Four-Week Outcomes of Transforaminal Epidural Injections in Patients With Lumbar Radicular Pain.

Background Lumbar radicular pain occurs due to irritation or compression of the nerve roots in the lower back. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs) in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes in a diverse patient population with lumbar radicular pain. Methodology This quasi-experimental trial was performed at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, Unit 1, Mayo Hospital, Lahore, from October 2021 to September 2022.

Olanzapine-Induced Thrombocytopenia in a Patient With Chronic Schizophrenia: A Case Report.

Olanzapine, a second-generation antipsychotic widely used for schizophrenia, is primarily known for its efficacy in managing both positive and negative symptoms. While its metabolic side effects are well-documented, hematologic complications such as thrombocytopenia are rare and often underrecognized. A 30-year-old Middle Eastern male with a longstanding history of schizophrenia developed persistent thrombocytopenia after several years of olanzapine use, with platelet counts consistently below the normal range.

Transient Psychotic Relapse Following COVID-19 in a Stable Schizophrenia Patient on Paliperidone Palmitate: A Case Report.

Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder marked by severe disturbances in thought, perception, and behavior. Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics, such as paliperidone, are widely used to promote sustained remission and ensure medication adherence, especially in patients prone to relapse. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced unique challenges, with studies indicating that infections like COVID-19 may exacerbate psychiatric symptoms through neuroinflammatory pathways.

Predictive Biomarkers for the Early Detection of Anastomotic Leaks in Colorectal Surgeries: A Systematic Review.

Anastomotic leaks (ALs) remain a serious postoperative complication in colorectal surgery, often resulting in significant morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and increased mortality risk. This systematic review aims to evaluate the role of predictive biomarkers in the early detection of ALs, focusing on their diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across MEDLINE, Scopus, CENTRAL, and Web of Science, identifying studies that examined biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and white blood cell (WBC) count in the context of AL.

Efficacy of Supratherapeutic Duloxetine Combined With Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Severe Treatment-Resistant Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder With Comorbid Depression: A Case Report.

This case report discusses the treatment of a 42-year-old male with over a decade of treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD). The patient underwent various pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments, including multiple antidepressants and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), yet experienced only partial symptom relief. At baseline, the patient's depressive symptoms were severe, with a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) score of 28, and his obsessive-compulsive symptoms were marked, with a Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) score of 34.