International journal of clinical practice
-
Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Dec 2021
Plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9 level change with omalizumab treatment in chronic spontaneous urticarial.
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is an enzyme that contributes to inflammation and tissue remodelling. In chronic urticaria, increased plasma levels of MMP-9 and its correlation with disease severity have been shown in several studies, suggesting that MMP-9 could be used to evaluate the effects of new treatments. We aimed to compare MMP-9 levels in chronic urticaria patients with those of healthy patients. Then we planned to investigate the changes in plasma MMP-9 levels with chronic urticaria treatment, the role of this enzyme in demonstrating the efficacy of treatment, and its correlation with C-reactive protein (CRP). ⋯ MMP-9 levels were not associated with the severity of disease, and MMP-9 levels were not decreased with treatment response. Therefore, MMP-9 cannot be used as a parameter of disease activity in chronic urticaria or to evaluate the efficacy of new treatments.
-
Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Dec 2021
Do We Need To Evaluate Patients With Spontaneous Subconjunctival Hemorrhage For Bleeding Disorders?
Subconjunctival haemorrage (SCH) is a frequent bleeding manifestation and a common cause of visits to the primary care. Trauma in young patients and vascular damage such as hypertension in the elderly are the most common causes of SCH and the prevalence of haematological diseases is <1%. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of congenital or acquired bleeding disorders in patients with once or recurrent SCH. ⋯ There was no increase in the incidence of congenital or acquired bleeding disorder in SCH compared with normal population. Fort this reason, it was thought there was no need for evaluation for bleeding disorders in spontaneous SCH.
-
Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Dec 2021
Three monthly doses of 150,000 IU of oral cholecalciferol correct vitamin D deficiency in adolescents: a pragmatic study.
To assess the efficacy of an oral high-dose cholecalciferol regimen in correcting vitamin D deficiency (VDD) in adolescents and to explore potential predictive factors on the response to treatment. ⋯ The present intermittent high-dose regimen is effective in treating VDD in healthy adolescents without significant variations in response between different subgroups.
-
Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Dec 2021
Diagnostic Errors: Under-appreciated, Under-reported, and Under-researched.
Diagnostic errors, were given relatively little attention, compared with the effort invested in treatment errors. However, erroneous diagnoses continue to be quite prevalent (10%-15% in every setting investigated), and are often associated with substantial patient harm including increased mortality and frequent permanent disability. ⋯ Research devoted to misdiagnosis remains difficult to perform and insufficient in scope, but the search for the optimal means to improve diagnostic accuracy continues. Newly achieved insights regarding diagnostic errors are presented, and essential system and individual approaches to improve diagnostic accuracy are proposed.
-
Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Dec 2021
Management of Our Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography Cases During the Pandemic Process.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP) is a technique in which endoscope and radiological imaging are used in combination in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to the pancreaticobiliary system. Our aim in this study is to discuss all aspects of approach strategies to ERCP patients whose operation is mandatory during the pandemic period, to draw the future perspective and to summarize the measures that the surgical team should take in terms of their own health and public health. ⋯ COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the management and safety of ERCP units. ERCP procedures should be performed by determining the urgency of patients so that their treatment needs are not delayed. Postponing cases without planning can develop an increased workload in centers offering ERCP, and this situation can lead to further delays or negative consequences.