Rapid onset pembrolizumab-induced inflammatory arthritis diagnosed using musculoskeletal ultrasound.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionised the treatment of cancer. While very effective, they commonly cause a wide spectrum of immune-related adverse events. These immune-related adverse events can be fatal and often have significant effects on quality of life. They therefore require prompt recognition and management. We report the case of a woman presenting with widespread joint pain and stiffness 6 hours after her first pembrolizumab infusion. She had no joint swelling on physical examination but an ultrasound scan revealed widespread musculoskeletal inflammation, confirming the diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the fastest reported inflammatory arthritis onset following immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment. It highlights the importance of timely imaging in patients on immune checkpoint inhibitors who present with new non-specific musculoskeletal pain. Her symptoms improved dramatically with intramuscular triamcinolone injection.

Intraoperative application of triamcinolone - a risk factor for delayed CSF fistula formation?

PURPOSE: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are a well-known complication in spinal surgery, caused mostly by incidental durotomy (ID). However, delayed pseudomeningocele formation has been described in patients following an unremarkable surgery - without ID. Intraoperative and epidural triamcinolone application has been suspected to be a potential risk factor. This study was conducted to evaluate the management of ID and identify further risk factors for secondary CSF fistula formation. METHODS: After obtaining approval from the institutional ethics committee, a total of about 5512 patients, who underwent spine surgery between January 2014 and December 2017, were retrospectively reviewed. Of those, 139 cases with intraoperative ID and 15 with delayed pseudomeningocele formation were extracted and analyzed to identify potential risk factors for a late presenting dural injury (LPDI). RESULTS: The incidence of delayed CSF fistulas was 0.27%, with 15 patients presenting with a secondary symptomatic CSF fistula following an unremarkable surgery. Triamcinolone was identified as a risk factor (p<0.001) for pseudomeningocele formation with an OR of 11.5, as it was applied in 80.0% (n=12) of these cases. Revision surgery was performed at a mean period of 6 weeks after initial surgery. CONCLUSION: In our retrospective analysis, intraoperative application of triamcinolone was significantly associated with a high rate of delayed CSF fistulas. It should therefore be used with caution and only after weighing in potential negative side effects.

Novel management of granuloma formation secondary to dermal filler: A multi-modality approach.

BACKGROUND: Dermal fillers for soft tissue augmentation have become increasingly popular among patients of all ages and ethnicities. With more widespread use, there has been an increased incidence of adverse reactions, one of which is the granulomatous foreign body reaction (GFBR). MATERIALS & METHODS: We present a three patient case series in which GFBR secondary to dermal filler was successfully treated with a multi-leveled approach. The first modality involves intralesional injection of a mixture containing 1 cc of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), 0.5 cc of dexamethasone sodium phosphate, and 0.1 cc of triamcinolone 10. The lesion is injected intradermally in small aliquots, similar to scar treatment. The patient then takes colchicine 1.2 mg loading dose on day 1, then 0.6 mg twice per day for 4 days concurrently with naproxen 500 mg orally once daily for 5-7 days. This process may be repeated in 6 weeks if the lesions have not resolved and PDL laser may be employed for residual post-inflammatory erythema. RESULTS: All three patients presented in this case series had significant aesthetic improvement in their dermal filler-derived foreign body granulomatous reactions. CONCLUSION: GFBR provides both a medical and aesthetic issue for these patients including mental distress, pain, and dysfunction, therefore having an effective treatment for GFBR will affect medical management of these patients, improving patient outcomes and satisfaction. Our proposed regimen for GFBR has been shown to be highly efficacious and safe for these patients, providing a significant improvement in both function and cosmesis of the area.

Acute systemic complications of intravitreal bevacizumab and triamcinolone injections - a comparative study.

INTRODUCTION: Macular edema is a common visual threatening complication in patients with diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion. The injection of intravitreal drugs, such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) and corticosteroids, revolutionized the treatment of these diseases.

Hipo persistente: una rara complicación de una inyección epidural transforaminal de corticoides / Persistent hiccup: a rare complication of a transforaminal epidural corticoid injection / Soluços persistentes: uma complicação rara da injeção peridural transforaminal de corticosteroide

Se describe el caso de un paciente que instaló un hipo persistente luego de recibir una inyección epidural transforaminal lumbar de corticoides. Se destaca que es una complicación raramente reportada y por ende poco conocida por quienes practican intervencionismo en dolor. Se discuten los posibles mecanismos por los que puede presentarse, se reseña la evolución observada, y se describe el tratamiento instituido. Se señala el impacto que el hipo puede tener sobre la calidad de vida.

The case of a patient who installed a persistent hiccup after receiving a lumbar transforaminal epidural injection of corticosteroids is described. It is highlighted that it is a rarely reported complication and little known by those who practice interventional pain medicine. Possible mechanisms by which it may occur are discussed, the evolution observed and the treatment instituted are reviewed. The impact that hiccups can have on quality of life is pointed out.

Descrevemos o caso de um paciente que desenvolveu soluços persistentes após receber uma injeção peridural transforaminal lombar de corticosteróides. Ressalta-se que é uma complicação pouco relatada e, portanto, pouco conhecida por quem pratica o intervencionismo na dor. Discutem-se os possíveis mecanismos pelos quais pode ocorrer, revisa-se a evolução observada e descreve-se o tratamento instituído. O impacto que os soluços podem ter na qualidade de vida é apontado.

The Efficacy, Safety, and Side Effects of Intrapericardial Triamcinolone Treatment in Children with Post-surgical Pericardial Effusion: A Case Series.

Intrapericardial triamcinolone can be used to treat chronic pericardial effusion (PE) in adults; however, pediatric data are lacking. In this case series we aim to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and side effects of intrapericardial triamcinolone in children with PE. The incidence and treatment of post-surgical PE from 2009 to 2019 were determined using the institutional surgical database and electronic patient records. Furthermore, a retrospective analysis of efficacy, safety, and side effects of intrapericardial triamcinolone treatment for chronic post-surgical PE was performed. The incidence of postoperative PE requiring treatment was highest after atrial septal defect (ASD) closure when compared to other types of cardiac surgery (9.7% vs 4.3%). Intrapericardial treatment with triamcinolone resolved pericardial effusion in 3 out of 4 patients. All patients developed significant systemic side effects. Surgical ASD closure is associated with an increased risk of development of PE requiring treatment. Intrapericardial triamcinolone is an effective treatment for chronic postoperative PE in children, but is always associated with significant systemic side effects. Close monitoring and treatment of adrenal insufficiency are mandatory in these cases.

Is it safe for patients to drive after intra-articular knee injection?

BACKGROUND: Intra-articular knee injection is a central component in the current management of knee pain. While this is a routinely performed outpatient procedure, institutional policies for driving post injection differ. This study examines brake response times (BRTs) before and after intra-articular knee injection. Our hypothesis is that BRTs would not significantly differ and thus patients driving ability/safety is unaffected. METHODS: Forty-five patients previously listed for right intra-articular knee injection were prospectively evaluated. Patients underwent baseline assessment of BRT prior to injection. All patients received 10 ml of fluid consisting of one milliliter of 10 mg/ml triamcinolone mixed with nine milliliters of 0.5% levobupivacaine. BRT was re-examined on the same day prior to discharge home. Pre- and post-injection BRTs were examined using the same machine and assessor. RESULTS: The mean age of the cohort was 64.0 ± 12.4 and compromised of 37.8% males. There was no significant difference in the mean pre- and post-injection braking time (0.83 ± 0.29 vs 0.78 ± 0.30 s, p = .42), or in the rate of failed braking time (11.1% vs 6.7%, p = .46). CONCLUSION: This study found that BRT did not significantly differ before and after the intra-articular injection, nor did it cause an increased number of patients failing their BRTs. These findings suggest patients should not be prevented from driving after intra-articular knee injection.

Comparison of clinical outcomes of ultrasonography-guided and blind local injections in facet syndrome: A 6-week randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Facet syndrome is defined as pain that arises from any structure of the facet joints, including the fibrous capsule, synovial membrane, hyaline cartilage, and bone. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness of US-guided and blind injections on clinical outcome in facet syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients with the diagnosis of facet syndrome were included. Patients were consecutively randomized into one of the two groups. The patient's history, physical examination and routine laboratory parameters were obtained and diagnose was established based on physical findings. Two injections (mixture of 2 ml of 1% lidocaine hydrochloride and 20 mg of triamcinolone, to a single or maximum two sites depending on the clinical characteristics of the facet joint) were performed with 15 days apart, as blinded or US-guided manner. Clinical outcome assessments were carried out at 0, 2nd and 6th weeks, using Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). RESULTS: The patients' initial VAS and ODI were not significantly different. When the two groups were compared in the 6th week in terms of VAS scores, improvement was more pronounced in the US-guided injection group (US-guided group (n= 23) before 7.6 (2.2) cm, after 3.0 (1.7) cm, P= 0.0001 vs blind group (n= 24) before 7.2 (1.3) cm, after 5.2 (2.0) cm, P= 0.0001). The improvement in initial and 6th week ODI was statistically significant in the US-guided injection group (P= 0.006). Except STAI I for US-group, trait anxiety scale scores were significant in both groups. CONCLUSION: The US-guided local injections offer better clinical outcome in the treatment of facet syndrome.

Osteonecrosis of the medial tibial plateau after intra-articular corticosteroid injection: A case report.

RATIONALE: Intra-articular corticosteroid injection (IACI) is a cost-effective conservative treatment of mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis. Adverse events after this procedure range from life-threatening systemic reactions to self-limiting local reactions. To our knowledge, this is the 1st report of osteonecrosis (ON) in the medial tibial plateau after IACI. PATIENT CONCERNS: An 81-year-old female visited our hospital due to left knee pain of increasing intensity. She presented the sudden onset of severe acute knee pain with long lasting knee pain for several years. DIAGNOSIS: The diagnosis was confirmed ON of medial tibial plateau of knee joint by pathologic finding. INTERVENTIONS: We conducted a posterior stabilized total-knee arthroplasty with no requirement for bone grafting or additional prosthesis, such as metal augments or stems. OUTCOMES: At the postoperative 1 year follow-up, the patient was satisfied with the surgery and had no pain during walking and active knee motion. LESSONS: This case especially stress the possibility of ON in medial tibia plateau after IACI. Therefore, clinicians should monitor symptoms after IACI to enable early detection of this complication.

Safety of intralesional injection of lauromacrogol combined with triamcinolone for infantile hemangiomas.

The efficacy of lauromacrogol injection therapy and intralesional triamcinolone for infantile hemangiomas (IH) has been well documented recently, but with an increase in serious or rare adverse reactions. The aim of this study is to investigate the safety concerns regarding intralesional injection of lauromacrogol combined with triamcinolone for IH and to study its effect on infant growth and development. A total of 1039 IH patients who were subjected to intralesional injection of lauromacrogol combined with triamcinolone in the Plastic Surgery Department of Shandong Provincial Hospital between 1 January 2015 and 31 May 2018 were enrolled in this study. When the dose of lauromacrogol and triamcinolone was less than 3.5 and 2.0 mg/kg respectively, no serious side-effects were observed. The adverse event rate reported was 7.7%. Among the 405 patients not subjected to propranolol before the last injection, the study included three modes of treatment response: regression (82.7%), stabilization (13.8%) and failure (3.5%). By comparing height and weight to the reference standards and also by comparisons between the same-sex groups, our results confirmed that there was no significant effect on children's height and weight, regardless of whether the injection therapy was combined with oral propranolol at the appropriate dose and with more than 4-week intervals. Intralesional injection of lauromacrogol combined with triamcinolone in the treatment of IH was highly safe and effective.

Granulomatous Reaction to Intralesional Kenalog (Triamcinolone) Injection in Acne: A Case Report.

Intralesional Kenalog (triamcinolone) injection is a useful treatment for several skin conditions. Although dermal deposition of triamcinolone has been described in the literature, histopathologic findings of foreign body reactions to it have seldom been reported. Here, we describe a case of a granulomatous reaction to the intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of nodulocystic acne.

Two cases of primary cutaneous nocardiosis caused by intralesional injection.

Nocardiosis is a rare localized or systemic suppurative disease caused by the actinomycete Nocardia species. The respiratory tract is the most common site of infection, but primary cutaneous nocardiosis can also be induced by direct inoculation. Nocardiosis is usually reported in immunocompromised patients, such as those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, autoimmune diseases, cancer, or in those who have had organ transplantation or corticosteroid administration. However, it can also affect individuals with no serious underlying condition. We reported two cases of primary cutaneous nocardiosis in immunocompetent patients after intralesional injection of steroid.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of drug therapies for macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents and corticosteroids for the treatment of macular oedema (ME) secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). DESIGN: Systematic review and network meta-analysis. PARTICIPANTS: Patients from previously reported randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing anti-VEGF and corticosteroids for the treatment of ME secondary to CRVO. METHODS: Literature searches were conducted using PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and clinicaltrials.gov until March 2017. Therapeutic effects were estimated using the proportions of patients gaining/losing ≥15 letters, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT). Treatment safety was estimated using the proportions of adverse events, namely increased intraocular pressure (IOP), cataracts, vitreous haemorrhage (VH) and retinal tear. The software ADDIS (V.1.16.8) was used for analysis. Treatment effect and safety of different drugs could be ranked based on simulation. RESULTS: Eleven RCTs comprising 2060 patients were identified. Regarding patients gaining ≥15 letters, aflibercept and ranibizumab were significantly more effective than sham/placebo at 6 months. Regarding patients losing ≥15 letters at 6 months, ranibizumab showed significant improvement compared with dexamethasone. Aflibercept, bevacizumab or ranibizumab showed greater improvements in BCVA than sham/placebo at 6 months. Intravitreal ranibizumab injection demonstrated greater CRT reduction than both sham and dexamethasone did. Dexamethasone had a higher risk of increased IOP than aflibercept and ranibizumab. Ranibizumab demonstrated a greater risk of cataracts than dexamethasone. Aflibercept and ranibizumab demonstrated low incidence of VH and retinal tear, respectively. Aflibercept had a slight advantage over ranibizumab as assessed by benefit-risk analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-VEGF agents have advantages in the treatment of ME secondary to CRVO. Aflibercept and ranibizumab showed marked BCVA improvement and CRT reduction. Aflibercept may have a slight advantage over ranibizumab. The results of this study can serve as a reference for clinicians to provide patient-tailored treatment. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42017064076.

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor for diabetic macular oedema: a network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic macular oedema (DMO) is a common complication of diabetic retinopathy. Antiangiogenic therapy with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) can reduce oedema, improve vision and prevent further visual loss. These drugs have replaced laser photocoagulation as the standard of care for people with DMO. OBJECTIVES: The 2014 update of this review found high-quality evidence of benefit with anti-VEGF modalities, compared to laser photocoagulation, for the treatment of DMO. The objective of this updated review is to compare the effectiveness and safety of the different anti-VEGF drugs using network meta-analysis methods. SEARCH METHODS: We searched various electronic databases on 26 April 2017. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared any anti-angiogenic drug with an anti-VEGF mechanism of action versus another anti-VEGF drug, another treatment, sham or no treatment in people with DMO. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methods for pair-wise meta-analysis and we augmented this evidence using network meta-analysis methods. We focused on the relative efficacy and safety of the three most commonly used drugs as interventions of direct interest for practice: aflibercept and ranibizumab, used on-label; and off-label bevacizumab.We collected data on three efficacy outcomes (gain of 15 or more Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters; mean change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA); mean change in central retinal thickness (CRT)), three safety outcomes (all severe systemic adverse events (SSAEs); all-cause death; arterial thromboembolic events) and quality of life.We used Stata 'network' meta-analysis package for all analyses. We investigated the risk of bias of mixed comparisons based on the variance contribution of each study, having assigned an overall risk of bias to each study. MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-four studies included 6007 participants with DMO and moderate vision loss, of which two studies randomised 265 eyes of 230 participants and one was a cross-over study on 56 participants (62 eyes) that was treated as a parallel-arm trial. Data were collected on drugs of direct interest from three studies on aflibercept (975 eyes), eight studies on bevacizumab (515 eyes), and 14 studies on ranibizumab (1518 eyes). As treatments of indirect interest or legacy treatment we included three studies on pegaptanib (541 eyes), five studies on ranibizumab plus prompt laser (557 eyes), one study on ranibizumab plus deferred laser (188 eyes), 13 studies on laser photocoagulation (936 eyes) and six studies on sham treatment (793 eyes).Aflibercept, bevacizumab and ranibizumab were all more effective than laser for improving vision by 3 or more lines after one year (high-certainty evidence). Approximately one in 10 people improve vision with laser, and about three in 10 people improve with anti-VEGF treatment: risk ratio (RR) versus laser 3.66 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.79 to 4.79) for aflibercept; RR 2.47 (95% CI 1.81 to 3.37) for bevacizumab; RR 2.76 (95% CI 2.12 to 3.59) for ranibizumab. On average there was no change in visual acuity (VA) with laser after one year, compared with a gain of 1 or 2 lines with anti-VEGF treatment: laser versus aflibercept mean difference (MD) -0.20 (95% CI -0.22 to -0.17) logMAR; versus bevacizumab MD -0.12 (95% CI -0.15 to -0.09) logMAR; versus ranibizumab MD -0.12 (95% CI -0.14 to -0.10) logMAR. The certainty of the evidence was high for the comparison of aflibercept and ranibizumab with laser and moderate for bevacizumab comparison with laser due to inconsistency between the indirect and direct evidence.People receiving ranibizumab were less likely to gain 3 or more lines of VA at one year compared with aflibercept: RR 0.75 (95% CI 0.60 to 0.94), moderate-certainty evidence. For every 1000 people treated with aflibercept, 92 fewer would gain 3 or more lines of VA at one year if treated with ranibizumab (22 to 148 fewer). On average people receiving ranibizumab had worse VA at one year (MD 0.08 logMAR units, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.11), moderate-certainty evidence; and higher CRT (MD 39 µm, 95% CI 2 µm to 76 µm; low-certainty evidence). Ranibizumab and bevacizumab were comparable with respect to aflibercept and did not differ in terms of VA: RR of gain of 3 or more lines of VA at one year 1.11 (95% CI 0.87 to 1.43), moderate-certainty evidence, and difference in change in VA was 0.00 (95% CI -0.02 to 0.03) logMAR, moderate-certainty evidence. CRT reduction favoured ranibizumab by -29 µm (95% CI -58 µm to -1 µm, low-certainty evidence). There was no evidence of overall statistical inconsistency in our analyses.The previous version of this review found moderate-certainty evidence of good safety of antiangiogenic drugs versus control. This update used data at the longest available follow-up (one or two years) and found that aflibercept, ranibizumab and bevacizumab do not differ regarding systemic serious adverse events (SSAEs) (moderate- or high-certainty evidence). However, risk of bias was variable, loop inconsistency could be found and estimates were not precise enough on relative safety regarding less frequent events such as arterial thromboembolic events or death (low- or very low-certainty evidence).Two-year data were available and reported in only four RCTs in this review. Most industry-sponsored studies were open-label after one year. One large publicly-funded study compared the three drugs at two years and found no difference. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Anti-VEGF drugs are effective at improving vision in people with DMO with three to four in every 10 people likely to experience an improvement of 3 or more lines VA at one year. Aflibercept may confer some advantage over ranibizumab and bevacizumab in people with DMO at one year in visual and anatomic terms but it is unclear whether this applies to the long-term. There is a need for more evidence on the long-term (greater than two years) comparative effects of these anti-VEGF agents. Evidence from RCTs may not apply to real-world practice, where people in need of antiangiogenic treatment are often under-treated and under-monitored.We found no signals of differences in overall safety between the three antiangiogenic drugs that are currently available to treat DMO, but our estimates are imprecise for cardiovascular events and death.

Acute-onset postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery and transzonular intravitreal triamcinolone-moxifloxacin.

PURPOSE: To report 4 cases of acute postoperative endophthalmitis (POE) after uneventful temporal clear corneal topical dropless cataract surgery involving intravitreal triamcinolone-moxifloxacin (TriMoxi). SETTING: Private practice in Peoria, IL, USA. DESIGN: Retrospective noncomparative case series. METHODS: Charts of patients presenting with POE after an uneventful temporal clear corneal phacoemulsification with in-the-bag implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens over a 15-month period were reviewed. RESULTS: Patients presented with typical signs and symptoms of acute POE 3 to 14 days after cataract surgery. The POE resolved after 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy and injection of intravitreal vancomycin, ceftazidime, and dexamethasone. Two of 4 eyes were culture-positive for coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. The corrected distance visual acuity at the last follow-up visit was 20/40 or better in 3 eyes, and 20/400 in 1 eye because of underlying atrophic age-related macular degeneration. CONCLUSION: Postoperative endophthalmitis can occur after dropless cataract surgery with intravitreal triamcinolone-moxifloxacin.

Nerve root block versus surgery (NERVES) for the treatment of radicular pain secondary to a prolapsed intervertebral disc herniation: study protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Sciatica is a common condition reported to affect over 3% of the UK population at any time and is often caused by a prolapsed intervertebral disc (PID). Although the duration and severity of symptoms can vary, pain persisting beyond 6 weeks is unlikely to recover spontaneously and may require investigation and treatment. Currently, there is no specific care pathway for sciatica in the National Health Service (NHS), and no direct comparison exists between surgical microdiscectomy and transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI). The NERVES (NErve Root block VErsus Surgery) trial aims to address this by comparing clinical and cost-effectiveness of surgical microdiscectomy and TFESI to treat sciatica secondary to a PID. METHODS/DESIGN: A total of 163 patients were recruited from NHS out-patient clinics across the UK and randomised to either microdiscectomy or TFESI. Adult patients (aged 16-65 years) with sciatic pain endured for between 6 weeks and 12 months are eligible if their symptoms have not been improved by at least one form of conservative (non-operative) treatment and they are willing to provide consent. Patients will be excluded if they present with neurological deficit or have had previous surgery at the same level. The primary outcome is patient-reported disability measured using the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (ODQ) score at 18 weeks post randomisation and secondary outcomes include disability and pain scales using numerical pain ratings, modified Roland-Morris and Core Outcome Measures Index at 12-weekly intervals, and patient satisfaction at 54 weeks. Cost-effectiveness and quality of life (QOL) will be assessed using the EQ-5D-5 L and self-report cost data at 12-weekly intervals and Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data. Adverse event data will be collected. Analysis will follow the principle of intention-to-treat. DISCUSSION: NERVES is the first trial to evaluate the comparative clinical and cost-effectiveness of microdiscectomy to local anaesthetic and steroid administered via TFESI. The results of this research may facilitate the development of an evidence-based treatment strategy for patients with sciatica. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN, ID: ISRCTN04820368 . Registered on 5 June 2014. EudraCT EudraCT2014-002751-25. Registered on 8 October 2014.

Steroid-induced protracted severe ocular hypertension in a 14-year-old girl.

Steroid-induced ocular hypertension (SIOH) is a challenging entity in paediatric age, with many being refractory to medical therapy. Literature is scarce about surgical options in these cases. A 14-year-old girl with bilateral uveitis and macular oedema had received an intravitreal and subconjunctival triamcinolone injection in the right (OD) and left (OS) eye, respectively. While the steroid was effective in resolving the oedema, intraocular pressure (IOP) increased to about 40 mm Hg OD and 34 mm Hg OS, despite being under maximal IOP-lowering therapy. An initial conservative approach was preferred due to the young patient age and given that most cases of SIOH are transient. However, progressive structural changes were documented, and bilateral sequential minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS: XEN gel stent) was taken. With a follow-up of 6 months, the patient is drug-free with IOP around 14 mm Hg. This report discusses the role and efficacy of MIGS in a paediatric case of SIOH.

Efficiency and predictive parameters of outcome of a multimodal pain management concept with spinal injections in patients with low back pain: a retrospective study of 445 patients.

Low back pain is one of the most common diseases of modern civilization. Multimodal pain management (MPM) represents a central approach to avoiding surgery. Short-term results are published rarely and often incomparable because of different treatment concepts. This study compared the subjective and objective parameters as well as the anamnestic and clinical parameters of 445 patients with low back pain before and after inpatient MPM to investigate the influence of this type of therapy on short-term outcome. The majority of patients were very satisfied (39%) or satisfied (58%) with the treatment outcome. The median pain reduction for back pain was 3.0 (IQR 2.88) (numeric rating scale, NRS), thus 66% and 2.75 (IQR 3.38, 62%) for leg pain. The main pain reduction occurred within the first 10 days of treatment and was clinically significant from day 5 onwards. The outcome for patients with hospitalization of more than 10 days was significantly worse. The parameters female sex, BMI of > 30, local pain, and pain duration of 3-24 months had a significantly better outcome. In contrast, age, treatment cause, depression, anxiety, and other diseases had no statistically significant influence on outcome. MPM therapy for more than 5 days seems to be an efficient short-term approach to treating low back pain. Knowledge of some of the outcome predictors helps to early identify patients who require more intensive individual care. In the case of no clear indication for surgery, MPM can be an appropriate treatment option.

Segmental Spinal Myoclonus Complicating Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection.

OBJECTIVE: Lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection is commonly used for treating lumbar radicular pain. We report a case of segmental spinal myoclonus that developed during lumbar transforaminal epidural injection with local anesthetic and steroid. CASE REPORT: A 58-year-old woman with failed back surgery syndrome presented with low back and right L3 and L4 radicular pain. As she had responded well previously to diagnostic selective nerve root injection with local anesthetic at the right L3 and L4 levels, lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection at the same levels was scheduled. During injection of ropivacaine and triamcinolone at the right L3-4 intervertebral foramen, she complained of back pain and immediately developed involuntary contraction of her right hip. The procedure was terminated. No new neurological deficit was detected when she was examined 15 minutes after the procedure. There were no abnormalities from blood tests and magnetic resonance imaging of the lower thoracic and lumbar spine. A neurologist subsequently made the clinical diagnosis of segmental spinal myoclonus. The myoclonus improved over 1 month and eventually resolved completely. CONCLUSIONS: Segmental spinal myoclonus is a rare complication after lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid and local anesthetic injection. Pain physicians should be aware of this potential complication.