A comparison of cosmetic outcomes of lacerations on the extremities and trunk using absorbable versus nonabsorbable sutures.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to compare the cosmetic outcomes of traumatic trunk and extremity lacerations repaired using absorbable versus nonabsorbable sutures. The secondary objective was to compare complication rates between the two groups. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial comparing wounds repaired with Vicryl Rapide and Prolene sutures. Pediatric and adult patients with lacerations were enrolled in the study. At a 10-day follow-up, the wounds were evaluated for infection and dehiscence. After 3 months, patients returned to have the wounds photographed. Two plastic surgeons blinded to the method of closure rated the cosmetic outcome of each wound using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS). Using a noninferiority design, a VAS score of 13 mm or greater was considered to be a clinically significant difference. We used a Student's t-test to compare differences between mean VAS scores and odds ratios (ORs) to compare differences in complication rates between the two groups. RESULTS: Of the 115 patients enrolled, 73 completed the study including 35 in the Vicryl Rapide group and 38 in the Prolene group. The mean (±SD) age of patients who completed the study was 22.1 (±15.5) years, and 39 were male. We found no significant differences in the age, race, sex, length of wound, number of sutures, or layers of repair in the two groups. The observer's mean VAS for the Vicryl Rapide group was 54.1 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] = 44.5 to 67.0 mm) and for the Prolene group was 54.5 mm (95% CI = 45.7 to 66.3 mm). The resulting mean difference was 0.5 mm (95% CI = -12.1 to 17.2 mm; p = 0.9); thus noninferiority was established. Statistical testing showed no differences in the rates of complications between the two groups, but a higher percentage of the Vicryl Rapide wounds developed complications. CONCLUSIONS: The use of absorbable sutures for the repair of simple lacerations on the trunk and extremities should be considered as an alternative to nonabsorbable suture repair.

Comparison of cosmetic outcomes of absorbable versus nonabsorbable sutures in pediatric facial lacerations.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare cosmetic outcomes, complication rates, and patient/caregiver satisfaction of absorbable versus nonabsorbable sutures in children. METHODS: Healthy patients, 1 to 18 years old, with facial lacerations 1 to 5 cm, were randomized to repair with fast-absorbing catgut (FAC) or nylon (NYL) sutures. Patients returned in 4 to 7 days and in 3 to 4 months, at which time photographs and caregiver surveys were completed. Unlike part I, all FAC sutures were permitted to absorb rather than be removed. Using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS), a noninferiority (NI) design was applied, with a difference of less than 15 mm considered clinically equivalent. Caregivers and 3 blinded physicians independently rated the scars via photographs. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients were enrolled, 76 caregiver surveys were completed, and 61 (29 FAC, 32 NYL) had photographs scored by physicians. The mean physician VAS scores for FAC and NYL were 57.6 and 67.6, respectively (difference, -10.0; 95% confidence interval, -19.1 to -0.4); thus, NI could not be established. The mean caregiver VAS scores for the FAC and NYL groups were 93.8 and 86.6, respectively (difference, 7.2; 95% confidence interval, -4.9 to 13.9); thus, NI of FAC was established. There were no significant differences in rates of infection, wound dehiscence, or keloid formation. In terms of future preference, caregivers favored FAC (33/33) over NYL (26/36) (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Caregiver VAS scores showed NI of FAC, which were also preferred by the caregivers. However, NI for FAC could not be demonstrated by blinded physicians with respect to cosmetic outcomes.

Utility of adjunctive macrolide therapy in treatment of children with asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate macrolides as an adjunct to an asthma controller regimen in children with asthma. METHODS: Prospective clinical trials of macrolide therapy in children with asthma using outcome measures of change in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)) and/or oral corticosteroid requirement were searched for in PubMed up to December 2009. The reference lists of studies were also included in the analysis, as well as those listed in published meta-analyses. RESULTS: The literature search yielded 116 studies, six of which were included in this meta-analysis. The change in FEV(1) from baseline with adjunctive use of macrolide therapy in all children was not significant (0.25% predicted; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.37, 0.86 predicted, P = 0.43); however, the change in FEV(1) among children receiving daily oral corticosteroids was significant (3.89% predicted; 95% CI -0.01, 7.79, P = 0.05). Addition of macrolide therapy to the treatment of children with oral corticosteroid-dependent asthma resulted in a statistically significant decrease in daily corticosteroid dosage (-3.45 mg/day; 95% CI -5.79, -1.09 mg/day, P = 0.004). This reduction in daily corticosteroid dosage was directly proportional to the duration of macrolide therapy (-0.17 mg methylprednisolone per week of macrolide therapy; 95% CI -0.33, -0.021, P = 0.025). CONCLUSION: Addition of macrolides to the treatment regimen of children with oral corticosteroid-dependent asthma improves FEV(1) and decreases the daily dosage of corticosteroids required for control in these children. The degree of dose reduction is directly related to the duration of macrolide therapy. Additional large, randomized, placebo-controlled trials of adjunctive macrolide use in children with oral corticosteroid-dependent asthma are required to verify this observation.

Intraosseous access.

BACKGROUND: Vascular access is of paramount importance in the care of the critically ill patient. When central or peripheral intravenous access cannot be accomplished in a timely manner, intraosseous access and infusion is a rapid and safe alternative for the delivery of fluids, medications, and blood products. The resurgence of the use of intraosseous access in the 1980s led to the development of new methods and devices that facilitate insertion. OBJECTIVES: This article discusses general indications, contraindications, and complications of intraosseous access and infusion, focusing on new devices and their insertion. DISCUSSION: Current research is focused on product innovation and improving drug delivery using intraosseous autoinjectors, finding new anatomic sites for placement, and expanding the use of different intraosseous devices to the adult population. CONCLUSIONS/SUMMARY: New, improved intraosseous systems provide health care providers with choices beyond traditional manual intraosseous access for administering fluids.

Rhabdomyolysis: a review of clinical presentation, etiology, diagnosis, and management.

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that results from many underlying etiologies and can present in a myriad of ways to the emergency physician. However, some clinical and laboratory features are almost always present and, if noted, can help in making the diagnosis. This review article will focus on the presenting symptoms, the various etiologies, the underlying mechanisms, and the current management of pediatric rhabdomyolysis.

Cosmetic outcomes of absorbable versus nonabsorbable sutures in pediatric facial lacerations.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to compare the long-term cosmetic outcomes of absorbable versus nonabsorbable sutures for facial lacerations in children and to compare the complication rates and parental satisfaction in the 2 groups. DESIGN/METHODS: Healthy patients presenting to a pediatric emergency department with facial lacerations were randomized to repair using fast-absorbing catgut or nylon suture. Patients were followed up at 5 to 7 days and at 3 months. Three blinded observers, using a previously validated 100-mm cosmesis visual analogue scale (VAS) as the primary instrument, rated photographs of the wound taken at 3 months. For this noninferiority study, a VAS score of 15 mm or greater was considered to be the minimal clinically important difference. Parents also rated the wound using the VAS and completed a satisfaction survey. RESULTS: Of the 88 patients initially enrolled, 47 patients completed the study: 23 in the catgut group and 24 in the nylon group. There were no significant differences in age, race, sex, wound length, number of sutures, and layered repair rates in the 2 groups. The observers' mean VAS for the catgut group was 92.3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 89.1-95.4) and that for the nylon group was 93.7 (95% CI, 91.4-96.0), with a difference of the means of 1.4 (95% CI, -5.31 to 8.15), which was less than the minimal clinically important difference of 15 mm (power, >90%). The mean parental VAS score for the catgut group was 86.3 (95% CI, 78.4-94.1) and that for the nylon group was 91.2 (95% CI, 86.9-95.4), with a difference of the means of 4.9 (95% CI, 2.41-7.41), also less than 15 mm. There were no significant differences in the rates of infection, wound dehiscence, keloid formation, and parental satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The use of fast-absorbing catgut suture is a viable alternative to nonabsorbable suture in the repair of facial lacerations in children.