Dexamethasone-based Prophylactic Therapy for Prevention of Post-Embolization Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Assessing its Efficacy and Influence of Dosage and Timing in Patients Undergoing Arterial Embolization.

Background And Objectives: Post-embolization syndrome (PES), characterized by pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting, is a common but non-serious adverse event following arterial embolization, negatively impacting patient satisfaction with the procedure. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of dexamethasone-based prophylactic therapy in preventing PES, as well as to assess the effects of its dosage and timing of administration.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted across three databases, two trial registries, and citation searches to identify relevant studies.

A New Hope for the Patients of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis: FDA Gives Green Signal for Resmetirom Use.

Background And Aims: Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), a severe form of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), is characterized by inflammation and fibrosis in the liver, often progressing to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite its rising prevalence and significant disease burden, effective pharmacological treatments have been limited to lifestyle modifications and surgical interventions. Recently, resmetirom, a thyroid hormone receptor-β agonist, received FDA approval for treating NASH, offering new hope to patients.

Complete second branchial cleft fistula in a fifteen-year-old boy: A case report.

Introduction And Importance: The branchial or pharyngeal apparatus, crucial in embryological development, consists of clefts, arches, pouches, and membranes. Anomalies arising from this apparatus particularly involving the second branchial arch, are rare. Among these anomalies, complete second branchial cleft fistulas, with both external and internal openings, are exceptionally uncommon.

Aggressive Versus Moderate Fluid Replacement for Acute Pancreatitis: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: A conservative strategy is the primary modality of treatment for acute pancreatitis of which fluid replacement is an important component. Since the results regarding early aggressive versus moderate fluid replenishment for acute pancreatitis are inconsistent, we sought to compare outcomes between the two resuscitation strategies in our meta-analysis.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.

Lower Motor Neuron Facial Nerve Paralysis Following Recombinant Hepatitis B Vaccine Administration: A Case Report and Literature Review.

The Hepatitis B vaccine's safety profile is considered safe, but sometimes neurological complications, like Bell's palsy (acute peripheral facial neuropathy), can occur after its administration. A 35-year-old female doctor experienced left-sided facial weakness and paralysis six days after getting the Hepatitis B vaccine. On examination, she had lower motor neuron facial nerve palsy.

Role of artificial intelligence in predicting neurological outcomes in postcardiac resuscitation.

Being an extremely high mortality rate condition, cardiac arrest cases have rightfully been evaluated via various studies and scoring factors for effective resuscitative practices and neurological outcomes postresuscitation. This narrative review aims to explore the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in predicting neurological outcomes postcardiac resuscitation. The methodology involved a detailed review of all relevant recent studies of AI, different machine learning algorithms, prediction tools, and assessing their benefit in predicting neurological outcomes in postcardiac resuscitation cases as compared to more traditional prognostic scoring systems and tools.

Soft Tissue Sarcoma in Sub-Saharan Africa: Surgical Management Outcomes, Gaps, and Future Prospects: A Narrative Review.

Background And Aims: The diagnosis and management of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) present significant challenges. Positive outcomes in STS treatment include achieving negative margins, improved quality of life, and reduced recurrence rates, while negative outcomes involve incomplete resection, local recurrence, and surgical complications. This review aims to examine the current state of STS management in SSA, identify key challenges, and propose potential solutions to improve patient outcomes.

Switching to Tenofovir Therapy Versus Continuation of Entecavir for Patients With Hepatitis B Virus Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection causes liver disease, including hepatocellular carcinoma. Controlling viral activity is crucial to reducing complications. Tenofovir may offer benefits over entecavir, but it is unclear if switching from entecavir to tenofovir improves outcomes.

A Case of Recurrent Pemphigus Foliaceus Following Noncompliance to Medication.

Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is a rare autoimmune blistering disorder requiring consistent immunosuppressive therapy for management. A 66-year-old male with a history of PF presented with worsening blisters and erosions after discontinuing medication. The patient had flaccid bullae and erosions on the face, scalp, chest, and back.

PCSK9 Inhibitors: The Evolving Future.

Introduction: PCSK9 inhibitors are a novel class of medications that lower LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) by increasing LDL receptor activity, promoting clearance of LDL-C from the bloodstream. Over the years, PCSK9 inhibitors have been explored as adjunct therapies to statins or as monotherapy in high-risk cardiovascular patients.

Aim: This review aims to provide an updated perspective on PCSK9 inhibitors, assessing their clinical efficacy, safety, and significance, especially in light of recent clinical trials.

A retrospective analysis of tuberculosis in livestock farmers in Lahore district, Pakistan.

Introduction: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the main cause of tuberculosis in humans, accounting for numerous illnesses and thousands of fatalities globally. Data regarding the association of various risk factors and TB in livestock farmers in Pakistan is scarce.

Methodology: A retrospective matched case-control study of TB cases was performed in Lahore, Pakistan to investigate the potential risk factors that lead to the development of TB in Pakistani livestock farmers.

Poliovirus on the rise in Pakistan amidst unprecedented floods and COVID-19 pandemic: An urgent concern.

Background: Poliomyelitis is always a great concern in Pakistan and is a public health emergency. COVID-19 and recent floods have increased the challenge.

Aim: This article highlights the situation of polio in Pakistan and also recommends several steps to eradicate the disease as early as possible.

Acute onset nitrofurantoin-induced autoimmune hepatitis after urinary tract infection treatment.

Key Clinical Message: This case signifies the importance of recognizing DIAIH within the context of antibiotic therapy, especially in older adults and even shortly after common drug exposures for treating UTI.

Abstract: Various drugs can induce immune-mediated liver damage and in rare instances may lead to autoimmune hepatitis. Here we report an 84-year-old woman who developed autoimmune hepatitis less than 3 weeks after treatment for urinary tract infection with the antibiotic nitrofurantoin.

Sex and Racial Disparities in Proportionate Mortality of Premature Myocardial Infarction in the United States: 1999 to 2020.

Background: The incidence of premature myocardial infarction (PMI) in women (<65 years and men <55 years) is increasing. We investigated proportionate mortality trends in PMI stratified by sex, race, and ethnicity.

Methods And Results: CDC WONDER (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research) was queried to identify PMI deaths within the United States between 1999 and 2020, and trends in proportionate mortality of PMI were calculated using the Joinpoint regression analysis.

Early intervention and care for Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Low and Middle Income Countries: Addressing challenges and exploring future strategies: A narrative review.

Background And Aims: Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFUs) are a significant health concern, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). This review explores key strategies for managing DFUs in LMICs, including integrating podiatry, endocrinology, and wound care services, educating patients, promoting self-care, and preventive measures to reduce amputation rates.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, focusing on studies conducted in Low and Middle Income Countries to facilitate a qualitative analysis.