Postgraduate medical journal
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Review Meta Analysis
Efficacy of ultrasound guidance for lumbar punctures: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
Ultrasound guidance has been reported to facilitate the performance of lumbar punctures (LPs). However, the use of ultrasound guidance has not yet received consistent conclusions. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the efficacy of ultrasound-guided LPs. ⋯ No significant heterogeneity was detected (I2=27%) among these trials. It further decreased first attempt to failure (RR=0.43, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.62, p<0.00001), mean attempts to success (SMD=-0.61, 95% CI -0.80 to -0.43, p=0.00001) and incidences of complications of headache and backache (RR=0.63, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.85, p=0.003). Ultrasound guidance is an effective technique for LPs in adults.
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Psoriasis (PsO) is a chronic skin disease. This study aims to evaluate clinical and subclinical response to calcipotriol+betamethasone foam, in patients with PsO, comparing, for the first time, data from microvascular ultrasound (MicroV) and shear wave elastography (SWE) with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI).
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Lung ultrasound has been described for over a decade and international protocols exist for its application. It is a controversial area among pulmonologists and has had more uptake with emergency as well as intensive care physicians. We discuss the basics and evidence behind the use of lung ultrasound in respiratory failure, and what role we see it playing in the current 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic.