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Single arm, quasi-experimental study design.To describe the effects of whole-body cryotherapy on pain, disability, and serum inflammatory markers in patients with chronic low back pain.A quasi-experimental trial was performed on adult patients between 18 and 65 years with chronic low back pain. After obtaining informed consent, participants underwent 20 sessions of whole-body cryotherapy (at -160 °C) during a 5-week time span. Patient reported pain and disability measures (Pain Numerical Rating Scale [PNRS], Oswestry Disability Index [OSI], and Roland Morris Questionnaire [RMQ]) were obtained at each of the twenty sessions. Blood samples were obtained to analyze serum inflammatory markers at baseline, 10th and 20th session.Forty-one participants were included in the study. A significant decrease was observed between the initial and final PNRS, ODI, and RMQ scores (p 0.001). A significant reduction in the PNRS was found after 4 sessions of whole-body cryotherapy (p 0.001). We observed decreasing values of pro-inflammatory serum marker IL-2 (p = 0.046) and a significant increase in the anti-inflammatory serum marker IL-10 (p = 0.003). No adverse events were reported during the study.Whole-body cryotherapy is an effective therapy for pain and disability treatment in chronic low back pain. It also produces changes in serum markers of inflammation, decreasing pro-inflammatory markers and increasing anti-inflammatory markers.

Background Observational studies have shown promising therapeutic effects of long-pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (LP-Nd:YAG) laser on warts. Objective To evaluate whether LP-Nd:YAG laser was superior to cryotherapy for cutaneous warts. Methods In this study, 150 adult patients with warts were randomized equally to receive laser or cryotherapy every 3–4 weeks, a maximum of 4 sessions. The primary outcomes were cure rate at 16 weeks and 6 months; secondary outcomes included time to clearance of warts and treatment-related adverse effects. Results There was no difference in the cure rate for laser versus cryotherapy at 16 weeks (54.1% vs. 46.7%) and 6 months (59.5% vs. 57.3%). However, time to clearance of warts, up to 16 weeks and 6 months, tended to be shorter for laser versus cryotherapy ( P = .04 and .08, respectively). Post-hoc analyses showed a significantly higher cure rate for laser versus cryotherapy in 3 subgroups of HPV 2/27/57-induced recalcitrant warts, but not in their counterpart subgroups. Laser had more mild adverse effects. Limitations Single-center. Conclusions The overall therapeutic effects of LP-Nd:YAG laser were similar to cryotherapy, but laser may be more effective to relatively recalcitrant warts and may associate with shorter time to clearance of warts.

Primary dysmenorrhea is characterized as painful menstruation without associated pelvic disease and has been considered common among young people of reproductive age. Cryotherapy is a technique aimed at analgesia and anti-inflammatory action. The objective of this study was to analyze the analgesic efficacy of cryotherapy in sedentary youth with primary dysmenorrhea. Methods were included sedentary, affected by primary dysmenorrhea. The analysis of pain intensity by visual analog scale (VAS) and the Brazilian Version of the Wisconsin Brief Pain Questionnaire were used for evaluation. The participants were randomly separated into a control group (CG

We report a case of periocular squamous cell carcinoma invading the anterior orbit that significantly reduced in size and regressed from invasive to in situ following treatment with oral acitretin, a second-generation retinoid. The residual in situ disease was then successfully treated with cryotherapy and the patient remains in remission 12 months following cessation of systemic acitretin.

Gout arthritis commonly affects joint regions by deposition of crystals, promoting functional damage mainly during periods of exacerbation. Cryotherapy is a commonly used resource to contain inflammatory processes, however, its use during a gout crisis is not yet well understood. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the parameters of Wistar rats submitted to an experimental gout model and treated with dual cryotherapy protocol. Twenty-one male Wistar rats were used, separated into three groups: control group (CG), lesion group (LG), and lesion + cryotherapy group (LCG). Gout model induction was through intra-articular injection, with urate crystal solution, in the right knee and cryoimmersion treatment was performed for 20 minutes at a temperature of 5° ± 2°C. Seven evaluations and two treatment moments were performed, and the following parameters were analyzed: joint edema, grip strength, joint disability, motor function, and leukocyte migration through synovial lavage. In the statistical analysis we used SPSS 20.0 with Generalized Linear Models, with least significant difference posttest, always with 5% significance level. The treatment reduced edema, promoted strength recovery, and was effective in reducing total leukocytes in the synovial fluid. No difference was observed between the injured groups for joint disability and motor function. Cryotherapy promoted edema reduction and increased pelvic limb grip strength in Wistar rats during the acute period.

Abstract introduction Odontogenic Keratocysts are benign, developmental, locally aggressive odontogenic cystic lesions with a high risk of recurrence. As such, the most effective treatment modalities remain controversial. The mainstay of treatment remains enucleation with or without decompression. The use of adjunctive therapies is widely reported. Aims To review our experience of OKCs and therefore identify the treatment modality, if any single one, with the lowest rate of recurrence. We also aimed to identify any common themes linking those patients experiencing cystic recurrence. Methods Data was collected on 50 patients treated at UHCW NHS Trust over a 14 year period (2005-2018) via an anonymised database. Surgical pathways were analysed, including details of the location of the cysts and the use of adjunctive therapies, namely; mechanical debridement, cryotherapy, and the use of Carnoy’s solution. Results 56 keratocysts, both primary (91%, n = 51) and recurrent (9%, n = 5) were included. 6% of patients had a pre-existing diagnosis of Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome (n = 3). Enucleation was performed in an approximately 3:1 ratio to decompression with secondary enucleation (n = 41:15). 27% patients had adjunctive therapies (n = 15). There was a 12% recurrence rate (n = 6) found only within the group of primary cysts that had been enucleated alone. Notably, there were no recurrences in those cysts that had undergone adjunctive therapy. None of the cysts that underwent initial decompression or marsupialisation recurred. Following surgical intervention, no tertiary recurrent cysts were detected post-operatively. Conclusions This study demonstrates the advantage of establishing a correct diagnosis prior to definitive treatment. Initial decompression in selected patients followed by enucleation, along with adjunctive therapies show a benefit in reducing recurrences. However, in the absence of high-quality evidence for the most effective management of Odontogenic Keratocysts, finding a common approach will remain controversial.

Background Fatigue is a predisposing risk factor for injury commonly investigated in elite football populations. Little evidence advocates the most beneficial recovery strategies including contemporary cooling applications. The aim of the study was to examine immediate effects of the Game Ready® on physiological and biomechanical measures in a population of elite male academy footballers, following a fatiguing training session mid-competitive season. Methods Twenty, elite male footballers took part (180.2±8.7cm, 75.0±11.4kg, 18±0.5years). Following a normal fatiguing training session, players were randomly assigned to receive either cryotherapy (Game Ready®) (20-minutes at medium compression (5-55 mm Hg)) or passive recovery (PAS). Data was collected at match-day+1, immediately post-training and immediately post-intervention. Performance measures included countermovement jump (CMJ), isometric adductor strength (IAS), hamstring flexibility (HF), and skin surface temperature (Tsk). Results Significant main effects for group for CMJ data following exposure to cooling were displayed (p= 0.05). Tsk reduced significantly (p=

Background: Diabetic wounds and ulcers are serious complications in diabetic patients that need a long time and high-cost treatment. There are different physical therapy modalities used in wound care; as Laser therapy, magnetic therapy, negative pressure wound therapy and cryo-air therapy. Objectives: this study was conducted to investigate the effect of combining therapy between negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and cryo-air therapy on diabetic wound healing. Patients and Methods: Sixty diabetic patients with large infected diabetic wounds with age between 40-60 years, positive wound culture after surgical debridement selected and randomly divided into three equal groups, group A received routine medical wound care plus NPWT 3 times/ week for 8 weeks, group B received routine medical wound care plus cryotherapy air 3 times/ week for 8 weeks, group C received routine medical wound care plus NPWT followed by cryotherapy air application 3 times/ week for 8 weeks. The patients were assessed by wound surface area and wound culture before treatment, after 4 weeks of treatment, and at the end of treatment (after 8 weeks). Results: there was a significant decrease in wound volume at the post I and post II compared with that at pretreatment in the three groups. Also, there was a significant decrease in wound volume at post-II compared with that at the post I in the three groups. Also, there was a significant decrease in the positive culture at the post I compared with that pretreatment in group B and C and a significant decrease in the positive culture at the post II compared with pretreatment in group A, B and C. There was a significant decrease in positive wound culture of the group C at post I and post II compared with that of the group A and group B. There was a significant decrease in positive wound culture of the group B compared with that of the group A in the post I and at post II. Conclusion: cryo-air therapy and negative pressure wound therapy have a positive effect on wound healing but its combination is more effective.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Endoscopic ablation can eradicate neoplastic Barrett's esophagus (BE) without visible lesions. Cryoballoon ablation (CBA) is an established but relatively newer ablative technique that can eliminate BE but data on the durability of its treatment effects are lacking. We assessed the durability of CBA treatment for neoplastic BE. METHODS We performed a single-center cohort study of consecutive BE patients with confirmed low-grade dysplasia (LGD), high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or intramucosal cancer (ImCA) treated with CBA to eradicate all BE. We excluded patients with prior ablative therapy. Visible lesions were removed with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) prior to CBA. Outcomes included complete eradication of dysplasia (CE-D) and complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM) at 1 year, durability at 2 and 3 years after initial ablation, cumulative recurrence rate of dysplasia and IM, and rate of neoplastic progression. RESULTS 59 patients (55.9% with HGD; 20.3% with prior EMR) were tracked for a median of 54.3 months. CE-D and CE-IM at 1 year were 94.6% (53/56) and 75% (42/56), respectively. Allowing for retreatment, rates of maintained CE-D and CE-IM for those who have achieved CE-D or CE-IM were 100% (53/53) and 98% (47/48) at 2 years; 100% (45/45) and 98% (40/41), at 3 years, respectively. Cumulative recurrence rate was 1.9% (1/53) for dysplasia and 14.6% (7/48) for IM (not allowing for retreatment). There was no neoplastic progression. CONCLUSION In treatment-naive patients with dysplastic BE, CBA is a durable endoscopic eradication therapy but endoscopic surveillance after eradication is still warranted.

Aims Ablative therapy, such as focal therapy, cryotherapy or electroporation, aims to treat clinically significant prostate cancer with reduced treatment-related toxicity. Up to a third of patients may require further local salvage treatment after ablative therapy failure. Limited descriptive, but no comparative, evidence exists between different salvage treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare oncological and functional outcomes after salvage robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (SRARP) and salvage radiotherapy (SRT). Materials and methods Data were collected prospectively and retrospectively on 100 consecutive SRARP cases and 100 consecutive SRT cases after ablative therapy failure in a high-volume tertiary centre. Results High-risk patients were over-represented in the SRARP group (66.0%) compared with the SRT group (48.0%) (P = 0.013). The median (interquartile range) follow-up after SRARP was 16.5 (10.0–30.0) months and 37.0 (18.5–64.0) months after SRT. SRT appeared to confer greater biochemical recurrence-free survival at 1, 2 and 3 years compared with SRARP in high-risk patients (year 3: 86.3% versus 66.0%), but biochemical recurrence-free survival was similar for intermediate-risk patients (year 3: 90.0% versus 75.6%). There was no statistical difference in pad-free continence at 12 and 24 months between SRARP (77.2 and 84.7%) and SRT (75.0 and 74.0%) (P = 0.724, 0.114). Erectile function was more likely to be preserved in men who underwent SRT. After SRT, cumulative bowel and urinary Radiation Therapy Oncology Group toxicity grade I were 25.0 and 45.0%, grade II were 11.0 and 11.0% and grade III or IV complications were 4.0 and 5.0%, respectively. Conclusion We report the first comparative analyses of salvage prostatectomy and radiotherapy following ablative therapy. Men with high-risk disease appear to have superior oncological outcomes after SRT; however, treatment allocation does not appear to influence oncological outcomes for men with intermediate-risk disease. Treatment allocation was associated with a different spectrum of toxicity profile. Our data may inform shared decision-making when considering salvage treatment following focal or whole-gland ablative therapy.

Aim: The aim of this literature review is to investigate and critically analyze the use of intracanal cryotherapy during endodontic treatment and, through scientific findings, elaborate well grouded references that justify or not, carrying out such auxiliary protocol during endodontic intervention. Literature Review: The therapeutic alternative known as cryotherapy is a technique that has existed for years, which has been frequently applied in Medicine for the treatment of pain and postoperative care. Recently, the use of cryotherapy in Endodontics, through a final root canal irrigation protocol, has been examined in several randomized clinical trials. Discussion: The reviewed studies showed that the use of cold saline solution as a final irrigating agent for chemical-mechanical preparation has the potential to reduce pain levels of a possible painful symptomatology after endodontic treatment, in addition to being a method of easy application and low cost. Conclusion: Although there are few studies on the subject, scientific evidences available and reviewed in this article properly support the effect of intracanal cryotherapy in reducing the postoperative pain of an endodontic intervention. However, new studies should be placed to investigate possible harmful effects and to prepare a predictable and safe protocol.

The digital nerve block is an effective method of anesthesia before minor surgical interventions on the fingers. However, patients may experience a lot of pain and anxiety during this procedure. The efficacy of topical vapocoolant spray during minor procedures has been demonstrated in previous studies. we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of topical vapocoolant spray in reducing pain during digital nerve block.This prospective, randomized clinical study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of vapocoolant spray application in reducing pain during digital block. The patients were categorized into 2 groups as spray-treated and control group. A routine digital block process was applied to the control group. Spray application was performed in two groups of 50 each, in a manner of bilateral and unilateral to the finger. Demographic data of the patients, such as gender, age, dominant hand, injury patterns, injection site and injury sites, were recorded. After the application, the patients' visual analog scale (VAS) was evaluated.Of the participants, 100 were randomly assigned to the vapocoolant spray-treated group, and 50 were included in the control group. The VAS pain score during penetration in both spray groups was significantly lower than the control group (p0.001). Pain change during penetration was found to be significantly lower in the bilateral spray-treated group compared to the control group (p0.001). Pain change during infiltration was significantly lower in both spray groups compared to the control group (p0.001).Spray application prior to digital nerve blocking can be used to reduce needle penetration pain associated with this procedure and pain associated with local anesthetic infiltration.

The multiple topics summarized in this article and discussed in detail in this issue of VCNA are comprehensive and in-depth, exploring concepts and clinical experiences for state-of-the-art care of the equine foot. The research on the equine foot will translate to the clinical setting and with this the compassionate care of the horse.

Background Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the world, affecting mainly women residing in low- and middle-income countries. Progression from a pre-invasive phase to that of an invasive phase generally takes years and provides a window of opportunity to screen for and treat precancerous lesions. Methods This study is being conducted at four sites in north Karnataka, India. Community sensitization activities have been organized in the study areas to create awareness among stakeholders, including elected representatives, physicians, health care workers, and potential participants. Organized community based as well as hospital-based screening is being conducted using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA). Screen positive women are referred to respective study hospitals for colposcopy and directed biopsy. Participants with confirmed high-grade cervical dysplasia (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions or HSIL) who fit all other eligibility criteria will be recruited to the study and will receive cryotherapy using CryoPop®, an innovative new cryotherapy device. Discussion There is a need to develop an inexpensive, simple, and effective cryotherapy device for use by frontline health care providers at locations where screening and timely treatment can be given, accelerating access to cervical cancer prevention services and minimizing loss to follow-up of women with precancerous lesions who need treatment. Trial registration Clinical Trial Registry - India CTRI/2019/01/017289 ClinicalTrials.Gov number NCT04154644. Registered on November 6, 2019.

Treatment of equine laminitis continues to be a challenge despite recent advancements in knowledge of the pathophysiology of laminitis. With more evidence supporting its use, distal limb hypothermia or cryotherapy has become a standard of care for both prevention of laminitis and treatment of the early stages of acute laminitis. Recent studies have demonstrated that cryotherapy reduces the severity of sepsis-related laminitis and hyperinsulinemic laminitis in experimental models and reduces the incidence of laminitis in clinical colitis cases. This article reviews the recent literature supporting the use of distal limb cryotherapy in horses.

Objectives: Plantar wart is a common viral skin disease caused by human papillomavirus infection and poses a therapeutic challenge in the paediatric patient population. Acupuncture and moxibustion are effective treatments for a wide range of skin conditions.Case report: This study presents the case of a 9-year-old girl for whom complete resolution of recalcitrant warts was achieved with acupuncture and moxibustion treatment.Results: After 20-week treatment, the wart lesions and pain were completely resolved. At the 6-month follow-up, the lesions remained fully resolved.Conclusion: This result suggests that acupuncture and moxibustion could be effective therapeutic strategies for plantar warts.

PURPOSE While Wendell Hughes popularized the tarsoconjunctival flap for lower eyelid reconstruction, most modern procedures are derived from the technique described by Kollner in 1911. This study reviews the history, techniques, and outcomes of a large series of patients treated with a modified Kollner flap. METHODS In this observational cohort study, medical records and photographs were reviewed in patients undergoing surgery between 2005 and 2020. Patient demographics, complications, secondary interventions, and outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS Marginal defect size ranged from 12 to 41 mm among the 140 study patients. Ancillary procedures included lower eyelid conjunctival flaps (n = 64) and septal orbicularis flaps (n = 68). The anterior lamella was reconstructed with skin grafts (n = 86), flaps (n = 10), or combined flaps/grafts (n = 44). Pedicle division was performed 23 to 84 days after primary repair. Subsequent interventions included steroid injection (n = 10), cryotherapy (n = 10), marginal erythema treatment (n = 9), and upper eyelid retraction repair (n = 6). Tearing (6.5%) and dryness (10%) were the most common postoperative symptoms, with most patients (78.6%) being asymptomatic. A good-excellent functional outcome was achieved in 94.3% and cosmetic outcome in 85.0% of cases. Defects

Background Profound local anesthetic delivery promotes successful treatment for children in terms of easing their fear, anxiety, and discomfort during dental procedures. Local anesthetic injections are the utmost anticipated or anxious stimuli in the dental operatory. Precooling the oral mucosa by application of cryotherapy before local anesthetic injections can alter the pain perception in children. Aim and objectives To compare the efficacy of cryotherapy application and 20% benzocaine gel at reducing pain perception during buccal infiltration in pediatric patients. Materials and methods In this split-mouth study, 30 pediatric patients between 7 years and 10 years of age who needed maxillary buccal infiltration of local anesthetics bilaterally for dental treatment were selected. They received cryotherapy (ice pack) on one quadrant (test group) for 2 minutes and 20% benzocaine topical gel on the contralateral quadrant (control group). A pediatric dentist blinded to the study assessed sound, eye, motor (SEM) scale based on patients’ reaction during injection (objective method), and patients were instructed to use a visual analog scale (VAS) to rate their distress during injection (subjective method). Statistical analyses were performed using Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney U tests. Results The cryotherapy group had significantly reduced pain scores on the VAS scale (40.66 ± 14.60) when compared with the topical anesthetic gel group (61.33 ± 9.73). The cryotherapy group had reduced pain scores on the SEM scale as well (1.2 ± 0.1) when compared with the topical anesthetic gel group (1.6 ± 0.1), which was not statistically significant. Conclusion When compared with topical anesthetic gel, precooling the injection site with cryotherapy is beneficial in reducing pain before local anesthesia injection in pediatric patients. Clinical significance Cryotherapy application eliminates the fear of pain ascribed to injection of local anesthesia and assists in providing pertinent dental care. How to cite this article Lakshmanan L, Ravindran V. Efficacy of Cryotherapy Application on the Pain Perception during Intraoral Injection: A Randomized Controlled Trial 2021;14(5):616–620.

The aim of this study was to evaluate outcome of management of odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) using gas combination cryotherapy (GCC). GCC is a treatment modality where cyst enucleation is followed by applying an adjuvant agent, a spray containing propane, butane and isobutene gas onto the bony bed.This was a prospective interventional study which included patients with radiographic and histopathologic evidence of OKC. All patients underwent enucleation of the cysts followed by spraying of the bony cavity with "ENDOFROST ™"(commercially available agent for GCC). Patients were periodically reviewed and the presence of wound dehiscence, infection and neurosensory deficit was noted. After 15 months, a CBCT was taken to assess the amount of bone formation, the presence of any pathologic fracture or recurrence. Comparison of the preoperative and the postoperative size of the defect was also assessed.A total of 10 patients were included in the study of which only 2 presented with neurosensory deficit in the post-op period. One patient of the two patients recovered completely within 12 months, while the other recovered within 15 months. There was no evidence of any patient developing infection, wound dehiscence, recurrence or pathologic fracture.The results of the study show that enucleation followed by GCC is a safe, effective and low-cost therapy for the management of OKC.

Although molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common infectious dermatosis that is self-resolving, treatment can diminish discomfort and decrease the risk of autoinoculation and infection to others, because it is transmitted through direct skin contact. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of topical treatments for MC. A PubMed search following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was performed to find randomized, controlled trials of MC treatment. The search yielded 129 publications, but only 15 studies published between 1994 and 2020 were found to fit the inclusion criteria. Treatment modalities included podophyllotoxin, imiquimod, sodium nitrite, myrtle leaf extract, phenol, Salatac Gel (salicylic acid with lactic acid), potassium hydroxide, cantharidin, SB206, and VP-102. Outcomes were extracted from the literature, and subsequent quality and risk of bias assessments were performed. All treatments were more efficacious than the control except cantharidin, potassium hydroxide, and imiquimod, which had varying degrees of efficacy throughout studies. Overall, studies were of sufficient quality and had low risk of bias, but they had small sample sizes and lacked adequate explanation of statistical analysis. Current first-line treatment entails mechanical methods such as cryotherapy and curettage, which may be frightening to children with MC, so the development and assessment of topical treatments allows for alternative efficacious techniques.

Ankle and hindfoot fractures are often associated with a considerable amount of pain and need for systemic analgesics. Cooling devices have been developed to reduce swelling, pain, analgesics need, and complications. The primary aim was to examine the effect of cooling versus no cooling on pain levels in adult patients treated operatively for an ankle or hindfoot fracture. Secondary aims were to assess the effect of cooling on (1) analgesics use, (2) patient satisfaction, (3) hospital length of stay (HLOS), (4) the rate of complications, and (5) the rate of secondary interventions. In this single center, retrospective case-control study patients who used a computer-controlled cooling device before and after surgery of an ankle or hindfoot fracture between January 1, 2015 and January 1, 2017 were included. Matched patients without using cooling served as control. Patient, injury and treatment characteristics, pain scores and analgesics use during hospital admission were extracted from patient's medical files. Pain scores in the cooling group (18 patients) did not statistically differ from the non-cooling group (17 patients). After surgery, less patients in the cooling group used paracetamol (p =.041), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (p =.006). Patient satisfaction of both groups was eight out of ten points. The total HLOS was 14 days (P25-P75 9.0-17.3) in the cooling group and 9 days (P25-P75 5.0-16.5) in the non-cooling group. This was mostly contributable to the difference in preoperative HLOS (8 days; P25-P75 4.8-13.0 versus 4 days; P25-P75 2.0-7.0) and time to surgery (13.5 days; P25-P75 9.3-16.3) versus 8 days; P25-P75 2.5-12.0). Complications and revision surgery did not differ. Patients with ankle or hindfoot fractures seem to benefit from computer-controlled cooling, since equal pain sensation is feasible with less analgesics postoperatively, whereas rates of complications and revision surgeries were comparable in both groups. Patients were highly satisfied with cooling.

Complementary and alternative medicine therapies can be used as adjuvant or preventive therapy, and have newer applications: cryotherapy, halotherapy, floatation therapy, and compression therapy. Nurse practitioners need to know about these therapies and their applicability to patient populations. Appropriate integration of these therapies is part of holistic care, which they strive to provide.

Purpose Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) refractory to pharmacotherapy requires surgical interventions which vary from percutaneous procedure to microvascular decompression (MVD). The aim of the systematic review is to find evidence for the surgical treatment for TN with high success rate and low complications which improves the quality-of-life (QOL). Methods A systematic literature search was made on published studies from MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Science direct, and Cochrane Library databases that report the available surgical treatment for TN up to March 2020 and studies referred in the selected papers. Relevant studies were selected based on predefined eligibility criteria. The primary outcome measured was success rate, pain relief and secondary outcome measured was QOL, recurrence and complication rate. Results Ten studies with a sum of 11,154 individuals were included in this qualitative analysis. Seven studies compared MVD whereas 4 studies compared Gamma knife radiosurgery with other techniques like percutaneous balloon compression, percutaneous glycerol rhizotomy etc. The result showed that MVD has a considerable higher rate of initial pain-free outcomes (96.6%) followed by Gamma knife radiosurgery (96.2%), cryotherapy (95.4%), percutaneous balloon compression (87%), percutaneous glycerol rhizotomy (85%) and the lowest rate of cohorts who were never pain-free (1.7%).QOL was improved to 100% as a result of pain relief which was evaluated in only 2 studies . Overall the recurrence rate was 0.45 to 52%. MVD has lower rate of long-term recurrence 0.45 and 6.1% for 2 years and 8 years, respectively, and cryotherapy has the highest rate of 52% at 6 months. Conclusion Outcomes of the literature search showed that it lacks the knowledge to generally support 1 or the other treatment. Each type of TN requires individualized protocols to treat based on pain response which ultimately improve the QOL. We also propose there should be more reliable data reporting by using a universally acceptable pain scale for better analysis of treatment outcome.

Objectives This study set out to examine outcomes from pediatric supraventricular tachycardia ablations over a 20-year period. This study sought to examine success rates and repeat ablations over time and to evaluate whether modalities such as 3-dimensional (3D) mapping, contact force, and cryotherapy have improved outcomes. Background Ablation of supraventricular tachycardia in pediatric patients is commonly performed in most congenital heart centers with excellent long-term results. Methods Data were retrieved from the NICOR (National Institute of Clinical Outcomes Research) database in the United Kingdom. Outcomes over time were evaluated, and procedure-related details were compared. Results There were 7,069 ablations performed from January 1, 1999, to December 31, 2018, at 10 centers. Overall, ablation success rates were 92% for accessory pathways, 97% for atrioventricular node re-entry tachycardia, and 89% for atrial tachycardia. There was an improvement in procedural success rates over time (p Conclusions Overall success rates from pediatric ablations are excellent and compare favorably to other registries. Introduction of newer technologies have likely made procedures safer and reduced radiation exposure, but they have not changed success rates or the need for a repeat procedure.

Low back pain is one of the complaints felt by some and almost all postpartum mothers since pregnancy. Low back pain occurs in 45-55% of mothers in the first week postpartum, continues at 8 weeks postpartum as much as 68% and 60% in the next 8 months. Persistent pain causes inhibition of maternal activities and reduces quality of life. One type of complementary therapy is cryotherapy cold therapy with ice. Cold therapy is a therapeutic modality that can absorb tissue temperature so that there is a decrease in tissue temperature through the conduction mechanism. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of cryoptherapy on low back pain in postpartum mothers during home care during the COVID-19 pandemic. This type of research is a pre-experimental design with One Group Pretest-Posttest with a sample of 22 early postpartum mothers (24 hours to 1 week after delivery). Data were analyzed using paired t test. The results showed that the average pain scale before being given cryotherapy was 6.82 with a standard deviation of 0.907, the average self-efficacy after being given cryotherapy was 3.96 with a standard deviation of 0.64. There was a difference in the mean value between before and after the cryotherapy intervention was given with p-value = 0.002 (p

Purpose Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) has demonstrated clinically significant efficacy when combined with chemotherapy in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Although many patients derived benefit, others do not respond to immunotherapy, therefore relying upon innovative combinations to enhance response. Local therapies such as radiation therapy (RT) and cryotherapy are immunogenic and potentially optimize responses to immunotherapy. Strategies combining these therapies and ICI are actively under investigation. This review will describe the rationale for combining ICI with targeted local therapies in breast cancer. Methods A literature search was performed to identify pre-clinical and clinical studies assessing ICI combined with RT or cryotherapy published as of August 2021 using PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov. Results Published studies of ICI with RT and IPI have demonstrated safety and signals of early efficacy. Conclusion RT and cryotherapy are local therapies that can be integrated safely with ICI and has shown promise in early trials. Randomized phase II studies testing both of these approaches, such as P-RAD (NCT04443348) and ipilimumab/nivolumab/cryoablation for TNBC (NCT03546686) are current enrolling. The results of these studies are paramount as they will provide long term data on the safety and efficacy of these regimens.

BACKGROUND: The effects of contemporary cryo-compression devices on function are limited compared to traditional applications of cooling. Development of cooling protocols are warranted. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of three different cryo-compressive modalities applied at the knee on the isokinetic strength of the quadriceps over a re-warming period. METHODS: Eleven healthy male participants took part (23 ± 14 years; 78.3 ± 14.5 Kg; 180 ± 9.5 cm) randomly assigned to receive all modalities (Game Ready® (GR), Swellaway® (SA), Wetted Ice (WI)) applied for 15-min, separated by 1-week. Skin surface temperature (Ts⁢k) via thermography and the concentric peak moment (PM) of the quadriceps at 60 and 180∘/s were collected pre-, immediately-post and at 20-min post-intervention. RESULTS: Significant reductions occurred in Ts⁢k across all timepoints for all modalities (p=⩽ 0.05). Significant reductions in PM for WI were noted across all timepoints and PM for GR and SA immediately-post (p=⩽ 0.05) only. CONCLUSION: Precaution for immediately returning to sport following cryotherapy is required and influenced by type of cooling on muscle strength responses. Alternate targeted treatment modalities to minimise deferred deleterious effects on muscle strength may be considered. Research into length of application, periodisation and location is warranted for the development of such contemporary cryo-compressive modalities in applied practice.

Introduction. Despite the fact that transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) is one of the main local methods of small retinoblastoma (RB) destruction, only a few studies have been published on the use of this method, and they are devoted only to certain aspects of the application of TTT.Purpose of the study – to evaluate the effectiveness of TTT in the treatment of children with RB.Material and methods. In the period from 2011 to 2020, 177 children (224 eyes, 1156 tumors) with RB were treated by TTT. Of these, 99 (56 %) patients were boys, 78 (44 %) – girls. The mean age at the time of treatment was 16.8 months (from 0 to 86 months). Bilateral RB was observed in 128 (72.3 %) patients, monolateral – in 49 (27.7 %). In 51 (28.8 %) cases, TTT was performed on an only eye. TTT was performed on eyes that had RB of groups A (n = 43; 19 %), B (n = 81; 36 %), C (n = 31; 14 %), D (n = 63; 28 %), E (n = 6; 3 %). In total, 1156 tumors were treated by TTT. 488 (42 %) tumors were localized post-equatorially (of which 27 were located juxtapapillary, 23 – in the macular zone, 22 – paramacular). 668 (58 %) foci had pre-equatorial localization (on the middle and far periphery of the fundus). The number of foci in one eye varied from 1 to 48 (mean – 5). The mean tumor thickness was 1.1 mm (from 0.2 to 4.5), the mean base diameter was 2.2 mm (from 0.3 to 13.4). TTT was performed using a diode laser with the following parameters: wavelength – 810 nm, spot diameter – 1200 microns, power from 200 to 800 mW (mean – 350 mW), exposure-from 3 to 15 s in the application mode, and continuous in the scanning mode.Results. Complete tumor regression after TTT was achieved in 92 % of cases (1064 tumors). Incomplete regression of the tumor with stabilization was achieved in 0.7 % (8 tumors). The average number of TTT sessions to achieve full regression was 1.7 (from 1 to 10). Complete tumor regression after 1 TTT session was achieved in 54 % of cases (622 tumors), after 2 sessions – in 11 % (132 tumors), after 3 sessions – in 7 % (85 tumors), after 4 or more sessions– in 19 % (225 tumors). In 7 % of cases (82 tumors), due to the progression of the tumor, other treatment methods (brachytherapy, cryotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery) were applied. 209 (93 %) eyes were preserved. 15 (7 %) eyes were enucleated due to continued tumor growth, total retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, or subatrophy of the eyeball. The mean follow-up after TTT was 35.5 months (from 3 to 112 months).Conclusion. TTT is a highly effective method of RB treatment and can be used for destruction of small primary foci of both post-equatorial and pre-equatorial localization, residual tumors after inefficiency of other local methods. TTT is also effective in the treatment of large cavitary tumors located in functionally significant areas of the retina.

Background: Photodynamic therapy is an established treatment option for Bowen’s disease. Our meta-analysis was aimed at evaluating the efficacy and recurrence of photodynamic therapy or other topical treatments (5-fluorouracil, cryotherapy) and of photodynamic therapy alone or in combination with other therapies (ablative fractional CO2 laser or plum-blossom needle) for the treatment of Bowen’s disease. Methods: Trials that met our inclusion criteria were identified from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases, and meta-analyses were conducted with RevMan V.5.4. The risk of bias was estimated with the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tools. Complete response rate, recurrence, pain/visual analogue scale score, cosmetic outcome, and adverse events were considered as outcomes. Results: Of the 2,439 records initially retrieved, 8 randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis. According to our analyses, photodynamic therapy exhibited a significantly higher complete response rate (RR = 1.36, 95% CI [1.01, 1.84], I2 = 86%, p = 0.04), less recurrence (RR = 0.53, 95% CI [0.30, 0.95], I2 = 0%, p = 0.03), and better cosmetic outcome (RR = 1.34, 95% CI [1.15, 1.56], I2 = 0%, p = 0.0002) compared with other treatments. Moreover, there was a significant difference between the complete response rate of photodynamic therapy combined with ablative fractional CO2 laser and that of photodynamic therapy (RR = 1.85, 95% CI [1.38, 2.49], I2 = 0%, p < 0.0001). Photodynamic therapy combined with ablative fractional CO2 laser or plum-blossom needle also showed significantly less recurrence (RR = 0.21, 95% CI [0.09, 0.51], I2 = 0%, p = 0.0005) and a lower visual analogue scale score (RR = 0.51, 95% CI [0.06, 0.96], I2 = 0%, p = 0.03) than photodynamic therapy alone. However, there was no significant difference in the complete response rate between photodynamic therapy combined with ablative continuous CO2 laser and photodynamic therapy combined with ablative fractional CO2 laser (RR = 1.00, 95% CI [0.54, 1.86], I2 not applicable, p = 1.00). Conclusions: This meta-analysis shows that photodynamic therapy can be used in the treatment of Bowen’s disease with better efficacy, less recurrence, and better cosmetic outcomes than cryotherapy and 5-FU. Some methods, including ablative fractional CO2 laser, can be applied in combination with photodynamic therapy to improve efficacy. However, which laser-assisted photodynamic therapy scheme has the most advantages in the treatment of Bowen’s disease warrants further exploration.

Skin cancer is the most common malignancy worldwide, comprising approximately 30% of all human tumors. In recent decades, the incidence of keratinocyte carcinomas, which include basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, has been steadily increasing globally (Rogers et al. in JAMA Dermatol 151(10):1081–1086. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2015.1187 , 2015; Nehal and Bichakjian in N Engl J Med 379(4):363–374. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmra1708701 , 2018). Most tumors are cured with surgical excision; however, some tumors are best treated with non-surgical approaches. Superficial tumors can often be cured with non-surgical methods whereas more advanced stage tumors may not be amenable to surgery. Additionally, surgical treatment may not be available for all populations depending on geographic location and accessibility to care. This article reviews commonly utilized nonsurgical options such as cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy, topical treatments, and radiation as well as systemic treatments including immunotherapies and chemotherapies.

The greatest substantial consequence of juvenile impairment is cerebral palsy (CP). Spasticity of numerous muscle groupings is common after Central Nervous System damage. Spasticity causes functioning issues. For individuals suffering from CP ankle anomalies seem strongly tied to workable limits. Spastic CP is highest frequent type of CP, which limits child's responsive status and prohibits them from participating in communal activities. Soft tissue mobilisation procedures would be used in variety ways. Cryotherapy is interventional method for stiffness in neurological patients that has narrow advantage. MFR can potentially utilised against spasticity. The focus of this investigation is to evaluate Cryotherapy and MFR influence over calf muscle stiffness in participants who have Spastic Diplegic CP. The survey's goal is to determine efficacy of Cryotherapy and MFR in calf muscle spasticity in Spastic diplegic CP subjects. Thirty individuals suffering spastic diplegic CP were chosen using randomized sampling procedure. The subjects was categorised onto 3 subgroups, each of ten individuals. Cryotherapy was applied to Group A, MFR was applied to B and C Group was applied with combination of cryotherapy and MFR. Both before and after therapy, MAS and goniometry are used to assess calf muscle spasticity and ankle PROM. Overall validity of MAS and PROM comparing before and after in subgroup was determined using Tukey Test. Spasticity was reduced and range of motion was improved (p

Background: Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain in adults. It is very painful and disabling condition and most patients seek medical attention. Cryotherapy is the application of cold to the part of the body for reducing local temperature. Methodology: 30 subjects diagnosed as plantar fasciitis and fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. Written informed consent was taken and study was undertaken. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups, Group A received cryotherapy along with conventional physiotherapy and Group B received only conventional physiotherapy. All the patients were treated once daily and for 6 days. Results: Wilcoxon signed rank test applied for NPRS and FFI showed significant improvement within both the groups (p

AIM To evaluate visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) screening for cervical cancer among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients in an East African community. METHODS During a July 2018 cervical cancer screen-and-treat in Mwanza, Tanzania, participants were offered free cervical VIA screening, cryotherapy when indicated, and HIV testing. Acetowhite lesions and/or abnormal vascularity were designated VIA positive in accordance with current guidelines. The association between VIA results and HIV status was compared using Chi-square and Fisher exact tests. RESULTS Eight hundred and twenty-four of 921 consented participants underwent VIA screening and 25.0% (n = 206) were VIA positive. VIA-positive nonpregnant women (n = 147) received cryotherapy and 15 (1.8%) with cancerous-appearing lesions were referred to Bugando Hospital. Sixty-six women were HIV-positive and included 25 diagnosed with HIV at the cervical cancer VIA screening and 41 with a prior diagnosis of HIV who were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the time of cervical cancer VIA screening. Sixty-four of these 66 patients, were screened with VIA. HIV infection was not associated with VIA findings. Abnormal VIA positive screening was observed in 20.3% (n = 13) of HIV-positive patients and in 24.4% (n = 145) of HIV-negative patients (p = 0.508). A nonsignificant trend of higher VIA positive screens among newly diagnosed HIV patients of 26.1% (n = 6) versus patients with preexisting HIV on ART of 17.1% (n = 7) was observed (p = 0.580). CONCLUSION The unexpected lack of correlation between HIV infection and VIA positivity in a community with access to ART warrants additional research regarding the previously described role of ART in attenuating HPV-mediated neoplasia.

An odontogenic cutaneous sinus tract is a pathologic canal that initiates in the oral cavity but opens externally at the cutaneous surface of the face or neck. It is frequently misdiagnosed, leading to inappropriate treatment. A 44-year-old female patient referred to us with a chronically draining lesion on his chin. The lesion previously was misdiagnosed by medical doctors and had undergone cryotherapy and surgery with a focus on the skin lesion and had received antibiotic therapy for a prolonged period of time. After clinical and radiologic examination the dental origin of the lesion was evident and proper endodontic treatment was performed followed by surgical treatment after the recurrence of pus discharge 2 weeks after the conventionnel root canal treatment. Five months later, after the treatment, the lesion showed an obvious healing. After 18 months, the patient was comfortable and a significant healing of the sinus tract was noted, the periapical radiograph shows clear regression of the periapical lesion and an improvement in bone trabeculation. The key to successful treatment of cutaneous sinus tract of dental origin must be appropriate communication between the dentist and the physician in order to achieve correct diagnosis and therapy in such cases.

Spray cryotherapy (SCT) is a new transbronchial approach that disrupts epithelial cells by freezing. However, there are limited data addressing the effect of SCT on airway secretion. The aim of this study was to evaluate if SCT effect on airway secretion and the possible mechanism in canines. Fifteen labradors were randomly scheduled SCT or sham operation. Six labradors were scheduled SCT for a short-time observation, and six for a long-time observation, the remaining three received sham operation as control. Lung tissues were harvested for PAS staining. Mucin, MUC5AC and acetylcholine in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CHRM3 and Mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) expressions in the lung tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. MUC5AC mRNA expression was analyzed by rt-PCR. From 0 day to 30 days after SCT, the ratio of PAS positive cells to total bronchial epithelial cells, the average optical density of MUC5AC + by immunohistochemistry, the protein expression of MUC5AC, acetylcholine in BALF decreased compared with that of control group (p 0.05). The average optical density of CHRM3+ by immunohistochemistry were decreased from 0 day to 7 days after SCT (p 0.05) compared with control group. In conclusion, SCT was able to reduce the PAS-, MUC5AC- and CHRM3-positive cells in the lung tissue and acetylcholine in BALF, suggesting that SCT may prove to be a beneficial way in mucus excessive production in airway and acetylcholine-CHRM3 pathway may one possible mechanism.

Actinic keratoses (AK) are lesions with potential to transform into nonmelanoma skin cancers. Numerous methods are available for treatment of AK. Here, we review clinical trial data on the use of photodynamic treatment combined with the sensitizing agent aminolevulinic acid 20% solution (ALA-PDT) for AK management. Although treatment guidelines for AK vary in their specific recommendations, efficacy of ALA-PDT is considered comparable or better relative to other FDA-approved treatments for AK. It is generally well tolerated and has a very acceptable long-term safety profile. ALA-PDT is typically recommended for patients who have multiple AKs and is associated with improved cosmetic outcomes compared with cryotherapy. Patients who undergo treatment with ALA-PDT should receive thorough education regarding the risks and benefits of treatment, the treatment regimen and the importance of adhering to it, how to manage local reactions, and signs and symptoms that warrant further evaluation. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(11):1239-1244. doi:10.36849/JDD.6166.

Bleomycin is an antineoplastic agent, which is used off label for various dermatologic conditions. There are numerous reports on the use of intralesional bleomycin (ILB) for the treatment of common warts. However, reports on the efficacy of bleomycin in the treatment of anogenital warts (AGWs) are still limited. The aim is to compare the efficacy/tolerability and recurrence rates of AGW treatment with ILB versus cryotherapy. In this prospective study, 50 patients with AGWs were assigned either to receive triple freeze–thaw cycle of cryotherapy or to receive 1.5 mg/mL ILB for a maximum of four sessions with 3-week intervals. Clinical efficacy was determined by the percentage of the patients with complete clearance. The patients with complete clearance were visited by passing 3 months from the last treatment session to evaluate any recurrence. Of 44 patients completing the study, 16 of 21 (76.19%) patients in the ILB group and 15 of 23 (65.22%) patients in the cryotherapy group showed complete resolution ( p value = .425). Moreover, recurrence occurred after 3 months in 18.75% and 46.66% of the ILB and the cryotherapy groups’ patients, respectively ( p value = .096). The most common local adverse events in both treatment groups were pain, dyspigmentation, and ulceration/erosion, while the delayed ulceration and secondary infection were only observed in the bleomycin group. Intralesional bleomycin is as effective as cryotherapy in the treatment of AGWs, but it is more invasive and associated with post-treatment pain, the delayed ulceration, and cutaneous infection. Intralesional bleomycin is not accompanied with the major risk of necrosis or fibrosis, so the use of ILB in the anogenital area is likely to be safe. This clinical trial was registered in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials site with code: IRCT20190519043631N1.

AIM: To describe and evaluate the efficacy of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation (AGV) combined with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in a single surgical act for the treatment of advanced neovascular glaucoma (NVG). METHODS: Retrospective observational case series included 51 eyes from 50 patients with severe NVG treated with PPV, AGV, and panretinal photocoagulation and/or cryotherapy in a single surgical act during a 13-year period (2005-2018). Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data at day 1 and months 1, 3, 6, 21, and 24 were systematically collected. Definition of surgical success was stablished at IOP between 6 and 21 mm Hg with or without topical treatment. RESULTS: Main indications for surgery were NVG secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (39.2%) and central retinal vein occlusion (37.3%). Mean (±SD) preoperative IOP was 42.0±11.2 mm Hg decreasing to 15.5±7.1 mm Hg at 12mo and 15.8±9.1 mm Hg at 24mo of follow up. Cumulative incidence of success of IOP control was 76.0% at first postoperative month, reaching 88.3% at 6mo. Prevalence of successful IOP control at long term was 74.4% at 12mo and 71.4% at 24mo. Eye evisceration for unsuccessful NVG management was required in 1 case (2.0%). CONCLUSION: Combination of AGV implantation and PPV in a single act may be a suitable option for severe forms of NVG in a case-by-case basis for effective IOP control and a complete panretinal photocoagulation.

Background: Cryofrequency consists of the combination of cryotherapy and radiofrequency, acting simultaneously in the treatment of flaccidity and localized adiposity. Objective: To investigate the effects of cryofrequency at the dermal and hypodermic levels. Materials and methods: This is a case study, composed of one woman of 39-year-old, with interest to perform abdominoplasty surgery, presenting adiposity and flaccidity located in infra-umbilical region. Its treatment consists of eight cryofrequence applications. Results: There was reduction of 7 cm on supra-umbilical plicometry and 6 cm on infra-umbilical; a decrease of 2.7 kg of body weight. The ultrasound data show a decrease of 0.6 mm, in the thickness of the adipose layer. In the histological analysis: thicker epidermis, with more layers and dermis with greater number of fibroblasts and inflammatory cells, greater quantity of neoformed collagen tissue. Conclusion: The application of cryofrequence promoted reduction of adipose tissue and increased production of collagen. Level of Evidence: Level III, case-control study.

Background The aim was to investigate an emerging focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Gampaha district, Western Sri Lanka. Methods Sociodemographics of CL patients in Mirigama, Gampaha district, were compared with controls using a structured questionnaire. Clinical data and geographic positioning system coordinates of patients were recorded. Sandflies collections were performed in four selected sites using indoor hand collection (162 units) and cattle-baited net traps (n=3). Results Of 73 patients (mean age 43.6 y; SD 20), 58.9% were males. Lesions consisted of nodules (52.1%) and ulcers (47.9%). Single lesions were seen in 69.9% of patients, while 30.1% had multiple lesions. Except for one mucosal lesion, all the others were cutaneous. Treatment consisted of sodium stibogluconate and cryotherapy (46.6%), sodium stibogluconate (45.2%) or cryotherapy (8.2%). Multiple lesions were more likely to receive combination therapy (p=0.013). The majority of those employed (81.1%; 27/33) were engaged in outdoor work. Male gender, low education attainment and poor disease awareness were significant risk factors for CL (p Conclusions CL is emerging in Gamapha district with Mirigama as the epicentre. Case distribution indicates local transmission, with P. argentipes as the probable vector.

BACKGROUND: Usually, surgical intervention is needed to eradicate the fungal microorganism that cause fungal corneal ulcers. However, since surgical intervention is invasive, the latest technology uses cryotherapy in treating it. Cryotherapy plays a vital role in the wound healing process. We aimed to evaluate is to study the decreased expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in fungal corneal ulcers after the administration of cryotherapy. METHODS: Aspergillus flavus fungus was injected to the intrastromal corneas of all Sprague Dawley rats. The rats were divided into four groups, the first group was not given any therapy, the second group was given topical natamycin therapy, the third group was given cryotherapy, and the fourth group was given a combination between cryotherapy and topical natamycin therapy. Therapy was given after five days of follow up on the formation of a corneal ulcer. After four days of therapy, the eyes were enucleated to determine MMP-9 and TGF-β1 expression. RESULTS: The result in the third group showed lower MMP-9 expression (20.0±10.0% cells per field of view) compared to the second group (40.0±20.0% cells per field of view) and the fourth group (30.0±25.0% cells per field of view), but had the same MMP-9 expression value as the first group. There was no significant difference in MMP-9 expression between the four groups ( p =0.356). The third group reduced more TGF-β1 expression (10.0±12.50% cells per field of view) compared to the fourth group (30±27.5% cells per field of view) and the first group (30±32.5% cells per field of view). There was also no significant difference in TGF-β1 between the four groups ( p =0.315). CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference in the expression of TGF-β1 and MMP-9 after the cryotherapy treatment. KEYWORDS: corneal ulcer, cryotherapy, MMP-9, TGF-β1

PURPOSE To describe a novel fluorescein angiographic finding in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease. METHODS Retrospective case series of patients diagnosed with retinal capillary hemangioblastoma (RCH) in the setting of von Hippel-Lindau. RESULTS We identified six eyes of three patients with von Hippel-Lindau and leaky retinal vessels. All eyes showed segmental diffuse vascular leakage (SDVL) that was seen in the late phase of the angiogram and that originated from third order and more peripheral retinal veins and adjacent capillaries. These vessels did not drain from the RCHs. Segmental diffuse vascular leakage was mainly seen in the mid and far periphery. In some cases, it was located near the RCHs, while in other cases, it was remote. Segmental diffuse vascular leakage was also seen in one eye without RCHs. On follow-up, the extent and intensity of segmental diffuse vascular leakage did not change after the RCHs were treated with laser or cryotherapy. CONCLUSION Diffuse vascular leakage from retinal venules around and away from RCHs in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease is seen, but the clinical and prognostic importance of this finding is uncertain.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of intra-canal cryotherapy on interleukin-1βand interleukin-10 expression in teeth with symptomatic apical periodontitis.Methodology: Forty-eight single rooted teeth in patients with symptomatic apical periodontitiswere randomly divided into 4 groups according to the irrigation protocol.Group I (control); 5% sodium hypochlorite at room temperature. Group II; 5% coldsodium hypochlorite (2-5°C). Group III; final rinse with 20 mL of 5% cold sodiumhypochlorite (2-5°C) for 5 minutes. Group IV; final rinse with 20 mL of cold saline (2-5°C) for 5 minutes. Paper point passing 2 mm beyond the apex was used to collect periapicalfluid before, immediately after mechanical instrumentation and after one week tocharacterize the mRNA expression of IL-1β and Il-10 using real-time polymerase chainreaction (PCR). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA to comparebetween all groups. Results: Our results revealed statistically significant (at P≤ 0.05)down regulation of IL-1β gene expression levels in all groups after one week with nostatistically significant difference between the four groups and statistically significant(at P≤ 0.05) up regulation of IL-10 gene expression levels in all groups after one week.Conclusion: All the cryotherapy irrigation protocols showed lower levels of expressionof the pro-inflammatory mediators (interleukin-1β) and higher levels of expression ofthe anti-inflammatory mediator (interleukin-10) than the control group after one week.

Objective To characterize the oncologic outcomes 5 years following focal laser ablation (FLA) of localized prostate cancer. Methods 36 men underwent in-bore FLA of prostate cancer at our institution between 2013 and 2015. Follow up included digital rectal examination and PSA testing, multiparametric MRI, and MR-guided biopsies. The primary outcome of interest was failure-free survival (FFS), defined as avoidance of salvage whole gland treatment, systemic therapy, metastasis, or death from prostate cancer. Results Of the 36 men enrolled, 6 were ultimately lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 30, 25 (83%) have remained free from failure over a median follow-up of 71 months’. Among these patients, 10 (40%) developed in-field recurrence, with 9 undergoing salvage partial gland ablation with FLA, cryotherapy, or high-intensity focused ultrasound. Five patients underwent salvage whole gland or systemic treatment and were thus considered to have failed treatment. Two patients developed metastatic disease, and after receiving radiation and ADT, both currently have undetectable PSA levels. No patients in the cohort died from prostate cancer. Limitations include a small study cohort and lack of standardized surveillance protocols 2 years after treatment. Conclusion FLA for select cases of prostate cancer provides high rates of FFS, defined as freedom from whole gland or systemic treatment, metastasis, or death from prostate cancer. However, in- or out-of-field recurrence is common and often necessitates salvage ablation.

Objective:This study aimed to analyze the outcomes of patients with recurrent prostate cancer (PCa) who received salvage cryotherapy (SC) in our institution. Biochemical recurrence (BCR) after definitive radiotherapy or brachytherapy for PCa is usually managed with long-term androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT). In selected cases, salvage therapies might delay ADT and its side effects.Materials and Methods:All patients who received SC from 2014 to 2018 in our institution were evaluated retrospectively.Results:A total of 17 patients were included, with a median age at SC of 72.0 (range 60-77) years. The median prostate-specific antigen (PSA) before SC was 4.25 [interquartile range (IQR) 3.1-7.6] ng/mL. The median time to BCR was 18.8 (IQR 13.5-32.1) months after SC. The median PSA nadir after SC was 0.49 (IQR 0.09-1.0) ng/mL. With a median follow-up of 43 (range, 11-78) months, 7 (41%) patients had a recurrence. Of those patients, two received ADT, while others were managed conservatively. The biochemical progression-free survival (bPFS) time of patients with PSA nadir 8 ng/mL were also associated with shorter bPFS (log-rank test, p

Efficacy comparison of several regimens in treating keloids as combined or standalone therapies could provide essential information for selecting appropriate therapy. This study retrospectively evaluated the treatment efficacy of corticosteroid injections, excision, silicone, cryotherapy, or combinations of these for treating keloids. Additionally, the use of corticosteroid injection schemes and combined cryotherapy regimens were analysed. Retrospective chart analysis was performed on 204 keloids treated patients at the plastic surgery department of the Máxima Medical Centre between 2009 and 2018. The patient's age, gender, treatment, anatomic location, scar aetiology, previous therapy, scar recurrence, additional therapy, and follow-up duration were retrieved. Treatment efficacy was assessed through treatment failure, defined by the recurrence or lack of response. Kaplan-Meier and Cox survival analyses were performed to compare treatment efficacy between the different regimens. Monotherapies exhibited a significantly higher chance of treatment failure (HR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4-4.2, p