The American journal of medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Superficial needling acupuncture versus sham acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.
Acupuncture has been an alternative approach for pain management, but trial evidence is conflicting. ⋯ Acupuncture for 4 weeks is not superior to non-penetrating sham acupuncture. The current study cannot confirm that superficial acupuncture has efficacy for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.
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Despite advances in the diagnosis and management of brain abscess, significant associated morbidity and mortality remain high. We retrospectively reviewed adults who presented with pyogenic brain abscess from January 1, 2009, through June 30, 2020. Overall, 247 patients were identified. The median age was 59 years, and 33.6% had a history of head and neck surgery or traumatic brain injury. ⋯ Compared with those who received combined therapy, patients with medical therapy alone had a higher mortality rate (21.4% vs 6%; P =. 003) with more neurologic sequelae (31% vs 27.1%; P = .5). Most patients with brain abscesses are older with multiple underlying comorbidities, and one-third had antecedent head and neck surgery. A prompt combined surgical and medical approach with prolonged antimicrobial therapy may cure the infection with avoidance of permanent residual neurologic deficits.