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1.
Dual-energy CT in musculoskeletal trauma.
Wong, AJN, Wong, M, Kutschera, P, Lau, KK
Clinical radiology. 2021;(1):38-49
Abstract
Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) combines the advantages of conventional CT with the ability to detect bone marrow oedema (BMO), which was previously limited to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). By analysing DECT virtual non-calcium (VNCa) maps, radiologists can improve the detection of subtle and occult fractures and approximate the acuity/healing of fractures of indeterminate age. This review highlights the role of DECT in the assessment of musculoskeletal trauma, particularly among elderly, post-menopausal women and those at risk for osteoporosis. DECT is especially useful in investigating trabecular bone predominant regions (e.g., vertebral bodies, pelvis, hip, and long bone metaphyses) for stress (i.e., fatigue or insufficiency) and fragility fractures. CT is often performed first due to its increased availability, especially in the emergency setting, shorter imaging duration, and possible patient contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). By enabling BMO detection, DECT may have a role in triaging patients for definitive MRI assessment. Understanding the role of anatomical, pathological, and patient factors in image interpretation can improve radiologist adoption of DECT, increase diagnostic confidence, and improve patient management.
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2.
Glucocorticoid-Like Activity of Escin: A New Mechanism for an Old Drug.
Gallelli, L, Cione, E, Wang, T, Zhang, L
Drug design, development and therapy. 2021;:699-704
Abstract
Saponins are a group of compounds used in clinical practice in the management of several diseases. Escin is a natural mixture of triterpene saponins which mainly consist of several isoforms, in which the α- and β-escin are predominant. β-escin is the major active compound that exerts a therapeutic effect by relieving tissue edema, promoting venous drainage, and reducing inflammation. In this review, we describe the features of its glucocorticoid-like activity that could explain its clinical effects. Using PubMed, Embase Cochrane library and reference lists for articles published until October 01, 2020, we documented that escin is likely able to exert its anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects through a glucocorticoid-like activity, but without the development of glucocorticoid-like adverse drug reactions.
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3.
Chronic venous disease: from symptoms to microcirculation.
Senra Barros, B, Kakkos, SK, De Maeseneer, M, Nicolaides, AN
International angiology : a journal of the International Union of Angiology. 2019;(3):211-218
Abstract
The recently published European Venous Forum (EVF) Guidelines 2018 update on the management of chronic venous disorders of the lower limbs has focused on several new aspects: a new place for early symptoms, new data on microcirculation alterations, and a re-evaluation of veno-active drugs (VADs), based on new criteria. The symposium "Chronic Venous Disease (CVD): From Symptoms to Microcirculation", held at the annual meeting of the EVF on 28 June 2018 in Athens, Greece, highlighted this perspective by answering three questions: What do symptoms mean and how do they influence our choice of investigations? Is there a link between symptoms and microcirculation alterations? How to choose the right VAD for the right patient based on the updated EVF guidelines? The answers given led the speakers to three conclusions: early symptoms reveal the initial stage of CVD and patients with C0S disease should be properly diagnosed, investigated, and treated; damage to the microcirculation is likely to be the first evidence of the onset of venous disease; Ruscus+HMC+VitC has proven efficacy in randomized controlled trials, and has been given a strong recommendation (Grade 1A) by the 2018 EVF guidelines for treatment of pain, heaviness, feeling of swelling, paresthesia, and edema, and should be considered as one of the preferred treatments to relieve these symptoms in CVD patients.
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4.
Tissue Edema, Fluid Balance, and Patient Outcomes in Severe Sepsis: An Organ Systems Review.
Jaffee, W, Hodgins, S, McGee, WT
Journal of intensive care medicine. 2018;(9):502-509
Abstract
Severe sepsis and septic shock remain among the deadliest diseases managed in the intensive care unit. Fluid resuscitation has been a mainstay of early treatment, but the deleterious effects of excessive fluid administration leading to tissue edema are becoming clearer. A positive fluid balance at 72 hours is associated with significantly increased mortality, yet ongoing fluid administration beyond a durable increase in cardiac output is common. We review the pathophysiologic and clinical data showing the negative effects of edema on pulmonary, renal, central nervous, hepatic, and cardiovascular systems. We discuss data showing increased morbidity and mortality following nonjudicious fluid administration and challenge the assumption that patients who are fluid responsive are also likely to benefit from that fluid. The distinctions between fluid requirement, responsiveness, and tolerance are central to newer concepts of resuscitation. We summarize data in each organ system showing a predictable increase in morbidity and mortality with nonbeneficial fluid administration, providing a better framework for precision in volume management of the patient with severe sepsis.
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5.
A review of acute postoperative sialadenitis in children.
Yim, MT, Liu, YC, Ongkasuwan, J
International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology. 2017;:50-55
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acute postoperative sialadenitis is a previously described rare entity that has occurred following general anesthesia and has also been associated with prolonged neurosurgical procedures. We aim to better characterize this entity while performing a literature review regarding potential etiologies, diagnosis, airway management and treatment options. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed at a pediatric tertiary care center from 2000 to 2014. Charts were selected for the study utilizing an ICD-9 diagnosis of sialadenitis occurring within two weeks of a surgical procedure. Data including age, gender, medical history, preoperative diagnosis, operation length, time to symptom onset, and subsequent management were collected. An additional literature review was performed focusing on reports of post-operative acute sialadenitis involving airway compromise. RESULT 244 charts were reviewed and 4 patients met inclusion criteria. The average time to symptom onset was 4.3 days (range 1 h-12 days) following conclusion of the surgical procedure. Symptoms ranged from mild inflammation of the parotid gland to rapid swelling of the neck necessitating intubation. All patients were treated with standard sialadenitis treatment including hydration, antibiotics, and airway management as needed. CONCLUSION To our knowledge this is the first case series reviewing this entity specifically within the pediatric population. There appears to be two distinct categories of postoperative sialadenitis; one of which presents very acutely and results in massive neck swelling and airway compromise. It is important for practicing Otolaryngologists to be aware of this potentially life-threatening complication in the immediate postoperative period.
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6.
Meta-analysis of dual-energy computed tomography virtual non-calcium imaging to detect bone marrow edema.
Li, M, Qu, Y, Song, B
European journal of radiology. 2017;:124-129
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the accuracy of dual-energy CT (DECT) virtual non-calcium (VNC) imaging for the detection of bone marrow edema (BME). METHODS A systematic literature search up to March 2017 was performed to find relevant original studies. Two reviewers independently selected studies, assessed literature quality, and extracted data. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve, and other measures of DECT accuracy for detecting BME were calculated using random effects models. Risk of heterogeneity was assessed for the appropriateness of meta-analysis. RESULTS Fourteen studies involving 2205 regions of vertebrae, hips, knees, and ankles were included. To evaluate the accuracy of BME detection using DECT, calculations were performed to obtain a pooled sensitivity of 0.812 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.780-0.841) and specificity of 0.951 (95% CI, 0.940-0.960). The AUROC value was 0.9635. The major potential cause of heterogeneity was bone position. No significant publication bias was present. CONCLUSION DECT VNC imaging gives very good diagnostic performance for BME detection and will likely be an important and common modality for acute assessment in the future.
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7.
Use, misuse and abuse of diuretics.
Bartoli, E, Rossi, L, Sola, D, Castello, L, Sainaghi, PP, Smirne, C
European journal of internal medicine. 2017;:9-17
Abstract
Resolution of edema requires a correct interpretation of body fluids-related renal function, to excrete the excess volume while restoring systemic hemodynamics and avoiding renal failure. In heart failure, the intensive diuresis should be matched by continuous fluids refeeding from interstitium to plasma, avoiding central volume depletion. The slowly reabsorbed ascites cannot refeed this contracted volume in cirrhosis: the ensuing activation of intrathoracic receptors, attended by increased adrenergic and Renin release, causes more avid sodium retention, producing a positive fluid and Na balance in the face of continuous treatment. High-dose-furosemide creates a defect in tubular Na causing diuresis adequate to excrete the daily water and electrolyte load in Chronic Renal Failure. Diuretic treatment requires care, caution and bedside "tricks" aimed at minimizing volume contraction by correctly assessing the homeostatic system of body fluids and related renal hemodynamics.
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8.
Efficacy of Ruscus extract, HMC and vitamin C, constituents of Cyclo 3 fort®, on improving individual venous symptoms and edema: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials.
Kakkos, SK, Allaert, FA
International angiology : a journal of the International Union of Angiology. 2017;(2):93-106
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Venoactive drugs (VADs) are considered an important component of the medical (conservative) treatment of chronic venous disorders (CVDs). However, the efficacy of certain VADs on one or more individual leg symptoms may have not been extensively studied to justify a high level or grade of recommendation in guidelines on CVD. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to study the effectiveness of VADs containing Ruscus across the spectrum of defined venous symptoms. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION On November 14 2016, a literature search of the databases MEDLINE and Scopus was performed, supplemented by hand searching, to identify randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials on Ruscus extracts in patients with CVD. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS The main outcome measures were the effects of Ruscus on individual symptoms and leg edema, which were expressed as risk ratio (RR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Trial quality of evidence was graded using the GRADE system. We identified 10 trials, mostly with low risk of bias, on 719 patients. On qualitative analysis, Ruscus significantly improved seven defined leg symptoms, including pain, heaviness, fatigue, feeling of swelling, cramps, itching and paresthesia compared to placebo. On quantitative analysis, Ruscus compared with placebo, assessed as a categorical variable, reduced leg pain (RR=0.35, P=0.01, number needed to treat [NNT] 5, with no heterogeneity), heaviness (RR=0.26, P<0.00001, NNT=2.4, with a small amount of heterogeneity), feeling of swelling (RR=0.53, P<0.0001, NNT=4, with considerable heterogeneity, minimized after sensitivity analysis), paresthesia (RR=0.27, P<0.0001, NNT=1.8), global symptoms (RR=0.54, P<0.00001, NNT=4.3) and the total number of venous symptoms (RR 0.41, P=0.002). Similarly, Ruscus compared to placebo, assessed as a continuous variable reduced pain (SMD=-0.80, 95% CI: -1.21 to -0.39), heaviness (SMD=-1.23, 95% CI: -1.60 to -0.86), fatigue (SMD -1.16, 95% CI: -1.71 to -0.61), feeling of swelling (SMD=-2.27, 95% CI: -3.83 to -0.70), and paresthesia (SMD=-0.86, 95% CI: -1.51 to -0.21). Regarding objective assessments of leg edema, the use of Ruscus compared with placebo reduced ankle circumference (SMD=-0.74, 95% CI: -1.01 to -0.47) and leg or foot volume (SMD=-0.61, 95% CI: -0.91 to -0.31). The existing evidence, where sufficient, was mostly of high quality. CONCLUSIONS Based on high quality evidence, Ruscus extracts are highly effective in reducing symptoms and edema of patients with CVD.
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9.
Delayed adverse reactions to the parenteral administration of iodinated contrast media.
Egbert, RE, De Cecco, CN, Schoepf, UJ, McQuiston, AD, Meinel, FG, Katzberg, RW
AJR. American journal of roentgenology. 2014;(6):1163-70
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This article presents an overview of delayed adverse reactions (DARs) to parenteral iodinated contrast media and discusses the clinical nature, risk factors, mechanisms, and potential economic implications of these DARs. CONCLUSION DARs to contrast media are not rare but are often not recognized as being linked to contrast administration and may be falsely ascribed to other drugs. These side effects are problematic because the patient is usually without medical supervision.
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10.
Toddlers with anasarca and severe anemia: a lesson in preventive medicine.
Salstrom, JL, Kent, M, Liang, X, Wang, M
Current opinion in pediatrics. 2012;(1):129-33
Abstract
Two toddlers presented to their primary medical providers with anasarca and severe anemia. Laboratory evaluation revealed iron deficiency along with hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia. Both children were diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia and were suspected to have an associated protein-losing enteropathy. A brief review of the literature is provided, and data supporting the notion of protein-losing enteropathy being a consequence of severe iron deficiency anemia are discussed. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for prevention of iron deficiency anemia are reviewed. These cases illustrate the importance of the primary medical care provider's role in preventive medicine and provide an example of severe complications that may arise from iron deficiency anemia if it is not recognized and treated early.