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Patient Tolerance (patient + tolerance)
Selected AbstractsLaser Lipolysis Using a Novel 1,064 nm Nd:YAG LaserDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 2 2006KAREN H. KIM MD BACKGROUND We studied the safety and efficacy of a 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser with a 300 ,m fiber for the reduction of small unwanted fat areas. METHODS Thirty subjects with focal areas of fat less than 100 cm3 were enrolled. Ten subjects were treated with laser lipolysis and had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline and 3 months post-treatment. Ten subjects had laser lipolysis followed by biweekly treatments with the Tri-active system. The last group of 10 subjects served as control. Patients were seen at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 month follow-up visits. RESULTS Twenty-nine patients completed the study. Self-assessment evaluations reported an improvement of 37% at the 3-month follow-up visit. MRI demonstrated an average 17% reduction in fat volume. Smaller baseline volume areas, such as the submentum, showed better results, suggesting a dose-response relationship. The most common side effects were mild bruising and swelling resolving within 2 weeks. CONCLUSION Laser lipolysis using the 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser with 300 ,m fiber appears to be a very promising procedure that delivers good, reproducible results safely and effectively. The advantages include excellent patient tolerance, quick recovery time, as well as the benefit of dermal tightening. [source] Efficacy of prepackaged, low residual test meals with 4L polyethylene glycol versus a clear liquid diet with 4L polyethylene glycol bowel preparation: A randomized trialJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 6 2009Dong Il Park Abstract Background and study aims:, A prepackaged low residue one-day diet (breakfast, lunch and dinner) has been recently developed to improve patient tolerance for bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy. The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of bowel preparation protocols based on a low residue diet and 4L polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution, and to compare these new options with the traditional liquid diet and the PEG 4L lavage. Methods:, A total of 214 patients (mean age: 54.1 years; 120 male, 94 female) from four university hospitals were included in the analysis. Patients were randomized to receive a clear liquid diet and the PEG 4L regimen (106 patients) or the low residue test meals and the PEG 4L regimen (TM-PEG 4L, 108 patients). The colon cleansing efficacy of the different preparations was rated using the Ottawa bowel preparation scale. Results:, No significant differences were observed between the treatment groups according to the Ottawa cleansing scale findings (PEG 4L: 2.97 vs TM-PEG 4L: 2.46, P = 0.063). The overall tolerability was higher in the TM-PEG 4L group than in the PEG 4L group (P = 0.036). No difference was found when the two groups were compared with regard to adverse events (P = 0.599). Conclusions:, A prepackaged low residue one-day diet provided cleansing efficacy similar to that of a clear liquid diet and offered the benefit of improved tolerability compared to the conventional PEG 4L regimen. [source] Percutaneous Suture Closure for Management of Large French Size Arterial and Venous PunctureJOURNAL OF INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 4 2000TED FELDMAN M.D. Aortic valvuloplasty procedures have been limited principally by the occurrence of restenosis in this patient population. Once a decision has been made to proceed with aortic valvuloplasty, one of the next major concerns is management of the femoral artery puncture. For these procedures, 12Fr and 14Fr sheath introducers and prolonged compression with clamps or hemostatic devices have been necessary. Prolonged immobilization is painful for the elderly population in whom aortic valvuloplasty is used. The ability to use percutaneous suture closure to eliminate the need for manual compression, especially for clamp or hemostatic devices, has greatly improved patient tolerance for these procedures. A technique for preloading the suture closure device prior to insertion of a large bore sheath is the technique of choice to make this possible. Mitral valvuloplasty has faced fewer limitations and of course yields results equivalent to surgical commissurotomy in randomized trials. Improved management of the 14Fr femoral venous site has made outpatient treatment simpler. The technical approach necessary for success in the venous system uses contrast injections through the Perclose device marker port to insure that the device is properly positioned prior to deployment of the sutures. More rapid immobilization and simplified postprocedural management can be achieved using percutaneous suture closure for large caliber sheaths after mitral and aortic valvuloplasty. [source] A comparison of the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine versus propofol target-controlled infusion for sedation during fibreoptic nasotracheal intubationANAESTHESIA, Issue 3 2010C.-J. Tsai Summary Fibreoptic intubation is a valuable modality for airway management. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine vs target controlled propofol infusion in providing sedation during fibreoptic intubation. Forty patients with anticipated difficult airways and due to undergo tracheal intubation for elective surgery were enrolled and randomly allocated into the dexmedetomidine group (1.0 ,g.kg,1 over 10 min) (n = 20) or the propofol target controlled infusion group (n = 20). Intubating conditions and patient tolerance as graded by a scoring system were evaluated as primary outcomes. Intubation was successful in all patients. Satisfactory intubating conditions were found in both groups (19/20 in each group). The median (IOR [range]) comfort score was 2 (1,2 [1,4]) in the dexmedetomidine group and 3 (2,4 [2,5]) in the propofol group (p = 0.027), favouring the former. The dexmedetomidine group experienced fewer airway events and less heart rate response to intubation than the propofol group (p < 0.003 and p = 0.007, respectively). Both dexmedetomidine and propofol target-controlled infusion are effective for fibreoptic intubation. Dexmedetomidine allows better tolerance, more stable haemodynamic status and preserves a patent airway. [source] Atomised lidocaine for airway topical anaesthesia in the morbidly obese: 1% compared with 2%,ANAESTHESIA, Issue 1 2010C. Woodruff Summary Airway anaesthesia using atomised lidocaine for awake oral fibreoptic intubation in morbidly obese patients was evaluated using two doses of local anaesthetic. In this randomised, blinded prospective study, 40 ml of atomised 1% (n = 11) or 2% (n = 10) lidocaine was administered with high oxygen flow as carrier. Outcomes included time for intubation, patient tolerance to airway manipulation, haemodynamic parameters, the bronchoscopist's overall satisfaction, and serial serum lidocaine concentrations. Patients receiving lidocaine 1% had a longer mean (SD) time from the start of topicalisation to tracheal tube cuff inflation than those receiving lidocaine 2% (8.6 (0.9) min vs 6.9 (0.5) min, respectively; p < 0.05). Patients in the 1% cohort demonstrated increased responses to airway manipulation (p < 0.0001), reflecting lower bronchoscopist's satisfaction scores (p < 0.03). Haemodynamic responses to topicalisation and airway manipulation were similar in both groups. Peak plasma concentration was lower in the 1% group (mean (SD) 1.4 (0.3) and 3.8 (0.5) ,g.ml,1, respectively; p < 0.001). Airway anaesthesia using atomised lidocaine for awake oral fibreoptic intubation in the morbidly obese is efficacious, rapid and safe. Compared with lidocaine 1%, the 2% dose provides superior intubating conditions. [source] Pain after transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy: the advantages of periprostatic local anaesthesiaBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 6 2001H. Seymour Objective To prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of periprostatic local anaesthesia (LA) during prostatic biopsy guided by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), as 20,65% of men report moderate to severe pain, and there is anecdotal and published evidence that periprostatic anaesthesia improves patients' tolerance. Patients and methods In all, 157 patients were prospectively recruited and sequentially randomized to receive either LA or no anaesthesia. Sextant biopsies were taken in all men but some had more than six biopsies. All were asked to complete questionnaires immediately after TRUS-guided biopsy and for the subsequent week, giving pain scores and recording any morbidity, including symptoms of infection; analgesic use was also surveyed. Results Patients given LA had significantly lower pain scores at the time of biopsy than those given no anaesthesia, with median (sd) pain scores of 1.53 (0.7) and 1.95 (0.65) (P < 0.001), respectively. In addition, there was a trend towards less analgesic use by those given LA, although this was not statistically significant. There was no difference in the amount of haematuria, haematochezia or haematospermia, or infection rate, between the groups. The additional cost and time of the procedure was minimal (£3.00 and 3 min/per patient, respectively). Conclusion Periprostatic LA infiltration is a quick and simple procedure which significantly improves immediate pain with no added morbidity; we strongly advocate its use to improve patient tolerance of TRUS-guided prostate biopsy. [source] A prospective study of concurrent cyclophosphamide/methotrexate/5-fluorouracil and reduced-dose radiotherapy in patients with early-stage breast carcinomaCANCER, Issue 7 2004Jennifer R. Bellon M.D. Abstract BACKGROUND Concurrent administration of chemotherapy and radiotherapy has the potential advantage of delaying neither treatment and providing radiation sensitization. However, the optimal approach to concurrent treatment in women with early-stage breast carcinoma remains undefined. We present updated results of a prospective protocol of concurrent cyclophosphamide/methotrexate/5-fluorouracil (CMF) and reduced-dose radiotherapy, focusing on tumor control and patient tolerance. METHODS One hundred twelve women with AJCC Stage I or Stage II breast carcinoma with 0,3 positive axillary lymph nodes were enrolled in a prospective single-arm study of concurrent CMF and reduced-dose radiotherapy (39.6 gray [Gy] to the whole breast, 16-Gy boost). A high proportion of women had risk factors associated with an increased risk of local disease recurrence, including age < 40 (32%), close or positive margins (37%), or lymphatic/vascular invasion (51%). The median follow-up period was 94 months. RESULTS The 5-year overall survival rate was 94%. By 60 months, 5 patients (4%) experienced local disease recurrence and 19 patients (17%) experienced distant metastasis. There were no isolated regional lymph node recurrences. Local disease recurrence occurred in 1 of 25 patients (4%), 1 of 16 patients (6%), and 3 of 70 patients (4%) with positive, close (< 1 mm), and negative margins, respectively. One patient developed acute myelogenous leukemia. An additional patient developed Grade 2 pneumonitis. Cosmetic results were not recorded uniformly for all patients and therefore could not be reliably analyzed. CONCLUSIONS Concurrent CMF and reduced-dose radiotherapy resulted in a low level of late toxicity and excellent local tumor control, despite the large proportion of patients with substantial risk factors for local disease recurrence. Future studies of concurrent regimens, particularly in patients at high risk of local disease recurrence, are warranted. Cancer 2004;100:1358,64. © 2004 American Cancer Society. [source] Stability and antibacterial potency of ceftazidime and vancomycin eyedrops reconstituted in BSS® against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureusACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 5 2009Vasileios Karampatakis Abstract. Purpose:, We aimed to study the stability and the in vitro antibacterial potency of ceftazidime and vancomycin eyedrops against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively, under different storage temperatures and light conditions. Methods:, Solutions of ceftazidime 50 mg/ml and vancomycin 50 mg/ml were prepared by reconstituting with balanced salt solution (BSS®) and stored at 4 °C and at 24 °C with and without exposure to light. The minimum bactericidal concentrations against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus were measured to evaluate the antimicrobial potency over a 4-week period. Changes in the pH values and physical characteristics of the solutions were recorded over the same period of time. Results:, The antibacterial potency of ceftazidime decreased significantly from days 3 and 7 onwards at storage temperatures of 24 °C and 4 °C, respectively, but was not affected by light exposure. The pH value progressed from acidic to alkaline, peaking at day 3, in all solutions. The antibacterial potency of vancomycin remained stable during the 4-week period, but its pH showed a slight progression from acidic to less acidic, in all solutions. Conclusions:, Ceftazidime eyedrops in BSS® appear to remain effective against P. aeruginosa for , 7 days when stored at 4 °C, but were less effective when stored at 24 °C. Loss of antibacterial potency coincides with the appearance of visual and olfactory signs of degradation. The transient rise in pH at day 3 is a matter of possible concern, however, as it may affect patient tolerance. By contrast, vancomycin eyedrops in BSS® can be safely used for , 4 weeks, stored at either 4 °C or 24 °C. [source] High response rate after intratumoral treatment with interleukin-2CANCER, Issue 17 2010Results from a phase 2 study in 51 patients with metastasized melanoma Abstract BACKGROUND: Systemic high-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) achieved long-term survival in a subset of patients with advanced melanoma. The authors reported previously that intratumorally applied IL-2 induced complete local responses of all metastases in >60% of patients. The objectives of the current study were to confirm those results in a larger cohort and to identify patient or regimen characteristics associated with response. METHODS: Patients with melanoma who had a median of 12 injectable metastases received intratumoral IL-2 treatments 3 times weekly until they achieved clinical remission. The initial dose of 3 million international units was escalated, depending on the individual patient's tolerance. RESULTS: Forty-eight of 51 patients were evaluable. Only grade 1/2 toxicity was recorded. A complete response that lasted ,6 months was documented in 70% of all injected metastases. A complete local response of all treated metastases was achieved in 33 patients (69%), including 11 patients who had between 20 and 100 metastases. Response rates were higher for patients who had stage III disease compared with patients who had stage IV disease. No objective responses of distant untreated metastases were observed. The 2-year survival rate was 77% for patients with stage IIIB/IIIC disease and 53% for patients with stage IV disease. Efficacy and survival did not differ between patients who had ,20 lesions and patients who had <20 lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Intratumoral IL-2 treatment elicited complete local responses in a high percentage of patients. Further studies will be required to investigate the mode of action of this treatment and its impact on survival. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society. [source] Cryosurgery in the Treatment of Earlobe Keloids: Report of Seven CasesDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 12 2005Tomas Fikrle MD Background. Keloids are benign cutaneous lesions that result from excessive collagen synthesis and deposition. Earlobe keloids in particular are seen as a complication of plastic surgery or piercing. Many different treatment modalities have been used, often with unsatisfactory results. Methods. We have made a retrospective analysis of seven young patients (ages 9 to 22 years) with earlobe keloids. Scarring followed plastic surgery in six cases and piercing in one case. All patients were treated with cryosurgery as the monotherapy. The freeze time and the number of sessions varied depending on the clinical findings, the effect of the treatment, and the patients' tolerance. Cryotherapy was started 6 to 24 months after keloid development. Results. Scar volume was reduced in all cases. Complete flattening in five patients and a pronounced reduction to a maximum of 25% of the previous thickness in one other patient were achieved. One patient discontinued the therapy because of soreness after only partial improvement. The procedure was painful for all patients; no further side effects were noticed. No recurrence was observed within 1 to 4.5 years of follow-up. Conclusion. We present an excellent effect of cryosurgery as the monotherapy for the treatment of earlobe keloid scars of young patients. TOMAS FIKRLE, MD, AND KAREL PIZINGER, MD, PHD, HAVE INDICATED NO SIGNIFICANT INTEREST WITH COMMERCIAL SUPPORTERS. [source] The effects of exercise during hemodialysis on adequacyHEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2005C. Caner Pedalling during hemodialysis (HD) has been shown to increase solute clearance in a previous study. In the present study, we aimed to test whether an easy to perform exercise program, not requiring a special device, could yield similar outcomes. Fifteen HD patients with the mean age of 48.4 ± 3.8 years were enrolled into the study. Patients with significant access recirculation (>10%), moderate to severe coronary artery disease, moderate to severe heart failure, severe chronic obstructive lung disease, and history of lower extremity surgery during last three month period were excluded. All patients were studied on two consecutive HD sessions with identical prescriptions. At the first session, standard HD was applied without exercise, whereas in the second session lower extremity exercise of 30 minutes duration was added. Reduction rates and rebound for urea, creatinine, and potassium and Kt/V were calculated. Wilcoxon signed rank test was applied in analysis and p < 0.05 was accepted as significance level. All patients completed the study. When both sessions were compared, mean arterial blood pressure (97 ± 3 mmHg vs 120 ± 4 mmHg, p < 0.001) and heart rate (77 ± 1 beats/min vs 92 ± 3 beats/min, p < 0.001) were higher in the exercise group. On the other hand, urea reduction rates, rebound values of urea, creatinine, and potassium were similar in both groups. Conclusion:,In the study, we did not observe any changes in solute rebound and clearance with the exercise. Shorter duration of the exercise may be the explanation of failure to achieve desired outcomes. Increasing patients' tolerance and fitness levels by means of steadily increasing exercise programs may be of help. Additionally, mode of exercise may also be responsible for different outcomes. [source] Pain after transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy: the advantages of periprostatic local anaesthesiaBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 6 2001H. Seymour Objective To prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of periprostatic local anaesthesia (LA) during prostatic biopsy guided by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), as 20,65% of men report moderate to severe pain, and there is anecdotal and published evidence that periprostatic anaesthesia improves patients' tolerance. Patients and methods In all, 157 patients were prospectively recruited and sequentially randomized to receive either LA or no anaesthesia. Sextant biopsies were taken in all men but some had more than six biopsies. All were asked to complete questionnaires immediately after TRUS-guided biopsy and for the subsequent week, giving pain scores and recording any morbidity, including symptoms of infection; analgesic use was also surveyed. Results Patients given LA had significantly lower pain scores at the time of biopsy than those given no anaesthesia, with median (sd) pain scores of 1.53 (0.7) and 1.95 (0.65) (P < 0.001), respectively. In addition, there was a trend towards less analgesic use by those given LA, although this was not statistically significant. There was no difference in the amount of haematuria, haematochezia or haematospermia, or infection rate, between the groups. The additional cost and time of the procedure was minimal (£3.00 and 3 min/per patient, respectively). Conclusion Periprostatic LA infiltration is a quick and simple procedure which significantly improves immediate pain with no added morbidity; we strongly advocate its use to improve patient tolerance of TRUS-guided prostate biopsy. [source] |