Cutaneous Innervation and Itch in Keloids

Abstract is missing (Letter).     

Home management of INR in the public health system: feasibility of self-management of oral anticoagulation and long-term performance of individual POC devices in determining INR

The home prothrombin time/international normalized ratio (PT/INR) self-management could be convenient for patients, enhancing treatment compliance and improving the quality of the oral anticoagulation. However, patient self-management (PSM) of oral anticoagulation may not be feasible for up to half of the patients due to cognitive or educational issues. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a PSM program in a public health medical center that provides care for low-income patients. We also aimed to determine the accuracy of individual point-of-care devices (CoaguChek XS^®) during long-term of home manipulation. Patients’ time-in-therapeutic range (TTR) and perception of quality of life, were evaluated at scheduled study-visits to the center. Additionally, the accuracy of individual CoaguChek XS^® was evaluated in comparison to the standard automated coagulometer at scheduled study-visits to the center. Twenty-five patients were included in the PSM program. The median TTR of patients was 75 % before inclusion, 72 % at 3 months, 75 % at 6 months and 100 % at 12 months after the beginning of self-management (P = 0.14).The median DASS scores were 64, 63, 61.5 and 71.5 before inclusion and at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively (P = 0.09). One hundred paired INR values were obtained. Correlation between INR values delivered by individual CoaguChek XS^® and the automated coagulometer was 94 % and the mean result bias was 0.07 INR units. The coefficient of correlation and the mean bias between methods was stable during 24 months of follow-up. The present study suggests that PSM is feasible for patients treated in the public health system and that the results delivered by CoaguChek XS^® have long-term reliability.     

Is it possible to stabilize the trunk using rhythmic stabilization in the upper limb? A cross-sectional study of asymptomatic individuals

Objective: The study aim was to evaluate the immediate effect of rhythmic stabilization on local and distant muscles involved in a functional reach. Method: Prospective, observational cross-sectional study. Eight right-handed and non-impaired individuals (4 females and 4 males) aged 18–24 years (21.5 ± 1.58 years) were evaluated. Bilateral electromyographic recording of the biceps brachii, triceps brachii, multifidus lumbar, and rectus abdominis muscles was performed during three different tasks. Task 1 involved functional reach, while Task 2 involved rhythmic stabilization followed by a functional reach. Task 3 was similar to Task 2, but with 3 repetitions before a functional reach. Results: The results showed no difference between the tasks or sides. However, an interaction was observed between each side and muscles, with greater activation of the right multifidus lumbar muscle. Conclusion: Rhythmic stabilization during the task of reaching promotes an increase of multifidus activity ipsilateral to its application. Thus, this particular technique of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation can be useful for improving stability of the trunk and can be used in clinical practice for this purpose. Level of Evidence: 5.