Varicella post-exposure management for pediatric oncology patients

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Varicella post-exposure management for pediatric oncology patients Via Association française pour l'étude du cancer Bull Cancer. 2022 Jan 26:S0007-4551(22)00004-2. doi: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2021.11.016. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: The objective was to evaluate health care providers' (HCP) adherence to and efficacy of varicella post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) recommendations. It was an observational, prospective, multicenter study set in Ile-de-France, France. METHODS: All children under 18 with a cancer diagnosis, currently or within 3months of receiving cancer treatment, regardless of varicella zoster virus (VZV) serostatus or previous personal history of varicella, were eligible. Study participants with significant exposure were reviewed prospectively for PEP indications. Main outcome measures were the percentage of exposure situations for which HCP were guideline-compliant, the proportion of available VZV serostatuses and the incidence of breakthrough varicella after different PEP approaches. RESULTS: A total of 51 patie nts from 15 centers were enrolled after 52 exposure episodes. Median age at exposure was 5 years (range, 1-15). Exposure within the household led to 38% of episodes. Prophylactic treatment consisted in specific anti-VZV immunoglobulins (V-ZIG) (n=19) or in oral aciclovir (n=15). No prophylactic treatment was given for 18 patients (in compliance, n=16). In compliance with guidelines, 17 patients received V-ZIG, 11 did not develop varicella (65%, [95% CI, 39-90%]); 15 received aciclovir, 13 did not develop varicella (87%, [95% CI, 67-100%]). Breakthrough varicella occurred in 11 patients, with simple clinical course in all cases; in 8/47 (17%) episodes when PEP was guideline-compliant versus 3/5 (60%) when not. DISCUSSION: Recommendations have been respected and are efficient. PEP needs to be standardized and a study carried out to define the optimal approach. Anti-VZV immunization of seronegative family members should be encouraged. PMID:35093244 | DOI:10.1016/j.bulcan.2021.11.016 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Computed tomography-assessed variations of the carotid sinus

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Computed tomography-assessed variations of the carotid sinus Via radiol anat Surg Radiol Anat. 2022 Jan 30. doi: 10.1007/s00276-021-02871-x. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND: Previous studies have identified variations regarding the morphology and location of the carotid sinus, a phenomenon still not commonly approached or studied on computed tomography angiography (CTA). Detailed characterization of the carotid sinus was performed on CTAs, determining its position, diameter and length. METHODS: The study group included 43 patients with disease-free carotid trunks subjected to cervical CTA. We measured the terminal caliber of the common carotid artery (CCA), as well as the calibers of the internal (ICA) and external carotid arteries (ECA) at their origin. The diameters were correlated with the location and the shape of the carotid sinus. We also measured the length of the sinus dilatation (carotid bulb), in regard to its location on the terminal branches of the common carotid artery. RESULTS: Mean diameters of the studied arteries were 7.39 ± 1.04 mm for the CCA, 6.71 ± 1.49 mm for the ICA and, respectively, 4.27 ± 0.75 mm for the ECA. The classical position of the carotid sinus was seen in 80% of cases, the rest being considered anatomical variants. The length of the carotid bulb on the ICA was 9.99 ± 2.22 mm, showing variability between genders. CONCLUSIONS: The carotid sinus does not always extend to the ICA, presenting different distribution patterns that might be relevant in sinu s pathology from a clinical point of view, respectively from a surgical point of view during invasive or minimally invasive interventions on the carotid axis. PMID:35094129 | DOI:10.1007/s00276-021-02871-x View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

High-Resolution CT Imaging of the Temporal Bone: A Cadaveric Specimen Study

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader High-Resolution CT Imaging of the Temporal Bone: A Cadaveric Specimen Study Via Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B: Skull Base J Neurol Surg B Skull Base DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1741006 Objective Super-high and ultra-high spatial resolution computed tomography (CT) imaging can be advantageous for detecting temporal bone pathology and guiding treatment strategies. Methods Six temporal bone cadaveric specimens were used to evaluate the temporal bone microanatomic structures utilizing the following CT reconstruction modes: normal resolution (NR, 0.5-mm slice thickness, 5122 matrix), high resolution (HR, 0.5-mm slice thickness, 1,0242 matrix), super-high resolution (SHR, 0.25-mm slice thickness, 1,0242 matrix), and ultra-high resolution (UHR, 0.25-mm slice thickness, 2,0482 matrix). Noise and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for bone and air were measured at each reconstruction mode. Two observers assessed visualization of seven small anatomic structures using a 4-point scale at each reconstruction mode. Results Noise was significantly higher and SNR significantly lower with increases in spatial resolution (NR, HR, and SHR). There was no statistical difference between SHR and UHR imaging with regard to noise and SNR. There was significantly improved visibility of all temporal bone osseous structures of interest with SHR and UHR imaging relative to NR imaging (p < 0.001) and most of the temporal bone osseous structures relative to HR imaging. There was no statistical difference in the subjective image quality between SHR and UHR imaging of the temporal bone (p ≥ 0.085). Conclusion Super-high-resolution and ultra-high-resolution CT imaging results in significant improvement in image quality compared with normal-resolution and high-resolution CT imaging of the temporal bone. This preliminary study also demonstrates equivalency between super-high and ultra-high spatial resolution temporal bone CT imaging protocols for clinical use. [...] Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany Article in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract   |  Full text View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Thyroid Disease in Pregnancy: A Touch of Clarity

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Thyroid Disease in Pregnancy: A Touch of Clarity Via liebertpub1 Thyroid, Ahead of Print. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.