Can Targeted Exercise Improve Knee Strength Following ACLR (RATE)
Rupture of Anterior Cruciate LigamentMuscle Degeneration2 moreAnterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is high volume surgery, carried out in about 2800 patients annually in Denmark per year. ACLR patients (using hamstring auto-graft) have persistent hamstring strength deficiency when evaluated more than 1-2 years after ACL-reconstruction. The investigators have designed this randomized controlled trial (RCT) with the main purpose to investigate the effect of a targeted muscle strength exercise intervention on the neuromuscular rehabilitation of ACLR-patients compared with 'care-as- usual'. The study is designed as a prospective, superiority, parallel-group with balanced randomization (1:1) RCT (Level of evidence: II) with blinded allocation, and outcome assessment according to the CONSORT statement (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials). 50 patients with ACL reconstruction and persistent hamstring muscle deficiency, will be recruited at the outpatient clinic 1-year follow-up, and allocated to one of two 12 weeks' interventions, either a) the supervised progressive strength and neuromuscular exercise group (SNG) with supervised training twice weekly. Or b) the control group (CON) receiving patient education based on a home-based exercise regime of low intensity, defined as 'care as usual'. Outcome measures include, maximal isometric knee flexor muscle strength (primary outcome), knee extensor strength, and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) (secondary outcomes). In addition, the following explorative outcomes will be investigated; hamstring to quadriceps strength ratios, the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (IKDC), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate tendon regeneration of the hamstrings and finally kinetic/kinematic biomechanical outcomes of knee related functional tasks. To the investigators knowledge, this is the first RCT to investigate the efficacy of combined progressive resistance training and neuromuscular exercise in the late rehabilitation phase in patients demonstrating persistent limb-to-limb knee muscle asymmetry following ACLR. Reduced hamstring strength represents a potential risk factor for secondary ligament rupture and accelerated progression of osteoarthritis (OA). If deemed effective, the intervention paradigm introduced in this study may help to improve current treatment strategies.
Compression Treatment Effects on Complications and Healing of Achilles Tendon Rupture
RuptureVenous Thromboembolism2 moreThis prospective randomized study aims to determine whether intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC), 75 patients, beneath functional bracing compared to treatment-as-usual in plaster cast, 75 patients, can reduce the Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) incidence and promote healing of sutured acute Achilles tendon ruptures. At two weeks post surgery, the IPC intervention will be ended and both patient groups will be immobilized in an orthosis until follow-up at six weeks. The endpoint of the first part of the study is VTE events. The primary outcome will be the DVT-incidence at two weeks, assessed using screening compression duplex ultrasound (CDU) by two ultrasonographers masked to the treatment allocation. Secondary outcome will be the DVT-incidence at 6 weeks. 1) Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) detected by CDU , 2) isolated calf muscle vein thrombosis (ICMVT) detected by CDU, 3) symptomatic DVT or ICMVT detected by CDU, 4) symptomatic pulmonary embolism detected by computer tomography. The endpoint of the second part of the study is tendon healing quantified at 2 weeks by microdialysis followed by quantification of markers for tendon repair. The endpoint of the third part of the study is the functional outcome of the patients at one year post-operatively using four reliable and valid scores, i.e. the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), Physical Activity scale (PAS), Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and EuroQol Group's questionnaire (EQ-5D) as well as the validated heel-rise test.
One Plus One Equals Two, Will That do?
Sphincter (Anal); Perineal RuptureObstetric5 moreA new clinical practice to reduce perineal trauma has been adopted by many maternity wards in Sweden. This practice involves collegial midwifery assistance during the second stage of labor and the birth of the baby. The midwife responsible for the birth is the primary carer of the woman and the second midwife observes the birth or assists the primary midwife if asked to. The hypothesis is that the presence and support of an extra midwife will reduce severe perineal trauma (trauma to the anal sphincter (OASI)). The objective of this trial is to evaluate whether collegial midwifery assistance during the second stage reduces perineal trauma grade III-IV.
Vocalization for the Second Stage of Labor (VOCAL)
Perineal TearPerineum; RuptureA randomized open-label trial will be conducted to evaluate the effect of vocalization as a perineal protection maneuver during the second period of labor. The study will be carried out in the "Espaço Aconchego" sector of the IMIP, which has a team of obstetrical nurses, medical coordination and physiotherapeutic support. The study population will consist of low-risk parturients, with no prior cesarean indication, admitted to the sector. Those parturients who meet the inclusion criteria, after signing the Informed Consent Term, will be allocated to two groups: Group A (experimental) and Group B (control). Group A will be stimulated to keep the glottis minimally open during spontaneous pushing and to emit sounds when exhaling (vocalization), and Group B will undergo usual routine. Study outcomes will be evaluated by assistents immediately after delivery. After 24 hours of delivery, the conditions of the perineum will be assessed by inspection and palpation of the region,evaluating the presence of edema or other abnormality.
Evaluation of Predictors of Aortic Aneurysm Growth and Rupture
Abdominal Aortic AneurysmThe goal is to non-invasively study the metabolic processes within the aortic wall that are thought to explain progression to clinical manifestations of an aortic aneurysm. Hypothesis is that the non-invasive imaging of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) with contrast ultrasound, coupled with serum biomarker measurements will allow the identification of the vulnerable aortic wall and patients who are at risk of AAA growth or rupture.
The Effects of a Prostaglandin Inhibitor on Ovulation and the Menstrual Cycle
Ovulation (Follicular Rupture Yes/no)Menstrual Cycles (Total Length5 moreThe investigators propose to test the hypothesis that the use of a prostaglandin inhibitor will result in premature luteolysis (ovulation failure) in women.
Progesterone (17P, Makena®) for Prolongation of Pregnancy in Women With Preterm Rupture of the Membranes...
Preterm DeliveryThe objective of the study is to determine if a weekly dose of 17 hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P, Makena®) given to women with preterm rupture of the membranes will: increase the probability of continuing the pregnancy until a favorable gestational age. increase the interval between randomization and delivery. decrease neonatal morbidity.
Does Vitamins C and E Supplementation of After Preterm Rupture of Membranes Prolong the Duration...
Preterm Premature Rupture of MembranesPreterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is a complication affecting 3-4.5% of all pregnancies. PPROM is the main known cause of preterm delivery and is associated worldwide with increased rates of neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality. Despite its frequency, very little is known about its pathophysiologic mechanisms. Mechanical strength is provided to fetal membranes by an extracellular collagen matrix. Types I, II, III and IV are the main collagen types in these membranes. Studies have shown that total collagen content is reduced in the amnion of women with preterm PROM. Vitamin C is involved in the metabolism of collagen and has been proposed to play an important role in the maintenance of the integrity of the chorioamniotic membranes. Vitamin E may play a synergic role with vitamin C, increasing the antioxidant capacity against reactive oxygen. Woods et al hypothesized that an increase in dietary consumption or supplementation of vitamin C and E during pregnancy might reduce the risk of that portion of preterm PROM that may be mediated by oxidative injury to fetal membranes. Plessinger et al report that pretreatment of human amnion-chorion with vitamins C and E prevents hypochlorous acid-induced membrane damage. Borna et al. reported a randomized, double-blind controlled study of vitamin C and E supplementation, in which women with preterm rupture of membranes and singleton gestations at 26 to 34 weeks were randomized to vitamin C and E supplementation or placebo. Supplementation with vitamin C and E were associated with longer latency before delivery. However, the sample size in this study was very small. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with vitamins C and E after preterm premature rupture of membranes. We hypothesised that supplementation vitamins C and E may be effective in decreasing oxidative stress and increasing the latency period.
Cervical Ripening in Premature Rupture of Membranes
PregnancyPremature Rupture of Membranes2 morePremature rupture of membranes (PROM) is diagnosed by demonstrating amniotic fluid in the vaginal canal before the onset of labor. The integrity of the amniotic membrane is compromised thereby increasing the risk of intrauterine infection and compression of the umbilical cord. PROM complicates 3% to 8% of pregnancies in the US and is responsible for 30% of preterm births. Intrauterine infection remains the most significant maternal and neonatal sequelae associated with PROM and this risk increases with the length of time from ruptured membrane to delivery. Induction of labor has been shown to reduce the rates of chorioamnionitis, endometritis and NICU admissions4. Specifically, induction of labor with prostaglandin agents followed by oxytocin, versus oxytocin alone has been shown to be effective for labor induction resulting in vaginal delivery. Management strategies for PROM have been controversial, and published studies on outcomes are over one to two decades old, which does not account for changes in clinical trends and practice patterns. Recently ACOG recommends that patients presenting at 37 weeks gestation or greater with PROM should be induced if not in labor, and "generally with oxytocin". In women with PROM without the onset of labor, the cervix is commonly unfavorable and induction with oxytocin alone may lead to an increased risk of cesarean section. With a c-section rate as high as 33%, women undergoing induction of labor have an increased risk of c-section and its associated morbidity and long term sequela. ACOG's recommendation for the use of oxytocin as the induction agent may be meant to avoid a theoretical increased risk of chorioamnionitis in this patient population however it does not take into account the status of the cervix, which may result in a increased risk of c-section. The purpose of the proposed study is to determine whether cervical ripening in women with PROM and an unfavorable cervix is associated with increase rates of vaginal delivery and decreased cesarean section rate compared to induction of labor with oxytocin alone. The investigators aim to determine the incidence of endometritis, and neonatal infection associated with PROM in the current medical environment of antibiotic prophylaxis and antenatal steroid use, taking into account the changes in patient characteristics.
Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Prevention of Postoperative Infections Following...
Surgical Wound InfectionInfection; Cesarean Section8 moreThe purpose of this study is to examine whether obese women (BMI >= 30) who give birth by caesarean section have a reduced incidence of wound infection and dehiscence when incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy is applied prophylactically following caesarean section.