Interdialytic weight gain is less with the Mediterranean type of diet in hemodialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE: Interdialytic weight gain is an important prognostic factor in dialysis patients. Different eating patterns may affect interdialytic weight gain. The goal was to assess the effect of the Mediterranean type of diet on interdialytic weight gain of chronic hemodialysis patients. DESIGN: This study had a cross-sectional design. SETTING: Four hospital-based satellite hemodialysis units in different cities in Turkey. PATIENTS: A total of 702 patients (279 women, 423 men; mean age, 47.8 +/- 15.5 years) were included in the study. They were grouped according to the hemodialysis centers: Alanya-Izmir (group 1, n = 194) and Ankara-Adana (group 2, n = 508). INTERVENTION: Group 1 patients were consuming a Mediterranean type of diet, whereas group 2 patients had a diet rich in protein and carbohydrates. All of the patients were under the same dialysis and treatment protocols. The demographic data, the medications, interdialytic weight gains, and laboratory data such as serum albumin, C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum iron binding capacity, ferritin, and parathyroid hormone during the last 3 months for each patient were recorded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The interdialytic weight gain differences between the groups were compared using the Student t-test and the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: When the two groups were compared according to age, sex, blood pressure, serum albumin, hematocrit, and parathyroid hormone levels, there was no statistically significant difference. Mean interdialytic weight gain for group 1 and group 2 was 2.47 +/- 0.94 kg and 3.08 +/- 0.94 kg, respectively (P < .001). When the two groups were compared according to their iron requirements, group 1 showed an increased requirement for doses of iron and erythropoietin (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A Mediterranean-type diet, rich in seafood and vegetables, was associated with less interdialytic weight gain compared with a diet rich in protein and carbohydrates. Although all of our patients had the same diet education and treatment protocols, the geographic region and culture influenced their compliance to diet and their therapeutic outcomes.     

One-stage treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip in untreated children from two to five years old. A comparative study

A total of 38 children (49 hips) were retrospectively investigated to assess the efficacy and safety of one-stage treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in untreated children from two to five years of age. Our method consisted of open reduction, Salter innominate osteotomy, femoral shortening and derotation osteotomy. The patients were distributed into two groups according to the age at which they were operated: Group I included 19 patients aged < 3 years (24 hips) and Group II included 19 patients aged > or = 3 years (25 hips). Mean follow-up was 5.08 years for Group I and 5.76 years for group II. Clinical and radiological assessment at final followup showed that the outcome was not significantly different between the two groups. Furthermore, after this follow-up period, the rates of avascular necrosis were similar. Children with DDH between two and five years of age were treated successfully with one-stage treatment.     

Antibioprophylaxis in pulmonary surgery: a randomized trial with cefamandole versus placebo]

A prospective double-blind study was designed to assess the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis in lung surgery. It included 114 patients undergoing lung surgery for primary or secondary malignant tumours randomly assigned to two groups. Group A patients (n = 59) were given cefamandole intravenously every four hours, three times, starting from induction of anaesthesia. The dose was determined according to the patient's weight: 1.5 g for patients weighing less than 60 kg, 2.5 g for those weighing between 60 and 80 kg, and 3 g for those above 80 kg. Group B patients (n = 55) were given a placebo at the same times. Nineteen other patients were excluded because either the tumour was found to be infected, or the patient had to be mechanically ventilated postoperatively, or an exploratory thoracotomy only was carried out, or they were allergic to beta-lactam antibiotics. The efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis was assessed by recording the incidence of postoperative infections, the length of the patient's stay in hospital, and the need to use an antibiotic treatment. Patients, their sputum and wound were examined every day, and their temperature recorded. The white blood cell count and chest X-ray was carried out every day for the first week. All the drain and catheter tips were cultured, as well as sputum and blood (every three days). In case of infection, samples were obtained and cultured. Both groups of patients were similar with regard to age, risk factors (smoking habit, diabetes mellitus), and type of surgery (segmentectomy, lobectomy, pneumonectomy). There were 9 postoperative infections in group A, and 22 in group B (p = 0.003).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Complicated appendicitis: is there a minimum intravenous antibiotic requirement? A prospective randomized trial

The proper duration of postoperative intravenous (IV) antibiotics in patients suffering complicated (perforated or gangrenous) appendicitis is debatable. Some advocate a set minimum number of IV antibiotic days whereas others discontinue IV antibiotics depending on the patient's clinical course regardless of the length of therapy. Our objective was to determine whether there are differences in morbidity and resource utilization between the two treatment methodologies. Ninety-four patients with intraoperative findings of complicated appendicitis were included. In all patients IV antibiotics were discontinued on the basis of clinical factors. However, Group 1 patients were given a minimum 5-day IV antibiotic course whereas Group 2 patients had no minimum IV antibiotic requirement. Group 1 patients received more IV antibiotics than Group 2 patients did (5.9 vs 4.3 days; P = 0.014). Infectious complications were not statistically different between the two groups (13.0% in Group 1 and 12.5% in Group 2). Average hospital stay was also not statistically different between the two groups. The data suggest that a protocol with no minimum IV antibiotic requirement in patients with complicated appendicitis does not increase morbidity. Furthermore, the protocol arm with no minimum IV antibiotic requirement led to less IV antibiotic use but did not significantly decrease hospital stay.     

Autologous blood transfusion in TRAM breast reconstruction: is it necessary?

Many centers continue to use preoperative donation of autologous blood as part of their reconstructive protocol for pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) breast reconstruction, despite the lack of support for this in the English language literature. This prospective study compares 3 groups of patients undergoing reconstruction with TRAM flaps using 3 different protocols in 3 different centers. Group 1 did not donate blood preoperatively. Group 2 donated 1 to 2 U preoperatively and received their blood intraoperatively or during the early postoperative period. Group 3 did not receive their autologous blood unless they displayed symptoms of hypovolemia or anemia postoperatively. There were no statistical differences between groups in age, length of stay, or number of unilateral versus bilateral procedures. Patients who did not donate autologous blood (group 1) had statistically significantly higher preoperative and postoperative day 3 hemoglobin levels than patients in the groups that did predonate. The authors conclude that preoperative autologous donation of blood does not confer any clinical advantage to patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction using pedicled TRAM flaps.     

五种促排卵方案在卵巢储备功能下降患者中临床用药与结局的比较

目的 探讨微刺激方案、改良超长方案、短方案、拮抗剂方案及自然周期方案在卵巢储备功能下降（DOR）患者中临床用药与结局的差异. 方法 微刺激方案（A组）129个周期,改良超长方案（B组）129个周期,短方案（C组）58个周期,拮抗剂方案（D组）48个周期,自然周期方案（E组）37个周期.对5组方案中患者的促性腺激素（Gn）用量、天数、人绒毛膜促性腺激素（hCG）注射日内膜厚度、获卵数、可移植胚胎数、胚胎种植率、临床妊娠率、周期取消率、流产率等进行比较. 结果 A、B、C组的Gn天数分别为（8.5±2.1）、（12.3±3.0）和（9.9±2.7）天,hCG注射日子宫内膜厚度分别为（9.1±1.8）、（10.5±2.3）和（8.9±1.6）mm,A、B、D组的Gn用量分别为（19.8士7.6）、（34.9±11.9）和（39.5±12.2）支,A、B、E组的获卵数分别为（4.1±1.3）、（3.0±2.0）和（1.0±0.4）个,A、E两组分别和B组差异有显著性（P＜0.05）;B、E组的可移植胚胎数分别为（2.0±2.0）和（0.7±0.7）个,差异有显著性（P＜0.05）;B、C、E组的临床妊娠率分别为37.2 ％（35/94）、19.1％（9/47）和18.2％（2/11）,B组和C、E组有显著性差异（P＜0.05）;五组流产率、胚胎种植率差异无显著性（P＞0.05）. 结论 DOR患者在体外受精-胚胎移植（ IVF- ET）五种促排卵方案中,改良超长方案用药量大、持续时间长,但与其他方案相比具有更好的临床结局,值得进一步推广应用.     

两种促排卵方案在超重多囊卵巢综合征患者中助孕效果的比较

目的探讨拮抗剂方案和长方案对超重多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)患者助孕结局的影响。方法回顾性分析2013年1月1日至2017年11月30日于本生殖中心初次行体外受精/卵胞浆内单精子注射(IVF/ICSI)助孕的PCOS且超重(BMI≥24 kg/m2)的356例患者临床资料,根据促排卵方案不同分为拮抗剂方案组(n=226)和长方案组(n=130),比较两组患者的基本资料、促排卵情况和临床结局,分析两组患者的中重度卵巢过度刺激综合征(OHSS)发生率、优质胚胎率、一次移植妊娠结局和累积活产率的差异。结果基本资料中,两组患者的女方年龄、BMI、基础睾酮水平差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);与长方案组比较,拮抗剂方案组患者的基础FSH水平[(6.42±1.63)U/L vs.(6.78±1.53)U/L]显著降低(P<0.05),而窦卵泡数[(32.55±11.06)个vs.(28.02±7.09)个]显著增多(P<0.05)。促排卵情况比较中,拮抗剂方案组患者的扳机日LH和P水平以及优质胚胎率(38.04%vs.32.26%)显著高于长方案组患者(P<0.05),但E2水平及获卵数无显著性差异(P>0.05)。在临床结局比较中,两种方案的中重度OHSS发生率、因OHSS高风险取消移植周期率、一次移植妊娠结局、乐观累积活产率以及保守累积活产率差异均无统计学意义。结论对于超重PCOS患者,与长方案相比,拮抗剂方案可获得更多的优质胚胎,但两种方案的临床结局相当。     

Early ultrasound therapy for rehabilitation after zone II flexor tendon repair

Background:

In our Institute, most of the patients treated for hand injuries were industrial workers with poor compliance. For rehabilitation after zone II flexor tendon repair, we had tried various early mobilization protocols. As these protocols demanded a degree of commitment from the patients, our results were suboptimal. Hence, to improve the results, we implemented a new rehabilitation protocol by administering the pulsed ultrasound therapy during the early phase of tendon healing.

Materials and Methods:

This is a prospective study done over a period of five years from January 2008 to January 2013. A total of 100 patients and 139 digits with zone II flexor tendon injuries were studied. After randomization, we administered pulsed ultrasound therapy of different frequencies and intensities for a total of 72 patients and 99 digits and formulated three groups. The results of ultrasound treated cases were compared with each other and with the results of cases treated by immobilization protocol. The results were analyzed using ‘Original Strickland’ criteria.

Results:

72% excellent-good results in ultrasound (Group 1) protocol, 75% excellent-good results in ultrasound (Group 2) protocol, and 77% excellent-good results in ultrasound (Group 3) protocol were achieved. There was no case of rupture in the first two groups. The rupture rate was 7% in ultrasound (Group 3) protocol. Only 25% excellent-good results were obtained in the immobilization protocol.

Conclusion:

After zone II flexor tendon repair, pulsed ultrasound therapy during the early rehabilitation phase is safe and effective. The results are comparable to early mobilization protocols.KEY WORDS: Early ultrasound therapy, zone II flexor tendon repair, PIP Joint flexion contracture     

What are the true advantages of a pediatric appendicitis clinical pathway?

Multiple protocols have been described for pediatric appendicitis, but few have been compared with off-protocol treatment. We performed such a comparison. Children treated for appendicitis by three pediatric surgeons over a 28-month period were studied. A protocol of primary wound closure without drains, standardized use of antibiotics, and patient discharge according to pre-determined clinical criteria was compared with individualized drain use, antibiotic selection, and discharge timing. Three hundred ninety-seven children were treated, 43 per cent on pathway (Group I) and 57 per cent off pathway (Group II). The two groups showed similar incidence of acute (45% vs 46%), complicated (50% vs 49%), and normal (5%) appendix. Among patients with simple appendicitis, Group I had less postoperative antibiotic use (16% vs 80% P < 0.001), shorter hospital stays (1.44 vs 1.89 days, P = 0.001), and decreased hospital charges (dollars 9,289 vs dollars 10,751, P = 0.001). Among patients with complicated appendicitis, Group I had less drain placement (4% vs 27%, P < 0.001), less use of discharge antibiotics (13% vs 39%, P < 0.001), and no readmission (0% vs 5%, P = 0.05). Infectious complications were similar between the two groups. A clinical pathway decreases the use of unnecessary antibiotics, hospital stay, and charges for simple appendicitis. It decreases the use of unnecessary drains, and eliminates readmissions after complicated appendicitis.     

Early recovery protocol in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical cystectomy

IntroductionThe Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program (ERAS), has become the basis of perioperative management after colorectal surgery, vascular, thoracic, and more recently the radical cystectomy. The aim of this study is to show our initial experience using an ERAS protocol.Materials and methodsA total of 47 laparoscopic radical cystectomies (LRC) were compared in this study. For retrospective data analysis, the patients were divided into two groups: Group A included patients who underwent LRC before the ERAS protocol was implemented; and Group B included patients who underwent LRC after the ERAS protocol was implemented.ResultsHospital stay was significantly shorter (p = 0,04) in Group B with a median of 11.73 days versus 17.53 days in Group A. The paralytic ileus is the most common complication in both groups, and only two complications seem to be lower between groups; central vein catheter infection in Group A was 14.2% versus 5.2% in Group B and paralytic ileus in Group A was 35.7% versus 21.0% in Group B. There was no statistical difference between groups in the appearance of minor or major complications.ConclusionThe combination of minimally invasive surgery and an ERAS protocol is a feasible multidisciplinary challenge and is useful in the recovery of patients undergoing LRC.     

Dose requirements of pentazocine during abdominal surgery in total intravenous anesthesia using propofol

BACKGROUND: To determine the dose requirements of pentazocine when administered as a single bolus dose in total intravenous anesthesia with propofol for abdominal surgery. METHODS : One hundred and fifty-six patients scheduled for abdominal surgery were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were classified into three groups according to duration of the operation ; under 120 min (Group 1, n=87) ; 120-240 min (Group 2, n=56) ; over 240 min (Group 3, n=13). Anesthesia was induced with propofol using target controlled infusion method, and was maintained with propofol infusion, pentazocine as a single dose before incision, and intermittent administration of vecuronium with 40% oxygen in air. RESULTS: Dosage of pentazocine was significantly increased according to length of the operation. The maintenance doses of propofol were not different among the three groups. Awakening time in about 80% of patients in each group was within 15 minutes. There are no severe complications. CONCLUSIONS : Total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and pentazocine is useful to stabilize hemodynamics and to achieve rapid recovery. For the operation within 120 min, 0.7 mg x kg(-1) of pentazocine is necessary whereas 0.8 mg x kg(-1) of pentazocine is needed in the operation of 120-240 min.     

Remifentanil and propofol sedation for retrobulbar nerve block

We studied remifentanil and propofol for analgesia and sedation during the placement of an ophthalmic block. Eighty ASA I or II patients undergoing elective cataract surgery under a retrobulbar block in a rural camp setting were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into four groups and received different drug combinations as follows: Group I--remifentanil 1 microg/kg, Group II--remifentanil 0.5 microg/kg and propofol 0.5 mg/kg, Group III--remifentanil 1 microg/kg with propofol 0.5 mg/kg and Group IV--saline 0.1 ml/kg. Patients were observed for degree of movement, sedation, pain, recall and respiratory depression. No patient in the study groups reported pain or displayed movement whereas most of the patients in the control group had significant pain during the placement of the block. Also, seven (35%) patients in the control group showed significant movement which may have led to failure of block in two patients and retrobulbar haemorrhage in one patient. Incidence of significant respiratory depression was maximum in Group III patients (60%), followed by Group I (20%) and least in Group II (5%). All patients in the study groups remained cooperative and obeyed commands except four patients in group III (OAA/S-4). Postoperatively, other than the control group, recall was maximum in Group I (55%) and least in Group II (5%). Hence, a combination of remifentanil 0.5 microg/kg with propofol 0.5 mg/kg as a bolus was considered to provide excellent relief of pain and anxiety with least adverse effects for the placement of ophthalmic blocks.     

Comparison between the European and North American protocols for diagnosis of malignant hyperthermia susceptibility in humans.

We compared the diagnostic outcome of in vitro contracture tests for diagnosis of malignant hyperthermia susceptibility performed according to the European Malignant Hyperthermia Group protocol and the North American Malignant Hyperthermia Group protocol. The aim of the study was to compare the two major diagnostic tests of malignant hyperthermia susceptibility to have basic data for a common worldwide protocol. We evaluated 156 patients and 17 control individuals. The accordance in diagnostic outcome was 87%. The diverging outcomes between the two protocols were found in a group of patients reacting in few muscle strips and close to the cutoff limits. A 100% accordance in diagnostic outcome was found in individuals with contractures in at least five of six tested muscle strips. In both protocols, contractures close to the cutoff limits in a few muscle strips in scientific studies should be considered as unknown results. IMPLICATIONS: We compared the two major protocols for investigating malignant hyperthermia susceptibility. There was 87% accordance in diagnostic outcome. The diverging outcomes were seen in individuals with less reproducible test results near the cutoff limits. In scientific studies, such results should be considered as unknown.     

拮抗剂方案促排卵新鲜周期移植的黄体支持方案分析

目的比较拮抗剂方案促排卵新鲜周期移植不同黄体支持方案对临床结局的影响。方法回顾性分析2014年9月至2016年3月在中国人民解放军联勤保障部队第九○○医院生殖中心采用拮抗剂方案行新鲜周期移植的不孕症患者共191个周期的临床资料。根据黄体支持所用药物不同分为3组:A组使用雪诺同+地屈孕酮+补佳乐,共95个周期;B组使用雪诺同+地屈孕酮+HCG,共64个周期;C组使用雪诺同+地屈孕酮,共32个周期。比较3组患者的年龄、体重指数(BMI)、HCG日内膜厚度、优质胚胎率、囊胚形成率、临床妊娠率、着床率、多胎率、流产率、活产率等。结果3组患者的年龄、BMI、基础卵泡刺激素水平、拮抗剂使用天数、HCG日内膜厚度、优质胚胎率、囊胚形成率、临床妊娠率、多胎率、流产率、活产率比较均无统计学差异(P>0.05)。B组的抗苗勒管激素(AMH)水平较A组及C组显著降低(P<0.001);B组的获卵数显著低于A组及C组(P<0.001);B组发生中、重度卵巢过度刺激综合征(OHSS)3例,A组1例,C组无OHSS病例。C组的着床率显著低于A组及B组(P<0.05),异位妊娠率则显著高于A组及B组(P<0.05)。结论拮抗剂方案新鲜周期移植后黄体支持添加小剂量HCG或补充雌激素,着床率较单纯使用孕激素明显提高,但添加小剂量HCG可能会增加OHSS发生风险,因此雌孕激素联合应用是拮抗剂方案新鲜周期移植后较合适的黄体支持方案。     

纵行及跗骨窦入路治疗跟骨关节内骨折的比较研究

 目的 比较纵行及跗骨窦微创入路治疗跟骨关节内骨折的临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析2010年4月至2010年9月分别使用纵行及跗骨窦微创入路治疗并获随访的93例跟骨关节内骨折患者资料。按手术入路将患者分为两组：纵行微创入路组(A组)50例(51足),男47例,女3例;平均年龄38.22岁;Sanders Ⅱ型27足,Ⅲ型18足,Ⅳ型6足;术前B?hler角平均-1.1°。跗骨窦微创入路组(B组)43例(45足),男42例,女1例;平均年龄41.40岁;Sanders Ⅱ型23足,Ⅲ型17足,Ⅳ型5足;术前B?hler角平均2.6°。两组患者在年龄、性别、Sanders分型等方面无统计学差异。比较两组患者手术时间、并发症和美国足踝外科协会(American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society,AOFAS)踝与后足评分差异。结果 A、B两组患者随访时间分别为平均28.2个月和27.6个月。A组平均手术时间、切口相关并发症发生率及AOFAS踝与后足评分分别为40.78 min、3.92%(2/51)、85.96分,B组分别为60.67 min、8.89%(4/45)、88.60分。A组手术时间较B组更短,两组切口相关并发症发生率及术后AOFAS评分无差异。结论 纵行微创入路与跗骨窦微创入路治疗跟骨关节内骨折疗效无明显差异,但纵行微创入路手术时间更短、并发症少,是治疗跟骨骨折的良好选择。     

Primary chemotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer]

Between 1980 and 1992, 457 consecutive patients with initial breast cancer entered two successive protocols combining neoadjuvant chemotherapy, hormonotherapy (tamoxifen) and locoregional radiotherapy (teleradiotherapy and boost by iridium) as exclusive locoregional treatment. Cytological diagnosis, hormone receptors, cytological grading were provided by fine needle aspiration. Both protocols included velbe, thiotepa, methotrexate, 5FU and adriamycin with some minor differences regarding the schedule of doses and their number during induction and during the consolidation phase. In both studies, over 50% patients had locally advanced breast cancer (IIb, IIIa or IIIb). Chemotherapy induced tumor regression over 50% in 91% patients of the first protocol (30% complete clinical remission CR) and in 94% patients of the 2nd protocol (40% CR): in this protocol 20 poor responders were given a rescue protocol (2 CR; 9 partial remissions). The 5 year actuarial rate of breast preservation is 94% and the 5 year actuarial rate of local relapses is 15%. The cosmetic results according to Danoff are excellent 20%, good 55%, mean 35%. Disease free survival and overall survival compare favorably to published data: they depend on TNM stages, tumor differentiation and chemotherapy induced early tumor regression.     

Selection of the prosthesis for aortic valve replacement: mechanical or bio?

To clarify the effect of the valve selection on the patients' prognosis, long-term outcome of the patients undergone isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) with the mechanical or bioprosthetic valve in our institution were investigated. In protocol 1, patients of all ages with isolated AVR (n = 472, composed of 166 who received a bioprosthesic valve [group B] and 306 who received a mechanical valve [Group MI) between 1975 and 2004 were investigated. In protocol 2, primary AVR patients aged 50-65 years (n = 184, composed of 47 in group B and 137 in group M) were compared. There were no significant differences in freedom from cardiac death, freedom from bleeding, and freedom from endocarditis in Protocols 1 and 2. Significantly fewer redo AVRs were required in group M in both protocols 1 and 2. However, group M was significantly worse in terms of freedom from thromboembolism in protocol 2. As a result, group M was superior to group B in freedom from valve-related events when redo AVR included. When redo AVR was excluded, there was no difference between the two groups in freedom from valve-related events in both protocols 1 and 2. There may thus be an advantage in selecting bioprosthetic valves in young adult patients who required AVR if they accepts the possibility of redo AVR in future.     

Low dose intradermal vaccination is superior to high dose intramuscular vaccination for hepatitis B in unresponsive hemodialysis patients

After two intramuscular (IM) vaccination protocols (40 microg at 0, 1, 2, and 6 months), patients who were unresponsive to hepatitis B vaccination were collected from three HD centers. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of intradermal (ID) and repeated IM vaccination protocols. Thirty-three of 639 HD patients were found to be unresponsive. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups: one to receive 80 microg ID and the other 160 microg IM vaccination protocol. Both ID (p = 0.000) and IM (p = 0.03) groups disclosed statistically significant seroconversion rates six months after the last vaccination dose. The seroconversion rate was 94.1% in the ID and 50% in the IM groups - showing a significant improvement in the ID group (p = 0.011). A low-dose ID is superior to standard IM vaccination protocol and also more cost-effective in unresponsive HD patients.     

Clinical and sonographic assessment of the side effects of intracavernous injection of vasoactive substances

The objective of this study is to evaluate the side effects of intracavernous vasoactive agents on clinical and sonographic basis. Two groups of patients were included, group I included 168 ED patients trained on self-injection therapy using one of the three protocols. Protocol A: papaverine; protocol B: PGE1; and protocol C: trimix (papaverine, phentolamine and PGE1). Patients were followed up clinically, sonographically and by laboratory investigations for 6 months to evaluate the occurrence of side effects. Group II included 21 patients presenting to our department for the first time with a complication of intracavernous injection pharmacotherapy (ICI) initiated elsewhere. In all, 168 patients of group I completed the study. Patients on papaverine had the highest incidence of complications concerning prolonged erection, subcutaneous hematoma and penile fibrosis. Postinjection penile pain was observed more with groups B and C than group A. No systemic side effects were reported. Duplex ultrasound was beneficial in detecting mild clinically impalpable fibrosis. In total, 10 patients of group II presented with prolonged erection, seven with penile fibrosis, three with cavernositis and one with intracavernous needle breakage. We conclude that although ICI therapy is an effective second-line treatment option, patients on a self-injection program should be followed up both clinically and sonographically both at the initiation phase and on regular follow-up visits.     

Hydrocortisone dose and postoperative diabetes insipidus in patients undergoing transsphenoidal pituitary surgery: a prospective randomized controlled study

We report the results of a prospective randomized controlled trial, which looked at the incidence of postoperative diabetes insipidus (DI) following the use of three different hydrocortisone protocols, and the results of a study, on the incidence of DI and cortisol response in patients not given hydrocortisone. In study 1, 114 patients with pituitary macroadenoma were randomized into three groups: conventional dose (inj. hydrocortisone 100 mg IV 6-hourly for 3 days); intermediate dose (inj. hydrocortisone 100 mg IV 6-hourly on day 1, 100 mg IV 8-hourly on day 2, and 100 mg IV 12-hourly on day 3); low dose protocol (inj. hydrocortisone 25 mg IV 6-hourly on day 1, 25 mg IV 8-hourly on day 2 and 25 mg IV 12-hourly on day 3). Radical excision was achieved in 92 patients. The incidence of DI with the conventional dose was 52%, intermediate dose, 36% and low dose, 24% (p = 0.025). Study 2 included 16 consecutive patients with Hardy's grade A & B pituitary adenoma. These patients were randomized to receive (Group I) or not receive (Group II) hydrocortisone. Patients in Group II demonstrated normal cortisol response intraoperatively and no patient developed features of hypocortisolism; the incidence of DI in this group was 14%. The low dose hydrocortisone protocol reduced the incidence of DI by 46% when compared with the conventional dose hydrocortisone protocol. In patients with grade A and B tumour with normal preoperative cortisol levels, the use of perioperative hydrocortisone can be avoided.