The Assessment of Patient-Reported Outcomes in the Medical Management of Patients With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Background Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent condition that a large portion of the male population develops with aging, in which the prostate gland enlarges and results in urinary symptoms. Objective The objective of this article is to assess patient-reported outcomes (PRO) of medical management of benign prostate hyperplasia in terms of international prostate symptoms score (IPSS), BPH impact index (BPHII), and treatment satisfaction score (TSS). Methods This descriptive study included 114 patients who received medical management for BPH during the period 5th May 2021 till 30th December 2023, at the Department of Urology, Institute of Kidney Disease Peshawar. Patient-reported outcomes were measured in terms of IPSS, BPHII, and TSS. Readings were recorded at the start of treatment and at three months of treatment and then compared. Data was analyzed using SPSS v.25 (IBM Inc., Armonk, New York). Results The mean age of the patients was 64.33 ± 6.12 years. The mean prostate size was 77.35 ± 12.83 ml. Overall mean pre-treatment and post-treatment IPSS was 24.82 ± 4.90 versus 15.57 ± 5.15, respectively (p-value 0.00). Mean pre-treatment and post-treatment BPHII were 11.98 ± 1.02 and 7.12 ± 2.46, respectively (p-value 0.000). The overall mean treatment satisfaction score was 6.89 ± 1.44. Conclusion Medical management improved symptomatology in BPH patients. This study is a step in the direction of the development of larger and longer-term PRO studies in BPH management.

Surgical and Medical Management of Pediatric Spine Trauma.

Pediatric spine trauma is rare but presents unique challenges to clinical management. Special considerations include but are not limited to the need to minimize ionizing radiation in this patient population, anatomic immaturity, physiologic variants, and injuries seen only in the pediatric population. Here we review the epidemiology of pediatric spine trauma, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of the most common injuries and discuss specific medical and surgical strategies for treatment.

Hidden in Plain Sight: Deciphering Chest Pain, Hypertension, and Elevated Creatinine to Unveil Aortic Dissection.

Chest pain is a common yet complex presentation in the emergency department, often requiring the exclusion of life-threatening conditions such as aortic dissection. Stanford type B aortic dissection, which affects the descending aorta, poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges but can often be managed medically without immediate surgery. This case underscores the necessity of having a vigilant mindset, performing a detailed clinical examination, and including aortic dissection in the differential diagnosis, especially when typical symptoms are observed. The challenging part of this case was the investigation, as computed tomography angiography couldn't be performed, necessitating the use of magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis. It highlights the importance of individualized patient care, vigilant monitoring, and comprehensive management strategies in the treatment of aortic dissection.

Converging pathways: acquired von Willebrand disease in systemic lupus erythematosus with antiphospholipid antibodies presenting with persistent menstrual bleeding.

We present a case of a woman in her 20s with inadequately treated systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). She presented with heavy menstrual bleeding, along with nasal and gum bleeding worsening over 3 months. There was no bleeding history in her family, childhood, dental procedures or childbirth. Evaluation ruled out structural causes, revealing prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (incomplete correction on mixing studies), normal prothrombin time, moderate thrombocytopenia, and lupus anticoagulant and anti-phosphatidylserine/prothrombin antibody positivity twice, 12 weeks apart. Further evaluation showed very low von Willebrand factor (vWF) levels (<5%). She was treated with pulse methylprednisolone for 3 days, resulting in complete symptom resolution and improvement in vWF levels to 130%. The absence of bleeding history, family history, presence of very low vWF and its response to corticosteroids led to a diagnosis of acquired vWF syndrome as the cause of mucosal bleeding in an SLE patient with concomitant positive antiphospholipid antibody. She was discharged on hydroxychloroquine, mycophenolate mofetil and tapering oral corticosteroids.

Adhesive arachnoiditis: a rare cause of postoperative urinary retention.

Postoperative urinary retention is a common consequence of pelvic surgeries. It is often related both to the nature of surgery and the medication used in the perioperative period. Adhesive arachnoiditis (AA) is a rare condition, which has various clinical presentations ranging from back pain to disabling neurological deficits. Numerous aetiologies for AA have been described in the literature, one such noted is spinal anaesthesia. We report a patient who presented with isolated bladder dysfunction in the form of urinary retention after spinal anaesthesia. She was evaluated and diagnosed with AA as the cause of her urinary retention. AA was complicated by raised intracranial pressure. She was treated with corticosteroids and acetazolamide, following which she made a full recovery. We would like to highlight this rare presentation, as well as lay emphasis on the early evaluation of seemingly anticipated symptoms such as postoperative urinary retention.

Failure rates of Conservative Management of Minimally Symptomatic Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Conservative treatments for minimally symptomatic chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) are debated, with surgery as the primary option. OBJECTIVE: To assess failure rates of a conservative approach for management of cSDH. METHODS: We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on conservative management of cSDH and analyzed the data using R (version 4.1.2). RESULTS: A total of 35 studies including 2,095 patients were analyzed: 950 (45%) of the patients were in the observation group, 671 (32%) in the corticosteroid group, 355 (17%) in the atorvastatin group, 43 (2%) in the mannitol group, 52 (2.5%) in the tranexamic acid group, and 24 (1.1%) in the etizolam group. Our pooled analysis showed that 19.82% of patients required rescue surgery (95% CI: 12.98% to 26.66%, p < 0.0001). The overall pooled risk ratio (RR) for the effect of interventions on the need for rescue surgery was 0.2424 (95% CI: 0.1577 to 0.3725, Iˆ2 = 90.5%, p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis showed varied effects: observation group (RR = 0.3482, 95% CI: 0.1045 to 1.1609, Iˆ2 = 94.0%), corticosteroids (RR = 0.2988, 95% CI: 0.1671 to 0.5344, Iˆ2 = 90.8%), atorvastatin (RR = 0.1609, 95% CI: 0.0985 to 0.2627, Iˆ2 = 53.2%), mannitol (RR = 0.0370, 95% CI: 0.0009 to 1.5244), and tranexamic acid (RR = 0.0585, 95% CI: 0.0026 to 1.2924). CONCLUSION: The rate of rescue surgery in conservatively managed cSDH patients remains high. Corticosteroids or atorvastatin demonstrates some potential benefit in reducing the failure rate but collective effectiveness is unknown.

Clinical Management of Hospitalized Patients With High-Consequence Infectious Diseases in England.

Infectious disease physicians in England have been diagnosing and managing occasional cases of viral hemorrhagic fever since 1971, including the United Kingdom's first case of Ebola virus disease in 1976. Specialist isolation facilities to provide safe and effective care have been present since that time. Following the emergence of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2012, and the avian influenza A (H7N9) outbreak in 2013, and the 2014-2016 Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa, clinical and public health preparedness and response pathways in England have been strengthened for these types of diseases, now called high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs). The HCID program, led by NHS England and Public Health England between 2016 and 2018, helped to deliver these enhancements, which have since been used on multiple occasions for new UK cases and outbreaks of MERS, mpox, avian influenza, and Lassa fever. Additionally, HCID pathways were activated for COVID-19 during the first 3 months of 2020, before the pandemic had been declared and little was known about COVID-19 but HCID status had been assigned temporarily to COVID-19 as a precaution. The HCID program also led to the commissioning of a network of new airborne HCID treatment centers in England, to supplement the existing network of contact HCID treatment centers, which includes the United Kingdom's only 2 high-level isolation units. In this case study, the authors describe the airborne and contact HCID treatment center networks in England, including their formation and structures, their approach to safe and effective clinical management of patients with HCIDs in the United Kingdom, and challenges they may face going forward.

Aquagenic urticaria in an adolescent: differential diagnosis and management.

Aquagenic urticaria, a rare variant of chronic-inducible urticaria, is triggered by direct contact with water. It is distinguished by its characteristic small wheals accompanied by a halo of erythema from other forms of urticaria. It typically manifests with a delayed diagnosis due to the atypical trigger and the potential for diverse clinical presentations. We present a case of aquagenic urticaria in an adolescent male that demonstrates the need for accurate differential diagnosis and appropriate management.

Variability in the Treatment of High-Risk Type B Aortic Dissection at a Single Center.

Although there are established high-risk features in acute type B aortic dissection (TBAD), its management is variable. This study characterizes complicated, uncomplicated, and high-risk TBAD in addition to their management and outcomes to gain insight into the actual significance of these high-risk features and the reality of real-world practice in managing TBAD. A retrospective review of 62 patients was conducted. Patient demographics, management, and outcomes were characterized and evaluated with Pearson's χ2 test, Fisher's exact test, or analysis of variance. Of the 32 high-risk TBADs, 66% (n = 21) received endovascular repair, 31% (n = 10) were medically managed, and 3% (n = 1) received hybrid (open and endovascular) repair. Refractory hypertension and pain (52%, n = 11) were the most common high-risk features in patients with high-risk TBAD who received endovascular repair. A maximum aortic diameter of >40 mm (67%, n = 6) was the most common high-risk feature in patients who received medical management. The most prevalent high-risk feature for all treatment groups in the high-risk TBADs was an aortic diameter of >40 mm (n = 16; 50%). Adverse postoperative outcomes were highest in the high-risk and complicated groups with endoleak as the most common adverse outcome (high-risk 12.9%, complicated 13.6%). Of the 62 patients, 47% (n = 26) had follow-up since their admission with an average follow-up time of 69 ± 166 days. The significance of high-risk features in the management of high-risk TBAD remains unclear. This single-center experience with managing acute TBAD reveals the reality of inadequate follow-up that may be specific to this disease process. This highlights a need to direct more efforts to assess long-term outcomes after treatment.

Pituitary Apoplexy: a re-appraisal of risk factors and best management strategies in the COVID-19 era.

Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is a clinical syndrome caused by acute hemorrhage and/or infarction of the pituitary gland, most commonly in the setting of a pituitary macroadenoma. PA generally presents with severe headache, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbance, and, in more severe cases, altered mental status. Many factors have been attributed to the risk of developing PA, including most recently, numerous reports showcasing an association with COVID-19 infection or vaccination. Initial management of PA includes evaluation and correction of deficient hormones and electrolytes and an assessment if surgical decompression to relieve pressure on optic nerves and other brain structures is needed. While prompt recognition and treatment are crucial to avoid morbidity and mortality, in the modern era, PA is less commonly considered a true neurosurgical emergency requiring immediate (< 24 h) surgical decompression. Traditionally, surgical decompression has been the standard of care for significant mass effects. However, several studies have shown similar outcomes in visual and hormonal recovery with either surgical decompression or conservative medical management. Unfortunately, most evidence on optimal management strategies is limited to retrospective case series, small prospective studies, and one multi-center observational study. This review aims to provide the most up-to-date evidence on the role of COVID-19 in PA and best management strategies.

A Case Report of a Mysterious Mycetoma.

Mycetoma, a chronic subcutaneous infection caused by bacterial or fungal species from soil and water, presents a diagnostic challenge due to its rarity and diverse clinical manifestations. Predominantly affecting male workers in endemic regions, mycetoma typically manifests as painless swelling evolving into purulent lesions with draining sinuses in the extremities. Although historically uncommon in regions like North America, rising immigration and international travel have led to an increased prevalence, necessitating heightened clinical suspicion. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent severe complications such as limb loss and septicemia. This case report details the diagnosis and management of chronic actinomycetoma due to Nocardia spp. in a Guatemalan immigrant landscaper and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive understanding and timely intervention in mycetoma cases.

Extramedullary plasmacytoma with associated multiple myeloma as a presentation of the posterior mediastinal mass: a rare clinical encounter.

A plasmacytoma is a single, isolated tumour of abnormal plasma cells. It can develop within the bone, known as solitary plasmacytoma of bone, or outside the bone, referred to as extraosseous (extramedullary) plasmacytoma, without spreading to other parts of the body. Plasmacytoma, an uncommon presentation in the posterior mediastinum, usually arises as solitary or multiple lesions in bone or soft tissues. The standard treatment involves definitive radiotherapy, potentially curative for extramedullary cases. The prognosis varies, being more favourable without concurrent multiple myeloma and worsening with high-risk cytogenetics. The case involves a male in his early 80s with an extensive medical history presenting with difficulty swallowing and dyspnoea. The diagnosis revealed a rare posterior mediastinal plasmacytoma associated with multiple myeloma, emphasising the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Optimizing Physiotherapeutic Effects With the Maitland Mobilization Technique to Boost the Functional Capacities of a Rotator Cuff Syndrome Patient: A Case Report.

Rotator cuff (RC) muscles give the shoulder joint stability in addition to movement. The case report outlines the physical rehabilitation therapy, condition evaluation, and diagnostic testing that was given to a 62-year-old female field worker who had been complaining of pain in her left shoulder. To improve functional mobility and lessen discomfort, the patient underwent physiotherapy. In this instance, a physical therapy program was put in place to treat rotator cuff syndrome (RCS), enhance range of motion (ROM), and promote long-term recovery. Part of the assessment included a detailed examination of the biomechanics and potential mitigating variables for the persistent problems. The intervention plan's multimodal approach comprised physical therapy, stretching, and strengthening exercises, as well as patient counseling and health management education. Throughout the physiotherapy sessions, the patient's functional mobility improved and their level of discomfort gradually decreased. This case adds to the body of knowledge regarding successful physiotherapy techniques for RC injuries by emphasizing the value of a comprehensive approach to help patients with chronic shoulder pain achieve favorable outcomes. It also highlights how crucial it is to treat chronic RCS with a customized physical therapy program that takes into account the patient's unique preferences and characteristics that can exacerbate the problem.

Predictors of successful expectant and medical management of miscarriage: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: 15.3% of pregnancies result in miscarriage, management options include expectant, medical, or surgical. However, each patient has a range of variables, which makes navigating the available literature challenging when supporting individual patient decision-making. This systematic review aims to investigate whether there are any specific predictors for miscarriage management outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The following databases were searched, from the start of each database up to April 2023: PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria were studies interrogating defined predictors for expectant or medical management of miscarriage success. Exclusion criteria were poor quality, review articles, trial protocols, and congress abstracts. Data collection was carried as per PRISMA guidelines. Quality assessment for each study was assessed using the QUIPS proforma. RESULTS: Relevant predictors include demographics, ultrasound features, presenting symptoms, and biochemical markers. Across the 24 studies there is heterogeneity in miscarriage definition, predictors reported, and management outcomes used. Associations with certain variables and miscarriage management outcomes are described. Ten studies assessed the impact of miscarriage type on expectant and/or medical management. The majority found that a diagnosis of incomplete miscarriage had a higher success rate following expectant or medical management compared to missed miscarriage or anembryonic pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that there is evidence supporting the possibility to offer personalized miscarriage management advice with case specific predictors. Further larger studies with consistent definitions of predictors, management, and outcomes are needed in order to better support women through the decision-making of miscarriage management.

Challenging illness scripts: a case of pernicious anaemia and axonal neuropathy.

This case report presents a male in his 30s with pernicious anaemia, initially diagnosed with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia. Despite improvement with treatment, he developed bilateral leg weakness and numbness, ultimately diagnosed as peripheral neuropathy. Further investigations revealed a spectrum of haematological and neurological manifestations associated with B12 deficiency, challenging the typical illness script of pernicious anaemia. This report underscores the importance of recognising variations in clinical presentation and highlights the need for expanded illness scripts to guide accurate diagnosis and management.

Delayed diagnosis of perirectal horseshoe abscess and patient's perspective.

This is a case of a woman in her 50s with HIV and uncontrolled diabetes who presented to the emergency department with urinary retention and a painful gluteal cleft lesion, admitted for cellulitis. Since initial CT and soft tissue ultrasound (US) were negative for fluid collection, the care team was surprised to find her symptoms continued to progress despite intravenous antibiotics. Finally, MRI 9 days into her admission demonstrated a 12-cm perirectal horseshoe abscess. The patient was ultimately treated with incision and drainage with Penrose drain placement. This case demonstrates the importance of maintaining a high suspicion for horseshoe abscess, a complex form of ischiorectal fossa abscess which can be missed on CT and US imaging, and which may expand rapidly in immunosuppressed patients.