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Cureus Oct 2023Acute patellar dislocation (PD) is usually a problem of adolescents and young adults. In most cases, it is a sports-related injury. It is the result of an indirect force... (Review)
Review
Acute patellar dislocation (PD) is usually a problem of adolescents and young adults. In most cases, it is a sports-related injury. It is the result of an indirect force on the knee joint, which leads to valgus and external rotation of the tibia relative to the femur. PD is unlikely to occur on a knee with normal patellofemoral joint (PFJ) anatomy. Acute PD consists of an acute injury of the ligamentous medial patellar stabilizers in the background of factors predisposing to patellar instability. These factors are classified into three groups. The first group refers to the integrity of the ligamentous medial patellar restraints, particularly, the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). The second group refers to an abnormal PFJ anatomy, which renders the patella inherently unstable inside the trochlea. The third group refers to the overall axial and torsional profile of the lower limb and to systemic factors, such as ligament laxity and neuromuscular coordination of movement. PD at a younger age is associated with an increased number and severity of patellar instability predisposing factors and lower stress to dislocate the patella. Acute primary PD is usually treated conservatively, while surgical treatment is reserved for recurrent PD. The aim of treatment is to restore the stability and function of the PFJ and to reduce the risk of patellar redislocation. Surgical procedures to treat patellar instability are classified into non-anatomic and anatomic procedures. Non-anatomic procedures are extensor mechanism realignment techniques that aim to center the patella into the trochlear groove. Anatomic procedures aim to restore the PFJ anatomy (ruptured ligaments, osteochondral fractures), which has been severed after the first incident of PD. Anatomic procedures, especially MPFL reconstruction, are more effective in preventing recurrent PD, compared with non-anatomic techniques. Theoretically, all factors that affect PFJ stability should be evaluated and, if possible, addressed. This is practically impossible. Considering that the MPFL ruptures in almost all PDs, MPFL reconstruction is the primary procedure, which is currently selected by most surgeons as a first-line treatment for patients with recurrent PD. Restoration of the axial and torsional alignment of the lower limbs is also increasingly implemented by surgeons. Non-anatomic surgical techniques, such as tibial-tuberosity osteotomy, are used as an adjunct to anatomic procedures. In the presence of multiple PFJ instability factors, acute MPFL reconstruction may be the treatment of choice for acute primary PD as well. Skeletal immaturity of the patient precludes osseous procedures to avoid premature physis closure and subsequent limb deformity. Unfortunately, restoration of the patient's previous activity level or participation in more strenuous sports is questionable and not easy to predict. In the case of competitive athletes, PD may prevent participation in elite levels of sports.
PubMed: 38021800
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46743 -
Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation 2024The role of hormonal replacement therapy in menopause is under debate. The premature closure of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study in 2002 is still a source of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The role of hormonal replacement therapy in menopause is under debate. The premature closure of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study in 2002 is still a source of concern among treating physicians.
OBJECTIVES
The interest in alternatives to conventional hormone therapy has significantly increased. The adoption of personalized steroid hormone galenic preparations, formulated by compounding pharmacies, has recently spread.
METHODS
In June 2023, an extensive literature search was conducted by different authors to identify relevant studies in various databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane). The studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were further analyzed, and relevant data were extracted and analyzed for each paper. Any discrepancies between the investigators were resolved through a consensus approach.
OUTCOMES
The primary outcomes observed included the clinical utility of CBHT. This study reviewed the current evidence on the utility of compounded bioidentical hormones, concluding that improving knowledge and awareness of bioidentical hormones is necessary to consider their use in clinical practice.
CONCLUSION AND OUTLOOK
These formulations might provide effective options to best tailor therapies to each patient.
Topics: Female; Humans; Estrogen Replacement Therapy; Menopause; Hormone Replacement Therapy; Drug Compounding; Hormones
PubMed: 38151014
DOI: 10.1159/000535982 -
Best Practice & Research. Clinical... Aug 2023The increase in caesarean sections (CS) has resulted in an increase in women with a uterine niche. The exact aetiology of niche development has yet to be elucidated but... (Review)
Review
The increase in caesarean sections (CS) has resulted in an increase in women with a uterine niche. The exact aetiology of niche development has yet to be elucidated but is likely multifactorial. This study aimed to give a systematic overview of the available literature on histopathological features, risk factors and results of preventive strategies on niche development to gain more insight into the underlying mechanisms. Based on current published data histopathological findings associated with niche development were necrosis, fibrosis, inflammation, adenomyosis and insufficient approximation. Patient-related risk factors included multiple CS, BMI and smoking. Labour-related factors were CS before onset of labour, extended cervical dilatation, premature rupture of membranes and presenting part of the fetus at CS below the pelvic inlet. Preventive strategies should focus on the optimal level of incision, training of surgeons and full-thickness closure of the myometrium (single or double-layer) using non-locking sutures. Conflicting data exist concerning the effect of endometrial inclusion. Future studies without heterogeneity in population, using standardized performance of the CS after proper training and using standardized niche evaluation with a relevant core outcome set are required to allow meta-analyses and to develop evidence-based preventive strategies. These studies are needed to reduce the prevalence of niches and prevent complications in subsequent pregnancies such as caesarean scar pregnancies.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Cicatrix; Uterus; Cesarean Section; Myometrium; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37385157
DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2023.102363 -
Journal of Perinatology : Official... Oct 2023Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is the most common cardiovascular condition diagnosed in premature infants. Acetaminophen was first proposed as a potential treatment for... (Review)
Review
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is the most common cardiovascular condition diagnosed in premature infants. Acetaminophen was first proposed as a potential treatment for PDA in 2011. Since that time acetaminophen use among extremely preterm neonates has increased substantially. The limited available data demonstrate that acetaminophen reduces PDA without evident hepatotoxicity. These findings have led some to suggest that acetaminophen is a safe and effective therapy for PDA closure. However, the lack of apparent hepatoxicity is predictable. Acetaminophen induced cellular injury is due to CYP2E1 derived metabolites; and hepatocyte CYP2E1 expression is low in the fetal and neonatal period. Here, we review preclinical and clinical data that support the hypothesis that the lung, which expresses high levels of CYP2E1 during fetal and early postnatal development, may be particularly susceptible to acetaminophen induced toxicity. Despite these emerging data, the true potential pulmonary risks and benefits of acetaminophen for PDA closure are largely unknown. The available clinical studies in are marked by significant weakness including low sample sizes and minimal evaluation of extremely preterm infants who are typically at highest risk of pulmonary morbidity. We propose that studies interrogating mechanisms linking developmentally regulated, cell-specific CYP2E1 expression and acetaminophen-induced toxicity as well as robust assessment of pulmonary outcomes in large trials that evaluate the safety and efficacy of acetaminophen in extremely preterm infants are needed.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Humans; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent; Acetaminophen; Indomethacin; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Ibuprofen; Cytochrome P-450 CYP2E1; Infant, Extremely Premature
PubMed: 37169914
DOI: 10.1038/s41372-023-01697-2 -
Cureus Sep 2023In preterm newborns with extremely low birth weights, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), which is defined as a remnant connection between the aorta and pulmonary artery... (Review)
Review
In preterm newborns with extremely low birth weights, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), which is defined as a remnant connection between the aorta and pulmonary artery after 72 hours of birth, is frequently linked to substantial morbidity and mortality. If left untreated, a hemodynamically significant PDA (hsPDA) increases the risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and intraventricular hemorrhage among other morbidities, and can even lead to death. While instances of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) resolving on their own are frequent, the primary approach for managing PDA closure in premature infants involves pharmacological interventions, commonly utilizing indomethacin, ibuprofen, or paracetamol. However, with these pharmacological treatment options, there is an increased risk of renal toxicity, gastrointestinal bleeding, and reopening of PDA among other complications. If pharmacological interventions are not successful or contraindicated, PDA can be closed via transcatheter closure or surgical ligation. As with any medically invasive procedure, it is not without risks and can lead to long-term complications. This review explores the different management options and the benefits and outcomes of conservative management vs. active management in order to get one step closer to standardizing the treatment for PDA. With so much controversy surrounding the best management option, there is a lack of evidence to support one treatment method superior to the other in reducing overall mortality, and this needs to be explored further.
PubMed: 37829984
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45009 -
Journal of Cardiovascular Development... Sep 2023Transcatheter device closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants has been proven to be a feasible and safe technique with promising results when... (Review)
Review
Transcatheter device closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants has been proven to be a feasible and safe technique with promising results when compared to surgical ligation. However, managing transport and anaesthesia in extremely premature infants with haemodynamically significant PDA and limited reserves presents unique challenges. This review article focuses on the key considerations throughout the clinical pathway for the PDA device closure, including referral hospital consultation, patient selection, intra- and inter-hospital transport, and anaesthesia management. The key elements encompass comprehensive patient assessment, meticulous airway management, optimised ventilation strategies, precise thermoregulation, patient-tailored sedation protocols, vigilant haemodynamic monitoring, and safe transport measures throughout the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative phases. A multidisciplinary approach enhances the chances of procedure success, improves patient outcomes, and minimises the risk of complications.
PubMed: 37754806
DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10090377 -
Diagnosis (Berlin, Germany) Aug 2023Medical errors account for up to 440,000 deaths annually, and cognitive errors outpace knowledge deficits as causes of error. Cognitive biases are predispositions to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Medical errors account for up to 440,000 deaths annually, and cognitive errors outpace knowledge deficits as causes of error. Cognitive biases are predispositions to respond in predictable ways, and they don't always result in error. We conducted a scoping review exploring which biases are most prevalent in Internal Medicine (IM), if and how they influence patient outcomes, and what, if any, debiasing strategies are effective.
CONTENT
We searched PubMed, OVID, ERIC, SCOPUS, PsychINFO, and CINAHL. Search terms included variations of "bias", "clinical reasoning", and IM subspecialties. Inclusion criteria were: discussing bias, clinical reasoning, and physician participants.
SUMMARY
Fifteen of 334 identified papers were included. Two papers looked beyond general IM: one each in Infectious Diseases and Critical Care. Nine papers distinguished bias from error, whereas four referenced error in their definition of bias. The most commonly studied outcomes were diagnosis, treatment, and physician impact in 47 % (7), 33 % (5), and 27 % (4) of studies, respectively. Three studies directly assessed patient outcomes. The most commonly cited biases were availability bias (60 %, 9), confirmation bias (40 %, 6), anchoring (40 %, 6), and premature closure (33 %, 5). Proposed contributing features were years of practice, stressors, and practice setting. One study found that years of practice negatively correlated with susceptibility to bias. Ten studies discussed debiasing; all reported weak or equivocal efficacy.
OUTLOOK
We found 41 biases in IM and 22 features that may predispose physicians to bias. We found little evidence directly linking biases to error, which could account for the weak evidence of bias countermeasure efficacy. Future study clearly delineating bias from error and directly assessing clinical outcomes would be insightful.
Topics: Humans; Bias; Clinical Reasoning; Internal Medicine; Medical Errors; Cognition
PubMed: 37079281
DOI: 10.1515/dx-2022-0120 -
Interventional Cardiology Clinics Jul 2024Transcatheter ductal closure has proven to be safe and effective to occlude the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants. We have developed a robust... (Review)
Review
Transcatheter ductal closure has proven to be safe and effective to occlude the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants. We have developed a robust multidisciplinary PDA program. After gaining experience performing transcatheter ductal closure in the cardiac catheterization laboratory, we transitioned to performing the procedure at the patient's bedside in the neonatal intensive care unit using echocardiographic guidance. The bedside approach has the potential to expand this therapy to patients who currently undergo expectant PDA management because of lack of availability of this therapy, and allow for earlier referral, which will reduce time of exposure to this pathologic shunt.
Topics: Humans; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Cardiac Catheterization; Septal Occluder Device; Echocardiography
PubMed: 38839169
DOI: 10.1016/j.iccl.2024.02.001