IntroductionAcne scarring is a common undesirable complication of acne vulgaris. Fractional erbium-yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) 2940 nm laser and platelet-rich plasma have been used in treating acne scars with variable outcomes. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of fractional erbium-YAG 2940 nm laser and platelet-rich plasma as a single line of treatment in comparison with combined treatment in atrophic postacne scars.MethodsSeventy-five patients were included in this trial and randomized into three equal groups (25 each). Group A was subjected to six sessions of erbium-YAG laser for 6 months, group B was treated with 12 sessions of platelet-rich plasma over the same period, and group C was subjected to six sessions of erbium-YAG laser plus 12 sessions of platelet-rich plasma over the same period. Each subject was evaluated by acne scar grading, photography, and subjective evaluation.ResultsBoth treatment modalities showed improvement of acne scars, but the improvement with combined treatment was better than that with erbium-YAG laser or platelet-rich plasma alone regarding scar grade improvement (P = 0.007 and 0.001), clinical improvement (P = 0.001 and 0.001), and patient satisfaction (P = 0.005 and 0.001), respectively.ConclusionsThe combination of platelet-rich plasma plus erbium-YAG laser is superior to either treatment alone for acne scars, with trivial side effects for all treatment modalities.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier; NCT03933033.
Introduction
Erectile dysfunction is a common condition among diabetic men. Many treatments are now available with variable responses.
Aim
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of daily oral l-arginine plus tadalafil in diabetic patients with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction.
Methods
A double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted with 108 diabetic male patients. Each patient was assessed by medical and sexual histories, International Index of Erectile Function 5-item questionnaires, pharmaco-penile duplex ultrasonography, and serum testosterone level.
Main Outcome Measure
Improvement in International Index of Erectile Function 5-item, serum testosterone level and pharmaco-penile duplex ultrasonography.
Results
Erectile functions were significantly improved in all patients after treatment as compared with baseline and placebo (P < .001). Patients who received both drugs showed significant improvement compared to those treated with single drugs, as assessed by International Index of Erectile Function scores and total testosterone (P < .001). Pharmaco-penile ultrasound duplex results showed non-significant differences among patients treated with both drugs and those with each drug alone.
Conclusion
Daily use of l-arginine with tadalafil significantly increased the International Index of Erectile Function scores and total testosterone levels as compared to each drug alone in diabetic patients with erectile dysfunction. No differences were found based on pharmaco-penile duplex findings.
Erectile dysfunction is one of the major concerns in diabetic patients. Platelet Indices including mean platelet volume, platelet count and platelet distribution width are important biomarkers for platelet activation and pathophysiology of atherothrombosis. Measurement of Platelet Indices may early predict erectile dysfunction in diabetic men. This study aimed to measure Platelet Indices in diabetic patients with erectile dysfunction and to correlate between them and erectile dysfunction especially of vasculogenic type. The study included 30 diabetic patients with diagnosed erectile dysfunction and 20 normal males as a control. Each patient was evaluated by history, International Index of Erectile Function-5, general and local examination, HbA1c, pharmaco-penile duplex ultrasonography and blood sample to measure Platelet Indices. Platelet distribution width and mean platelet volume were significantly higher in patients than controls (p < 0.001). Their levels were significantly higher in vasculogenic erectile dysfunction than other types (p < 0.001). No statistically significant association regards the platelet count (p > 0.05). We concluded that Platelet Indices are high in diabetic patients with erectile dysfunction especially those with vasculogenic aetiology. They can predict erectile dysfunction in diabetic men early, and so they may be considered as cheap, available and useful biomarker for early diagnosis of vasculogenic erectile dysfunction in diabetic patients.
K E Y W O R D Sdiabetes, erectile dysfunction, Platelet Indices
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