Intervenciones no farmacológicas para la disminución del dolor en cistoscopia / Non-Pharmacological Interventions to Reduce Pain in Cystoscopy

Objetivo Generar una aproximación a las terapias no farmacológicas que disminuyan el dolor durante la realización de la cistoscopia. Métodos Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura para identificar artículos relevantes con respecto al tópico, utilizando como palabras clave: cistoscopia, dolor, terapia no farmacológica en cistoscopia y terapias alternativas. La búsqueda se hizo a través de Medline y Embase. Se realizó una revisión narrativa. Resultados Aunque la cistoscopia flexible aumenta la tolerancia, especialmente en pacientes masculinos, el dolor sigue siendo inevitable durante la misma. Se han estudiado diferentes intervenciones no farmacológicas orientadas a disminuir el dolor y la ansiedad durante la cistoscopia, entre las que se encuentran: escuchar música, tomar la mano del paciente, ver el procedimiento en tiempo real, el aumento de la presión hidrostática, insuflación con aire y la hipnosis. Conclusión Esas intervenciones podrían ser usadas como adyuvantes en la disminución del dolor y la ansiedad durante la cistoscopia, principalmente la masculina. Sin embargo, se requieren más estudios que comprueben su uso clínico apropiado.

Objective To generate an approach to non-pharmacological therapies that reduce pain during cystoscopy. Methods We searched the literature to identify relevant articles regarding the topic, using as keywords: cystoscopy, pain, non-pharmacological therapy in cystoscopy and alternative therapies. The search was made through Medline and Embase. A narrative review was made. Results Although flexible cystoscopy increases tolerance, especially in male patients, pain remains unavoidable during it. Different non-pharmacological interventions aimed at reducing pain and anxiety during cystoscopy have been studied, among which are: listening to music, taking the patient's hand, seeing the procedure in real time, increasing hydrostatic pressure, insufflation with air and hypnosis. Conclusion These interventions could be used as adjuvants in the reduction of pain and anxiety during cystoscopy, mainly male. However, more studies are required to prove their appropriate clinical use.

Ozonoterapia en un caso de hipotiroidismo / Ozone Therapy in a Case of Hypothyroidism

Muchos son los reportes acerca de los beneficios de la ozonoterapia en múltiples enfermedades, sin embargo, no existe reporte de caso sobre su uso en el hipotiroidismo. Por tal motivo el presente artículo tiene como objetivo evaluar los beneficios de la ozonoterapia en ese padecimiento, tan frecuente en nuestro medio, que causa múltiples trastornos y síntomas. Conocidos son los efectos biológicos de la ozonoterapia, tanto a nivel preclínico como a nivel clínico. Entre ese tipo de efectos se pueden mencionar la estimulación de los sistemas antioxidantes, el efecto inmunomodulador y el efecto metabólico del ozono. Por otra parte, se sabe que hipotiroidismo es la disminución de la función de la glándula tiroidea y en dependencia del origen del mismo se divide en primario y secundario. El caso que se presenta es un paciente con hipotiroidismo posquirúrgico con tratamiento de ozonoterapia por insuflación rectal. Se comprobaron los efectos de la ozonoterapia como herramienta complementaria en el mejoramiento de la calidad de vida en esta entidad nosológica.

Many are the reports about the benefits of ozone therapy against multiple diseases, but there are no case reports about its usage against hypothyroidism. Therefore, the objective of this article is to assess the benefits of ozone therapy against this condition that causes multiple disorders and symptoms. The biological effects of ozone therapy are known at the preclinical and clinical levels. Among these types of effects, we can mention the stimulation of antioxidant systems, the immunomodulatory effect, and the metabolic effect of ozone. Hypothyroidism is the decrease in the function of the thyroid gland, and, depending on its origin, it is divided into primary and secondary. A case is presented of postoperative hypothyroidism treated with ozone therapy by rectal insufflation. The effects of ozone therapy were verified, being a complementary tool for improving the quality of life in this nosological entity.

Mastering the art of epicardial access in cardiac electrophysiology.

Access to the epicardial space is fundamental to several cardiac procedures. While traditional indications include catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias and accessory pathways, novel indications include left atrial appendage occlusion, esophageal protection, mapping and ablation during atrial fibrillation procedures, implantation of epicardial pacing leads, and phrenic nerve displacement to facilitate safe ablation of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Accessing the epicardial space safely is a major challenge requiring intimate knowledge of cardiac anatomy, extensive training, and expertise. Over the past years, multiple technological advances have led to significant improvements in epicardial access success and safety. Important examples of such advances include CO2 insufflation through the coronary sinus or the right atrial appendage, pressure sensor needle, computed tomography, cardiac magnetic resonance, and electroanatomic mapping-guided epicardial access. In addition, we provide special maneuvers to minimize inadvertent right ventricular perforation.

Indicaciones y seguimiento domiciliario de la tos asistida mecánica en el paciente neuromuscular / Indications and domiciliary follow-up of mechanical insufflation-exsufflation in patients with neuromuscular disorders

Introducción: La insuflación-exuflación mecánica (MI-E) es una importante terapia respiratoria para el enfermo neuromuscular, pero existen pocos datos publicados en relación con su uso en el domicilio. Objetivo: Evaluar las características clínicas de los pacientes en los que se prescribe la MI-E y analizar su cumplimiento, seguridad y causas de retirada a largo plazo. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de 78 adultos con enfermedad neuromuscular a los que se les prescribió MI-E a domicilio en un hospital de tercer nivel entre enero de 2009 y junio de 2015. Se describen las características clínicas y funcionales en el momento de la indicación de la terapia, la frecuencia y los parámetros de uso, los efectos secundarios, así como las causas de abandono de la terapia y la mortalidad. Resultados: La mayoría de los pacientes eran hombres (67%), con una mediana de edad de 58 años. El diagnóstico mayoritario fue la esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (45% de los casos). Tenían afectación bulbar moderada-grave el 36% y el 22% utilizaba el dispositivo solo en fase insuflatoria. El 14% de los pacientes eran portadores de traqueostomía y el 69% de los casos utilizaban también ventilación mecánica. El cuidador era mayoritariamente quien realizaba la técnica (86%), diariamente en el 73% de los casos. Desde la prescripción fallecieron el 38% de los pacientes, la mayoría afectados de esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (96%), con una mediana de supervivencia de 8 meses. En un 6% la MI-E se retiró por ineficacia. Se describió un solo caso de efecto secundario, que no contraindicó el uso de la terapia. Conclusiones: La MI-E prescrita a domicilio es una técnica segura, con cumplimiento adecuado, incluso en pacientes con afectación bulbar y asociada a ventilación mecánica. Se constata la dependencia del enfermo hacia su cuidador para su práctica

Introduction: Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) is an important respiratory therapy for neuromuscular disorders, but there are few published data on its use at home. Objective: To assess the clinical characteristics of patients prescribed MI-E, and to analyse compliance, safety, and causes for long-term withdrawal. Material and methods: Retrospective observational study of 78 adults with neuromuscular disorders who were prescribed MI-E at home in a third level hospital from January 2009 to June 2015. The clinical and functional characteristics when the therapy was indicated, the frequency and parameters of use, adverse effects and causes of withdrawal and mortality were evaluated. Results: Most patients were men (67%) with a median age of 58 years. The main diagnosis was amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (45% of cases). Moderate-severe bulbar involvement was present in 36%, and 22% used the device only in the insufflation phase. Fourteen percent of patients had a tracheostomy and 69% of the patients underwent mechanical ventilation. MI-E was mostly performed by the caregiver (86%), on a daily basis in 73% of the patients. After prescription, 38% patients died; most of these patients had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (96%), with a median survival of 8 months. In 6%, MI-E was withdrawn due to ineffectiveness. An adverse effect was reported in only one patient and did not contraindicate the use of the therapy. Conclusions: In our experience, MI-E prescribed at home was well tolerated and safe, even in patients with bulbar involvement. Patients showed good compliance with MI-E alone or associated with mechanical ventilation, but required help from caregivers for its performance

Acute effects of glossopharyngeal insufflation in people with cervical spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate acute effects of glossopharyngeal insufflation (GI) on lung function, airway pressure (Paw), blood pressure and heart rate (HR) in people with cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI). DESIGN: Case-control design. SETTING: Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: Ten participants with CSCI suffering from lesions between C4 and C8, and ASIA classification of A or B were recruited. Ten healthy particpants familiar with GI were recruited as a reference group. OUTCOME MEASURES: Spirometry, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), Paw, and HR were measured in a sitting and a supine position before, during, and after GI. RESULTS: GI in the study group in a sitting position increased total lung capacity (TLC) by 712 ml: P < 0.001, vital capacity (VC) by 587 ml: P < 0.0001, Paw by 13 cm H2O: P < 0.01, and HR by 10 beats/min: P < 0.001. MAP decreased by 25 mmHg, P < 0.0001. Significant differences were observed between groups comparing baseline with GI. The reference group had a higher increase in; TLC (P < 0.01), VC (P < 0.001), Paw (P < 0.001) and HR (P < 0.05) and a higher decrease in MAP (P < 0.001). With GI in a sitting compared to a supine position, TLC, MAP, HR, Paw remained unchanged in the study group, while residual volume decreased in the supine position (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: There was a difference between the groups in the increase in TLC; VC; Paw, HR and in the decrease in MAP with GI, however MAP, HR and Paw responded in similar way in both groups in a sitting as well as a supine position. If performed correctly, the risks of GI resulting in clinically significant hemodynamic changes is low, although syncope may still occur.

Assessment of a modified technique for air delivery during fluoroscopic-monitored pneumatic intussusception reduction.

BACKGROUND: Intussusception is one of the most common causes of acute abdominal emergency in children. Image-monitored pressure reduction is the first line of treatment. OBJECTIVE: We report on a modified technique of air delivery during fluoroscopic-monitored pneumatic intussusception reductions, and compare it with an established technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We modified the Shiels intussusception reduction device so that the air used for intussusception reduction is delivered not by the device's insufflator bulb, but rather by the hospital medical air supply system, eliminating the need for continuous pumping of the insufflator bulb during the procedure. Subsequently, we retrospectively compared sequential fluoroscopy-monitored pneumatic intussusception reduction procedures performed in patients younger than 18 years using either the standard or modified devices, evaluating technical procedure parameters (i.e. median procedure time length, fluoroscopy time length and radiation dose) and patient outcomes (i.e. number of complete intussusception reductions, number of incomplete intussusception reductions, number of intussusception recurrences within 3 days of the procedure, number of procedures followed by surgery). RESULTS: We found no statistically significant differences between procedures performed with the standard and modified techniques. CONCLUSION: The device modification allows for increased operator comfort. Evaluated procedure parameters and patient outcomes appear similar to those of the standard technique.

Intussusception reduction: Effect of air vs. liquid enema on radiation dose.

BACKGROUND: Both air and radiopaque liquid contrast are used to reduce ileocolic intussusception under fluoroscopy. Some suggest air lowers radiation dose due to shorter procedure times. However, air enema likely lowers radiation dose regardless of fluoroscopy time due to less density over the automatic exposure control cells. OBJECTIVES: We test the hypothesis that air enema reduction of ileocolic intussusception results in lower radiation dose than liquid contrast enema independent of fluoroscopy time. We describe a role for automatic exposure control in this dose difference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated air and liquid intussusception reductions performed on a single digital fluoroscopic unit during a 26-month period. We compared patient age, weight, gender, exam time of day and year, performing radiologist(s), radiographic image acquisitions, grid and magnification use, fluoroscopy time and dose area product. We compared categorical and continuous variables statistically using chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests, respectively. RESULTS: The mean dose area product was 2.7-fold lower for air enema, 1.3 ± 0.9 dGy·cm2, than for liquid, 3.5 ± 2.5 dGy·cm2 (P<0.005). The mean fluoroscopy time was similar between techniques. The mean dose area product/min was 2.3-fold lower for air, 0.6 ± 0.2 dGy·cm2/min, than for liquid, 1.4 ± 0.5 dGy·cm2/min (P<0.001). No group differences were identified in other measured dose parameters. CONCLUSION: Fluoroscopic intussusception reduction using air enema uses less than half the radiation dose of liquid contrast enema. Dose savings are independent of fluoroscopy time and are likely due to automatic exposure control interaction.

Intra-oral ignition of monopolar diathermy during transnasal humidified rapid-insufflation ventilatory exchange (THRIVE).

We present the case of unanticipated airway ignition during hard palate biopsy. Transnasal humidified rapid-insufflation ventilatory exchange (THRIVE) and monopolar diathermy were utilised for the procedure, during which an arc arose from the diathermy tip to a titanium implant, causing a brief ignition on the monopolar diathermy grip. This case highlights the need for maintained awareness of fire risk when using diathermy in the presence of THRIVE during airway surgery.

Preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum complementing chemical component relaxation in complex ventral hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: A rarely used technique for enabling closure of large ventral hernias with loss of domain is preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum (PPP), which uses intermittent insufflation to gradually stretch the contracted abdominal wall muscles, increasing the capacity of the abdominal cavity. This allows the re-introduction of herniated viscera into the abdominal cavity and assists in closure of giant hernias which may otherwise be considered inoperable. METHODS: This was a prospective study assessing 16 patients between 2013 and 2015 with multi-recurrent ventral hernia. All patients were treated preoperatively with both Botulinum Toxin A (BTA) injections to the lateral abdominal wall muscles to confer flaccid paralysis, and short-term PPP to passively expand the abdominal cavity. All patients underwent serial abdominal CT imaging, with pre- and post-treatment circumference measurements of the peritoneal cavity and hernia sac, prior to undergoing operative mesh repair of their hernia. RESULTS: The mean hernia defect size was 236 cm2, with mean 28 % loss of domain. The mean overall duration of PPP was 6.2 days. The mean gain in abdominal circumference was 4.9 cm (5.6 %) (p 0.002) after BTA and PPP. Fascial closure and mesh hernia repair were performed in all 16 patients, with no patients suffering from postoperative abdominal hypertension, ventilatory impairment, or wound dehiscence. There are no hernia recurrences to date. Eight patients (50 %) experienced PPP-related complications, consisting of subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumocardium, and metabolic acidosis. No complication required intervention. CONCLUSIONS: PPP is a useful adjunct in the repair of complex ventral hernia. It passively expands the abdominal cavity, allowing viscera to re-establish right of domain. At the same time, it helps to minimize the risks of postoperative abdominal compartment syndrome and the sequelae of fascial closure under tension. However, its benefits must be carefully weighed with the risk of serious complications, such as infection, perforation, pneumothorax, and pneumomediastinum.

Assessing colonic anatomy normal values based on air contrast enemas in children younger than 6 years.

BACKGROUND: Contrast enemas with barium or water-soluble contrast agents are sometimes performed in children with severe intractable constipation to identify anatomical abnormalities. However there are no clear definitions for normal colonic size or abnormalities such as colonic dilation or sigmoid redundancy in children. OBJECTIVE: To describe characteristics of colonic anatomy on air contrast enemas in children without constipation to provide normal values for colonic size ratios in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of children aged 0-5 years who had undergone air contrast enemas for intussusception. The primary outcome measures were the ratios of the diameters and lengths of predetermined colonic segments (lengths of rectosigmoid and descending colon; diameters of rectum, sigmoid, descending colon, transverse colon and ascending colon) in relation to the L2 vertebral body width. RESULTS: We included 119 children (median age 2.0 years, range 0-5 years, 68% boys). Colonic segment length ratios did not change significantly with age, although the differences for the rectosigmoid/L2 ratio were borderline significant (P = 0.05). The ratios that involved the rectal and ascending colon diameters increased significantly with age, while diameter ratios involving the other colonic segments did not. Differences by gender and race were not significant. CONCLUSION: These data can be used for reference purposes in young children undergoing contrast studies of the colon.

Los efectos cardiopulmonares del Cough Assist(R) son similares a los promovidos por la tos voluntaria en sujetos sanos. Ensayo clínico aleatorizado / Cardiorespiratory effects of Cough Assist(R) are similar to those promoted by voluntary cough in healthy subjects. A randomized clinical trial

Objetivo: Analizar los efectos hemodinámicos y ventilatorios de la aplicación del Cough Assist(R) y compararlos con los efectos promovidos por la tos voluntaria. Material y métodos: Ensayo clínico aleatorizado. La muestra se compuso de 24 sujetos jóvenes sanos, sometidos a 3 protocolos distintos, utilizando Cough Assist(R) con presiones respiratorias comunes a la práctica clínica: 30S - presión I/E de +30/-30 cmH2O; 50S - presión I/E de +50/-50 cmH2O, y tos voluntaria (TV). Los protocolos se aplicaron a todos los sujetos, con un intervalo entre ellos de al menos 24 h. Se valoraron los parámetros de frecuencia cardiaca, presión arterial, saturación periférica de oxígeno capacidad vital lenta y pico de flujo espiratorio previo a la aplicación de los protocolos (PRE), inmediatamente posterior (POST) y en 20 min (20′ POST). Los análisis estadísticos se realizaron mediante ANOVA de io ii vías y Bonferroni post hoc. Se consideró un nivel de significación estadística de p < 0,05. Resultados: Los efectos promovidos por el Cough Assist(R) fueron similares a los promovidos por la tos voluntaria. En las mujeres no hubo repercusiones significativas en los parámetros valorados. En los hombres la aplicación del Cough Assist(R) y la TV condujeron un aumento de la frecuencia cardiaca, y únicamente la utilización del equipo aumentó la saturación periférica de oxígeno. Conclusión: El uso del Cough Assist(R) con presiones medias y altas no conlleva a repercusiones cardiopulmonares relevantes y su uso se puede considerar similar a los efectos fisiológicos promovidos por la tos voluntaria

Objective: To analyse the haemodynamic and ventilatory effects of the application of Cough Assist(R)® and compare them to those caused by the realization of voluntary cough. Material and methods: A randomised clinical trial. The sample consisted of 24 young healthy subjects who underwent three different protocols using Cough Assist(R) with common respiratory pressures into clinical practice: 30S - pressure I/E +30/-30 cmH2O; 50S - pressure I/E +50/-50 cmH2O; and voluntary cough. Protocols apply to all subjects, with a time interval between them of at least 24 hours. The parameters evaluated were heart rate, blood pressure, peripheral oxygen saturation, slow vital capacity and peak expiratory flow prior to application protocols (PRE), immediately after (POST) and 20 minutes after (20’ POST). Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA of i or ii pathways and post hoc of Bonferroni. For all analysis were considered a level of statistical significance of P<.05. Results: The effects caused by the Cough Assist(R) were similar to those of voluntary coughing. In women, none of them cause significant impact on the evaluated parameters; in men, both machine and voluntary cough led to increased heart rate, and the application of the Cough Assist(R) increased peripheral oxygen saturation. The other variables remained unchanged. Conclusion: The application of the Cough Assist(R) in medium and high pressure does not cause relevant cardiorespiratory repercussions, being similar to the physiological effects caused by the voluntary cough

Abdominal functional electrical stimulation to enhance mechanical insufflation-exsufflation.

CONTEXT: Respiratory complications, attributed to the build-up of secretions in the airway, are a leading cause of rehospitalisation for the tetraplegic population. Previously, we observed that the application of Abdominal Functional Electrical Stimulation (AFES) improved cough function and increased demand for secretion removal, suggesting AFES may aid secretion clearance. Clinically, secretion clearance is commonly achieved by using Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) to simulate a cough. In this study the feasibility of combining AFES with MI-E is evaluated. FINDINGS: AFES was successfully combined with MI-E at eight fortnightly assessment sessions conducted with one sub-acute participant with tetraplegia. By using the signal from a pressure sensor, integrated with the MI-E device, AFES was correctly applied in synchrony with MI-E with an accuracy of 96.7%. Acute increases in exhaled volume and peak flow were observed during AFES assisted MI-E, compared to MI-E alone, at six of eight assessment sessions. CONCLUSION: The successful integration of AFES with MI-E at eight assessment sessions demonstrates the feasibility of this technique. The acute increases in respiratory function observed at the majority of assessment sessions generate the hypothesis that AFES assisted MI-E may be more effective for secretion clearance than MI-E alone.

Surgical Outcomes of Pneumatic Compression Using Carbon Dioxide Gas in Thoracoscopic Diaphragmatic Plication

BACKGROUND: Surgical correction needs to be considered when diaphragm eventration leads to impaired ventilation and respiratory muscle fatigue. Plication to sufficiently tense the diaphragm by VATS is not as easy to achieve as plication by open surgery. We used pneumatic compression with carbon dioxide (CO2) gas in thoracoscopic diaphragmatic plication and evaluated feasibility and efficacy. METHODS: Eleven patients underwent thoracoscopic diaphragmatic plication between January 2008 and December 2013 in Pusan National University Hospital. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed, and compared between the group using CO₂ gas and group without using CO2 gas, for operative time, plication technique, duration of hospital stay, postoperative chest tube drainage, pulmonary spirometry, dyspnea score pre- and postoperation, and postoperative recurrence. RESULTS: The improvement of forced expiratory volume at 1 second in the group using CO₂ gas and the group not using CO₂ gas was 22.46±11.27 and 21.08±5.39 (p=0.84). The improvement of forced vital capacity 3 months after surgery was 16.74±10.18 (with CO₂) and 15.6±0.89 (without CO₂) (p=0.03). During follow-up (17±17 months), there was no dehiscence in plication site and relapse. No complications or hospital mortalities occurred. CONCLUSION: Thoracoscopic plication under single lung ventilation using CO₂ insufflation could be an effective, safe option to flatten the diaphragm.

Adding a custom made pressure release valve during air enema for intussusception: A new technique.

BACKGROUND: Non-surgical reduction remains the first line treatment of choice for intussusception. The major complication of air enema reduction is bowel perforation. The authors developed a custom made pressure release valve to be added to portable insufflation devices, delivering air at pressures accepted as safe for effective reduction of intussusception in children under fluoroscopic guidance. The aim of this study was to develop a custom made pressure release valve that is suitable for the insufflation devices used for air enema reduction of intussusception and to put this valve into regular clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An adjustable, custom made pressure release valve was assembled by the authors using readily available components. The valve was coupled to a simple air enema insufflation device. The device was used for the trial of reduction of intussusception in a prospective study that included 132 patients. RESULTS: The success rate for air enema reduction with the new device was 88.2%. The mean pressure required to achieve complete reduction was 100 mmHg. The insufflation pressure never exceeded the preset value (120 mmHg). Of the successful cases, 58.3% were reduced from the first attempt while 36.1% required a second insufflation. Only 5.55% required a third insufflation to complete the reduction. In cases with unsuccessful pneumatic reduction attempt (18.1%), surgical treatment was required. Surgery ranged from simple reduction to resection with a primary end to end anastomosis. No complications from air enema were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The authors recommend adding pressure release valves to ensure safety by avoiding pressure overshoot during the procedure.

Reacciones adversas de la ozonoterapia en pacientes con retinosis pigmentaria / Adverse reactions of ozone therapy in patients with retinitis pigmentosa

Objetivo: describir las reacciones producidas por la ozonoterapia durante la aplicación de la estrategia cubana para pacientes portadores de retinosis pigmentaria. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal, retrospectivo en 6 414 pacientes portadores de retinosis pigmentaria, atendidos en el Centro Internacional de Retinosis Pigmentaria Camilo Cienfuegos, a quienes se les aplicó ozonoterapia como parte de la estrategia cubana multiterapéutica de control para pacientes portadores de esta enfermedad. En un grupo de pacientes se aplicaron 10 sesiones de autohemoterapia mayor y en otro grupo se administraron 10 sesiones por insuflación rectal. Para la aplicación de la ozonoterapia se utilizó un equipo Ozomed. Los datos estadísticos se analizaron y compararon usando la prueba t de Student. Se consideró p< 0,05 como significación estadística. Resultados: se observaron reacciones adversas en 28 pacientes; de ellos, 5 recibieron ozono por insuflación rectal y 23 por autohemoterapia mayor. Se observaron 4 pacientes con náuseas, 6 con sensación de estómago repleto, 5 con euforia, 1 con fatiga inusual y 1 con sabor metálico bucal. Esto representa el 0,004 por ciento de la muestra estudiada. Conclusión: la ozonoterapia demuestra ser un tratamiento médico muy seguro e inocuo en pacientes con retinosis pigmentaria(AU)

Objective: to describe adverse reactions of ozone therapy after the Cuban strategy for patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Methods: a retrospective, longitudinal and descriptive study was conducted in 6 414 patients with retinitis pigmentosa seen at Camilo Cienfuegos International Center of Retinitis Pigmentosa. They had been treated with ozone therapy as part of the Cuban multi-therapy strategy for management of these patients. A group of patients received ten applications of major autohemotherapy whereas another group was administered 10 ozone sessions through rectal insufflation. The Ozomed machine was the choice for ozone therapy. Student's test was used to analyze and to compare statistical data. Significant statistical index was p< 0,05. Results: twenty eight patients were found to have adverse reactions, 5 of them under rectal insufflation and 23 in the major autohemotherapy group. There were observed 4 patients with nauseas, 6 with stomach bloating, 5 with euphoria, one with unusual fatigue and one with strange metallic taste. This represented 0,004 percent in this sample. Conclusion: the ozone therapy has been found to be an extremely safe medical therapy in patients with retinitis pigmentosa(AU)

Reacciones adversas de la ozonoterapia en pacientes con retinosis pigmentaria / Adverse reactions of ozone therapy in patients with retinitis pigmentosa

Objetivo: describir las reacciones producidas por la ozonoterapia durante la aplicación de la estrategia cubana para pacientes portadores de retinosis pigmentaria. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal, retrospectivo en 6 414 pacientes portadores de retinosis pigmentaria, atendidos en el Centro Internacional de Retinosis Pigmentaria Camilo Cienfuegos, a quienes se les aplicó ozonoterapia como parte de la estrategia cubana multiterapéutica de control para pacientes portadores de esta enfermedad. En un grupo de pacientes se aplicaron 10 sesiones de autohemoterapia mayor y en otro grupo se administraron 10 sesiones por insuflación rectal. Para la aplicación de la ozonoterapia se utilizó un equipo Ozomed. Los datos estadísticos se analizaron y compararon usando la prueba t de Student. Se consideró p< 0,05 como significación estadística. Resultados: se observaron reacciones adversas en 28 pacientes; de ellos, 5 recibieron ozono por insuflación rectal y 23 por autohemoterapia mayor. Se observaron 4 pacientes con náuseas, 6 con sensación de estómago repleto, 5 con euforia, 1 con fatiga inusual y 1 con sabor metálico bucal. Esto representa el 0,004 por ciento de la muestra estudiada. Conclusión: la ozonoterapia demuestra ser un tratamiento médico muy seguro e inocuo en pacientes con retinosis pigmentaria(AU)

Objective: to describe adverse reactions of ozone therapy after the Cuban strategy for patients with retinitis pigmentosa.Methods: a retrospective, longitudinal and descriptive study was conducted in 6 414 patients with retinitis pigmentosa seen at Camilo Cienfuegos International Center of Retinitis Pigmentosa. They had been treated with ozone therapy as part of the Cuban multi-therapy strategy for management of these patients. A group of patients received ten applications of major autohemotherapy whereas another group was administered 10 ozone sessions through rectal insufflation. The Ozomed machine was the choice for ozone therapy. Students test was used to analyze and to compare statistical data. Significant statistical index was p< 0,05.Results: twenty eight patients were found to have adverse reactions, 5 of them under rectal insufflation and 23 in the major autohemotherapy group. There were observed 4 patients with nauseas, 6 with stomach bloating, 5 with euphoria, one with unusual fatigue and one with strange metallic taste. This represented 0,004 percent in this sample. Conclusion: the ozone therapy has been found to be an extremely safe medical therapy in patients with retinitis pigmentosa(AU)

Proper Management for Morbid Iatrogenic Retroperitoneal Barium Insufflation

A barium enema is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure commonly used for colon and rectum problems. Rectal perforation with extensive intra- and/or extraperitoneal spillage of barium is a devastating complication of a barium enema that leads to a significant increase in patient mortality. Due to the low number of reported cases in recent scientific literature and the lack of experience with the management of these cases, we would like to present our treatment approach to a rare case of retroperitoneal contamination with barium, followed by its intraperitoneal involvement during a diagnostic barium enema. Our experience with long-term management of the patient and the good outcome will be depicted in this paper.

Needle decompression to avoid tension pneumoperitoneum and hemodynamic compromise after pneumatic reduction of pediatric intussusception.

BACKGROUND: The contemporary management of children with ileocolic intussusception often includes pneumatic reduction. While failure of the procedure or recurrence after reduction can result in the need for surgical treatment, more serious adverse sequelae can occur including perforation and, rarely, tension pneumoperitoneum. During the last year, four cases of perforation during attempted pneumatic reductions complicated by tense pneumoperitoneum have occurred in our center. OBJECTIVE: We have elected to report our patient experience, describe methods of management and review available literature on this uncommon but serious complication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using ICD-9 diagnosis codes, we reviewed the records of children with intussusception during 2011. Demographic and therapeutic clinical data were collected and summarized. RESULTS: During the study period, 101 children with intussusception were treated at our institution, with 19% (19/101) of them requiring surgical intervention. Four children (4%) experienced a tense pneumoperitoneum during air enema reduction, prompting urgent needle decompression in the fluoroscopy suite. These children required bowel resection during subsequent laparotomy. No deaths occurred. CONCLUSION: Pneumoperitoneum is a real and life-threatening complication of pneumatic enemas. It requires immediate intervention and definitive surgical management. Caution should be exercised by practitioners performing this procedure at institutions where pediatric radiology experience is limited and immediate pediatric surgical support is not available.

Ozone therapy as add-on treatment in fibromyalgia management by rectal insufflation: an open-label pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of ozone therapy by rectal insufflation as add-on therapy in fibromyalgia management. DESIGN: Patients with fibromyalgia received 24 sessions of ozone therapy during a 12-week period. At each session, the administered dose of ozone was 8 mg (200 mL of gas, at a concentration of 40 µg/mL). Ozone sessions were given 5 days a week during the first 2 weeks, twice a week from weeks 3-6, and weekly from weeks 7-12. Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was the main outcome measure, and was administered at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Secondary outcome measures, administered at baseline and at endpoint, were the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Beck Depression Inventory, the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the SF-12, the abbreviated form of the Short Form Health Survey. Emergent adverse reactions to treatment were recorded. RESULTS: FIQ total scores decreased significantly during the study period, with the decrease being observed in the first 4 weeks of the study. Significant improvement was also seen both in depression scores and in the Physical Summary Score of the SF-12. Transient meteorism after ozone therapy sessions was the most frequently reported side-effect. CONCLUSIONS: At the dose and number of sessions used in this study, ozone therapy by rectal insufflation seems to be beneficial for physical symptoms and depression of fibromyalgia.