Irish journal of medical science
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Comparative Study
Absorbable vs. non-absorbable suture: which one gives better results?
There is no ideal suture material or ideal sewing technique. The type of suture material affects the quality of the scars. Patient and surgeon satisfaction with the quality and comfort of the scar is one of the main goals of modern surgery. ⋯ Non-resorptive sutures show statistically significantly better results, especially after 2 weeks from the patient's point of view so we consider them more comfortable and convenient to use.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of 3T MR arthrography and 3T MRI in intra-articular hip pathology: a cost-analysis.
MR arthrography (MRA) has previously been the radiological gold standard for investigating labral and chondral lesions of the hip joint. In recent years, 3T MRI has demonstrated comparable accuracy, being adopted as the first-line imaging investigation in many institutions. ⋯ Transitioning from 3T MRA to 3T MRI in the investigation of intra-articular hip pathology increases cost savings and reduces radiation dose.
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Ferritin is an iron deposition protein and a commonly ordered clinical test. While high levels may signify iron deposition, the majority are due to metabolic, inflammatory, infectious, and malignant disorders. The association between ferritin elevations < 1000 μg/L and long-term mortality is well demonstrated. The association between extreme ferritin elevations, namely ferritin levels over 10,000 μg/L, and short-term mortality, as well as predictors of mortality, has not been defined. ⋯ Extreme hyperferritinemia is associated with high short-term mortality. Ferritin can be used as a marker of poor prognosis, particularly among patients with infection and malignancy.
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Methotrexate (MTX) is used in clinical practice as a medical treatment option in patients with early pregnancy complications like ectopic pregnancy. ⋯ The efficacy of medical treatment with systemic MTX for confirmed tubal ectopic pregnancy in our hospital is in line with national and international standards. Careful consideration should be given to treating caesarean scar pregnancy and persistent pregnancy of unknown location with systemic MTX. Systemic MTX use guided by clinicians specialised in early pregnancy complications and safe medication practices may improve treatment success and reduce adverse events.
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Superselective adrenal arterial embolization (SAAE) is a potential alternative treatment for patients with unilateral primary aldosteronism (PA) who refuse unilateral adrenalectomy. Therefore, we aimed to establish a scoring model to differentiate between hypertensive remission after SAAE. ⋯ The present model is the first nomogram-based score that specifically predicts hypertension remission after SAAE in patients with unilateral PA using conventional parameters. This is an effective risk stratification tool that can be used by clinicians for timely and tailored preoperative risk discussions.