PSOdisk is a reliable, intuitive instrument for the evaluation of psychological distress, which strongly correlates with DLQI: a preliminary study.

Background: PSOdisk is a 10-item visual instrument, aimed at assessing the burden of disease in patients with psoriasis.

Objectives: To compare PSOdisk with a scientifically validated questionnaire, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and asses both tools in relation to Psoriasis Severity Index (PASI) and patient acceptance.

Materials & Methods: Fifty patients with cutaneous psoriasis and/or arthritic psoriasis were recruited.

Serial Troponin for Early Detection of Nivolumab Cardiotoxicity in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients.

Background: Rare cases of severe myocarditis are reported during treatment with nivolumab. Troponin, a biomarker of cardiac damage, is a key component of the diagnostic workup of many cardiac disorders, including myocarditis. This study investigates the role of troponin to assess cardiac involvement during nivolumab therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Light sedation with dexmedetomidine: a practical approach for the intensivist in different ICU patients.

Light sedation, corresponding to a Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale between 0 and -1 is a priority of modern critical care practice. Dexmedetomidine, a highly selective, central, α2-adrenoceptor agonist, is increasingly administered in the intensive care units (ICUs) as an effective drug to induce light sedation, analgesia and a quasi-physiological sleep in critically ill patients. Although in general dexmedetomidine is well tolerated, side effects as bradycardia, hypertension, and hypotension may occur.

Mortality and long-term quality of life after percutaneous tracheotomy in Intensive Care Unit: a prospective observational study.

Background: Quality of life and mortality after percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy (PDT) has been poorly investigated. The aims of this study were to evaluate the independent risk factors for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) mortality and investigate quality of life over the first year after PDT in critically ill patients.

Methods: This was a prospective, single-center, cohort study performed in a tertiary care University Hospital, enrolling consecutive ICU patients requiring elective PDT, collecting data during the tracheotomy procedure and the ICU stay.

Serial magnetic resonance study in super refractory status epilepticus: progressive involvement of striatum and pallidus is a possible predictive marker of negative outcome.

Super refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) is a life-threatening condition in which seizures do not respond to third-line anticonvulsant drug therapy. SRSE is associated with high mortality. How often SRSE occurs, what are the risk factors leading to this condition, and what is the effect on clinical outcome of failure to control seizures are poorly defined.