Prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the largest populated city Karachi, Pakistan / Prevalência de leishmaniose cutânea na maior cidade populosa de Karachi, Paquistão

The study was undertaken from September 2018 to April 2019 to determine the prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in human beings living in six districts of Karachi. Suspected persons were screened for the disease and positive cases were identified on the basis of skin lesions and blood samples. Samples were observed by mounting their smear. A total of 207 subjects of different ages and sex groups were investigated, however, only 192 (92%) of the suspected cases were found to have the disease 64% of cases were male which were significantly high (p<0.05), than female 36%. The lesion was more frequently detected among the youth ages of 21-30 years (31%) as compared to other groups. In both sexes, legs were found to be more infected (25% male + 20% female) followed by arms (20% male + 0% female) and face (15% male +11% female). The mixed body parts had shown the lowest infections such as (4% in males + 5%) in females. In conclusion, the highest and lowest leishmaniasis infections were observed in District West (23% male + 9% female) followed by District East (15% male + 7% female), District Malir (11% male+ 4% female), District Central (7% male + 5% female), District Korangi (4% male + 7% female) and District South (4% male + 4% female) respectively.

O estudo foi realizado de setembro de 2018 a abril de 2019 para determinar a prevalência de leishmaniose tegumentar em seres humanos que vivem em seis distritos de Karachi. Pessoas suspeitas foram rastreadas para a doença e os casos positivos foram identificados com base em lesões de pele e amostras de sangue. As amostras foram observadas montando seu esfregaço. Um total de 207 indivíduos de diferentes idades e grupos sexuais foi investigado, no entanto apenas 192 (92%) dos casos suspeitos foram encontrados para ter a doença; 64% dos casos eram do sexo masculino, que foram significativamente elevados (p < 0,05), e do sexo feminino 36%. A lesão foi detectada com maior frequência entre os jovens de 21 a 30 anos (31%) em comparação com os outros grupos. Em ambos os sexos, as pernas estavam mais infectadas (25% homens + 20% mulheres), seguidas pelos braços (20% homens + 0% mulheres) e rosto (15% homens + 11% mulheres). As partes mistas do corpo mostraram as infecções mais baixas (4% homens + 5% mulheres). Em conclusão, as infecções de leishmaniose mais altas e mais baixas foram observadas no Distrito Oeste (23% homens + 9% mulheres) seguido pelo Distrito Leste (15% homens + 7% mulheres), Distrito Malir (11% homens + 4% mulheres), Distrito Central (7% homens + 5% mulheres), Distrito Korangi (4% homens + 7% mulheres) e Distrito Sul (4% homens + 4% mulheres), respectivamente.

Prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the largest populated city Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract. The study was undertaken from September 2018 to April 2019 to determine the prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in human beings living in six districts of Karachi. Suspected persons were screened for the disease and positive cases were identified on the basis of skin lesions and blood samples. Samples were observed by mounting their smear. A total of 207 subjects of different ages and sex groups were investigated, however, only 192 (92%) of the suspected cases were found to have the disease 64% of cases were male which were significantly high (p 0.05), than female 36%. The lesion was more frequently detected among the youth ages of 21-30 years (31%) as compared to other groups. In both sexes, legs were found to be more infected (25% male + 20% female) followed by arms (20% male + 0% female) and face (15% male +11% female). The mixed body parts had shown the lowest infections such as (4% in males + 5%) in females. In conclusion, the highest and lowest leishmaniasis infections were observed in District West (23% male + 9% female) followed by District East (15% male + 7% female), District Malir (11% male+ 4% female), District Central (7% male + 5% female), District Korangi (4% male + 7% female) and District South (4% male + 4% female) respectively.

Resumo O estudo foi realizado de setembro de 2018 a abril de 2019 para determinar a prevalência de leishmaniose tegumentar em seres humanos que vivem em seis distritos de Karachi. Pessoas suspeitas foram rastreadas para a doença e os casos positivos foram identificados com base em lesões de pele e amostras de sangue. As amostras foram observadas montando seu esfregaço. Um total de 207 indivíduos de diferentes idades e grupos sexuais foi investigado, no entanto apenas 192 (92%) dos casos suspeitos foram encontrados para ter a doença; 64% dos casos eram do sexo masculino, que foram significativamente elevados (p 0,05), e do sexo feminino 36%. A lesão foi detectada com maior frequência entre os jovens de 21 a 30 anos (31%) em comparação com os outros grupos. Em ambos os sexos, as pernas estavam mais infectadas (25% homens + 20% mulheres), seguidas pelos braços (20% homens + 0% mulheres) e rosto (15% homens + 11% mulheres). As partes mistas do corpo mostraram as infecções mais baixas (4% homens + 5% mulheres). Em conclusão, as infecções de leishmaniose mais altas e mais baixas foram observadas no Distrito Oeste (23% homens + 9% mulheres) seguido pelo Distrito Leste (15% homens + 7% mulheres), Distrito Malir (11% homens + 4% mulheres), Distrito Central (7% homens + 5% mulheres), Distrito Korangi (4% homens + 7% mulheres) e Distrito Sul (4% homens + 4% mulheres), respectivamente.

Prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the largest populated city Karachi, Pakistan.

The study was undertaken from September 2018 to April 2019 to determine the prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in human beings living in six districts of Karachi. Suspected persons were screened for the disease and positive cases were identified on the basis of skin lesions and blood samples. Samples were observed by mounting their smear. A total of 207 subjects of different ages and sex groups were investigated, however, only 192 (92%) of the suspected cases were found to have the disease 64% of cases were male which were significantly high (p 0.05), than female 36%. The lesion was more frequently detected among the youth ages of 21-30 years (31%) as compared to other groups. In both sexes, legs were found to be more infected (25% male + 20% female) followed by arms (20% male + 0% female) and face (15% male +11% female). The mixed body parts had shown the lowest infections such as (4% in males + 5%) in females. In conclusion, the highest and lowest leishmaniasis infections were observed in District West (23% male + 9% female) followed by District East (15% male + 7% female), District Malir (11% male+ 4% female), District Central (7% male + 5% female), District Korangi (4% male + 7% female) and District South (4% male + 4% female) respectively.

Mid term functional results following surgical treatment of recto-urinary fistulas postprostate cancer treatment.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the mid term functional results of patients treated for RUF and to determine an optimal treatment strategy to improve their quality of life. Recto-urinary Fistula (RUF) is a rare complication following prostate cancer treatment, and can have a major impact on patients' quality of life. There is a lack of consensus concerning the best approach and different techniques have been proposed: endoscopic, transrectal, perineal and transperitoneal (open, laparoscopic or robotic). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients who underwent RUF repair from January 2001 to December 2010 at our Institute. 16 patients who developed RUF following prostate cancer treatment were included in the study. The fistula had to be confirmed both clinically and by imaging. All patients had follow up consultation every 3 month for the first year and then annually. They were asked to fill questionnaires evaluating functional outcomes. The International Continence Society (ICS) score was used to assess the postoperative urinary continence. Fecal continence was evaluated with the Wexner score and sexual function was assessed with the International Index for erectile function (IIEF-5) score. RESULTS: Eighty-seven percent patients (14/16) in our series developed RUF as a consequence of prostate cancer surgery and 13% (2/16) postbrachytherapy (BT). All patients initially had a diversion colostomy and a supra pubic catheter. 69% (11/16) underwent primary YM repair and 73% (8/11) were successful. 2/3 primary failures were successfully retreated with graciloplasty. Primary gracilis flap interposition (GFI), on 3 non-irradiated patients were successful (100%). Primary GFI postbrachytherapy, no patient had recover urinary and digestive continuity. In total primary GIF was successful in 60% (3/5). Over all long term, success rate with a urinary and digestive continuity and without recurrence of the fistula was 81% (13/16). Mid term functional results were evaluated at mean follow up of 40 months (14-92). 13% (2/16) achieved complete urinary continence, 48% (7/16) required single pad, 25% (4/16) developed major incontinence, 7% (1/16) required urinary diversion and 13% (2/16) developed complete urethral closure post BT requiring permanent suprapubic catheterization. Colostomy was reversed in 93% (15/16) cases. 75% (12/16) achieved complete faecal continence, minor incontinence (wexner score 3-4) was seen in 13% (2/16) and major incontinence (wexner score 14) in 7% (1/16) and 7% (1/16) required a long term colostomy. 19% (3/16) developed colostomy related complications. Only 13% (2/16) achieved adequate erections with the use of intra cavernosal prostaglandin injections. CONCLUSIONS: RUF following prostate cancer treatment is a serious complication with severe repercussion on patients' quality of life. Surgical repair with the York Mason technique or Gracilis Flap interposition is associated with good success rates. If available pediculed gracilis muscle should be used as it offers better success rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

MUC13 interaction with receptor tyrosine kinase HER2 drives pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression.

Although MUC13, a transmembrane mucin, is aberrantly expressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and generally correlates with increased expression of HER2, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Herein, we found that MUC13 co-localizes and interacts with HER2 in PDAC cells (reciprocal co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, proximity ligation, co-capping assays) and tissues (immunohistofluorescence). The results from this study demonstrate that MUC13 functionally interacts and activates HER2 at p1248 in PDAC cells, leading to stimulation of HER2 signaling cascade, including ERK1/2, FAK, AKT and PAK1 as well as regulation of the growth, cytoskeleton remodeling and motility, invasion of PDAC cells-all collectively contributing to PDAC progression. Interestingly, all of these phenotypic effects of MUC13-HER2 co-localization could be effectively compromised by depleting MUC13 and mediated by the first and second EGF-like domains of MUC13. Further, MUC13-HER2 co-localization also holds true in PDAC tissues with a strong functional correlation with events contributing to increased degree of disorder and cancer aggressiveness. In brief, findings presented here provide compelling evidence of a functional ramification of MUC13-HER2: this interaction could be potentially exploited for targeted therapeutics in a subset of patients harboring an aggressive form of PDAC.

Concomitant colonic disease (Montreal L3) and re-resectional surgery are predictors of clinical recurrence following ileocolonic resection for Crohn's disease.

AIM: Ileocolonic resection is reserved for patients with moderate to severe Crohn's disease. Postoperative clinical recurrence can occur in up to 55% of patients within 5 years. Predicting the risk of recurrence is key in deciding upon appropriate treatment strategies. This study aims to determine the incidence of postoperative clinical recurrence and predictors of recurrence in a specialist institution. METHOD: The clinical case records of 142 patients who underwent either a one-stage or two-stage procedure for ileocolonic Crohn's disease from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2010 were reviewed. Preoperative, perioperative and postoperative variables were extracted. Postoperative clinical recurrence was defined as an initiation or change in medical treatment for recurrent symptoms with endoscopic or radiological evidence of active disease. Time to clinical recurrence was measured in months after surgery. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Over the 6-year period, follow-up data were obtained on 142 patients over a median of 28.5 months. Clinical recurrence was demonstrated in 59 (41.5%) patients. The proportion of patients with clinical recurrence at 5 years was 48.2%. Predictors of recurrence included a re-resection for recurrent disease [hazard ratio (HR) 1.9; 95% CI 1.1-3.3; P = 0.02] and ileocolonic disease (HR 1.7; 95% CI 1.0-2.9; P = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Identifying the predictors for postoperative clinical recurrence is important for determining the postoperative strategy. This study provides a unique perspective on the incidence of recurrence and associated predictors from the perspective of a specialist unit.

Immunohistochemical expression of receptor tyrosine kinase PDGFR-α, c-Met, and EGFR in skull base chordoma.

Chordomas are rare, locally aggressive malignancies that often exhibit an insidious natural history and are difficult to eradicate. Surgery and radiotherapy are the treatment mainstays of chordoma, but the chance of local recurrence remains high. Reports of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) expression in chordoma suggest that these tumors may respond to kinase inhibitor therapy. Currently, there are no effective chemotherapeutic protocols for chordoma. A tissue microarray containing 74 tumor specimens from primary chordoma patients and 71 from their recurrent tumors for a total of 145 tumor specimens was immunohistochemically analyzed for expression of a number of proteins involved in signal transduction from RTKs. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFR-α), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), c-Met, and CD-34 were detected in 100, 92, 100, and 59% of cases, respectively. PDGFR-α and c-Met staining was of moderate to strong intensity in all cases. In contrast, total EGFR staining was variable; weak staining was detected in 10 cases. Our results contribute to the understanding of the expression of RTKs in skull base chordomas and support the development of targeted therapies that inhibit RTKs, which may have a synergistic effect for chemotherapy in patients. There were statistically significant correlations between the expression of PDGFR-α, c-Met, and EGFR and disease-free survival. The results nonetheless suggest that chordomas may respond to RTK inhibitors or modulators of other downstream signaling.

Lamotrigine in the immediate treatment of outpatients with depersonalization disorder without psychiatric comorbidity: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: Depersonalization disorders (DPDs) are highly prevalent in population. However, the effect of lamotrigine on outpatients with DPD without psychiatric comorbidity has not been studied in a double-blind placebo-controlled design. METHOD: Eighty patients (all men) were washed out from all medications. Each patient was randomized either to receive lamotrigine (40 patients) for 12 weeks or matched on placebo (40 patients) in a double-blind manner. Eligible participants, in addition to meeting the criteria for DPD from Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision, were required to be between 18 and 65 years. Response was defined as a 50% reduction in the Cambridge Depersonalization Scale. Response effects with lamotrigine and placebo were compared by using analysis of variance and χ² tests. Six patients did not return for at least 1 subsequent assessment, and 74 patients dropped out (36 taking lamotrigine and 38 taking placebo) in the valuables study group. RESULTS: Of the 36 lamotrigine-treated participants, 26 responded by 12 weeks versus 6 of the 38 placebo-treated participants (P < 0.001). The most common and problematic adverse effect in the lamotrigine group was rash. CONCLUSIONS: The authors believe this to be the first double-blind placebo-controlled randomization study to test the efficacy of lamotrigine in the management of outpatients with DPDs. These need to be replicated in a larger study group.

Intersection of chronic pain treatment and opioid analgesic misuse: causes, treatments, and policy strategies.

Treating chronic pain in the context of opioid misuse can be very challenging. This paper explores the epidemiology and potential treatments for chronic pain and opioid misuse and identifies educational and regulation changes that may reduce diversion of opioid analgesics. We cover the epidemiology of chronic pain and aberrant opioid behaviors, psychosocial influences on pain, pharmacological treatments, psychological treatments, and social treatments, as well as educational and regulatory efforts being made to reduce the diversion of prescription opioids. There are a number of ongoing challenges in treating chronic pain and opioid misuse, and more research is needed to provide strong, integrated, and empirically validated treatments to reduce opioid misuse in the context of chronic pain.

Cardiac arrest in intensive care unit: Case report and future recommendations.

Initiation of hemofiltration in a patient in septic shock can cause hemodynamic compromise potentially leading to cardiac arrest. We propose that the standard '4Hs and 4Ts' approach to the differential diagnosis of a cardiac arrest should be supplemented in critically ill patients with anaphylaxis and human and technical errors involving drug administration (the 5(th) H and T). To illustrate the point, we report a case where norepinephrine infused through a central venous catheter (CVC) was being removed by the central venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) catheter causing the hemodynamic instability. CVVH has this potential of interfering with the systemic availability of drugs infused via a closely located CVC.

Competency in laparoscopic colorectal surgery is achievable with appropriate training but takes time: a comparison of 300 elective resections with anastomosis.

AIM: The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to compare outcomes in patients who underwent elective laparoscopic colorectal resection with anastomosis performed by a single surgeon or his training fellow. METHOD: A prospective electronic database of all laparoscopic procedures between January 2005 and September 2008 was used. Two groups were compared; those patients operated upon by the Consultant trainer (C) and those by seven supervised Fellows (F). Fellows were either post CCT or in their last year of training. Three hundred consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection with anastomosis were examined, 150 in each group. Groups were matched for indication, age, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) grade, cancer T stage and resection performed. Preoperative work-up, operative surgery and anaesthesia were identical between groups. RESULTS: No significant difference was demonstrated in age, mean 67 (26-91) or ASA grade. Indications for surgery were; cancer (C) 120, (F) 126, diverticular disease (C) 22, (F) 20, Crohn's disease (C) 8, (F) 7. Fellow's mean operative time was significantly longer at 123 min (95%CI 117-134) compared to the consultant trainer -105 min. (95%CI 98-111): P < 0.01). No significant differences in the complication or conversion rates were demonstrated. Length of stay and the 30-day readmission rates were similar. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective cohort study we have demonstrate that when matched patients are compared, supervised trainee operating time is significantly longer than that of the consultant trainer but without any significant increase in length of stay, complication or readmission rates. Training to a level of competency takes time but not at the expense of patient care.

Open surgical management of pediatric urolithiasis: A developing country perspective.

OBJECTIVES: To describe decision factors and outcome of open surgical procedures in the management of children with stone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2004 and December 2008, 3969 surgical procedures were performed in 3053 children with stone disease. Procedures employed included minimally invasive techniques shockwave lithotripsy (SWL), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), ureterorenoscopy (URS), perurethral cystolithotripsy (PUCL), percutaneous cystolithotripsy (PCCL), and open surgery. From sociomedical records demographics, clinical history, operative procedures, complications, and outcome were recorded for all patients. RESULTS: Of 3969 surgeries, 2794 (70%) were minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques to include SWL 19%, PCNL 16%, URS 18.9%, and PUCL+PCCL 16% and 1175 (30%) were open surgeries. The main factors necessitating open surgery were large stone burden 37%, anatomical abnormalities 16%, stones with renal failure 34%, gross hydronephrosis with thin cortex 58%, urinary tract infection (UTI) 25%, and failed MIS 18%. Nearly 50% of the surgeries were necessitated by economic constraints and long distance from center where one-time treatment was preferred by the patient. Stone-free rates by open surgeries were pyelolithotomy 91%, ureterolithotomy 100%, and cystolithotomy 100% with complication rate of upto 3%. CONCLUSIONS: In developing countries, large stone burden, neglected stones with renal failure, paucity of urological facilities, residence of poor patients away from tertiary centers necessitate open surgical procedures as the therapy of choice in about 1/3rd of the patients. Open surgery provides comparable success rates to MIS although the burden and nature of disease is more complex. The scope of open surgery will remain much wide for a large population for considered time in developing countries.

The evolution of analgesia in an 'accelerated' recovery programme for resectional laparoscopic colorectal surgery with anastomosis.

OBJECTIVE: The study set out to analyse the outcomes of an evolving accelerated recovery programme after laparoscopic colorectal resection (LCR). METHOD: The results of a prospective electronic database (March 2000 - April 2008) were analysed. RESULTS: There were 353 consecutive patients undergoing 'three port' high anterior resection (AR) (237 without covering stoma) and 166 a right hemicolectomy (RHC). One hundred thirty-eight had postoperative analgesia using paracetamol IV and oral analgesia (IVP); 27 (16.3%) received additional parenteral morphine and were excluded. Patient controlled morphine analgesia (PCA) was used in 138. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks, supplemented by IV paracetamol and oral analgesia were used in the last 50 patients. The time to the resumption of diet was significantly reduced with TAP analgesia (median 12 h) and IVP (median 12 h) compared with PCA median (36 h) (chi(2) = 143; 4df: P < 0.001). The postoperative hospital stay was significantly reduced with TAP analgesia (median 2 days) and IVP (median 3 days) compared with PCA (median 5 days); chi(2) = 73; 2df: P < 0.001. Seventeen (34%) TAP and nine (6.5%) IVP patients were discharged within 24 h of surgery compared with no patient in the PCA group. Ninety-three per cent of PCA, 35% IVP and 10% TAP patients were discharged in more than 3 days. The movement towards 'accelerated recovery' was not associated with any increased risk of urinary retention, return to theatre, readmission and/or 30 day mortality. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic surgery utilizing IV paracetamol and TAP blocks for postoperative analgesia aids safe effective 'accelerated recovery' in an unselected patient population undergoing right hemicolectomy and high anterior resection. Routine epidural anaesthesia is unnecessary for LCR. Morphine PCA is associated with delayed recovery.

Emergency laparoscopic surgery for complicated diverticular disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyse the outcome of emergency laparoscopic surgical management of complicated diverticular disease. METHOD: A prospectively collected electronic database of all colorectal laparoscopic procedures between April 2001 and September 2007 has been used to identify outcomes in patients presenting with complicated diverticular disease. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients (28 men), median age 69 years (23-95), ASA grade II (12), III (38), IV (16) have undergone emergency surgery for complicated diverticulitis--Hinchey grades I (27), II (29), III (7) and diverticular bleeding (3) over a 6(1/2)-year period: 43 high anterior resections, 17 Hartmann's resections and seven low anterior resections. Diverticular fistulas were seen in 16 patients: colovaginal (7), colovesical (2), colo-fallopian (4), entero-colic (3). The median operation time was 110 min (45-195 min). There was one conversion to open surgery. Postoperative analgesia was provided by intravenous Paracetamol in 33 patients (50%), patient-controlled analgesia in 24 (36%), oral Paracetamol and Oramorph (12%) and epidural opioid infusion (1.5%). The median time to normal diet was 24 h (4 h-6 days) and median hospital stay 5 days (2-30). There were two deaths (3.3%); anastomotic leak, ventricular fibrillation (VF) cardiac arrest. Other complications included: wound infection eight (12%), anastomotic leak four (8%), port-site hernia one and one case of Clostridium difficile colitis requiring colectomy. There were five (7.5%) returns to theatre and two readmissions (3%). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic resectional surgery in complicated diverticular disease is a feasible, safe and a largely predictable operation that allows for early hospital discharge and, in our opinion, improved patient care. We are encouraged to continue to offer our patients the option of an emergency laparoscopic resection.

Theta burst stimulation induces after-effects on contralateral primary motor cortex excitability in humans.

Interhemispheric interactions between the primary motor cortices (M1) have been described with a variety of TMS methods. Here we give a detailed description of the interhemispheric interactions of a period of theta burst simulation (TBS), a rapid method of producing long lasting after-effects on the excitability of the stimulated M1. A total of 18 right handed healthy subjects participated. In most experiments, continuous and intermittent TBS (cTBS and iTBS) were delivered over the right M1 using a coil orientated to induce antero-posterior followed by postero-anterior (AP-PA) currents in the brain. The intensity of stimulation was 80% of active motor threshold (AMT), and a total of 600 pulses were applied. The effects on the amplitude of motor evoked potentials (MEPs), short interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF) were evaluated in the left and right M1 before and at three different times after TBS. We also tested long-interval intracortical inhibition (LICI) in right M1 and interhemispheric inhibition (IHI) from right to left M1. Finally, to explore the effect of different polarities of cTBS over dominant and non-dominant hemisphere we delivered AP-PA and postero-anterior followed by antero-posterior (PA-AP) cTBS over either right or left M1 and tested MEPs in both hemispheres. In the stimulated hemisphere, cTBS reduced MEPs and SICI whereas iTBS increased MEPs and SICI. In the non-stimulated hemisphere cTBS increased MEPs and reduced SICI, while iTBS reduced MEPs and increased SICI. There were no effects on ICF, LICI or IHI. Although both AP-PA cTBS and PA-AP cTBS reduced MEPs in the stimulated M1, the former increased MEPs from non-stimulated M1 whereas the latter did not. There was no difference in the effect of cTBS on the dominant or non-dominant hemisphere.

Valproate treatment of acute alcohol hallucinosis: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of valproate (Depakine-Chrono) versus placebo for the treatment of acute alcohol hallucinosis. METHODS: 10 days' randomized, double-blind, parallel study was conducted; 40 patients with an ICD-10 diagnosis of acute alcohol hallucinosis were randomized to valproate (Depakine-Chrono) 3000 mg/day (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20). The primary efficacy measure was the Clinical Global Improvement (CGI) and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), subscale for hallucinosis. RESULTS: Valproate-treated patients demonstrated a greater improvement than placebo-treated patients in CGI (P < 0.001) and PANSS subscale for verbal hallucinosis (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Valproate is effective in the treatment of acute hallucinosis and is generally well tolerated.

Valproate (depakine-chrono) in the acute treatment of outpatients with generalized anxiety disorder without psychiatric comorbidity: randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent in population of European countries. However, the effect of Valproate (depakine-chrono) on generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) has not been studied in a double-blind placebo-controlled design. METHOD: Eighty patients (all men) were washout from the all medications. Each patient was randomized to receive either depakine-chrono (40 patients) for 6 weeks or matched placebo (40 patients) in a double-blind manner. Eligible participants, in addition to meeting the DSM-IV criteria for GAD and having a minimum score of 25 and more on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, were required to be between 18 and 65 years. Response was defined as a 50% reduction in the Hamilton anxiety scale score. Response and side effects with depakine-chrono and placebo were compared by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi-square tests. Six patients did not return for at least one subsequent assessment, leaving 74 patients (36 taking depakine-chrono and 38 taking placebo) in the valuables study group. RESULTS: Twenty six of the 36 depakine-chrono-treated participants responded by 6 weeks, versus six of the 38 placebo-treated participants (p<0.001). The most common and problematic side effect in the depakine-chrono group was dizziness and nausea. CONCLUSIONS: The authors believe this to be the first double-blind placebo-controlled randomization study to test the efficacy of a depakine-chrono in the management of anxiety disorders. They need to be replicated in a larger study group.