Background High blood pressure is common in acute stroke and is a predictor of poor outcome; however, large trials of lowering blood pressure have given variable results, and the management of high blood pressure in ultra-acute stroke remains unclear. We investigated whether transdermal glyceryl trinitrate (GTN; also known as nitroglycerin), a nitric oxide donor, might improve outcome when administered very early after stroke onset. Methods We did a multicentre, paramedic-delivered, ambulance-based, prospective, randomised, sham-controlled, blinded-endpoint, phase 3 trial in adults with presumed stroke within 4 h of onset, face-arm-speech-time score of 2 or 3, and systolic blood pressure 120 mm Hg or higher. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive transdermal GTN (5 mg once daily for 4 days; the GTN group) or a similar sham dressing (the sham group) in UKbased ambulances by paramedics, with treatment continued in hospital. Paramedics were unmasked to treatment, whereas participants were masked. The primary outcome was the 7-level modified Rankin Scale (mRS; a measure of functional outcome) at 90 days, assessed by central telephone follow-up with masking to treatment. Analysis was hierarchical, first in participants with a confirmed stroke or transient ischaemic attack (cohort 1), and then in all participants who were randomly assigned (intention to treat, cohort 2) according to the statistical analysis plan. This trial is registered with ISRCTN, number ISRCTN26986053.

Background Hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler injection is believed to be a safe procedure. However, with the increase in the number of performed procedures and indications, the number of product-related complications, especially delayed inflammatory reactions, has also increased. Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction is one of these delayed inflammatory reactions, which is preventable by performing a pretreatment skin test. Objectives The authors sought to find the incidence of delayed inflammatory reactions and DTH reaction after HA injection and to determine whether a pretreatment skin test is worthwhile to be performed. Methods The authors conducted a systematic literature review of all the relevant prospective studies, retrospective studies, and case reports on delayed inflammatory reactions and DTH reaction after HA filler injection. Results The incidence of delayed inflammatory reactions calculated from the prospective studies was 1.1% per year, and that of possible DTH reaction was 0.06% per year. Most retrospective studies estimated a percentage of delayed inflammatory reactions of less than 1% in 1 to 5.5 years. The incidence of DTH reaction would be lower than that. Among all the DTH cases reported, only about 5% of them were proven to be genuine DTH reactions. Conclusions The incidence of both delayed inflammatory reactions and DTH reaction is low. There is evidence that genuine DTH reactions caused by HA fillers approved by the Food and Drug Administration do exist. This adverse event can be prevented by performing a pretreatment skin test. However, the incidence of DTH reaction is so low that the pretreatment skin test is not mandatory if Food and Drug Administration-approved HA fillers are used. Level of Evidence: 4

Biofilms have been linked to dermal filler complications. Gillian Murray and Dr Cormac Convery explain their role and what clinicians can do to identify biofilm, as well as how to manage and treat them

Ultrasound technology is finally being used outside of the hospital setting. The simple, non-invasive and radiation-free imaging modality is now a reality in the medical aesthetic clinic. Ultrasound has been recognised as a suitable investigation in aesthetic complications since 2008 and recommended in practice since 2013. Technological advances have enabled professionals to deliver imaging in any environment. In treatment planning, delivery and aftercare, patient outcomes can be optimised. Ultrasound imaging allows reliable dermal filler identification, vascular mapping, management of vascular compromise and nodules, real-time rheology and measurement in relation to treatment outcomes. The challenges that remain relate to underpinning availability and enthusiasm with education and support. At the time of writing, there are no such mechanisms or educational programmes.