What are the main treatments for thyroid disease affecting the orbit?5 answersThe main treatments for thyroid eye disease (TED) affecting the orbit include a range of non-surgical and surgical interventions. Non-surgical management options encompass observation, oral selenium, glucocorticoid therapy, cyclosporin, mycophenolate, rituximab, immunoglobulin, teprotumumab, and orbital radiotherapy. Surgical interventions like orbital decompression, strabismus, and eyelid surgery are considered for inactive but moderate to severe disease cases. Studies suggest that intravenous glucocorticoids, orbital radiotherapy, and their combination are effective in managing active moderate to severe TED, with teprotumumab showing significant efficacy in reducing proptosis. Additionally, orbital decompression, particularly involving the medial wall, is indicated in cases of active disease with severe corneal exposure or compressive optic neuropathy, as well as in quiescent cases with persistent symptoms or cosmetic deformity.
What is the most effective method to trate infant colic?4 answersThe most effective method to treat infant colic appears to be probiotics for breastfed infants, followed by manual therapy such as postural therapy or massage. These interventions have shown to reduce crying time and improve symptoms in infants with colic. Other practices that mothers have found useful include avoiding foods and drinks that produce gas, changing positions, and using warmth treatment to the abdomen. Osteopathy and chiropractic techniques have also been used, but their effectiveness is unclear. It is important to inform mothers of these effective and easily performed practices for reducing colic, especially for babies between 2 weeks and 4 months old. Overall, probiotics and manual therapy have shown the strongest evidence for reducing colic symptoms and improving infant well-being.
What is the best treatment for umbilical hernia?4 answersThe best treatment for umbilical hernia depends on various factors such as the patient's age, hernia size, and the presence of comorbidities. Laparoscopic repair is increasingly adopted and has shown advantages in terms of intraoperative and postoperative outcomes, including low complication rates and no reported recurrences. Open and laparoscopic surgical techniques have been compared, with the laparoscopic procedure becoming the most widely used due to its benefits such as rapid socio-professional reintegration, short hospitalization, and low incidence of relapses and complications. In resource-limited settings, non-prosthetic repair options may be used due to the scarcity of material, although mesh repair is considered the gold standard. In the case of umbilical hernia in calves, semi-open herniorrhaphy has shown the best results in terms of recovery rate and average recovery period. Overall, the choice of treatment for umbilical hernia should be individualized based on patient characteristics and available resources.
What are the most effective treatments for tetralogy of Fallot?5 answersThe most effective treatments for tetralogy of Fallot include surgical repair procedures such as transventricular repair with transannular patching, transatrial repair, and transatrial, transpulmonary artery approach. These procedures aim to correct the specific cardiac abnormalities associated with tetralogy of Fallot, such as ventricular septal defect (VSD), pulmonary valve stenosis/right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, aorta overriding the VSD, and right ventricular hypertrophy. Surgical interventions involve patch closure of the VSD and intervention to the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) to relieve obstruction. Depending on the size of the RVOT, additional procedures such as RVOT patch, transannular patch, and/or pulmonary artery patch may be required for reconstruction. While these treatments have significantly improved the survival rate of patients with tetralogy of Fallot, it is important to note that current surgical interventions are considered palliative rather than curative, as they cannot fully eliminate the obstruction to the RVOT without harming ventricular function.
What is the most effective treatment for Achilles tendinopathy?5 answersThe most effective treatment for Achilles tendinopathy is still not entirely clear, as there is no established gold standard. However, various treatment options have shown positive outcomes. Surgical treatment, such as tendon reinsertion using a knotless double suture anchor system, has shown excellent short- and medium-term results without complications. Electroacupuncture (EA) as an adjunct to eccentric exercise has also been found to significantly improve short-term pain control for insertional Achilles tendinopathy. High-volume hydrodissection, a procedure in which fluid is injected under ultrasound guidance into the tissues surrounding the Achilles tendon, has shown effectiveness in reducing pain and improving function. Endoscopic treatment has also been found to be a safe and efficient option, with advantages such as small incisions and fewer wound complications. Non-operative treatment for insertional Achilles tendinopathy has shown a success rate of over 80%, with several patient factors associated with treatment failure.
What are the best treatments for dysbiosis in infants?5 answersThe best treatments for dysbiosis in infants are probiotics and Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation. Probiotics, such as Bifidobacterium longum, infantis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus, have shown promise in reducing the risk of adverse short-term outcomes and preventing gut dysbiosis in preterm infants. Lactobacillus reuteri has also been identified as a potential treatment for microbiota dysbiosis, including decreased levels of Actinobacteria and increased levels of Proteobacteria, in young mammals. These treatments aim to restore a healthy gut microbiota composition and improve overall health outcomes. However, further research is needed to fully understand the effects of these treatments and their long-term consequences on infant health.