In vivo assessment of antimicrobial activity and toxicity of repeated 1% povidone-iodine applications versus a single 5% povidone-iodine application.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the non-inferiority in antimicrobial effectiveness of thrice-repeated applications of 1% povidone-iodine (PI) compared to a single application of 5% PI on the ocular surface in vivo and to evaluate potential toxicity of PI to the corneal epithelium. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel. DESIGN: Prospective randomized, double-blind study. METHODS: Patients randomly received either a single application of 5% PI or repeated irrigations of 1% PI on the ocular surface before surgery. Bacterial colony counts were quantitatively analyzed by taking standardized conjunctival swabs before and after irrigation, and differences in bacterial colony counts were compared between the 2 groups. The presence of superficial punctate keratopathy was evaluated in all patients by the National Eye Institute grading system. RESULTS: The study comprised 102 eyes of 102 patients. Both 1% and 5% PI yielded a marked decrease in bacterial colonies compared to pre-application (P<.001). The repeated application of 1% PI showed a significantly lower bacterial count compared to the single application of 5% PI (P<.05) and resulted in significantly less damage to the corneal epithelium compared to a single 5% PI application (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Preoperative repeated applications of 1% PI effectively eradicated ocular surface bacteria equal to that of 5% PI with less deleterious impact on the corneal epithelium. Our findings suggest that 1% PI may be a promising alternative to 5% PI.

Characteristics of Second-Line Investigations of Middle-Aged Athletes Who Failed Preparticipation Examinations.

OBJECTIVE: The role of exercise testing during preparticipation examinations (PPEs) of middle-aged athletes is uncertain. This study examined the characteristics of disqualifications after an initial PPE that includes an exercise test in competitive athletes older than 30 years. We investigated disqualification rates and reasons, second-line investigations performed, and final decisions regarding competitive sports participation. DESIGN: Chart review. SETTING: Sports medicine clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Athletes aged >30 years that performed an exercise test as part of their annual PPE at our sports medicine clinic (n = 866). INDEPENDENT VARIABLES: Age, sex, height, weight, sport type, cardiovascular risk factors, and abnormal PPE findings. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Additional investigations performed, approval/disqualification regarding competitive sports participation. RESULTS: The initial disqualification rate of athletes was 9.8%. Three (3.6%) athletes were disqualified following questionnaire and physical examination, 19 (22.4%) because of resting electrocardiogram findings, and 65 (76.5%) following the exercise test. After additional work-up, only 5 athletes (0.4%) were ultimately found ineligible for competitive sports. From those, only 2 athletes (0.2%) were disqualified because of exercise test findings, which were episodes of supraventricular tachycardia and not ischemia-related. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of an exercise test to the PPE of middle-aged athletes is of limited value. If exercise testing of older athletes is performed, arrhythmias are probably of higher significance than ST-T changes.

Type 2 myocardial infarction in general medical wards: Clinical features, treatment, and prognosis in comparison with type 1 myocardial infarction.

Type 2 myocardial infarction (MI) is defined as myocardial necrosis due to imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand. The objective of this study was to assess the features, treatments, and outcomes of patients with type 2 MI in comparison with patients with type 1 MI hospitalized in general medical wards. A retrospective review was performed on patients admitted to general medicine wards diagnosed with MI in Sheba Medical Center between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016. Comparative analysis between patients with type 1 and type 2 MI was performed. The study included 349 patients with type 1 MI and 206 patients with type 2 MI. The main provoking factors for type 2 MI were sepsis (38.1%), anemia (29.1%), and hypoxia (23.8%). Patients with type 2 MI were older (79.1 ±â€Š11.9 vs 75.2 ±â€Š11.7, P < .001) and had a lower rate of prior MI (23.3% vs 38.1%, P < .001) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (34% vs 48.7%, P = .023) compared with patients with type 1 MI. Patients with type 2 MI were significantly less prescribed antiplatelet therapy (79.1% vs 96%, P < .001) and statins (60.7% vs 80.2%, P < .001), and were less referred to coronary angiography (10.7% vs 54.4%, P < .001). Type 2 MI was associated with a significantly higher 1-year mortality rate compared with type 1 MI (38.8% vs 26.6%, P = .004), but after accounting for age and sex differences, this association lacked statistical significance. In conclusion, type 2 MI patients were older and had similar comorbidities compared with those with type 1 MI. These patients were less prescribed medical therapy and coronary intervention, and had a higher 1-year mortality rate. Establishing a clear therapeutic approach for type 2 MI is required.