Search

Background Recurrent bacterial meningitis has been found to occur in about 5% of meningitis cases. Methods We analyzed adults with recurrent episodes in a prospective nationwide cohort study of community-acquired bacterial meningitis. Results Of 2264 episodes of community-acquired bacterial meningitis between 2006 and 2018, 143 (6%) were identified as recurrent episodes in 123 patients. The median age was 57 years (interquartile range [IQR], 43–66), and 57 episodes (46%) occurred in men. The median duration between the first and the current episode was 5 years (IQR, 1–15). For 82 of 123 patients (67%), it was the first recurrent episode, 31 patients had 2–5 previous episodes (25%), 2 had 6–10 episodes (2%), and 2 had >10 episodes (2%). Predisposing factors were identified in 87 of 118 patients (74%) and most commonly consisted of ear or sinus infections (43 of 120, 36%) and cerebrospinal fluid leakage (37 of 116, 32%). The most common pathogens were Streptococcus pneumoniae (93 of 143, 65%) and Haemophilus influenzae (19 of 143, 13%). The outcome was unfavorable (Glasgow outcome scale score, Recurrent meningitis occurs mainly in patients with ear or sinus infections and cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Predominant causative pathogens are Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. The disease course is less severe, resulting in lower case fatality compared with nonrecurrent meningitis patients.

BACKGROUND Malignancy of oral cavity is quite a common disease entity in Western part of the state of Odisha. This is because of prevalence of habits like smoking, chewing tobacco, and consumption of alcohol. Ignorance about the severity of the condition in early stages leads to delayed diagnosis. METHODS A study was undertaken in Bhima Bhoi Medical College, Bolangir, in Western Orissa from October 2018 to September 2020 to study about different patterns of presentations and histopathological variations of malignancy of oral cavity in this part of Odisha. Patients were thoroughly clinically evaluated, examined, and appropriate investigation protocol was followed to record data. RESULTS About 0.33 % of all patients coming to the outpatient department (OPD) were found to be suffering from carcinoma of oral cavity. Maximum number of cases were males in the 5th and 6th decade with squamous cell carcinoma. Predisposing factors like areca nut and pan masala consumption were noted. A majority of patients were cultivators from lower middle-class families. Other common groups were businessman and industrial workers. They had come with burning sensation in the mouth and restricted mouth opening as complaints. Xerostomia, fibrous bands in mouth, cervical lymphadenopathy were signs that were detected. Cheek was seen to be a primary site of lesion in large number of cases followed by tongue and lip. CONCLUSIONS In spite of them being easily assessable, patients ignored their symptoms leading to delay in reporting to healthcare facility. As the patients were from disadvantaged background, by the time they came to hospital, they were in an advanced stage (stage three). Squamous cell carcinoma is very common in this part of Orissa. Proper guidance to the patients about the symptoms and risk factors will go a long way in early diagnosis and a more favourable outcome post treatment. KEYWORDS Malignancy, Oral Cavity, Predisposing Factor, Stage

To find out incidence, prevalence, various modes and pattern of cutthroat injury during COVID-19 pandemic and compare with prior non pandemic period. To find out the various factor influencing the suicidal cutthroat and establish the temporal association of suicidal cutthroat with COVID-19 pandemic. It is a retrospective study of cutthroat patients who were managed in ENT Dept. VIMSAR, Burla, Sambalur, Odisha, India from 1st September 2019 to 31st August 2020. Source of information are casualty, IPD and OT registers and online data. Total cases were divided into group-A (prior to COVID-19 pandemic) and group-B (during COVID-19 pandemic) and analysed. Total 24 cutthroat injury cases were treated over 1 year in department of ENT, VIMSAR, Burla, which was 0.054% of total cases attended at casualty and 2.371% of total IPD patients treated. In GROUP-A, total 10 cases with M:F = 9:1,suicidal 4 cases (40%), homicidal 6 cases (60%), and no accidental cases were recorded. While in GROUP-B, total 14 case with M:F = 14:0, suicidal 9 cases (64.28%), homicidal 3 cases (21.42%) and accidental 2 (14.28%) cases were recorded. In our study majority of cases were male with M:F = 23:1. Common age group belongs to 20–30 years with LSES and farmer by occupation. Zone II injury had incidence of 70.83%. Homicide cases proportionally high during non-COVID period while suicide cases high during COVID-19 pandemic. Association of COVID-19 pandemic with suicidal cut throat injury is seems to be significant. Among predisposing risk factors for suicidal, depression during COVID-19 pandemic had seen in 53.84% of total suicidal cases. Incidence and prevalence of Cut throat injury is comparatively high in western odisha which again increases during months of July and August parallel to COVID-19 pandemic. The common mode of cutthroat injury is homicidal, which suddenly changes to suicidal during COVID-19 pandemic. More vulnerable groups were young unemployed male, farmers and labours. Cutthroat injury cases definitely increases during COVID-19 pandemic with most common mode of injury being suicidal attempt, which may be due to economical and psychological imbalances, due to loss of job and fear and social stigma for COVID-19 diseases.

Background: Piriformis syndrome is a neuromuscular condition characterized by hip and gluteal pain caused by abnormality of piriformis muscle. In clinical practice, this syndrome is usually misdiagnosed with other spinal disorders. There is no specific test in diagnosing piriformis syndrome, therefore by understanding the characteristics and predisposing factors, clinicians may be more aware in diagnosing this syndrome. Objective: To investigate the characteristics and predisposing factors of piriformis syndrome. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted on patients with gluteal pain in a referral hospital. Diagnosis was established by block injection on piriformis muscle and showed clinical improvement afterwards. Demographic characteristics, predisposing factors, and physical examination were analyzed. The data is collected and processed by SPSS 20.0. Results: The total of 65 patients were evaluated, with a male to female ratio 1:3. As much as 47.7% of patients were > 60 years old. Average weight was 60 kg and BMI (Body Mass Index) was within normal range (58.9%). Most subjects were housewives (55.4%) and the majority of subjects had history of microtrauma such as sitting on rigid surfaces (36.9%), walking or running long distances (18.5%), and cross-legged sitting (10.8%). Average sitting per day was approximately 5 hours. In 56.9% of subjects, exercises were conducted. There was no history of back pain in 81.5% of subjects. Conclusion: Our study showed age and housewives characteristics differ with other studies. The most predisposing factors were history of microtrauma, female, age, and normal BMI.

Background: Delirium is the most common neuropsychiatric presentation during hospitalization. In neurosurgery, studies on predisposing and precipitating risk factors for the development of delirium are rare but required for the individual risk estimation. Methods: Prospective cohort study in a tertiary university center. In total, 949 neurosurgical patients, 307 with and 642 without delirium, were included. Demographic factors, neurosurgery-related, neurological, and medical clusters were tested as predictors of delirium in multiple logistic regression analyses. Results: The incidence of delirium in this cohort of neurosurgical patients was 32.4%. Compared to patients without delirium, those with delirium were significantly older, more cognitively and neurologically impaired, transferred from hospitals and nursing homes, admitted as emergencies, longer hospitalized (16.2 vs. 9.5 days; p

Aim: Although the risk factors for delirium in general medicine are well-established, their significance in cardiac diseases remains to be determined. Therefore, we evaluated the predisposing and precipitating risk factors in patients hospitalized with acute and chronic heart disease.Methods and Results: In this observational cohort study, 1,042 elderly patients (≥65 years) admitted to cardiology wards, 167 with and 875 without delirium, were included. The relevant sociodemographic and cardiac- and medical-related clusters were assessed by simple and multiple regression analyses and prediction models evaluating their association with delirium. The prevalence of delirium was 16.0%. The delirious patients were older (mean 80 vs. 76 years; p < 0.001) and more often institutionalized prior to admission (3.6 vs. 1.4%, p = 0.05), hospitalized twice as long (12 ± 10 days vs. 7 ± 7 days; p < 0.001), and discharged more often to nursing homes (4.8 vs. 0.6%, p < 0.001) or deceased (OR, 2.99; 95% CI, 1.53–5.85; p = 0.003). The most relevant risk factor was dementia (OR, 18.11; 95% CI, 5.77–56.83; p < 0.001), followed by history of stroke (OR, 6.61; 95% CI 1.35–32.44; p = 0.020), and pressure ulcers (OR, 3.62; 95% CI, 1.06–12.35; p = 0.040). The predicted probability for developing delirium was highest in patients with reduced mobility and institutionalization prior to admission (PP = 31.2%, p = 0.001). Of the cardiac diseases, only valvular heart disease (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.01–2.44; p = 0.044) significantly predicted delirium. The patients undergoing cardiac interventions did not have higher rates of delirium (OR, 1.39; 95% CI 0.91–2.12; p = 0.124).Conclusion: In patients admitted to a cardiology ward, age-related functional and cognitive impairment, history of stroke, and pressure ulcers were the most relevant risk factors for delirium. With regards to specific cardiological factors, only valvular heart disease was associated with risk for delirium. Knowing these factors can help cardiologists to facilitate the early detection and management of delirium.

Erworben im Rahmen der Schweizer Nationallizenzen (http://www.nationallizenzen.ch), Objective: Delirium is a frequent complication in advanced cancer patients, among whom it is frequently underdiagnosed and inadequately treated. To date, evidence on risk factors and the prognostic impact of delirium on outcomes remains sparse in this patient population. Method: In this prospective observational cohort study at a single tertiary-care center, 1,350 cancer patients were enrolled. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were utilized to identify associations between predisposing and precipitating factors and delirium. Cox proportional-hazards models were used to estimate the effect of delirium on death rate. Results: In our patient cohort, the prevalence of delirium was 34.3%. Delirium was associated inter alia with prolonged hospitalization, a doubling of care requirements, increased healthcare costs, increased need for institutionalization (OR 3.22), and increased mortality (OR 8.78). Predisposing factors for delirium were impaired activity (OR 10.82), frailty (OR 4.75); hearing (OR 2.23) and visual impairment (OR 1.89), chronic pneumonitis (OR 2.62), hypertension (OR 1.46), and renal insufficiency (OR 1.82). Precipitating factors were acute renal failure (OR 7.50), pressure sores (OR 3.78), pain (OR 2.86), and cystitis (OR 1.32). On multivariate Cox regression, delirium increased the mortality risk sixfold (HR 5.66). Age ≥ 65 years and comorbidities further doubled the mortality risk of delirious patients (HR 1.77; HR 2.05). Significance of results: Delirium is common in cancer patients and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Systematically categorizing predisposing and precipitating factors might yield new strategies for preventing and managing delirium in cancer patients.

Erworben im Rahmen der Schweizer Nationallizenzen (http://www.nationallizenzen.ch) A corrigendum to this article was published in Palliative & Supportive Care 19(3), June 2021, pp. 393. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1478951521000560, Objectives: Patients with terminal illness are at high risk of developing delirium, in particular, those with multiple predisposing and precipitating risk factors. Delirium in palliative care is largely under-researched, and few studies have systematically assessed key aspects of delirium in elderly, palliative-care patients. Methods: In this prospective, observational cohort study at a tertiary care center, 229 delirious palliative-care patients stratified by age

Background: Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is an infectious emergency in the head and neck, and patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have an immunocompromised status. However, no relevant research has focused on the ESRD–PTA relationship. This study explored PTA in ESRD patients and their prognosis. Methods: We identified 157,026 patients diagnosed as having ESRD over January 1997 to December 2013 from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Each patient with ESRD (hereafter, patients) was matched with one control without chronic kidney disease (CKD, hereafter, controls) by sex, age, urbanization level, and income. Next, PTA incidence until death or the end of 2013 was compared between the two groups, and the relative risk of PTA was analyzed using a multiple logistic regression model. Results: The patients had a significantly higher PTA incidence than did the controls (incidence rate ratio: 2.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.40–2.91, p &lt, 0.001). The Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that the patients had a higher cumulative incidence of PTA than did the controls (p &lt, 0.001). In Cox regression analysis, the patients had nearly twofold higher PTA risk (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.37–2.86, p &lt, 0.001). The between-group differences in the PTA-related hospital stay length (8.1 ± 10.3 days in patients and 5.7 ± 4.6 days in controls, p = 0.09), consequent deep-neck infection complication (4.2% in patients and 6.3% in controls, p = 0.682), and mortality (0.0% in both groups) were nonsignificant. Conclusions: Although ESRD does not predict a poor prognosis of PTA, it is an independent PTA risk factor.

Sweet's syndrome is reportedly associated with preceding nontuberculous mycobacterial infections (NTMIs). Here, we report on a systemic Mycobacterium intracellulare infection in a patient on corticoid therapy for Sweet's syndrome. Literature searches show that 69.1% of patients with Sweet's syndrome and NTMIs developed this syndrome later than NTMIs and 89.3% of them developed during the clinical course of a rapidly growing mycobacterial infection. The residual cases were associated with slow-growing mycobacteria (14.3%), but only three cases of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections before the onset of Sweet's syndrome have been reported, and all of them were caused by disseminated MAC disease. One of these cases developed during corticoid therapy for Sweet's syndrome, while another case had underlying diabetes mellitus. Hence, the occurrence of systemic MAC disease may be an inevitable consequence of long-term steroid use and underlying diseases. Literature searches also show that cervical lymphadenitis was a predominant symptom in NTMIs (90.5%). The present case did not have cervical lymphadenitis although the previously reported MAC cases did experience it. Therefore, lymphadenitis from NTMIs may be related to the pathogenesis of Sweet's syndrome. Hence, should a patient have systemic infection without lymphadenitis, it will be more difficult to clinically confirm that MAC disease is a predisposing factor for Sweet's syndrome.

Background: The apnea test is an essential component in the clinical determination of brain death, however it may incur a significant risk of complications such as hypotension, hypoxia and even cardiac arrest. We analyzed the risk factors associated with a failed apnea test during brain death assessment in order to predict and avoid these adverse events. Methods: Medical records on apnea tests performed for brain-dead donors at our institution between January 2009 and January 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Age, gender, etiology of brain death, use of catecholamines and results of arterial blood gas analysis (ABGA), systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP), mean arterial pressure and central venous pressure prior to apnea test initiation were collected as variables. A-a gradient and PaO2/FiO2 were calculated for more precise assessment of the respiratory system. In total, 267 cases were divided into two groups based on those who completed the apnea test and those who failed the test. Results: 13 cases failed the apnea test. Among them, seven cases failed due to severe hypotension (SBP < 60 mmHg) and the others failed due to refractory hypoxia. In terms of hemodynamic state, SBP was significantly higher in the completed test group than the failed group (126.5 ± 23.9 vs. 103 ± 15.2, respectively; p = 0.001). In ABGA, the completed test group showed significantly higher PaO2/ FiO2 (313.6 ± 229.8 vs. 141.5 ± 131.0, respectively; p = 0.008) and a lower A-a gradient (278.2 ± 209.5 vs. 506.2 ± 173.1, respectively; p = 0.000). In multivariable analysis, low SBP (p = 0.003) and high A-a gradient (p = 0.044) were independent risk factors associated with a failed apnea test. Conclusions: Although the unexpected adverse events during the apnea test for brain death determination do not occur frequently, they can be fatal. If a brain-dead patient has low SBP and a high A-a gradient, clinicians should pay more attention and prepare for potential complications prior to the apnea test.

Background Interventions that promote adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) adherence are critical to improve breast cancer survival. The development of interventions would benefit from a better understanding of the reasons for adherence and the causal relationships of determinants using theoretical or model approaches. The aim of the present study was to identify reasons for AET adherence in breast cancer patients with sequential relationships and inter-relationships. Methods A total of 210 participants with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer who received AET completed a questionnaire assessing demographic/medical, psychological, and endocrine therapy (ET)-specific factors. A descriptive analysis was performed to identify meaningful variables. Selected variables were subjected to hierarchical regression and path analyses. The path model was tested and modified based on the research framework and the results of regression weights and model fit. Results Analysis of sequential effects showed that ET-specific factors contributed the largest proportion of variance (13.4%) to predict AET adherence, followed by psychological factors (4.6%) and demographic/medical factors (3.1%). Analysis of inter-relationships showed that demographic/medical factors such as AET regimen type and cancer stage have direct effects on AET adherence, whereas psychological factors contribute indirectly through the mediating effects of ET-specific factors. Conclusion Assessments and interventions that encompass the patient’s medication beliefs, self-efficacy, and depression are needed to promote AET adherence.

Purpose Information on the clinical features of lung abscess, which is uncommon in children, at hospitalizationis helpful to anticipate the disease course and management. There is no report concerning lung abscess in Korean children. We aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of pediatric lung abscess and compare the difference between primary and secondary abscess groups. Methods The medical records of 11 lung abscess patients (7 males and 4 females) from March 1998 to August 2011 at two university hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical characteristics, symptoms, underlying disease, laboratory and radiologic findings, microbiological results, and treatments were examined. Results Six patients had underlying structural-related problems (e.g., skeletal anomalies). No immunologic or hematologic problem was recorded. The mean ages of the primary and secondary groups were 2.4 and 5.3 years, respectively, but the difference was not statistically significant. The mean length of hospital stay was similar in both groups (22.8 days vs. 21.4 days). Immunologic studies were performed in 3 patients; the results were within the normal range. Most patients had prominent leukocytosis. Seven and 4 patients had right and left lung abscess, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and antimycoplasma antibodies were detected in both groups. Two patients with primary lung abscess were administered antibiotics in the absence of other procedures, while 8 underwent interventional procedures, including 5 with secondary abscess. Conclusion The most common symptoms were fever and cough. All patients in the primary group were younger than 3 years. Structural problems were dominant. Most patients required interventional procedures and antibiotics.

Context: Clinicians face one of the most common bacterial infections in developing countries that is urinary tract infection (UTI). Current knowledge on antimicrobial susceptibility pattern is essential for selecting appropriate therapy. Aims: In this study, we investigated the various bacteria causing UTI and determined the sensitivity and resistance of antibiotics pattern against most prevalent uropathogens isolated from patients at tertiary hospital, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia. Settings and Design: This was a retrospective study of urine culture conducted in King Fahad Hospital at Al-Baha in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: Laboratory reports and patient medical files of both inpatient and outpatient were collected between June 2017 and May 2018, targeting both male and female of age above 18 years of age, who had been treated for UTI. Results: A total of 349 patients’ urine report was studied to identify the uropathogens. Escherichia coli was the main etiologic agent in community and hospital-acquired infections. The majority of the bacteria was isolated from female (60%), whereas the remaining (40%) was from male. The most common isolates were E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, E. coli Extended spectrum beta-lactamases, Pseudomonas, and K. pneumoniae ESBL (these represented 37.82%, 19.20%, 10.89%, 10.32%, 6.59%, and 3.72%, of isolate, respectively). UTI due to E. coli was at a higher rate during summer than during winter. This study showed that ciprofloxacin (20.29%) and cefuroxime (16.14%) are most prescribed medications, followed by ceftriaxone (12.96%) and then tazocin (8.80%). Imipenem, meropenem, amikacin, vancomycin, tigecycline, linezolid, and colistin were highly sensitive for most types of bacteria, but gram-negative bacteria were highly resistant to ampicillin. Gram-positive bacteria showed highly resistance to cefoxitin. Conclusion: The microbial culture and sensitivity of the isolates from urine samples should be carried out as a routine before starting the antimicrobial therapy. Current knowledge of the antibiotic sensitivity/resistance patterns of uropathogens at a particular geographical region is a guiding factor for choosing an appropriate empirical antimicrobial treatment rather than following universal guidelines.

Rationale: Herpetic esophagitis (HE) is a common condition in immunosuppressed patients, but a rare entity in immunocompetent patients affecting especially male teenagers and young adults. Patient concerns: We report the case of a 5-year-old male patient, with a history of allergic rhinitis admitted in our clinic for acute onset fever refractory to antipyretics, chest pain, anorexia, refusal of solid food, accepting only small amounts of fluids, odynophagia, and epigastric pain. The clinical exam revealed severe malaise, pallor, decreased skin turgor, abdominal epigastric tenderness, heartburn at palpation within the epigastric area. The laboratory tests showed leukocytosis, monocytosis, hypoglycaemia, and elevated inflammatory biomarkers. Diagnoses: The serology tests for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV) were negative, except for immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-EBV which was positive. The chest radiography was normal, and the abdominal ultrasound showed abdominal bloating. The upper digestive endoscopy revealed friable esophageal mucosa, with multiple ulceration on the entire esophagus, and whitish exudates especially on the middle and lower part of the esophagus suggesting a possible eosinophilic esophagitis or caused by Candida. Despite the empirical initiated treatment, the patient's evolution was only slowly favorable. The histological exam established the diagnosis of HE. Interventions: We initiated acyclovir therapy with an outstandingly favorable evolution. Outcomes: After 1 month, we detected the seroconversion of IgG anti-HSV. The patient's follow-up revealed no additional complaints. Lessons: Despite its rarity in immunocompetent individuals, HE must be taken into account even in otherwise healthy small children. Allergic conditions might represent a predisposing factor for HE.

Objective: To investigate the predisposing risk factors in the occurrence of complications after vaginal hysterectomy. Material and methods: The data obtained from 223 patients, admitted to tertiary care center that underwent vaginal hysterectomy due to benign pathology between January 2006 and March 2012 were retrospectively analyzed.Chisquare test was used to evaluate variables in categorized groups. Results: Group variables occurred age, number of pregnancies and abortion, parity, stage according to pelvic organ prolapse classification (POP-Q), periods of hospitalization and urinary catheterization. The main complications were hemorrhage, febrile morbidity and vaginal vault prolapse. Advanced age (> 60), pelvic prolapse, long-term hospitalization and urinary catheterization, were predisposing factors for the presence of complications. Conclusion: Vaginal hysterectomy is a safe and effective method, although not completely devoid of intraoperative or postoperative complications. Advanced age (> 60), POP-Q stage 3-4 pelvic prolapse, prolonged hospitalization and urinary catheterization were seem to be predisposing conditions for the existence of complications. Appropriate preoperative planning and meticulous postoperative care may be helpful to reduce the rate of complications.

Objective To report our experience with Fournier's Gangrene (FG) over the past eight years and evaluate the predisposing factors which affect the mortality. Methods Sixty-five patients who were admitted to emergency surgical unit of our institution presenting with FG between January 2006 and August 2014 were included. The anatomical site of infective gangrene, predisposing factors, etiological factors, and outcomes were retrospectively reviewed. Results Our cases included 8 women and 57 men. The average age of men was 51±13.9 (range 19-75) and the average age of women was 63±10.5 (range 52-76). Average hospitalization time was 9.2±6.6 days (range 5-25) days. The most frequent comorbid disease was diabetes mellitus and the most frequent etiology was perianal abscess. Colostomy was performed in 11 patients, orchidectomy in two patients, cystostomy in two patients. Notably, all of the 8 (12.3%) patients who died from FG had diabetes and low socioeconomic status. A total of six patients who died required more than one surgical debridement. Conclusions Fournier's gangrene is a severe surgical emergency, with a high mortality rate. Low socioeconomic status, diabetes and more than one debridement play a major role in mortality and morbidity.

Bladder stones account for 5% of all urinary tract’s stone diseases. They are usually seen in older men because of infravesical obstructions such as prostate hyperplasia and neurogenic voiding dysfunction. Infection, foreign bodies, anti-incontinence surgery in woman can also be predisposing factors for bladder calculus. They can rarely be seen in children and young, healthy patients without any predisposing factors and are then called “endemic bladder calculi”. In this case report we present a 43 year old woman who has had an endemic giant bladder calculus and on whom we performed percutaneous cystolithotomy. The stone measured 61x56 mm in size. It was composed of calcium oxalate. In our patient, despite all the researches there was no etiological cause but the patient, had used herbal pills that came from China. The aim of this case report is to emphasize the fact that bladder calculi can develop in middle-aged patients without any predisposing factors.

Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the recent status of intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation according to a classification system based on vertical dislocation position, as well as the surgical techniques and outcomes of IOL exchange surgery. Methods The medical records of 230 eyes from 214 consecutive patients who experienced IOL dislocation and underwent exchange surgery between 2006 and 2014 were reviewed. Vertical dislocation sites observed preoperatively under operating microscopy were examined, along with the surgical techniques and outcomes of IOL exchange. Results Dislocation sites included (1) the anterior chamber (12.2 %), (2) pseudophakodonesis (19.1 %), (3) the anterior vitreous cavity (47.4 %), (4) trap door-like dislocation (dangling in the peripheral vitreous cavity; 16.1 %), and (5) the retinal surface (5.2 %). The IOL retained in the anterior segment was moved onto the iris by pulling it up through the limbal side ports with an anterior vitrectomy (67.8 %), or by pushing it up from the pars plana with an anterior vitrectomy (26.5 %), while the IOL dropped on the retina was lifting it up from the retina after pars plana vitrectomy (5.7 %). Mean uncorrected and distance-corrected visual acuity significantly improved postoperatively (p

The most common mononeuropathy in the lower extremity involves the nerve. We retrospectively evaluated the etiological predisposing factors and clinical-neurophysiological features of 36 patients affected by peroneal mononeuropathy (PM). In 30 patients, a clear predisposing factor was identified. PM was more frequently perioperative (11 cases), associated with axonal involvement. Unexpectedly, PM was not only due to surgery close to the peroneal region, but was mostly associated with hip surgery and, rarely, with thoracic-abdominal surgery. A postural predisposing factor of PM was also frequently observed, usually associated with a pure conduction block. Conversely, most patients with bedridden predisposing factor presented axonal involvement, which was rarely associated with conduction block. In 25 of 36 PM cases, a long-term follow-up lead to an improvement (12 cases) or to good recovery (13 cases) of PM. In conclusion, our study shows that: (1) in most PM cases it is possible to identify a predisposing factor; (2) there is a good correlation between predisposing factor and neurophysiological involvement, and (3) PM usually has usually a good prognosis.

We recently observed six cases of generalized dermatitis associated with Malassezia overgrowth in cats presented to the Veterinary College of Alfort, France. Elevated numbers of yeasts were observed in lesional skin by cytology and culture. Skin lesions occurred on the face, ventral neck, abdomen and ear canals and were characterized by some degree of alopecia, erythema and crusting. In most cases, pruritus was intense. The species M. pachydermatis was systematically isolated.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a very common disorder of the knee. Due to multiple forces influencing the patellofemoral joint, clinical management of this ailment is particularly intricate. Patellofemoral pain syndrome has a multifactorial nature and multiple parameters have been proposed as potential risk factors, classified as intrinsic or extrinsic. Some of the intrinsic risk factors are modifiable and may be approached in treatment. A number of modifiable risk factors have been suggested, including quadriceps weakness, tightness of hamstring, iliopsoas and gastrosoleus muscles, hip muscles dysfunction, foot overpronation, tightness of iliotibial band, generalised joint laxity, limb length discrepancy, patellar malalignment and hypermobility. In general, the routine approach of physicians to this problem does not include assessment and modification of these risk factors and therefore, it may negatively affect the management outcomes. Changing this approach necessitates an easy and practical protocol for assessment of modifiable risk factors and effective and feasible measures to address them. In this review, we aimed to introduce assessment and intervention packages appropriate for this purpose.

Yoshihiko Oono, Koji Uehara, Masatoshi Haruta, Ryoji YamakawaDepartment of Ophthalmology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, JapanPurpose: To describe the characteristics and surgical outcomes of pediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.Methods: A retrospective study of pediatric patients (15 years old or younger) who had undergone primary surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was conducted. Patients were divided into five groups according to the predisposing factors: trauma (group 1), myopia (group 2), atopic dermatitis (group 3), congenital or developmental anomalies (group 4), and others (group 5).Results: A total of 48 eyes of 44 patients were included in this study. There were 18 eyes (37.5%) in group 1, twelve eyes (25.0%) in group 2, six eyes (12.5%) in group 3, five eyes (10.4%) in group 4, and seven eyes (14.6%) in group 5. The initial retinal reattachment rate was 89% in group 1, 100% in group 2, 83% in group 3, 20% in group 4, and 86% in group 5 (P = 0.002). The final retinal reattachment rate was 100% in group 1, 100% in group 2, 100% in group 3, 80% in group 4, and 86% in group 5 (P = 0.16). The frequency of visual acuity of 0.1 or better after surgery was 100% in group 1, 92% in group 2, 83% in group 3, 40% in group 4, and 71% in group 5 (P = 0.01).Conclusion: The overall surgical outcome was successful, but the patients in group 4 had the lowest initial reattachment rate and the worst visual prognosis.Keywords: children, detached retina, surgical outcome, predisposing factor

Microbial (non-viral) keratitis is a serious vision-threatening condition. The management of microbial keratitis in children is particularly complicated by the children’s inability to cooperate during examinations and the lack of information prior to presentation. Predisposing factors vary according to geographical location and age. Corneal trauma is the leading cause for microbial keratitis in children, followed by systemic and ocular disease. Etiologic agents are most frequently Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria commonly found in contact lens-related microbial keratitis. Mycotic keratitis is a major risk factor in tropical weather conditions, particularly when associated with agricultural trauma. Early diagnosis, intensive drug treatment, and timely planned surgical intervention may effectively improve the outcome of pediatric microbial keratitis.

Background. The most common entrapment in the lower extremity is peroneal mononeuropathy (PM) at the fibular head. Several studies of this condition have been published but, until now, no wide multicenter clinical-neurophysiological studies on PM are available. In recent years, multicenter studies have been suggested; moreover it is commonly accepted that a multiperspective approach provides more comprehensive results.

Purpose There is currently no information regarding predisposing factors for chronic and recurrent rhinosinusitis (RS), although these are considered to be multifactorial in origin, and allergic diseases contribute to their pathogenesis. We evaluated the predisposing factors that may be associated with chronic and recurrent RS. Methods In this prospective study, we examined patients with RS younger than 13 years of age, diagnosed with RS at six tertiary referral hospitals in Korea between October and December, 2006. Demographic and clinical data related to RS were recorded and analyzed. Results In total, 296 patients were recruited. Acute RS was the most frequent type: 56.4% of the patients had acute RS. The prevalences of other types of RS, in descending order, were chronic RS (18.9%), subacute RS (13.2%), and recurrent RS (11.5%). Factors associated with recurrent RS were similar to those of chronic RS. Patients with chronic and recurrent RS were significantly older than those with acute and subacute RS. The prevalences of allergic rhinitis, atopy, and asthma were significantly higher in patients with chronic and recurrent RS than those with acute and subacute RS. Conclusions An association between atopy and chronic/recurrent RS, compared to acute and subacute RS, suggests a possible causal link.

Purpose: The incidence of lymph node metastasis has been reported to range from 2.6 to 4.8% in early stage gastric cancer with mucosal invasion (T1a cancer). Lymph node metastasis in early stage gastric cancer is known as an important predictive factor. We analyzed the prediction factors of lymph node metastasis in T1a cancer. Materials and Methods: A total of 9,912 patients underwent radical gastrectomy due to gastric cancer from October 1994 to July 2006 in the Department Of Surgery at Samsung Medical Center. We did a retrospective analysis of 2,524 patients of these patients, ones for whom the cancer was confined within the mucosa. Results: Among the 2,524 patients, 57 (2.2%) were diagnosed with lymph node metastasis, and of these, cancer staging was as follows: 41 were N1, 8 were N2, and 8 were N3a. Univariate analysis of clinicopathological factors showed that the following factors were significant predictors of metastasis: tumor size larger than 4 cm, the presence of middle and lower stomach cancer, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and signet-ring cell carcinoma, diffuse type cancer (by the Lauren classification), and lymphatic invasion. Multivariate analysis showed that lymphatic invasion and tumor larger than 4 cm were significant factors with P

This research analyzes the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in Korea and examines how the presence of a familial history of diseases related to MS, such as hypertension/stroke, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, affect the development of MS in Koreans. The prevalence of MS and its components, as defined by the Nation-al Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel guidelines, were evaluated in nationally representative samples of non-institutionalized civilian Koreans. This analysis is based on the 2001 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which used a stratified multistage probability sampling design. The final study included 5,742 adults who had completed the necessary health examinations and met the diagnosis of MS. The prevalence of MS was 25.5% in men and 28.7% in women. Odds ratio for MS among men with a familial history of hypertension/stroke was higher than that among men who did not have this history. The OR for MS among women with a familial history of hypertension/stroke or diabetes was higher than that among women who had no familial history of these diseases. These results show that familial history of hypertension/stroke and diabetes was significantly related to the presence of MS in both young men and women.