Use of Apremilast® in the psoriasis treatment: a real-life multicenter Italian experience.

Background: Apremilast (Amgen, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA) is the first small molecule approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis in adult patients; however, real-life data are still limited. We investigated the effectiveness and safety of this drug in a multicenter real-world setting.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data from all psoriatic patients who received at least one dose of Apremilast (Amgen) and collected demographic data and medical history at baseline and periodically for 36 months.

A Surgical Instrument Cover for the Prevention of Thermal Injuries During Laparoscopic Operations.

Introduction: Accidental thermal injuries are infrequent, nonetheless, dangerous complications in laparoscopic surgery. Burns are produced because of direct contact, lack of instrument insulation and capacitive coupling. Biological fluids on the surface of laparoscopic instruments behave as electric conductors on the sheath and may be responsible for accidental thermal injuries.

Radiofrequency-Based Identification Medical Device: An Evaluable Solution for Surgical Sponge Retrieval?

Background: A retained surgical item in patients (gossypiboma) is a persisting problem, despite consistent improvements and existing guidelines in counting instruments and sponges. Previous experiences with radiofrequency identification technology (RFID) tracking sponges show that it could represent an innovation, in order to reduce the criticism and increase the effectiveness during surgical procedures. We present an automated system that allows reduction of errors and improves safety in the operating room.