A sonographic study of thigh telangiectasias.

Introduction To date, there are limited descriptive data on the ultrasonographic characteristics of reticular and perforator veins associated with telangiectasias of the thigh. Objectives Evaluate the prevalence, anatomic correlations of reticular and perforator veins associated with lateral thigh telangiectasias. Methods This was a cohort study performed between June and December of 2014. Twenty-four female patients (43 limbs) with telangiectasias of the lateral thigh were evaluated by duplex ultrasound. Reticular and perforator veins were characterized according to valvular competency, vein diameter and connection with perforator veins at the thigh. Body mass index, current use of oral contraceptive, and history of pregnancy correlation data were also collected. A non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test and a Student's t-test test were used for analysis. Results All 43 limbs had incompetent reticular veins underlying telangiectasias sites. A total of 20 incompetent perforator veins were found to be connected to the reticular veins. Obese and overweight patients had a higher prevalence of incompetent perforator veins and larger reticular veins when compared to those with normal weight (P < 0.05). Lower extremities with telangiectasias had a higher frequency of total perforator veins (n = 33) and incompetent perforator veins (n = 16) than extremities without telangiectasias (p = 0.001). Conclusion Lateral thigh telangiectasias were associated with both incompetent reticular and perforator veins. Obese and overweight patients were especially affected.

Change in perception of sclerotherapy results after exposure to pre-post intervention photographs.

Objective: To evaluate patients' self-perception of cosmetic improvement before and after they were presented with pre- and postprocedure photographs after sclerotherapy with 75% dextrose. Methods: Treatments included sclerotherapy of reticular and varicose veins using 75% dextrose. All treated limbs were photographed and classified according to Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathology classification and Venous Clinical Severity Score pre- and posttreatment. The patients were queried before and after viewing the photos during these visits and indicated if they were very unsatisfied, dissatisfied, satisfied, or very satisfied. Nonparametric kappa correlation coefficient and a Chi square test were used to measure associations among agreement (p < 0.05 indicated statistical significance). The paired Wilcoxon test was used to compare statistical differences in mean Venous Clinical Severity Scores measured at different times (p < 0.05 indicated statistical significance). Data were analyzed using STATA software (version 12). Results: Individuals were more satisfied with the results of sclerotherapy after exposure to images portraying their limbs two months after the procedure (p < 0.0028) [corrected]. This effect was maintained six months after sclerotherapy (p = 0.0027). Conclusion: Patient exposure to pre- and postsurgical photographs is a simple intervention with the potential of improving patient satisfaction up to six months after treatment with sclerotherapy

Epidemiologic characteristics of resistant microorganisms present in reserves from an intensive care unit.

In this study, significant contamination in the intensive care unit environment was observed (P < .004). Sampling of inanimate surfaces and equipment found vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis, ciprofloxacin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and S epidermidis, and multiresistant Acinetobacter baumannii with similarities (60%-80%) to blood culture isolates.