Caudal Neuraxial Blocks for Pain Relief From Pelvic Neuropathy Caused by Extensive Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma.

Central neuraxial blocks can be a vital therapeutic tool for neuropathic pain, but they are infrequently implemented for pain management in cancer patients. Upon a literature review, further data on the role or efficacy of central nerve blocks for neuropathic cancer pain would be beneficial. Additionally, evidence-based guidelines and practices are lacking regarding additional interventions for neuropathic pain relief, a common manifestation of cancer burden.

SLCO1B1*5 Allele Is Associated With Atorvastatin Discontinuation and Adverse Muscle Symptoms in the Context of Routine Care.

The SLCO1B1 genotype is known to influence patient adherence to statin therapy, in part by increasing the risk for statin-associated musculoskeletal symptoms (SAMSs). The SLCO1B1*5 allele has previously been associated with simvastatin discontinuation and SAMSs. Prior analyses of the relationship between SLCO1B1*5 and atorvastatin muscle side effects have been inconclusive due to insufficient power.

Prosthetic Joint Septic Arthritis Successfully Treated with Ceftriaxone.

is a Gram-negative coccobacillus that is known to cause gastroenteritis and symptoms mimicking appendicitis or terminal ileitis. It is also one of the culprit infections implicated in causing reactive arthritis. Rarely, it can cause musculoskeletal infections including osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, and discitis.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma Presenting as Chronic Diarrhea; An Unusual Presentation of a Common Lymphoproliferative Disorder.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common lymphoproliferative disorder in the United States. It has a variable presentation with most patients having asymptomatic lymphocytosis. Many other patients present with lymphadenopathy or enlargement of other organs of the reticuloendothelial system.

Safety and Efficacy of Hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: During the initial phases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic, there was an unfounded fervor surrounding the use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ); however, recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended against routine use of HCQ outside of study protocols citing possible adverse outcomes.

Methods: Multiple databases were searched to identify articles on COVID-19. An unadjusted odds ratio (OR) was used to calculate the safety and efficacy of HCQ on a random effect model.

Comparative accuracy of non-invasive imaging versus right heart catheterization for the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Right heart catheterization (RHC) is the gold-standard in the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (PH) but at the cost of procedure-related complications. We sought to determine the comparative accuracy of RHC versus non-invasive imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).

Methods: Pulmonary hypertension was defined as a mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) of>20 mmHg.

Multicenter Analysis of Truncal Valve Management and Outcomes in Children with Truncus Arteriosus.

Truncal valve management in patients with truncus arteriosus is a clinical challenge, and indications for truncal valve intervention have not been defined. We sought to evaluate truncal valve dysfunction and primary valve intervention in patients with truncus arteriosus and determine risk factors for later truncal valve intervention. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children who underwent truncus arteriosus repair at 15 centers between 2009 and 2016.

Characteristics and operative outcomes for children undergoing repair of truncus arteriosus: A contemporary multicenter analysis.

Objective: We sought to describe characteristics and operative outcomes of children who underwent repair of truncus arteriosus and identify risk factors for the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in the immediate postoperative period in a contemporary multicenter cohort.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of children who underwent repair of truncus arteriosus between 2009 and 2016 at 15 centers within the United States. Patients with associated interrupted or obstructed aortic arch were excluded.

Multicenter Validation of the Vasoactive-Ventilation-Renal Score as a Predictor of Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation After Neonatal Cardiac Surgery.

Objectives: We sought to validate the Vasoactive-Ventilation-Renal score, a novel disease severity index, as a predictor of outcome in a multicenter cohort of neonates who underwent cardiac surgery.

Design: Retrospective chart review.

Setting: Seven tertiary-care referral centers.

Extubation Failure after Neonatal Cardiac Surgery: A Multicenter Analysis.

Objectives: To describe the epidemiology of extubation failure and identify risk factors for its occurrence in a multicenter population of neonates undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease.

Study Design: We conducted a prospective observational study of neonates ≤30 days of age who underwent cardiac surgery at 7 centers within the US in 2015. Extubation failure was defined as reintubation within 72 hours of the first planned extubation.

Reduction in STIs in an empowerment intervention programme for female sex workers in Bangalore, India: the Pragati programme.

Background/objective: The Pragati programme is an on-going empowerment programme for female sex workers (FSWs) working and living in Bangalore, India. Pragati aims to reduce transmission of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among FSWs. This study describes the STI incidence rate, contact rate, and condom use during follow-up years.

Black hip: a rare case treated by total hip replacement.

Background And Objective: Ochronic arthropathy of hip (Black Hip) is a rare clinical manifestation of congenital disorder of amino acid metabolism characterized by a classic triad: (1) degenerative arthritis, (2) ochronotic pigmentation, and (3) urine that turns black on long standing or alkalinization. We report a case of ochronic arthropathy of the left hip joint that was successfully treated by total hip arthroplasty.

Design And Settings: This is a case study conducted at PES Medical College, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Hirayama's Disease - A Rare Case Report with Review of Literature.

Introduction: Hirayama's disease is a rare benign disorder, also referred to as monomelic amyotrophy (MMA), Juvenile non progressive amyotrophy, Sobue disease. It is a focal, lower motor neuron type of disease. Mainly young males in their second and third decades of age are most commonly affected.

Simultaneous Bilateral Tibial Tubercle Avulsion Fracture in a case of Pre-Existing Osgood-Schlatter Disease (OSD).

Introduction: Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) is a well known condition, characterized by pain over the tibial tubercle with subsequent tubercle prominence. Avulsion fracture following OSD is a rare complication. We report an unusual case of simultaneous bilateral tibial tubercle avulsion fracture in a 16 year old boy who was a known case of OSD.

Giant Cell Tumor (GCT) of Capitate.

Introduction: Giant cell tumors (GCT) of bone are not uncommon. The most common location for this tumour is distal femur, followed by proximal tibia and distal radius (the third most common location). GCT of small bone is a rare presentation.

Insights on chronic-relapsing opsoclonus-myoclonus from a pilot study of mycophenolate mofetil.

Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome is characterized by abnormal lymphocyte trafficking into brain. The authors hypothesized that mycophenolate mofetil, a lymphocyte proliferation inhibitor, might be therapeutic. The cerebrospinal fluid and blood immunophenotypes of 15 children with predominantly chronic-relapsing opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome were compared before and after treatment by flow cytometry.