Outcome of FOLFOX and Modified DCF Chemotherapy Regimen in Patients with Advanced Gastric Adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Chemotherapy is used as an indispensable therapy for advanced gastric cancer. Different chemotherapy regimens have been used for this purpose. Toxicity due to the Chemotherapy drugs is one limiting factor. In this study we aim to compare the efficacy and toxicity of two regimens FOLFOX (leucoverin, 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin) and modified DCF (mDCF) (docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil) in patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma. METHODS: In this analytical cross-sectional study, 47 patients treated with FOLFOX regimen and 57 patients treated with mDCF regimen were recruited, Patients in both groups were compared for demographic findings, response rate, mortality rate, overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS). RESULTS: In FOLFOX and mDCF group, complete response (CR) occurred in 4.3% and 5.3%, partial response (PR) in 42.6% and 29.8%, stable disease in 34% and 52.6% and disease progression in 19.1% and 12.3%, respectively (p=0.25). Overall response rate was 48.9% and 56.1%, respectively. There was no significant difference between two regimens in OS and PFS (p=0.22). mDCF compared to FOLFOX had significantly higher hematologic, gastrointestinal complications, as well as creatinine rise, stomatitis and hair loss, but peripheral neuropathy was significantly lower. CONCLUSION: The results of current study showed that in patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma, FOLFOX regimen compared to mDCF regimen have similar ORR, OS and PFS. Toxicity rate are also lower in FOLFOX group, thus it seems a better regimen for chemotherapy.
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A case of hydatid cyst in biceps femoris.

INTRODUCTION: Hydatid cysts primarily involve the liver and lung, but could be presented in any site of the body including the muscles which is very rare. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a 50-year-old woman with hydatid cyst in biceps femoris presenting as growing painful mass. There was also a small cyst in the liver. The cyst was completely excised and patient was treated with albendazole 15 mg/kg daily before and after surgery. The patient was symptom free during the three months follow-up. DISCUSSION: Hydatid cyst should be considered as differential diagnosis of any growing mass or cyst in the body in the endemic areas.

Gluteal Hydatid Cyst: A Case Report.

Hydatid cyst caused by Echinococcus granulosus usually involves lung and liver but can appear in other organs. We report a 29-yr-old woman presented to Fatemi Hospital, Ardabil, Iran in 2017 with progressive painful swelling of the left gluteus which in imaging showed hydatid cyst. The cyst was successfully en blocked and the patient was discharged on albendazole treatment with no recurrence in the symptoms during the first week, first and second months after surgery follow-up and in the final visit at third months. In the endemic regions, the possibility of hydatid cysts should be considered in differential diagnosis of any cystic mass.

Efficacy of Methotrexate on Pain Severity Reduction and Improvement of Quality of Life in Patients with Moderate to Severe Knee Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) leads to low quality of life due to pain and limitation in daily activities. Recent studies indicated that Methotrexate (MTX) could reduce pain due to its anti-inflammatory effects. OBJECTIVES: In this study, the researchers aimed at evaluating the efficacy of MTX in pain control and improvement of quality of life in patients with moderate to severe knee OA. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 100 patients with moderate to severe knee OA were allocated to receive MTX (n = 50) 7.5 mg weekly to be increased to 15 mg weekly after first months or placebo (n = 50) for six months. Pain severity was measured using the numerical rating scale (NRS), so was functional status by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and quality of life by SF-12 questionnaire before the treatment, and three months and six months after the intervention. The results were compared between the groups subsequently. Nine patients from the MTX group were excluded due to the use of corticosteroids during the treatment period. RESULTS: The MTX group compared to the placebo group had significant improvement in pain severity and quality of life during six months and WOMAC parameters at three and six months after the intervention. The need for NSAIDS was slightly higher in the placebo group with no significant difference (22% versus 36%, P = 0.14). The MTX adverse effects were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of moderate to severe knee OA with MTX could reduce pain severity and improve functional status and quality of life in OA patients.

Libman-Sacks endocarditis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus with secondary antiphospholipid syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Libman-Sacks endocarditis (LSE) is characterized by sterile lesions that commonly affect the aortic and mitral heart valves. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been associated with LSE. Cardiac manifestations including LSE could be interrelated with other manifestations and early diagnosis could help in preventing further complications. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we report three cases of LSE in SLE patients with secondary APS. All patients presented with neurological manifestations and LSE was diagnosed by Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). All three patients were treated for the underlying disease and also received anticoagulant therapy. CONCLUSION: In all patients with SLE and secondary APS, LSE should be considered if a patient manifests any evidence of neurologic involvement.

Comparison of Bone Mineral Densitometry at 2 Sites Versus 3 Sites in Patients Suspicious for Osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aim to evaluate the bone mineral density (BMD) results of 2 standard sites with 3 sites including wrist in diagnosing osteoporosis. METHODS: We evaluated the BMD results of 1272 individuals referred for suspected osteoporosis between 2012 and 2015. Those individuals were included with BMD at lumbar spine, femur neck, and wrist. Bone mineral density was measured using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) device. Bone mineral density and T score were measured for all 3 sites. RESULTS: There was significant correlation between wrist T score with hip T score (r = 0.606, P < .001) and lumbar T score (r = 0.527, P < .001). With BMD of 2 sites, patients had osteopenia in 46.3% and osteoporosis in 23.7%, while by adding wrist T-BMD, subjects had osteopenia in 46.6% and osteoporosis in 33%. Between BMD at 2 sites and 3 sites, there was concordance in 81.9%, minor discordance in 17.6%, and major discordance in 0.5%. CONCLUSIONS: We observed discordance between BMD measurements of 2 sites and 3 sites, with latter detecting more cases with osteoporosis. In fact, measurement of T scores of wrist along with lumbar and femur neck improves the diagnosis.

Efficacy of duloxetine and gabapentin in pain reduction in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common form of arthritis in elders which can lead to reduced daily activity and quality of life. It is important to administer a proper treatment with high efficacy and low side effects. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of duloxetine and gabapentin in patients with moderate to severe knee OA. METHOD: In this randomized clinical trial, 150 patients with moderate to severe knee OA were randomly allocated to receive duloxetine 30 mg (n = 50), gabapentin 300 mg (n = 50), or acetaminophen 1000 mg (n = 50) all twice a day for 12 weeks. Pain severity using visual analogue scale (VAS) and functional status using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) were measured before, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after intervention. RESULTS: WOMAC total and its subscale score were significantly lower in duloxetine compared to gabapentin in 2 weeks and 1 months after intervention, with no significant difference at the end of the third month. Both gabapentin and duloxetine groups had significantly more reduction in pain VAS and WOMAC and its subscales compared to acetaminophen group, with no significant difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both gabapentin and duloxetine have similar and acceptable effects in pain reduction and improvement of functional status in patients with knee OA at the end of the third month's treatment. Duloxetine effects begin from the first weeks, while gabapentin effects begin gradually with the best at the end of the third month. KEY POINTS: • Medical treatment is used for releiving pain in knee osteoarthritis. • Gabapentin and duloxetine are both effective in reducing pain in knee osteoarthritis.

Correlation between echocardiographic severity of ischemic mitral valve regurgitation following acute myocardial infarction and its electrocardiographic location.

Introduction: Ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is common after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) which is associated with long-term cardiovascular mortality. Size, transmurality and location of the myocardial infarction (MI) has role on the development of IMR. In this study we evaluated the severity of IMR after different types of MI. Methods: One-hundred patients with the first AMI were recruited and according to echocardiographic findings were categorized to have moderate to severe IMR (case group, n=50) or trivial or no IMR (control group, n=50). Demographic and echocardiographic findings and MI location were compared between groups. Results: Case group compared to control group had significantly higher Killip class, more cases with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <30% and inferolateral STEMI. They had significantly higher left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) diastolic dysfunction. Mechanism of IMR was mono leaflet tethering in 88%, both leaflets tethering in 12% and ring dilatation in 62%. MR jet origin-direction was medial commisure-posterior in 66%, lateral commisure-anterior in 11 22% and both commisure-central direction in 12%. Conclusion: IMR is common after AMI, especially in cases with inferior MI. The echocardiographic findings are indicative of left ventricular remodeling and abnormality of mitral valve apparatus.

An unusual presentation of a papillary thyroid carcinoma in the struma ovarii in a 10 year-old girl: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Struma ovarii is an ovarian tumor with thyroid tissue as its predominant component. It usually occurs in older women and presents with abdominal mass, pain and abnormal bleeding. Most patients are euthyroid, but some reports have noted thyrotoxicosis originating from the malignant struma ovarii. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 10 year-old girl presented with tachycardia, normal thyroid exam and thyrotoxicosis. Thyroid scan showed no uptake with increased uptake in right ovary indicative of struma ovarii. The patient underwent oophorectomy and thyroidectomy, Pathology showed papillary thyroid carcinoma limited to the struma ovarii. Following TSH suppressive therapy and treatment with I131, she is totally symptom free. DISCUSSION: Struma ovarii should be a possible diagnosis in any female patient with thyrotoxicosis manifestations with normal thyroid scan and examination.

Successful Treatment of Massive Pulmonary Thromboembolism with Reteplase: Case Series.

Massive pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) has an increased risk of mortality. Thrombolytic therapy is the accepted treatment. Reteplase, a variant of tissue plasminogen activator, has been used in acute myocardial infarction with acceptable safety and efficacy, but studies in massive PTE are rare. In this study we report five cases of successful treatment of massive PTE with reteplase.

The Role of Fluconazole Prophylaxis Regimen and the Regimes Chosen by the Patient's Risk of Fungal Infection in Reducing the Infection Rate after Bone Marrow Transplantation

Objective: Invasive fungal infections (IFI) in bone marrow transplant (BMT) recipients are common and lethal. Fluconazole was the choice prophylaxis previously, but recent strategy utilization antifungal drugs according to the risk of IFI in patients undergoing transplantation. In this study we aim to evaluate the efficacy of fluconazole prophylaxis regimen and the regimes chosen by the patient's risk of IFI. Materials and Methods: We evaluated 376 patients with BMT. Patients were divided into those treated before 2012 with fluconazole prophylaxis (group I, n=206) or those undergone transplantation after 2012 and received fluconazole, voriconazole and posaconazole prophylaxis according their risk of fungal infection (group II, n=170). Results: Group I was significantly younger (p=0.007), less smoker (p=0.01), received more autologus transplant (p=0.001) and mostly high risk patient for infection (p<0.001). Group I had significantly higher duration of fever (p=0.004) and increased WBC (p=0.02), longer length of stay (p=0.001), more proven and less probable fungal infections (p=0.008) and higher hepatic complications (p=0.003). There was no significant difference in fungal related and overall mortality rate between groups. Conclusion: The use of prophylaxis based on risk of fungal infection in patients undergoing BMT results in reduce fungal infections, duration of fever and accelerate the engraftment and patient discharge.

Eptifibatide Bolus Dose During Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Eptifibatide is a platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist used for the prevention of cardiac ischemic complications of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Eptifibatide has been used with bolus dose only or bolus plus infusion in patients undergoing PCI which have shown less complications, but the risk of bleeding has been increased. We aimed to compare the outcome and bleeding rate of bolus dose alone or plus infusion in elective PCI. METHODS: In this quasi-experimental study, we compared the outcome of elective PCI following single bolus dose intracoronary (41 patients) or bolus plus intravenous infusion (19 patients) of eptifibatide. In-hospital and follow-up major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) and bleeding rate were recorded and evaluated between groups. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable regarding baseline findings. Bolus only compared to bolus plus infusion group had lower in-hospital (19.5% vs. 31.6%) and follow-up MACE (15.4% vs. 17.6%), lower bleeding in-hospital (14.6% vs. 21.1%) and follow-up (2.4% vs. 5.3%) as well as lower mortality rate in hospital (4.9% vs. 15.8%), but higher follow-up mortality (10.3% vs. 0), but the difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: We observed no significant difference regarding bleeding or MACE between intracoronary bolus infusion and bolus plus intravenous infusion of eptifibatide. It seems intracoronary bolus infusion of eptifibatide due to use of lower doses is a better choice in elective PCI to prevent post-PCI MACE.

Successful Ostial Stenting in a Patient with a Single Coronary Artery from the Right Sinus of Valsalva: A Case Report.

Single coronary arteries (SCAs) constitute a rare coronary anomaly which is usually asymptomatic. However, SCAs may become symptomatic and even cause myocardial ischemia and infarction and as such necessitate proper intervention whether percutaneous or surgical. We describe an 89-year-old woman with an SCA from the right sinus of Valsalva presenting with chest pain and acute myocardial infarction. We succeeded in performing percutaneous coronary intervention and stenting on the ostial lesion of the SCA, and there were no further complications. The patient was discharged 2 days later with no adverse complications.

Successful Treatment of Severe Metabolic Acidosis Due to Acute Aluminum Phosphide Poisoning With Peritoneal Dialysis: a Report of 2 Cases.

Aluminum phosphide poisoning is common in our region. It can cause severe metabolic acidosis and persistent hypotension, which lead to cardiogenic shock and subsequently mortality. Oliguric or anuric acute kidney injury is seen in almost all patients with aluminum phosphide poisoning. Renal replacement therapies are recommended in these patients to improve metabolic acidosis and increase the rate of survival. We report 2 cases of severe acute aluminum phosphide poisoning treated successfully with peritoneal dialysis.

Outcome of surgical embolectomy in patients with massive pulmonary embolism with and without cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary embolism is a challenging critical cardiovascular disease with high morbidity and mortality. Surgical embolectomy has favorable results in patients with massive pulmonary embolism. AIM: To study the outcome of embolectomy in patients with massive pulmonary embolism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this single-center, retrospective study, 36 patients including 14 male and 22 female patients with a mean age of 50.80 ±18.89 years with acute pulmonary embolism who underwent surgical pulmonary embolectomy from January 2011 to January 2016 were included. The medical records of all patients were reviewed for demographic and preoperative data and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Common risk factors for acute PE were major surgery within 3 months and deep vein thrombosis. The most common presenting symptoms of patients were dyspnea, followed by chest pain and syncope. Mean duration of hospitalization was 14.76 ±8.69 days and mean operation duration was 4.47 ±1.54 h. Mean time from admission to embolectomy was 6.58 ±1.13 h. Ten (27.8%) patients died during the operation including 3 cases with cardiopulmonary resuscitation prior to surgery and 2 cases with severe cardiogenic shock. Patients who survived were followed for 6 months. The mortality rate during follow-up was 15.4%; all 4 patients died during follow-up period due to metastatic cancer. No pulmonary embolism recurrance were seen. CONCLUSIONS: Although surgical embolectomy mostly was done for high risk patients, it had good in-hospital and excellent mid-term outcomes.

The effect of lactulose supplementation on fecal microflora of patients with chronic kidney disease; a randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Lactulose is a prebiotic with bifidogenic and urea reduction effects. It can improve Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli counts in healthy humans and it may possibly have similar effects in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of lactulose on fecal microflora of patients with CKD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients with stages 3 and 4 of CKD (43.8% male with mean age of 58.09±12.75 years) were randomly assigned to intervention (n=16) and control (n=16) groups. Patients in intervention group received 30 mm lactulose syrup three times a day for an 8-week period. Control group received placebo 30 mm three times a day. A fecal sample was obtained from all patients at the beginning and at the end of the study and Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli was counted. RESULTS: Creatinine (Cr) significantly decreased in intervention group (3.90±1.43 to 3.60±1.44, P=0.003) and increased in control group (3.87±2.08 to 4.11±1.99, P=0.03). Although Bifidobacterial and Lactobacilli counts were similar before intervention, they were significantly higher at the end of the study in lactulose group (P=0.01 and P=0.04, respectively). Lactulose led to significant increase in fecal Bifidobacterial counts (3.61±0.54 to 4.90±0.96, P<0.001) and Lactobacilli counts (2.79±1.00 to 3.87±1.13, P<0.001), while the change in placebo group was not significant. CONCLUSION: Lactulose administration will increase Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus counts in patients with CKD.

Comparison of the Effects of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Versus Medical Therapy on Short and Long Term Outcomes in Octogenarian Patients With Multi-Vessel Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: Appropriate treatment methods lead to a reduced rate of mortality and morbidity, and an improved quality of life, in patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we compared short and long-term outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) versus medical therapy in patients 80 years of age and older with multi-vessel coronary artery disease (MVCAD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 50 octogenarian patients with MVCAD who underwent CABG were compared with 50 patients in the same condition who were treated with medical therapy during the same time. The primary objective was to compare mortality and morbidity rates, as well as other factors such as the occurrence of chest pain, deterioration of the NYHA functional class, and re-hospitalization, between the two groups. The comparison was made using medical records from the five years post-treatment. RESULTS: After five years, the overall mortality rate included 11 patients (22%) in the CABG group versus 18 patients (36%) in the medical therapy group; this difference was not significant between the two groups (P = 0.186). Regarding short-term outcomes, in the CABG group, cardiogenic shock occurred in 9 patients (18%), renal failure in 13 patients (26%), pulmonary complications in 9 patients (18%) and neurologic complications in 3 patients (6%); in the medical therapy group, these same complications occurred, respectively, in 6 patients (12%), 7 patients (14%), 10 patients (20%) and 1 patient (2%). In addition to these factors, freedom from chest pain and improvement in the functional class among the CABG group was significantly higher than among the medical therapy group (P = <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: CABG may be the superior form of treatment for long-term outcomes in terms of the relief of chest pain, improvement of the functional class, reduced need for re-admission, and later death for octogenarians. However, short-term morbidity may be higher among the CABG group, but the mortality rate after 30 days is quite similar.

The Efficacy of 100 and 300 mg Gabapentin in the Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a neuropathy due to the compression of the median nerve. It is shown that gabapentin in high doses is effective in treatment of CTS patients. In this study we evaluated the efficacy of low doses of gabapentin in treatment of CTS patients. Ninety patients with CTS were randomly assigned to groups A, B and C. Gabapentin was administered to group A with dose of 100 mg/day and to group B with dose of 300 mg/day for 2 months. Group C received no treatment. Before and after treatment, patients were evaluated using Visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and parasthesia, Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire (BCTQ) including Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) and Functional Status Scale (FSS) to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment. The pinch and grip strength was also measured. There was significant improvement in VAS, grip strength, pinch strength, SSS, FSS and BCTQ score in all three groups (p < 0.05), but the changes in CMAP and SNAP was not significant. Groups A and B in comparison to group C had significantly better improvement in VAS, pinch strength, SSS, FSS and BCTQ total score (p < 0.05). There was significantly more improvement in pinch strength and SSS score in group B compared to group A (p < 0.05). Gabapentin in low doses is a useful drug in treatment of CTS symptoms with no side effects and intolerance. Gabapentin with dose of 300 mg/day is more effective than the dose of 100 mg/day.

Effects of adding Braun jejunojejunostomy to standard Whipple procedure on reduction of afferent loop syndrome - a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Whipple surgery (pancreaticodeudenectomy) has a high complication rate. We aimed to evaluate whether adding Braun jejunojejunostomy (side-to-side anastomosis of afferent and efferent loops distal to the gastrojejunostomy site) to a standard Whipple procedure would reduce postoperative complications. METHODS: We conducted a randomized clinical trial comparing patients who underwent standard Whipple surgery (standard group) and patients who underwent standard Whipple surgery with Braun jejunojejunostomy (Braun group). Patients were followed for 1 month after the procedure and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: Our study included 30 patients: 15 in the Braun and 15 in the standard group. In the Braun group, 4 (26.7%) patients experienced 6 complications, whereas in the standard group, 7 (46.7%) patients experienced 11 complications (p = 0.14). Complications in the Braun group were gastrointestinal bleeding and wound infection (n = 1 each) and delayed gastric emptying and pulmonary infection (n = 2 each). Complications in the standard group were death, pancreatic anastomosis leak and biliary anastomosis leak (n = 1 each); gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 2); and afferent loop syndrome and delayed gastric emptying (n = 3 each). There was no significant difference between groups in the subtypes of complications. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that adding Braun jejunojejunostomy to standard Whipple procedure was associated with lower rates of afferent loop syndrome and delayed gastric emptying. However, more studies are needed to define the role of Braun jejunojejunostomy in this regard. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT2014020316473N1 (www.irct.ir).

CONTEXTE: La chirurgie de Whipple (pancréatoduodénectomie) s'accompagne de taux de complications élevés. Nous avons voulu vérifier si l'ajout d'une jéjunojéjunostomie de Braun (anastomose latérolatérale des anses afférente et efférente à la partie distale de la gastrojéjunostomie) à une chirurgie de Whipple standard permet de réduire les complications postopératoires. MÉTHODES: Nous avons procédé à un essai clinique randomisé pour comparer des patients soumis à une chirurgie de Whipple standard (groupe standard) à des patients soumis à une chirugie de Whipple standard avec jéjunojéjunostomie de Braun (groupe Braun). Les patients ont été suivis pendant 1 mois après l'intervention et les complications postopératoires ont été notées. RÉSULTATS: Notre étude a regroupé 30 patients : 15 dans le groupe Braun et 15 dans le groupe standard. Dans le groupe Braun, 4 patients (26,7 %) ont présenté 6 complications, tandis que dans le groupe standard, 7 patients (46,7 %) ont présenté 11 complications (p = 0,14). Les complications dans le groupe Braun ont été saignements gastro- intestinaux et infection de plaie (n = 1 chacun) et retard de la vidange gastrique et infection pulmonaire (n = 2 chacun). Les complications dans le groupe standard ont été décès, fuite de l'anastomose pancréatique et fuite de l'anastomose biliaire (n = 1 chacun); saignement gastro- intestinal (n = 2); et syndrome de l'anse afférente et retard de la vidange gastrique (n = 3 chacun). On n'a noté aucune différence significative entre les groupes pour ce qui est des sous-types de complications. CONCLUSION: Nos résultats ont montré que l'ajout de la jéjunojéjunostomie de Braun à une chirurgie de Whipple standard a été associé à des taux moindres de syndrome de l'anse afférente et de retard de la vidange gastrique. Il faudra toutefois procéder à d'autres études pour définir le rôle de la jéjunojéjunostomie de Braun à cet égard. ENREGISTREMENT DE L'ESSAI: IRCT2014020316473N1 (www.irct.ir).