BACKGROUND: In September 2020, the home health care program introduced the elastomeric pump Accufuser® to the home parenteral antimicrobial therapy program as a new means of administering medications. We aim to assess the clinical outcomes of this recent addition in comparison to traditional administration methods. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study conducted at the Adult Home Health Care Services in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh. We enrolled all the patients who were accepted at the home parenteral antimicrobial program from January 1, 2019 to May 31, 2022. The outcomes of the group of patients who received therapy through Accufuser® and the group that used other administration methods were compared. RESULTS: We included 285 patients in this study, among whom 167 (58.6%) were females. Eighty-nine (31.2%) patients utilized Accufuser®, while the rest used direct intravenous (IV) (71, 24.9%) and IV piggyback (125, 43.9%). A significant reduction in the duration of visits (P=<0.00) and the number of daily visits (P=<0.00) was observed in the group that used Accufuser®. Both groups had similar rates of therapy completion (P=0.14). No significant difference was noticed in the rates of complications (P=0.57) or the rates of mortality between the two groups (P=0.14). CONCLUSION: The Accufuser® device is a safe administration method that reduces both the duration and the number of daily visits.
BACKGROUND: Echinococcosis is a helminthic disease caused by the development of the larval form of the echinococcal tapeworm in various human organs. The detection of an echinococcal cyst in the pelvic region, especially as a primary localization, is extremely rare, with literature data showing a frequency between 0.2 and 2.25%. Ovarian involvement is often a secondary dissemination of a cyst localized in a different location. CASE REPORT: We present a 17-year-old girl with complaints of mild pain, heaviness in the small pelvis, and a cystic formation was detected by ultrasound examination. CONCLUSION: Diagnosing this disease is extremely important for proper treatment. The possibility of a hydatid cyst should be kept under differential diagnosis while evaluating the cystic diseases of the ovary.
BACKGROUND: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing pathogens are a growing health threat due to their resistance to most of the commonly used antimicrobial agents. AIM: In this paper, we aimed to assess the prevalence of those pathogens among patients who received care in the home parenteral antimicrobial therapy program. We also aimed to examine the burden of those pathogens on the home health care services and discuss the options to minimize this burden. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in the Adult Home Health Care Service at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We studied all patients referring to the home health care parenteral antimicrobial program in the period from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021. Patients' data were retrieved from their electronic medical records. We classified patients as a patient with ESBL infection and a patient with a non-ESBL infection based on their cultures. RESULTS: A total of 253 patients, of whom 144 (56.9%) were females, were accepted into the home parenteral antimicrobial therapy during the specified period. Of these, 121 (47.8%) were treated with an infection with ESBL-producing bacteria. Escherichia coli (92.76.0%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (23.19.0%) were the most commonly isolated ESBL pathogens. Female gender, a previous history of UTI or ESBL infection, cognitive impairment and BPH in men were all associated with a higher rate of ESBL infections (P<0.05). Infection caused by ESBL-producing pathogen was not associated with a significantly increased rate of complications, readmission or mortality (P≥0.05). CONCLUSION: Almost half of the patients treated in the home parenteral antimicrobial program are infected with an ESBLproducing pathogens. However, we did not find any significant increase in adverse clinical outcomes associated with those infections in our sample. The burden on the HHC services that comes with these infections is mostly related to the limited choices of antimicrobials and to the high rate of recurrence.
BACKGROUND: In daily pediatric clinical practice, in addition to the standard markers such as PCR. AIM: We aimed to demonstrate the role of Procalcitonin in early detection of bacterial infections of the respiratory tract at pediatric age and to determine the sensitivity, specificity, VPP, PCT VNP (quantitative method VIDAS-B-R-A-H-M-S-PCT) in bacterial respiratory infections. METHODS: The prospective, randomized study, conducted at the Clinical Tetovo Hospital (Neonatology Department - Pediatric, Clinical and Biochemical Laboratory), in the period November 2011-December 2012. It includes 99 children. The study group includes 76 children. With upper respiratory tract infections (tonsil pharyngeal) 35 cases. With respiratory tract infections (bronchopneumonia) 41 cases, control group 23 cases. RESULTS: With tonsil pharyngeal infections, out of 35 cases (28.57% were bacterial by criterion). With respiratory tract infections (bronchopneumonia), from 41s (39.02% were bacterial by criterion). In all 35 studies with bacterial tonsil pharyngeal disease, specificity, sensitivity, PPV, NPV of Procalcitonin, which resulted in the following (88%, 90%, 75%, 95.65%), and P = 0.12. All 41 patients with bacterial bronchopneumonitis were calculated as: Specificity, Sensitivity, PPV, and NPV of Procalcitonin, which resulted in the following (72.73%, 100%, 76%, and 100%). and P = 0.12. CONCLUSION: Procalcitonin may serve as an early marker of upper and lower respiratory infections.
BACKGROUND: Kaposi’s Sarcoma is a vascular neoplasm associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). It typically manifests with cutaneous lesions but can also involve extracutaneous sites such as mucous membranes, lymph nodes and visceral organs. Kaposi’s Sarcoma is classified in 4 major subtypes: classic, epidemic, endemic and iatrogenic. The classic form usually follows a slow course, with progressions of cutaneous lesions over more than 10-15 years. However atypical cases of this form have been described in the literature. We aimed to present an atypical case of generalized Kaposi’s Sarcoma in an HIV negative patient. CASE REPORT: We report an atypical case of Kaposi’s Sarcoma (KS) classic type, in a 62-year-old HIV-negative male, notable for its unusual cutaneous presentation, distribution, and rapid progression. The patient presented to the Emergency Department with asymptomatic violet-to-red cutaneous lesions, including both plaques and nodules, distributed across the upper and lower extremities, abdomen, and back. The lesions first appeared approximately eight months prior but demonstrated a fulminant course in the weeks leading up to presentation, with rapid dissemination. Initial home management of the patient included local and oral folk remedies of unknown composition. A skin biopsy performed during hospitalization revealed nodular Kaposi’s Sarcoma, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was recommended for diagnostic confirmation. HIV serology was negative, and imaging, including lymph node ultrasound, revealed no evidence of visceral involvement. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates an atypical presentation of classic Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) in an immunocompetent, HIV-negative patient, characterized by rapid progression and diffuse cutaneous involvement. Such a clinical course is uncommon for the classic subtype, which is typically indolent and slowly progressive. Our findings support the growing body of evidence that subgroups within classic KS may exhibit distinct clinical behaviors, requiring tailored staging and management strategies. Given the absence of any known immunosuppressive conditions or identifiable triggers, further research is needed to elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms in atypical cases of classic KS.
BACKGROUND: Recognition of dementia symptoms among nursing staff is essential for ensuring timely, person-centered and ethically adequate care. Despite an expanding global focus on dementia, evidence concerning the interaction between staff education, work experience, and their recognition competence in Central and Eastern Europe remains limited. AIM: This study investigates the relationship between nursing staff’s education and professional experience and their ability to recognize dementia symptoms, as well as their perceived work difficulty in providing care for residents with dementia. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 104 nursing staff across three long-term care facilities in Slovenia. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire exploring recognition of dementia symptoms and perceived workload. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were used. RESULTS: Cognitive symptoms were recognized most accurately, while behavioral and emotional manifestations were less consistently identified. Education and work experience did not significantly predict perceived work difficulty. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the importance of strengthening behavioral symptom recognition through targeted education and institutional support mechanisms, rather than relying solely on staff experience or qualification level.
Students who take higher level math coursework during high school have increased chances of entering a four-year college or university, specifically in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related fields (Miller 2012; Schneider et al., 1990). Students demonstrating exceptional mathematics performance are often encouraged to take algebra during Grade 8, setting them on a pathway to complete higher-level college-level mathematics coursework in high school (Clotfelter et al., 2015; Dougherty et al., 2017; McEachin et al., 2020; Penner et al., 2015). For several decades, there has been a nationwide push to increase student enrollment in advanced math coursework during middle school (Loveless et al., 2008). The impacts of math acceleration in Grade 8 (e.g., taking algebra or higher by Grade 8) has demonstrated heterogeneous effects across studies, with some demonstrating unintended negative consequences of acceleration (e.g., Clotfelter et al., 2015; Penner et al., 2015) compared with positive long-term impacts to math performance and even English language arts (Rickles, 2013; McEachin et al., 2020). Moreover, the relations of acceleration to later achievement may vary considerably across schools as acceleration decisions may be somewhat dependent on contextual factors that shape individual schools’ decision-making criteria (McEachin et al., 2020).
BACKGROUND: Unicystic ameloblastoma is a benign yet locally aggressive odontogenic tumor, predominantly affecting the mandible in young adults. Its pathogenesis involves dysregulation of odontogenic signaling pathways, including MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin, and Sonic Hedgehog, as well as molecular alterations affecting proliferation and extracellular matrix remodeling. Activating BRAF V600E mutations and cytokine-mediated mechanisms, such as osteoclast activation, contribute to tumor growth and local invasiveness. We aimed to present a case of unicystic ameloblastoma and discuss its clinical, radiographic, and histopathological features, with emphasis on molecular and immunological mechanisms relevant to management. CASE REPORT: A 40-year-old female presented with a persistent, firm swelling in the anterior mandible. CBCT revealed a unilocular radiolucent lesion involving teeth 32 and 33. Preoperative endodontic therapy was performed, followed by surgical enucleation under local anesthesia. Histopathology confirmed a unicystic plexiform ameloblastoma. Postoperative healing was uneventful, and one-year follow-up imaging showed no recurrence. CONCLUSION: Local invasiveness and recurrence are driven by molecular and immunological mechanisms, including BRAF V600E mutations, MAPK/Wnt signaling dysregulation, and TNF-α–mediated stromal interactions. Complete surgical removal with careful follow-up remains critical for favorable outcomes.
BACKGROUND: Pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under the age of five around the world particularly in developing countries where access to healthcare is limited. Regular monitoring of children for symptoms is crucial for early detection of pneumonia. Education about pneumonia detection in parents and caregivers is crucial for prevention and lowering mortality rates. METHOD: This study used a RnD (Research and Development) design, in which SIGAP ANAK application and booklet were developed as educational media for early detection of pneumonia. The population for this study consisted of mothers under the age of five at rural area and total of 120 mothers were divided into two groups and assigned randomly. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire developed and evaluated for validity and reliability to determine the level of parental knowledge about pneumonia detection in children under five. Additionally, Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were used to analyze data. RESULTS: The results showed that the control group average before receiving education using booklet was 16.78, while the average after education was 17.93. With the use of SIGAP ANAK application, the average knowledge before and after the intervention was 15.62 and 17.38 respectively. Based on the Wilcoxon test result, education using booklet and "SIGAP ANAK" application significantly affected knowledge about pneumonia p-value = 0.00 (p < 0.05). However, based on the Mann Whitney test result there was no difference between the intervention and control groups p-value = 0.149 (p >0.05). CONCLUSION: The SIGAP ANAK application and booklet can be used to provide education about early detection of pneumonia for mothers with children under five in rural area.
BACKGROUND: Nursing care of the mechanically ventilated patient is specific, individualised care and requires a great deal of knowledge and expertise on the part of the nurse, who must use professional judgement to make nursing diagnoses that describe actual and potential health complications and conditions related to the patient's health. AIM: The purpose of this thesis is to study endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation and the most common complications that arise during their performance. The aim is to present the role of the nurse in assisting the performance of endotracheal intubation and the nursing care of the intubated patient. METHODS: The literature review was conducted in the international databases Cochraine Library, Pub Med, Cinahl, Google Scholar and Cobbis. The inclusion criteria for the search were original and peer-reviewed scientific articles published between 2020 and 2024 and available in full text. 10 articles were included in the analysis. The literature review process is presented using the PRISMA diagram, where we used 3 databases RESULTS: Ten studies were included in the analysis and are detailed in the table below. Based on the thematic analysis, we identified four content categories: ventilator-associated pneumonia, pressure injury, individual patient plan and staff education. CONCLUSION: The care of the mechanically ventilated patient must be individualised and thus tailored to each individual, and healthcare staff must have a great deal of knowledge and experience in order to provide quality care. Compared to abroad, we need to focus more on educating staff on the new guidelines and on the care of the mechanically ventilated patient.
BACKGROUND: Pre-operative cryoneurolysis is an emerging analgesic technique that shows promise in managing post-operative pain and reducing opioid use in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). By inducing targeted Wallerian degeneration of sensory nerves, cryoneurolysis provides prolonged analgesia while preserving motor function, making it a valuable addition to multimodal pain management strategies. METHODS: This systematic review evaluates the efficacy, safety, and clinical utility of cryoneurolysis, synthesizing findings from eight studies, including randomized controlled trials and observational analyses, in adherence to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis 2020 guidelines. Data on pain scores, opioid consumption, functional recovery, and adverse effects were extracted and analyzed to assess clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Cryoneurolysis consistently reduced post-operative pain scores and opioid consumption, with opioid use reductions up to 72%. Enhanced functional recovery, including improved range of motion and quicker rehabilitation milestones, was also observed. The intervention’s safety profile was favorable, with only minimal transient side effects reported and no long-term complications. CONCLUSION: Cryoneurolysis offers significant potential as a cornerstone in multimodal pain management strategies for TKA, particularly in addressing opioid-related public health challenges. While current evidence supports its efficacy, variations in study design and sample sizes necessitate further multicenter trials to establish standardized protocols and optimize its clinical application.
BACKGROUND: In Slovenia, we run a preventive healthy weight loss programme for the adult population, which has been running healthy weight loss workshops since 2002. It focuses on the management of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and also includes health education. In the Healthy Weight Loss Programme, participants receive professional support and assistance with weight loss, knowledge and skills to change their diet and exercise habits, and psychological support in the process of losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. AIM: The aim of the study is to analyse the perceptions of healthy weight loss workshop providers on the quality of healthy weight loss workshops. METHODS: A quantitative, descriptive, non-experimental method of empirical research was used. The measurement instrument employed was a questionnaire that was completed by 144 healthy weight loss workshop participants. For statistical analysis we used the binomial test to analyse whether the results matched the defined expectations and the Mann-Whitney U test to analyse the importance of individual factors in motivation for weight maintenance. RESULTS: Healthy weight loss workshop facilitators found that weight loss and appearance improvement (x̄ = 4.4), desire for a changed, more beautiful body image (x̄ = 4.3), concern for well-being (x̄ = 4.2), concern for health and low self-esteem (x̄ = 4.2) were the most prevalent reasons for participation among workshop participants. They also note that there is a need for individualised weight loss maintenance plans (p<0.001) and for the inclusion of additional content to motivate weight maintenance in healthy weight loss programmes (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Healthy weight loss workshop facilitators support the continuous follow-up of participants, as they are aware that weight management and maintenance after healthy weight loss workshops is about participants adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes knowledge of nutrition and exercise, a positive attitude towards change and the right kind of motivation.
BACKGROUND: Arsenic groundwater contamination is a challenging public health threat in many regions globally, it also poses a threat to sustainable agriculture and food production. Hyperpigmentation, hyperkeratosis and skin lesions on the palms and feet are the first symptoms of the long term exposure, both, trough drinking water and food. In terms of its carcinogenic effect, long term exposure to Arsenic is associated with cancer of the bladder, lungs, skin, kidneys, nasal passages, liver and prostate. AIM: The aim of the study was to analyze the effects of long-term exposure to low levels of arsenic in groundwater in two regions in the Republic of North Macedonia - Kumanovo municipality (Northeast Region) and Gevgelija municipality (Southeast Region), related to the cancer incidence rate and some other related diagnoses. METHODS: The relationship between arsenic concentration in groundwater and the death rate due to various causes of deaths was investigated using Poisson Regression. RESULTS: Our study despite the methodological limitations suggested important links between the chronic exposure to Arsenic in groundwater and adverse health outcomes such as diabetes mellitus, cancer of larynx, liver, bronchus and lung cancer, stomach cancer leukaemia, lymphoma and cancer of prostate, from total malignancies and malignancies of digestive organs. CONCLUSIONS: The policy and actions in the RN Macedonia supposed to be focus on awareness raising of the local population about the adverse effects of groundwater used for irrigation, crop cultivation or even drinking, replacing high content arsenic sources (wells) with some more safe alternatives, regular monitoring of the arsenic content in the groundwater, drinking water and food (crops) or eventually, ban of the use of arsenic-contaminated wells as a last resort.
BACKGROUND: Stunting is at high risk of occurring in the first two years of a child's life (0-24 months), and will be difficult to overcome if it continues until the child is more than 2 years old. An important determinant of complementary feeding to prevent stunting is the ability of caregivers/parents to provide food, including knowledge, attitudes and practices of feeding. AIM: This study investigates the effectiveness of booklet and daily eating guide card in improving mothers’ feeding practice regarding responsive feeding. METHODS: This study is an experimental research and development study (R&D) with pre-posttest design. Samples were selected using a purposive sampling technique and random sample technique. RESULTS: Results showed differences in the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices of respondents between before and after being given education (Sig. (2-tailed): 0.000<0.05). It can be concluded that Booklet and daily eating guide card are proven to be effective in improving feeding practice of mothers of stunted toddlers. CONCLUSION: These media can be used in education to improve knowledge, attitudes and practice of responsive feeding among mothers.
BACKGROUND: An individual's decision to maintain weight is not enough without a strong motivational reason. Reasons to improve health, change body image, increase self-confidence, feel good, be more active and have a social life help to focus and motivate a healthy lifestyle. AIM: The aim of this study is to identify personal, social and environmental factors that influence the motivation to maintain a reduced weight among participants in healthy weight loss workshops. METHODS: A quantitative, descriptive, non-experimental method of empirical research was used. The measurement instrument employed was a questionnaire that was completed by 160 participants of healthy weight loss workshops. For statistical analysis we used the binomial test to analyze whether the results matched the defined expectations and the Mann-Whitney U test to analyze the importance of individual factors in motivation for weight maintenance. RESULTS: Healthy weight loss workshop facilitators found that weight loss and appearance improvement (x̄ = 4.4), desire for a changed, more beautiful body image (x̄ = 4.3), concern for well-being (x̄ = 4.2), concern for health and low self-esteem (x̄ = 4.2) were the most prevalent reasons for participation among workshop participants. They also note that there is a need for individualized weight loss maintenance plans (p<0.001) and for the inclusion of additional content to motivate weight maintenance in healthy weight loss programs (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Participants of healthy weight loss workshops are aware of the adoption of a healthy lifestyle for weight management and maintenance after the completion of healthy weight loss workshops, which is largely dependent on personal, social and environmental factors.
BACKGROUND: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is an inflammatory process that affects the endothelium of small and medium blood vessels. It is an autoimmune disease, which is systemic and attacks multiple organ systems. It is also called Wegener's granulomatosis (Wegener Granulomatosis), according to the German pathologist Wegener who described the first cases of granulomatous inflammation of small and medium blood vessels. CASE PRESENTATION: This paper presents a clinical case report of a middle-aged female patient with Wegener's granulomatosis, treated at the Department of Neurology at City General Hospital 8th September. The patient's initial symptoms began nine years ago. The course of her disease is chronic with a progressive nature, followed by relapses and exacerbations. The patient was promptly diagnosed and treated with appropriate therapy, which she tolerates well. The definitive diagnosis is established by biopsy of the affected tissue and pathohistological analysis, where the presence of granulomas is detected. CONCLUSION: This form of polyangiitis is significant for the presence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) in the patient's blood. But their absence does not exclude the disease. In terms of therapy, drugs are used that regulate the patient's immune system. We must be aware of the risk of complications and worsening of the course of the disease. This condition requires a multidisciplinary approach to treatment.
BACKGROUND: Besides carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome, other nerve entrapment sites in the upper extremity are less recognized. Only half of the upper extremity compression neuropathy syndromes are actually carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel compressions. This suggests that the rest of the entrapment syndromes are potentially not treated adequately. They are often misdiagnosed or the level of compression is not being distinguished. AIM: To raise awareness of compression syndromes (other than the carpal tunnel) in the arms and to describe the clinical triad to diagnose them. METHODS: This is a narrative review of the clinical features of the compression syndromes of the median, ulnar, and radial nerves in the upper extremities. The diagnostic triad for each syndrome is analyzed. The review focuses especially on the lacertus syndrome and describes the surgical release. CONCLUSION: A correct diagnosis is essential for targeted treatment of upper extremity nerve compression syndromes. It should also include an assessment of individual muscle strength, which is a critical part of the clinical neurological tests.
BACKGROUND: Communication in healthcare teams is challenging, as they are mostly composed of professionals from different disciplines who need to work together to achieve positive and desirable patient outcomes. Interpersonal relationships are crucial for optimal and reflective professional nursing care. The joint collaboration and effort of all members of the healthcare team ensures quality and safe healthcare. AIM: The aim of this study was to analyse the opinion of part-time healthcare students (N = 147) on the importance and role of the communication and interrelations in healthcare teams. METHODS: We used a quantitative, descriptive, non-experimental method of empirical research. Data were collected with questionnaires. For statistical analysis we use Levene test, T- test and Pearson correlation coefficient using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 24.0. A statistical significance of p<0.05 was assumed. RESULTS: The majority of respondents said that communication in the healthcare team is clear, respectful, empathetic and understandable. Subjectively, they assess that assertive communication prevails. They are cooperative with their colleagues and rarely encounter individual and organisational issues when communicating in the healthcare team. Respondents perceive that communication (p=0.02) and interpersonal relationships (p=0.01) are better in smaller healthcare teams than in larger teams. They also point out that good communication influences good interpersonal relations in health teams (p=<0.05). CONCLUSION: In nursing, good communication and interpersonal skills help to meet patient needs. Individuals need to learn how to form these relationships with each other. Each member of the healthcare team needs to know where he or she stands in the team, what his or her tasks and responsibilities are and how he or she should work. The quality standards for teamwork promote the application of a process approach to developing, implementing and improving the effectiveness of the quality management system in the healthcare team, with the aim of increasing patient satisfaction by meeting patient expectations.
BACKGROUND: The absence of a standardized radiographic protocol for skeletal expansion assessment necessitates further investigation. AIM: This study evaluates the correlation between midpalatal suture (MPS) and zygomaticomaxillary suture (ZMS) maturation stages and rapid maxillary expansion (RME) outcomes in patients over 15 years. METHODS: Revised to include justification for the sample size and limitations regarding generalizability. Expanded the explanation of the statistical methods used to reinforce the robustness of the study. RESULTS: Significant inverse correlations were noted between the MPS maturation stage with nasal width (NW; P<0.001), distance between the two infraorbital foramina (IOF; P=0.030), and distance between the two greater palatine foramina (GPF; P<0.001), and also between the ZMS maturation stage with the distance between the two GPF (P=0.012), and MPSD ratio with NW (P<0.001) and distance between the two GPF (P<0.001). The MPSD ratio was greater in females than males (P=0.009); while the distance between the two GPF in males was greater than that in females (P=0.034). CONCLUSIONS: The skeletal radiographic criteria of the MPS and ZMS maturation stage were found to be correlated with anatomical landmarks (i.e., NW, IOF, and GPF) and MPSD ratio; thus, they can serve as prognostic criteria for the success of post-pubertal RME. The study emphasizes the clinical relevance of CBCT-based assessments in treatment planning for older patients and calls for additional research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups. REFINEMENTS: Restated key findings while reinforcing their significance for orthodontic treatment planning. Reiterated the study’s limitations and the need for further research.
BACKGROUND: Recurrent cellulitis of the lower limbs is a significant clinical challenge, with chronic oedema and impaired lymphatic function identified as key risk factors. While long-term antibiotic prophylaxis is commonly recommended, compression therapy has been proposed as a potential preventive measure, but evidence supporting its effectiveness remains limited. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate whether compression therapy, in addition to standard antibiotic and supportive treatment, reduces the recurrence rate of cellulitis in patients with a history of recurrent cellulitis on the lower legs. METHODS: A randomized controlled study was conducted over two years in a dermatology department. Seventy-three patients with a history of recurrent cellulitis were randomized into two groups: one receiving compression therapy along with standard antibiotic and supportive treatment (n=36) and a control group receiving only standard treatment (n=37). Patients were followed for two years to assess recurrence rates. Secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay and reduction in leg oedema. Data distribution was tested with the Shapiro-Wilk's W test. Qualitative data of patients with and without relapse were compared with non-parametric tests, quantitative data were compared with Student's t-test. RESULTS: The recurrence rate was significantly lower in the compression therapy group (13.89%) compared to the control group (37.84%) (p=0.0197). Patients receiving compression therapy also had a significantly greater reduction in leg oedema by day four of hospitalization (p=0.005) and a shorter length of hospital stay (p=0.0006). CONCLUSION: In this randomized controlled study, using the compressive therapy resulted in lower rate of cellulitis recurrence compared to the standard treatment of cellulitis. These findings support the inclusion of compression therapy in the management strategies for recurrent cellulitis. Further studies are warranted to reinforce these results and optimize treatment protocols.
