7 research outputs found
Anabolic androgenic steroids reverse the beneficial effect of exercise on tendon biomechanics: An experimental study
Background
The effect of anabolic androgenic steroids on tendons has not yet been fully elucidated. Aim of the present study was the evaluation of the impact of anabolic androgenic steroids on the biomechanical and histological characteristics of Achilles tendons.
Methods
Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups with exercise and anabolic steroids (nandrolone decanoate) serving as variables. Protocol duration was 12 weeks. Following euthanasia, tendonsâ biomechanical properties were tested with the use of a modified clamping configuration. Histological examination with light and electron microscopy were also performed.
Results
In the group of anabolic steroids and exercise the lowest fracture stress values were observed, while in the exercise group the highest ones. Histological examination by light and electron microscopy revealed areas of collagen dysplasia and an increased epitendon in the groups receiving anabolic steroids and exercise.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that anabolic androgenic steroids reverse the beneficial effect of exercise, thus resulting in inferior maximal stress values
Anabolic androgenic steroids reverse the beneficial effect of exercise on tendon biomechanics: An experimental study
A FORMULA FOR THE STRATIFIED SELECTION OF PATIENTS WITH PAROXYSMAL ATRIAL FIBRILLATION IN THE EMERGENCY SETTING: A RETROSPECTIVE PILOT STUDY
Background: Amiodarone is a commonly used medication in the treatment of
atrial fibrillation (AF) of recent onset. Study Objectives: The aim of
the study was to identify a possible formula for selecting Emergency
Department (ED) patients with paroxysmal AF who will spontaneously
restore sinus rhythm (SR), successfully restore SR with the use of
loading intravenous (i.v.) amiodarone, or require 24-h maintenance
amiodarone infusion. Methods: This retrospective pilot study included
141 patients with recent-onset AF. Patients who did not restore SR
spontaneously received i.v. amiodarone (5 mg/kg) within a period of 30
min. In case of no response, an additional dosage of 1000 mg of i.v.
amiodarone was administered over a period of 24 h. Binary logistic
regression models were used to determine the predictors of spontaneous
conversion and the response to amiodarone administration. Results: The
formula ([heart rate/systolic blood pressure] + 0.1 x number of past
AF incidences) was chosen as the one with the highest combined
sensitivity and specificity. This index identified the patients who
spontaneously restored SR (cutoff point 1.31 with 78.6% sensitivity and
77.9% specificity), whereas for patients who responded to the loading
i.v. amiodarone dose, the use of the index (cutoff point 1.24) exhibited
84.1% sensitivity and 75.3% specificity. Conclusions: This formula may
be a useful and reliable bedside diagnostic tool to identify AF patients
most likely to spontaneously convert, or respond to loading amiodarone
administration in the emergency setting. The use of this index also can
assist in patient risk stratification. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc
Functional outcome and complication rate after percutaneous suture of fresh Achilles tendon ruptures with the Dresden instrument
Abstract Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients with a rupture of the Achilles tendon (ATR) treated percutaneously with the Dresden instrument in the hands of surgeons others than its inventors. Materials and methods 118 patients (FU rate: 77.1%) with an acute ATR treated with the Dresden instrument were retrospectively evaluated. The following data were evaluated: pain intensity, functional limitation, Hannover score, Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS), AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, Tegner activity score, complications, maximum calf circumference (MCC) on both sides, and the Matles test for tendon lengthening. The effect of the time point of the surgery after trauma was examined. Results Hannover scores and ATRSs were good; AOFAS scores were excellent. Almost all patients returned to sporting activities postoperatively, and 66.1% were able to return to their previous level. The Tegner activity score revealed a slight posttraumatic decrease (pâ=â0.009) in the level of physical activity overall (pre-injury: 5.37â±â0.15; postoperatively: 4.77â±â0.15). The re-rupture rate was 2%. No sural nerve lesions and no infections were reported. Even after 3 years, there was still a difference in MCC that was correlated with inferior clinical score and AT lengthening. Patients treated within the first 2 days after ATR showed inferior clinical outcomes in terms of AOFAS score, ATRS, and functional limitations. Conclusions Percutaneous ATR suture with the Dresden instrument is a safe and reliable method. Low complication and re-rupture rates, good clinical results, and a high rate of return to play support this fact. The time point of the operation may influence the outcome