Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research
-
The aim of the study was to determine the incidence and severity of hoarseness and vocal cord dysfunction in 200 patients undergoing open heart surgery in Shiraz-Iran. ⋯ The incidence of hoarseness in this study was 17%; similar series reported as high as 32%. Vocal cord dysfunction never occurred in our study and hoarseness probably resulted from intubation trauma. Although we found no case of nerve injury and cord dysfunction, vocal cord palsy as a rare cause of respiratory insufficiency in chest and neck surgeries must never be overlooked.
-
Comparative Study
Agreement between Mantoux skin testing and QuantiFERON-TB assay using dual mycobacterial antigens in current and former injection drug users.
Individuals infected with non-tuberculous mycobacteria may elicit false-positive reactions on tuberculin skin testing. The QuantiFERON-TB (QFT) assay utilizes tuberculin and M. avium antigens and, therefore, may be more specific for latent tuberculosis infection. The objective of this study was to investigate the agreement between the QFT and single and dual antigen skin testing for detecting latent M. tuberculosis and assess the impact of cross-reactions from latent infection with other mycobacteria in inner-city injection drug users, a population at high risk for tuberculosis. ⋯ Results from the QFT assay and skin testing demonstrated moderate concordance in identifying subjects with latent tuberculous infection, and use of dual antigens did not appreciably improve the agreement between the two methods.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Prophylactic Saccharomyces boulardii in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea: a prospective study.
Interest to probiotics for the prevention and treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhea is increasing gradually. The most promising seems to be Saccharomyces boulardii . Using a double-blind controlled study, we investigated the preventive effect of S. boulardii on the development of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in patients under antibiotherapy but not requiring intensive care therapy. ⋯ The results implied that prophylactic use of Saccharomyces boulardii resulted in reduced, with no serious side effects, antibiotic-associated diarrhea in hospitalized patients.