Clinical Considerations and Outcomes of Robotic Urologic Surgery in Obese Patients.

Obesity is associated with many significant physiological changes. These considerations are important to surgery, especially in urological procedures. Obese patients often undergo surgical procedures and are at higher risk of complications. This investigation reviews physiological and anaesthesia considerations for obese and morbidly obese patients. In addition, urological surgeries and procedures should be considered for these higher risk patients. Clinical anaesthesiologists must use detailed assessment and, when appropriate, consultation in developing safe anaesthesia plans for these patients. Newer technologies have improved safety related to airway management, advanced airway devices, and regional anaesthesia with ultrasound-guided nerve blocks, which can reduce the need for opioids postoperatively. Recent developments in drug and monitoring technologies have also been developed and can be effective for obese and morbidly obese patients undergoing urological procedures and perioperative surgery, thus improving the likelihood of safety in this higher risk population.

Fluoroquinolones: Neurological Complications and Side Effects in Clinical Practice.

Fluoroquinolones, a popular antibiotic class that inhibits nucleic acid synthesis of bacteria by disrupting the activity of the enzyme's topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase, are used to treat bacterial infections. However, the widespread use of these drugs has allowed for the development of microbial resistance in recent years. Quinolones also have many clinically relevant side effects, including psychosis, confusion, seizures, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Common side effects include tendinitis, myopathy, depression, and fatigue. Cardiovascular side effects include increased risk of aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, and QT interval prolongation. Overall, quinolones can be an effective choice for treating bacterial infections. Still, the side effect profile and decreased efficacy secondary to microbial resistance no longer make the quinolone class an ideal choice for many types of infection. A better understanding of the role of quinolone-mediated or neurological damage, cardiovascular impairment, and musculoskeletal involvement is imperative to determine the risks/benefits for the clinician.

A Comprehensive Review of Solriamfetol to Treat Excessive Daytime Sleepiness.

Purpose of Review: This is a comprehensive review of the literature regarding the use of Solriamfetol for excessive daytime sleepiness. It covers the background and current therapeutic approaches to treating excessive daytime sleepiness, the management of common comorbidities, and the existing evidence investigating the use of Solriamfetol for this purpose. Recent Findings: Excessive daytime sleepiness leads to worse quality of life, a medical sequela and significant economic cost. There are multiple phenotypes of excessive daytime sleepiness depending on the comorbidity making treatment challenging. Due to the complexity of etiology there is not a cure for this ailment. Solriamfetol is a norepinephrine/dopamine dual reuptake antagonist that can be used to manage daytime sleepiness. Solriamfetol was first approved by the FDA in 2018 for use in excessive daytime sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea and narcolepsy. Ongoing literature has proved this drug to be a safe and effective alternative pharmacotherapy. Summary: Recent epidemiological data estimate up to one-third of the general adult population suffers from excessive daytime sleepiness. There is no cure to daytime somnolence and current pharmacotherapeutic regimens have worrisome side effect profiles. Solriamfetol is a new class of drug that offers a safe and effective alternative option for clinical providers treating excessive daytime sleepiness.

A Comprehensive Review of Lemborexant to Treat Insomnia.

Purpose of Review: This is a comprehensive review of the literature regarding Lemborexant for the treatment of insomnia. It covers the background and management of insomnia and then reviews the body of existing evidence evaluating the use of Lemborexant for this purpose. Recent Findings: Insomnia leads to significant decreased in quality of life and economic burden due to decreased workplace performance and increased health care costs. Insomnia manifests as a single common pathway of hyperarousal due to a highly complex network of interactions between activation of the sympathetic system and the endocrine system. Lemborexant is a dual orexin 1/2 antagonist that blocks cortical arousal and promotes sleep state transition. Lemborexant was approved by the FDA in 2019 for use in insomnia. It belongs to a class of orexin neuropeptide inhibitors that is growing in popular clinical application. Summary: Insomnia is a crippling disorder of the sleep wake cycle that drives significant morbidity and mortality in the United States. It carries a high societal and economic toll due to direct and indirect effects to the healthcare system. Lemborexant is a new addition to the orexin antagonist class of drugs that already includes Almorexant and Suvorexant that has superior pharmacokinetic properties. While Lemborexant does have a mild side effect profile, its clinical safety and efficacy make it a promising insomnia drug of the future.

Experimental Analysis of the Efficiency and Usability of Tylke Versus Magill Forceps.

INTRODUCTION: The procedure of nasotracheal intubation (NI) has long been performed utilizing the Magill forceps as developed by Sir Ivan Magill in the 1920s. While used for nearly a century, several serious patient safety concerns remain including torn tube cuffs, vocal cord trauma, and inefficient tube placement. The Tylke forceps have been developed as a modification to the largely unchanged form of Magill forceps. METHODS: In the present investigation we compared the efficacy, number of clasps, and muscle activation involved in NI using the Tylke forceps versus the Magill forceps in previously untrained individuals. RESULTS: Tylke forceps showed faster successful NI over the standard Magill forceps at an average intubation time of 6.54s vs. 13.73s, respectively. Tylke forceps also had fewer clasps per intubation over the Magill. The trapezius, deltoid, and brachioradialis muscle activation was also compared in Tylke vs Magill forceps intubation trials. Tylke forceps required less lower muscle activation in the brachioradialis and trapezius over the Magill forceps with Tylke forceps resulting in higher deltoid muscle activation. CONCLUSION: Tylke forceps were more efficacious and reduced the number of clasps over the Magill forceps when used in successful NI with different muscle activation patterns.

Electronic Health Record Recording of Patient Pain: Challenges and Discrepancies.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In the present review, various categories of pain, clinician-observed pain scales, and patient-reported pain scales are evaluated to better understand factors that impact patient pain perceptions. Additionally, the expansion of areas that require further research to determine the optimal way to evaluate pain scale data for treatment and management are discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: Electronic health record (EHR) data provides a starting point for evaluating whether patient predictors influence postoperative pain. There are several ways to assess pain and choosing the most effective form of pain treatment. Identifying individuals at high risk for severe postoperative pain enables more effective pain treatment. However, there are discrepancies in patient pain reporting dependent on instruments used to measure pain and their storage in the EHR. Additionally, whether administered by a physician or another healthcare practitioner, differences in patient pain perception occur. While each scale has distinct advantages and limitations, pain scale data is a valuable therapeutic tool for assisting clinicians in providing patients with optimal pain control. Accurate assessment of patient pain perceptions by data extraction from electronic health records provides a potential for pain alleviation improvement. Predicting high-risk postoperative pain syndromes is a difficult clinical challenge. Numerous studies have been conducted on factors that impact pain prediction. Postoperative pain is significantly predicted by the kind of operation, the existence of prior discomfort, patient anxiety, and age.

Lyme Disease and Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome: Current and Developing Treatment Options.

Lyme disease and its treatment implications have become an ever-increasing area of concern within the United States related to the markedly increased prevalence of infection within the last two decades. The presentation, pathophysiology, and epidemiology of Lyme disease have been well studied, and thus treatments for this disease are widely available. While the treatment of its early and late stages is relatively simple with 10-14 day and four-week courses of doxycycline, respectively, the main problem rests in the understanding of the etiology and pathology of post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS). With the time of symptoms onsetting approximately six months after treatment and potentially lasting indefinitely, this syndrome's effect on patients' quality of life could be devastating. Searching on PubMed, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, and ScienceDirect using keywords including Lyme disease, PTLDS, doxycycline, erythema migrans, azlocillin, and treatment, the authors have tried to make clear the different aspects. The authors have reviewed and discussed clinical studies of Lyme disease and its treatments/potential therapeutics as well as PTLDS and its sparse treatments/potential therapeutics.

Topiramate (Topamax): Evolving Role in Weight Reduction Management: A Narrative Review.

Obesity has emerged as a widespread disease with epidemic proportions, necessitating effective management to enhance the overall health outcomes of patients. Medical intervention for weight loss becomes necessary when diet and exercise prove ineffective, and topiramate emerges as a potential treatment option for this global problem. Currently approved as an anti-epileptic and migraine prophylaxis medication, topiramate is frequently utilized as adjunctive therapy for patients with mood and eating disorders, as well as for alcohol use disorders. Its multifaceted mechanisms of action contribute to reducing neuronal excitation and enhancing neuronal inhibition. Given its variety of mechanisms, topiramate shows several off-label outcomes, including weight loss, for patients prescribed this medication. Although the specific mechanism of action concerning weight loss remains uncertain, various hypotheses have been reported. Notably, topiramate may contribute to weight loss by reducing calorie intake, decreasing fat gain, and lowering triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Additionally, its impact on reward pathways associated with food could play a role. Multiple clinical studies have supported the use of topiramate as a weight-loss medication. Notably, the medication demonstrates effectiveness in reducing body weight across different dosages and sustaining weight loss over time, outperforming alternative weight loss methods. Moreover, it was generally well-tolerated in clinical studies, with few side effects observed. In conclusion, topiramate offers promising potential as a weight loss solution and can be a valuable addition to the range of treatment options for combating obesity.

Acromegaly: Pathophysiological Considerations and Treatment Options Including the Evolving Role of Oral Somatostatin Analogs.

Acromegaly is a condition most commonly diagnosed in the fifth decade of life and has numerous treatment options. In this regard, Mycapssa® is the first FDA-approved oral octreotide capsule for treating acromegaly, combining the efficacy of the somatostatin receptor ligand, octreotide, with the ease of a twice-daily oral capsule. Where surgical treatment is not an option, somatostatin analogs, including octreotide, are the first line of medical treatment for acromegaly, requiring regular subcutaneous or intramuscular injections administered by a patient's healthcare provider. Octreotide capsules (Mycapssa®) provide an alternative to these somatostatin receptor ligand injections by combining octreotide with other excipients to produce a transient permeability enhancer technology that improves paracellular transport of octreotide across the gastrointestinal wall into the small intestine. Across multiple trials, including open-label (CH-ACM-01), double-blind placebo-controlled (CHIASMA OPTIMAL), and open-label extension of the trial period (CHIASMA OPTIMAL OLE), Mycapssa® octreotide capsules maintained a consistent biochemical normalization of IGF-1 and GH levels, safety profiles similar to injected somatostatin receptor ligands, and patient preference to continued treatment with octreotide capsules. While clinical trial data supports the use of octreotide capsules (Mycapssa®) in the pharmacological management of GH and IGF-1 levels, very little data exist regarding the drug's efficacy, tolerability, and use in female or pediatric-specific populations. A better understanding of the efficacy, application, and role of oral octreotide capsules in the long-term medical management of acromegaly in a diversity of populations is imperative to best determine the risks/benefits for the clinician.

Updated Perspectives on the Neurobiology of Substance Use Disorders Using Neuroimaging.

Substance use problems impair social functioning, academic achievement, and employability. Psychological, biological, social, and environmental factors can contribute to substance use disorders. In recent years, neuroimaging breakthroughs have helped elucidate the mechanisms of substance misuse and its effects on the brain. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) are all examples. Neuroimaging studies suggest substance misuse affects executive function, reward, memory, and stress systems. Recent neuroimaging research attempts have provided clinicians with improved tools to diagnose patients who misuse substances, comprehend the complicated neuroanatomy and neurobiology involved, and devise individually tailored and monitorable treatment regimens for individuals with substance use disorders. This review describes the most recent developments in drug misuse neuroimaging, including the neurobiology of substance use disorders, neuroimaging, and substance use disorders, established neuroimaging techniques, recent developments with established neuroimaging techniques and substance use disorders, and emerging clinical neuroimaging technology.

Low-Level Laser Therapy for Acute Pain: A Comprehensive Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: An analysis of data conducted in 2015 by the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) found that an estimated 25.3 million adults (11.2%) have experienced pain every day for the preceding 3 months, and nearly 40 million adults (17.6%) have experienced a severe level of pain. RECENT FINDINGS: Multiple reviews have analyzed the current management of acute pain; however, much of the current literature only focuses on pharmacological methods of analgesia, such as opiates, ketamine, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Publications that discuss non-pharmacological options often criticize the limitations of available research for these therapies, making further exploration of this type of treatment necessary. The present investigation aims to summarize current knowledge on the use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), a cold laser non-pharmacological approach, in managing acute pain and to discuss important clinical findings and considerations when it comes to utilizing this treatment option in patients.

Cebranopadol for the Treatment of Chronic Pain.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Regardless of the etiology, if pain persists chronically, it can detrimentally impact multiple aspects of a patient's well-being. Both physical and psychological effects are significant in many chronic pain patients. In this regard, psychological consequences can alter a patient's quality of life, functionality, and social functioning. Opioids have been the long-established gold standard for acute pain treatment in settings such as the postoperative period. An alternative to opioids in pain management has been highly sought after. Through a non-selective mechanism, cebranopadol is a first-in-class oral drug which combines agonism of the mu and nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptors to provide improved analgesia, while reducing the occurrence of many typically opioid side effects. This manuscript is a narrative review of the possible use of cebranopadol in pain management. RECENT FINDINGS: In pre-clinical studies, cebranopadol was similar to morphine in its pain control efficacy. In a phase IIa trial, cebranopadol was superior to placebo in reducing pain. In a randomized clinical trial, cebranopadol was superior to morphine. Another study concluded that cebranopadol had a lower misuse potential when compared to hydromorphone. In summary, cebranopadol offers new opportunities in treating chronic moderate to severe pain, while also countering risks of addiction. Additional studies are warranted to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of cebranopadol. In this regard, cebranopadol could prove to be a promising alternative to current pain treatment options.

Warfarin and Antibiotics: Drug Interactions and Clinical Considerations.

Warfarin administration poses a notable challenge in clinical practice due to the increased susceptibility of patients to major bleeding, particularly when co-administered with other medications capable of modulating its metabolic pathways. Among these medications, antibiotics have been recognized as potential agents that can either induce or inhibit cytochrome P450-2C9, thereby impacting the effects of warfarin. A wealth of evidence from numerous studies consistently supports an elevated risk of serious bleeding in patients concurrently receiving antibiotics and warfarin therapy. This narrative review elucidates the intricate interactions between warfarin and various antibiotic classes. Notably, significant increases in the International Normalized Ratio (INR) were observed among warfarin-treated patients receiving penicillin derivatives, fluoroquinolones, TMP-SMX, and macrolides. Conversely, investigations have also demonstrated a reduction in INR levels in patients on warfarin when exposed to rifampin, a potent inducer of cytochrome P-450. Intriguingly, cephalosporin antibiotics and amoxicillin/clavulanate, despite not interfering with the cytochrome P450 system, exhibited a positive association with increased INR values. The findings of this narrative review underscore the importance of diligent monitoring in patients on warfarin requiring concomitant antibiotic therapy, as this surveillance strategy proves pivotal in mitigating the risk of major bleeding complications. Additionally, for patients necessitating cytochrome P450 inhibitors such as penicillin derivatives, fluoroquinolones, TMP-SMX, and macrolides, the consideration of dose reduction in warfarin therapy may confer substantial benefits in reducing the occurrence of major bleeding events. Similarly, patients who are co-administered rifampin alongside warfarin necessitate vigilant monitoring, with a potential need for escalating warfarin doses to counteract the risk of a hypercoagulable state.

Tianeptine, an Antidepressant with Opioid Agonist Effects: Pharmacology and Abuse Potential, a Narrative Review.

Tianeptine is an antidepressant drug approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder in countries other than the US. It is classified as an atypical tricyclic antidepressant and has shown potential benefits in addressing anxiety and irritable bowel disease. However, it is important to note that tianeptine is not approved for any use by the United States Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Despite its lack of approval by the FDA, tianeptine has been distributed online and at small retail locations. The term "gas station drugs" refers to a wide range of substances typically available for purchase from gas stations, corner stores, bodegas, mini marts, smoke shops, and the Internet. These substances may be produced commercially by drug manufacturers or in clandestine laboratories to mimic the effects of more well-known illicit/controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine, opioids, etc. Tianeptine has made its way to convenience stores and gas station shelves, branded as "Zaza" and "Tianna Red." It can also be obtained online from independent vendors without a prescription. Misuse of tianeptine can lead to euphoric, opioid-like highs with the potential for chronic users to develop dependence and tolerance. Overdose and use in suicide attempts have also been documented. This manuscript is a narrative review, highlighting the dangers of tianeptine and other gas station drugs and underscoring the urgent need to regulate these substances.

The Emerging Role of Ketamine in Acute Postoperative Pain Management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Postoperative pain (POP) is among the most unpleasant experiences that patients face after surgery. Interest in and use of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists for the management of POP has increased over the years with ketamine being the most popular drug of this class. RECENT FINDINGS: Several randomized controlled trials found that the use of ketamine either alone or in combination with other medications leads to decreased postoperative pain and opioid consumption. However, there are other studies that have not found these benefits. The results as of now suggest that the role of intraoperative ketamine in postoperative pain control varies among different operative procedures. While some studies have shown promise in ketamine's potential use as a postoperative analgesic, there is still a great deal of proposed research and randomized controlled trials needed to deduce the most efficacious and tolerable form and dose of ketamine.

Multi-agent Systems and Cancer Pain Management.

PURPOSE: The present investigation explores multi-agent systems, their function in cancer pain management, and how they might enhance patient care. Since cancer is a complex disease, technology can help doctors and patients coordinate care and communicate effectively. Even when a patient has a dedicated team, treatment may be fragmented. Multi-agent systems (MAS) are one component of technology that is making progress for cancer patients. Wireless sensory networks (WSN) and body area sensory networks (BASN) are examples of MAS. RECENT FINDINGS: Technology is advancing the care of patients, not only in everyday clinical practice, but also in creating accessible communication between patients and provider. Many hospitals have utilized electronic medical records (EHR), but recent advancements allowed the pre-existing infrastructure to network with personal devices creating a more congruent form of communications. Better communication can better organize pain management, leading to better clinical outcomes for patients, integrating body sensors, such as smart watch, or using self-reporting apps. Certain software applications are also used to help providers in early detections of some cancers, having accurate results. The integration of technology in the field of cancer management helps create an organized structure for cancer patients trying to understand/manage their complex diagnosis. The systems for the various healthcare entities can receive and access frequently updated information that can better provide better coverage of the patient's pain and still be within the legalities as it pertains to opioid medications. The systems include the EHR communicating with the information provided by the patient's cellular devices and then communicating with the healthcare team to determine the next step in management. This all happens automatically with much physical input from the patient decreasing the amount of effort from the patient and hopefully decreasing the number of patients' loss to follow-up.

Proton Pump Inhibitors, Kidney Damage, and Mortality: An Updated Narrative Review.

Since their approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1989, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have become one of the most highly utilized drugs in the United States, assuming a position as one of the top 10 most prescribed medications in the country. The purpose of PPIs is to limit the amount of gastric acid secreted by the parietal cells via irreversible inhibition of the H+/K+-ATPase pump, therefore maintaining an elevated gastric acid pH of greater than 4 for 15-21 h. Even though PPIs have many clinical uses, they are not without their adverse effects, mimicking achlorhydria. Besides electrolyte abnormalities and vitamin deficiencies, long-term use of PPIs has been linked to acute interstitial nephritis, bone fractures, poor COVID-19 infection outcomes, pneumonia, and possibly an increase in all-cause mortality. The causality between PPI use and increased mortality and disease risk can be questioned since most studies are observational. Confounding variables can greatly affect an observational study and explain the wide-ranging associations with the use of PPIs. Patients on PPIs are generally older, obese, sicker with a higher number of baseline morbidities, and on more medications than the compared PPI non-users. These findings suggest that PPI users are at a higher risk of mortality and complications based on pre-existing conditions. This narrative review aims to update readers on the concerning effects that proton pump inhibitor use can have on patients and give providers a resource to create informed decisions on appropriate PPI use.

The Role of Alpha-2 Agonists for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children: A Review.

INTRODUCTION: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, characterized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), which is marked by symptoms such as inappropriate levels of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can affect academic, social, and personal functioning in children and adolescents. This review summarizes clinical trials demonstrating the effectiveness of Alpha-2 agonists in reducing symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in children with ADHD. Studies were identified through a systematic search of PubMed and Cochrane databases. However, these medications' long-term safety and efficacy remain uncertain, with a lack of data on their effects on growth, cardiovascular function, and other adverse events. Further studies are required to determine these medications' optimal dose and treatment duration. METHODS: Medications that target the noradrenergic system, such as Alpha-2 agonists, have been increasingly used as a treatment option for ADHD, with guanfacine and clonidine being two of the most commonly used medications. They function by selectively targeting Alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain leading to improved attention and reduced hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms in children with ADHD. RESULTS: Clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of Alpha-2 agonists in treating ADHD in children by reducing symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. However, these medications' long-term safety and efficacy still need to be completely understood. Due to a lack of information on the effects of Alpha-2 agonists on growth, cardiovascular function, and other long-term adverse events, more studies must investigate the optimal dose and treatment duration for these medications. CONCLUSIONS: Despite these concerns, Alpha-2 agonists remain a valuable treatment option for ADHD in children, especially those unable to tolerate stimulant medications or who have coexisting conditions such as tic disorders. Future research should continue to explore the safety and efficacy of Alpha-2 agonists in the long term. In conclusion, Alpha-2 agonists show promise as a treatment for ADHD in children; however, the safety and efficacy of these drugs in the long term are not yet completely understood. Additional studies are required to investigate the optimal dose and treatment duration for these medications in their use as a treatment for this debilitating disease.

Update on Overactive Bladder Therapeutic Options.

BACKGROUND: Millions of Americans are burdened by overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome and the psychogenic and economic hardships that accompany it. Several theories attempt to explain OAB as a neurogenic dysfunction, myogenic dysfunction, urothelial dysfunction, or decreased expression of a channel protein secondary to bladder outlet obstruction. Given that the etiology of OAB is a working theory, the management of OAB is also an evolving subject matter in medicine. There are uncertainties surrounding the pathophysiology of OAB, the strength of a clinical diagnosis, and accurate reporting because of the disease's stigma and decreased use of health care. DATA SOURCES: This is a narrative review that used PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, and ScienceDirect to review literature on current and future OAB therapies. RESULTS: Currently, first-line treatment for OAB is behavioral therapy that uses lifestyle modifications, bladder-control techniques, and psychotherapy. Second-line therapy includes antimuscarinic agents or beta 3 adrenergic agonists, and studies have shown that combination therapy with antimuscarinics and beta 3 adrenergic agonists provides even greater efficacy than monotherapy. Third-line therapies discussed include onabotulinumtoxinA, posterior tibial nerve stimulation, and sacral neuromodulation. OnabotulinumtoxinA has been FDA-approved as a nonpharmaceutical treatment option for refractory OAB with minimal side effects restricted to the urinary tract. Posterior tibial nerve modulation and sacral neuromodulation are successful in treating refractory OAB, but the costs and complication rates make them high-risk procedures. Therefore, surgical intervention should be a last resort. Estrogen therapy is effective in alleviating urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women, consistent with the association between estrogen deficiency and genitourinary syndrome. Potassium channel activators, voltage-gated calcium channel blockers, and phosphodiesterase inhibitors look to be promising options for the future of OAB management. As new therapies are developed, individuals with OAB can better personalize their treatment to maximize their quality of life and cost-effective care.