The Significance of Bell's Palsy That Presents as Monocranial Versus Polycranial Neuropathy: A Case Series and Systematic Literature Review.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of Bell's palsy (BP) presenting as polycranial neuropathy (PCN) compared with BP caused by isolated facial nerve (CNVII). METHODS: We carried out a retrospective cohort study of the medical records of all consecutive patients who were diagnosed with BP at a single tertiary referral center between 2010 and 2017. Included were patients 18 years or older who were clinically diagnosed with BP and completed 7 days of systemic steroidal treatment and at least 6 months of follow-up. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether the BP derived from a monocranial neuropathy or a PCN. Demographics and BP severity and outcome were compared between these groups. A systematic literature review using Medline via "PubMed," "Embase," and "Web of Science" was conducted. RESULTS: In total, 321 patients with BP were enrolled. The median (interquartile range) age at presentation was 44 (33-60) years. Sex distribution showed male predominance of 57.6% (n = 185) versus 42.4% (n = 136), and 21.2% (n = 68) had PCN. The most concomitantly affected cranial nerve (CN) was the trigeminal (CNV; n = 32, 47%), followed by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CNIX; n = 14, 21%) and the audiovestibular nerve (CNVIII; n = 10, 15%). Age, House-Brackmann score on presentation, and diabetes mellitus (DM) were independent predictors for PCN etiology ( p = 0.001, p = 0.034, and p < 0.001, respectively). Each increase in 1 year of age was associated with additional odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 0.97 (0.95-0.99) for PCN. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) associated with DM was 8.19 (4.02-16.70). Our systematic literature review identified 1,440 patients with the PCN type of BP. The most commonly affected CN was the trigeminus (25-48%), followed by the glossopharyngeal and audiovestibular nerves (2-19% and 0-43%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The severity of facial weakness on initial presentation among PCN patients was significantly higher compared with the monocranial neuropathy-type BP patients. The authors believe that the significant association and prevalence rate ratio between DM and PCN warrant that a patient presenting with PCN undergo screening for DM.

Emergency Colectomies in the Elderly Population-Perioperative Mortality Risk-Factors and Long-Term Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: As the population ages emergency surgeries among the elderly population, including colonic resections, is also increasing. Data regarding the short- and long-term outcomes in this population is scarce. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed to investigate mortality and mortality risk factors associated with emergent colectomies in older compared to younger patients in a single university affiliated tertiary hospital. Patients with metastatic disease, colectomy due to trauma or index colectomy within 30 days prior to emergent surgery were excluded. RESULTS: Operative outcomes compared among age groups, included 30-day mortality, mortality risk-factors and long-term survival. 613 eligible patients were included in the cohort. Mean age was 69.4 years, 45.1% were female. Patients were divided into four age groups: 18-59, 60-69, 70-79 and ≥80-years. Thirty-day mortality rates were 3.2%, 11%, 29.3% and 37.8%, respectively and 22% for the entire cohort. Risk-factors for perioperative death in the younger group were related to severity of ASA score and WBC count. In groups 60-69, 70-79, main risk-factors were ADL dependency and ASA score. In the ≥80 group, risk-factors affecting perioperative mortality, included ASA score, pre-operative albumin, creatinine, WBC levels, cancer etiology, ADL dependency, and dementia. Long-term survival differed significantly between age groups. CONCLUSION: Perioperative mortality with emergency colectomy increases with patients' age. Patients older than eighty-years undergoing urgent colectomies have extremely high mortality rates, leading to a huge burden on medical services. Evaluating risk-factors for mortality and pre-operative discussion with patients and families is important. Screening the elderly population for colonic pathologies can result in early diagnosis potentially leading to elective surgeries with decreased mortality.

The Effect of Different Staple Sizes on Leak Pressure Among Patients Undergoing Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Pilot Study.

Gastric leak after LSG is a devastating complication, reported in less than 1% of cases. Consensus is lacking regarding the best approach to construct the sleeve, staple sizes, and reinforcement methods on potential leak development. In this study, we have compared the leak pressure of two different staple sizes in the resected portion of the stomach, immediately after its removal. Fifteen patients were enrolled. Leak pressure of a vascular, small-size stapler was significantly higher than that of a medium-size one. All leaks appeared in the proximal third of the resected stomach. These results may have clinical implication. Since other factors may play a role in the risk for leaks following sleeve gastrectomy, a large, prospective clinical trial should be performed comparing the two staple sizes in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

The association between overactive bladder and fibromyalgia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Overactive bladder is a common syndrome that significantly affects the quality of life. Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain, impacting patients' lives. The exact mechanisms of the two syndromes remain unknown, but there is an overlap between the suspected pathophysiologies. OBJECTIVE: To present an overview of the current research on the association between overactive bladder (OAB) and fibromyalgia. SEARCH STRATEGY: A systematic search of four electronic databases was conducted. SEARCH STRATEGY: Studies examining the correlation between OAB and fibromyalgia with female patients aged over 18 years were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers screened the studies for eligibility. Eligible studies were screened for quality. A meta-analysis was performed for eligible studies. MAIN RESULTS: Seven studies were included in the final review, of which six presented a positive association between the syndromes. The studies demonstrated a positive association between fibromyalgia and the severity of OAB and an adverse effect on the quality of life related to OAB. A mean effect size of 1.96 (95% confidence interval 0.85-3.06) was calculated. CONCLUSION: OAB and fibromyalgia are both complex and multifactorial syndromes. The study presents an association between them, but additional studies on the topic should be conducted for a more precise conclusion.