Chang Gung medical journal
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Awareness of the anatomy and variations of the extensor tendons on the dorsum of the hand is necessary when assessing the traumatized or diseased hand and when considering tendons for repair or transfer. A complete quantitative documentation of the extensor tendons is lacking. ⋯ Variations of the extensor tendons were common in this study, especially for the middle and ring fingers which showed multiple tendons of the EDC.
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Vertebral compression fracture is the most common complication of osteoporosis. It may result in persistent severe pain and limited mobility, and significantly impact the quality of life. Conservative therapy using external bracing, bed rest and analgesics is necessary for pain control in these patients. ⋯ Since then, vertebroplasty has been widely accepted for the treatment of vertebral osteoporotic compression fractures without neurological damage. This article summarizes the advances in vertebroplasty, and discusses the indications, technique, alternative methods, results and complications. The contents include a review of the supporting evidence to provide a comparison of the safety and efficacy of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Efficacy and tolerability of salmeterol/fluticasone propionate versus fluticasone propionate in asthma patients: a randomized, double-blind study.
A combination of salmeterol and fluticasone propionate (SAL/FP) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of asthma. We compared the efficacy and tolerability of SAL/FP (50/250 μg) with fluticasone propionate (FP) 250 μg administrated twice daily for 2 weeks in treating patients with mild to moderate asthma. ⋯ SAL/FP 50/250 μg was safe and effective, and had a high level of patient satisfaction resulting in significantly greater increases in morning PEF and FEV1 compared to the use of FP 250 μg alone.
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Comparative Study
Comparison between 0.08% ropivacaine and 0.06% levobupivacaine for epidural analgesia during nulliparous labor: a retrospective study in a single center.
Levobupivacaine and ropivacaine are new local anesthetics that have effects similar to bupivacaine. However, the relative potency of these two drugs is controversial. The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess whether a combination of 0.06% levobupivacaine and 0.0002% fentanyl had the same effects as 0.08% ropivacaine and 0.0002% fentanyl on the mode of delivery and other obstetric outcomes when used for epidural analgesia of labor in nulliparous women. ⋯ 0.06 % levobupivacaine was as effective as 0.08% ropivacaine, when both were used with 0.0002% fentanyl for labor epidural analgesia of nulliparous women.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Efficacy of intramuscular nalbuphine versus diphenhydramine for the prevention of epidural morphine-induced pruritus after cesarean delivery.
Pruritus is the most common side effect of epidural morphine analgesia. Diphenhydramine is a widely used agent for the treatment of urticarial pruritus. Nalbuphine is a mixed opioid agonist-antagonist and has been reported to be effective in treating opioid-induced pruritus. We compared the effectiveness of intramuscular diphenhydramine and nalbuphine for the prevention of epidural morphine-induced pruritus after cesarean section. ⋯ Nalbuphine proved better than diphenhydramine for prevention of epidural morphine-induced pruritus in patients who underwent cesarean section. Prophylactic intramuscular nalbuphine (10 mg) is effective in decreasing the incidence and severity of pruritus and does not affect analgesia.