Intramedullary versus plate fixation of both bone forearm fractures in skeletally immature patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Both bone forearm fractures (BBFFs) are a common injury amongst the pediatric population. The main indications of surgical fixation are open, irreducible, or unstable fractures. The two most commonly used surgical techniques are closed or open reduction with intramedullary fixation (IMF) and open reduction with plate fixation (PF). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine which fixation method is superior for BBFFs. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL were searched to identify studies comparing IMF and PF. We extracted data on union rates, complications, early hardware removal rates, reoperation rates, and radiographic, clinical, and perioperative outcomes. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were included in the analysis, with a total of 922 patients (539 IMF and 383 PF). Similar union rates were achieved by both fixation technique. IMF was associated with a higher incidence of symptomatic hardware, and early hardware removal. Better restoration of the radial bow was observed with the PF group, especially in older children and adolescents. The rate of excellent function was comparable between groups, whereas better cosmesis was reported with the IMF group. Despite shorter fluoroscopy time and immobilization time, PF demonstrated longer tourniquet time, operating time, and hospital stay compared to IMF. CONCLUSIONS: We found no significant difference between IMF and PF in terms of union rates and functional outcomes taking in consideration the merits and demerits of each technique. High-quality randomized controlled trials are, therefore, necessary to determine the superiority of one fixation technique over the other. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Comparison of the clinical and radiological outcomes of Puddu and TomoFix plates for medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy: A two-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) requires fixation devices for stabilization of the osteotomy gap. The two most commonly used fixation devices are the Puddu and the TomoFix plates. Based on its design, each implant generates a characteristic stability profile. The aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to investigate the short-term clinical and radiological outcomes of OWHTO using the Puddu and TomoFix plating systems. We hypothesized that the TomoFix plate would achieve superior clinical and radiographic results compared to the Puddu plate. METHODS: A total of 60 patients were randomly allocated to undergo OWHTO either using the Puddu plate or the TomoFix plate if conservative treatment failed with symptomatic medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA) stage I or II according to Ahlbäck classification, and varus malalignment. All patients underwent clinical and radiological assessment preoperatively, and at 3, 6, 12, and 24months postoperatively. Radiological measurement of the hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle, and posterior tibial slope (PTS) was performed. Functional assessment was carried out using the Hospital for Special Surgery Knee-Rating Scale (HSS) and the Western Ontario McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index. Patients were also evaluated for intraoperative and postoperative complications throughout the follow-up period. RESULTS: The mean angular correction was 9.6±4°, and 10.5±4.8° in the Puddu and TomoFix groups, respectively (p=0.488). The mean PTS change was significantly higher in the Puddu group (3.4±1.1°) compared to the TomoFix group (0.8±0.7°) (p<0.001). There was a statistically significant improvement in the mean HSS and WOMAC in both groups until one year postoperatively. Neither HSS nor WOMAC showed a statistically significant difference between the Puddu and TomoFix groups at any time during the first two postoperative years. The overall complication rate was not significantly different between the Puddu and TomoFix groups. However, the TomoFix group demonstrated higher incidence of symptomatic hardware (23% vs. 3.3%) and removal of metalwork (17% vs. 0%) than the Puddu group (p=0.023 and 0.020, respectively). CONCLUSION: This RCT suggests that the implant choice for OWHTO has no significant impact on functional outcomes during the first 2years postoperatively. While the Puddu plate was associated with an unintentional increase in the PTS during the surgery, both implants allowed coronal and sagittal plane corrections to be preserved postoperatively. The overall complication rates were similar, but the TomoFix required more material to be removed because it is more cumbersome. However, these results need to be confirmed on a larger scale. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II; randomized controlled trial.

Best Practices in Nuclear Imaging for the Diagnosis of Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) in KSA: The Eagle Eyes of Local Experts.

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a complex and serious form of heart failure caused by the accumulation of transthyretin amyloid protein in the heart muscle. Variable symptoms of ATTR-CM can lead to a delayed diagnosis. Recognizing the diagnostic indicators is crucial to promptly detect this condition. A targeted literature review was conducted to examine the latest international consensus recommendations on a comprehensive diagnosis of ATTR-CM. Additionally, a panel consisting of nuclear medicine expert consultants (n = 10) and nuclear imaging technicians (n = 2) convened virtually from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to formulate best practices for ATTR-CM diagnosis. The panel reached a consensus on a standard diagnostic pathway for ATTR-CM, which commences by evaluating the presence of clinical red flags and initiating a cardiac workup to assess the patient's echocardiogram. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging may be needed, in uncertain cases. When there is a high suspicion of ATTR-CM, patients undergo nuclear scintigraphy and hematologic tests to rule out primary or light-chain amyloidosis. The expert panel emphasized that implementing best practices will support healthcare professionals in KSA to improve their ability to detect and diagnose ATTR-CM more accurately and promptly. Diagnosing ATTR-CM accurately and early can reduce morbidity and mortality rates through appropriate treatment.

High dose methotrexate in adult Egyptian patients with hematological malignancies: impact of ABCB1 3435C > T rs1045642 and MTHFR 677C > T rs1801133 polymorphisms on toxicities and delayed elimination.

High dose methotrexate (HDMTX) is an essential agent in chemotherapeutic regimens used in various hematological malignancies in Egyptian adults. The research for the impact of gene polymorphism on HDMTX induced toxicities and delayed elimination is an important ongoing objective in many studies, variable and conflicting results produced in the past years to clarify that impact. This study aimed to investigate the role of ABCB1 3435 C > T rs1045642 and MTHFR 677 C > T rs1801133 polymorphisms on HDMTX induced toxicity outcomes and delayed elimination in Egyptian adult patients with hematological malignancies. A prospective, observational cohort study was conducted on a total of 62 Egyptian adult patients with hematological malignancies age ≥ 18-years-old. All demographic, medical, and laboratory data were continuously collected from the patients' medical files in an up-to-date follow-up in selected clinics during the period from April 2018 to March 2020. Venous blood samples were collected for the purpose of genotyping, DNA extraction, and measurement of MTX levels. All the relevant data were statistically analyzed. The studied patients' median age was 25 years old with a range of (18-62) years. Forty-six patients were males with about 74%, and 16 were females with about 26%. Eighty-nine percent of the patients diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia 'ALL', 5% of the patients had B cell non-hodgkin lymphoma 'B-NHL' and 3% diagnosed with primary central nervous system lymphoma 'PCNSL' and Burkitt's lymphoma 'BL' Hematological, hepatic, renal and gastrointestinal toxicities observed post-HDMTX were recorded with the hematological toxicities toping on all the others, also patients with delayed elimination at 72 hours post the HDMTX dose were determined. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between ABCB1 3435 C > T rs1045642 and HDMTX delayed elimination with about 10 times higher risk among the minor allele 'T' carriers (p-value = 0.006) (odds ratio [OR]: 10.470; 95% CI: 1.961-55.904). No significant association observed between the studied gene polymorphisms: MTHFR 677 C > T rs1801133, ABCB1 3435 C > T rs1045642, and different toxicity outcomes. According to our best knowledge, this study is the first to conclude a significant association between ABCB1 3435 C > T rs1045642 gene polymorphism and HDMTX delayed elimination at 72 hours post HDMTX infusion; also, it is the first study to analyze the association between ABCB1 3435 C > T rs1045642 polymorphism with HDMTX toxicity and delayed elimination in adult Egyptian patients with hematological malignancies.

Holmium Laser Enucleation Versus Bipolar Plasmakinetic Resection for Management of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Patients with Large-Volume Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Randomized-Controlled Trial.

Objectives: To compare the safety and efficacy of holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) vs bipolar plasmakinetic resection of prostate (BPRP) in the management of large-sized (≥75 g) benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: This randomized-controlled trial recruited 145 symptomatic BPH patients who had failed medical management, and who had undergone either HoLEP (Versa pulse® 100 W; n = 73) or BPRP (AUTOCON® II 400 ESU; n = 72). Both groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney, chi-square, Student-t, or Fisher exact tests as appropriate. Preoperative vs postoperative findings (24 months) were compared using paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: The two groups were comparable for most preoperative findings including prostate size (p = 0.629), although HoLEP included more patients on anticoagulants (p = 0.001). HoLEP was associated with significantly less operative duration (p < 0.001), hemoglobin loss (p < 0.001), catheterization duration (p = 0.009), and hospital stay (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in total complications (p = 0.291) and each separate complication. Blood transfusion was reported only with BPRP (p = 0.058). At 24 months of follow-up, there was significant improvement in all the parameters in each group (International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS], maximum urinary flow rate [Qmax], quality of life [QoL], and postvoid residual urine [PVRU]; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between both groups in postoperative IPSS (p = 0.08), Qmax (p = 0.051), QoL (p = 0.057), or PVRU (p = 0.069). There was significantly better percentage improvement of both IPSS (p = 0.006) and QoL (p = 0.025) in HoLEP. HoLEP and smaller removed (resected or enucleated) tissues were associated with a reduction in the primary outcomes (hemoglobin loss and operative duration) in logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: HoLEP showed better safety profile with significantly less operative duration, hemoglobin loss, hospital stay, and catheterization duration. Although both procedures were effective, HoLEP showed significantly better percentage improvement of both IPSS and QoL. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04143399.

Recurrent insulinoma in a 10-year-old boy with Down's syndrome.

An insulinoma is a rare tumour with an incidence of four cases per million per year in adults. The incidence in children is not established. There is limited literature available in children with insulinoma, and only one case is reported in association with Down's syndrome in adults. Insulinoma diagnosis is frequently missed in adults as well as in children. The Whipple triad is the most striking feature although it has limited application in young children. Hypoglycaemia with elevated insulin, C-peptide and absent ketones is highly suggestive of hyperinsulinism. We present a case of 10-year-old boy with Down's syndrome with recurrent insulinoma. He was initially misdiagnosed as having an adrenal insufficiency and developed cushingoid features and obesity secondary to hydrocortisone treatment and excessive sugar intake. The tumour was successfully localised in the head of the pancreas with an MRI and octreotide scan on first presentation. Medical treatment with diazoxide and octreotide could not achieve normal blood glucose levels. The insulinoma was laparoscopically enucleated and pathological examination confirmed a neuroendocrine tumour. Subsequently, he had complete resolution of symptoms. He had a recurrence after 2 years with frequent episodes of hypoglycaemia. The biochemical workup was suggestive of hyperinsulinism. MRI and PET scan confirmed the recurrence at the same site (head of the pancreas). He had an open laparotomy for insulinoma resection. The pathology was consistent with benign insulinoma, and subsequently, he had complete resolution of symptoms. LEARNING POINTS: Insulinoma is a very rare tumour in children; it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hypoglycaemia with absent ketones.Refractory neurological symptoms like seizure, migraine, mood changes and regression of learning abilities should suggest evaluation for hypoglycaemia.MRI with contrast and PET scan would localise the majority of pancreatic beta islet cell lesions.Medical treatment with diazoxide, octreotide and the addition of corn starch in feeds is not curative but can be supportive to maintain normoglycemia until the surgical resection.Surgical resection is the only curative treatment. The surgical procedure of choice (laparoscopic/open laparotomy) depends on local expertise, preoperative localisation, tumour size and number.Surgical treatment results in complete resolution of symptoms, but all cases should be closely followed up to monitor for recurrence. The recurrence rate is four times higher in MEN1 cases.

The predictive value of soluble endothelial selectin plasma levels in children with acute lung injury.

UNLABELLED: The study aimed to evaluate the value of soluble endothelial selectin (sE-selectin) plasma level measurement in predicting acute lung injury (ALI) outcome in children. METHODS: The study was a prospective, controlled study that involved 50 children with ALI and 50 healthy children as a control. Soluble endothelial selectin and C-reactive protein plasma levels were measured at days 1 and 7 of development of ALI for the patient group and done only once for the control group. RESULTS: Plasma sE-selectin was significantly higher in the patients than the control group (P = .001). Mortality reached 32% of children with ALI. The deceased subgroup had significantly higher plasma sE-selectin levels both at days 1 and 7 than the survived (P = .02 and P < .001 respectively). There was positive correlation between plasma sE-selectin at day 7 with durations of both pediatric intensive care unit and mechanical ventilation. Levels of sE-selectin at days 1 and 7 had significant positive correlation with C-reactive protein level and ALI severity. Soluble endothelial selectin plasma levels of 302 ng/mL at day 7 were the best cutoff value to predict ALI-related deaths. CONCLUSION: Plasma sE-selectin level served as a good predictor biomarker for both mechanical ventilation duration and the mortality risk in children with ALI.

Full-thickness hysterocystoplasty for management of a large bladder defect: experimental study in goats.

The uterine tissue of three healthy nonpregnant goats was evaluated experimentally as a graft for closure of a bladder defect. Goats were subjected to ovariectomy, and then one detubularized uterine horn was used as a graft to close a large defect in the ventral aspect of the bladder. Follow up included monthly radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations and evaluations of kidney function and electrolytes changes for six months. The goats were euthanized after six months, and both the bladder and the graft were examined macroscopically and histologically. The technique required less invasive procedures than those described with alternative techniques of cystoplasty, achieved a high survival rate without life-threatening complications post surgery, was associated with no significant changes in kidney function and electrolytes levels, showed proper healing of the transplanted graft by regeneration rather than repair without scaring or fibrosis and with complete covering of the graft by a healthy urothelium and was associated with no malignant transformation. Hysterocystoplasty is a non-invasive, non-life-threatening technique due to the close position of the bladder to the uterus, and proper healing of the graft reflects absence of pressure on its blood supply. It is an acceptable alternative technique for closure of a large bladder defect and avoids disadvantages of alternative techniques of cystoplasty. It might be accepted by owners of pets, and further studies in clinical cases of dogs are advised.

Tuberculous spondylitis presenting as severe chest pain.

This case report describes a 32-year-old male who presented to an emergency department with severe chest pain and a history of cough, fever, night sweats, loss of appetite and weight. Chest radiography revealed a left upper lobe consolidation and multiple compression deformities in the thoracic spine. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated significant kyphosis and vertebral plana at two thoracic levels. Anterior compression of the spinal cord and adjacent soft tissue masses were also noted.

Drug-use practices in teaching hospitals of Khartoum State, Sudan.

PURPOSE: The present study was carried out to investigate current prescribing and dispensing practices in the largest two teaching hospitals in Sudan and compare them with those of published studies in developing countries. METHODS: A descriptive, quantitative and cross-sectional study was conducted among hospital outpatients. The sample was selected using systematic random sampling. In each hospital, prescribing indicators were investigated through collection of data on 100 patient encounters, determination of consultation time and dispensing time for 100 patients, and by interview of 100 patients for the evaluation of dispensing practices. RESULTS: The present findings showed that 96% (95% CI: 92.0-98.1%) of patient encounters did not include one or more necessary elements. Strength of drug and the quantity to be dispensed were omitted in 57.5% (95% CI: 50.3-64.4%) and 91% (95% CI: 85.9-94.4%) of patient encounters, respectively. Other variables measured per patient encounter were mean (SD) number of drugs prescribed, 1.9 (0.9); percentage prescribed by generic name, 43.6 % (95% CI: 38.6-48.8%); percentage of patient encounters involving an antibiotic, 65.0% (95% CI: 57.9-71.5%); percentage of patient encounters with an injection prescribed, 10.5% (95% CI: 6.5-15.8%). The mean (SD) consultation and dispensing times were 4.5 (2.8) min and 46.3 (21.8) s, respectively. The percentages of dispensed drugs that were adequately labeled was 37.6% (95% CI: 33.1-41.8%), whilst adequate patient knowledge was demonstrated for 37.2% (95% CI: 32.3-42.0%) of drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Cost-effective, multifaceted interventions are needed to improve current prescribing and dispensing practices at the teaching hospitals in Khartoum State, Sudan.