The efficacy of oxytocin gel in postmenopausal women with vaginal atrophy: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a common and disturbing issue in the postmenopausal period. Unlike vasomotor symptoms, it has a progressive trend. Our study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oxytocin gel versus placebo gel in postmenopausal women with GSM.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases on January 18, 2023. Keywords such as "oxytocin," "intravaginal," "vaginal," "atrophic," and "atrophy" were used. We used Review Manager (RevMan) version 5.4 in our analysis. We used the risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and the mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes; both were presented with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) and were calculated with the Mantel-Haenszel or inverse variance statistical method. Cochrane's Q test and the I2 statistic were used as measures of statistical inconsistency and heterogeneity. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for RCTs was used for the quality assessment of the included studies.

RESULTS

Seven studies with 631 patients were included. Regarding the maturation index, there was a statistically insignificant increase in the oxytocin arm (MD = 12.34, 95% CI (-12.52-37.19), P = 0.33). Clinically assessed vaginal atrophy showed a statistically significant reduction in the oxytocin group (RR = 0.32, 95% CI (0.23 - 0.10), P < 0.00001). For dyspareunia, vaginal pH, and histological evaluation of vaginal atrophy, there was a statistically insignificant difference between the two groups (RR = 1.02, 95% CI (0.82-1.27), P = 0.84), (MD = -0.74, 95% CI (-1.58-0.10), P = 0.08), and (MD = -0.38, 95% CI (-0.82-0.06), P = 0.09), respectively. There was no significant difference in the safety profile between the two groups as measured by endometrial thickness (MD = 0.00, 95% CI (-0.23-0.23), P = 0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Although oxytocin has been proposed as a viable alternative to estrogen in the treatment of GSM, our findings show the opposite. Larger, high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm or refute our results.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration number CRD42022334357.

Oxytocin versus a combination of tranexamic acid and ethamsylate in reducing intraoperative bleeding during abdominal myomectomy: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

Myomectomy is the preferred surgical approach to manage uterine fibroids. However, uterine fibroids are highly vascular tumors and, consequently, extremely susceptible to problems from myomectomy-related hemorrhage. Hence, we aim to compare oxytocin efficacy and safety profile versus tranexamic acid (TA) with ethamsylate for reducing bleeding during myomectomy.

METHODS

This randomized, double-blinded multicenter study was performed between 20th August 2020 and 20th October 2020 at El-Galaa Teaching Hospital, El Hussein University Hospital, Al-Azhar University Hospitals of Assiut, and Al-Azhar University Hospitals of Damietta. One hundred and eighty patients were enrolled and divided into three groups: group (1) received an injection of 30 IU of oxytocin in 500 ml of normal saline; group (2) received injections of 1 g of TA, 250 mg of Ethamsylate, and 110 ml of normal saline IV; and group (3) received an injection of 110 ml of normal saline IV just before surgical incision.

RESULTS

In 180 premenopausal women, oxytocin and TA with ethamsylate had no significant value in lowering intraoperative blood loss compared with the placebo for abdominal myomectomy (666.25 ± 183.03, 630.72 ± 145.83, and 646.67 ± 168.92, respectively (P = 0.506)). Non-significant trends were observed for a reduction in operation time (P = 0.760), intra/postoperative blood transfusion (P = 0.624), hospital stay (P = 0.986), postoperative fever (P = 0.659), and wound infection (P = 1).

CONCLUSION

Oxytocin and TA with ethamsylate had no significant value in lowering intraoperative blood loss compared with the placebo for abdominal myomectomy which opens a new question about the role of the use of the hemostatic drug during myomectomy especially in centers with limited resources and had higher rates.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered on Pan African Clinical Trials Registry with the following number: PACTR202008739887429 and was approved on 24/08/2020.

Comparative study between oxytocin and combination of tranexamic acid and ethamsylate in reducing intra-operative bleeding during emergency and elective cesarean section after 38 weeks of normal pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

Cesarean Section (CS) is associated with an increased risk of hemorrhage. Many drugs are used to decrease this risk. We aim to compare the combination of ethamsylate and tranexamic acid, oxytocin, and placebo in women undergoing CS.

METHODS

We conducted a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial between October and December 2020 in four university hospitals in Egypt. The study included all pregnant women in labor without any complications who accepted to participate in the study between October and December 2020. The participants were divided into three groups. The subjects were randomly allocated to receive either oxytocin (30 IU in 500 ml normal saline during cesarean section), combined one gram of tranexamic acid with 250 mg of ethamsylate once before skin incision, or distilled water. Our main outcome was the amount of blood loss during the operation. The secondary outcomes were the need for blood transfusion, hemoglobin and hematocrit changes, hospital stay, operative complications, and the need for a hysterectomy. The one-way ANCOVA test was used to compare the quantitative variables between the three groups while the Chi-square test was used to compare the qualitative variables. Post hoc analysis then was performed to compare the difference between every two groups regarding the quantitative variables.

RESULTS

Our study included 300 patients who were divided equally into three groups. Tranexamic acid with ethamsylate showed the least intra-operative blood loss (605.34 ± 158.8 ml) compared to oxytocin (625.26 ± 144.06) and placebo (669.73 ± 170.69), P = 0.015. In post hoc analysis, only tranexamic acid with ethamsylate was effective in decreasing the blood loss compared to placebo (P = 0.013); however, oxytocin did not reduce blood loss compared to saline (P = 0.211) nor to tranexamic acid with ethamsylate (P = 1). Other outcomes and CS complications showed no significant difference between the three groups except for post-operative thrombosis which was significantly higher in the tranexamic and ethamsylate group, P < 0.00001 and the need for a hysterectomy which was significantly increased in the placebo group, P = 0.017.

CONCLUSION

The combination of tranexamic acid and ethamsylate was significantly associated with the least amount of blood loss. However, in pairwise comparisons, only tranexamic acid with ethamsylate was significantly better than saline but not with oxytocin. Both oxytocin and tranexamic acid with ethamsylate were equally effective in reducing intra-operative blood loss and the risk of hysterectomy; however, tranexamic acid with ethamsylate increased the risk of thrombotic events. Further research with a larger number of participants is needed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered on Pan African Clinical Trials Registry with the following number: PACTR202009736186159 and was approved on 04/09/2020.

The Egyptian Association of Vascular Biology and Atherosclerosis (EAVA) Perspectives on the Usage of Inclisiran

BACKGROUND

Elevation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) is still a hugely unmet need in the reduction of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. In the published CardioRisk project in Egypt, up to 71% of female participants had dyslipidemia. Control of LDL-c levels and thus improvement of hyperlipidemia is quite often very difficult. With the introduction of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, the decrease of significant cardiac adverse events, the patient control rate, and the death rate have all been improved. Inhibition of the formation of PCSK9 through inclisiran, which is a novel method of reducing LDL-c and is only given twice per year, seems alluring. After revision of published data, we analyzed the potential advantages of the use of inclisiran.

CONCLUSION

The Egyptian Association for Vascular Biology and Atherosclerosis (EAVA) analyzed the data necessary for obtaining clear indications for the usage of inclisiran. We propose the addition of inclisiran to statins with or without ezetimibe for patients with documented atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or similar risk, familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) with another major risk factor, and very high and high risk diabetes mellitus, who did not reach LDL-c goals and/or with true statin intolerance. Inclisiran is also recommended as upfront therapy, with triple combination, in extreme risk subjects such as those with post acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

Prevalence of atherosclerosis risk factors in Egyptian patients with acute coronary syndromes; final data of the nationwide cross-sectional CardioRisk project

Background

Little are known about the prevalence of atherosclerosis risk factors in Egyptian patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Objective: To describe the prevalence of these risk factors with focus on gender-specific data and patients with premature presentation.

Methods

From November 2015 to August 2018, data were collected from 3224 patients with ACS in 30 coronary care centers covering 11 governorates across Egypt, with focus premature ACS.

Results

The vast majority were males (74%) and the most prevalent age group was (56–65 years) representing 37% of whole study population. Among female patients, 92% were post-menopausal. The prevalence of premature ACS was 51%. Forty five percent of total males and 69.6% of total females with ACS had premature presentation (P&lt;0.001). Abdominal obesity was the most prevalent risk factor (66%). Nearly half of the entire study patients were current smokers (48%). We showed a high prevalence of documented dyslipidemia (48%) as well. Early invasive management strategy was employed in 65% of patients with no significant gender disparity noticed. Vascular access for coronary angiography was most commonly femoral (80% of time). Emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was attempted in 53% of patients. Thrombolytic therapy (using Streptokinase) was used in 24% of included participants.

Conclusion

Among Egyptian patients with ACS, premature presentation is common with greater male preponderance. Abdominal obesity is the most prevalent risk factor followed by hypertension. Most traditional risk factors (apart from smoking) were more prevalent in women than men.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): AstraZeneca Table 1. Premature Atherosclerosis subgroupTable 2. Geographic distribution of risk factors

Egyptian Association of Vascular Biology and Atherosclerosis Consensus on The Usage of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Heart Failure

Aims

Analysis of SGLT2i data from DAPA-HF and EMPEROR- reduced trials to put a simplified consensus statement on the use of these glucose lowering agents in patients with established heart failure.

Methods and Results

Sixty experts in the field of cardiology revised the literature of the SGLT2i in heart failure, their recommended indications, and their contraindications. Data from DAPA-HF and EMPEROR-reduced trials were tabulated and statistically analysed. SGLT2 inhibitors investigated initially for their glucose lowering capability, have shown a significant benefit in chronic heart failure eit reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Conclusions

We recommend early use of dapagliflozin 10 mg, or empagliflozin 10 mg in patients suffering from symptomatic chronic HFrEF, whether the patient is diabetic or non, to improve heart failure hospitalization, death, symptoms, and decline of renal function.

Prevalence of atherosclerosis risk factors in Egyptian patients with acute coronary syndrome: final data of the nationwide cross-sectional 'CardioRisk' project

Background

Little are known about the prevalence of atherosclerosis risk factors in Egyptian patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

Objective

Describe the prevalence of these risk factors with focus on gender-specific data and patients with premature presentation.

Methods

From November 2015 to August 2018, data were collected from 3224 patients with ACS in 30 coronary care centers covering 11 governorates across Egypt, with focus premature ACS.

Results

The vast majority were males (74%) and the most prevalent age group was (56-65 years) representing 37% of whole study population. Among female patients, 92% were post-menopausal. The prevalence of premature ACS was 51%. Forty five percent of total males and 69.6% of total females with ACS had premature presentation (P<0.001). Abdominal obesity was the most prevalent risk factor (66%). Nearly half of the entire study patients were current smokers (48%). We showed a high prevalence of documented dyslipidemia (48%) as well. Early invasive management strategy was employed in 65% of patients with no significant gender disparity noticed. Vascular access for coronary angiography was most commonly femoral (80% of time). Emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was attempted in 53% of patients. Thrombolytic therapy (using Streptokinase) was used in 24% of included participants.

Conclusion

Among Egyptian patients with ACS, premature presentation is common with greater male preponderance. Abdominal obesity is the most prevalent risk factor followed by hypertension. Most traditional risk factors (apart from smoking) were more prevalent in women than men.

Insights on toxin genotyping, virulence, antibiogram profiling, biofilm formation and efficacy of disinfectants on biofilms of Clostridium perfringens isolated from poultry, animals and humans

AIMS

This study aimed to determine the toxin genotypes, virulence determinants and antibiogram of Clostridium perfringens isolated from poultry, animals and humans. Biofilm formation and the efficacy of disinfectants on C. perfringens biofilms were studied.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thirty C. perfringens isolates (20 clinical and 10 from chicken carcasses) were genotyped by PCR and all isolates were genotype A (cpa+). The overall prevalence of cpe, cpb2, netB and tpeL virulence genes was 6·7, 56·7, 56·7 and 36·7% respectively. Twenty-one isolates (70%) were multidrug-resistant, 8 (26·7%) were extensive drug-resistant and one isolate (3·3%) was pan drug-resistant. The average multiple antibiotic resistance index was 0·7. Biofilms were produced by 63·3% of C. perfringens isolates and categorized as weak (36·7%), moderate (16·7%) and strong (10%). Sodium hypochlorite caused significant reduction in C. perfringens biofilms (P < 0·0001).

CONCLUSIONS

All C. perfringens strains in this study were type A, resistant to multiple antibiotics and most of them were biofilm producers. Sodium hypochlorite showed higher efficacy in reducing C. perfringens biofilms.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study reported the efficacy of disinfectants in reducing C. perfringens biofilms of economic and public health concern and recommends application on surfaces in farms, food processing plants and slaughterhouses.

Egyptian Association of Vascular Biology and Atherosclerosis (EAVA) consensus on the usage of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors

Background

The current expert view of the PCSK9 inhibitors’ use in Egypt is still ambiguous.

Main body

Hyperlipidemia is an important, if not the most important, risk factor for the occurrence of atherosclerosis worldwide. Egypt is the most populous country in the Middle East and North Africa and has > 15% of the cardiovascular deaths in the region. The burden of dyslipidemia as seen in the recently published CardioRisk project conducted throughout Egypt shows a high prevalence of dyslipidemia as a risk factor that is still reaching up to 71% in female participants. Reaching the targets for LDL lowering, and thus control of hyperlipidemia, is quite often very difficult especially with the update of the last ESC guidelines. With the advent of PCSK9 inhibitors, the control rate of patients, reduction of cardiac major adverse events, and mortality have been improved. However, Egypt is not considered a rich country on the grounds of annual income, and this raises a concern on which patients would benefit from these expensive medications. Revising the randomized control trials, we analyzed the data that would enable us to control LDL in those patients, at risk, to obtain simple clear indications for the use of these rather expensive medications.

Conclusion

We recommend the use of PCSK9 inhibitors in addition to statins ± ezetimibe in patients with ASCVD, by definition at very high risk; patients with ASCVD at very high risk who do not tolerate appropriate doses of at least three statins; and familial hypercholesterolaemia patients with clinically diagnosed ASCVD, at very high cardiovascular risk.

P5487Premature coronary artery disease among Egyptian patients with acute coronary syndrome; data from the cross-sectional cardio-risk project

Background

Egypt is the most populous country in Middle East and North Africa and has one of the highest rates of the cardiovascular (CV) deaths in the region. Despite governmental primary preventive efforts, very little is known about the prevalence and characteristics of premature coronary artery disease (CAD) among Egyptian patients with Acute Coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods

From November 2015 to August 2018, data were collected from 3224 patients with ACS in 30 coronary care centers covering 11 governorates across Egypt, spanning the Mediterranean coast, Nile Delta, and Upper Egypt, with focus on premature CAD (defined as ACS before age 55 years in males and 65 years in females).

Results

The prevalence of premature CAD was 51%. They were significantly more females (35% versus 16%, P<0.001) with significantly higher level of education. Risk factors' (RFs) distribution showed a significantly higher prevalence of Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus (6% versus 4%, P=0.005), obesity (42% versus 33%, P<0.001) and smoking (50% versus 47%, P<0.001) in patients with premature CAD when compared to others. Interestingly, rates of documented dyslipidemia were similar between groups (49% versus 47%, P=0.45) with no significant difference in low density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels (131.7±48.5 versus 130.2±45.2 mg/dl, P=0.4). Patients with premature CAD tended to present more frequently with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (50% versus 46%, P=0.035), with higher rates of treatment using primary percutaneous coronary intervention compared to others (48% versus 44%, P=0.04). They were also significantly less likely to receive Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (4% versus 6.5%, P=0.003).

Conclusion

Prevalence of premature CAD is high among Egyptian patients with ACS, due to noticeably larger burden of traditional CV RFs especially smoking and possibly familial hypercholesterolemia. Much effort is still needed in screening for early detection of RFs of atherosclerosis together with more widespread adoption of diagnostic scores for FH such as Dutch Lipid Network criteria.

Acknowledgement/Funding

AstraZeneca

The pattern of risk-factor profile in Egyptian patients with acute coronary syndrome: phase II of the Egyptian cross-sectional CardioRisk project

BACKGROUND

Egypt is the most populous country in the Middle East and North Africa and has more than 15% of the cardiovascular deaths in the region, but little is known about the prevalence of traditional risk factors and treatment strategies in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients across Egypt.

METHODS

From November 2015 to August 2017, data were collected from 1 681 patients with ACS in 30 coronary care centres, covering 11 governorates across Egypt, spanning the Mediterranean coast, Nile Delta and Upper Egypt, with a focus on risk factors and management strategies.

RESULTS

Women constituted 25% of the patients. Premature ACS was common, with 43% of men aged less than 55 years, and 67% of women under 65 years. Most men had ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (49%), while a larger percentage of women had unstable angina and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) (32% each; p < 0.001). Central obesity was present in 80% of men and 89% of women, with 32% of men and women having atherogenic dyslipidaemia. Current smoking was reported by 62% of men and by 72% of men under 55 years. A larger proportion of women had type 2 diabetes (53 vs 34% of men), hypertension (69 vs 49%), dyslipidaemia, and obesity (71 vs 41%) (p < 0.001 for all). There were no gender differences in most diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, but among STEMI patients, 51% of men underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention compared to 46% of women (p = 0.064).

CONCLUSIONS

Central obesity and smoking are extremely prevalent in Egypt, contributing to an increased burden of premature ACS, which warrants tailored prevention strategies. The recognised tendency worldwide to treat men more aggressively was less pronounced than expected.

Historical epidemiology of hepatitis C virus in select countries-volume 4

Due to the introduction of newer, more efficacious treatment options, there is a pressing need for policy makers and public health officials to develop or adapt national hepatitis C virus (HCV) control strategies to the changing epidemiological landscape. To do so, detailed, country-specific data are needed to characterize the burden of chronic HCV infection. In this study of 17 countries, a literature review of published and unpublished data on HCV prevalence, viraemia, genotype, age and gender distribution, liver transplants and diagnosis and treatment rates was conducted, and inputs were validated by expert consensus in each country. Viraemic prevalence in this study ranged from 0.2% in Hong Kong to 2.4% in Taiwan, while the largest viraemic populations were in Nigeria (2 597 000 cases) and Taiwan (569 000 cases). Diagnosis, treatment and liver transplant rates varied widely across the countries included in this analysis, as did the availability of reliable data. Addressing data gaps will be critical for the development of future strategies to manage and minimize the disease burden of hepatitis C.

The present and future disease burden of hepatitis C virus infections with today's treatment paradigm: Volume 4

Factors influencing the morbidity and mortality associated with viremic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection change over time and place, making it difficult to compare reported estimates. Models were developed for 17 countries (Bahrain, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Colombia, Croatia, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, Hong Kong, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Qatar and Taiwan) to quantify and characterize the viremic population as well as forecast the changes in the infected population and the corresponding disease burden from 2015 to 2030. Model inputs were agreed upon through expert consensus, and a standardized methodology was followed to allow for comparison across countries. The viremic prevalence is expected to remain constant or decline in all but four countries (Ethiopia, Ghana, Jordan and Oman); however, HCV-related morbidity and mortality will increase in all countries except Qatar and Taiwan. In Qatar, the high-treatment rate will contribute to a reduction in total cases and HCV-related morbidity by 2030. In the remaining countries, however, the current treatment paradigm will be insufficient to achieve large reductions in HCV-related morbidity and mortality.

Strategies to manage hepatitis C virus infection disease burden-Volume 4

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic was forecasted through 2030 for 17 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, and interventions for achieving the Global Health Sector Strategy on viral hepatitis targets-"WHO Targets" (65% reduction in HCV-related deaths, 90% reduction in new infections and 90% of infections diagnosed by 2030) were considered. Scaling up treatment and diagnosis rates over time would be required to achieve these targets in all but one country, even with the introduction of high SVR therapies. The scenarios developed to achieve the WHO Targets in all countries studied assumed the implementation of national policies to prevent new infections and to diagnose current infections through screening.

Neurological biomarkers in the perioperative period

The rapid detection and evaluation of patients presenting with perioperative neurological dysfunction is of great clinical relevance. Biomarkers have been defined as biological molecules that can be used as an indicator of new onset or progression of a biological process or effect of treatment. Biomarkers have become increasingly important in this setting to supplement other modalities of diagnosis such as EEG, sensory- or motor-evoked potential, transcranial Doppler, near-infrared spectroscopy, or imaging methods. A number of neuro-proteins have been identified and are currently under investigation for potential to provide insights into injury severity, outcome, and the ability to monitor cellular damage and molecular events that occur during neurological injury. S100B is a protein released by glial cells and is considered a marker of blood-brain barrier dysfunction. Clinical studies in patients undergoing cardiac and non-cardiac surgery indicate that serum levels of S100B are increased intraoperatively and after operation. The neurone-specific enolase has also been extensively investigated as a potential marker of neuronal injury in the context of cardiac and non-cardiac surgery. A third biomarker of interest is the Tau protein, which has been linked to neurodegenerative disorders. Tau appears to be more specific than the previous two biomarkers since it is only found in the central nervous system. The metalloproteinase and ubiquitin C terminal hydroxylase-L1 (UCH-L1) are the most recently researched markers; however, their usefulness is still unclear. This review presents a comprehensive overview of S100B, neuronal-specific enolase, metalloproteinases, and UCH-L1 in the perioperative period.

WITHDRAWN Coronary artery spasm associated with blood brain barrier disruption induced by carotid sinus stimulation

Ahead of Print article withdrawn by publisher Blood brain barrier disruption (BBBD) is a novel technique for treating central nervous system lymphoma. This technique depends on the disruption of the tight junctions between endothelial cells (which represent the blood brain barrier) by intra-arterial injection of mannitol. The most common complications of blood brain barrier disruption are seizures and brain edema. Here, the authors present a rare complication of coronary artery spasm manifested by elevation of the ST segment and bradycardia due to carotid sinus stimulation in a 33 year-old-male during blood brain barrier disruption. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a coronary artery spasm complicating blood brain barrier disruption.

Use of hypothermia for traumatic brain injury: point of view

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the major causes of disability in modern society. The World Health Organization has predicted that, by 2020, traffic accidents will represent the greatest burden of global disease and injury. Brain injury after trauma occurs in two stages. Primary injury is directly associated with the biomechanical effects of the trauma, whereas secondary injury occurs later and can be attributed to processes that develop within the brain. Currently, there is no consensus for the use of hypothermia in the treatment of secondary injury after TBI. Until the results of ongoing studies are published, maintaining normothermia and avoiding hyperthermia should be used in managing patient with TBI.

Successful emergent reintubation using the Aintree intubation catheter and a laryngeal mask airway

Tracheal extubation can be potentially catastrophic, especially in patients with difficult airways. This article describes a case where planned extubation in a patient with a large tongue lesion led to complete airway obstruction and subsequent cardiac arrest. Reintubation was facilitated using a laryngeal mask airway and an Aintree intubation catheter.

Post placement positional atrial fibrillation and peripherally inserted central catheters

Arrhythmias are common in hospitalized patients and during surgery. We present a case of positional atrial arrhythmia related to a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). There are other documented case reports of ventricular tachycardia precipitated by body position changes with a PICC. The immediate correction of the arrhythmia with repositioning of the PICC strongly points to the PICC as the cause. This highlights the potential seriousness of cardiac arrhythmias precipitated by PICCs as well as the need for careful catheter placement and perioperative maintenance. Practitioners should consider PICC line tip position as a rare cause of positional atrial arrhythmias.

Laser bladder perforation from photoselective vaporization of prostate resulting in rhabdomyolysis induced acute renal failure

Hyponatremia and its related comorbidities remain a concern after traditional transurethral resection of the prostrate (TURP). Photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) laser coagulation therapy is a new, relatively bloodless procedure for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Perceived benefits with PVP laser TURP include excellent visualization of the operative field during urethral prostatic tissue vaporization and the reduced incidence of laser penetration through the prostatic capsular fibers once the capsule is reached. Theoretically, this would provide a low risk method of perforation during laser TURP. After literature review, we report this as the first case of laser bladder perforation as a complication arising from PVP therapy. This case report discusses the management of acute hyponatremic induced rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure (ARF) and the recommendation to use sodium chloride vs. sterile water for bladder irrigation during PVP TURP procedures.