Impact of pre-test information on patient compliance with the spirometry protocol: a randomized controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the effect of brochure-based and video-assisted information provided before spirometry on patient compliance.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a randomized controlled clinical trial. Before the test, subjects in intervention groups were shown a leaflet outlining the steps of the spirometry protocol and a video prepared for the same purposes. The control group was given standard routine information by the technician before spirometry.

RESULTS

The study included 450 patients. We found a significant correlation between compliance status and age, female sex, being a non-smoker, having no known lung disease, investigating respiratory disease as an indication for spirometry, having first-time spirometry, and receiving pre-test information via leaflets. Variables of age, sex, smoking, indication for spirometry, diagnosis, and previous spirometry, which were found in multivariate analysis to be associated with 'compliance with the test protocol' were further processed using regression analysis which identified 'previous spirometry' as the most decisive variable affecting 'compliance with the test protocol'.

CONCLUSIONS

Providing information via brochure-based and video-supported information did not contribute to compliance with the testing protocol, leading us to the conclusion that such informative tools do not provide an additional contribution. Previous spirometry experience was the most decisive parameter influencing adherence to the test protocol.

Compliance level to Tuberculosis prophylaxis in patients undergoing therapy with tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors are used to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. However, patients using TNF-α inhibitors are at a high risk of developing tuberculosis. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the compliance level of patients who were prescribed TNF-α-based tuberculosis prophylactic treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 135 patients who were followed up at a tuberculosis dispensary between December 2020 and June 2021 and agreed to participate in the study. The study was conducted after obtaining necessary permissions from the institution, ethics committee, and patients. Data were collected using a questionnaire and evaluated using the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS). The MARS scale scores range from 5 to 25, with high scores indicating a high level of "medication compliance level".

RESULTS

Of the included patients, 42.2% were females, 46.7% were primary school graduates, and their mean age was 43.75±11.86 years. Additionally, 35.6% of patients had ankylosing spondylitis, among whom 54.1% had a disease duration of 1-5 years and 57.8% had been using TNF-α inhibitors for a year. Of the patients taking isoniazid (INH) for tuberculosis prophylaxis, 47.4% missed their prescribed INH doses, with "forgetfulness" being the reason in 28.9% of these patients. The patients had a mean MARS score of 15.71±6.18.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients using TNF-α inhibitors were found to have "moderate" compliance levels for INH-based prophylactic therapy. It is recommended that the compliance levels of patients and factors influencing their compliance should be regularly monitored.

Predictability of Hematological Parameters in the Diagnosis of Cesarean Scar Pregnancy

Introduction  Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is an increasing clinical condition that causes serious maternal morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate if inflammation markers measured by hemogram can aid in the diagnosis of CSP. Materials and Methods  A total of 86 patients were included in the study. The cases were divided as CSP ( n : 42) and normal pregnancy (NP) ( n : 44). At the time of admission, peripheral blood neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, thrombocytes, systemic inflammatory index (SII) (neutrophil × platelet/lymphocyte), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-lymphocyte ratio were all measured. CSP and NP diagnoses were made by transabdominal or vaginal ultrasonography. Results  In the CSP group, mean age ( p  < 0.001), gravida ( p  < 0.001), parity ( p  < 0.001), number of surviving children ( p  < 0.001), number of abortions ( p  < 0.001), cesarean number ( p  < .001), dilatation and curettage count ( p  = 0.013), monocyte (M) value ( p  = 0.039) and monocyte/lymphocyte value (MLR) ( p  = 0.035) were significantly higher than the control group. The optimal M value cut-off value was found to be > 0.40, the sensitivity value was 78.57, and the specificity value was 50.00. AUC = 0.632 (SE = 0.061) for the MLR value. The optimal MLR cut-off value was found to be > 0.232, the sensitivity value was 61.90, and the specificity value was 63.64. Conclusion  Hemogram parameters, which are simple, inexpensive, and easily accessible, M and MLR are significantly higher in the diagnosis of CSP and can be used as an auxiliary parameter for ultrasonography.

Effect of cervical changes on the cesarean scar area and niche formation after preterm and term cesarean sections

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to assess the scar area and niche formation after cesarean section in women who had preterm or term deliveries and underwent cesarean section at various stages of labor.

METHOD

This prospective cohort study consists of cases who underwent the first cesarean section for different obstetric reasons. The patients were divided into four groups regarding gestational age and cervical dilatation. After a cesarean section, all patients were called for vaginal ultrasonography control at 12 weeks. The location of the scar and the presence of a niche were evaluated. The residual (RMT), proximal, and distal myometrial thicknesses were evaluated where the scar and niche were located.

RESULTS

A total of 87 cases were included in the study. There was no difference in the prevalence of niche between the groups (p > 0.05). RMT and proximal and distal myometrial thickness were not different between the 37 ≥ week and 37 < week groups, while RMT and proximal and distal myometrial thickness were significantly lower in women with active labor (p =0.001, p= 0.006, p =0.016). The location of the scar was the isthmus at 37 weeks and above (p= 0.002), it was in the cervical canal in the group below 37 weeks (p= 0.017).

CONCLUSION

The gestational week and cervical changes did not affect the prevalence of the niche. In cases of active labor and preterm deliveries, the CS scar defect was located in the cervical canal; however, in cases of term deliveries, it was located in the isthmic area.

Epidemiological trends and seasonal dynamics of tuberculosis in Southeastern Turkey

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is an important public health issue. Determining TB trend and seasonal variability provides useful information for designing treatment strategies and control programs.

Aim

The present study attempts to investigate the epidemiological trend and the seasonal variations.

Materials and Methods

TB data containing 2450 cases were collected over a period of seven years in the province of Diyarbakir in southeast Turkey. Trend function and seasonal variability were investigated by statistical curve fitting, surface fitting, and autoregressive time series analysis.

Results

The study revealed a gradually decreasing trend in the number of TB cases over a period of seven years. Total TB incidence had seasonal variations (P = 0.04); there was a greater number of TB cases between April and July, with a peak in June. There were significant monthly seasonal variations with June peaks among females (P < 0.001), in patients in the age groups of 0-15 (P < 0.001) and 36-45 years (P < 0.001), in new cases (P < 0.001) and in the patients with pulmonary TB (P = 0.01). The extra-pulmonary TB cases peak in May (P = 0.01). Pulmonary TB and TB patients in the 36-45 age group had summer peak, while the other groups peaked at spring.

Conclusions

Spring and summer peaks detected in total TB cases and in many subgroups indicate that multicenter and comprehensive clinical studies are needed to explain these variations.

The fetal and maternal outcomes related to previous number of cesarean sections and uterus sparing surgery in women with abnormal placentation

Objectives. We aimed to study the number of previous cesarean sections in cases diagnosed with placenta previa (PP) and placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), and maternal and fetal results in cases where we performed uterus-sparing surgery. Materials and Methods. PAS patients diagnosed with PP (PPAS) were included in this retrospective study. Postoperative hemogram values, blood transfusion amounts, hospitalization days, intraoperative and postoperative complication rates of all patients, APGAR scores (5-minute), mortality rates and birth weights were registered for all newborns on admission to the intensive care unit. Results. A total of 122 pregnant women were included in the study. In the comparison of hospitalization rates, there was a significant difference between CS ≤1 and CS =2 (p=0.01). When postoperative hemoglobin values were compared, there was significant difference between CS ≤1 and CS ≥3 (p<0.01). Neonatal intensive care admission rates increase as the number of CS increases. Conclusions. Uterus-sparing surgery in experienced clinics seems to be applicable, even if maternal and fetal morbidity increases. We suggest to consider CS numbers in PPAS group for fetal and maternal wellness while doing surgical planning.

Prevalence of sleep disturbance in chronic pain

OBJECTIVE

Sleep is a vital function for human beings, which can be affected by several factors. Chronic pain is one of these factors where it is the most frequent cause for seeking medical care in combination with insomnia. The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence and relationship between sleep disturbance and chronic pain.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

After approval, a total of 85 Family Medicine Units from over 170 in Tokat were randomly selected using a 50% sampling. A sample of 2635 subjects, over the age of 19 years, who were registered with the selected Family Medicine Units, were assessed due to gender, age group, and the urban/rural population size of Tokat using the stratified sampling method. The sample size distribution was calculated as 1515 urban subjects, 1120 rural subjects; 1345 female subjects, 1290 male subjects; 1123 subjects between 20-39 years of age, 1103 subjects between the ages of 40-64, and 409 subjects over 64 years of age. After sampling, subjects were invited to participate in the study via an invitation letter, and agreeing individuals were taken to the Family Medicine Unit for face-to-face meetings. Written, informed consent was obtained, along with demographic data. The presence of chronic pain was recorded. According to the presence of chronic pain, all subjects were separated into two groups as Group Chronic Pain and Group Non-Chronic Pain. The visual analog scale for pain intensity, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for sleep quality, were performed with all subjects. A multiple linear regression model was used to assess the predictors of sleep quality. Analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences program (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), version 20.0. The statistical significance for all analyses was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The mean global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score of Group Chronic Pain (5.30 ± 4.29) was significantly higher than in Group Non-Chronic Pain (3.22 ± 3.30; p < 0.01). The mean Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores of females (5.69 ± 4.40) were significantly higher than males (4.54 ± 3.96) in Group Chronic Pain (p = 0.000045). A total of 40.7% of patients in Group Chronic Pain, and 21.9% in Group Non-Chronic Pain demonstrated poorer sleep quality according to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores, with a cut-off level > 5. A moderate positive correlation was found between the global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Visual Analog Scale scores (r = 0.310, p < 0.01). A multiple linear regression analysis showed that age, gender, income, Visual Analog Scale, and presence of depression were the significant predictors for Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study revealed that chronic pain and pain intensity are important predictors of sleep quality.

Effects of isoflurane in an intoxication model: experimental study

BACKGROUND

Isoflurane is a volatile anaesthetic that has been commonly used since 1980. The major metabolites of isoflurane are fluoride ion and trifluoroacetate, both excreted in the urine.

AIM

This study manage to show the histopathological findings of ingested isoflurane on liver, kidney and lugs in an animal model. Twenty-one rabbits were selected and divided into three groups: Group Isoflurane-5 (I-5); Group Isoflurane-10 (I-10); and Group Control (C). Each group consisted of seven rabbits. I-5 and I-10 received 5 ml/kg and 10 ml/kg of liquid isoflurane, respectively, via nasogastric tube, while C received 5 ml/kg saline (0.9% NaCI). All animals in I-5 and I-10 were sacrificed without anesthetic drug administration. Tissue samples from livers, kidneys and lungs were collected, preserving tissue unity and avoiding infliction of any trauma. Samples were fixed in 10% formalin solution, embedded in paraffin blocks and sliced into 5 μm sections. To investigate the effects of isoflurane, sections were examined under light microscope and histopathological changes were scored.

RESULTS

Mean injury scores and the appearance of portal lymphocyte infiltration in liver samples showed significant increases in I-5 and I-10 compared to C (p = 0.005, p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Mean lung injury scores revealed significant increases after isoflurane treatment in I-5 and I-10 compared to C (p = 0.026 and p = 0.017, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Ingested isoflurane led to mild liver and lung injuries in rabbits.

Effectiveness of transmeatal low power laser irradiation for chronic tinnitus

Objective:

To evaluate effectiveness of 5 mW laser irradiation in the treatment of chronic tinnitus.

Study design:

Prospective, randomised, double-blind study.

Methods:

This investigation included 66 ears in 45 patients with chronic unilateral or bilateral tinnitus. A 5 mW laser with a wavelength of 650 nm, or placebo laser, was applied transmeatally for 15 minutes, once daily for a week. A questionnaire was administered which asked patients to score their symptoms on a five-point scale, before and two weeks after laser irradiation. A decrease of one scale point, regarding the loudness, duration and degree of annoyance of tinnitus, was accepted to represent an improvement.

Results:

The loudness, duration and degree of annoyance of tinnitus were improved, respectively, in up to 48.8, 57.7 and 55.5 per cent of the patients in the active laser group. No significant improvement was observed in the placebo laser group.

Conclusion:

Transmeatal, low power (5 mW) laser irradiation was found to be useful for the treatment of chronic tinnitus.

Iloprost-induced sudden hearing loss

We report a patient who developed sudden, bilateral, sensorineural hearing loss during therapeutic use of iloprost for Raynaud's phenomenon. The sudden hearing loss was attributed to iloprost use and completely reversed in eight days with conservative therapy. Iloprost may be a potentially ototoxic drug, causing sudden hearing loss.

Human papilloma virus prevalence in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

To determine the prevalence and type of human papilloma virus deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in cases of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

METHODS

We analysed the prevalence of human papilloma virus infection in archived paraffin block specimens taken from 99 cases of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma between 1990 and 2005, using polymerase chain reaction techniques. Biopsy specimens from five proven verrucous skin lesions were used as positive controls, and peripheral blood samples from five healthy volunteers were used as negative controls.

RESULTS

Four test samples were found to have inadequate deoxyribonucleic acid purity and were therefore excluded from the study. Human papilloma virus deoxyribonucleic acid was detected in seven of 95 cases of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (7.36 per cent). Human papilloma virus genotyping revealed double human papilloma virus infection in three cases and single human papilloma virus infection in the remaining four cases. The human papilloma virus genotypes detected were 6, 11 and 16 (the latter detected in only one case).

CONCLUSION

In our series, a very low human papilloma virus prevalence was found among laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cases. The human papilloma virus genotypes detected were mostly 6 and/or 11, and 16 in only one case. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of human papilloma virus prevalence in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, based on polymerase chain reaction genotyping in a Turkish population.