STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis.
SETTING: Japan.
METHODS: This study evaluated personal payments concerning lecturing, consulting, and writing paid by 92 major pharmaceutical companies to all Japanese head and neck surgeons board-certified by the Japan Society for Head and Neck Surgery between 2016 and 2019. The payments were descriptively analyzed and payment trend were assessed using population-averaged generalized estimating equations. Further, the payments to board executive board members with specialist certification were also evaluated separately.
RESULTS: Of all 443 board-certified head and neck surgeons in Japan, 365 (82.4%) received an average of $6443 (standard deviation: $12,875), while median payments were $2002 (interquartile ranges [IQR] $792-$4802). Executive board specialists with a voting right received much higher personal payments (median $26,013, IQR $12,747-$35,750) than the non-executive specialists (median $1926, IQR $765‒$4134, p
STUDY DESIGN: This is a single-center restrospective observational study.
SETTING: The study was conducted from January 2018 to December 2022 at the University Malaya Medical Center in Kuala Lumpur.
METHODS: Patients aged over 15 years with a diagnosis of SBO were included in the study. Clinical parameters, investigations, and follow-up records were recorded. The disease outcomes were analyzed at 1 and 6 months after treatment initiation using multivariable analyses.
RESULTS: The study identified 31 patients with SBO, the majority of whom were elderly males with comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension. Otalgia and otorrhea were the most common symptoms, and computed tomography scans were used for diagnosis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most commonly identified pathogen, and intravenous broad-spectrum antimicrobials were used to treat all patients. Surgical intervention was required for 25% of patients, and underlying ischemic heart disease, anemia, and single nerve palsy were significantly associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Patients with higher body mass index and elevated C-reactive protein showed poorer outcomes after 1 and 6 months of treatment, respectively.
CONCLUSION: Early recognition, prompt treatment, better control of comorbidities, nutrition, and monitoring can improve SBO outcomes and reduce complications. Therefore, as the prevalence of SBO increases, diagnostic criteria or management guidelines should be established to guide the best clinical practice.