Hyperoncotic albumin is being discussed as an adjunct to diuretics to facilitate fluid off-loading in critically ill patients with fluid accumulation. However, its effectiveness and clinical benefits remain controversial. This critical appraisal examines the current body of evidence to evaluate both the potential benefits and limitations of albumin co-administration with diuretics and/or renal replacement therapy (RRT) in achieving effective net fluid removal in the intensive care unit (ICU). We performed a systematic literature review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies up to January 2025, adhering to Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. Studies were included if they assessed fluid balance in patients receiving albumin in conjunction with diuretics or RRT for fluid removal. The primary outcome was average daily net fluid balance and secondary outcomes included mortality, ventilator-free days, length of stay, acute kidney injury and change in Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score. Only four studies involving 196 patients have evaluated net fluid balance in patients receiving albumin as an adjunct to diuretics. Our analysis revealed no significant difference in the average daily net fluid balance between the albumin and control groups (mean difference: -0.22 L/d; 95% CI: -0.88 to 0.43; with high heterogeneity in the reported results. Insufficient data on secondary outcomes was found. No data on the safety-profile in fluid de-resuscitation and on cost-effectiveness are currently available. The methodology of the existing literature is biased, contradictory and of poor overall quality. This review of albumin co-administration with diuretics and/or RRT in fluid de-resuscitation in the critical ill underscores the limited and often contradictory evidence currently available, despite the frequent use of this practice in clinical settings. Further high-quality research is warranted to determine its efficacy in achieving negative fluid balance and to clarify its impact on clinically relevant patient outcomes.

Achieving optimal skin scarring after surgery is a major concern for patients and physicians worldwide. An innovative form of photobiomodulation, namely Fluorescent Light Energy (FLE), is increasingly used in clinical settings as an adjunct to the Standard of Care (SoC) to treat wounds. In Italy, a post-market observational investigation using data from the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) was conducted to confirm the effectiveness of FLE in managing post-abdominoplasty scars as an adjunct to standard of care (SoC). The observational investigation involved the POSAS data of 27 patients treated with FLE treatment, namely LumiHeal. LumiHeal was applied for four weeks during dressing changes following surgery. POSAS questionnaires administered during follow-up visits at three (FU1) and six (FU2) months after surgery were investigated. POSAS scores' percentage decrease and statistically significant P value were calculated. The results showed a significant decrease in the mean values on POSAS Total Scores from FU1 to FU2, and on each sub-scale of the Observer POSAS, as well as on the Patient POSAS on colour, indicative of healthy healing and aesthetically pleasing scar outcomes. In addition, no patient developed complications, including wound dehiscence or infections, or skin lesions due to FLE applications. Observational POSAS data evaluation reveals to be a valid tool, suggesting that LumiHeal FLE treatment was an effective adjunctive treatment to the SoC on 27 patients in a real-life setting as an Italian clinic for postoperative scar management.

Letter to the editor

Despite advancement of therapeutic approaches to recurrent pericarditis, it poses notable challenges to its' management. As per the current guidelines, colchicine is the first line therapy, although, non-conventional treatments like interleukin-1 (IL-1) antagonists (rilonacept, anakinra, goflikicept) are progressively utilized for refractory cases. A comprehensive electronic search identified relevant literature across multiple databases, focusing on recurrence rates and adverse effects associated with each treatment regimen. Eleven studies (6 on colchicine, 5 on IL-1 antagonists) involving 1053 patients were included. Colchicine significantly reduced recurrence risk by 63% (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.27-0.52). IL-1 antagonists demonstrated superior efficacy: anakinra reduced recurrence by 98% (OR 0.02, 95% CI 0.01-0.07), rilonacept by 98% (OR 0.02, 95% CI 0.01-0.07), and goflikicept by 99% (OR 0.01, 95% CI 0.00-0.05). Adverse effects were comparable between colchicine and IL-1 antagonists except for rilonacept, which showed a higher risk (OR 5.70, 95% CI 2.13-15.27). IL-1 antagonists significantly reduce recurrent pericarditis episodes compared to colchicine, with anakinra, rilonacept, and goflikicept demonstrating high efficacy and acceptable safety profiles. These findings support their consideration as alternative therapies in colchicine-refractory cases of recurrent pericarditis. Further studies are warranted to refine treatment guidelines and optimize patient outcomes.

Recently, the FFR-Guidance for Complete Nonculprit Revascularization (FULL REVASC) trial in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with multiple vessel disease (MVD) did not show differences in the composite endpoint of death from any cause, myocardial infarction, or unplanned revascularization than culprit-lesion-only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at 4.8 years, although complete revascularization is a recommendation IA in current guidelines. We want to determine through an updated meta-analysis whether complete revascularization is associated with decreased mortality and hard clinical endpoints compared to culprit lesion only PCI. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from January 1990 to April 2024 using the terms "percutaneous coronary intervention" combined with "non culprit lesions" or "culprit lesion" or "complete revascularization" or "incomplete revascularization." Additionally, a "snowball search" was conducted. Only randomized clinical trials (RCT) reporting mortality, re-infarction or new revascularization after at least 12 months and using predominantly drug eluting stents were included. The summary effect of different revascularization strategies on cardiovascular endpoints was estimated and measures of effect size were expressed as odds ratios (ORs). Eight RCT involving 9515 patients were included, with a follow-up range between 12 months and 4.8 years. Main findings show that culprit lesion revascularization was associated with an increased risk of MI (OR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.81, I2 42%) and ischemia-guided revascularization (OR: 2.81; 95% CI: 1.86 to 4.26, I2 80%) compared to complete revascularization, without differences in overall mortality (OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 0.98 to 1.36, I2 2%). In patients with STEMI and MVD without cardiogenic shock, our metanalysis showed that complete revascularization with PCI significantly reduced the risk of non-fatal myocardial reinfarction and ischemic-driven revascularization compared to culprit vessel-only revascularization, without differences in overall mortality.

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute reversible heart dysfunction affecting mostly post-menopausal women, frequently precipitated by a significant stressful event, presenting as an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. The pathogenesis is not fully understood, but a close relationship between individual's mind, brain, neuroendocrine system and the heart may be involved in a mind-heart axis. The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of psychopathological findings in TTS patients as compared to healthy subjects, patients affected by psychiatric diseases and patients affected by ACS. This observational study enrolled 40 female subjects divided into 4 subgroups: TTS patients, healthy subjects, psychiatric patients and ACS patients, matched for age. Psychosocial factors and psychopathological dimensions have been evaluated. Patients who signed informed consent were interviewed by the administration of a complex psychometric battery, including Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, State Trait Anxiety Inventory, Form Y. Comparing the groups, the TTS group showed a statistically significant difference vs. ACS group concerning psychological violence subscale (P=0.049) of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, while significant statistical difference emerged in TTS group vs. healthy subjects control group, regarding cyclothymia subscale (P=0.008). Statistically significant differences were documented in TTS group vs. psychiatric cohort in cyclothymia subscale (P=0.012). Moreover, comparison between TTS and ACS group, revealed a statistically significant difference in the sub-scale of self-confidence and management of negative emotions (P=0.0028). One of the most significant features was the evidence of statistically significant differences in TTS vs. ACS group, concerning total and average value of anxiety (P=0.014 and P=0.031 respectively) and in the comparison of TTS group vs. healthy subjects (P=0.005 for the total anxiety value and P=0.021 for the average value). Finally, both depression and mania were statistically significant raised in the TTS group compared to the healthy subjects' group (P=0.00 and P=0.013, respectively). Psychosocial and psychopathological dimensions of TTS patients have been explored and analyzed in a cohort of TTS patients vs. ACS, healthy subjects and psychiatric patients, showing statistically significant differences among the various groups. Psychopathological symptoms were more frequent in TTS patients, suggesting an evident involvement of mind-heart axis in this disease. Future studies are needed to investigate the cause-effect relationship between psychopathological features and the occurrence of TTS.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a frequent medical condition. Type 2 inflammation signs CRSwNP in western countries. Type 2 inflammation leads to nasal airflow limitation. Budesonide aqueous nasal spray (BANS) is an intranasal corticosteroid (INCS); it has been launched in the early 1980s. BANS is indicated for treating allergic rhinitis, nonallergic rhinitis, and nasal polyps (both as treatment and prevention after surgery). Consolidated evidence documented its efficacy in treating CRSwNP. In addition, BANS is safe with negligible local and systemic side effects. Recent guidelines for patients with CRSwNP recommend using INCS as the first line in many situations. In particular, patients may assess the perception of symptoms' severity using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). A score >5/10 means uncontrolled symptoms in both diseases and requires adequate treatment. BANS could appropriately be used in patients with uncontrolled symptoms and/or moderate/severe nasal obstruction. In addition, BANS may adequately integrate surgery and biologics for CRSwNP management. In conclusion, BANS represents a valuable option in managing patients with type 2-mediated CRSwNP.