Effect of the Intralesional Forms of Methylprednisolone Acetate and Methotrexate on Psoriatic Nails.

Individuals with psoriatic nails often have a lower quality of life relative to their counterparts with healthy nails. Methotrexate (MTX), an anti-neoplastic agent, is a longstanding treatment option for nail psoriasis. In the current study, we compared the effects of MTX to that of a corticosteroid, namely, methylprednisolone acetate (i.e., Depo-Medrol®) across individuals with nail psoriasis. We used a cohort study design, and both agents were administered intralesionally. Outcome variables were based on the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI). We quantified the effect in terms of change in NAPSI, complete cure at week 16, and cure between 32 and 36 weeks. Our regressions demonstrated that reduced NAPSI scores with Depo-Medrol were, on average, greater than that with MTX by 2.27 (n = 48, P = 0.000255) at week 16. Similarly, the odds of complete cure at week 16 was greater with Depo-Medrol® than with MTX (odds ratio = 18.6, P < 0.0001). In terms of both complete cure and change in NAPSI, Depo-Medrol® was significantly more effective than MTX at a follow-up period of 32-36 weeks. Our study established that intralesional Depo-Medrol® is more effective than intralesional methotrexate for treating nail psoriasis.

Incidences of steroid-induced diabetes mellitus and congestive heart failure in cats given non-immunosuppressive doses of methylprednisolone acetate: 1042 cats.

Objective: Corticosteroids are indicated to treat many feline diseases. However, side effects are a limiting factor in their use. The most concerning side effects are steroid-induced diabetes mellitus (SI-DM) and steroid-induced congestive heart failure (SI-CHF). This study aims to determine the incidences of these diseases in a large population of domestic cats seen at a privately-owned, feline-only practice. Animals: Cats in the study were client-owned patients of Alamo Feline Health Center in San Antonio, Texas. Control cats (controls) were examined as part of their routine health care. Procedures: The records of 732 cats that received methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) for various clinical indications were reviewed to determine how many developed SI-DM and SI-CHF. A similar record review of 310 controls was made to determine the incidence of spontaneous diabetes mellitus (Sp-DM) and spontaneous congestive heart failure (Sp-CHF). Control cats never received any oral or injectable corticosteroids. Results: Of the cats that received MPA, 28 developed SI-DM (3.83%) and 6 developed SI-CHF (0.82%). Of the controls, 22 developed Sp-DM (7.10%) and 6 developed Sp-CHF (1.90%). Conclusion: The incidences of developing SI-DM and SI-CHF were 3.83% and 0.82%, respectively; and the risk was not increased even when repeated doses of MPA were given. Clinical relevance: The authors consider the risk-benefit ratio sufficient to justify the use of MPA when it is indicated, especially if another drug cannot be substituted with the same therapeutic results.

Incidences du diabète sucré et de l'insuffisance cardiaque congestive induits par les stéroïdes chez des chats ayant reçu des doses non immunosuppressives d'acétate de méthylprednisolone : 1042 chats. Objectif: Les corticoïdes sont indiqués pour traiter de nombreuses maladies félines. Cependant, les effets secondaires constituent un facteur limitant leur utilisation. Les effets secondaires les plus préoccupants sont le diabète sucré induit par les stéroïdes (SI-DM) et l'insuffisance cardiaque congestive induite par les stéroïdes (SI-CHF). Cette étude vise à déterminer l'incidence de ces maladies dans une large population de chats domestiques vus dans une pratique privée exclusivement féline. Animaux: Les chats de l'étude étaient des patients appartenant à des clients du Alamo Feline Health Center à San Antonio, au Texas. Les chats témoins (témoins) ont été examinés dans le cadre de leurs soins de santé de routine. Procédures: Les dossiers de 732 chats ayant reçu de l'acétate de méthylprednisolone (MPA) pour diverses indications cliniques ont été examinés afin de déterminer combien d'entre eux ont développé du SI-DM et du SI-CHF. Un examen similaire des dossiers de 310 témoins a été réalisé pour déterminer l'incidence du diabète sucré spontané (Sp-DM) et de l'insuffisance cardiaque congestive spontanée (Sp-CHF). Les chats témoins n'ont jamais reçu de corticostéroïdes oraux ou injectables. Résultats: Parmi les chats ayant reçu du MPA, 28 ont développé du SI-DM (3,83 %) et 6 ont développé du SI-CHF (0,82 %). Parmi les témoins, 22 ont développé du Sp-DM (7,10 %) et 6 ont développé du Sp-CHF (1,90 %). Conclusion: Les incidences de développement de SI-DM et de SI-CHF étaient respectivement de 3,83 % et 0,82 %; et le risque n'a pas augmenté même lorsque des doses répétées de MPA ont été administrées. Pertinence clinique: Les auteurs considèrent le rapport bénéfice/risque suffisant pour justifier l'utilisation du MPA lorsqu'il est indiqué, notamment si un autre médicament ne peut lui être substitué avec les mêmes résultats thérapeutiques.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Effects of Intracerebroventricular Injection of the Steroidal and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs on the Seizures during the Estrous Cycle in Rat.

Because of the mutual relationship between neural inflammation and seizure, this study aimed to determine the effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of the steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures during the estrous cycle in rats. A total of 105 adult female Wistar rats were selected and divided into seven groups, including the control (saline), ketorolac tris salt (7.5, 15, and 30 µg), and methylprednisolone acetate (0.15, 0.3, and 0.6 µg), each with four subgroups (proestrus, estrus, metestrus, and diestrus) and three replicates (n=5). After a week of acclimatization, the estrous phase determination and synchronization were performed. Acute epilepsy was inspired by the intraperitoneal injection of 80 mg/kg of PTZ 30 min after the ICV injection of ketorolac and methylprednisolone acetate. The initiation time of myoclonic seizures (ITMS), the initiation time of tonic-clonic seizures (ITTS), seizure duration (SD), and mortality rate (MR) were measured for 30 min. Data were shown as mean±SD and analyzed using One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison post hoc test (P<0.05). According to the results, ketorolac (15 and 30 µg) and methylprednisolone acetate (0.3 and 0.6 µg) significantly increased the ITTS and ITMS but decreased SD during the estrous cycle, compared to the control (P<0.05). Moreover, MR and SD were significantly decreased by ketorolac (7.5, 15, and 30 µg) and methylprednisolone (0.3 and 0.6 µg), compared to the control during the estrous cycle (P<0.05). Therefore, it seems that both ketorolac and methylprednisolone possess dose-dependent anticonvulsant effects that may decrease neural inflammation.

A multi-professional survey of UK practice in the use of intra-articular corticosteroid injection for symptomatic first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: The first metatarsophalangeal joint is the most common site of osteoarthritis (OA) in the foot and ankle. Intra-articular corticosteroid injections are widely used for this condition, but little is known about their use in practice. This study explored current practice within the UK National Health Service (NHS) relating to the administration of intra-articular corticosteroids for people with painful first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) OA. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey using Qualtrics online survey platform (Qualtrics, Provo, UT, USA), distributed through professional bodies, special interest groups, and social media. RESULTS: One hundred forty-four healthcare professionals responded, including podiatrists (53/144; 39%), orthopaedic surgeons (28/144; 19%), podiatric surgeons (26/144; 17%) and physiotherapists (24/144; 16%). Half of respondents administered up to 25 corticosteroid injections per year (67/136; 49%) but some administered more than fifty (21/136; 15%). Injections were administered across the healthcare system but were most common in hospital settings (64/136; 44%) followed by community (38/136; 26%), with less delivered in primary care (11/136; 8%). Half of respondents routinely used image-guidance, either ultrasound or x-ray/fluoroscopy (65/136; 48%) although over one third used none (52/136; 38%). Imaging guidance was more common amongst medical professionals (21/31; 68%) compared to non-medical health professionals (45/105; 43%). Overall, methylprednisolone acetate was the most common corticosteroid used. Medical professionals mostly injected methylprednisolone acetate (n = 15/27; 56%) or triamcinolone acetonide (n = 11/27; 41%), whereas premixed methylprednisolone acetate with lidocaine hydrochloride was the most common preparation used by non-medical health professionals (41/85; 48%). When injecting non premixed steroid, lidocaine hydrochloride (15/35; 43%) was the most common choice of local anaesthetic for non-medical health professionals but medical professionals showed more variation between lidocaine hydrochloride (8/23; 35%) levobupivacaine hydrochloride (9/23; 39%) and bupivacaine hydrochloride (5/23; 22%). CONCLUSIONS: Multiple professional groups regularly administer intra-articular corticosteroids for symptomatic first MTPJ OA across a range of NHS healthcare settings. Overall, methylprednisolone acetate was the most commonly administered steroid and lidocaine hydrochloride the most common local anaesthetic. There was large variation in the use of imaging guidance, type and dose of steroid, local anaesthetic, and clinical pathways used in the intra-articular injection of corticosteroids for people with first MTPJ OA.

Comparison of the Particulate Steroids, Betamethasone and Methylprednisolone, in Caudal Steroid Injection Under Ultrasound Guidance.

BACKGROUND: Pain relief in lumbar disc hernias is a challenging condition. This study retrospectively compared particulate steroids, methylprednisolone acetate (mid-term effective), against betamethasone acetate (long-term effective) on ultrasound-guided caudal epidural injection for lumbar disc herniation. METHODS: A total of 40 patients with L4-5 and/or L5-S1 disc herniation were treated with ultrasound-guided caudal epidural injection between September 2021 and June 2022. Nineteen patients who were given methylprednisolone acetate (group A) as a steroid and a total of 21 patients who were used betamethasone acetate (Group B) were retrospectively collected, and their pain levels and functional improvement were compared retrospectively before, immediately after, and 3 weeks after the injection in terms of the visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) as the efficacy value. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding age, gender, and body mass index (P > 0.05). In group A, preop VAS was 8.84 ± 0.76, immediate postop period 3.10 ± 1.37, and postop third week was 4.73 ± 2.32. In group B, the preop VAS was 8.76 ± 0.76, the postop early period was 3.14 ± 1.27, and the postop third week was 3.12 ± 1.30. In group A preop ODI was 49.84 ± 9.11 and postop third week was 22.84 ± 6.44. In group B, the preop ODI was 46.71 ± 16.15 and postop third week was 30.80 ± 17.65. Significant changes were observed in the reduction of VAS values after the procedure in both groups during the early postoperative period and the third week (P value < 0.05). However, a significant difference was not found between the changes in VAS values between the groups (P value > 0.005). Similarly, significant changes were observed in the decrease of ODI values after the procedure in both groups during the early postoperative period and the third week (P value < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in the ODI scores between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference was observed between betamethasone and methylprednisolone. Both steroid groups showed a substantial improvement in the preoperative pain scores of the patients.

Comparison of triamcinolone and methylprednisolone efficacy and steroid flare reaction rates after shoulder corticosteroid injection: a prospective interrupted time series study.

BACKGROUND: A corticosteroid flare reaction is a well-described phenomenon that causes significant pain and dysfunction. The paucity of literature impedes decision making regarding which corticosteroid to use for shoulder injection. The purpose of this study was to compare methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) and triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injections in the glenohumeral joint and/or subacromial space in terms of efficacy and the incidence of steroid flare reactions. METHODS: In this prospective, interrupted time series, parallel study, patients received injections in the glenohumeral joint and/or subacromial space. MPA and TA were used during 2 discrete 3-month periods. The injections consisted of 2 mL of lidocaine, 2 mL of bupivacaine, and 80 mg of either MPA or TA. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were recorded immediately before injection; 1-7 days after injection; and 3, 6, and 12 months after injection. The primary outcome was the incidence of a steroid flare reaction, defined as a post-injection increase in the VAS score by ≥2 points. The secondary outcome was injection failure, defined as a post-injection VAS score greater than the baseline score or the need for another intervention. We used linear mixed models with a patient-level random intercept to identify the mean VAS score change for TA injections in the first week after injection. RESULTS: MPA or TA shoulder injections were administered in 421 patients; of these patients, 15 received bilateral-joint injections whereas 406 received a single-joint injection, for a total of 436 injections (209 MPA and 227 TA injections). Pain scores in the first week after injection were available for 193 MPA and 199 TA injections. Significantly more patients in the MPA cohort reported flare reactions compared with the TA cohort (22.8% vs. 4.0%, P < .001) during the first week after injection. In the first week after injection, the mean VAS score of patients receiving TA injections was 1.05 (95% confidence interval, 0.47-1.63) lower than that of patients receiving MPA injections when adjusted for age, sex, race, pain type, surgeon type, and injection site. At 3 months, surveys for 169 MPA and 172 TA injections were completed, with no significant difference in the rate of injection failure for MPA vs. TA (42.6% vs. 36.1%, P = .224). Treatment failure rates were significantly higher for MPA than for TA at 6 months (78.44% vs. 62.5%, P < .001) but not at 12 months (81.18% vs. 81.42%, P = .531.) CONCLUSION: TA injections resulted in a >5-fold reduction in steroid flare reactions, with statistically superior 6-month efficacy rates, compared with MPA injections. This study supports TA as a more viable corticosteroid option for shoulder injection.

In Vitro Effects of Triamcinolone and Methylprednisolone on the Viability and Mechanics of Native Articular Cartilage.

BACKGROUND: The chondrotoxic effects of methylprednisolone acetate (MP) and triamcinolone acetonide (TA) have been well described. However, the mechanical effects of these commonly used steroids on native cartilage are largely unknown. PURPOSE: To investigate the in vitro effects of a single 1-hour MP or TA exposure on the viability, mechanics, and biochemical content of native articular cartilage explants. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Articular cartilage explants (n = 6 per group) were harvested from the femoral condyles of bovine stifles. Explants were exposed to chondrogenic medium containing a clinical dose of MP or TA for 1 hour, followed by fresh medium wash and exchange. Explants in the control group underwent the same treatment with chondrogenic medium alone. At 24 hours after treatment, samples were assessed for viability (live/dead), mechanical properties (creep indentation and Instron tensile testing), biochemical (collagen and glycosaminoglycan) content, and pyridinoline crosslinking via mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Mean cell viability was significantly decreased in native explants exposed to MP (35.5%) compared with the control (49.8%; P < .001) and TA (45.7%; P = .01) specimens. Significant decreases were seen in the mechanical properties of steroid-treated native explants when compared with controls, with decreases in aggregate modulus (646.3 vs 312.8 kPa [MP] and 257.0 kPa [TA]; P < .001), shear modulus (370.1 vs 191.2 kPa [MP] and 157.4 kPa [TA]; P < .001), and ultimate tensile strength (9.650 vs 5.648 MPa [MP; P = .021] and 6.065 MPa [TA; P = .0403]). No significant differences in collagen and glycosaminoglycan content were found in the steroid-treated groups. Pyridinoline crosslinking was significantly decreased in explants exposed to TA compared with controls (P = .027). CONCLUSION: Exposure of MP to articular cartilage explants was chondrotoxic, and exposure of articular cartilage explants to MP or TA resulted in significant decreases in mechanical properties of articular cartilage explants compared with controls. Clinicians should be judicious regarding use of intra-articular steroids, particularly in patients with intact healthy articular cartilage.

Interleukin-1ß and methylprednisolone acetate demonstrate differential effects on equine deep digital flexor tendon and navicular bone fibrocartilage cells in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) on equine intrabursal deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) and navicular bone fibrocartilage (NBF) cells in vitro. SAMPLE: Third passage DDFT and NBF cells from 5 healthy donor horses ages 11-17 years euthanized for reasons unrelated to musculoskeletal conditions. PROCEDURES: Aggregate cultures were incubated with culture medium alone (control), 10 ng/mL IL-1ß, 10 ng/mL IL-1ß + 0.05 mg/mL MPA, or 10 ng/mL IL-1ß + 0.5 mg/mL MPA for 24 hours. Extracellular matrix (ECM) gene expressions were assessed via real-time polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR). Culture media matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -3 and -13 concentrations were quantified via ELISA. Total glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content in the cell pellets and culture media was also assessed. RESULTS: IL-1ß and IL-1ß combined with MPA significantly downregulated ECM gene expression to a greater extent in NBF cells compared with DDFT cells. IL-1ß and IL-1ß combined with MPA significantly upregulated MMP-3 culture media concentrations in DDFT cells only, and MMP-13 culture media concentrations to a greater extent in NBF cells compared with DDFT cells. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: NBF cells were more susceptible to IL-1ß and MPA-mediated ECM gene expression downregulation in vitro. These results serve as a first step for future work to determine intrabursal corticosteroid regimens that limits or resolve the inflammation as well as take into consideration NBF cell biosynthesis in horses with navicular disease, for which currently no information exists.

Effect of preoperative intravenous steroids on seroma formation after modified radical mastectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the efficacy of preoperative intravenous injection of 120mg of methylprednisolone acetate steroid on the formation of seroma after modified radical mastectomy in breast cancer patients. Method: The case-control study was conducted at Ward 3, Surgical Unit 1, Department of General Surgery, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from November 2020 to April 2021, and comprised female patients with biopsy-proven carcinoma of breast who were scheduled for elective definitive breast cancer surgery. The subjects were randomised into treatment group A and control group B. Group A was given a single dose of intravenous injection methylprednisolone acetate 120mg half-an-hour before surgery, while group B underwent similar surgery without the said injection. Seroma was graded using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v3.0. The groups were compared for age, total drainage, duration of drainage, seroma grading and wound status. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. RESULTS: Of the 60 patients, there were 30(50%) in each of the two groups. The age difference between groups was non-significant (p=0.346). There was a significant difference in the mean total drainage volume and mean duration of drainage between the groups (p=0.001). Seroma formation, seroma grading and wound status were not significantly different between the groups (p>0.05). The efficacy in treatment was high in group A (odds ratio: 2.78; 95% confidence interval: 0.65-13.94). CONCLUSIONS: A single preoperative dose of Injection methylprednisolone acetate was effective in terms of post-mastectomy outcomes.

Alpha-lipoic acid could be a promising treatment in steroid-induced osteonecrosis.

OBJECTIVE: Glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis is a serious debilitating health problem. In the present study, we investigated the effects of alpha-lipoic acid on glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 male Wistar albino rats were equally assigned to 4 groups as control, methylprednisolone acetate (MPA), alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), and methylprednisolone acetate with alpha-lipoic acid (MPA+ALA). The animals in MPA group subcutaneously received 15 mg/kg/week for 2 weeks, whereas 100 mg/kg/day alpha-lipoic acid was intraperitoneal administered for 4 weeks to ALA group. The MPA+ALA group was subjected to both treatments in same doses. Osteonecrosis was confirmed and graded histologically. The serum concentrations of glucose, total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, as well as the total oxidant and antioxidant status, oxidative stress index, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were evaluated. Also, lipid peroxidation and DNA damage were immunohistochemically assessed in the bone. RESULTS: Osteonecrotic lesions were narrower in the MPA+ALA group than in the MPA group (p<0.05). As compared to the controls, the biochemical parameters in MPA and MPA+ALA groups were significantly increased (p<0.001). The oxidative stress index was significantly higher in the groups with MPA than the controls (p=0.002), but the animals treated with ALA alongside MPA displayed lesser scores than the ones injected with solely MPA (p=0.03). The administration of MPA elevated lipid peroxidation and DNA damage, which were successfully alleviated by ALA. CONCLUSIONS: Alpha-lipoic acid may be suggested to be a protective supplement in glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis in rats. The antioxidant capacity of alpha-lipoic acid may involve its beneficial effects.

Resolution of feline Mycobacterium panniculitis despite protracted treatment with methylprednisolone acetate.

Saprophytic or non-tuberculous mycobacteria are ubiquitous in the environment. They can cause opportunistic infections when the skin is broken and typically manifest with draining sinus tracts or cutaneous nodules. This report details the first confirmed Mycobacterium smegmatis panniculitis in a cat in South Africa. Despite repeated treatment with methylprednisolone acetate for six months prior to diagnosis, the cat made an uneventful recovery once switched to doxycycline and marbofloxacin.

Is Methylprednisolone Acetate-Related Insulin Resistance Preventable in Cats?

Methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) is often prescribed to cats despite being recognized eventually as diabetogenic. To assess MPA-related insulin resistance and evaluate the efficacy of metformin or an obesity and diabetes mellitus (O&D) adjuvant diet as protective factors, a randomized clinical trial was conducted with 28 owned cats undergoing glucocorticoid therapy. A single MPA dose of 20 mg intramuscularly was administered to each cat. Controls (n = 10) received only MPA. In the diet group (n = 9), replacement of their habitual diet by ad-libitum feeding of a feline commercial O&D diet (Equilíbrio O&D, Total Alimentos ADM) was made. In the metformin group (n = 9), metformin chlorhydrate 25mg/cat PO/q24h was administered for 30 days. All patients were clinically evaluated at baseline (T0), day 15 (T15), and day 30 (T30) and blood draw for complete blood count, serum biochemistry, and determination of insulin concentrations. Fasting Insulin Sensitivity Index (SI), Amended Insulin to Glucose Ratio (AIGR), Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and Homeostatic Model Assessment of beta-cell function (HOMA-B) were calculated based on fasting glycemia and insulinemia. All groups showed significantly higher levels (P < .05) of neutrophils, albumin, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and serum insulin at T15. Patients in the metformin group showed also higher SI, AIGR, and HOMA-IR results at T15. Also, at T15, reduced levels (P < .05) of eosinophils, lymphocytes, and creatinine were documented in all groups. An MPA single dose induced changes in insulin sensitivity in cats; however, neither metformin nor O&D feeding used in this study was effective as protective factors against MPA-related insulin resistance.

Treatment of Advanced Coats' Disease With Combination Therapy of Laser Photocoagulation, Intravitreal Ranibizumab, and Sub-Tenon Methylprednisolone Acetate.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of combination therapy with laser photocoagulation, intravitreal ranibizumab, and sub-Tenon methylprednisolone acetate in patients presenting with advanced Coats' disease. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 16 patients who underwent laser photocoagulation combined with intravitreal ranibizumab and sub-Tenon methylprednisolone acetate between 2008 and 2017. The primary outcome was anatomic success and the secondary outcomes were globe preservation and final visual acuity. RESULTS: The average age at surgery was 5.12 ± 2.7 years (range: 3 to 10 years). The mean follow-up time was 45.43 ± 29.01 months (range: 12 to 108 months). Of the 16 patients (16 eyes) reviewed, 6 patients had stage 3A and 10 patients had stage 3B Coats' disease. The mean number of applications was 10 (range: 4 to 18). Globe preservation was achieved in all patients. Final visual acuity outcomes were satisfactory: 20/20 to 20/50 in 2 patients, 20/60 to 20/100 in 1 patient, and 20/200 or worse in 13 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal ranibizumab used in combination with laser photocoagulation and sub-Tenon methylprednisolone acetate could be an effective treatment option for patients with advanced Coats' disease. The combined therapy achieved anatomical success, globe preservation, and reasonable visual acuity outcomes. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2022;59(3):187-191.].

Experimental infection of cats with Cryptosporidium felis.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to experimentally inoculate cats with Cryptosporidium felis oocysts and compare fecal detection by fluorescent antibody assay (FA) and quantitative PCR (qPCR), and document clinical signs associated with infection. METHODS: Cryptosporidium felis oocysts were concentrated from the feces of a naturally infected cat and orally inoculated into six cats that tested negative for C felis by an FA and fecal flotation (FF). Cats were observed daily for the presence of clinical signs consistent with infection. Fecal samples from all cats on days 0 and 9, and one sample per cat (days 18-21), were evaluated by all assays. On day 31, two cats negative for C felis by FF and FA were administered methylprednisolone acetate and all assays were repeated on days 34, 36 and 38. Samples from all cats were tested by FF and FA on days 41, 43, 45 and 48. RESULTS: A total of 41 samples were tested, 25 of which were compared by FA and qPCR. Cryptosporidium felis was detected in 2/25 (8%) and in 19/25 (76%) samples by FA and by qPCR, respectively; the other 16 samples were tested by FF and FA. None of the cats was positive for C felis by FF or FA in samples collected on days 0, 9 or 18-21. One, five and six samples tested positive by qPCR on days 0, 9 and 18-21, respectively. The cats administered methylprednisolone acetate tested positive for C felis by FA on day 36 and by qPCR on days 31, 34, 36 and 38. None of the cats showed clinical signs of disease. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Clinical signs were not recognized in any of the cats for the duration of the study. FA was insensitive compared with qPCR for detecting cats with subclinical C felis infection.

Comparison of the efficacy of corticosteroid, dry needling, and PRP application in lateral epicondylitis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the short-term efficacy of dry needling, corticosteroids, and platelet-rich plasma application (PRP) in the management of lateral epicondylitis. METHODS: The study included 72 patients diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis divided into three groups of 24 individuals using the sealed envelope method. Group 1 underwent dry needling, Group 2 received 40 mg methylprednisolone acetate, and Group 3 received PRP treatment. Patients were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Disabilities of the Shoulder, Arm, and Hand (DASH) score, and Jamar grip strength before treatment and 3rd week and 3rd month. RESULTS: At the 3rd month, the mean VAS score was 1.16 ± 0.56 in dry needling group and 0.75 ± 0.60 in corticosteroids group, showing a statistically significant difference between dry needling and corticosteroids group, and between corticosteroids and PRP group (p = 0.015 and p = 0.000, respectively). At the 3rd week and 3rd month, VAS scores decreased in each treatment modality group, showing a statistically significant difference between the groups (p < 0.01). Jamar grip strength increased over time in all groups. There were no significant differences between the DASH scores of all groups at the 3rd week (p > 0.05). DASH scores decreased significantly from the 3rd week to the 3rd month in dry needling and corticosteroids group (p < 0.01), while it increased slightly in PRP group during the same period with a statistically insignificant change (p > 0.05). DASH scores decreased significantly at the 3rd month for all groups (p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Dry needling is an effective and safe application for the short-term treatment of lateral epicondylitis.

Pulmonary response of severely asthmatic horses after intra-articular administration of methylprednisolone.

BACKGROUND: Intra-articular (IA) administration of corticosteroids is performed routinely in equine practice. The lung function of severe asthmatic horses has recently been shown to be improved by IA triamcinolone acetonide (TA). We therefore hypothesised that IA methylprednisolone acetate (MPA), another commonly used corticosteroids, would also decrease the airway obstruction in severe asthmatic horses. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of intra-articular (IA) and intramuscular (IM) methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) administration on lung function and serum cortisol levels in horses with severe asthma. STUDY DESIGN: Randomised and controlled experiments on severe asthmatic research animals. METHODS: Severe asthmatic horses in exacerbation were administered 200 mg of MPA either intramuscularly (n = 6) or via intra-articular injections in the tarsocrural joints (n = 6; 100 mg/joint). Serum cortisol concentration and pulmonary function was measured for 8 days. RESULTS: A significant decrease in pulmonary resistance in the IA group (P = .003, mean diff 1.14) on day 1 in comparison with baseline was observed. A significant decrease from baseline was also observed on serum cortisol values in the IA group 6 hours after injection (P = .001, mean diff 44.5), and at day 1 (P = .003, mean diff 45.1). MAIN LIMITATIONS: Joint health was not evaluated in the current study and the physiological response of the severe asthmatic horses might deviate from that of the milder forms of asthma. CONCLUSIONS: MPA IA administration improves the lung function of severe asthmatic horses. However, this effect was mild and of a short duration.

The efficacy of core decompression for steroid-associated osteonecrosis of the femoral head in rabbits.

Although core decompression (CD) is often performed in the early stage of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), the procedure does not always prevent subsequent deterioration and the effects of CD are not fully clarified. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of CD for steroid-associated ONFH in rabbits. Twelve male and 12 female New Zealand rabbits were injected intramuscularly 20 mg/kg of methylprednisolone once and were divided into the disease control and CD groups. In the disease control group, rabbits had no treatment and were euthanized at 12 weeks postinjection. In the CD group, rabbits underwent left femoral CD at 4 weeks postinjection and were euthanized 8 weeks postoperatively. The left femurs were collected to perform morphological, biomechanical, and histological analysis. Bone mineral density and bone volume fraction in the femoral head in the CD group were significantly higher than in the disease control group. However, no difference in the mechanical strength was observed between the two groups. Histological analysis showed that alkaline phosphatase and CD31 positive cells significantly increased in the males after CD treatment. The number of empty lacunae in the surrounding trabecular bone was significantly higher in the CD group. The current study indicated that CD improved the morphological properties, but did not improve the mechanical strength in the femoral head at early-stage ONFH. These data suggest the need for additional biological, mechanical strategies, and therapeutic windows to improve the outcome of early-stage steroid-associated ONFH.

Methylprednisolone acetate mitigates IL1ß induced changes in matrix metalloproteinase gene expression in skeletally immature ovine explant knee tissues.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: This study aimed at evaluating the effect of methylprednisolone (MPA) on messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression levels in immature ovine knee joint tissue explants following interleukin (IL)1ß induction and to assess responsiveness of the explants. MATERIAL OR SUBJECTS: Explants were harvested from the articular cartilage, synovium, and infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) from immature female sheep. TREATMENT: Methylprednisolone. METHODS: The samples were allocated into six groups: (1) control, (2) MPA (10-3 M), (3) MPA (10-4 M), (4) IL1ß, (5) IL1ß + 10-3 M MPA, or (6) IL1ß + 10-4 M MPA. mRNA expression levels for molecules relevant to inflammation, cartilage degradation/anabolism, activation of innate immunity, and adipose tissue/hormones were quantified. Fold changes with MPA treatment were compared via the comparative CT method. RESULTS: Methylprednisolone treatment significantly suppressed MMPs consistently across the cartilage (MMP1, MMP3, and MMP13), synovium (MMP1 and MMP3), and IPFP (MMP13) (all p < 0.05). Other genes that were less consistently suppressed include endogenous IL1ß (cartilage) and IL6 (IPFP) (all p < 0.05), and others not affected either by IL-1 exposure or subsequent MPA include TGFß1, TLR4, and adipose-related molecules. CONCLUSIONS: Methylprednisolone significantly mitigated IL1ß induced mRNA expression for MMPs in the immature cartilage, synovium, and IPFP, but the extent of the responsiveness was tissue-, location-, and gene-specific.

Ultrasonographic approach for a foot ganglion after sewing masks in the COVID-19 pandemic: Blessing in disguise.

BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, people volunteered for sewing hand-made face masks. However, sewing-machine operating might be associated with high ergonomic risk and a negative impact on musculoskeletal health. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: This paper describes an ultrasonographic diagnosis of a foot ganglion - after sewing 300 face masks within two months using a foot-operated sewing machine. RESULTS: The patient significantly improved after an ultrasound-guided aspiration and corticosteroid injection. CONCLUSION: In short, we highlight the importance of ultrasound examination in the management of work (overuse)-related disorders in occupational medicine practice.