Initial development and validation of a fecal incontinence-specific quality of life measure

Background/Purpose

Fecal incontinence is a prevalent pediatric condition with psychosocial impacts on both children and their caregivers. We sought to develop and validate the Cincinnati Fecal Incontinence Scale (CINCY-FIS) as a psychometrically valid measure to assess the quality of life and caregiver impacts of pediatric fecal incontinence.

Percutaneous Osteotomies in Hallux Valgus: A Systematic Review

Percutaneous and minimally invasive surgery is one of the greatest advances in the operating field of orthopedic since the late 1990s. The potential advantages include a shorter operative time, quicker recovery, and reduced hospital stay compared with traditional open surgery. However, scientific validation of the safety and efficacy of hallux valgus (HV) percutaneous surgery remains inconclusive. The objective of the present study was to systematically review the published data and clinical evidence for percutaneous HV surgery, evaluate the scientific method of the reports, and clarify the indications, safety, efficacy, and potential risks of these surgical techniques. Two reviewers independently identified the studies using a PubMed search, with the keywords “hallux valgus,” “osteotomy,” “minimally invasive,” and “percutaneous.” Quality assessment was performed using the Coleman methodology scale, and each study was assigned a level of evidence and grade of recommendation. Eighteen studies were included and reported a total of 1534 procedures for percutaneous HV surgery on 1397 patients. Of the 18 studies, 14 (77.8%) were level IV, 2 (11.1%) were level III, and 2 (11.1%) were level II. Overall, the average angle correction of the HV deformity improved postoperatively. Regarding the complications, although some investigators revealed no major complications, others described deformity recurrence in 7.8%, stiffness of the first metatarsophalangeal joint in 9.8%, malunion in 4% to 8.7%, and infection rates ranging from 1.9% to 14.3%. The main indication for percutaneous HV surgery is the correction of mild deformities. The complication rate was elevated even in experienced surgeons. In conclusion, future research in percutaneous techniques should include adequately sized randomized control trials, standardization of treatment protocols, and the use of validated tools for the measurement of clinical outcomes.     

Albumin administration prevents the onset of pressure ulcers in intensive care unit patients

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a common problem in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) and they account for more than 70% of patients with low serum albumin at admission. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of intravenous administration of albumin in patients with low serum albumin < 3·3 g/dl. In a 1‐year period, a total of 73 patients were admitted to the ICU (males 45, 61·64% and females 28, 38·36%); of these, 21 patients were admitted with hypoalbuminaemia (serum albumin < 3·3 g/dl) and randomised into two groups: 11 patients were treated with 25 g intravenous albumin for the first 3 days within the first week of ICU stay (group A) and 10 patients did not receive albumin (group B). Three patients (27·27%) showed the onset of PUs in group A, whereas seven patients (70%) showed the onset of PUs within the first 7 days of stay in group B. Moreover, ulcers of group B were more severe than those of group A. This study shows that intravenous administration of albumin reduces the onset of PUs in patients admitted to the ICU and in some cases it also reduces the risk of progression to advanced stages of PUs.     

Comparative analysis of real-time PCR assays in the detection of canine visceral leishmaniasis

Parasitology Research - Dogs are important hosts and reservoirs of leishmaniasis, a disease caused by protozoan parasites from the genus Leishmania, affecting ~12 million people worldwide. The...