PMID: 

Ugeskr Laeger. 2001 Sep 24 ;163(39):5365-7. PMID: 11590951

Abstract Title: 

[Risk management by reporting critical incidents. Vitamin K and ephedrine mix-up at a birthing unit].

Abstract: 

INTRODUCTION: Errors of medication are frequent causes of hazards to patients. It has been suggested that containers that look alike constitute a risk of such errors. In this article, we present an example of how reporting incidents of potential risks, can be applied in their clinical management.MATERIAL AND METHODS: As part of a medical technology assessment project on risk management in a delivery department, the staff were encouraged to report incidents that could create a potential risk to patients. The incidents were assessed by a project group as either a general problem to patient safety or a solitary incident. If considered a general problem, procedures should be changed and implemented in the department.RESULTS: Two incidents were reported, where ephedrine and adrenaline were found in a box supposed to contain vitamin K for new-born babies. These were considered a general problem by the project group, and the procedure for storing and managing ephedrine and adrenaline in the delivery department was changed to prevent new cases.DISCUSSION: Near misses occur more often than actual errors, and we argue that, as they are easier to discover, it is important to learn from them and thus prevent further incidents. A forum should be set up to exchange experiences of acknowledged risks, hazards, analytical results and preventive solutions.

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PMID: 

Ann Dermatol Venereol. 1996 ;123(10):634-8. PMID: 9615122

Abstract Title: 

[Scleroderma-like patch on the thigh in infants after vitamin K injection at birth: six observations].

Abstract: 

INTRODUCTION: Texier's disease or pseudosclerodermatous reaction after intramuscular injection of vitamin K1 is well known in adults although only 1 report of a case in a newborn was found in the literature. We report 6 cases.CASE REPORTS: Six infants (4 boys, 2 girls) developed"peau d'orange"skin lesions after the age of 6 months which was localized in the lower third of the medial aspect of the thigh. Initial rapid locoregional extension was followed by stabilization and then regression. In all 6 cases, histology showed lesions of the fascia and/or the deep hypoderma associated with variable mononuclear inflammatory infiltration and hyalin fibrosis. When performed, immunological studies (complement fixation, search for autoantibodies) were always negative or normal. No visceral involvement was found.DISCUSSION: A pseudosclerodermatous lesion of the lower third of the thigh occurred in 6 infants at the site of an intramuscular injection of vitamin K1 administered at birth. The history, clinical manifestations, histology and outcome of these cases are compatible with the diagnosis of Texier's disease. We discuss the role of the solvent in the Roche vitamin K1 injection. The pathogenesis of this side effect remains unknown.CONCLUSION: Texier's disease in infants after injection of vitamin K1 at birth is a stereotypic dermatosis. Diagnosis is based on history and clinical presentation. The causal effect of injectable vitamin K1 should be entertained whenever pseudosclerodermatous lesions are observed in a young child.

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PMID: 

Indian J Pharmacol. 2016 Jul-Aug;48(4):455-457. PMID: 27756962

Abstract Title: 

A clinically suspected case of Anaphylactoid reaction to vitamin K injection in a child – a case report and review of literature.

Abstract: 

Vitamin K is commonly indicated in pediatric patients with coagulopathies. Its commercial preparations are available in the market since long. Minor complications are very well-known, but life-threatening events are rarely reported in children. We present a case of 8-year-old child who developed life-threatening event following intravenous Vitamin K injection. She was survived after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The reaction was most probably due to anaphylactoid reaction to Vitamin K.

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PMID: 

J Cutan Med Surg. 2019 Sep/Oct;23(5):488-495. Epub 2019 May 9. PMID: 31072133

Abstract Title: 

Imiquimod 5% Cream Versus Cryotherapy in Classic Kaposi Sarcoma.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Classic Kaposi sarcoma usually remains on the skin and has a slow progression; thus, local treatment methods are preferable. Imiquimod is an immunomodulatory agent with antiviral, antitumoural, and antiangiogenic properties that is expedient against Kaposi sarcoma.OBJECTIVES: We aimed to clarify whether imiquimod is effective on classic Kaposi sarcoma lesions by comparing imiquimod treatment with cryotherapy, which is the most-used treatment method in our department for this disease.METHOD: Patients with classic Kaposi sarcoma were included. All lesions of each patient were evaluated and measured by the blinded investigator considering infiltration and surface diameters. Then, lesions were categorized into 2 groups by the other investigator (nonblinded), and imiquimod 5% cream was administered 3 times per week without occlusion in 1 group. Cryotherapy was performed every 3 weeks in the other group. All lesions were reevaluated and measured at the end of 12 weeks by the blinded investigator. Initial and last measurements were compared between the treatment methods.RESULTS: Fifty lesions of 8 patients were included in this study. Imiquimod and cryotherapy were applied to 26 and 24 lesions, respectively. At the end of the study, statistically significant decreases were detected in all scores between weeks 0 and 12 with both treatment methods. Mean percentages of change in scores were not significantly different between the methods.CONCLUSIONS: Based on a limited number of patients and lesions treated, we believe imiquimod may be a suitable option to use for the treatment of classic Kaposi sarcoma.

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PMID: 

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2019 Sep 10 ;116(37):18410-18415. Epub 2019 Aug 26. PMID: 31451642

Abstract Title: 

Human pollution exposure correlates with accelerated ultrastructural degradation of hair fibers.

Abstract: 

Exposure to pollution is a known risk factor for human health. While correlative studies between exposure to pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and human health exist, and while in vitro studies help to establish a causative connection, in vivo comparisons of exposed and nonexposed human tissue are scarce. Here, we use human hair as a model matrix to study the correlation of PAH pollution with microstructural changes over time. Two hundred four hair samples from 2 Chinese cities with distinct pollution exposure were collected, and chromatographic-mass spectrometry was used to quantify the PAH-exposure profiles of each individual sample. This allowed us to define a group of less contaminated hair samples as well as a more contaminated group. Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) together with quantitative image analysis and blind scoring of 82 structural parameters, we find that the speed of naturally occurring hair-cortex degradation and cuticle delamination is increased in fibers with increased PAH concentrations. Treating nondamaged hair fibers with ultraviolet (UV) irradiation leads to a more pronounced cortical damage especially around melanosomes of samples with higher PAH concentrations. Our study shows the detrimental effect of physiological concentrations of PAH together with UV irradiation on the hair microstructure but likely can be applied to other human tissues.

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PMID: 

Int J Nurs Pract. 2019 Oct ;25(5):e12759. Epub 2019 Jul 9. PMID: 31290244

Abstract Title: 

Meta-analysis of oral cryotherapy in preventing oral mucositis associated with cancer therapy.

Abstract: 

AIMS: To review scientific evidence related to oral cryotherapy to prevent oral mucositis after cancer therapy.BACKGROUND: Oral mucositis is a common complication of cancer therapy. In the most severe form of oral mucositis, patients cannot eat or drink at all and must receive nutrition and fluid replacement through parenteral support. Topical cooling of the oral mucosa may be an option for the prevention of oral mucositis.DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis.DATA SOURCES: The literature search was performed using the Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL Complete electronic databases for articles published up to 2017. The reference lists of all retrieved articles were manually reviewed to identify additional relevant studies.RESULTS: Of 353 publications, 15 randomized controlled trials, involving 919 cancer patients, conducted between 1994 and 2017 were included in the present meta-analysis. Oral cryotherapy, applied during treatment of solid cancers, led to a statistically lower level (P 

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PMID: 

Arthritis Res Ther. 2019 Jul 30 ;21(1):180. Epub 2019 Jul 30. PMID: 31362785

Abstract Title: 

Local ice cryotherapy decreases synovial interleukin 6, interleukin 1β, vascular endothelial growth factor, prostaglandin-E2, and nuclear factor kappa B p65 in human knee arthritis: a controlled study.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of local cryotherapy in human non-septic knee arthritis.METHODS: In the phase I of the study, patients were randomized to receive either ice (30 min; N = 16) or cold CO(2 min; N = 16) applied twice during 1 day at an 8-h interval on the arthritic knee. In phase II, 16 other ice-treated arthritic knees according to the same protocol were compared to the contralateral non-treated arthritic knees (N = 16). The synovial fluid was analyzed just before the first cold application, then 24 h later. IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-17A, VEGF, NF-kB-p65 protein, and PG-E2 levels were measured in the synovial fluid and compared before/after the two cold applications.RESULTS: Forty-seven patients were included (17 gouts, 11 calcium pyrophosphate deposition diseases, 13 rheumatoid arthritides, 6 spondyloarthritides). Local ice cryotherapy significantly reduced the IL-6, IL-1β, VEGF, NF-kB-p65, and PG-E2 synovial levels, especially in the microcrystal-induced arthritis subgroup, while only phosphorylated NF-kB-p65 significantly decreased in rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis patients. Cold COonly reduced the synovial VEGF levels. In the phase II of the study, the synovial PG-E2 was significantly reduced in ice-treated knees, while it significantly increased in the corresponding contralateral non-treated arthritic knees, with a significant inter-class effect size (mean difference - 1329 [- 2232; - 426] pg/mL; N = 12).CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that local ice cryotherapy reduces IL-6, IL-1β, and VEGF synovial protein levels, mainly in microcrystal-induced arthritis, and potentially through NF-kB and PG-E2-dependent mechanisms.TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03850392-registered February 20, 2019-retrospectively registered.

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PMID: 

Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2019 ;2019:7524878. Epub 2019 Aug 14. PMID: 31485298

Abstract Title: 

Decreased Lipid Profile and Oxidative Stress in Healthy Subjects Who Underwent Whole-Body Cryotherapy in Closed Cryochamber with Subsequent Kinesiotherapy.

Abstract: 

Objective: The aim of the study was to estimate the impact of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) and subsequent kinesiotherapy on oxidative stress and lipid profile when performed in a closed cryochamber on healthy subjects.Material and Methods: The effect of ten WBC procedures lasting 3 minutes a day followed by a 60-minute session kinesiotherapy on oxidative stress and lipid profile in healthy subjects (WBC group,= 16) was investigated. The WBC group was compared to the kinesiotherapy only (KT;= 16) group. The routine parameters of oxidative stress (antioxidant enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation products, total oxidative status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI)) and lipid profile were estimated one day before the beginning and one day after the completion of the research program.Results: After treatment, in the WBC group, a significant decrease of oxidative stress markers (TOS and OSI) and a significant increase of total antioxidant capacity were observed. The activity of plasma SOD-Mn and erythrocyte total SOD increased significantly in the WBC group. In the KT group, the erythrocyte activity of total SOD, CAT, and GR decreased significantly after the treatment. The levels of T-Chol and LDL-Chol decreased significantly after treatment in both groups, but the observed decrease of these lipid parameters in the WBC group was higher in comparison to the KT group. The level of TG decreased significantly after treatment in the WBC group only.Conclusion: WBC performed in a closed cryochamber followed by kinesiotherapy improves lipid profile and decreases oxidative stress in healthy subjects.

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PMID: 

J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2019 Sep 20. Epub 2019 Sep 20. PMID: 31594196

Abstract Title: 

Is the whole-body cryotherapy a beneficial supplement to exercise therapy for patients with ankylosing spondylitis?

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: The treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients requires a combination of non-pharmacological (education, exercise and physical therapy), as well as pharmacological treatment modalities. The optimal management of AS still remains unresolved.OBJECTIVE: The aim was to measure and compare the effects of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) at -110∘C and at -60∘C and exercise therapy alone on disease activity and the functional parameters of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).METHODS: Ninety-two patients were allocated to three groups: with WBC at -110∘C or at -60∘C (each concurrent with exercise therapy), or exercise therapy alone. Disease activity and the functional parameters of the patients were measured at study entry and at the end of the 8-day treatment.RESULTS: Supervised therapy, irrespective of the program, led to a significant reduction in disease activity (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index: BASDAI, Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score: ASDAS-CRP), disease-related back pain, fatigue, duration and intensity of morning stiffness and a significant improvement in the patient's functional capacity (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index: BASFI), spine mobility (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index: BASMI) and chest expandability, with no changes in the levels of CRP. It has been demonstrated that following therapy, the group that underwent cryotherapy at -110∘C manifested significantly reduced disease activity (BASDAI) compared with exercise therapy only (p= 0.024).CONCLUSION: Adding cryotherapy at -110∘C to exercise therapy led to significantly reduced disease activity expressed in BASDAI, compared with exercise therapy alone.

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PMID: 

Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2019 Oct 1 ;23(5):522-528. PMID: 31538978

Abstract Title: 

Extremity Cooling: A Synthesis of Cryotherapy Interventions to Reduce Peripheral Neuropathy and Nail Changes From Taxane-Based Chemotherapy.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Taxane-based chemotherapies are frequently used to treat solid tumor cancers. Two significant side effects include nail changes and/or peripheral neuropathy. These side effects can cause pain, infections, dose reductions, and treatment delays, all of which negatively affect quality of life.OBJECTIVES: This article synthesizes the literature on efficacy and tolerability of extremity cryotherapy during taxane administration to identify if it is an intervention that can be provided to patients to mitigate these symptoms.METHODS: A literature review was performed using PubMed®, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Ovid, Web of Science, and CINAHL®. 46 articles were initially identified, and 10 articles were reviewed (5 related to nail changes and 5 related to neuropathy).FINDINGS: Larger, powered studies are needed on these topics; however, existing data suggest this intervention as a promising low-risk option for mitigating the severity of nail changes and peripheral neuropathy related to taxane chemotherapy.

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