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Esophageal Perforation and Pneumothorax Complicating Nasogastric Tube Insertion in an Elderly Female with Senile Dementia and Hiatal Hernia: A Case Report.

Coco D, Leanza S

Maedica (Bucur) · 2025 Mar · PMID 40677667 · Full text

This case report describes a unique and rare complication of nasogastric tube insertion in an 80-year-old female patient with a history of senile dementia and hiatal hernia. The patient presented to the emergency departm... This case report describes a unique and rare complication of nasogastric tube insertion in an 80-year-old female patient with a history of senile dementia and hiatal hernia. The patient presented to the emergency department with symptoms of fever, dyspnea and vomiting. Upon arrival, the nursing staff performed a nasogastric tube insertion, which inadvertently led to esophageal perforation and subsequent pneumothorax. To manage the pneumothorax and pleural effusion, the nasogastric tube was intentionally left in the pleural cavity as a temporary drain. This case highlights the importance of careful assessment, appropriate technique, and immediate recognition of potential complications during nasogastric tube insertion, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly with pre-existing conditions.

Evidence for Furthermore Psychological Disorders in Women with PCOS and the Relation to Hyperandrogenemia and Insulin Resistance: a Systematic Review.

Thomaidi S, Kalantaridou S, Papaioannou G … +1 more , Valsamakis G

Maedica (Bucur) · 2025 Mar · PMID 40677666 · Full text

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormone issue that is faced by many women. It usually shows up as high levels of male hormones, problems with ovulation and small cysts on the ovaries. Studies point out that... Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormone issue that is faced by many women. It usually shows up as high levels of male hormones, problems with ovulation and small cysts on the ovaries. Studies point out that women with PCOS might deal with more mental health problems, although the proof is not rock solid. This summary looks at the ties between PCOS and things like eating disorders, signs of bipolar disorder, autism, schizophrenia and issues with sex. Results suggest that things like insulin resistance and being overweight might add to feeling mentally upset. Also, a diet causing long-term inflammation may make anxiety and stress worse.

Economic Resilience of Dental Practices in the Covid-19 Pandemic: Analysis of the T/E (Turnover/Employee) Indicator.

Radoi D, Pituru SM

Maedica (Bucur) · 2025 Mar · PMID 40677665 · Full text

The present study analyzes the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the financial performance of dental practices in Bucharest, using the key financial indicator T/E (turnover/employees), which is defined as the ratio betw... The present study analyzes the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the financial performance of dental practices in Bucharest, using the key financial indicator T/E (turnover/employees), which is defined as the ratio between turnover and the number of employees. Financial data were obtained from the Ministry of Finance of Romania for the period 2019.2021 and the dental practices were grouped into two categories: T/E < 100,000 RON employee and T/E ≥ 100,000 RON employee in 2019. The results show a significant decrease in some financial indicators such as turnover, revenues and the number of employees in 2020, followed by a strong rebound in 2021. Dental practices with a higher T/E before the pandemic proved to be more resilient, experiencing greater financial growth post-pandemic. The analysis emphasizes the importance of optimal organization of human and financial resources during crises. The T/E parameter has proven useful in assessing economic efficiency, allowing for objective comparisons between dental practices. These results provide new insights for dental professionals, emphasizing the lessons learned from both the past and the present to enhance economic resilience in future crises.

Perioperative Morbidity and Mortality Among Elderly and Octogenarian Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery.

Fotopoulou A, Garmpis N, Keramida M … +1 more , Mantas D

Maedica (Bucur) · 2025 Mar · PMID 40677664 · Full text

INTRODUCTION: The global population is aging and life expectancy is increasing rapidly. As a consequence, the need of major abdominal surgeries increases as well. However, due to the advanced age, such surgeries are char... INTRODUCTION: The global population is aging and life expectancy is increasing rapidly. As a consequence, the need of major abdominal surgeries increases as well. However, due to the advanced age, such surgeries are characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates, which proportionately increase with age. AIM: To investigate perioperative morbidity and mortality rates and identify their relative prognostic factors among elderly and octogenarian patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 321 patients who underwent major abdominal surgery in the Second Department of Propaedeutic Surgery of Laiko General Hospital in Athens, Greece, were prospectively reviewed. The sample was divided into two groups. Group A included 254 (79.1%) elderly patients aged 65 to 79 years and Group B, 67 (20.9%) patients aged 80 years and over. Data was collected between June 2021 and June 2024 via patients' medical records using a recording form which included demographic and medical characteristics, morbidity factors such as duration of hospitalization, Dindo-Clavien classification, need of transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU) and survival outcome. RESULTS: There was no difference in baseline characteristics, including gender (p=0.094) and preoperative ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) classification (p=0.096), between the two groups. Absence of comorbidities was found only in Group A (p=0.010), while in Group B there were higher percentages of patients with more than two comorbidities, especially pathological ones (p=0.011), compared with Group A (p=0.006). Regarding the type of surgery (emergency or elective), there was no difference between the two study groups (p>0.05), but colectomy and gastrectomy were more prevalent among patients in Group B, while hepatectomy and pancreatectomy were more prevalent in Group A (p=0.018). We found no difference in perioperative morbidity factors, including duration of hospitalization (p=0.841), the need for ICU transfer (p=0.166) and perioperative complications based on Dindo-Clavien classification (p=0.228). However, fatality rates were higher in Group B than Group A (10.4% vs. 3.5%, p=0.030), with correlation analysis showing a positive correlation between Group B and mortality (rs=0.129, p=0.021), indicating that age ≥80 years was directly affecting mortality. Morbidity factors were found to be independent risk factors of each other (p<0.05) for both study groups and ASA score was a direct predictor for morbidity among octogenarian patients, while the type of surgery was a direct predictor for ICU transfer among the elderly ones (p<0.05). Postoperative complications were a direct predictor of mortality for both groups (p<0.001), while ASA classification (p=0.011) and hospitalization duration (p<0.001) were direct mortality predictors for the elderly subjects and ICU transfer for octogenarian ones (p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age is associated with higher rates of mortality, which in turn is affected by both perioperative morbidity and preoperative ASA scores.

Neuroplasticity in Action: Transforming Brain Function through Neurorehabilitation.

Earl EH, Gaur A, Varatharajan S … +11 more , Ansari A, Billa A, Ravi N, Kalpana M, Kamble P, Daulatabad V, Singhal A, Ganji V, Umesh M, Taranikanti M, John NA

Maedica (Bucur) · 2025 Mar · PMID 40677663 · Full text

The capability of the human brain to redeploy in accordance to the activities and experiences is deemed as neuroplasticity. As a result, neuroplasticity can be visualized as a required adaptation to all brain processes.... The capability of the human brain to redeploy in accordance to the activities and experiences is deemed as neuroplasticity. As a result, neuroplasticity can be visualized as a required adaptation to all brain processes. Broadly classified into structural, functional, biochemical and behavioural neuroplasticity, structural neuroplasticity includes neurogenesis and synaptogenesis. Functional neuroplasticity operates with long term potentiation (LTP) and long term depression (LTD). Biochemical neuroplasticity avails the usage of genes such as apoE and Brain derived neurotrophic factor. Behavioural neuroplasticity utilizes the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens, two parts of the brain that contribute to the rewarding properties of certain psychotropic drugs, showing plastic changes. Mirror neurons play an important role in neurorehabilitation by employing the process of functional synaptic plasticity. Non-invasive brain stimulation, including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), deep brain stimulation and scrambler therapy for pain, utilize neuroplasticity for treatment in several disorders such as stroke, autism, Parkinsons, depression, etc.

Historical Review of Euthanasia. From Ancient Times until before Modern Times.

Spinthouraki A, Michaleas SN, Nikolakakis I … +3 more , Marinos G, Dimitriadis I, Karamanou M

Maedica (Bucur) · 2025 Mar · PMID 40677662 · Full text

The historical review of euthanasia shows the pivotal role played by Christianity in the perceptions and attitudes towards it. In ancient Greece and Rome, euthanasia was rejected by medicine, but philosophy and ethics su... The historical review of euthanasia shows the pivotal role played by Christianity in the perceptions and attitudes towards it. In ancient Greece and Rome, euthanasia was rejected by medicine, but philosophy and ethics supported it as an attitude to life. Euthanasia was synonymous with an honorable and good death, and as a means of avoiding the sufferings that old age might bring. These attitudes and perceptions changed with the establishment of Christianity. Euthanasia was characterized as a forbidden act and as an insult to God against the gift of life that was given to man.

Mapping the Future: Anterior Segment OCT for Corneal Epithelial Thickness in Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis.

Singh SP, Shukla R, Garg P … +5 more , Mishra AK, Shukla M, Shrinkhal, Banerjee N, Shukla A

Maedica (Bucur) · 2025 Mar · PMID 40677661 · Full text

To compare corneal epithelium parameters in between children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and healthy controls with the help of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT). Children aged 5 to 18 years... To compare corneal epithelium parameters in between children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and healthy controls with the help of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT). Children aged 5 to 18 years with a diagnosis of VKC were included in this study. A total of 216 eyes were included in the study, which were divided into two groups: the case group comprising 108 eyes of VKC patients and the control one comprising 108 eyes of healthy subjects. Central 5 mm cornea was taken into consideration for evaluation of different epithelial thickness parameters using anterior segment OCT. On analysis of the corneal epithelium parameters, the superior quadrant in VKC patients as compared to controls was found to be significantly thinner (38.69 ± 5.91 μm vs 40.98 ± 3.86 μm). Other noteworthy findings were a reduced minimum (MIN) epithelial thickness and a greater negative (MIN-MAX) value in VKC patients as compared to controls. In a detailed study specifically in patients signifiwith mixed VKC, they had epithelial thinning in the superior quadrant and markedly reduced MIN epithelial thickness than the controls. This study demonstrates that children with VKC exhibit notable changes in corneal epithelial thickness parameters, particularly a significant reduction in superior and minimum epithelial thickness compared to healthy controls. Additionally, the significant correlation between epithelial thickness and disease duration suggests that prolonged duration of VKC may exacerbate epithelial thinning. The results underscore the significance of using anterior segment optical coherence tomography as a useful technique for tracking corneal alterations in children with VKC.

Erratum: Request for the Addition of an Erratum Regarding First Authors' Affiliation to "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.

Maedica (Bucur) · 2025 Mar · PMID 40677660 · Full text

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Penetrating Brain Injury through a Pre-existing Skull Defect: Case Report.

Keffes N, Varoutis P, Skoulios N … +2 more , Tsitsopoulos PP, Magras I

Maedica (Bucur) · 2025 Mar · PMID 40677659 · Full text

Penetrating brain trauma represents about 0,4% of traumatic brain injuries. In the literature, there is a number of case studies and case-series on non-missile penetrating injuries management, but reports on penetrating... Penetrating brain trauma represents about 0,4% of traumatic brain injuries. In the literature, there is a number of case studies and case-series on non-missile penetrating injuries management, but reports on penetrating brain injuries through a craniectomy are lacking. A 44-year-old male was transferred to the Emergency Room in a comatose state after being stabbed on the head by a sharp object at an area where a previous decompressive craniectomy took place years ago. Computed tomography of the head showed an extensive intracerebral hemorrhage with intraventricular extension and diffuse subarachnoid bleeding. He was immediately transferred to the operating room for hematoma evacuation and hemostasis. Postoperatively, a slight improvement in his neurological status was initially noted, but the patient's clinical course was complicated by a central nervous system infection. Following a long stay and multiple re-operations, he eventually died due to septic shock and multiorgan failure. Non-missile penetrating brain injuries can be life threatening. Prognosis is dismal in those with pre-existing skull defect and severe brain damage despite aggressive medical and surgical treatment.

Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Multiple Sclerosis Who Had Exposure to Rituximab: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Askari F, Rastkar M, Taghavi EA … +1 more , Ghajarzadeh M

Maedica (Bucur) · 2025 Mar · PMID 40677658 · Full text

BACKGROUND: We designed this study to estimate pooled prevalence of preterm and term deliveries of women exposed to rituximab before pregnancy. METHODS: A systematic review using PRISMA guideline was conducted. We perfor... BACKGROUND: We designed this study to estimate pooled prevalence of preterm and term deliveries of women exposed to rituximab before pregnancy. METHODS: A systematic review using PRISMA guideline was conducted. We performed a comprehensive search in PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE and Web of Science databases based on a predefined search strategy. The search was done on the 1st of May 2023 and there were no time or language limitations. Data were analyzed using random effect model and all estimated effect sizes were reported at a confidence interval of 95%. Also, we used the I-square index (I²) to assess statistical heterogeneity. RESULTS: A literature search revealed 4059 records, of which 26 full-texts were evaluated, and finally, five studies remained for the systematic review. The pooled prevalence of term pregnancy in women with multiple sclerosis who were treated with rituximab was 64% (95% CI 31-96%) (I²=95.1%, P <0.001). The pooled prevalence of preterm pregnancy in women with MS who were treated with rituximab was 4% (95% CI 1-9%) (I²=16.6%, P=0.3). CONCLUSION: The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that rituximab exposure during conception is not associated with an increased rate of preterm deliveries.

"Sandwich" Technique for the Management of Chronic and Hemorrhagic Cervicitis Vs Antibiotics Alone: a Case-Control Clinical Study.

Zervoudis S, Iatrakis G, Eskitzis P … +5 more , Markja A, Michou V, Balafouta M, Kyrkou G, Tsikouras P

Maedica (Bucur) · 2025 Mar · PMID 40677657 · Full text

Cervicitis is commonly caused by sexually transmitted infections. This study compares the standard antibiotic treatment with antibiotics plus cryocoagulation in cases of chronic and hemorrhagic cervicitis. Although antib... Cervicitis is commonly caused by sexually transmitted infections. This study compares the standard antibiotic treatment with antibiotics plus cryocoagulation in cases of chronic and hemorrhagic cervicitis. Although antibiotics are typically the first line of treatment, persistent cases often require additional interventions, like cryosurgery to obtain a cure. Fifty women (mean age 38 years) with chronic cervicitis - based on clinical evaluations, cytology and vaginal culture - were enrolled in the present study. Twenty three participants were treated with combination therapy consisting of an initial course of antibiotics, followed by cryocoagulation and a subsequent round of antibiotics post-procedure, using a "sandwich" technique, while 27 subjects received antibiotics alone. Our study showed that the "sandwich" technique achieved a success rate of 76.2% (p<0.005) after a single session for treating chronic cervicitis and hemorrhagic cervicitis (normalization in Pap smear) and 95.7% (p<0.05) success rate in clinical improvement after intervention. The combination of antibiotic treatment followed by cryosurgery and then another prophylactic course of antibiotics presents a promising approach for managing chronic cervicitis and recurrent cervical hemorrhage.

Artificial Intelligence and Copyright.

PhD MCM

Maedica (Bucur) · 2025 Mar · PMID 40677656 · Full text

Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.

Ozone Therapy for Lumbar Disc Disease. Some Comments.

Chirumbolo S, Valdenassi L, Vaiano F … +3 more , Tirelli U, Richelmi T, Franzini M

Maedica (Bucur) · 2025 Mar · PMID 40677655 · Full text

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Current Knowledge of Neonatal Birth Asphyxia - a Review of Recent Literature and Novel Approach.

Constantin ILB, Dima V, Zaharie CG

Maedica (Bucur) · 2025 Mar · PMID 40677654 · Full text

As neonatal intensive care has developed, there has been a growing focus on reducing mortality and morbidity. Hypoxic-ischemic injury remains the primary cause of neonatal brain dysfunction. Recently, notable advancement... As neonatal intensive care has developed, there has been a growing focus on reducing mortality and morbidity. Hypoxic-ischemic injury remains the primary cause of neonatal brain dysfunction. Recently, notable advancements have been made in neuroprotection, particularly with the introduction of therapeutic hypothermia. Furthermore, identifying specific biomarkers has constituted another significant advance in neuroprotection, allowing clinicians to screen infants for brain injury, monitor disease progression, identify affected regions and assess the efficacy of neuroprotective trials. Erythropoietin (EPO) has demonstrated potential in the treatment of perinatal hypoxia, particularly in the reduction of neurological damage and improvement of outcomes in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. While further research is required to ascertain the optimal usage, the existing evidence suggests that EPO could be a valuable component of a comprehensive treatment plan, potentially in conjunction with therapeutic hypothermia.

Early Prediction of ABO HDN Using Immuno-Hematological and Biochemical Tests.

Patale D, Sharma J, Modi C … +1 more , Bhagwat S

Maedica (Bucur) · 2024 Dec · PMID 39974463 · Full text

OBJECTIVE: ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn (ABO HDN) is the most common cause of neonatal jaundice due to feto-maternal incompatibility. The objective of this study is to evaluate early predictors of ABO HDN using i... OBJECTIVE: ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn (ABO HDN) is the most common cause of neonatal jaundice due to feto-maternal incompatibility. The objective of this study is to evaluate early predictors of ABO HDN using immuno-hematological and biochemical tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Newborns with blood group A/B born to group O mothers were prospectively enrolled in the present study. Direct antiglobulin test (DAT) and cord blood bilirubin (CBB) were performed. Total serum bilirubin (TSB) was measured at 72 hours of life. Serum anti-A/B IgG titers of maternal samples were measured. For the statistical analysis, Microsoft Excel 2013 (Microsoft Corporation, NY, USA) and SPSS statistical computer software (version 22) were used. To find the efficacy and cut-off values for various predictors of neonatal jaundice, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed. To evaluate the relative importance of predictors for phototherapy (PT), logistic regression was used. RESULTS: A total of 200 ABO incompatible mother-neonate pairs were included in the present study. The incidence of ABO HDN was 10% (n=20). The number of DAT positive cases was 38 (19%). Regression analysis showed a significant influence of antibody titre, CBB and DAT on probability of phototherapy. Antibody titers ≥512 predicted severe hyperbilirubinemia with 80% sensitivity and 83% specificity; CBB ≥2.75 mg/dL had 85% sensitivity and 83% specificity. CONCLUSION: High risk ABO-incompatible neonates could be identified at birth using maternal antibody titers, DAT and CBB. Early diagnosis with enhanced surveillance will help in optimum utilization of healthcare.

Management of Severe Atrophy with a Customised Subperiosteal Implant in the Posterior Mandible.

Nedelcu L, Sirbu I, Sirbu VD … +3 more , Custura AM, Radu A, Nastasie V

Maedica (Bucur) · 2024 Dec · PMID 39974462 · Full text

Clinical trials and follow-ups have provided ample documentation of the adaptability and predictability of endosseous implants (1). Patient general health state, bone availability and long osseointegration durations coul... Clinical trials and follow-ups have provided ample documentation of the adaptability and predictability of endosseous implants (1). Patient general health state, bone availability and long osseointegration durations could have been limitations to the use of this implants. Subperiosteal implants with proper design can work effectively for many years and are a good substitute for endosseous implants, according to research findings (2). With the use of digital technology, clinicians can design the implant based on the patient's cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan well in advance of surgery, addressing the drawbacks of analogue subperiosteal implants, which included the possibility of implant misfit due to impression material contraction and more significant trauma to the patient requiring two surgical interventions rather than one. This case study discusses the design characteristics of 3D printed superiosteal implants, the step-by-step procedure and their unique features based on recent research conducted in Romania with AB Dental International (3).

Automated Segmentation of Knee Menisci Using U-Net Deep Learning Model: Preliminary Results.

Botnari A, Kadar M, Puia DR … +2 more , Patrascu JM, Jr JMP

Maedica (Bucur) · 2024 Dec · PMID 39974461 · Full text

OBJECTIVES: The present study describes the initial findings of the detection and segmentation of the knee meniscus in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans using the U-Net deep learning model. The primary goal was to d... OBJECTIVES: The present study describes the initial findings of the detection and segmentation of the knee meniscus in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans using the U-Net deep learning model. The primary goal was to develop a model that automatically identified and segmented the meniscus from the region of interest (ROI) in knee MRI scans. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The current study was conducted in two phases. Initially, a U-Net deep learning model was developed to automatically detect the meniscus using a training dataset comprising 104 knee MRI images. In the second phase, the model was fine-tuned with an additional 50 MRI scans featuring manually segmented images to segment the meniscus from the ROI accurately. RESULTS: After performing 14 training tests, the U-Net model achieved a detection accuracy of 0.91. The average Dice score for ROIs after training at 100 epochs was 0.7259. With training extended to 300 epochs, the Dice score improved to 0.7525. Finally, the model reached a Dice score of 0.7609 after 500 epochs. CONCLUSIONS: The present study introduces a practical deep learning-based approach for segmenting the knee meniscus, which is validated against ground truth annotations from orthopedic surgeons. Despite challenges such as data scarcity and the need for sequence-specific optimization, our method demonstrates significant potential for advancing automated meniscus segmentation in clinical settings.

Measurement Accuracy of CBCT MDCT for the Linear Distance between the Stapes and Round Window, and the Incudostapedial Joint Thickness for Cochlear Implantation Treatment Planning.

Sharifishoshtari S, Saki N, Roozbahani Z … +3 more , Hanafi MG, Farasat M, Saadi Z

Maedica (Bucur) · 2024 Dec · PMID 39974460 · Full text

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the measurement accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) for the linear distance between the stapes and round window, and the... OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the measurement accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) for the linear distance between the stapes and round window, and the incudostapedial joint thickness for cochlear implantation treatment planning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro study, 12 temporal bones along with their covering soft tissue underwent high-resolution (HR) and low-resolution (LR) CBCT and MDCT. The linear distance between the stapes and round window as well as the incudostapedial joint thickness were measured on images by an oral radiologist and a general radiologist. Data were analyzed by paired t-test, Wilcoxon test and Pearson's correlation test (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Significant correlations and excellent agreement were noted between HR-CBCT and MDCT, HR-CBCT and LR-CBCT, and LR-CBCT and MDCT in both measurements (P<0.05). The mean distance between the stapes and round window on HR-CBCT was significantly higher than that on MDCT and LR-CBCT, and there were significant differences in the measurement accuracy of HR-CBCT with MDCT (P=0.014) and LR-CBCT (P=0.027). The difference between LR-CBCT and MDCT was not significant (P=0.102). The mean joint thickness on HR-CBCT was significantly higher than that on MDCT and the measurement accuracy of CBCT and MDCT was significantly different in this respect (P=0.014). The differences between LR-CBCT and MDCT, and HR-CBCT and LR-CBCT were not significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study showed an acceptable accuracy of CBCT comparable to that of MDCT for measurement of the linear distance between the stapes and round window, and the incudostapedial joint thickness for cochlear implantation treatment planning.

Assessment of the Attitude, Anxiety Episodes and Perceived Psychological Impact of the Pandemic on Medical Undergraduate Students - a Retrospective Study.

Chaudhary P, Patra A, Singal A … +1 more , Arora KK

Maedica (Bucur) · 2024 Dec · PMID 39974459 · Full text

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread public concern and stress, particularly among medical undergraduates, who faced heightened anxiety due to the uncertainty of the disease resurgence. This study aime... BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread public concern and stress, particularly among medical undergraduates, who faced heightened anxiety due to the uncertainty of the disease resurgence. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, anxiety experiences and perceived mental healthcare needs of undergraduate medical students in India through an online multicentric survey. METHODS: A semi-structured pilot-tested questionnaire was administered online via Google Forms and distributed through social media platforms. The survey was carried out over a period of three months during the pandemic (2020-2021). Students were given five days to respond and incomplete or late submissions were excluded. Data were collected and analyzed using MS Excel and appropriate statistical tests, with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: Out of all respondents to the survey, 55.3% reported frequently thinking about the pandemic, while 5.9% were always paranoid about infection. Social contact avoidance was common, with 40.5% of respondents always avoiding contact and 36.3% avoiding large gatherings. Sleep disturbances were reported by 16.9% occasionally and 3.8% regularly. Social media posts about COVID-19 affected 56.1% of participants. Notably, 62.4% expressed a desire to discuss pandemic-related worries and 85.2% acknowledged the need for mental health support during periods of heightened panic. Most respondents (86.5%) agreed that mental health professionals should assist in managing pandemic-related stress. CONCLUSION: The study highlights significant psychological impacts of COVID-19 on medical students, with emphasizing the need for targeted mental health interventions. Raising awareness and providing accessible mental health resources are crucial to addressing their needs, particularly as the threat of new COVID-19 variants persists. Studying mental health impacts across diverse populations will aid in planning effective strategies for broader pandemic-related mental health challenges.

Comparative Evaluation of Intralesional Injection of Botulinum Toxin Type A Triamcinolone Acetonide in Treating Post-Burn Pruritus.

Hoseininejad SS, Rahbar R, Farhadi M … +1 more , Godarzi S

Maedica (Bucur) · 2024 Dec · PMID 39974458 · Full text

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pathological scars resulting from burns can impair both aesthetic and physical functions, often causing chronic pruritus. Thus, this study aimed to compare the effectiveness of intralesional bo... BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pathological scars resulting from burns can impair both aesthetic and physical functions, often causing chronic pruritus. Thus, this study aimed to compare the effectiveness of intralesional botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) and triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) in reducing pruritus and scar thickness caused by burns. METHODS: This single-blind clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients experiencing post-burn pruritus. Patients selected a scar area with the highest degree of pruritus, which was divided into two equal parts. BTX-A was injected into one half and TAC into the other. Pruritus severity was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), the pain was assessed using the numeric rating scale (NRS), and scar thickness and the Vancouver scar scale (VSS) scores were at four time points. RESULTS: The study involved 60 patients with a mean age of 35.72 years (range: 21-64 years). The results indicated that BTX-A was more effective than TAC in reducing scar thickness and pruritus. Changes in scar thickness from V1 to V4 demonstrated that BTX-A achieved more significant scar reduction than TAC (P=0.0287), and pruritus severity decreased significantly in the BTX-A group (P=0.0482). CONCLUSION: Based on the results, BTX-A treatment is more effective than TAC in reducing pruritus and scar thickness in patients with chronic post-burn pruritus. Further studies with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods are required to confirm these findings.
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