In recent years there have been several reports suggesting an association between bronchial asthma and gastro-oesophageal reflux; however a cause and effect relationship has not been proven yet. Confirmation of such a relationship is likely to have far reaching implications on the management of asthma. Reliable assessment of this issue is hampered by the presence of various lacunae in most of the published studies. Hence it is essential to carefully examine the strength of data suggesting a link between asthma and reflux. This article critically analyses currently available literature on the subject (including published reviews, meta-analyses, and randomised clinical trials in the English language) and summarises valid conclusions that can be drawn; it also proposes a framework for future studies to resolve the issue.
Background: Cystic swellings of the scrotum are common clinical entities that surgeons encounter in daily practice. Males of all ages are affected. Today, considerable heterogeneity exists in their treatment. This study sought to identify the prevalence and patterns of presentation of these swellings in adults and evaluate the different modalities of surgical management.Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken from January 2013 to December 2016. A total of 186 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included. Data was collected using a proforma. All patients were managed surgically.Results: Majority of cases (28%) were observed between 41-50 years (mean age 43.9 years). In 71%, mode of presentation was a painless, gradually progressive swelling. Mean duration of symptoms was 17.3 months. Primary vaginal hydrocele was the commonest swelling encountered (in 73.1%). Jaboulay’s procedure was undertaken in 75.2% of patients. Lord’s plication was associated with a comparatively shorter operative time, lesser postoperative scrotal edema and a shorter hospital stay. Epididymal cysts accounted for 19.4% and were managed by excision. The most common complication observed irrespective of surgery performed was scrotal edema (in 36%). Hematoma and infection were less frequently observed. Patients were followed-up for a mean period of 1.8 months. No recurrences were detected during this period.Conclusions: Cystic swellings of the scrotum are conditions predominantly affecting middle-aged males. Among these, primary hydrocele is the commonest. Although Lord's plication is simpler and gives good results with fewer complications, Jaboulay’s procedure remains the gold standard for surgical management of hydrocele.
BACKGROUND-Children with febrile urinary tract infection commonly have vesicoureteral reflux. Because trial results have been limited and inconsistent, the use of antimicrobial prophylaxis to prevent recurrences in children with reflux remains controversial.
METHODS-In this 2-year, multisite, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 607 children with vesicoureteral reflux that was diagnosed after a first or second febrile or symptomatic urinary tract infection, we evaluated the efficacy of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis in preventing recurrences (primary outcome). Secondary outcomes were renal scarring, treatment failure (a composite of recurrences and scarring), and antimicrobial resistance.RESULTS-Recurrent urinary tract infection developed in 39 of 302 children who received prophylaxis as compared with 72 of 305 children who received placebo (relative risk, 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38 to 0.78). Prophylaxis reduced the risk of recurrences by 50% (hazard ratio, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.34 to 0.74) and was particularly effective in children whose index infection was febrile (hazard ratio, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.64) and in those with baseline bladder and bowel dysfunction (hazard ratio, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.58). The occurrence of renal scarring did not differ significantly between the prophylaxis and placebo groups (11.9% and 10.2%, respectively). Among 87 children with a first recurrence caused by Escherichia coli, the proportion of isolates that were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was 63% in the prophylaxis group and 19% in the placebo group.
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