Abstract

INTRODUCTION Contemporary published data present confounding results on use of PRF in soft- and hard-tissue healing in the oral cavity, and many authors have suggested for further studies to reach the definitive conclusion. AIM: Our main objective therefore was to evaluate soft-tissue healing and osseous regeneration (by using VIXWIN PRO software) in extraction sites of mandibular third molars with substantial sample size to understand the effect of PRF in bony defects. METHODOLOGY Sixty patients had their bilaterally impacted third molars (120 sites) extracted in the split mouth study, following which platelet-rich fibrin was placed in one of the sockets. Patients were followed up clinically and radiographically, and pain score, presence of infection, exudation of graft and VIXWIN PRO software were used to evaluate healing of soft tissue and bone. RESULT AND CONCLUSION Our study advocates the use of PRF for enhanced soft- and hard-tissue healing. Though the osseous regeneration could be differentiated in both the groups at second month interval only, pain scores were better with PRF at most instances. Subsequent phase to the research should include histopathological investigations for ancillary support.

Abstract

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common cause of hair loss in men with limited treatment options. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is one of the newer treatment options in the management of AGA which has shown promising results. Aims and Objectives: This study was aimed at comparing the clinical efficacy of PRP therapy with minoxidil therapy. Materials and Methods: In the study, patients were randomized into two groups - Group A (given PRP therapy) and Group B (given minoxidil therapy). Both groups were followed up over a period of 6 months, and final analysis was done with the help of global photography, hair pull test, standardized hair growth questionnaire, patient satisfaction score; in addition, a comparison of platelet counts in PRP was done, to know that if a clinical correlation exists between platelet concentration and clinical improvement. A total of 40 patients clinically diagnosed with AGA were enrolled in the study with 20 patients in each group. Four patients from Group A (PRP) and six patients from Group B (minoxidil) could not complete the treatment for 6 months and were eventually excluded. Results: At the end of 6 months, 30 patients were evaluated to compare the efficacy of intradermal PRP and topical minoxidil therapy. On global photography, Group A (PRP) was found to have a comparatively better outcome than Group B (minoxidil). In hair pull test, hair growth questionnaire, and patient satisfaction score, Group A was found to be better than Group B. Mean platelet count at baseline was 3.07 +/- 0.5 lac/mm, 3 while platelet count in final PRP prepared was 12.4 +/- 1.7 lac/mm, and patients with a higher platelet count in PRP had a much better clinical improvement compared to patients with a low platelet count in PRP. Side effects with PRP therapy were minimal with better results which may improve the compliance of the patient. Conclusion: PRP therapy can be a valuable alternative to topical minoxidil therapy in the treatment of AGA.

Abstract

Blood transfusion after joint arthroplasty occurs in up to two thirds of patients. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to determine the methodological quality of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane to identify RCTs in arthroplasty with blood conservation as the primary outcome from 2001 to 2007. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Detsky index. We identified 62 RCTs. The mean Detsky score was 73% +/- 14%. Epidemiology affiliation (P = .003), funding support (<.001), and year of publication (<.001) were the predictors of reporting quality, predicting 46% of the variability (R(2) = 0.46). This suggests poor reporting quality of trials in blood conservation. The inclusion of an epidemiologist or a biostatistician for the design of a trial is strongly recommended.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a fractionated blood product whose off-label use for treating a variety of conditions, including spontaneous recurrent miscarriage, has continued to grow in recent years. Its high costs and short supply necessitate improved guidance on its appropriate applications. OBJECTIVE We conducted a systematic review of randomised controlled trials evaluating IVIG for treatment of spontaneous recurrent miscarriage. SEARCH STRATEGY A systematic search strategy was applied to Medline (1966 to June 2005) and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (June 2005). SELECTION CRITERIA We included all randomised controlled trials comparing all dosages of IVIG to placebo or an active control. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two investigators independently extracted data using a standardised data collection form. Measures of effect were derived for each trial independently, and studies were pooled based on clinical and methodologic appropriateness. MAIN RESULTS We identified eight trials involving 442 women that evaluated IVIG therapy used to treat recurrent miscarriage. Overall, IVIG did not significantly increase the odds ratio (OR) of live birth when compared with placebo for treatment of recurrent miscarriage (OR 1.28, 95% CI 0.78-2.10). There was, however, a significant increase in live births following IVIG use in women with secondary recurrent miscarriage (OR 2.71, 95% CI 1.09-6.73), while those with primary miscarriage did not experience the same benefit (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.35-1.26). AUTHOR'S CONCLUSIONS IVIG increased the rates of live birth in secondary recurrent miscarriage, but there was insufficient evidence for its use in primary recurrent miscarriage.