Effect of Compound 21, a Selective Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor Agonist, in a Murine Xenograft Model of Dupuytren Disease.

Background: Although surgical excision and intralesional collagenase injection are mainstays in Dupuytren disease treatment, no effective medical therapy exists for recurrent disease. Compound 21, a selective agonist of the angiotensin II type 2 receptor, has been shown to protect against fibrosis in models of myocardial infarction and stroke. The authors investigated the potential use of compound 21 in the treatment of Dupuytren disease.

Pre-existing psychiatric disorder in the burn patient is associated with worse outcomes.

Objective: To compare patient and burn characteristics between patients who had a pre-existing psychiatric diagnosis and patients who did not in a Burn Unit at an academic hospital.

Background: Psychosocial issues are common in patients recovering from a burn; however, little is known regarding hospital course and discharge outcomes in patients with a pre-existing psychiatric diagnosis presenting with a burn. Baseline medical comorbidities of burn patients have been shown to be a significant risk for in-hospital mortality.

The Effect of Written Information on Recall of Surgical Risks of Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Background: Written information has been thought to help patients recall surgical risks discussed during the informed consent process, but has not been assessed for carpal tunnel release, a procedure with the rare but serious risk of complex regional pain syndrome. The authors' objective was to determine whether providing a pamphlet would improve patients' ability to remember the risks of surgery.

Methods: Sixty patients seen for carpal tunnel release were included in this prospective, single-blind, randomized study.

Treatment of posttraumatic injuries to the nerves in the foot and ankle.

Nerve injuries of the foot and ankle can result in pain, numbness, or loss of motor function. A thorough history and physical examination are required to diagnose the injury correctly and guide treatment. Treatment may involve conservative measures, primary nerve repair or nerve grafting, or resection and relocation of painful neuroma.

Prospective study of outcomes after reduction mammaplasty.

Background: The purpose of this study was to prospectively assess changes in overall health-related quality of life and breast-related symptoms in women undergoing reduction mammaplasty, and to compare preoperative and postoperative health-related quality of life with that of the normal population.

Methods: Fifty-six patients were evaluated preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively with three questionnaires: the Short Form-36 Health Survey, the Symptom Inventory Questionnaire, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Surgeons completed preoperative patient assessment forms, operative note forms, and postoperative patient assessment forms.

Gorlin's syndrome: An interesting case study and literature review.

Gorlin's syndrome, or basal cell nevus syndrome, is a relatively rare disease. It consists of a classic pentad of features comprised of multiple basal cell carcinomas, jaw cysts, calcification of the falx cerebri, pitting of the palmar and plantar surfaces and rib anomalies. A review of the clinical features, differential diagnosis, clinical work-up and current treatment is presented.