RGB measurements as a novel objective diagnostic test for otitis media with effusion

Conclusions: This study revealed a significant correlation between red-green-blue (RGB) values of tympanic membrane (TM) images and the presence of effusion in the middle ear. These results confirm that endoscopic RGB evaluation is a rapid and non-invasive procedure yielding objective results. Objective: To investigate, in cases of otitis media with effusion (OME), the correlation of the TM color changes with the presence and viscosity of the effusion in the middle ear. Methods: Endoscopic images of the TMs of 52 patients (group 1) and 52 healthy controls (group 2) were taken during their otologic examinations. RGB values of particular points were measured on the TM images of both groups. Additionally, in group 1 the viscosity of each effusion taken by paracentesis during surgery was also measured intraoperatively with a viscometer. Patients with viscosity values lower and higher than 450 cP (centipoise) were subdivided into groups 1a and 1b, respectively. Results: Study and control groups were comparable regarding the number of patients and their mean ages (p > 0.05). Statistically significant differences were found in RGB values of the TM between groups 1 and 2, but not between groups 1a and 1b.     

Rapidly advancing invasive endomyocardial aspergillosis.

The exposure to Aspergillus organisms/spores is likely common, but disease caused by tissue invasion with these fungi is uncommon and occurs primarily in the setting of immunosuppression. We report a case of rapidly advancing invasive endomyocardial aspergillosis secondary to prolonged usage of multiple broad-spectrum antibiotics in a nonimmunocompromised host. A 36-year-old cotton textile worker presented to our institution with a 3-month history of weight loss and fatigue. He reported receiving prolonged use of multiple broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment. The echocardiogram demonstrated multiple endomyocardial vegetations and a mass in the left atrium. Myocardial biopsy specimen revealed an invasive endomyocardial aspergillosis. The patient was investigated for immune deficiency including HIV, and this workup was negative. Treatment was started with amphotericin B and heparin for presumed left atrial thrombus. The patient died because of a rupture of mycotic aneurysm that resulted in cerebral hemorrhage. This case illustrates the risk of an invasive fungal infection in a nonimmunocompromised host who is a prolonged user of antibiotics in the setting of environmental exposure of opportunistic invasive fungal infections.     

Reconstruction of a transmetatarsal amputation stump using a salvaged peroneal artery fasciocutaneous flap from the opposite leg: A case report

During lower extremity amputation, the objective is to provide a functional residual limb that permits maximum patient mobility and independence. Preservation of length of the fore part of the foot using salvageable tissue from the amputated part in young patients prevents equines deformity and revision of amputation to a higher level. This can be achieved using tissue available from the amputated part. The spare part concept in reconstructive surgery should be integrated into the trauma algorithm to avoid additional donor site morbidity. Reported here is a young adult patient with crush injuries to both feet, which resulted in amputations. A fasciocutaneous flap raised from one extremity was used to facilitate transmetatarsal amputation stump length preservation of the other extremity.     

New wound protection for rabbits

Rabbits are the experimental animals of choice in many studies including flaps, wounds, and topical trials for new pharmacological agents. Because the topical drugs and other materials used for dressing are irritating to the animal, they tend to remove dressings, bandages, drapes, insensate flaps, and also topical drugs by scratching, licking, and biting if they are within the reach of the animal. In this study, we report an easy to prepare, user-friendly, comfortable, and cheap dressing protector called a dressing shield to prevent these problems.     

Dexmedetomidine in combination with morphine PCA provides superior analgesia for shockwave lithotripsy

PURPOSE: To compare the analgesic effects of dexmedetomidine/morphine with those of tramadol/midazolam in patients undergoing extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) for urinary calculi. METHODS: Sixty patients were randomized to receive either dexmedetomidine 1 micro g*kg(-1) iv followed by 0.5 micro g*kg(-1)*hr(-1) infusion together with morphine patient-controlled analgesia [(PCA); 2 mg bolus, five minutes lockout, 2 mg*hr(-1) infusion; (Group DEX)], or tramadol 1.5 mg*kg(-1) pre-mixed with midazolam 30 micro g*kg(-1) iv followed by tramadol PCA [20 mg bolus, five minute lockout, 20 mg*hr(-1) infusion; (Group TRA)]. Pain was assessed at baseline and every 15 min thereafter. Patients' and urologist's satisfaction with analgesia and sedation were determined on a seven-point scale ranging from 1 (extremely dissatisfied) to 7 (extremely satisfied). Patient's discharge time was also documented. RESULTS: Visual analogue scale scores over time were consistently lower in Group DEX compared with Group TRA (P = 0.001). Patients' satisfaction with analgesia (5 +/- 1 vs 4 +/- 2, P = 0.012) and with sedation (6 +/- 1 vs 5 +/- 1, P = 0.020), and urologist's satisfaction (6 +/- 1 vs 4 +/- 2, P = 0.001) were all higher amongst Group DEX patients compared with Group TRA. There was no difference between discharge times of patients in Group DEX compared with those in Group TRA [85 (60,115) min vs 65 (40,95) min, P = 0.069]. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine in combination with morphine PCA provided better analgesia for ESWL and was associated with higher patients' and urologist's satisfaction when compared with a tramadol/midazolam PCA combination.