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Archives of Iranian Medicine Jun 2023The similarity in the mechanism of action between paracetamol and ibuprofen can cause similar side effects. However, in preterm neonates with feeding intolerance,...
BACKGROUND
The similarity in the mechanism of action between paracetamol and ibuprofen can cause similar side effects. However, in preterm neonates with feeding intolerance, intravenous (IV) paracetamol has replaced oral ibuprofen. Therefore, a comparison of the effectiveness and side effects is essential.
METHODS
In this retrospective cohort study, the data of 118 preterm infants with a definite diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), including 59 patients who received oral ibuprofen and 59 patients who received IV paracetamol were analyzed. Laboratory evaluations of serum total and direct bilirubin, hemoglobin, and creatinine levels before and seven days after treatment were made. Using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and multiple multinomial logistic regression models, the effect of two treatment groups on the post-treatment variables as well as their efficacy comparison were evaluated.
RESULTS
In both pre- and post-treatment periods, there was no significant association between echocardiography variables with treatment groups. The results from the ANCOVA model showed that the paracetamol and ibuprofen were followed by a significant decrease in the mean total bilirubin and Hct variables after treatment by 1.38 and 1.65 units, respectively. In addition, results from the Mann-Whitney U test revealed that the median Hb and K differences after and before treatment had a significant difference between the two treatment groups. Furthermore, based on the multiple multinomial logistic model results, the odds of complete arterial duct closure with IV paracetamol was 1.27 times higher than with oral ibuprofen, while in the oral ibuprofen group, the odds of closing was 1.44 times higher than the IV paracetamol group, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups.
CONCLUSION
Intravenous paracetamol has equal efficacy compared to oral ibuprofen in the treatment of PDA. Also, it seems to be associated with a lower risk of hyperbilirubinemia following the treatment.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Humans; Infant, Premature; Ibuprofen; Acetaminophen; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent; Retrospective Studies; Bilirubin
PubMed: 38310434
DOI: 10.34172/aim.2023.50 -
PeerJ 2024This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to explore the potential impact of the route of administration on the efficacy of therapies and occurrence of adverse... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The impact of the route of administration on the efficacy and safety of the drug therapy for patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to explore the potential impact of the route of administration on the efficacy of therapies and occurrence of adverse events when administering medications to premature infants with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
METHOD
The protocol for this review has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD 42022324598). We searched relevant studies in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and the Web of Science databases from March 26, 1996, to January 31, 2022.
RESULTS
A total of six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and five observational studies were included for analysis, involving 630 premature neonates in total. Among these infants, 480 were in the ibuprofen group (oral intravenous routes), 78 in the paracetamol group (oral intravenous routes), and 72 in the ibuprofen group (rectal oral routes). Our meta-analysis revealed a significant difference in the rate of PDA closure between the the initial course of oral ibuprofen and intravenous ibuprofen groups (relative risk (RR) = 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.13-1.44]; < 0.0001, = 0%). In contrast, the meta-analysis of paracetamol administration via oral versus intravenous routes showed no significant difference in PDA closure rates (RR = 0.86, 95% CI [0.38-1.91]; = 0.71, = 76%). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the risk of adverse events or the need for surgical intervention among various drug administration methods after the complete course of drug therapy.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis evaluated the safety and effectiveness of different medication routes for treating PDA in premature infants. Our analysis results revealed that compared with intravenous administration, oral ibuprofen may offer certain advantages in closing PDA without increasing the risk of adverse events. Conversely, the use of paracetamol demonstrated no significant difference in PDA closure and the risk of adverse events between oral and intravenous administration.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Humans; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent; Ibuprofen; Indomethacin; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Acetaminophen; Infant, Premature
PubMed: 38304184
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16591 -
The Journal of Emergency Medicine Feb 2024Electrocardiographic (ECG) findings of T-wave inversions in V1-V3, with or without accompanying epsilon waves, often raise concerns for the rare, but potentially lethal,...
BACKGROUND
Electrocardiographic (ECG) findings of T-wave inversions in V1-V3, with or without accompanying epsilon waves, often raise concerns for the rare, but potentially lethal, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). However, this pattern may be found in pericardial agenesis, an even rarer pathology. Concomitant myocarditis can confuse this presentation further.
CASE REPORT
We report a case of a previously healthy man who presented with left-sided chest pain, ECG findings suggestive of ARVC, and a final diagnosis of myocarditis with underlying partial pericardial agenesis. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: A growing number of cases have reported pericardial agenesis demonstrating ECG changes similar to ARVC. We discuss an approach to a diagnostically challenging patient. This case emphasizes the importance of a broad differential and the danger of premature closure.
Topics: Male; Humans; Electrocardiography; Myocarditis; Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia; Chest Pain; Pericardium
PubMed: 38278685
DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2023.10.020 -
Frontiers in Pediatrics 2023Olecranon fracture is considered intra-articular when there is obvious displacement or an irregular articular surface. Such fractures should be reduced and fixed via...
PURPOSE
Olecranon fracture is considered intra-articular when there is obvious displacement or an irregular articular surface. Such fractures should be reduced and fixed via surgery. No clear indications regarding the surgical technique to be adopted exist. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the outcomes of tension band wiring (TBW) and Herbert screw fixations for olecranon fractures.
METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 29 children with olecranon fractures. They were divided into the tension band wiring and Herbert screw groups. We assessed early epiphyseal closure and maximum length of the ulna using radiography. Patients were clinically evaluated using the average QuickDASH score.
RESULTS
Both groups had good radiological outcomes. Herbert screws demonstrated advantages in terms of bleeding, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, surgery duration, and particularly the QuickDASH score (1.57 vs. 4.18, < 0.05). Complications, including needle loosening and bursitis, occurred in five cases in the TBW group. Six cases had premature physis plate closure, and no difference was observed in limb length at 6 months after surgery.
CONCLUSION
Compared with TBW, Hebert screws demonstrated better clinical outcomes and lesser postoperative complications in the treatment of ulnar olecranon fractures in children. However, long-term follow-up is required to assess the effects of screws on the ulnar physis plate and ulna length.
PubMed: 38274471
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1269628 -
Journal of Cardiovascular Development... Dec 2023There is no universal consensus on management of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants and it varies significantly worldwide, even among the clinicians... (Review)
Review
There is no universal consensus on management of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants and it varies significantly worldwide, even among the clinicians within units. The decision to treat requires a thorough understanding of the clinical status of the patient, clinical evaluation of PDA, echocardiographic diagnosis, and hemodynamic impact of ductal shunt on the pulmonary and systemic circulation. In this article, updated evidence on the efficacy and adverse effects of pharmacological treatment options and expectant management are presented, while highlighting the long-term benefits of PDA treatment remains equivocal and controversial. The authors propose a schematic targeted PDA treatment approach based on gestational and chronological age for practical clinical use, and they emphasize important future directions including advancement in PDA device closure techniques, diagnostic echo-parameters, hemodynamic evaluation to assess the impact on other organs, and understanding the long-term outcomes.
PubMed: 38248877
DOI: 10.3390/jcdd11010007 -
Translational Pediatrics Dec 2023The goals of operative treatment for unilateral coronal synostosis (UCS) are to improve appearance and allow unrestricted brain growth. However, for severe unilateral...
BACKGROUND
The goals of operative treatment for unilateral coronal synostosis (UCS) are to improve appearance and allow unrestricted brain growth. However, for severe unilateral premature closure of the coronal suture, existing methods do not address the compression of the brain or expand the volume of the skull cavity. We report our retrospective experience with bilateral fronto-orbital advancement combined with cranial vault release using a free-floating bone flap (CVR + FFBF) technique and the resulting changes in the anterior cranial vault asymmetry index (ACVAI) and intracranial volume.
METHODS
Twenty patients with UCS who underwent bilateral fronto-orbital advancement combined with CVR + FFBF technique from April 2014 to May 2019 were included. Surgical efficacy was evaluated by the ACVAI and intracranial volume before the operation, 1 week after the operation, and at the last follow-up (average 19.8 months; range, 12 to 40 months). The measurement data are presented as the mean ± standard deviation and were statistically analyzed by -test.
RESULTS
The ACVAI was 9.07%±3.55% before the operation, 3.56%±3.42% 1 week after the operation, and 3.13%±2.41% at the last follow-up. The ACVAI 1 week after the operation was significantly lower than that before the operation (=4.827, P<0.001). There was no significant difference between the ACVAI 1 week after the operation and at the last follow-up (=0.660, P=0.517). The intracranial volume was 1,027.85±112.25 mL in patients before the operation and 1,131.92±161.71 mL in the normal control group, which was a statistically significant difference (=2.364, P=0.023). The intracranial volume significantly increased 1 week after surgery: 1,081.62±111.10 mL (=8.703, P<0.001), and this trend continued at the last follow-up (1,386.90±119.30 mL) similarly to the normal control group (1,438.22±89.28 mL). At the last follow-up, there was no significant difference between the two groups (=1.540, P=0.132).
CONCLUSIONS
For the treatment of UCS, bilateral fronto-orbital advancement combined with CVR + FFBF technique offers functional and cosmetic outcomes in terms of intracranial volume expansion and fronto-orbital symmetry.
PubMed: 38197103
DOI: 10.21037/tp-23-495 -
PloS One 2023Anakinra and tocilizumab are used for severe Covid-19, but only one previous randomized controlled trial (RCT) has studied both. We performed a multi-center RCT... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Anakinra and tocilizumab are used for severe Covid-19, but only one previous randomized controlled trial (RCT) has studied both. We performed a multi-center RCT comparing anakinra or tocilizumab versus usual care (UC) for adults at high risk of deterioration.
METHODS
The study was conducted June 2020 to March 2021. Eligibility required ≥ 5 liters/minute of Oxygen to maintain peripheral oxygen saturation at ≥ 93%, CRP > 70 mg/L, ferritin > 500 μg/L and at least two points where one point was awarded for lymphocytes < 1x 109/L; D-dimer ≥ 0.5 mg/L and; lactate dehydrogenase ≥ 8 microkatal/L. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1:1 to receive either a single dose of tocilizumab (8 mg/kg) or anakinra 100 mg IV QID for seven days or UC alone. The primary outcome was time to recovery.
RESULTS
Recruitment was ended prematurely when tocilizumab became part of usual care. Out of a planned 195 patients, 77 had been randomized, 27 to UC, 28 to anakinra and 22 to tocilizumab. Median time to recovery was 15, 15 and 11 days. Rate ratio for recovery for UC vs anakinra was 0.91, 0.47 to 1.78, 95% [CI], p = 0.8 and for UC vs tocilizumab 1.13, 0.55 to 2.30; p = 0.7. There were non-significant trends favoring tocilizumab (and to limited degree anakinra) vs UC for some secondary outcomes. Safety profiles did not differ significantly.
CONCLUSION
Premature closure of trial precludes firm conclusions. Anakinra or tocilizumab did not significantly shorten time to clinical recovery compared to usual care. (IMMCoVA, NCT04412291, EudraCT: 2020-00174824).
Topics: Adult; Humans; COVID-19; Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 Drug Treatment; Hospitals; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38157348
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295838 -
Journal of Cardiovascular Development... Nov 2023Persistent patent ductus arteriosus is a very common condition in preterm infants. Although there is no management agreed by consensus, despite numerous randomized... (Review)
Review
Persistent patent ductus arteriosus is a very common condition in preterm infants. Although there is no management agreed by consensus, despite numerous randomized controlled trials, hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus increases morbidity and mortality in these vulnerable patients. Medical treatment is usually offered as first-line therapy, although it carries a limited success rate and potential severe adverse events. In recent years, transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure has fast developed and become widely accepted as a safe and efficient alternative to surgical ductal ligation in extremely low birth weight infants >700 g, using most often the dedicated Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder device. This article aims to provide an appraisal of the patients' selection process, and a step-by-step description of the procedure as well as a comprehensive review of its outcomes.
PubMed: 38132644
DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10120476 -
Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao = Journal... Nov 2023To compare the outcomes and complications of open versus closed reduction and internal fixation for Delbet type Ⅱ and Ⅲ hip fractures in children and adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the outcomes and complications of open versus closed reduction and internal fixation for Delbet type Ⅱ and Ⅲ hip fractures in children and adolescents.
METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed the data of 42 patients with Delbet type Ⅱ (22 cases) and Ⅲ (20 cases) hip fractures (including 24 male and 18 female patients with a mean age of 8.19± 3.23 years, range 2-15 years) admitted in the Fifth and Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University from January, 2013 to January, 2022. Nineteen of the patients received closed and 23 underwent open reduction and internal fixation. The operation time, postoperative healing time, and Ratliff standard hip function results were compared between the two groups, and the incidences of such complications as premature epiphyseal closure and femoral head necrosis were analyzed.
RESULTS
All the patients were followed up for 13-84 months (mean 36.04±8.23 months). The operation time of closed reduction and internal fixation was significantly shorter than that of open surgery (68.23±24.68 119.71±32.75 min, < 0.05). All the patients showed good fracture healing after the operations with similar healing time between the two groups (3.32±0.31 3.18±0.20 months, > 0.05). The rate of excellent and good hip joint function was 90.48% in the overall patients and showed no significant difference between the two groups (17/19 21/23, > 0.05). The incidences of premature epiphyseal closure (3/19 in closed 4/23 in open reduction group, > 0.05) and femoral head necrosis (2/19 1/23, > 0.05) were comparable between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
In children and adolescents, open reduction can achieve definite surgical effect for Delbet type Ⅱ and Ⅲ hip fractures, but closed reduction and internal fixation are recommended when anatomic reduction can be achieved. Premature epiphyseal closure and femoral head necrosis are common and serious complications of these fractures.
Topics: Child; Humans; Male; Female; Adolescent; Child, Preschool; Retrospective Studies; Femur Head Necrosis; Femoral Neck Fractures; Treatment Outcome; Hip Fractures; Fracture Fixation, Internal
PubMed: 38081617
DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2023.11.19 -
BMC Medical Education Dec 2023Diagnostic errors in internal medicine are common. While cognitive errors have previously been identified to be the most common contributor to errors, very little is...
BACKGROUND
Diagnostic errors in internal medicine are common. While cognitive errors have previously been identified to be the most common contributor to errors, very little is known about errors in specific fields of internal medicine such as endocrinology. This prospective, multicenter study focused on better understanding the causes of diagnostic errors made by general practitioners and internal specialists in the area of endocrinology.
METHODS
From August 2019 until January 2020, 24 physicians completed five endocrine cases on an online platform that simulated the diagnostic process. After each case, the participants had to state and explain why they chose their assumed diagnosis. The data gathering process as well as the participants' explanations were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed to determine the causes of the errors. The diagnostic processes in correctly and incorrectly solved cases were compared.
RESULTS
Seven different causes of diagnostic error were identified, the most frequent being misidentification (mistaking one diagnosis with a related one or with more frequent and similar diseases) in 23% of the cases. Other causes were faulty context generation (21%) and premature closure (17%). The diagnostic confidence did not differ between correctly and incorrectly solved cases (median 8 out of 10, p = 0.24). However, in incorrectly solved cases, physicians spent less time on the technical findings (such as lab results, imaging) (median 250 s versus 199 s, p < 0.049).
CONCLUSIONS
The causes for errors in endocrine case scenarios are similar to the causes in other fields of internal medicine. Spending more time on technical findings might prevent misdiagnoses in everyday clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Prospective Studies; Diagnostic Errors; Endocrinology; Internal Medicine; General Practitioners
PubMed: 38066602
DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04927-5