Applicability of Child-Turcotte-Pugh Score in Anticipating Post-ERCP Adverse Events in Patients With Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Limited objective data exist on the comparison of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) complications in patients with cirrhosis based on the severity of the disease. We evaluated the effectiveness of the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score system in anticipating the risk of post-ERCP complications in patients with cirrhosis. The PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception through September 2022 to identify studies comparing post-ERCP complications in patients with cirrhosis based on CTP score. Odds ratios (ORs) and their associated 95% CIs were pooled using a random-effect model to calculate effect size. The reference group for analysis was the CTP class C patient group. Seven studies comprising 821 patients who underwent 1068 ERCP procedures were included. The CTP class C patient population exhibited a higher risk of overall post-ERCP adverse events compared with those with class A or B (OR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.77-4.65, P = 0.00 and OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.17-3.51, P = 0.01, respectively). Moreover, CTP class B patients had a significantly higher complication rate than CTP class A patients (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.04-2.53, P = 0.03). However, no statistically significant differences were found in the occurrence of specific types of complications, including bleeding, pancreatitis, cholangitis, perforation, or mortality across the three CTP groups. We demonstrated that the CTP classification system is a reliable predictor of ERCP complications in patients with cirrhosis. Consequently, caution should be exercised when performing ERCP in patients classified as CTP class C.

Challenges of Management of Subaortic Membrane in a Young Adult Patient: A Case Report.

This article presents a case review and literature review focused on the challenges of managing subaortic membranes (SAMs) in young adult patients with mild aortic regurgitation (AR) or aortic stenosis (AS). The study aims to discuss the diagnosis of SAM, the imaging studies used for assessment, the management strategies in young patients, the risk of valvular damage, and the controversy surrounding prophylactic resection in mild AR. The management of SAM in adults poses challenges due to limited treatment options and potential complications, necessitating further investigation into the progression of AS and AR in asymptomatic SAM patients. The case presentation describes a 40-year-old male with muscular dystrophy who presented with symptoms and was diagnosed with SAM. Various imaging techniques, including CT chest, transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), and transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), were used to confirm the presence and severity of SAM. Based on the patient's clinical profile and the absence of surgical indications, medical therapy was initiated, and regular outpatient follow-up was recommended to monitor disease progression. The discussion highlights the challenges in diagnosing SAM, the importance of imaging studies, and the potential complications associated with SAM in young patients. The article also explores the management options for SAM, emphasizing surgical resection as the definitive treatment, while acknowledging the limited success rates of alternative approaches. Close monitoring and prompt intervention for complications are crucial in the management of SAM. The concluding statement emphasizes the need for further research to explore alternative treatments for SAM in young patients.

Post Dural Puncture Subdural Hematoma: A Rare Iatrogenic Complication of Neuraxial Anesthesia.

Although post-dural puncture headache is a well-known complication of neuraxial anesthesia, subdural hematoma following epidural injection is a rare but potentially under-recognized complication. The following is the case of a young female patient with no significant past medical history who developed a persistent and severe headache following the introduction of epidural anesthesia for labor induction. Imaging demonstrated multiple small subdural hematomas with findings concerning intracranial hypotension. She eventually underwent a blood patch and reported immediate relief from her headache.

Incidence and Cross-Continents Differences in Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Outcomes Among Patients With Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: There are conflicting data on the frequency and variability of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) outcomes in patients with cirrhosis. Our aim was to systematically review the literature on the incidence of post-ERCP adverse events in cirrhotic patients and to examine the differences across continents. Methods: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases to identify studies reporting adverse events after ERCP in patients with cirrhosis from conception to September 30, 2022. The random effects model was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs), mean differences (MDs), and confidence intervals (CIs). A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Q-statistic (I2). Results: Twenty-one studies that included 2,576 cirrhotic patients and 3,729 individual ERCPs were analyzed. The pooled overall rate of adverse events after ERCP in patients with cirrhosis was 16.98% (95% CI: 13.06-21.29%, P < 0.001, I2 = 86.55%). ERCPs performed in Asia had the highest ERCP adverse events with an overall complication rate of 19.90%, while the lowest overall adverse events were in North America at 13.04%. The pooled post-ERCP bleeding, pancreatitis, cholangitis and perforation were 5.10% (95% CI: 3.33-7.19%, P < 0.001, I2 = 76.79%), 3.21% (95% CI: 2.20-5.36%, P = 0.03, I2 = 42.25%), 3.02% (95% CI: 1.19-5.52%, P < 0.001, I2 = 87.11%), and 0.12% (95% CI: 0.00 - 0.45, P = 0.26, I2 = 15.76%), respectively. The pooled post-ERCP mortality rate was 0.22% (95% CI: 0.00-0.85%, P = 0.01, I2 = 51.86%). Conclusions: This meta-analysis shows that the overall complication rates after ERCP, bleeding, pancreatitis, and cholangitis are high in patients with cirrhosis. Because cirrhotic patients are more likely to have post-ERCP complications, with significant cross-continent variations, the risks and benefits of ERCP in this patient population should be carefully considered.

Meta-Analysis of the Role of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression of the Lower Limbs to Prevent Venous Thromboembolism in Critically Ill Patients.

Critically ill patients (patients treated in a medical or surgical intensive care unit) are at high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) development (deep vein thrombosis [DVT] and/or pulmonary embolism). Multiple thromboprophylaxis strategies have been used for the prevention of VTE in this population with various outcomes. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) prophylaxis in the lower limb compared with no treatment, anticoagulant use, or their combinations in reducing risk. A comprehensive electronic database search was conducted for all randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing the clinical outcomes of IPC versus anticoagulants or no treatment or their combinations for the prevention of VTE for critically ill patients. The primary outcome was VTE. The secondary outcome was DVT. We performed a Bayesian network meta-analysis to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% credible intervals (CrIs). We included 5 RCTs with 3133 total patients, represented by a mean age of 49.61 ± 18 years, while 60.28% were male. There was a significant reduction of the primary outcome (incidence of VTE events) when no treatment was compared with IPC (OR = 0.36; 95% CrI = 0.18-0.71), anticoagulation alone (OR = 0.30; 95% CrI = 0.12-0.68), or anticoagulation with IPC (OR = 0.34; 95% CrI = 0.13-0.81). In addition, there was a significant reduction in DVT when no treatment was compared with IPC (OR = 0.45; 95% CrI = 0.21-0.9), anticoagulation alone (OR = 0.16; 95% CrI = 0.03-0.66), or anticoagulation with IPC (OR = 0.18; 95% CrI = 0.03-0.84). However, there were no significant differences between other comparisons (IPC vs anticoagulation alone, anticoagulation alone vs anticoagulation with IPC, or anticoagulation with IPC vs IPC alone) regarding VTE or DVT incidence. Among critically ill patients, IPC alone, anticoagulation alone, and IPC with anticoagulation were associated with a significant reduction of VTE and DVT incidence compared with no treatment. However, there was no significant difference between these modalities when compared together. Therefore, further larger studies comparing those different thromboprophylaxis modalities and their combinations are needed to provide more robust results for future clinical recommendations.

Management of acute ischemic stroke in patients with COVID-19 infection: Insights from an international panel.

OBJECTIVE: To present guidance for clinicians caring for adult patients with acuteischemic stroke with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection. METHODS: The summary was prepared after review of systematic literature reviews,reference to previously published stroke guidelines, personal files, and expert opinionby members from 18 countries. RESULTS: The document includes practice implications for evaluation of stroke patientswith caution for stroke team members to avoid COVID-19 exposure, during clinicalevaluation and conduction of imaging and laboratory procedures with specialconsiderations of intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy in strokepatients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection. RESULTS: Conclusions-The summary is expected to guide clinicians caring for adult patientswith acute ischemic stroke who are suspected of, or confirmed, with COVID-19infection.

Aspirin for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after hip or knee arthroplasty: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Patients who undergo knee or hip arthroplasty are at a significant risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) development (pulmonary embolism and/or deep-vein thrombosis). Many different thromboprophylactic strategies have been used for the prevention of VTE in these patients with different outcomes. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of aspirin prophylaxis when compared with placebo or anticoagulants in this population of patients. METHODS: A comprehensive electronic database search was conducted for all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the clinical outcomes of aspirin versus placebo or anticoagulants for the prevention of VTE after knee or hip arthroplasty. The primary outcome was VTE incidence. Secondary outcomes included any bleeding, major bleeding and mortality. We calculated risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random-effects model at the longest possible follow-up period. RESULTS: We included 13 RCTs with a total of 20,115 patients with a mean age of 67.15 ±â€¯9.54 and 24.39% males. Aspirin was found to be associated with a non-significantly reduced VTE events compared with other thromboprophylactic methods (RR 0.87; 95% CI: 0.61-1.23; P = 0.43). Compared with placebo, aspirin was associated with significant reduction of VTE (RR 0.65; 95% CI: 0.47-0.89; P = 0.008). There were no significant differences in the clinical outcomes between all groups with regard to mortality (RR 0.98; 95% CI: 0.86-1.11; P = 0.72), major bleeding events (RR 0.96; 95% CI: 0.50-1.84; P = 0.91), and any bleeding events (RR: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.82-1.44; P = 0.56). CONCLUSION: Among patients who underwent knee or hip arthroplasty, aspirin prophylaxis was found to be associated with similar efficacy and safety outcomes when compared with anticoagulants. When compared with placebo, aspirin prophylaxis was associated with significantly reduced VTE and a comparable safety profile.

Aspirin for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after hip or knee arthroplasty: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Patients who undergo knee or hip arthroplasty are at a significant risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) development (pulmonary embolism and/or deep-vein thrombosis). Many different thromboprophylactic strategies have been used for the prevention of VTE in these patients with different outcomes. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of aspirin prophylaxis when compared with placebo or anticoagulants in this population of patients. METHODS: A comprehensive electronic database search was conducted for all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the clinical outcomes of aspirin versus placebo or anticoagulants for the prevention of VTE after knee or hip arthroplasty. The primary outcome was VTE incidence. Secondary outcomes included any bleeding, major bleeding and mortality. We calculated risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random-effects model at the longest possible follow-up period. RESULTS: We included 13 RCTs with a total of 20,115 patients with a mean age of 67.15 ±â€¯9.54 and 24.39% males. Aspirin was found to be associated with a non-significantly reduced VTE events compared with other thromboprophylactic methods (RR 0.87; 95% CI: 0.61-1.23; P = 0.43). Compared with placebo, aspirin was associated with significant reduction of VTE (RR 0.65; 95% CI: 0.47-0.89; P = 0.008). There were no significant differences in the clinical outcomes between all groups with regard to mortality (RR 0.98; 95% CI: 0.86-1.11; P = 0.72), major bleeding events (RR 0.96; 95% CI: 0.50-1.84; P = 0.91), and any bleeding events (RR: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.82-1.44; P = 0.56). CONCLUSION: Among patients who underwent knee or hip arthroplasty, aspirin prophylaxis was found to be associated with similar efficacy and safety outcomes when compared with anticoagulants. When compared with placebo, aspirin prophylaxis was associated with significantly reduced VTE and a comparable safety profile.

Erratum to "Aspirin for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after hip or knee arthroplasty: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials": [J. Orthop. 16 (2019) 312-319].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.jor.2019.02.032.].

Albumin-Induced Neuroprotection in Focal Cerebral Ischemia in the ALIAS Trial: Does Severity, Mechanism, and Time of Infusion Matter?

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is any differential benefit of albumin administration within 2 h of onset of ischemia and in settings (severe ischemia with reperfusion in cardioembolic strokes with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] ≥15), most representative of experimental models of cerebral ischemia in which albumin was effective in reducing neurological injury. BACKGROUND: High-dose intravenous (IV) albumin treatment for acute ischemic stroke (ALIAS) trial did not show overall clinical benefit in ischemic stroke patients in contrast to preclinical studies; however, models of preclinical studies were not completely followed. METHODS: A total of 1275 patients combined from ALIAS trials I and II were included in our analysis. We analyzed preclinical studies and selected patients with large ischemic stroke (NIHSS ≥15) related to cardioembolic etiology (n = 189). Outcomes were then studied including time from onset to IV albumin administration. RESULTS: The odds of excellent outcome (mRS 0-1) at 3 months was not different with high-dose IV albumin infusion (n = 100) compared with placebo (n = 89) ((odds ratio [OR]) 1.632 [0.719-3.708], p value 0.2419). When we further classified these subjects according to time of IV albumin administration, we observed significantly higher odds of excellent outcome at 3 months when patients received IV albumin within 2 h, OR 9.369 (CI 1.040-84.405), p value 0.0461, after adjusting for age, gender, baseline NIHSS score, and any therapeutic procedure. CONCLUSION: A trend for benefit is noted in ischemic stroke patients with large cardioembolic stroke (NIHSS ≥15) when high-dose albumin was initiated within 2 h, suggesting that certain ischemic stroke subgroups of patients most representative of preclinical settings may benefit from such a treatment. Additional clinical trials maybe needed to stratify subjects and treatment assignments according to NIHSS severity and timely randomization to evaluate this concept further.

Carotid Endarterectomy in Patients With Thrombocytopenia: Analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Registry.

BACKGROUND: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is infrequently performed in patients with mild to moderate thrombocytopenia. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether preoperative thrombocytopenia is associated with a higher rate of complications after CEA. METHODS: We analyzed patient characteristics, comorbid conditions, operative details, and 30-day postoperative outcomes for patients who underwent CEA in the CEA-targeted American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Registry. Thrombocytopenia was defined based on the preprocedure platelet count of ≤150  000 platelets/µL. The odds ratios (ORs) for selected outcomes were calculated using logistic regression with stepwise forward selection with age, sex, symptomatic status, and high-risk individuals as potential confounders. RESULTS: Thrombocytopenia was present in 896 of 8658 patients (10.3%) who underwent CEA: mild (100 000-149 000 platelets/µL) and moderate (50 000-99 000 platelets/µL) in 805 patients (89.8%) and 91 patients (10.2%), respectively. The adjusted rates of myocardial infarction/arrhythmia (3.7% vs 1.8%; OR: 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-2.8; P = .001), unplanned intubations (2.6% vs 1.2%; OR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.4-3.5; P = .001), ventilator requirement >48 hours (1.5% vs 0.7%; OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1-3.8; P = .02), deep venous thrombosis/thrombophlebitis (0.7% vs 0.2%; OR: 3.7; 95% CI: 1.4-9.7; P = .01), and surgical deep incisional infections (0.3% vs 0.1%; OR: 4.3; 95% CI: 1.1-17.4; P = .04) post-CEA were higher among patients with thrombocytopenia compared with those without thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia did not significantly contribute to 1-month mortality or stroke. CONCLUSION: The higher rate of postprocedure complications in patients with preoperative thrombocytopenia needs to be recognized for adequate risk stratification before CEA.

Syncope in Patient with Bilateral Severe Internal Carotid Arteries Stenosis/Near Occlusion: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Syncope is commonly worked up for carotid stenosis, but only rarely attributed to it. Considering paucity of such cases in literature, we report a case and discuss the pathophysiology. DESIGN/METHODS: We report a patient with high-grade bilateral severe internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis who presented with syncopal episodes in the absence of stroke, orthostatic hypotension, significant cardiovascular disease, or vasovagal etiology. We reviewed all literature pertaining to syncope secondary to carotid stenosis and other cerebrovascular disease. RESULTS: A 67-year-old man presented with two brief syncopal episodes. History and physical examination was not suggestive of seizure or vasovagal syncope. Other workup was negative for any stroke or syncope secondary to cardiac or vasovagal etiology. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) revealed bilateral ICA severe stenosis. This was confirmed by transfemoral carotid vessels angiography. Internal carotid angioplasty and stenting was performed on one side. After this, the patient remained asymptomatic. After one month, carotid endarterectomy (CEA) of contralateral side was performed. Patient remained symptom free after that. On review of literature, we identified only 12 cases of syncope attributable to carotid stenosis and reviewed 24 cases attributable to other cerebrovascular disease. CONCLUSION: Syncope secondary to carotid stenosis, especially in the absence of any focal ischemic events is rare. It can only be expected in those patients who have bilateral hemodynamically significant carotid disease, which is unlikely in the absence of any focal ischemic events.

Ultrasound-Guided Second Trimester Fetal Electroencephalography in Two Pregnant Volunteers: A Technical Note.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Data from electroencephalography (EEG) in preterm infants and neonates suggest that electroencephalographic abnormalities are likely present during antepartum period or fetal stage. We describe our initial effort to record fetal EEG with emphasis on technical aspects since such technique has not been developed as a viable and reproducible method. METHODS: The fetal heads were located in two pregnant volunteers (29 years old and 26 years old) with 28 weeks of gestation by ultrasound imaging. Four surface electrodes were placed on maternal abdominal surface approximately 5 cm anterior to the lateral aspect of fetal head as confirmed by acoustic shadowing of the electrodes on ultrasound. A second set of recordings were performed in first volunteer with four electrodes placed on the maternal abdominal surface in front of the uterus distant to fetal head. RESULTS: The analysis in the first volunteer demonstrated that the activity consisted of mixture of theta (4-7 Hz) and delta (1-4 Hz) waves which formed approximately 70% and 30% of the background rhythm. The analysis in the second volunteer demonstrated that the activity consisted of mixture of theta and delta, which formed approximately 30% and 70% of the background rhythm. There was superimposed beta (13-30 Hz) and infrequently gamma (30-100 Hz) activity. Maternal electrocardiographic QRS complex and respiratory artifacts were seen in some leads. During second recording, the electrodes distant to fetal head recorded predominantly delta with lesser proportion of theta waves. CONCLUSIONS: We report our initial experience in acquisition of fetal EEG. The findings reported here will help to guide further research into developing methodologies for the performance of fetal EEG.

Transabdominal Insonation of Fetal Basilar Artery: A Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND: Fetal anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral arteries have been studied using transabdominal Doppler ultrasound. We performed a feasibility study to determine whether basilar artery can be identified and blood flow velocities measured using transabdominal fetal Doppler ultrasound. METHODS: The basilar artery was identified in sagittal plane behind the clivus bone using directional color Doppler with 6-2 and 7-4 MHz curved array probes. The clivus was identified by hyperechoic linear signal anterior to junction of vertebral processes and occipital bone and superior to first vertebral body. The flow direction was away from the probe in the basilar artery consistent with caudo cephalic orientation. The Doppler ultrasound probe was placed at insonation angles of less than 30° at the visualized segment of the basilar artery. Peak systolic and end diastolic velocities were measured. RESULTS: We attempted insonation of the basilar artery in 20 fetuses. The basilar artery was adequately insonated in 18 fetuses with a mean gestational age of 27 weeks (range 19 to 38 weeks). The mean value (±SD) of peak systolic velocity of the basilar artery was 22.1 ± 8.5 cm/second (range 10.4-36.7 cm/second). The mean value (±SD) of end diastolic velocity was 6.8 ± 2.8 cm/second (range 3.5-13.5 cm/second). There was an increase in peak systolic velocity values according to gestational age of fetus. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate the feasibility of fetal basilar artery insonation using directional color Doppler ultrasound via transabdominal approach.

Levosulpiride in premature ejaculation.

BACKGROUND: Premature ejaculation is one of the most common sexual disorders. A large number of treatment options have been used so far for the treatment of this dysfunction and still a large number of experts are doing research in this field. Here we have tried to research on the beneficial effects of levosulpiride in the treatment of PE. METHODS: Eighty-eight patients form different areas of Hazara division suffering from PE were chosen. Sixty-four patients were given levosulpiride and the remaining 24 patients were given placebo. RESULTS: Out of 64 patients who have been given levosulpiride, 30 patients showed very good improvement, 14 patients showed some improvement, 14 patients showed little and 6 patients showed no improvement. CONCLUSION: Levosulpiride have very good beneficial effects in the treatment of PE.