Vibration-controlled transient elastography for non-invasive screening of liver fibrosis and steatosis in Turkish patients with A cross-sectional

Background and Aim: The prevalence of fibrosis and steatosis in patients with psoriasis, as determined by vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE), has not been evaluated in Turkiye to date. The present cross-sectional study aims to present the first systematic screening results, focusing on two primary objectives: 1) establishing the prevalence of fibrosis and steatosis, and 2) identifying independent predictors for liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) values in this patient population. Materials and Methods: Patients were eligible for inclusion if they had a confirmed diagnosis of psoriasis by a qualified dermatologist based on characteristic signs and symptoms and histopathological examination, and had undergone VCTE for LSM and CAP measurements. Results: The diagnosis of severe fibrosis and cirrhosis - identified by LSM values of 10.0-13.9 and >= 14.0 kPa, respectively - was significantly prevalent (7.0% and 10.1%, respectively) among a sizeable cohort of relatively young Turkish patients with psoriasis (n=328; mean age: 49.5 +/- 12.7 years). Additionally, severe steatosis, as diagnosed by VCTE and characterized by a CAP value exceeding 290 dB/m, was identified in up to 43.3% of patients. Although body mass index (BMI) was the only variable found to be an independently associated with LSM, multivariable linear regression analysis failed to identify any statistically independent predictor of CAP values. Conclusion: The prevalence of hepatic fibrosis and steatosis in Turkish patients with psoriasis is far from negligible, with BMI identified as an independent risk factor for fibrosis

The Effect of Intraoperative Sounds of Saw and Hammer on Psychological Condition in Patients with Total Knee Arthroplasty: Prospective Randomized Study

Purpose. Surgical procedures are likely to be stressful for patients and their families. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a major surgical procedure used in the treatment of osteoarthritis. During this procedure the sounds of the saw and hammer may irritate the patient and adversely affect mood. The present study examines the effect of these intraoperative sounds during TKA on postoperative mood and anxiety, by comparing two different anesthetic procedures. Methods. A total of 40 patients who underwent TKA for grade IV gonarthrosis participated in the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: 20 patients in the general anesthesia group and 20 patients in the spinal anesthesia group. Mood and anxiety changes were evaluated using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) instruments, respectively. Results. The postoperative POMS value in the spinal anesthesia group was definitively higher than the general anesthesia group, though the difference in preoperative and postoperative POMS and STAI scores between the two groups was not significant. Conclusion. It would seem that sounds of hammer and saw have no evident negative effect on patient’s mood. Regional anesthesia is advisable for TKA patients and appropriate sedation can be administered during the operation if needed