Atopy patch test in children with cow's milk and hen's egg allergy: Do clinical symptoms matter?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Since early 2000s, atopy patch test (APT) has been used to determine non-IgE and mixed-type food allergies. Previous studies have reported conflicting results about the diagnostic value of APT in food allergies, due to non-standardized methods. We aimed to determine the diagnostic efficacy of APT compared to open oral food challenge (OFC) in patients diagnosed with cow's milk allergy (CMA) and hen's egg allergy (HEA) manifesting as atopic dermatitis (AD) and gastrointestinal system symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In patients with suspected AD and/or gastrointestinal manifestations due to CMA and HEA, the results of OFC, APT, skin prick test (SPT) and specific IgE (sIgE) were reviewed. Specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of sIgE, SPT, APT and SPT+APT were calculated. RESULTS: In total 133 patients with suspected CMA (80) and HEA (53) were included in the study. In patients with CMA presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms, APT had sensitivity of 9.1%, specificity of 100%, PPV of 100% and NPV of 48.7%. In atopic dermatitis patients, sensitivity of APT was 71.4%, specificity 90.6%, PPV 62.5% and NPV 93.6%. In patients diagnosed with HEA, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV values of APT were 72.0%, 78.6%, 47.2% and 75.0%, respectively. In patients diagnosed with HEA presenting with AD, sensitivity of APT was 87.5%, specificity 70.6%, PPV 73.7% and NPV 85.7%. Atopy patch test had lower sensitivity (44.4%) and higher specificity (90.9%) in patients diagnosed with HEA presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms than those presenting with AD. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that APT provided reliable diagnostic accuracy in atopic dermatitis patients. However, APT had low sensitivity in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms.

Development of the femoral trochlear groove in rabbits with patellar malposition.

PURPOSE: The geometry of the trochlear groove is considered to be an important determinant in the pathogenesis of the patellofemoral joint disorders. However, the effect of patellar position during the development of the femoral trochlear groove is unclear. This animal study aimed to investigate the relationship between the position of the patella and development of the femoral trochlear groove in growing rabbits. METHODS: Thirty-two knees from 16 rabbits were included in this study and were divided into two groups. First group consisted of the left knees and was used as a control group with no surgical interventions. The second group involved the right knees on which patellar tendon Z-plasty lengthening was performed to cause patellar malposition (patella alta) before 1 month of age. Computed tomographic (CT) evaluations of both knees were obtained when the animals were 1 month age before the surgical intervention and also at 6 months after the surgical intervention. Angle and depth measurements were acquired from the proximal, middle, and distal reference points along the femoral trochlear groove. After the CT scan acquisition at 6 months following the surgical procedures, rabbits were killed and additional measurements of the trochlear groove angles were performed manually. RESULTS: The mean middle and distal trochlear groove angles for the experiment group with patella alta were significantly higher compared to that of control group (p < 0.017). The increase in mean trochlear depth for the animals in the control group was found to be significantly higher compared to experiment group at the distal zone (p < 0.017). CONCLUSION: Distal femoral groove with an inadequately positioned patella becomes more flattened and this may be a predisposing factor for patellar instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Controlled laboratory study, Level II.

Treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus with microfracture technique and postoperative hyaluronan injection.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to report the outcomes of the treatment of talar osteochondral lesions with arthroscopic microfracture technique and postoperative intra-articular hyaluronan injection. METHOD: Fifty-seven patients (29 men, 28 women) with osteochondral lesions of the talus were included in this prospective randomized clinical study between the years 2003 and 2009. The patients were treated with arthroscopic debridement and microfracture technique. Randomly selected 41 patients were injected intra-articular hyaluronan (injection group). The remaining 16 patients did not receive postoperative injection (non-injection group). Assessment of the pain and functional outcomes was performed using the Freiburg and AOFAS ankle/hindfoot scoring systems. RESULTS: In the injection group, the mean postoperative Freiburg functional and pain scores were significantly higher compared to preoperative functional and pain scores (P < 0.001). Similarly, for the patients in non-injection group, the mean postoperative Freiburg functional and pain scores were significantly higher compared to preoperative functional and pain scores (P < 0.001). The AOFAS functional and pain scores of the patients in the injection group were significantly higher (P < 0.001) postoperatively compared to preoperative scores. Scoring the patients in the non-injection group according to AOFAS system also revealed significantly higher (P < 0.001) postoperative functional and pain scores over preoperative scores. The increase in the postoperative scores was found to be significantly higher in the injection group compared to non-injection group in both Freiburg and AOFAS systems (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus using microfracture technique significantly improved functional and pain scores postoperatively. Additional treatment with intra-articular hyaluronan injection as an adjunct to microfracture technique may offer better clinical outcomes over microfracture technique alone. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Randomized, controlled trial, Level I.

Arthroscopy-assisted fracture fixation.

PURPOSE: the purpose of this article was to systematically analyze the results of published studies in the literature which evaluated the use of arthroscopically assisted techniques in intra-articular fracture fixation. METHODS: published investigations to date were analyzed by classifying them according to joints that were involved with intra-articular fractures including: knee, ankle, hip, shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints. The results were studied to assess the feasibility, efficiency, and outcomes of arthroscopy-assisted fracture fixation. RESULTS: arthroscopy-assisted techniques have been used successfully for the treatment of fractures of the tibial plateau, tibial eminence, malleoli, pilon, calcaneus, femoral head, glenoid, greater tuberosity, distal clavicle, radial head, coronoid, distal radius, and scaphoid. The major advantages of arthroscopic fracture fixation over open methods are direct visualization of the intra-articular space, decreased invasiveness, and the possibility for multitask interventions through which fixation of the fracture, and repair of the soft tissues and the cartilage can be performed simultaneously. The time-consuming and technically demanding nature of the procedures with a prolonged learning curve and limited fixation alternatives are the main disadvantages of this technique. CONCLUSION: arthroscopic fixation is increasingly utilized for certain intra-articular fracture types due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedures and high accuracy. Randomized controlled trials are needed to justify wider use of arthroscopy-assisted techniques for treatment of intra-articular fractures.

Endoscopic deployment of the wireless capsule using a capsule delivery device in pediatric patients: a case series.

The aim of this study was to review the use of the AdvanCE capsule endoscopy delivery device (US Endoscopy, Mentor, Ohio, USA) in pediatric patients who are too young to safely follow the wireless capsule swallowing instructions. Nine patients (mean age 6.6 years; SD +/- 1.8 years) underwent capsule deployment. Indications for the procedure were the evaluation of suspected inflammatory bowel disease in eight patients and evaluation of protein-losing enteropathy in one patient. The capsule was successfully deployed in the first part of the duodenum in seven patients and in the pyloric canal in one patient. In another patient the capsule was deployed in the gastric antrum and required endoscopic retrieval due to abdominal pain and failure of the capsule to traverse the pylorus. The wireless capsule successfully passed in the remaining eight patients without any complications. The AdvanCE capsule endoscopy delivery device appears to be a safe and technically easy method of wireless capsule delivery in pediatric patients. Capsule deployment should be in the duodenum whenever possible. Further studies of the use of this device in pediatric patients are warranted.

Surgical Approach to Anorectal Melanoma with PET-CT Staging: A Case Report.

Rectal hemorrhage should be evaluated within a wide spectrum ranging from benign diseases to a malignant process. Especially, the melanomas of rectum are detected at an advanced stage when diagnosed since the present symptoms of rectal melanomas are similar. The question of what will be the surgical approach with MR, CT, and PET-CT imaging methods performed after histopathological diagnosis still conserves its topicality. PET-CT is a good imaging method for determination of distant metastasis and lymphatic involvement. In the present case, a patient with early-stage rectal melanoma was treated with APR. No relapse/metastasis was detected during the 18-month follow-up. The aggressive course of the disease and its low response rates to medical treatments may cause the surgical approaches to be more extensive.

Multiple osteochondroses and avulsion fracture of anterior superior iliac spine in a soccer player.

Apophysitis describes a chronic traction injury at the insertion site of a tendon. There is a gradual onset of pain with no clear history of injury. Without adequate preventive methods, an avulsion fracture may result. The case is here reported of an apophyseal avulsion fracture of the anterior superior iliac spine in an adolescent caused by playing football before the end of treatment for apophysitis. An open reduction and internal fixation was performed followed by a rehabilitation programme. No complications occurred, and the patient had returned to his previous level of sporting activity after six weeks.

Management of discoid lateral meniscus tears: observations in 34 knees.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to evaluate arthroscopic partial resection of discoid lateral meniscus tears with an emphasis on radiographic evidence of degenerative changes after this procedure. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective clinical study. METHODS: Of 41 patients with an arthroscopic diagnosis of discoid meniscus over an 8-year period, 34 symptomatic lateral discoid meniscus tears in 33 patients were analyzed at an average follow-up of 5.6 years. The average age at operation was 19.8 years and most patients had vague and intermittent symptoms that caused delay in clinical diagnosis. RESULTS: Eight patients were lost to follow-up and were excluded from the study. Magnetic resonance imaging, performed in 12 cases, and arthroscopy in all of these patients provided the precise diagnosis. All of the knees with symptomatic torn discoid menisci underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. Only 1 Watanabe Wrisberg ligament type of discoid meniscus with posterior instability was totally meniscected. Based on Ikeuchi's grading, 39% of the knees had an excellent result, 46% had a good result, and 15% had a fair result; none of the results was poor. CONCLUSIONS: At an average 5-year follow-up, partial meniscectomy in patients with a Watanabe complete or incomplete discoid meniscus showed 85% good or excellent clinical results. However, a significant percentage of patients show femoral condyle flattening on radiography.

The value of clinical examination versus magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of meniscal tears and anterior cruciate ligament rupture.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of clinical examination versus magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing meniscal and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) pathology. TYPE OF STUDY: Prospective, longitudinal study. METHODS: Between August 2001 and December 2001, we prospectively evaluated 50 consecutive patients (37 male, 13 female) with 65 pathologies of medial meniscal tears, lateral meniscal tears, and/or ACL rupture. The average preoperative period for the patients was 5 weeks (range, 5 days to 5 months) and their mean age was 22 years (range, 12 to 42 years). After initial clinical examination, the same sports medicine fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon (10-year practice profile of 100% sports medicine) evaluated the MRI of the patients and performed their arthroscopic procedure. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated comparing clinical examination, MRI, and arthroscopic evaluation. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between MRI or clinical examination in diagnosing medial or lateral meniscal tears or ACL tears ( P >.05). The accuracy of the clinical examination and MRI evaluation was equal for diagnosing meniscal tears and ACL ruptures. CONCLUSIONS: A well-trained qualified surgeon can safely rely on clinical examination for diagnosing meniscal and ACL injuries. Clinical examination is at least as accurate as MRI in the skilled orthopaedic surgeon's hand. MRI should be reserved for more complicated and confusing cases. The routine ordering of an MRI scan of the knee before examination by a well-trained orthopaedic surgeon is not recommended. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, diagnostic.

Dissolution tests of benazepril-HCl and hydrochlorothiazide in commercial tablets: comparison of spectroscopic and high performance liquid chromatography methods.

Simple, rapid and reliable spectroscopic methods (absorbance ratio and Vierordt) were compared with HPLC for quantitative determination in dissolution tests of benazepril-HCl (BNZ) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) in commercial tablets. A 249 nm wavelength was chosen as the isosbestic point in the absorbance ratio method, and the absorbance ratios A236/A249 nm for BNZ and A269/A249 nm for HCT were used for calculation of regression equations. For the Vierordt method, A1(1) values (%1.1 cm) obtained at 236 and 269 nm for both substances were used for quantitative analyses of BNZ and HCT. In the HPLC method, simultaneous determination of BNZ and HCT from dissolution medium was achieved using the mobile phase containing phosphate buffer (0.01 M, pH 6.2) and acetonitrile (65:35) on a Supelcocil LC-18 (4.6 x 250, 5.6 mm) reversed phase column. Dissolution tests of commercial tablets were carried out according to USP XXII paddle method in 0.1 N HCl at 50 rpm at 37 +/- 0.5 degrees C. Comparison of the dissolution data from the HPLC and two spectroscopic methods indicated that spectroscopic and HPLC methods were in good correlation with each other. Therefore, it was concluded that both spectroscopic methods as well as HPLC can be used in routine analyses of BNZ and HCT in dissolution tests of commercial tablets.

Conservative treatment of eminentia intercondylaris fractures of the tibia in children.

Seventeen patients (16 children, 1 adolescent) were reviewed 31 months to 71 months after sustaining the common childhood fracture of the eminentia intercondylaris of the tibia. The aim was to assess long-term results and prognosis by clinical and radiological examination and to discover whether conservative treatment was adequate for type I and type II fractures according to Meyers and McKeever. Early improvement occurred in all patients after conservative treatment, but long-term results were not satisfactory in displaced fractures,which were treated with closed reduction and immobilization in extension. Therefore, anatomic reduction and rigid fixation should be obtained for displaced fractures of the eminentia intercondylaris of the tibia.

Arthroscopic partial resection of the discoid meniscus in children.

Thirteen children with 14 lateral discoid menisci were reviewed at an average follow-up of 2.7 years. Their average age at the time of the operation was 12.8 years. Most of the children had vague and intermittent painful symptoms, and the classical "clunk" was demonstrable in nine of the 13 patients in clinical examinations. Thirteen children underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus, by performing partial resection. This procedure, modifying the discoid lateral meniscus to the normal semilunar shape, was indicated only when the capsular attachment was intact. The results were excellent both clinically and radiologically. Furthermore, rehabilitation time was considerably shorter than the time required after open procedures. Arthroscopic discoid meniscus surgery performed by experienced and skilled hands gives better results. According to the literature and our experiences, it is better to perform open techniques in patients with stiff knees. Additionally, it is technically feasible to use small joint instruments in the pediatric age group.

Treatment of congenital dislocation of the hip. Results of closed reduction and immobilization in the hip spica cast.

Treatment of congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH) by closed reduction and immobilization in the hip spica cast is one of the accepted methods for use in patients under one year of age. We report 74 congenitally dislocated hips treated with premanipulation skin traction, closed reduction under anesthesia, adductor tenotomy and immobilization in the hip spica cast. Satisfactory results were obtained in 60 hips. In seven hips, avascular necrosis of the capital femoral epiphysis was observed with careful management, closed reduction and immobilization in a spica cast provides good results for treatment of CDH.

Obstetrical brachial plexus palsy: an analysis of 105 cases.

Obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) remains a dramatic consequence after complicated childbirth. An increasing number of methods are being developed for the physical therapy and the early repair of the nerve lesions in OBPP, including neuroma excision and nerve grafting, neurolysis and neurotization. Secondary deformities of the shoulder, forearm, and hand can be reconstructed using soft tissue and skeletal procedures. In this article we analyze our approach to 105 patients to obtain optimal functional outcome in patients with OBPP.

Arthroscopy-assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with patellar tendon or hamstring autografts.

Isolated ACL reconstructions were performed in 138 patients between 1994 and 1998. Patellar bone-patellar tendon-bone, and hamstring tendon autografts were used in 88 patients, and allografts were used in 50 patients. Eighty-eight knees of 88 patients with autograft reconstructions (17 female, 71 male) were included in this study and evaluation of the patients with allograft reconstruction reported separately. The mean age at the time of the operation was 32 years. All ACL reconstructions were performed arthroscopically. Twenty-seven bone-patellar tendon-bone, and 61 hamstring tendon autografts were used. The mean follow-up was 29 months. In the postoperative course the Lachman test was negative in 62 patients, 1+ in 22 patients, and 2+ in 4 patients. In 17 patients, anterior drawer sign were 1+ in comparison to the contralateral side. Pivot shift test was moderately positive only in 5 cases in the bone-patellar tendon-bone and hamstring tendon autograft groups postoperatively. There were 3 patients with subjective "giving way" symptoms. Second look arthroscopy revealed rupture of the neo-ligament. Arthroscopic washout and debridement were performed, and no revision ligamentoplasties were performed. Two of these patients improved with accelerated proprioceptive physical therapy, and one had to decrease his previous level of activity. There were no cases of arthrofibrosis, infection, or extension lag. Clinical results of patellar bone-tendon-bone and hamstring groups did not show any significant clinical difference. Avoiding the disturbance of the extensor mechanism of the knee is probably the most significant advantage of the hamstring autograft.

[Patellar instability: arthroscopic surgery, indications and techniques]. / Patellar instabilite: Artroskopik cerrahi, uygulama, endikasyon ve teknikler.

A significant incidence of knee pain and disability arises from patellofemoral disorders. An accurate diagnosis relies both on a comprehensive history and a careful physical examination; radiologic modalities also play an important part in the diagnosis and follow-up. Most patellofemoral disorders can be examined in three groups: pain due to soft tissue abnormalities, patellar instability, and patellofemoral osteoarthritis. Conservative therapy can be successful in many patellofemoral disorders. Surgical treatment consists of lateral release, medial plication and reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament, proximal and distal realignments, patellar osteotomies, and patellectomy. In traumatic dislocations primary reconstruction or arthroscopy assisted medial stabilization can be performed.

Effects of slow and accelerated rehabilitation protocols on range of motion after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of the early initiation of passive and active range of motion exercises following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS: The study included 40 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Patients were quasi-randomly assigned into accelerated (ACCEL) protocol (n=19) and slow (SLOW) protocol (n=21) groups. Patients in both groups were treated with the same protocol. Active range of motion was begun at the 3rd week in the ACCEL group and the 6th week in the SLOW group. Range of motion was recorded at postoperative weeks 3, 5, 8, 12, and 24. RESULTS: While active range of motion for all measurements improved across weeks, there were no differences between groups, with the exception of active total elevation which was greater at all time point measurements in the ACCEL group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The early initiation of passive and gentle controlled active motion exercise following rotator cuff repairs does not appear to affect range of motion in the first 6 postoperative months.

Comparison of slow and accelerated rehabilitation protocol after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: pain and functional activity.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we sought to compare the effects of the slow and accelerated protocols on pain and functional activity level after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS: The study included 29 patients (3 men, 26 women) who underwent arthroscopic repair of stage 2 and 3 rotator cuff tears. Patients were randomized in two groups: the accelerated protocol group (n=13) and slow protocol group (n=16). Patients in the accelerated protocol group participated in a preoperative rehabilitation program for 4-6 weeks. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and for 24 weeks postoperatively. Pain was assessed by visual analog scale, and functional activity level was assessed by The Disabilities of The Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. The active range of motion was initiated at week 3 after surgery for the accelerated rehabilitation protocol and at week 6 for the slow protocol. The rehabilitation program was completed by the 8th week with the accelerated protocol and by the 22nd week with the slow protocol. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the slow and accelerated protocols with regard to pain at rest (p>0.05). However, the accelerated protocol was associated with less pain during activity at weeks 5 and 16, and with less pain at night during week 5 (p<0.05). The accelerated protocol was superior to the slow protocol in terms of functional activity level, as determined by DASH at weeks 8, 12, and 16 after surgery (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The accelerated protocol is recommended to physical therapists during rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair to prevent the negative effects of immobilization and to support rapid reintegration to daily living activities.

The effectiveness of manual therapy in supraspinatus tendinopathy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this randomized controlled study was to assess the efficacy of manual therapy in the treatment of patients with symptomatic supraspinatus tendinopathy. METHODS: Seventy-seven patients (age range, 30 to 55 years) with supraspinatus tendinopathy, were randomly assigned to one of the three treatment groups: a supervised exercise program (Group 1), a supervised exercise program combined with joint and soft tissue mobilization (Group 2), or a home-based rehabilitation program (Group 3). All patients had rehabilitation for 12 weeks. Pain level was evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the range of motion (ROM) was measured with a goniometer. The Modified American Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (MASES) score was used in functional assessment. Flexion, abduction, internal and external rotation strengths were measured with a manual muscle test. All patients were evaluated before, and at the 4th and 12th week of the rehabilitation. RESULTS: All groups experienced significant decrease in pain and an increase in shoulder muscle strength and function by both the 4th and 12th weeks of treatment (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of function (p>0.05). However, the greatest improvement in functionality was found in Group 2. CONCLUSION: Supervised exercise, supervised and manual therapy, and home-based exercise are all effective and promising methods in the rehabilitation of the patients with subacromial impingement syndrome. The addition of an initial manual therapy may improve the results of the rehabilitation with exercise.

Umbilical artery doppler sonography in Saanen goat fetuses during singleton and multiple pregnancies.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the blood flow from the umbilical artery (UA) in healthy pregnant goats. Doppler sonography examinations were performed every two weeks in Saanen goats with a singleton (n = 5) or multiple (n = 4) pregnancy from 40 to 145 days of gestation. Fetal heart rates (FHR), pulsatility index (PI), and resistance index (RI) were recorded from the mid-cord site of the free-floating umbilical cord. FHR decreased gradually as the pregnancy progressed and significantly decreased during the last two examinations of all fetuses (P < 0.05). The mean PI level was dramatically different (P < 0.05) until 85 days of gestation, after which it reached a plateau level until parturition. Similar to PI, RI decreased by 85 days of gestation (P < 0.05), and decreased again by 130s gestation. No reverse or absent end-diastolic flow were observed in fetuses during any examinations. When comparing singleton and multiple pregnancies, there were no significant differences in UA pulsatility or resistance in fetuses seen. The middle of the second trimester was observed to be a threshold stage for indices in the pattern of caprine pregnancy. In conclusion, this work provides additional values that might be useful when evaluating singleton and multiple pregnancies, and may be evaluated in further studies regarding fetal monitoring.