Local anesthetics mixtures and additives for peripheral nerve blocks

No disponible

Stimulation of the efferent limb before ileostomy closure: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative ileus is the most common complication after ileostomy closure with an increase in morbidity, hospital stay, and health care costs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the utility of a new technique for reducing postoperative ileus after protective ileostomy closure. DESIGN: This is a prospective randomized study registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01881594). Patients were randomly assigned to undergo either stimulation through the efferent limb of the ileostomy before surgery or nonstimulation before surgery. SETTING: This study was conducted at the Department of Surgery of the Virgen de la Arrixaca Clinical University Hospital (Murcia). PATIENTS: Seventy patients underwent surgery for ileostomy closure. In 35 patients, during the 2 weeks before surgery, daily stimulation of the defunctionalized stomal segment was performed by using a thick solution (500 mL of physiological saline associated with 30 g of thickening agent, Nestle Resource, Vevey, Switzerland). In the other 35 patients, stimulation was not performed before surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was postoperative ileus. The secondary outcomes included time to tolerating a diet and postoperative stay. RESULTS: Both groups of patients were homogenous for demographic data, characteristics of the first rectal cancer operation, and intersurgery periods. After ileostomy closure, the stimulated group of patients had an earlier return to oral tolerance (1.06 vs 2.57 days; p = 0.007) and passage of flatus or stool (1.14 vs 2.85 days; p <0.001) than the nonstimulated group of patients. The incidence of postoperative ileus (2.85% vs 20%; p = 0.024) and hospital stay (2.49 vs 4.61 days; p = 0.002) was also lower in the stimulated patients. LIMITATIONS: Small numbers of patients means that no definitive statements can be made regarding the effectiveness of this technique. CONCLUSIONS: Stimulation of the efferent limb of the ileostomy before closure is a safe technique that reduces postoperative ileus and fosters early intestinal transit and oral tolerance with a shorter postoperative hospital stay.

Fibromialgia. Un trastorno de estrés oxidativo / No disponible

La fibromialgia es una enfermedad de prevalencia elevada cuya etiopatogenia aún no es bien conocida. Se han descrito implicaciones de corte psico-neuro-endocrino-inmunológico, lo que justifica una clínica dispar en la que predominan el dolor, la fatiga crónica, los trastornos del sueño y los trastornos afectivos. En este trabajo se revisan las características principales de la enfermedad desde el punto de vista del estrés oxidativo como base biológica del deterioro orgánico y de los principales síntomas que padece el paciente (AU)

Fibromyalgia is a disease of high prevalence whose pathogenesis still is not well known. Implications of psycho- neuro-endocrine-immune systems have been described which justifies the clinic, dominated by pain, chronic fatigue, sleep disorders and affective disorders. In this work the main features of the disease are reviewed from the point of view of oxidative stress as the biological basis of the organic deterioration and the main symptoms that the patient suffers (AU)

Comparing pain control and ability to eat and drink with standard therapy vs Gelclair: a preliminary, double centre, randomised controlled trial on patients with radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis.

UNLABELLED: GOAL OF THE WORK: Oral mucositis (OM) is a functionally destructive complication of aggressive head and neck cancer therapy, often resulting in intense pain, an inability to eat and drink and secondary malnutrition and dehydration. The barrier-forming properties of Gelclair have shown promise in relieving such symptoms. The aim of this randomised-controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy of Gelclair, as compared to standard therapy, as a means of short-term symptom control for patients suffering from radiotherapy-induced OM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients, with radiotherapy-induced OM seen in two oncology centres in Devon, were randomised to either standard therapy (Sucralfate and Mucaine) or Gelclair and assessed over 24 h. Both treatments were taken four times during the 24-h period, 30 min before meals. MAIN RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the Gelclair and standard therapy arms in terms of general pain (F = 1.512, df = 1, 17, ns). There did appear to be a trend towards pain improvement initially after the use of Gelclair, but this did not last for the full 24-h assessment period. There was no significant reduction in pain on speaking (F = 0.261, df = 1, 17, ns) nor an improvement in capacity to eat and drink, although the effects of standard therapy did appear to last longer than the Gelclair. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that Gelclair is no more effective than current standard practice in relieving the pain associated with radiotherapy-induced OM. Nevertheless, observations from this preliminary study warrant further investigation, with a view to shaping the way forward for head and neck cancer practice on a national level.

Population effectiveness of pharmaceutical aids for smoking cessation: what is associated with increased success?

Although nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) has shown efficacy in randomized controlled trials, population effectiveness has appeared to diminish after it became available over the counter. The present study examined the population effectiveness of bupropion. It also examined whether population effectiveness of pharmaceutical-aid use in general (NRT, bupropion, or both) might be influenced by environmental factors: Having a smoke-free home (possible indication of motivation to quit) or no other smoker in the household. Data from the large population-based cross-sectional 1999 and 2002 California Tobacco Surveys were combined to improve statistical power for subgroup analyses of duration of abstinence following the most recent quit attempt in the past year. Moderate-to-heavy daily smokers (at least 15 cigarettes/day) a year prior to the survey (N = 2,640) were the main focus. A Cox proportional-hazards analysis suggested that bupropion was effective, perhaps even in the longer term. Further analyses identified significant interactions on abstinence duration between having a smoke-free home and any pharmaceutical-aid use (NRT, bupropion, or both), and between having a smoke-free home and no other smoker in the household. Although pharmaceutical aids may have had a slight short-term benefit if the home was not smoke free, they appeared particularly effective if the home was smoke free, both in the short and longer term. The California population experience supports the policy that programs subsidizing pharmaceutical aids to help smokers quit (particularly bupropion, if appropriate) should target highly motivated smokers who have already taken a behavioral action, such as implementing a smoke-free home.

Vaginal disinfection with povidone iodine immediately before oocyte retrieval is effective in preventing pelvic abscess formation without compromising the outcome of IVF-ET.

PURPOSE: In this study, the method of employing preretrieval vaginal douching with aqueous povidone iodine is examined to see if it can decrease the incidence of pelvic abscess without compromising the clinical outcome of IVF-ET. METHODS: Patients with ovarian endometrioma and received IVF-ET treatment were retrospectively classified into two groups according to the difference of vaginal douching solution immediately before oocyte retrieval. RESULTS: There was no difference in the fertilization rate (81.2% versus 79.8%, P > 0.05), implantation rate (19.2% versus 23.3%, P > 0.05), clinical pregnancy rate (39.3% versus 46.2%, P > 0.05) between the two groups. There was no infection in patients of group two but two cases in group one developed pelvic abscess and needed surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal douching with aqueous povidone iodine followed by normal saline irrigation immediately before oocyte retrieval is effective in preventing the pelvic infection without compromising the outcome of IVF treatment.

The release of zinc ions from and cytocompatibility of two zinc oxide dressings.

OBJECTIVE: These in vitro studies examined the release of zinc ions from and the response of human dermal fibroblasts to two zinc oxide-medicated dressings: one with zinc oxide in an ointment base and one using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), a hydrophilic polymer for the binding of zinc oxide particles. METHOD: Zinc release from the dressings in buffered-saline (pH 7.4) was studied through a high-pore-density membrane (pore size, 0.40 microm) in a two-compartment model at 37 degrees C for three hours. Cytocompatibility of the dressings and 500 micromol/l of zinc ions was assessed using the MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay after exposure to monolayers of confluent normal human dermal fibroblasts to the dressing extracts for four hours. RESULTS: The zinc release rate from PVP-bound zinc oxide was more than two-fold higher than from zinc oxide in the ointment. Extract of the zinc oxide ointment, containing 150 micromol/l solubilised zinc, elicited a cytotoxic reaction, while the zinc oxide-PVP extract, containing 410 micromol/l solubilised zinc, and 500 micromol/l zinc chloride were non-cytotoxic to the fibroblasts. CONCLUSION: Zinc release in a simulated wound milieu appears to be inhibited when zinc oxide is incorporated in a lipophilic vehicle. It is hypothesised that the ointment vehicle induced cytotoxicity rather then the solubilised zinc oxide. DECLARATION OF INTEREST: None.

Chlorhexidine with an Anti Discoloration System. A comparative study.

UNLABELLED: Correct oral hygiene is believed to be the basis of primary and secondary prevention. Sometimes, using a toothbrush or other mechanical instruments for oral hygiene may be difficult and it may become necessary to use an antiseptic. Chlorhexidine is an essential component in many available preparations on sale, because of its marked antiseptic qualities. One of the most frequent side-effects is the appearance of stains on the teeth and mucous membranes, which particularly disturbs the patient. A new mouthwash containing chlorhexidine has recently become available, besides maintaining its antiseptic qualities, also avoids the side-effect of staining. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to check the capacity of the new mouthwash, which contains chlorhexidine and Anti Discoloration System (ADS), not only to prevent plaque formation like the other mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine but also to avoid staining that is one of the most frequent side-effects. STUDY DESIGN: The comparative study was carried out on a sample of 15 patients treated with two mouthwashes both containing 0.2% chlorhexidine, but different in that the first does not contain ADS, which is instead present in the second, a new product. The results obtained show that in the 15 patients treated, there is no statistically significant difference in the ability of the mouthwash to prevent bacterial plaque, however evidence of the stain was much less with the new mouthwash.

Coprecipitation of nonoxynol-9 with polyvinylpyrrolidone to decrease vaginal irritation potential while maintaining spermicidal potency.

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) would increase the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of nonoxynol-9 (N-9), providing a reduction in its irritation potential, while maintaining essential spermicidal activity. Solid coprecipitates of N-9 with PVP were manufactured with the use of a modified lyophilization process. The irritation potential of N-9 was estimated by an in vitro assay, monitoring the extent of hemolysis of red blood cells. CMCs of N-9 were measured in the presence of various concentrations of PVP. A modified Sander-Cramer assay was implemented to measure the spermicidal activity of N-9 and the N-9/PVP coprecipitates. With the use of the lyophilization process and more suitable solvents, solid coprecipitates of N-9/PVP were manufactured with no residual organic solvents. The irritation potential of N-9 was reduced when in the presence of PVP-50% hemolysis values increased from 0.054 mM to more than 0.2mM. N-9 CMC values increased in the presence of PVP from 0.085 mM (0% PVP) to 0.110 mM (3.5% PVP) and 0.16 6mM (10% PVP). However, spermicidal activities ranged from 0.213 mM to 0.238 mM, N-9 remaining steady regardless of the amount of PVP. By use of N-9/PVP coprecipitates, the self-association properties and irritation potentials of N-9 were altered. This result suggests a process to produce a spermicidal product that reduces the detrimental implications to the vaginal epithelium while maintaining the essential spermicidal activity.

[Intravesical instillation of pirarubicin (THP) together with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in the prevention of postoperative recurrence of superficial bladder cancer].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Superficial bladder transitional cell carcinoma is aggressive and tends to recurrence after operation. In order to prevent the relapse of bladder neoplasms,this study was designed to explore the effect of intravesical instillation of pirarubicin (THP) together with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) on patients with superficial bladder cancer who had undergone surgical operation. METHODS: A total of 34 cases were enrolled from October 1999 to May 2002. After one week of operation, pirarubicin (20 mg) dissolved in 10 ml normal saline plus 20 ml PVP was instilled into bladder, and was retained for 60 minutes. In the following 7 weeks, intravesical instillation of pirarubicin was administered once a week. Subsequently it was done bi-monthly, finally once a month for 6 months. RESULTS: Follow-up was performed for 5-26 months (mean:17.2 months). Among the 34 cases, recurrence was found in 2 cases (5.8%),bladder irritation in 6 cases (17.6%) and hematuria in 4 cases (11.7%) as well. CONCLUSION: Intravesical instillation of THP/PVP is effective for prevention of postoperative recurrence of superficial bladder cancer with fewer side effects. Further study is needed for wide use in such way.

Quitosanos: usos y aplicaciones en tecnología farmacéutica / Chitosans: uses and applications in pharmaceutical technology

Se presenta una revisión de la gran diversidad de aplicaciones farmacéuticas del quitosano. Tras un breve repaso de la estructura y características fisicoquímicas de los quitosanos, se destaca el uso de este polímero en la elaboración de formas de liberación controlada, ámbito en el cual se está desarrollando una intensa investigación actualmente. Además se analiza la aplicación del quitosano para la mejora de la biodisponibilidad de diversos fármacos mediante su inclusión en formas farmacéuticas administradas a través de distintas vías, así como su capacidad promotora de la absorción intestinal y nasal, discutiendo los posibles mecanismos de acción. También se revisan las aplicaciones más novedosas de los quitosanos como son en la terapia antitumoral, en las vacunas, o incluso en la terapia génica y el transplante de células. Por último, se pone de manifiesto la baja toxicidad y la buena biocompatibilidad de este polímero, que hacen de él un excelente excipiente para la industria farmacéutica y excepcional candidato para futuras formulaciones (AU)

Impact of over-the-counter sales on effectiveness of pharmaceutical aids for smoking cessation.

CONTEXT: Successful smoking cessation is a major public health goal. In controlled clinical trials, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and the antidepressant bupropion have been shown to significantly increase cessation rates only for moderate to heavy smokers (> or = 15 cigarettes/d). Nicotine replacement therapy is heavily promoted to the general population by both the pharmaceutical industry and tobacco control advocates. OBJECTIVE: To examine trends in smoking cessation, pharmaceutical cessation aid use, and success in cessation in the general California population. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The large population-based California Tobacco Surveys of 1992, 1996, and 1999, including 5247 (71.3% response rate), 9725 (72.9% response rate), and 6412 (68.4% response rate) respondents, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rates of cessation attempts (> or = 1 day) among smokers in the last year, use of pharmaceutical aids (mostly over-the-counter products since 1996), and cessation success. RESULTS: Between 1992 and 1999, cessation attempts among California smokers increased 61.4% (from 38.1% to 61.5%), and NRT use among quitters increased 50.5% (from 9.3% to 14.0%). A total of 17.2% of quitters used NRT, an antidepressant, or both as an aid to cessation in 1999. In 1996 and 1999, the median duration of aid use (14 days) was much less than recommended, and only about 20% of users had adjuvant one-on-one or group behavioral counseling. Use of NRT increased short-term cessation success in moderate to heavy smokers in each survey year. However, a long-term cessation advantage was only observed before NRT became widely available over-the-counter (August 1996). In 1999, no advantage for pharmaceutical aid users was observed in either the short or long term for the nearly 60% of California smokers classified as light smokers (<15 cigarettes/d). CONCLUSION: Since becoming available over the counter, NRT appears no longer effective in increasing long-term successful cessation in California smokers.

Gelclair: managing the symptoms of oral mucositis.

Oral mucositis is a common side-effect of oncology therapies and other diseases. This article gives an overview of the issues associated with oral mucositis, and an outline of a new product, Gelclair, that may address some of these issues.

Studies on the effect of polyvinyl pyrrolidone on the activity of chlorhexidine mouthrinses: plaque and stain.

BACKGROUND, AIMS: Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) was shown in vitro to reduce chlorhexidine induced, dietary staining without affecting the uptake of the antiseptic to the test substrate. The aim of these studies in vivo was to determine whether PVP affected plaque and dietary staining by a low concentration chlorhexidine rinse. METHODS: The plaque and stain studies used a double blind, randomised 6, treatment crossover design involving healthy subjects with a high standard of oral hygiene and gingival health. The rinse formulations under test were: (A) aqueous alcohol (placebo control), (B) 0.03% chlorhexidine, (C) 0.06% chlorhexidine, (D) 0.06% chlorhexidine+1.2% PVP, (E) 0.06% chlorhexidine+5% PVP, (F) 0.06% chlorhexidine+10% PVP. In the plaque study, on day 1 of each period, subjects were rendered plaque free and then rinsed with 15 ml of the test rinse for 60 s. No further tooth cleaning was performed and subjects returned 24 h later for plaque scoring by area. In the stain study, on day 1 of each period, the tongue and teeth of each subject were rendered stain free. Subjects then rinsed under supervision for 60 s with 15 ml of the allocated rinse 8 x a day between 09:00 h and 17:00 h for 3 days. Immediately after each rinse with the test formulation, subjects rinsed for 120 s with 15 ml of warm black tea. Subjects were requested to also drink at least 5 cups of tea or coffee per day. On day 4, stain was scored by area and intensity from designated teeth and dorsum of the tongue. Washout periods were at least 7 days in both studies. RESULTS: Plaque areas were greatest with placebo and least with 0.06% chlorhexidine. Plaque scores increased with increasing concentrations of PVP in the 0.06% chlorhexidine rinse and were significantly higher than 0.06% chlorhexidine without PVP rinse. Tooth stain areas were comparable for placebo, 0.03% and 0.06% chlorhexidine rinses, but significantly reduced with the PVP/chlorhexidine rinses compared to the 0.06% chlorhexidine rinse. Tooth stain intensity was significantly increased with 0.06% chlorhexidine rinses compared to placebo and chlorhexidine/PVP rinses. Tongue stain area and intensity were significantly reduced with 5% and 10% PVP/chlorhexidine rinses compared to 0.06% chlorhexidine rinse. CONCLUSION: PVP, at the concentrations tested, reduced the stain propensity of a 0.06% chlorhexidine rinse but at the expense of some loss of plaque inhibition.