BACKGROUND Hypertension is the most common risk factor for cardiovascular disease in the Philippines. Despite the availability of antihypertensive medications that are effective, safe, and tolerated by Filipino patients, the numbers of uncontrolled hypertensives are still increasing. Several factors play in the poor control of blood pressure, particularly resistant hypertension and hyperactive sympathetic nervous system. Renal denervation therapy is a novel device that has been shown to lower blood pressure in patients with resistant and difficult-to-treat hypertension and is deemed safe in clinical trials. A Philippine Working Group composed of specialists in cardiology, hypertension, vascular surgery, and clinical epidemiology has come up with consensus statements in identifying patients who will benefit from the procedure. Locally, there is a need to have hypertension centers treating uncontrolled and resistant hypertension and offer renal denervation therapy to appropriate Filipino patients.
Blood Pressure

Two rehydration protocols currently exist to treat diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in pediatric patients aged <21 years: the traditional “one-bag” system and the more recent “two-bag” system. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the newer two-bag system versus the well-established one-bag system. The CiNAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were comprehensively searched from inception to June 2023 by 2 independent reviewers using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis framework. Eligible studies were those that reported participants <21 years of age who presented to the emergency room with a clinical diagnosis of DKA. This review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023427551). From the initial screening of 42 studies, 8 unique studies encompassing 583 patients met the eligibility criteria. The analysis yielded no significant intergroup differences in hypoglycemia (odds ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20–1.87; I2=3%) or mean glucose correction rate (mean difference [MD], 0.04 mg/ dL/hr; 95% CI, -13.10 to 13.17; I2=64%). The incidence of cerebral edema was as low (0.17%) across groups, with only one case reported in the one-bag group. Notably, the mean time to DKA resolution (MD, -3.24 h; 95% CI, -5.57 to -0.91; I2=0%) and mean response time for intravenous fluid changes (MD, -32.75 min; 95% CI, -43.21 to -22.29; I2=59%) was lower for the two-bag system. This meta- analysis presents preliminary evidence suggesting that the two-bag system may confer advantages over the one-bag system for selected patients. However, further studies with greater patient stratification based on DKA severity, fluid composition, and protocol are needed to draw definitive conclusions and elucidate the extent of these advantages.

Two rehydration protocols currently exist to treat diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in pediatric patients aged <21 years: the traditional “one-bag” system and the more recent “two-bag” system. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the newer two-bag system versus the well-established one-bag system. The CiNAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were comprehensively searched from inception to June 2023 by 2 independent reviewers using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis framework. Eligible studies were those that reported participants <21 years of age who presented to the emergency room with a clinical diagnosis of DKA. This review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023427551). From the initial screening of 42 studies, 8 unique studies encompassing 583 patients met the eligibility criteria. The analysis yielded no significant intergroup differences in hypoglycemia (odds ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20–1.87; I2=3%) or mean glucose correction rate (mean difference [MD], 0.04 mg/ dL/hr; 95% CI, -13.10 to 13.17; I2=64%). The incidence of cerebral edema was as low (0.17%) across groups, with only one case reported in the one-bag group. Notably, the mean time to DKA resolution (MD, -3.24 h; 95% CI, -5.57 to -0.91; I2=0%) and mean response time for intravenous fluid changes (MD, -32.75 min; 95% CI, -43.21 to -22.29; I2=59%) was lower for the two-bag system. This meta- analysis presents preliminary evidence suggesting that the two-bag system may confer advantages over the one-bag system for selected patients. However, further studies with greater patient stratification based on DKA severity, fluid composition, and protocol are needed to draw definitive conclusions and elucidate the extent of these advantages.

Two rehydration protocols currently exist to treat diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in pediatric patients aged <21 years: the traditional “one-bag” system and the more recent “two-bag” system. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the newer two-bag system versus the well-established one-bag system. The CiNAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were comprehensively searched from inception to June 2023 by 2 independent reviewers using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis framework. Eligible studies were those that reported participants <21 years of age who presented to the emergency room with a clinical diagnosis of DKA. This review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023427551). From the initial screening of 42 studies, 8 unique studies encompassing 583 patients met the eligibility criteria. The analysis yielded no significant intergroup differences in hypoglycemia (odds ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20–1.87; I2=3%) or mean glucose correction rate (mean difference [MD], 0.04 mg/ dL/hr; 95% CI, -13.10 to 13.17; I2=64%). The incidence of cerebral edema was as low (0.17%) across groups, with only one case reported in the one-bag group. Notably, the mean time to DKA resolution (MD, -3.24 h; 95% CI, -5.57 to -0.91; I2=0%) and mean response time for intravenous fluid changes (MD, -32.75 min; 95% CI, -43.21 to -22.29; I2=59%) was lower for the two-bag system. This meta- analysis presents preliminary evidence suggesting that the two-bag system may confer advantages over the one-bag system for selected patients. However, further studies with greater patient stratification based on DKA severity, fluid composition, and protocol are needed to draw definitive conclusions and elucidate the extent of these advantages.

Two rehydration protocols currently exist to treat diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in pediatric patients aged <21 years: the traditional “one-bag” system and the more recent “two-bag” system. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the newer two-bag system versus the well-established one-bag system. The CiNAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were comprehensively searched from inception to June 2023 by 2 independent reviewers using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis framework. Eligible studies were those that reported participants <21 years of age who presented to the emergency room with a clinical diagnosis of DKA. This review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023427551). From the initial screening of 42 studies, 8 unique studies encompassing 583 patients met the eligibility criteria. The analysis yielded no significant intergroup differences in hypoglycemia (odds ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20–1.87; I2=3%) or mean glucose correction rate (mean difference [MD], 0.04 mg/ dL/hr; 95% CI, -13.10 to 13.17; I2=64%). The incidence of cerebral edema was as low (0.17%) across groups, with only one case reported in the one-bag group. Notably, the mean time to DKA resolution (MD, -3.24 h; 95% CI, -5.57 to -0.91; I2=0%) and mean response time for intravenous fluid changes (MD, -32.75 min; 95% CI, -43.21 to -22.29; I2=59%) was lower for the two-bag system. This meta- analysis presents preliminary evidence suggesting that the two-bag system may confer advantages over the one-bag system for selected patients. However, further studies with greater patient stratification based on DKA severity, fluid composition, and protocol are needed to draw definitive conclusions and elucidate the extent of these advantages.

INTRODUCTION

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters entrap emboli from the periphery going to the pulmonary circulation, preventing pulmonary embolism (PE). Studies show that many IVC filter insertions are done for weak or non–guideline directed indications. This study examined the indications for IVC filter insertion in a tertiary care hospital in Metro Manila, adherence to society guidelines, and clinical outcomes after filter insertion.

This study is a retrospective cohort involving patients who received an IVC filter from January 2015 to February 2021. The main outcome was the indication for IVC filter. Other outcomes were strength of recommendation for filter placement and postfilter clinical outcomes: all-cause death, venous thromboembolism–related mortality, PE, and filter related complications.

Eighty-three patients received IVC filters from January 2015 to February 2021, and 77 were included in the analysis. Sixty-one percent had moderate to strong indications for the procedure, 49% were due to contraindication to anticoagulation. Thirty-nine percent had unclear indications: 16% concomitantly received therapeutic anticoagulation, whereas 11% had isolated distal deep vein thrombosis. Mean follow-up was 170 days. Postfilter clinical outcomes included all-cause death in 12%, venous thromboembolism–related mortality in 1%, and PE in 3%. Filter complications occurred in 4%. Retrievable IVC filters were used in 51% with attempted removal in 4%, 3% of which were successful.

The majority of patients receiving IVC filters in our center had strong to moderate indications for the procedure. The use of retrievable filters and consequent retrieval is low and should be encouraged. Venous thromboembolism–related mortality and filter complications were low, comparable to international data.

children with femur fractures. This study compares the outcomes of spica cast application, in terms of quality of fracture reduction and hospital charges when performed in operating theatre versus outpatient clinics at a local institution. Materials and Methods: A total of 93 paediatric patients, aged between 2 months to 8 years, who underwent spica casting for an isolated femur fracture between January 2008 and March 2019, were identified retrospectively. They were separated into inpatient or outpatient cohort based on the location of spica cast application. Five patients with metaphyseal fractures and four with un-displaced fractures were excluded. There were 13 and 71 patients in the outpatient and inpatient cohort respectively who underwent spica casting for their diaphyseal and displaced femur fractures. Variables between cohorts were compared. Results: There were no significant differences in gender, fracture pattern, and mechanism of injury between cohorts. Spica casting as inpatients delayed the time from assessment to casting (23.55 ± 29.67h vs. 6.75 ± 4.27h, p<0.05), increased average hospital stay (41.2 ± 31.1h vs. 19.2 ± 15.0h, p<0.05) and average hospital charges (US$1857.14 vs US$775.49, p<0.05). Excluding the un-displaced fractures, there were no significant differences in the period of cast immobilisation and median follow-up length. Both cohorts had a similar proportion of unacceptable reduction and revision casting rate. Conclusion: Both cohorts presented similar spica casting outcomes of fracture reduction and follow-up period. With spica cast application in operating theatre reporting higher hospital charges and prolonged hospital stay, the outpatient clinic should always be considered for hip spica application.

Androgens ; Erectile Dysfunction/etiology* ; Humans ; Male ; Metabolic Syndrome ; Prostatectomy ; Quality of Life

BACKGROUND

There is ambiguity on antiplatelet therapy for post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients for stroke prevention, but dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is routinely started despite lack of data on effectiveness and bleeding safety of DAPT versus single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT). This study aims to determine the effectiveness of DAPT versus SAPT in stroke prevention and assess bleeding safety.

A systematic search was done for randomized clinical trials involving DAPT and SAPT in patients who underwent TAVR. The primary outcome was stroke after 1 year of either DAPT and SAPT and life-threatening bleeding. Secondary end points included all-cause mortality. Trials were identified through systematic searches on the following databases (November 2019): Cochrane, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar and ClinicalTrials.gov and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Risk ratio was used for dichotomous outcomes. Heterogeneity among the studies for the meta-analysis was detected using a χ2 test (0.01 level of significance). Risk-of-bias assessment was done.

There is a lower incidence of stroke in patients on DAPT, but with a higher incidence of life-threatening bleeding and major bleeding. There is also a lower incidence of all-cause mortality in SAPT. The statistical power of this meta-analysis is low due to small population size.

Single antiplatelet therapy is comparable to DAPT in preventing stroke with the added benefit of a lower incidence of life-threatening and major bleeding and a lower incidence of all-cause mortality.

This is a case of an 18-year-old Filipino female with no known comorbidities, who presented with a three-year history of recurrent erythematous papules, vesicles, and nodules over her bilateral side of the chin. She was initially managed as a case of infected acne vulgaris, and was given oral antibiotics such as Cloxacillin, Rifampicin, and Clarithromycin, but with minimal improvement. She was then referred to Dermatology service for further evaluation. A 3-mm skin punch biopsy on an erythematous nodule on the left chin was done, and histopathologic findings were diffuse eosinophilic infiltrates, exhibiting flame figures admixed with few lymphocytes and neutrophils, consistent with Wells’ syndrome, otherwise known as eosinophilic cellulitis. Serology also revealed elevated IgE level at 949.2 IU/mL but normal eosinophil count. Patient was then given oral corticosteroid for eight weeks, resulting in complete resolution of lesions and no residual scarring.
Wells syndrome ; Cellulitis ; Eosinophilia