DR. RODNEY JON KRATZ, M.D.

Plain English
This study examined a case of basal cell carcinoma, a common skin cancer, located around the anal area in a 67-year-old man who had noticed a painless growth for five years. The cancer was too large to be surgically removed, but doctors performed a procedure to help manage his symptoms, allowing him to receive radiation treatment totaling 5,400 cGy. This case is significant because it shows how combining palliative surgery and radiation can effectively treat a rare cancer in an unusual location. Who this helps: This helps patients with perianal basal cell carcinoma and their doctors.

Plain English
This study looked at how often parents ask pediatricians to delay or refuse vaccinations for their children and how that affects the doctors' practices. It found that the number of pediatricians reporting parents refusing vaccines rose from 74.5% in 2006 to 87.0% in 2013. Many pediatricians believe more parents think vaccinations are unnecessary and more are dismissing patients who refuse vaccines, increasing from 6.1% to 11.7%. Who this helps: This information helps pediatricians and public health officials understand vaccination trends and improve communication with parents about the importance of immunizations.

Plain English
This study focused on a new method for treating complex anal fistulas using a procedure called modified LIFT. Researchers found that this procedure had a success rate of 71.4%, with very low rates of complications like recurrences (5.35%) and persistent fistulas (16.07%). This is important because it shows that this new approach is effective and safe, and it does not lead to long-term bowel control problems. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from anal fistulas and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
Researchers focused on controlling high blood sugar levels in patients before and after surgery, as high blood sugar can lead to infections and other complications. They found that by implementing a standardized protocol, the average blood sugar before surgery dropped from 191 to 155 mg/dL, and the percentage of patients who managed to lower their blood sugar after surgery more than doubled, from 21% to 43%. This is important because better blood sugar control can lead to fewer infections and quicker recoveries in surgical patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing surgery, especially those with diabetes or high blood sugar.

Plain English
Researchers studied how well children's immune systems remembered a vaccine they received against meningococcal disease. They found that children who were previously vaccinated with the MCV-4 vaccine had significantly higher levels of antibodies—about 23 to 36 months later—compared to newly vaccinated kids, which showed that the immune memory from the vaccine was strong. This is important because it indicates that the MCV-4 vaccine provides lasting protection and effective boosting against meningococcal infections. Who this helps: This benefits young children and their parents by ensuring better protection against serious meningococcal diseases.

Plain English
This study looked at the effects of a treatment called recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-I (rhIGF-I) on patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), testing it on 266 people over nine months. The results showed that patients taking a high dose of rhIGF-I (0.10 mg/kg/day) experienced a 26% slower progression of their symptoms compared to those on a placebo, and they also had a slower decline in their quality of life. This matters because finding effective treatments can help improve the lives of people with ALS. Who this helps: This helps patients with ALS and their families.

Plain English
Researchers studied the effects of a hormone called Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone (TRH) given to patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) over two weeks. They found that while TRH led to temporary muscle stiffness and breathing difficulties shortly after injections, it did not improve muscle strength or reflexes. This is important because it helps clarify what treatments may not be effective for ALS patients, guiding future research and treatment options. Who this helps: This helps ALS patients and their healthcare providers by showing which treatments to avoid.

Plain English
Researchers studied the effects of a treatment called DN-1417, which is an alternative to a hormone thought to help with strength in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). They gave 2 mg of DN-1417 twice a day for a month to nine patients but found that there were no measurable improvements in their strength. This is important because it shows that DN-1417 doesn't provide the hoped-for benefits for ALS patients, indicating the need to explore other treatment options. Who this helps: This helps patients with ALS and their families by providing clarity on treatment options.

Plain English
This study compared three methods for predicting the correct power of eye implants used in surgery, looking at 654 cases. Researchers found that the SRK formula was the most accurate, having a smaller average error and a better success rate, with fewer than 2 diopters of error in many cases. This is important because better predictions lead to improved patient outcomes in eye surgery. Who this helps: Patients undergoing eye implant surgeries.

Plain English
The study looked at a 29-year-old woman who had muscle weakness and very low levels of carnitine in her body, which is important for energy production. Even after taking carnitine supplements, her muscle strength and ability to exercise did not improve, although her blood carnitine levels became normal and her blood sugar stayed stable. This highlights that existing categories of carnitine deficiencies may not fully capture the complexity of such conditions. Who this helps: Patients with muscle-related issues linked to carnitine deficiency.