Efficacy of lignocaine nebulization in patients with COVID-19 respiratory infection: An exploratory randomized double-blinded controlled trial.

Background and Aims: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related pneumonia is proposed to be an inflammatory process. The treatment currently includes supportive therapy and low-dose steroids. Anti-inflammatory drugs have been proposed to prevent cytokine storms and improve oxygenation in such cases. The study aimed to assess the efficacy of nebulized lignocaine in COVID-19 patients with pneumonia. Material and Methods: This was an exploratory randomized double-blinded control trial conducted in COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure requiring oxygen therapy either by face mask or non-invasive mechanical ventilation. Patients included were of the age of more than 18 years of either gender. The patients were randomized to receive either lignocaine or distilled water nebulization. The outcomes assessed were PaO2/FiO2 ratio, hemodynamics, respiratory parameters, and sequential organ failure score (SOFA). Results: The two groups were comparable concerning demographic variables. The PaO2/FiO2 were significantly higher in the lignocaine group from day 2 onward. The SPO2 was significantly higher on day 3 in the lignocaine group and thereafter there was no significant difference. Other hemodynamic, respiratory parameters, and SOFA scores showed no difference in both the groups. Conclusion: Lignocaine nebulization improved oxygenation in COVID-19 patients and can be used as adjunctive therapy along with other supportive medications.

Radiofrequency ablation for spinal osteoid osteoma: A systematic review of safety and treatment outcomes.

AIM: We sought to systematically assess and summarize the available literature on the clinical outcomes and complications following radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for painful spinal osteoid osteoma (OO). METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, and CENTRAL databases were searched in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies with available data on safety and clinical outcomes following RFA for spinal OO were included. RESULTS: In the 14 included studies (11 retrospective; 3 prospective), 354 patients underwent RFA for spinal OO. The mean ages ranged from 16.4 to 28 years (Females = 31.3%). Lesion diameters ranged between 3 and 20 mm and were frequently seen in the posterior elements in 211/331 (64%) patients. The mean distance between OO lesions and neural elements ranged between 1.7 and 7.4 mm. The estimated pain reduction on the numerical rating scale was 6.85/10 (95% confidence intervals [95%CI] 4.67-9.04) at a 12-24-month follow-up; and 7.29/10 (95% CI 6.67-7.91) at a >24-month follow-up (range 24-55 months). Protective measures (e.g., epidural air insufflation or neuroprotective sterile water infusion) were used in 43/354 (12.1%) patients. Local tumor progression was seen in 23/354 (6.5%) patients who were then successfully re-treated with RFA or open surgical resection. Grade I-II complications such as temporary limb paresthesia and wound dehiscence were reported in 4/354 (1.1%) patients. No Grade III-V complications were reported. CONCLUSION: RFA demonstrated safety and clinical efficacy in most patients harboring painful spinal OO lesions. However, further prospective studies evaluating these outcomes are warranted.

Metal Hypersensitivity and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome After Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report.

CASE: A 38-year-old man underwent bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and subsequently developed diffuse pain, swelling, and an eczematous rash that spread throughout his body. Despite various pharmacological regimens, sympathetic blocks, aggressive physical therapy, and further knee revisions, the patient's symptoms progressed over a period of 2 years. An in vitro memory lymphocyte immuno-stimulation assay test demonstrated reactivity to nickel after which bilateral revision TKAs with oxidized zirconium alloys resulted in symptomatic improvement. CONCLUSION: Metal hypersensitivity should be considered after the exclusion of infection; however, the concurrent development of complex regional pain syndrome may mask the clinical presentation.

Bilateral Extra-Cranial Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms in a Young Adult: A Rare Entity.

Simultaneous bilateral aneurysms of the extra-cranial internal carotid artery (E-ICA) in a patient are one of the rarest lesions. Here, we report the case report of a 19­year­old male with bilateral E-ICA aneurysms. His left-sided, expanding aneurysm of E-ICA at skull base was successfully treated with surgical resection and interposition prosthetic graft placement. Successful surgical repair in this challenging field is safe and can be undertaken with an acceptable perioperative complication rate with excellent results.

Iodine-125 radioactive seed brachytherapy as a treatment for spine and bone metastases: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To evaluate the analgesic efficacy, safety, and local tumor control of iodine-125 (125I) seed brachytherapy (BT) for the management of spine and bone metastases. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases. Data regarding patient demographics, tumor characteristics, procedural parameters, and clinical outcomes were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: Fourteen studies (7 prospective, 7 retrospective) were included, accounting for 689 patients, in our review. Analgesic efficacy was assessed at baseline and various postoperative time points. Significant improvement in pain was noted at 4- and 24-week follow-ups (p < 0.01). Interestingly, all studies that combined 125I seed BT with cement augmentation reported relatively higher levels of pain reduction (mean pain reduction ≥4 points) as compared to the studies which applied 125I seed BT as a stand-alone therapy (mean pain reduction ≥2 points), at the last follow-up. Local tumor control rates ranged widely from 14% to 100% at varying follow-ups. Median overall survival ranged between 10 months and 25 months. The overall complication rate was 19% (130/689) and mainly included minor subcutaneous hemorrhage, fever, myelosuppression, and seed displacement. Metrics assessing performance and quality of life demonstrated significant improvements from baseline to posttreatment. CONCLUSION: 125I seed BT, alone or in conjunction with cement augmentation, may be a viable salvage therapy in appropriately selected patients. However, further studies are needed to analyze the long-term efficacy of this intervention as a palliative and curative modality.

Microwave Ablation as a Treatment for Spinal Metastatic Tumors: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Microwave ablation (MWA) is a novel technique that offers several potential advantages over existing ablation systems, which include production of larger ablation zones, shorter procedural times, and more effective heating through high impedance tissues such as bone. METHODS: A systematic review was performed using inclusion criteria defined as follows: 1) metastatic spinal tumors treated with open or percutaneous MWA alone or in combination with other treatments, 2) available data on pain palliation and/or local tumor control, and 3) retrospective or prospective studies with at least 1 patient. RESULTS: A total of 156 patients harboring 196 spinal lesions underwent MWA in the 8 included studies. Most studies employed the use of additional interventions, which included minimally invasive open surgery with pedicle screw fixation, traditional open surgical intervention, and cement augmentation. Despite the variability in time intervals for pain assessment, postoperative pain scores decreased considerably in both percutaneous and open MWA studies. No evidence of tumor progression was additionally seen in >80% of patients at the last follow-up across 5 studies. Complications were reported in 6.5% of all patients who underwent percutaneous MWA and in 12.2% of patients who underwent open MWA. CONCLUSIONS: This review showed that MWA can be effective in achieving analgesia for up to 6 months in select cases, although most procedures were performed in combination with augmentation and/or open surgery. Local tumor control was additionally successful in most patients, suggestive of a potential curative role for MWA.

Pseudotumor in the Setting of Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Metal-on-metal (MoM) hip resurfacing/replacement is a highly discussed topic in arthropathy, and the impact of its complications is still being elucidated. We report the case of a patient who presented with severe stomach pain due to a symptomatic psoas fluid collection that was later shown to communicate with a MoM total hip prosthesis. A MoM pseudotumor presenting as persistent stomach pain due to an aseptic psoas fluid collection is a rare complication. The case may support an earlier diagnosis in at-risk patients, and it outlines a suggested workup and treatment plan.