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Diseases of the Esophagus : Official... May 2017In patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and erosive esophagitis, treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is highly effective. However, in some... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
In patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and erosive esophagitis, treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is highly effective. However, in some patients, especially those with nonerosive reflux disease or atypical GERD symptoms, acid-suppressive therapy with PPIs is not as successful. Alginates are medications that work through an alternative mechanism by displacing the postprandial gastric acid pocket. This study performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the benefit of alginate-containing compounds in the treatment of patients with symptoms of GERD. PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane library electronic databases were searched through October 2015 for randomized controlled trials comparing alginate-containing compounds to placebo, antacids, histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), or PPIs for the treatment of GERD symptoms. Additional studies were identified through a bibliography review. Non-English studies and those with pediatric patients were excluded. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effect models to calculate odds ratios (OR). Heterogeneity between studies was estimated using the I2 statistic. Analyses were stratified by type of comparator. The search strategy yielded 665 studies and 15 (2.3%) met inclusion criteria. Fourteen were included in the meta-analysis (N = 2095 subjects). Alginate-based therapies increased the odds of resolution of GERD symptoms when compared to placebo or antacids (OR: 4.42; 95% CI 2.45-7.97) with a moderate degree of heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 71%, P = .001). Compared to PPIs or H2RAs, alginates appear less effective but the pooled estimate was not statistically significant (OR: 0.58; 95% CI 0.27-1.22). Alginates are more effective than placebo or antacids for treating GERD symptoms.
Topics: Adult; Alginates; Antacids; Female; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Glucuronic Acid; Hexuronic Acids; Histamine H2 Antagonists; Humans; Male; Proton Pump Inhibitors; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28375448
DOI: 10.1093/dote/dow020 -
Cureus Jan 2021Aging results in loss of subcutaneous body fat as well as lean body mass. Elderly patients are also more likely to require cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED)... (Review)
Review
Aging results in loss of subcutaneous body fat as well as lean body mass. Elderly patients are also more likely to require cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) due to rising cardiovascular disease prevalence. A majority of the currently available devices require placement in a pocket created in the subcutaneous space between the subcutaneous fat tissue and the underlying chest wall muscle. Deficient subcutaneous fat tissue can result in device protrusion and even erosion through the skin. This can lead to significant morbidity and mortality especially when associated with device infection and need for device system extraction. This article reviews the scope of the problem and some of the strategies that can be employed to address the lack of subcutaneous soft tissue at the time of device implant.
PubMed: 33654587
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.12902 -
Cureus Apr 2021Permanent pacemakers' (PPM) implantation is an integral part of electrophysiology and general cardiology. The implantation technique has evolved a lot since the first...
INTRODUCTION
Permanent pacemakers' (PPM) implantation is an integral part of electrophysiology and general cardiology. The implantation technique has evolved a lot since the first implantation. Several innovations have been undertaken to improve the effectiveness, life of the transplant, and patient outcomes. In this study, we introduced a new implantation technique to improve the procedure and possibly reduce the rate of complication.
METHODS
This study was conducted from January 2016 to February 2017 in Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. Patients destined for implantation of PPM based on a clinical treatment plan, after proper explanation of the procedure, were brought to the catheterization laboratory. Venogram of the upper limb performed. Patients were scrubbed and draped. The axillary vein was approached via the Seldinger technique. About 2 to 3 cm superolateral to the puncture site, a skin incision was made and subcutaneous pocket constructed, and a guidewire external end was pulled in from inside the pocket keeping the venous end at the place. Subsequently, in a routine way, lead was placed, secured and the wound was closed in layers.
RESULTS
A total of 690 PPM were implanted under the study. About 290 devices were implanted in the conventional way and 380 devices via the trans-axillary approach. The mean implantation time was less than 30 minutes via the trans-axillary approach. Immediate and delayed complications of the procedure were minimal.
CONCLUSION
Trans-axillary approach holds some significant advantages over the conventional technique. The subcutaneous pocket and venous puncture successfully reduce the burden of foreign material, minimize the tension on the wound, shorten implantation time and reduce the chances of erosion of the device.
PubMed: 33996301
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.14436 -
Cureus Feb 2021Cardiac-implantable electronic device (CIED) infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In this review, we describe the risk factors and... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Cardiac-implantable electronic device (CIED) infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In this review, we describe the risk factors and pathogenesis of CIED infections and review the rationale and the evidence for the use of antibiotic-eluting envelopes (ABEs) in patients at increased risk for CIED infections.
FINDINGS
The majority of CIED infections are caused by staphylococci that involve generator pocket and occur due to contamination of the device or the pocket tissues at the time of implantation. Clinical trials have shown that extending the duration of post-operative systemic antibacterial therapy is not beneficial in reducing CIED infection rate. However, ABEs that reduce device migration after implantation and provide sustained local delivery of prophylactic antibiotics at the pocket site, may provide benefit in reducing infection. Currently, there are two types of commercially available CIED envelope devices in the United States. The first ABE device (TYRX™, Medtronic Inc., Monmouth Junction, NJ) is composed of a synthetic absorbable mesh envelope that elutes minocycline and rifampin and has been shown to reduce CIED pocket infections in a large multi-center randomized clinical trial. The second ABE device (CanGaroo-G™, Aziyo Biologics, Silver Spring, MD) is composed of decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) and was originally designed to stabilize the device within the pocket, limiting risk for migration or erosion, and providing a substrate for tissue ingrowth in a preclinical study. This device has shown promising results in a preclinical study with local delivery of gentamicin. Compared with artificial materials, such as synthetic surgical mesh, biologic ECM has been shown to foster greater tissue integration and vascular ingrowth, a reduced inflammatory response, and more rapid clearance of bacteria.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
ABE devices provide sustained local delivery of antibiotics at the generator pocket site and appear beneficial in reducing CIED pocket infections. Given the continued increase in the use of CIED therapy and resultant infectious complications, innovative approaches to infection prevention are critical.
PubMed: 33728111
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.13088 -
Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and... Sep 2022Textilomas, gossypibomas, muslinomas and gauzomas, otherwise collectively known as Retained Non-absorbable Hemostatic Material (RNHM), are surgical materials such as... (Review)
Review
UNLABELLED
Textilomas, gossypibomas, muslinomas and gauzomas, otherwise collectively known as Retained Non-absorbable Hemostatic Material (RNHM), are surgical materials such as cotton or gauze pads that are accidentally retained in the surgical bed post-operatively. They may present acutely with signs of infection or may rarely remain chronic and asymptomatic; the latter posing a significant challenge to clinical and imaging diagnosis. Textilomas are not routinely reported due to their medicolegal implications and are usually encountered fortuitously. Here, we report a case of an individual who presented with a non-specific lower backache, had a remote history of lumbar discectomy and in whom a textiloma at the postoperative site was seen to mimic a soft-tissue mass on imaging. In addition, we review current, up-to-date literature on delayed presentations of such retained materials after surgery of the lumbar spine.
CASE REPORT
A 43-year-old male presented with pain in his right lower back and gluteal region. He had undergone an L4-L5 discectomy 11 years ago, remained asymptomatic since, and noticed an insidious, worsening pain a week before presentation. Mild tenderness was elicited over the region of pain. A clinical diagnosis of L4-L5 extraforaminal disc prolapse with deep surgical site infection was made. Ultrasound showed an iso-to-hyperechogenic lesion in the right lower paraspinal region. MRI showed a very well-defined, ovoid T1-hypointense and T2-iso-hypointense lesion in the deep posterior paraspinal region of the L4/5 level adjacent to right laminar process of L4 vertebra. The lesion caused scalloping and chronic erosion of the laminar process. No obvious air pockets were present. The features of infection, like soft tissue oedema and collection, were absent. Based on imaging, differentials of nerve sheath tumour and gossipybomas was made. Open wound exploration was performed, which showed a wad of gauze within the right L4-L5 interlaminar space, with thin surrounding granulation tissue The L4-L5 disc and exiting nerve root were normal. The mass was removed, local washing was done and wound was closed.
CONCLUSION
Though unfortunate and relatively rare, the possibility of a textiloma must be considered among the differential diagnoses of a mass in the spinal region in the event of prior surgery, no matter how remote the history. Clinical presentation may vary, but the imaging appearance is largely consistent and can be relied upon to prevent unnecessary investigation and facilitate early surgical removal of the offending retained material.
PubMed: 36051862
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcot.2022.101967 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jul 2023Infective endocarditis (IE) is a disease of the endocardium, which leads to the appearance of vegetation on the valves, cardiac structures, or, potentially, vascular... (Review)
Review
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a disease of the endocardium, which leads to the appearance of vegetation on the valves, cardiac structures, or, potentially, vascular endothelium of the heart. The risk of IE can be increased more than 140 times by congenital heart disease (50-59% of all IE), particularly if cyanotic. An increase in mortality may result from IE in patients with a complex cardiac pathology or patients with an implanted prosthetic material, most frequently conduits in a pulmonary position. Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) infective endocarditis is a life-threatening complication representing 10% of all cases of endocarditis. Common signs of presentation are often fever and chills; redness and swelling at the pocket of the pacemaker, including the erosion and exteriorization of the device; and life-threatening sepsis. The use of intracardiac echocardiography for the diagnosis of IE is an innovative method. This may be needed, especially in older children undergoing complex cardiac surgery, when transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) failed to provide a reliable diagnosis. The 2018 European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) experts' consensus statement on transvenous lead extraction recommends complete device removal and antimicrobial therapy for any device-related infection, including CIED-IE. The most detected microorganism was Staphylococcus Aureus. In addition, cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology associated with the placement of prostheses or conduits may increase the risk of IE up to 1.6% for Melody valve implantation. Our manuscript presents a comprehensive review of infective endocarditis associated with cardiac devices and prostheses in the pediatric population, including recent advances in diagnosis and management.
PubMed: 37568344
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12154941 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Oct 2020To assess the relation between autocratisation-substantial decreases in democratic traits (free and fair elections, freedom of civil and political association, and...
OBJECTIVE
To assess the relation between autocratisation-substantial decreases in democratic traits (free and fair elections, freedom of civil and political association, and freedom of expression)-and countries' population health outcomes and progress toward universal health coverage (UHC).
DESIGN
Synthetic control analysis.
SETTING AND COUNTRY SELECTION
Global sample of countries for all years from 1989 to 2019, split into two categories: 17 treatment countries that started autocratising during 2000 to 2010, and 119 control countries that never autocratised from 1989 to 2019. The treatment countries comprised low and middle income nations and represent all world regions except North America and western Europe. A weighted combination of control countries was used to construct synthetic controls for each treatment country. This statistical method is especially well suited to population level studies when random assignment is infeasible and sufficiently similar comparators are not available. The method was originally developed in economics and political science to assess the impact of policies and events, and it is now increasingly used in epidemiology.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
HIV-free life expectancy at age 5 years, UHC effective coverage index (0-100 point scale), and out-of-pocket spending on health per capita. All outcome variables are for the period 1989 to 2019.
RESULTS
Autocratising countries underperformed for all three outcome variables in the 10 years after the onset of autocratisation, despite some improvements in life expectancy, UHC effective coverage index, and out-of-pocket spending on health. On average, HIV-free life expectancy at age 5 years increased by 2.2% (from 64.7 to 66.1 years) during the 10 years after the onset of autocratisation. This study estimated that it would have increased by 3.5% (95% confidence interval 3.3% to 3.6%, P<0.001) (from 64.7 to 66.9 years) in the absence of autocratisation. On average, the UHC effective coverage index increased by 11.9% (from 42.5 to 47.6 points) during the 10 years after the onset of autocratisation. This study estimated that it would have increased by 20.2% (95% confidence interval 19.6% to 21.2%, P<0.001) (from 42.5 to 51.1 points) in the absence of autocratisation. Finally, on average, out-of-pocket spending on health per capita increased by 10.0% (from $4.00 (£3.1; €3.4) to $4.4, log transformed) during the 10 years after the onset of autocratisation. This study estimated that it would have increased by only 4.4% (95% confidence interval 3.9% to 4.6%, P<0.001) (from $4.0 to $4.2, log transformed) in the absence of autocratisation.
CONCLUSIONS
Autocratising countries had worse than estimated life expectancy, effective health service coverage, and levels of out-of-pocket spending on health. These results suggest that the noticeable increase in the number of countries that are experiencing democratic erosion in recent years is hindering population health gains and progress toward UHC. Global health institutions will need to adjust their policy recommendations and activities to obtain the best possible results in those countries with a diminishing democratic incentive to provide quality healthcare to populations.
Topics: Aged; Democracy; Global Health; Health Expenditures; Humans; Life Expectancy; Middle Aged; Politics; Universal Health Care
PubMed: 33097492
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.m4040 -
BMC Public Health Jun 2020The dynamic intersection of a pluralistic health system, large informal sector, and poor regulatory environment have provided conditions favourable for 'corruption' in... (Review)
Review
The influence of corruption and governance in the delivery of frontline health care services in the public sector: a scoping review of current and future prospects in low and middle-income countries of south and south-east Asia.
BACKGROUND
The dynamic intersection of a pluralistic health system, large informal sector, and poor regulatory environment have provided conditions favourable for 'corruption' in the LMICs of south and south-east Asia region. 'Corruption' works to undermine the UHC goals of achieving equity, quality, and responsiveness including financial protection, especially while delivering frontline health care services. This scoping review examines current situation regarding health sector corruption at frontlines of service delivery in this region, related policy perspectives, and alternative strategies currently being tested to address this pervasive phenomenon.
METHODS
A scoping review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) was conducted, using three search engines i.e., PubMed, SCOPUS and Google Scholar. A total of 15 articles and documents on corruption and 18 on governance were selected for analysis. A PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist was filled-in to complete this report. Data were extracted using a pre-designed template and analysed by 'mixed studies review' method.
RESULTS
Common types of corruption like informal payments, bribery and absenteeism identified in the review have largely financial factors as the underlying cause. Poor salary and benefits, poor incentives and motivation, and poor governance have a damaging impact on health outcomes and the quality of health care services. These result in high out-of-pocket expenditure, erosion of trust in the system, and reduced service utilization. Implementing regulations remain constrained not only due to lack of institutional capacity but also political commitment. Lack of good governance encourage frontline health care providers to bend the rules of law and make centrally designed anti-corruption measures largely in-effective. Alternatively, a few bottom-up community-engaged interventions have been tested showing promising results. The challenge is to scale up the successful ones for measurable impact.
CONCLUSIONS
Corruption and lack of good governance in these countries undermine the delivery of quality essential health care services in an equitable manner, make it costly for the poor and disadvantaged, and results in poor health outcomes. Traditional measures to combat corruption have largely been ineffective, necessitating the need for innovative thinking if UHC is to be achieved by 2030.
Topics: Asia; Developing Countries; Fraud; Government; Health Care Sector; Health Personnel; Health Policy; Humans; Income; Medical Assistance; Private Sector; Public Sector; Residence Characteristics
PubMed: 32513131
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08975-0 -
Otolaryngologia Polska = the Polish... Feb 2017This manuscript intends to review types, pathogenesis, associated risk factors, and potential methods of prevention and treatment of the retraction pockets in adults and...
This manuscript intends to review types, pathogenesis, associated risk factors, and potential methods of prevention and treatment of the retraction pockets in adults and children. The importance of retraction pockets (RP) lies in loss of original histological and anatomical structure which is associated with development of ossicular chain erosion, cho¬lesteatoma formation and potentially life threatening complications of cholesteatoma. The trans-mucosal exchange each gas in the middle ear (ME) is towards equalizing its partial pressures with the partial pressure in the environ¬ment. MEs that have abnormalities in the volume and ventilation pathways in the epitympanic may be more suscep¬tible to retraction pockets. Sustained pressure differences and/or inflammation leads to destruction of collagen fibers in the lamina propria. Inflammatory mediators and cytokines lead to release of collagenases result in viscoelastic properties of the lamina propria. The process of changes in the tympanic membrane structure may evolve to the cho¬lesteatoma formation. There are many different staging systems that clinicians prioritize in their decision making in the management of RP. The authors discuss the management possibilities in different clinical situations: RP without and with ongoing or intermittent evidence of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD), presence of adenoid hypertrophy or re-growth of adenoids, presence or absence of effusion, invisible depth of RP without effusion. invisible depth of RP with effusion, ongoing RP after VT insertion, and finally suspicion of cholesteatoma in a deep RP with ME effusion. A decision algorithm regarding the management of TM retraction and retraction pockets is provided.
Topics: Adult; Child; Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear; Eustachian Tube; Hearing Loss, Conductive; Humans; Tympanic Membrane
PubMed: 28485292
DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0009.5547 -
GeroScience Apr 2024Oral health plays a significant role in the quality of life and overall well-being of the aging population. However, age-related changes in oral health are not well...
Oral health plays a significant role in the quality of life and overall well-being of the aging population. However, age-related changes in oral health are not well understood due to challenges with current animal models. In this study, we analyzed the oral health and microbiota of a short-lived non-human primate (i.e., marmoset), as a step towards establishing a surrogate for studying the changes that occur in oral health during human aging. We investigated the oral health of marmosets using cadaveric tissues in three different cohorts: young (aged ≤6 years), middle-aged, and older (>10 years) and assessed the gingival bacterial community using analyses of the V3-V4 variable region of 16S rRNA gene. The oldest cohort had a significantly higher number of dental caries, increased dental attrition/erosion, and deeper periodontal pocket depth scores. Oral microbiome analyses showed that older marmosets had a significantly greater abundance of Escherichia-Shigella and Propionibacterium, and a lower abundance of Agrobacterium/Rhizobium at the genus level. Alpha diversity of the microbiome between the three groups showed no significant differences; however, principal coordinate analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis revealed that samples from middle-aged and older marmosets were more closely clustered than the youngest cohort. In addition, linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEFSe) identified a higher abundance of Esherichia-Shigella as a potential pathogenic biomarker in older animals. Our findings confirm that changes in the oral microbiome are associated with a decline in oral health in aging marmosets. The current study suggests that the marmoset model recapitulates some of the changes in oral health associated with human aging and may provide opportunities for developing new preventive strategies or interventions which target these disease conditions.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Aged; Middle Aged; Callithrix; Oral Health; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Dental Caries; Quality of Life; Aging
PubMed: 37775702
DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00939-7