Irish journal of medical science
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
A randomized trial to compare procalcitonin and C-reactive protein in assessing severity of sepsis and in guiding antibacterial therapy in Egyptian critically ill patients.
Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are the main used biomarkers for sepsis and in guiding antibiotic therapy, although PCT high cost limits its use in developing countries. ⋯ PCT is a more accurate diagnostic and prognostic biomarker than CRP in patients with sepsis. PCT significantly shortened patients' exposure to antibacterial therapy and hospital length of stay.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Does instillation of lidocaine gel following flexible cystoscopy decrease the severity of post procedure symptoms? A randomised controlled trial assessing the efficacy of lidocaine gel post flexible cystoscopy.
To assess whether instillation of lidocaine gel both before and after flexible cystoscopy is more effective at reducing post procedural symptoms than instillation of lidocaine gel pre flexible cystoscopy alone. We hypothesise that inadequate urethral dwell time and dilution of lidocaine gel by the irrigation fluid during flexible cystoscopy limits its anaesthetic efficacy. Only one other study has attempted to reduce bothersome urinary symptoms through an intervention after flexible cystoscopy. ⋯ Initial study results suggest that post-operative lidocaine does not significantly limit the exacerbation of urinary symptoms following flexible cystoscopy; however, our results are not powered to detect a small difference. We do not recommend a change in practice based on our results.