Evidences for Antinociceptive Effect of 17-Alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Growing evidence of neuroprotective and analgesic effects by progesterone (PROG) has been obtained in experimental animal models of neuropathy. In this paper, we report the results of the first experimental study to test the efficacy of PROG in a human neuropathy. The effects of a local administration of 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17HPC) has been studied in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and compared with those of a local administration of corticosteroid (CS) in a analogous CTS group. Sixteen women affected by mild CTS were selected. Clinical, electrophysiological and ultrasonographic data of the median nerve were quantified at 0 (pre-injection), 1 and 6 months after CS or 17HPC injection. One month after injection, both 17HPC and CS groups exhibited similar reduction in pain scores, whereas only the 17HPC-treated group still manifested symptoms relief 6 months after. Only in CS-treated patients, improvement of the clinical data correlated with ultrasonographic and electrophysiological changes of the median nerve. The present study indicates that intra-carpal injection with a long-acting PROG derivative is effective for relief of symptoms in CTS. This effect is apparently mediated by a mechanism distinct from that of the CS.     

Klatskin tumors and the accuracy of the Bismuth-Corlette classification

The Bismuth-Corlette (BC) classification is the current preoperative standard to assess hilar cholangiocarcinomas (HC). The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy, sensitivity, and prognostic value of the BC classification. Data of patients undergoing resection for HC were analyzed. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and standard computed tomography were undertaken in all cases. Additional 3D-CT-reconstructions, magnetic resonance imaging, and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography were obtained in selected patients. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was performed. Ninety patients underwent resection of the hilar bile duct confluence, with right or left hemihepatectomy in 68 instances. The overall accuracy of the BC classification was 48 per cent. Rates of BC under- and over-estimation were 29 per cent and 23 per cent, respectively. The addition of MRI, 3D-CT-reconstructions, or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography improved the accuracy to 49 per cent (P = 1.0), 53 per cent (P = 0.074), and 64 per cent (P < 0.001), respectively. Lowest sensitivity rates were for BC Type IIIA/IIIB tumors. Meta-analysis of published BC data corresponding to 540 patients did not reach significance. The BC classification has low accuracy and no prognostic value in cases of HC undergoing resection.     

Survival trends and predictors of mortality in severe pelvic trauma: estimates from the German Pelvic Trauma Registry Initiative

Study objective

To determine longitudinal trends in mortality, and the contribution of specific injury characteristics and treatment modalities to the risk of a fatal outcome after severe and complex pelvic trauma.

Methods

We studied 5048 patients with pelvic ring fractures enrolled in the German Pelvic Trauma Registry Initiative between 1991 and 1993, 1998 and 2000, and 2004 and 2006. Complete datasets were available for 5014 cases, including 508 complex injuries, defined as unstable fractures with severe peri-pelvic soft tissue and organ laceration. Multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression analysis was employed to evaluate the impact of demographic, injury- and treatment-associated variables on all-cause in-hospital mortality.

Results

All-cause in-hospital mortality declined from 8% (39/466) in 1991 to 5% (33/638) in 2006. Controlling for age, Injury Severity Score, pelvic vessel injury, the need for emergency laparotomy, and application of a pelvic clamp, the odds ratio (OR) per annum was 0.94 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91–0.96). However, the risk of death did not decrease significantly in patients with complex injuries (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.93–1.03). Raw mortality associated with this type of injury was 18% (95% CI 9–32%) in 2006.

Conclusion

In contrast to an overall decline in trauma mortality, complex pelvic ring injuries remain associated with a significant risk of death. Awareness of this potentially life-threatening condition should be increased amongst trauma care professionals, and early management protocols need to be implemented to improve the survival prognosis.