Discogenic lumbosacral radiculopathy. Recommendations of the Russian Association for the Study of Pain (RSSP)

When examining a patient with lumbosacral pain, it is necessary to rule out the specific cause of the disease. The diagnosis of discogenic lumbosacral radiculopathy (DLSR) is based on clinical examination; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is of informative value in excluding other causes of radiculopathy and in evaluating disk herniation. If the signs of cauda equina and spinal cord compression are absent, and no epidural glucocorticoid injection or urgent surgical treatment is scheduled, there is no reason for early (within the first 4 weeks) MRI.It is recommended to inform the patient with DLSR about the possibility of disk herniation regression and natural recovery and about the advisability of maintaining physical activity. Epidural administration of local anesthetics and glucocorticoids and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are advisable to relieve acute pain. Anticonvulsants (pregabalin and gabapentin), muscle relaxants, and B vitamins can be used as additional methods for acute DLSR; psychological therapies (cognitive behavioral therapy), antidepressants, therapeutic exercises (kinesiotherapy), manual therapy, and acupuncture are effective in chronic DLSR. Consultation with a neurosurgeon for possible microdiscectomy is indicated in the presence of cauda equina syndrome (urgently) and in the absence of medical therapy effects within 4–8 weeks.Therapeutic exercises (kinesitherapy) with an educational program for prevention of strenuous physical activity and static and uncomfortable positions for a long time, as well as for teaching how to lift weights properly, etc. are recommended for preventive purposes

The spread and acquisition of NDM-1: a multifactorial problem

Bla NDM is a major mechanism of resistance of Gram-negative bacteria to β-lactam antibiotics including the carbapenems. bla NDM has been acquired by a large range of Gram-negative bacilli, especially by the Enterobacteriaceae and Acinetobacter spp. The combination of human factors (suboptimal antibiotic stewardship and infection control, movement of people between countries) plus bacterial factors (hospital adapted clones, environmental persistence and prolific horizontal gene transfer) have led to global spread of bla NDM at a rapid pace. Treatment options for New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) producers are very limited. For serious infections, combination therapy including a polymyxin is preferred. However, resistance to polymyxins is emerging. Clearly, substantial international efforts must be made to control the spread of NDM producers or else many of the advances of modern medicine may be undermined by untreatable infections