Turk J Med Sci
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparing the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided versus blind steroid injection in the treatment of severe carpal tunnel syndrome
Background/aim: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound (US)-guided injection versus blind injection of corticosteroids in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Materials and methods: This prospective, randomized clinical trial included patients with severe CTS based on clinical and electrophysiological criteria. The patients were evaluated for clinical and electrophysiological parameters at baseline and 4 weeks after treatment. ⋯ Significant differences were observed between the groups for clinical parameters (Boston Symptom Severity Scale: P = 0.007; Functional Status Scale: P < 0.001) in favor of the US-guided group. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that both US-guided and blind injections were effective in reducing symptoms and improving hand function. US-guided injections may yield more effective clinical results in the short-term than blind injections in the treatment of patients with severe CTS.
-
Background/aim: The pathogenesis of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) has not yet been fully elucidated. RP is characterized by exaggerated cold-induced vasoconstriction. Urotensin II (UII) is a potent vasoconstrictor. ⋯ Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that UII is not associated with primary RP. Its level was lower in the secondary RP (SSc) patients. Therefore, it can be concluded that decreased UII level is related to SSc instead of RP.
-
Background/aim: Various flap procedures have been described and used for the lower eyelids; however, the nasolabial flap is rarely employed. We herein aimed to present the clinical results of using the superiorly based nasolabial island flap for repair of surgical defects extending to the lateral lower eyelid. Materials and methods: Nine patients with a mean age of 62 +- 6 years underwent surgery for reconstruction of the lower eyelid. ⋯ Conclusion: Despite the low number of patients, the present series demonstrated that lower eyelid defects involving zone IV or zone V can be repaired safely and reliably with the superiorly based nasolabial island flap, along with its use shown in the literature for zone II or zone III defects. The technique for raising the flap is fairly simple, with predictable surgical results. In addition, the superiorly based nasolabial island flap provides a reliable means of obtaining good wound healing with acceptable aesthetics, as well as functional results of both the donor site and reconstructed area.
-
The reno-protective effects of atorvastatin in crush syndrome and rhabdomyolysis:is there a dilemma?
Background/aim: We aim to determine the effects of low-dose atorvastatin treatment together with crush fluid resuscitation on renal functions and muscle enzyme levels in a rat model of crush syndrome. Materials and methods: The study involved female Wistar Albino rats weighing 250-300 g that were housed with free access to food and water. The crush model was obtained by compression. ⋯ However, there was no statistically significant difference among treatment groups regarding any of the parameters. Conclusion: This is the first study determining the role of atorvastatin in the treatment of renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in a crush syndrome and rhabdomyolysis model setting. Larger studies with different atorvastatin doses are required to define the role of this drug in the treatment of renal ischemia/reperfusion injury during crush syndrome.
-
Background/aim: Isolated cell cultures are widely used to study neuronal properties due to their advantages. Although embryonic animals are preferred for culturing, their morphological or electrophysiological properties may not reflect adult neurons, which may be important in neurodegenerative diseases. This paper aims to develop a method for preparing isolated cell cultures of medial vestibular nucleus (MVN) from adult mice and describe its morphological and electrophysiological properties. ⋯ Current-clamp recording of the cultured neurons revealed tonic and phasic-type neurons with similar input resistance, resting membrane potential, action potential amplitude, and duration. Conclusion: Vestibular neurons from adult mice can be cultured, and regenerate axons in a medium containing appropriate growth factors. Culturing adult vestibular neurons provides a new method to study age-related pathologies of the vestibular system.