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Objective To investigate the safety and efficacy of laquinimod in treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Methods An extensive electronic search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify suitable studies. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane’s Risk of Bias tool. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.1. Results The meta-analysis of four randomized controlled trials including 3665 patients found that laquinimod significantly reduced the annualized relapse rate compared with placebo (mean difference = −0.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.12, −0.04, I 2 = 0%). For disability progression confirmed at 3 months, laquinimod provided a significant advantage over placebo (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.59, 0.96, I 2 = 25%), whereas no benefit was achieved at 6 months (HR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.45, 1.06, I 2 = 66%). Laquinimod was also significantly better than placebo in maintaining a relapse-free status (risk ratio [RR] = 1.14 95% CI = 1.06, 1.22, I 2 = 10%). Laquinimod had a comparable safety profile as placebo (RR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.81, 1.39, I 2 = 33%). Conclusions These findings support the efficacy of laquinimod in managing RRMS but necessitate careful monitoring during treatment.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous (IV) amino acids in preventing acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for all relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published from inception to July 25, 2024. A random effects model was used to pool the risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous outcomes, and the combined data was visually represented using forest plots. Results 3 studies involving 3646 patients were included in the meta-analysis. IV amino acids did not significantly lower the overall AKI incidence compared with control measures. However, they significantly reduced the risk of Stage 1 AKI and Stage 3 AKI. No differences were observed between intervention and control for Stage 2 AKI or need for kidney replacement therapy. Conclusion IV amino acids may offer protective benefits against severe AKI stages in cardiac surgery patients. Further studies are warranted to validate our findings.

Abdominal hydatidosis resulting in an internal hydatid bladder fistula postoperatively is quite rare and might have serious consequences without timely treatment. A 74-year-old Tibetan woman presented with abdominal distension and was diagnosed with hydatid disease. Cyst contents were removed, and the pericyst was partially resected without contraindication. Furthermore, no internal urinary fistula was found before or during the operation, and the presence of an internal fistula was indicated by methylene blue retrograde injection via urinary catheter after the operation. The use of postoperative methylene blue retrograde injection via urinary catheter is recommended to identify internal hydatid bladder fistula formation.