Introduction  Otitis Externa is common ear infection with a prevalence of 1%. Objective  The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical and microbiological efficacy and safety profile with oral ciprofloxacin in the external bacterial otitis (EBO) management. Methods  This is a prospective observational study conducted with EBO outpatients referred to the otorhinolaryngology center in Moscow between March and August 2013. Our study included patients from two cohorts, acute external bacterial otitis (AEBO) - Group 1 - and exacerbation of chronic otitis externa (CEBO) - Group 2. We administered Ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice daily with standard topical EBO treatment for up to 10 days. Patients underwent evaluation on study visit days 1, 3, 5, and 10 for the severity. Bacteriological examination of ear canal cultures took place on Day 1 and Day 10. Results  We collected data from 60 EBO outpatients (AEBO: N  = 30 and CEBO: N  = 30). Swimming was the major risk factor associated with the disease in addition to the most common pathogenic organisms - Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . was We attained complete resolution of the inflammatory process in 28 (93%) and 27 (90%) patients in the AEBO and CEBO group, respectively. We confirmed this by microbiological test with almost complete eradication of the causative organisms. Overall, we observed good positive dynamics of ear canal with no major side effects. Conclusion  We found that Ciprofloxacin 500 mg, when administered orally twice daily for 7 to 10 days in otitis externa patients is clinically and microbiologically effective and comparatively safer than other antimicrobials.

Although the UroLume wallstent has been proven effective in the treatment of recurrent urethral stricture, obstruction may recur in some cases. A likely cause of obstruction is hyperplastic tissue reaction, which may necessitate the removal of the stent. The hyperplastic tissue reaction may be severe, resulting in a completely obliterative stricture. Stent removal with a completely obliterative stricture and the stent in situ is a tedious job, as there is no lumen in which to place the laser fiber to cut the stent wires. We report on a patient in whom a UroLume urethral stent was placed one year ago for post-traumatic recurrent bulbomembranous urethral stricture. The stricture recurred in spite of the stent in place and the lumen was finally completely obliterated. A holmium laser was used for core through internal urethrotomy and the explantation of the stent.

Novel treatment strategies have remarkably improved the multiple myeloma (MM) patients’ survival, with associated increased costs. A joint panel meet of international experts from India and Ukraine was held in New Delhi on May 19, 2016 focusing on MM management, bortezomib role, unmet medical needs, and current challenges. The health-care system for oncology in India is majorly private vs. government-based in Ukraine. In India, electrophoresis, serum-free light chain assays, bone marrow tests, and X-rays are available modes of diagnosis. Despite of the numerous cancer centers and stem cell transplant centers, most patients do not prefer transplant owing to its high-cost and social stigma. Majority of the patients are treated with bortezomib or lenalidomide-based regimens. Most patients buy drug themselves. The expanding generic drugs market is a ray of hope for the affordable drugs. In Ukraine, immuno-fixation, bone marrow analysis, and magnetic resonance imaging are common diagnostic modalities. Due to high cost, only few patients undergo transplant. Bortezomib-based regimens are preferred in most of the patients; however, usage is limited due to high costs and lack of funds. Thalidomide-based regimens are used for maintenance therapy due to affordability. In case of relapsed MM, bortezomib is preferred in triple therapy; however, more affordable option is cyclophosphamide, thalidomide, and dexamethasone (CTD). Issues, such as cost containment, common treatment strategies, enhanced collaboration, and improved health-care access, need immediate attention. High-quality generics access will improve outcomes and support health-care cost containment. Pharmacoeconomic studies and head-to-head trials are warranted to determine the cost-effectiveness and benefit of novel therapies in MM.

Individuals with chronic renal failure in stage three and after demonstrate anemia as a frequent complication. Although target hemoglobin levels remain debatable in pre-dialysis and dialysis patients, correction of anemia with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) has resulted in reduced need for blood transfusions, improved survival and enhanced overall quality of life. Owing to longer half-life and greater biological activity, darbepoetin alfa can maintain stable hemoglobin levels at extended dosing intervals. It is also economical and convenient with no compromise in efficacy. Studies have shown similar dose requirements for both intravenous versus subcutaneous darbepoetin in pre-dialysis and dialysis patients. This review article focuses on clinical outcomes of darbepoetin including the achieved hemoglobin target, maintenance of hemoglobin levels, all-cause mortality, cardiovascular events, additional blood transfusion, quality of life, and economic outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review also outlines the risk associated with darbepoetin administration and changes in guidelines recommendation for improving its use.

Female urethral stricture is an underdiagnosed and overlooked cause of female bladder outlet obstruction. It is uncommon and difficult to diagnose. The possible etiologies may be infection, prior dilation, difficult catheterization with subsequent fibrosis, urethral surgery, trauma or idiopathic. Currently, only a small amount of literature has reported the successful treatment of female urethral stricture using a reconstruction approach. In this study we describe our results with the management of female urethral stricture using a dorsal vaginal graft. Four patients were diagnosed with female urethral stricture and were treated with urethral reconstruction using a dorsal vaginal graft. Primary urethroplasty using dorsal vaginal graft can be considered as a first-line option in the management of female urethral stricture, especially in centers with experience in graft-based reconstruction.