Prescription Patterns of Topical Medications in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: An Investigative Review Using Big Data from the National Health Insurance Corporation.

BACKGROUND: Topical medications play a crucial role in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). Topical corticosteroids (TCSs) remain the main treatment of choice and topical antibiotics have also been used. However, with the new topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), the prescription patterns of topical agents have changed over time. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the prescription patterns of topical medications in Korean patients with AD. METHODS: We investigated topical medications prescribed to Korean patients with AD using the National Health Insurance Sharing System (NHISS) database over a 14-year period (2002~2015). Additionally, the potency of prescribed TCSs was compared with AD and psoriasis patients. RESULTS: The annual prescription of TCSs showed a slightly decreasing trend without significant change. In particular, in terms of steroid class, prescription of moderate-to-low potency TCSs were increased and the use of high potency TCSs were decreased. TCSs were the most commonly prescribed topical medications for AD. Tertiary hospitals had a higher prescription rate for TCIs than secondary or primary hospitals (16.2%, 3.1%, and 1.9%, respectively). Additionally, dermatologists prescribed TCIs more frequently than pediatricians and internists (4.3%, 1.2%, and 0.6%, respectively). Among TCSs, Class 5 was prescribed the most (40.6%) followed by Class 7, 6, 4, 3, 1, and 2. When we compared the potency of TCSs prescribed for AD with psoriasis patients, moderate-to-low-potency TCSs were more commonly prescribed in AD. CONCLUSION: Prescription patterns of topical medications had changed from 2002 to 2015 and differed according to the type of institution and specialty of the physician.

Does transarterial pelvic embolization have a negative effect on perioperative outcomes in pelvic ring injury and acetabular fracture?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether TAE negatively impacted perioperative outcomes in patients who underwent open surgery for pelvic trauma. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and radiographs of patients who had open surgery for an acute pelvic trauma between February 2014 and May 2017. The patients were classified into two groups: those who underwent TAE and those who did not. We evaluated preoperative demographics and perioperative outcomes between the two groups. Injury type-specific comparisons were also performed. RESULTS: A total of 136 patients (50 TAE and 86 non-TAE) were included in this study. There were significant differences in preoperative demographics including the type of injury, injury severity score, revised trauma score, surgical approach, initial blood pressure, and the amount of transfusion within 24 h between the two groups. However, no differences in perioperative outcomes were identified except for the amount of total transfusion. There were significant differences between the two groups in the injury type-specific comparisons, specifically in the amount of transfusion within 24 h in patients with pelvic ring injury and in the injury severity score in patients with acetabular fracture. However, there was no difference in perioperative outcomes between the groups for either injury type. CONCLUSION: In the present study, we were unable to identify negative effects of TAE on perioperative outcomes. Therefore, when considering open surgery subsequent to TAE, there is no evidence of increased risk for negative perioperative outcomes, especially with respect to bone healing and deep infection.

Periimplant osteolysis does not affect the outcome of rotator cuff repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the clinical and radiologic outcomes of rotator cuff repair, depending on the presence of developed periimplant osteolysis (PIO) after using suture anchors. METHODS: The electronic databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for articles published up until October 2019 to find relevant articles comparing the outcomes of rotator cuff repair between the periimplant osteolysis group and non-periimplant osteolysis group. Data searching, extraction, analysis, and quality assessment were performed according to the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. The results are presented as risk ratio (RR) for binary outcomes and standardised mean difference (SMD) for continuous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Six clinical studies were included. No significant differences were found between the group with periimplant osteolysis and the group without periimplant osteolysis regarding retear rate (RR = 1.34; 95% CI 0.93-1.94; I2 = 28%), postoperative clinical scores (SMD = 0.29; 95% CI - 0.26 to 0.83; I2 = 80%) and range of motion (ROM); forward flexion (SMD = 0.39; 95% CI - 0.16 to 0.93; I2 = 0%), external rotation (SMD = - 0.10; 95% CI - 0.64 to 0.45; I2 = 0%) and internal rotation (SMD = - 0.37; 95% CI - 0.92 to 0.17; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: The presence of periimplant osteolysis after rotator cuff repair with suture anchor does not affect the clinical outcomes such as retear rate, clinical scoring, and ROM. However, as there was no standard consensus on the criteria for evaluating periimplant osteolysis, this result may not fully reflect the effect of periimplant osteolysis depending on its severity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Ultrasonography of Malignant Clear Cell Hidradenoma: A Case Report.

Clear cell hidradenoma is a tumor that originates from a sweat gland and typically involves the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Malignant clear cell hidradenoma is very rare, and surgical excision is usually performed without imaging. There are few reports of the ultrasonographic findings of malignant clear cell hidradenomas. Herein, we present the ultrasonographic characteristics of a malignant clear cell hidradenoma.

Bart's Syndrome with Novel Frameshift Mutations in the COL7A1 Gene.

INTRODUCTION: Bart's syndrome, a hereditary mechanobullous disorder characterized by aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), has not been genotyped frequently. CASE REPORT: A full-term female neonate had well-demarcated absence of skin on both legs at birth, with blisters and erosive patches developing immediately after birth. Electron microscopy showed blister formation under the lamina densa layer. Genetic studies revealed two heterogenous frameshift mutations in exons 31 and 109 of COL7A1. A diagnosis of Bart's syndrome, recessive dystrophic EB with ACC, was made. There was no pyloric atresia or ureteral stenosis, but congenital hypothyroidism was diagnosed 42 days after birth. CONCLUSION: The novel frameshift mutations in COL7A1 may result in Bart's syndrome and suggest the importance of genetic testing in diagnosis of this disease.

Arthroscopic treatment for intratendinous rotator cuff tear results in satisfactory clinical outcomes and structural integrity.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes and structural integrity of arthroscopic repair of intratendinous rotator cuff tear. METHODS: Patients who were diagnosed with an intratendinous tear but in whom conservative treatment failed were selected and underwent arthroscopic repair. Between 2008 and 2014, a total of 30 patients (6 men, 24 women; mean age, 59 ± 3.7 years) met the inclusion criteria and were followed up. The mean follow-up period was 26.3 ± 0.7 months. The results were evaluated using the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score, the Society of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons rating scale (ASES) questionnaire, and the visual analog scale (VAS) and range of motion (ROM) were measured preoperatively and at final follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed preoperatively and at 6.7 ± 0.2 months postoperatively. Postoperative MRI was performed on 27 out of 30 patients and analysed using the Sugaya classification. RESULTS: Corresponding to the preoperative MRI findings, arthroscopic findings of intratendinous tears were observed in all 30 patients. The mean active forward elevation ROM was 137.3° ± 15.4° before surgery and 168.8° ± 15.2° at the final follow-up. The internal and external rotations at abduction were 31.7° ± 5.1° and 63.0° ± 11.6° before surgery, respectively, and 60.5° ± 8.0° and 75.2° ± 10.8° after surgery, respectively. The UCLA score improved from of 20.1 ± 7.4 points preoperative to 28.4 ± 5.5 points at the final follow-up. The ASES score improved from 55.7 ± 15.3 points preoperative to 82.6 ± 9.7 points postoperatively. The VAS for pain score decreased from 6.4 ± 1.2 points preoperative to 1.6 ± 0.9 points postoperative. Satisfactory outcomes (excellent/good) in terms of UCLA and ASES scores were observed in 29 of 30 patients. Based on Sugaya classification, grades I, II, and III structural integrities were observed in 9, 14, and 4 patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Successful clinical outcomes and structural integrity can be achieved with arthroscopic repair of intratendinous rotator cuff tears involving more than half thickness (> 50%). Therefore, arthroscopic repair is a practical next treatment option for patients with intratendinous rotator cuff tears in whom conservative treatment fails. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Comparison of histologic healing and biomechanical characteristics between repair techniques for a delaminated rotator cuff tear in rabbits.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare histologic healing and biomechanical characteristics between 2 repair techniques (layer by layer, repair of each layer to bone separately; and whole layer, repair of each layer to the bone en masse) for delaminated rotator cuff tear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rabbits were used as subjects and classified into 2 groups: group A, right side, the layer-by-layer repair group; and group B, left side, the whole-layer repair group. Histologic evaluations were done at 3 weeks (n = 7) and 6 weeks (n = 4) after operation. Biomechanical tests to evaluate the tensile property were done at time 0 (n = 5) and 3 weeks (n = 5) after operation. RESULTS: Histologic healing improved in all groups. A smaller cleft was found between layers in group B compared with the cleft in group A at 3 weeks after operation. At time 0, group A showed a higher yield load and ultimate failure load (67 ± 10.5 N and 80 ± 7.8 N, respectively). However, at 3 weeks after operation, group B showed a higher yield load (48 ± 7.6 N). CONCLUSIONS: In the delaminated rotator cuff tear model in the rabbit, the whole-layer repair showed a narrow gap between layers and a higher yield load at 3 weeks after operation. Surgical techniques that unite the cleft in a delaminated tear could improve biomechanical strength after operation.

Reconstruction of acetabular posterior wall fractures.

BACKGROUND: The results after acetabular fracture are primarily related to the quality of the articular reduction. We evaluated the results of internal fixation of posterior wall fractures with using three-step reconstruction. METHODS: Thirty-three patients (mean age at the time of injury, 47.9 years; 28 males and 5 females) were followed for a minimum of 2 years after surgery. The three-step reconstruction included 1) preservation of soft tissues and reduction of the marginally impacted osteochondral (articular) fragments using screws, 2) filling the impacted cancellous void with a bone graft, and 3) reinforcement with buttress-plating. Clinical evaluation was done according to the criteria of D'aubigne and Postel, while the radiological criteria were those of Matta. The associated injuries and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The clinical results were excellent in 15 (45.5%) patients and they were good in 5 (15.2%), (i.e., satisfactory in 60.7%), while the radiologic results were excellent in 10 (30.3%) and good in 14 (42.4%) (satisfactory in 72.7%). Heterotopic ossification was common, but this did not require excision, even without prophylactic treatment with indomethacin. Deep infection was the worst complication and this was accompanied by a poor outcome. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that three-step reconstruction facilitates accurate and firm reduction of displaced posterior wall fractures of the acetabulum. Therefore, we anticipate less long-term arthrosis in the patients treated this way.

The proximally-based sural artery flap for coverage of soft tissue defects around the knee and on the proximal third and middle third of the lower leg: 10 patients followed for 1-2.5 years.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There have been few reports regarding the proximally based sural artery flap, which is useful for reconstruction of soft tissue defects around the knee and on the proximal third and middle third of the lower leg. Here we report our experience with 10 patients. PATIENTS: The defects in our 10 cases were around the knee (4), on the proximal third of the lower leg (4), and on the middle third (2). 8 patients had fasciocutaneous flaps and 2 had adipofascial flaps. The flap size ranged from 4 to 10 cm in length, and from 5 to 8 cm in width. The pedicle length ranged from 12 to 20 cm. RESULTS: All 10 flaps survived. Congestion and tip necrosis occurred in 1 case with a fasciocutaneous flap, which healed without complications. A superficial infection occurred in 1 case with a fasciocutaneous flap, which healed with antibiotic treatment. Necrosis of grafted skin occurred in 2 cases of adipofascial flap; only one of them, however, required additional surgery. No morbidity of the donor site and no functional deficits were detected in any of the 10 cases. INTERPRETATION: The proximally based sural artery flap is useful for reconstruction of soft tissue defects around the knee joint and on the proximal third and middle third of the lower leg. It is a relatively easy and reliable procedure.

Effects of growth factors and kinase inhibitors on the properties of human adipose-stromal cells in different culture conditions.

The best-fit environments for the proliferation and differentiation of human adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (hADSCs) may require specific media and stimuli. The characteristics of hADSCs cultured in different media might be different. We evaluated the effects of growth factors on the proliferation and differentiation of hADSCs and compared the effects of these growth factors on hADSCs cultured in different serum-contained media. The effects of kinase inhibitors on the proliferation of hADSCs were also examined. The combination of insulin-transferrin-selenium (ITS) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) induced the greatest increase in proliferation, while the combination of ITS and epidermal growth factor (EGF) showed the second-greatest effect in the human serum (HS)-contained media. By contrast, in the fetal bovine serum (FBS)-contained media, ITS had little effect while FGF had better results than the combination of ITS and EGF. The inhibitory potency of the kinase inhibitors was different in the two different media. These results suggest that hADSCs may have different characteristics according to the culture conditions, and that extrapolations of results from animal studies, using FBS media, may not correlate to findings in human studies using HS.

Comparison of preoperative templating with postoperative assessment in cementless total hip arthroplasty.

We studied how preoperative templating corresponded to the postoperative leg length in total hip arthroplasty. On average, the preoperative predictive value of the desired corrective change in leg length was +4.9 (+4.0-+6.7) mm, while the true postoperative assessed value of the corrective change in leg length was +4.7 (+4.0-+6.3) mm. On preoperative radiographs, the ratio of the horizontal offset of a pathological side to a normal side was 95%, on average, and it increased to 96%, on average, after an operation. Preoperatively planned sizes of the acetabular cup and the femoral stem by templating showed a high rate of coincidence with the sizes used intraoperatively. In conclusion, an accurate and careful preoperative templating can result in a balanced hip reconstruction by correcting the leg length differences and restoring the offsets.

Synovial hemangioma of the knee.

Synovial hemangioma of a knee joint has been reported as a rare cause of pain, hemarthrosis, and intermittent locking. This case report describes our experience in excising intra-articular hemangioma of the knee joint. Complete resection, after arthroscopic examination, was performed in a 59-year-old man. Six months after the surgery, no evidence of recurrence was seen.