Successful Regenerative Therapy of Periodontal Defects Associated With Tongue Piercing: A Clinical Report.

Oral piercing habits are associated with various degrees of complications. Tongue piercing increases the risk of gingival recession and infrabony defects, subsequently leading to localized periodontitis. In the case presented, the patient had persistent swelling and suppuration around her mandibular anterior teeth attributed to tongue piercing jewelry that was placed approximately 12 years prior. Intraoral examinations revealed a localized deep pocket, purulent discharge, swelling, plaque accumulation, bleeding on probing, gingival recession, and teeth mobility. The patient was diagnosed with localized stage III, grade C periodontitis. Following full-mouth debridement and the placement of an extracoronal lingual splint, minimally invasive, papillae-sparing incisions were made, and regenerative therapy with bone allograft and collagen membrane was used to manage the infrabony defects. During the 18-month postoperative follow-up, complete soft-tissue healing was observed along with a significant reduction in pocket depth and the absence of bleeding on probing or suppuration. Radiographic evaluation showed evidence of bone fill. The reported case demonstrates how careful diagnosis and treatment planning are crucial for managing different periodontal defects and emphasizes the importance of proficient periodontal management, which can save teeth that would otherwise be extracted and replaced with implant therapy or fixed bridgework.

Effects of predictive nursing interventions on pressure ulcer in elderly bedridden patients.

The study explores the impact of predictive nursing interventions on pressure ulcers (PUs) in elderly bedridden patients. A total of 120 elderly bedridden patients from the Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture between August 2019 and August 2023 were selected as the subjects of the study and were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group using a random number table method. The control group received conventional nursing care, while the observation group received predictive nursing interventions. The study compared the incidence of PUs, Braden scale scores, the onset time of PUs, self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) scores, self-rating depression scale (SDS) scores, and nursing satisfaction between the two groups. In elderly bedridden patients, the application of predictive nursing interventions significantly reduced the incidence of PUs (p < 0.001), significantly lowered the SAS and SDS scores (p < 0.001), and also significantly increased Braden scale scores (p < 0.001) and delayed the onset time of PUs (p < 0.001). Additionally, it improved patients' nursing satisfaction (p = 0.008). Predictive nursing interventions in elderly bedridden patients have good application effects, reducing the occurrence of PUs, delaying the time of onset in patients, improving patients' negative emotions and enhancing nursing satisfaction rates. It is worthy of widespread use.

Assessing peptic ulcer risk with the HAMPROW score in the general Chinese population.

The timely identification of individuals at high risk for peptic ulcers (PUs) is vital in preventing gastrointestinal bleeding after antiplatelet therapy. This study was designed to determine PU risk factors and develop a risk assessment model for PU detection in the general Chinese population. In a prospective dataset, clinical data from individuals undergoing gastroscopic evaluation between April 2019 and May 2022 were recorded. PUs were defined as mucosal defects exceeding 5 mm confirmed via gastroscopy. Participants were categorized into development (April 2019 to April 2021) and validation (May 2021 to May 2022) sets based on chronological order. LASSO-derived logistic regression analysis was employed to create a score, which was further validated via temporal validation. A total of 902 patients were ultimately enrolled, 204 (22.6%) of whom had PUs based on endoscopic findings. In the development cohort (n = 631), seven independent risk factors emerged: male sex (OR = 2.35, P = 0.002), white blood cell (WBC) count (OR = 1.16, P = 0.010), red blood cell (RBC) count (OR = 0.49, P < 0.001), globulin level (OR = 0.92, P = 0.004), albumin level (OR = 0.94, P = 0.020), pepsinogen I (PGI) level (OR = 1.01, P < 0.001), and positive Helicobacter pylori (HP) antibody (OR = 2.50, P < 0.001). Using these factors, a nomogram (HAMPROW score [hazard ratio (HP) antibody, albumin, male, PGI, RBC, globulin, and WBC]) was developed for individual PU prediction. The ability of the HAMPROW score to predict survival was confirmed with AUCs of 0.854 (95% CI 0.816-0.891) and 0.833 (95% CI 0.771-0.895) in the development and validation sets, respectively. In conclusion, the HAMPROW score can be used to screen for PUs effectively in the general Chinese population, facilitating personalized early detection of high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding before antiplatelet therapy.

Acute suppurative terminal cholangitis: Clinical characteristics of a new subtype of acute cholangitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute suppurative terminal cholangitis (ASTC) is rarer than acute obstructive cholangitis and is not well studied. To explore this subtype of acute cholangitis, we described our clinical experience with ASTC. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients with ASTC admitted to our center from September 2014 to August 2020. We analyzed their clinical characteristics, including etiology, clinical manifestations, imaging features, treatment and prognosis. RESULTS: A total of 32 ASTC patients were included in the analysis. The majority of the patients had a history of biliary operations, and clinical manifestations were occult and atypical. The positive rate of bacterial culture was 46.9%. All the patients had typical imaging features on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment with effective antibiotics was provided as soon as diagnosis was established. After treatment, most patients had a good outcome. Elevated levels of total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, procalcitonin and gamma-glutamyltransferase were the characteristics of critically ill patients and were associated with relatively poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that ASTC should be recognized as a new subtype of acute cholangitis, and that earlier diagnosis and more personalized treatments are needed.

Insights into enlarged prostatic utricles and Müllerian duct system remnants associated with posterior hypospadias.

INTRODUCTION: The prostatic utricle (PU) consists of the caudal remnant of the Müllerian duct and the urogenital sinus. The term "vagina masculina" is used if other Müllerian structures are associated with the PU. This work aims to investigate the incidence, management, and follow up of enlarged PUs and Müllerian remnants in males with posterior hypospadias. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study presents a retrospective review of cases presented with posterior hypospadias over a 5-year period. Prior to hypospadias repair, retrograde urethrograms were used to investigate enlarged PU. Subsequently, they were classified according to the Ikoma score and further assessed by karyotyping and cystoscope. Surgical excision was indicated in cases with symptomatic utricles or vagina masculina. RESULTS: Thirty patients were included in the study in the period between 2015 and 2020 (Table). All cases were asymptomatic initially. Twelve patients were diagnosed with enlarged PU; three of them had vagina masculina. One case with perineal hypospadias had a separate perineal opening for PU. Following hypospadias repair, three of the eight cases treated conservatively turned symptomatic. DISCUSSION: The incidence of enlarged PU and Müllerian remnants varied among different studies. However, it increased as the severity of hypospadias increased. Preoperative urethrogram was helpful in the diagnosis and classification of PU, but it had its limitations. Cystoscope was more advantageous in diagnosing vagina masculina. Although most cases were asymptomatic, some turned symptomatic after hypospadias repair. Some cases with perineal hypospadias had PU with a separate perineal opening. CONCLUSION: The incidence of enlarged PUs or Müllerian remnants was 40%. Although cases were asymptomatic before hypospadias surgery, some cases turned into symptomatic after hypospadias repair. In some cases, the PU or Müllerian remnants had a separate perineal opening. They can be classified as a particular form of Ikoma grade III necessitating surgical intervention.

"I am just trying to live a life!" -a qualitative study of the lived experience of pressure ulcers in people with spinal cord injuries.

BACKGROUND: Pressure ulcers (PUs) are frequently reported in people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Wound management in people with SCI involves relieving pressure on the affected area by means of immobilisation and bed rest. The healing time of a PU can vary, but often takes several months or even years, causing people to stay in bed for prolonged periods of time. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the perspectives and lived experiences of people with SCI who are affected by PUs. DESIGN: and method: This study is a qualitative explorative study that employs individual semi-structured in-depth interviews to obtain the narratives of people with SCI and a pressure ulcer. We used a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach that was inspired by Ricoeur's theory of interpretation. The analysis was performed in three levels: Naïve reading, structural analysis and critical interpretation and discussion. PARTICIPANTS: and setting: Ten people with SCI who were being treated in the Danish healthcare system for their PU participated in this study: six participants had experienced a complete traumatic SCI, three had an incomplete traumatic SCI, and one had a non-traumatic complete SCI. The study included nine men and one woman, aged 49-81 years (mean 64). Nine had a PU in the seating area, while one had the ulcer on the leg. RESULTS: The analysis revealed three themes: 1. Struggling to balance prevention with an active, meaningful life, 2. Challenges and consequences of pressure relief protocols and bed rest, 3. Experiencing prolonged and incoherent treatment with varying levels of staff engagement and competencies. CONCLUSIONS: People with SCI and a PU have difficulty balancing their active, redefined lives when subjected to a strict pressure relief protocol. The consequences of immobility caused by pressure relief include reduced social and community participation and decreased quality of life. PU treatment is experienced as incoherent and unnecessarily lengthy, leading to a deterioration in the wounds. Improving PU treatment for people with SCI is of utmost importance and has the potential to benefit not only the people with SCI but also the healthcare system and the economy.

Efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage for acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis combined with septic shock.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage (PTCD) for the treatment of Acute Obstructive Suppurative Cholangitis (AOSC) combined with septic shock due to choledocholithiasis, and its effect on inflammatory factors. METHODS: Clinical data of 86 patients with AOSC and septic shock admitted to our hospital between January 2019 and May 2021 were retrospectively analyzed and grouped according to different treatment methods. Among them, 43 patients who underwent Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and Endoscopic Nasobiliary Drainage (ENBD) were included in the Control Group (CNG), and 43 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided PTCD were included in the Study Group (SG). RESULTS: The total effective rate in the SG (88.37%) was higher than that in the CNG (69.77%) (p < 0.05); after surgery, the serum inflammatory factors PCT, IL-6, TNF-α, CRP levels, liver function indicators such as TBIL, DBIL, AST, ALT levels, and stress response indicators including NPY, PGE2, 5-HT levels were reduced, and were lower in the SG than in the CNG (p < 0.05); postoperatively, CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ levels in the CNG were significantly lower than those before surgery (p < 0.05); Postoperatively, CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ levels in the SG were significantly higher than those in the CNG (p < 0.05); and the complication rate in the SG (6.98%) was lower than that in the CNG (25.58%) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided PTCD for AOSC combined with septic shock can facilitate the recovery of liver and immune functions with a low complication rate.

Intraorbital Wooden Foreign Body in a Soldier.

The authors report a case of an intraorbital wooden foreign body that was misinterpreted as a radiolucent area of retained air on a computed tomography (CT) scan. A 20-year-old soldier presented to an outpatient clinic following an impingement with a bough while cutting down a tree. He had a 1-cm-deep laceration on the inner canthal area of his right eye. A military surgeon explored the wound and suspected a foreign body, but could not find or extract anything. Thereafter, the wound was sutured and the patient was transferred. An examination revealed an acutely ill-looking man with distressing pain in the medial canthal and supraorbital area associated with ipsilateral ptosis and periorbital edema. A CT scan showed a radiolucent area suspected to be retained air in the medial periorbital area. The wound was explored. Upon removal of the stitch, yellowish pus was drained. An intraorbital piece of wood measuring 1.5 cm×0.7 cm was extracted. The patient's hospital course was uneventful. Pus culture revealed growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis . Wood has a density similar to air and fat and can be difficult to distinguish from soft tissue both on plain x-ray films and CT. In this case, the CT scan showed a radiolucent area resembling retained air. Magnetic resonance imaging is a better method of investigation in cases of a suspected organic intraorbital foreign body. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of retention of an intraorbital foreign body in patients presenting with periorbital trauma, especially those with even a small open wound.

Chronic Suppurative Lung Disease in Children: A Case Based Approach.

Bronchiectasis is a pathologic state of conducting airways manifested radiographically by evidence of bronchial dilation and clinically by chronic productive cough. Considered an "orphan disease" for long, it remains a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in both developed and underdeveloped countries. With the advances in the medical field accompanied by widespread access to vaccines and antibiotics, improved health services and better access to nutrition, the incidences of bronchiectasis have markedly decreased, particularly in developed countries. This review summarizes the current knowledge pertaining to the clinical definition, etiology, clinical approach and management related to pediatric bronchiectasis.

Pressure ulcers and acute risk factors in individuals with traumatic spinal fractures with or without spinal cord injuries: A prospective analysis of the National Spinal Column/Cord Injury Registry of Iran (NSCIR-IR) data.

PURPOSE: To identify risk factors for developing pressure ulcers (PUs) in the acute care period of traumatic spinal fracture patients with or without spinal cord injuries (SCIs). METHODS: Data were collected prospectively in participating the National Spinal column/Cord Injury Registry of Iran (NSCIR-IR) from individuals with traumatic spinal fractures with or without SCIs, inclusive of the hospital stay from admission to discharge. Trained nursing staff examined the patients for the presence of PUs every 8 h during their hospital stay. The presence and grade of PUs were assessed according to the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel classification. In addition to PU, following data were also extracted from the NSCIR-IR datasets during the period of 2015 - 2021: age, sex, Glasgow coma scale score at admission, having SCIs, marital status, surgery for a spinal fracture, American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale (AIS), urinary incontinence, level of education, admitted center, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), hypertension, respiratory diseases, consumption of cigarettes, diabetes mellitus and length of stay in the hospital. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the unadjusted and adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Altogether 2785 participants with traumatic spinal fractures were included. Among them, 87 (3.1%) developed PU during their hospital stay and 392 (14.1%) had SCIs. In the SCI population, 63 (16.1%) developed PU during hospital stay. Univariate logistic regression for the whole sample showed that marital status, having SCIs, urinary incontinence, level of education, treating center, number of days in the ICU, age, and Glasgow coma scale score were significant predictors for PUs. However, further analysis by multiple logistic regression only revealed the significant risk factors to be the treating center, marital status, having SCIs, and the number of days in the ICU. For the subgroup of individuals with SCIs, marital status, AIS, urinary incontinence, level of education, the treating center, the number of days in the ICU and the number of days in the hospital were significant predictors for PUs by univariate analysis. After adjustment in the multivariate model, the treating center, marital status (singles vs. marrieds, OR = 3.06, 95% CI: 1.55 - 6.03, p = 0.001), and number of days in the ICU (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.04 - 1.09, p < 0.001) maintained significance. CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm that individuals with traumatic spinal fractures and SCIs, especially single young patients who suffer from urinary incontinence, grades A-D by AIS, prolonged ICU stay, and more extended hospitalization are at increased risk for PUs; as a result strategies to minimize PU development need further refinement.

Unhealed pressure ulcers among nursing home residents with diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Nearly a third of US nursing home residents have diabetes mellitus. These residents have an increased risk of pressure ulcer (PU) development and progression; however, little is known about the characteristics of their PUs or the role of other risk factors. This study estimates the prevalence of PUs, describes characteristics of PUs, and quantifies associations between risk factors and PUs in nursing home residents with diabetes. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of nursing home residents aged ≥50 years with diabetes mellitus using national 2016 Minimum Data Set 3.0 data. Pressure ulcers were defined as the presence of any stage PU and by subgroups of stage and tissue type. Prevalence estimates of PUs were calculated overall and by covariate subgroups. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios were calculated using logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of any unhealed PU was 8.1%. Of those with a PU, 19.4% had at least two ulcers and the most common subtypes were identified as unstageable and stage 2 ulcers. These were most often treated by pressure reducing devices. In our fully adjusted model, risk factors that were strongly associated with PUs were related to mobility, nutrition, incontinence, and infections. CONCLUSION: We observed that the prevalence of PUs remains high in nursing home residents with diabetes and that higher stage ulcers were common in this population. Our adjusted model highlights the importance of suspected risk factors in the development of PUs. Further research is needed to understand the unique needs of nursing home residents with diabetes.

[Preliminary Application of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in the Treatment of Diabetic Ulcers].

Objective: To investigate the role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the treatment of diabetic ulcers. Methods: The clinical data of 27 diabetic patients, who underwent CEUS examination of their ulcers in our hospital between April 2021 and July 2022 were collected. Among them, 26 patients suffered from diabetic foot ulcers, 5 of whom underwent amputation during hospitalization, and one patient suffered from hip ulcer. The 27 patients' mean age was (64.08±12.57) years. Fasting blood glucose levels of the patients were 3.36-34.61 mmol/L, with a mean of (10.62±8.77) mmol/L. Their glycosylated hemoglobin levels were 5.80%-10.70%, with an average of 7.96%±1.50%. Philips EPIQ7 ultrasound system with L9-3 linear probe of 3-9 MHz was used. First, the patients' ulcers were examined with conventional ultrasound to observe for abnormal echo. Then, 2.4 mL SonoVue (Bracco, Italy), a contrast agent, was injected intravenously through the elbow to look for effusion/pus, sinus tract, or dead space in the lesion area, and images were acquired. Results: Among the 27 patients, except for 5 with amputation stumps, 22 patients had wound areas ranging from 0.16 cm 2 to 215 cm 2, all being accompanied by sinus tract formation. Ten patients underwent ultrasound examination during their treatment. The positive rate of the results of conventional ultrasound was 50% (5/10) for identifying effusion/pus and pseudoaneurysm in the deep area of ulcers, while the positive rate of CEUS results was 100% (10/10). In addition to the lesions found by conventional ultrasound, CEUS also found large sinus tracts or dead spaces in the deep surface of ulcers in 5 additional patients. Of the 27 patients, 17 underwent ultrasound examination of the healing status of sinus tracts and dead spaces in the deep areas of ulcers before discharge. No sinus tracts in the deep areas of the ulcers were found by conventional ultrasound. However, relatively small dead spaces or sinus tracts in the deep areas of the ulcers were found in 10 patients by CEUS. Conventional ultrasound and CEUS found that 1 patient had a small amount of fluid in the amputation stump. In the remaining 6 patients, no deep sinus tracts in the ulcers were found by either conventional ultrasound or CUES, and the ulcers healed completely. Conclusion: By examining microvascular perfusion in diabetic wounds with CEUS, we can observe the extent of sinus tracts during treatment and whether the sinus tracts have healed or whether there are still dead spaces before patient discharge, which provides support for clinical decision-making concerning the treatment of diabetic ulcers.

Profiling Microbial Communities in Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis.

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare and benign inflammatory breast disease with ambiguous aetiology. Contrastingly, lactational mastitis (LM) is commonly diagnosed in breastfeeding women. To investigate IGM aetiology, we profiled the microbial flora of pus and skin in patients with IGM and LM. A total of 26 patients with IGM and 6 patients with LM were included in the study. The 16S rRNA sequencing libraries were constructed from 16S rRNA gene amplified from total DNA extracted from pus and skin swabs in patients with IGM and LM controls. Constructed libraries were multiplexed and paired-end sequenced on HiSeq4000. Metagenomic analysis was conducted using modified microbiome abundance analysis suite customised R-resource for paired pus and skin samples. Microbiome multivariable association analyses were performed using linear models. A total of 21 IGM and 3 LM paired pus and skin samples underwent metagenomic analysis. Bray−Curtis ecological dissimilarity distance showed dissimilarity across four sample types (IGM pus, IGM skin, LM pus, and LM skin; PERMANOVA, p < 0.001). No characteristic dominant genus was observed across the IGM samples. The IGM pus samples were more diverse than corresponding IGM skin samples (Shannon and Simpson index; Wilcoxon paired signed-rank tests, p = 0.022 and p = 0.07). Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii, reportedly associated with IGM in the literature, was higher in IGM pus samples than paired skin samples (Wilcoxon, p = 0.022). Three other species and nineteen genera were statistically significant in paired IGM pus−skin comparison after antibiotic treatment adjustment and multiple comparisons correction. Microbial profiles are unique between patients with IGM and LM. Inter-patient variability and polymicrobial IGM pus samples cannot implicate specific genus or species as an infectious cause for IGM.

Pressure ulcers in patients with COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome undergoing prone positioning in the intensive care unit: A pre- and post-intervention study.

BACKGROUND: Prone positioning has been widely used to improve oxygenation and reduce ventilator-induced lung injury in patients with severe COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). One major complication associated with prone positioning is the development of pressure ulcers (PUs). AIM: This study aimed to determine the impact of a prevention care bundle on the incidence of PUs in patients with COVID-19 ARDS undergoing prone positioning in the intensive care unit. STUDY DESIGN: This was a single-centre pre and post-test intervention study which adheres to the Standards for Reporting Implementation Studies (StaRI) guidelines. The intervention included a care bundle addressing the following: increasing frequency of head turns, use of an open gel head ring, application of prophylactic dressings to bony prominences, use of a pressure redistribution air mattress, education of staff in the early identification of evolving PUs through regular and rigorous skin inspection and engaging in bedside training sessions with nursing and medical staff. The primary outcome of interest was the incidence of PU development. The secondary outcomes of interest were severity of PU development and the anatomical location of the PUs. RESULTS: In the pre-intervention study, 20 patients were included and 80% (n = 16) of these patients developed PUs, comprising 34 ulcers in total. In the post-intervention study, a further 20 patients were included and 60% (n = 12) of these patients developed PUs, comprising 32 ulcers in total. This marks a 25% reduction in the number of patients developing a PU, and a 6% decrease in the total number of PUs observed. Grade II PUs were the most prevalent in both study groups (65%, n = 22; 88%, n = 28, respectively). In the post-intervention study, there was a reduction in the incidence of grade III and deep tissue injuries (pre-intervention 6%, n = 2 grade III, 6% n = 2 deep tissue injuries; post-intervention no grade III ulcers, grade IV ulcers, or deep tissues injuries were recorded). However, there was an increase in the number of unstageable PUs in the post-intervention group with 6% (n = 2) of PUs being classified as unstageable, meanwhile there were no unstageable PUs in the pre-intervention group. This is an important finding to consider as unstageable PUs can indicate deep tissue damage and therefore need to be considered alongside PUs of a more severe grade (grade III, grade IV, and deep tissue injuries). CONCLUSION: The use of a new evidence-based care bundle for the prevention of PUs in the management of patients in the prone position has the potential to reduce the incidence of PU development. Although improvements were observed following alterations to standard practice, further research is needed to validate these findings. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The use of a new, evidence-based care bundle in the management of patients in the prone position has the potential to reduce the incidence of PUs.

Breast Abscess Healing with Homoeopathy: A Case Report.

Context: Breast abscess is the most common complication of acute bacterial mastitis usually referred to as pyogenic mastitis. It is usually encountered during lactation due to an infection with Staphylococcus aureus and streptococcal bacteria. These bacteria produce a severe inflammatory reaction leading to pus formation which is mainly treated by ultrasound-guided drainage or fine needle aspirations. We find that in this condition homoeopathic treatment can play an important role as it avoids such surgical procedures and helps in healing in a most gentle and rapid way. We report a successful single case study that opens up opportunities to take up more such cases to strengthen the results of this report. Case summary: A 23-year-old lactating mother came with complaints of pain and swelling with a collection of pus in the breast region and decreased breast milk secretion. Individualised homoeopathic medicine Silicea 200C was given to hasten suppuration and Belladonna 200C to treat inflammation.Thus, this case shows us how only few doses of medicine may be quickly helpful in managing a case of breast abscess without the need of any surgical procedures.

Towards improved outcome in children treated surgically for spontaneous intracranial suppuration in South Wales.

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous central nervous system (CNS) infections in children are rare. Treatment involves surgical intervention and antibiotic therapy. We describe a single centre experience of managing this condition in South Wales. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of surgically managed cases in our unit for patients under 18 years of age between 2008 and 2018. Data were collected regarding aetiology, location, microbiology examination, treatment and outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were identified of which 25 case notes were available. Fifteen were male and 10 were female. Median age was 12 years (age range 0.3-17 years). Seven patients (28%) had a burr-hole aspiration and 18 (72%) underwent craniotomy. A second procedure was performed in 10 (40%) and a third procedure in two (8%). Fourteen (56%) had a brain abscess, 10 (40%) had subdural empyema (one was bilateral) and one (4%) had an extradural empyema. Fifteen (60%) had a raised WCC (>11.5 × 109/L) and 22 (88%) had a CRP of >10 mg/L at presentation. Three (12%) patients had a normal WCC and CRP at presentation. Overall, 12 (48%) were secondary to sinus infection, with the most common organism being Streptococcus. Seven (28%) were due to otitis media or mastoiditis, six (24%) had no cause identified. The mean number of CT/MRI scans was 6.7 (range 3-13). The mean follow-up period was 16.7 months (range 1-117 months). At last follow up, 19 (76%) had a GOS of 5, five (20%) had a GOS of 4 and one (12%) had GOS of 3. There were no deaths. CONCLUSIONS: In Wales, outcomes have improved over time in keeping with other paediatric neurosurgical units in England. Increased availability of imaging resources in our hospital and use of neuro-navigation for all cases in our unit as well as earlier identification of sepsis, communication with microbiologists with dedicated ward rounds and, enhanced identification of causative organisms and contemporary anti-microbials have also contributed towards the improved management of this condition.

Pressure ulcers and acute risk factors in individuals with traumatic spinal fractures with or without spinal cord injuries: A prospective analysis of the National Spinal Column/Cord Injury Registry of Iran (NSCIR-IR) data / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#To identify risk factors for developing pressure ulcers (PUs) in the acute care period of traumatic spinal fracture patients with or without spinal cord injuries (SCIs).@*METHODS@#Data were collected prospectively in participating the National Spinal column/Cord Injury Registry of Iran (NSCIR-IR) from individuals with traumatic spinal fractures with or without SCIs, inclusive of the hospital stay from admission to discharge. Trained nursing staff examined the patients for the presence of PUs every 8 h during their hospital stay. The presence and grade of PUs were assessed according to the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel classification. In addition to PU, following data were also extracted from the NSCIR-IR datasets during the period of 2015 - 2021: age, sex, Glasgow coma scale score at admission, having SCIs, marital status, surgery for a spinal fracture, American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale (AIS), urinary incontinence, level of education, admitted center, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), hypertension, respiratory diseases, consumption of cigarettes, diabetes mellitus and length of stay in the hospital. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the unadjusted and adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).@*RESULTS@#Altogether 2785 participants with traumatic spinal fractures were included. Among them, 87 (3.1%) developed PU during their hospital stay and 392 (14.1%) had SCIs. In the SCI population, 63 (16.1%) developed PU during hospital stay. Univariate logistic regression for the whole sample showed that marital status, having SCIs, urinary incontinence, level of education, treating center, number of days in the ICU, age, and Glasgow coma scale score were significant predictors for PUs. However, further analysis by multiple logistic regression only revealed the significant risk factors to be the treating center, marital status, having SCIs, and the number of days in the ICU. For the subgroup of individuals with SCIs, marital status, AIS, urinary incontinence, level of education, the treating center, the number of days in the ICU and the number of days in the hospital were significant predictors for PUs by univariate analysis. After adjustment in the multivariate model, the treating center, marital status (singles vs. marrieds, OR = 3.06, 95% CI: 1.55 - 6.03, p = 0.001), and number of days in the ICU (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.04 - 1.09, p < 0.001) maintained significance.@*CONCLUSIONS@#These data confirm that individuals with traumatic spinal fractures and SCIs, especially single young patients who suffer from urinary incontinence, grades A-D by AIS, prolonged ICU stay, and more extended hospitalization are at increased risk for PUs; as a result strategies to minimize PU development need further refinement.

Acute obstructive suppurative pancreatic ductitis (AOSPD) with duodenal obstruction treated by pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD): a rare case report.

We report a rare case of acute obstructive suppurative pancreatic ductitis (AOSPD) accompanied by duodenal obstruction in a patient with chronic pancreatitis (CP). A woman in her 40s was admitted to our hospital for intermittent abdominal distension, epigastric pain, and vomiting, which worsened during the previous 6 months. Gastroscopy showed incomplete pyloric obstruction, and computed tomography (CT) revealed calcification in the enlarged head of the pancreas, dilation of the main pancreatic duct (MPD), and thickening of both the gastric antrum and duodenal walls. The patient was preoperatively diagnosed as having an inflamed head of the pancreas, with a stone, and duodenal obstruction. Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) was performed to resolve the duodenal obstruction and remove the pancreatic stone. While transecting the neck of the pancreas, frank pus began to flow from the MPD, and the pus was drained and collected. Bacterial culture of the purulent pancreatic juice revealed the presence of Escherichia coli, confirming AOSPD. The patient's symptoms were relieved, and she recovered fully, after the surgery. In conclusion, AOSPD associated with duodenal obstruction can be treated successfully by PD.

Granulomatous Inflammation of Greater Omentum Caused by a Migrating Fishbone.

Fishbone is the most common ingested gastrointestinal foreign matter and is less than 1% perforate. However, a fishbone penetrating the gastrointestinal tract and causing granulomatous inflammation of the greater omentum with local suppuration is not common. Because of the nonspecific clinical symptoms, gastrointestinal perforation may be manifested only as dull abdominal pain, which is often ignored and timely clinical treatment may be delayed. We report a case of a 61-year male who experienced intermittent right median ventral abdominal pain for half a year. These symptoms were the result of granulomatous inflammation of the greater omentum with local suppuration caused by a migrating fishbone (3.5 cm in length). Finally, the fishbone was removed by exploratory laparotomy. Key Words: Fishbone, Gastrointestinal perforation, Greater omentum, Granulomatous inflammation, Laparotomy.

Pediatric temporomandibular joint ankylosis and arthritis: Forgotten complications of acute otitis media.

OBJECTIVES: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis and ankylosis represent unusual but potential complications of ear suppuration, especially in children. We performed a review of the literature of pediatric otogenic TMJ arthritis and ankylosis, discussing their clinical and radiological features, their mechanism of infection spread, and the importance of a prompt diagnosis and treatment. We additionally describe a case of TMJ ankylosis following acute mastoiditis in a 4-year-old female patient. METHODS: A search of English literature from January 1, 1980 to December 31, 2021 was performed on the electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus) in order to identify studies concerning TMJ complication after ear suppuration. RESULTS: Seventeen articles were considered eligible for the review. Eight and nine studies described otogenic TMJ ankylosis and arthritis, respectively. A total of 17 children affected by ankylosis consequent to ear infection and a total of 31 cases of TMJ arthritis concurrent to otomastoiditis were identified. Mean time elapsed between ear infection and diagnosis of TMJ ankylosis was 4.8 years (range 0.5-13). CONCLUSION: TMJ involvement during complicated otitis media should be kept in mind. Its prompt recognition is mandatory to set up appropriate treatment and follow-up and reduce the risk of ankylosis with its functional and psychological complications.