scholarly journals P0258EVALUATION OF ACUTE - PHASE REACTANTS IN MONITORING DISEASE ACTIVITY AND RESPONSE TO IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE THERAPY IN IDIOPATHIC RETROPERITONEAL FIBROSIS

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarina Obrencevic ◽  
Marijana Petroviä‡ ◽  
Nemanja Rancic ◽  
Jelena Tadiä‡ ◽  
Neven Vavic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retroperitoneal Fibrosis ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Immunosuppressive Drugs ◽  
Obstructive Nephropathy ◽  
Mass Reduction ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Idiopathic Retroperitoneal Fibrosis ◽  
Acute Phase Reactants ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
One Year

Abstract Background and Aims Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (IRF) is a rare disease characterized by fibroinflammatory periaortic tissue that affects the ureters, causing obstructive nephropathy and impairment of renal function. Findings strongly suggest an autoimmune etiology. Medical treatment includes immunosuppressive drugs, but the optimal treatment has not been established. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) represent markers of active inflammation in the early phase of the disease, and hence could be sensitive predictors of the treatment response. Method This retrospective case series study includes patients with IRF treated with two different protocols: corticosteroids in combination with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and corticosteroids combined with azathioprine (AZA). The total number of 28 patients (13 in the first group and 15 in the second group) were treated and followed in the Clinic of nephrology in Military Medical Academy. Results At presentation 92.3% of patients had elevated levels of ESR and CRP, and 67.8% of them had acute renal insufficiency. Systemic symptoms resolved after four weeks in all patients. The kidney function improved significantly in both groups after first moth of treatment, although the creatinine level was higher in the MMF group because of the disease recurrence in 23% of the patients. In MMF group was observed faster reduction in the periaortic mass after six months and 53.8% of patients achieve 100% of the mass reduction at the end of the treatment while 33.3% in AZA group. The levels of ESR and CRP after one month of treatment in AZA group correlated with the fibrotic mass reduction after six months and after one year. In MMF group, only the CRP level after one month correlated with the fibrotic mass reduction achieved after one year. Conclusion MMF had more rapid and complete effect in hydrnephrosis withdrawal and total reduction of the fibrotic tissue, comparing with AZA whose effect was slower and without complete mass reduction. CRP strongly correlated with the remission of the disease in both therapeutic protocols.

scholarly journals Safety and effectiveness of intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation at Al-Dharan Eye Specialist Hospital, Al-Dharan, Saudi Arabia

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 1295
Author(s):  
Abdulaziz Alaqsam ◽  
Mohanna AL-Jindan ◽  
Ammar Almahmod ◽  
Ibrahim Gosadi
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Applanation Tonometry ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Intrastromal Corneal Ring ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Ring Segment ◽  
The Mean ◽  
One Year

Background: Intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation is one of the treatment options of keratoconus. This study is aiming to evaluate safety and effectivness of ICRS implantation at Al-Dharan Eye Specialist Hospital.Methods: This study is a descriptive retrospective case series study. The target population of this study is patients diagnosed with corneal ectasia who underwent ICRS implantation in Al-Dharan Eye Specialist Hospital, Al-Dharan, Saudi Arabia. Preoperative and postoperative data about uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle–corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), manifest refraction, keratometry, applanation tonometry, corneal topography, and slit-lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy were retrieved from medical records of department of Medical Archive. Paired students t-test was used to compare preoperative and postoperative means of study variables.Results: The total number of recruited patients in this study was 57 patients where 62% of them were males. Sixty-six treated eyes were included in this study where no intra-operative complications were recorded. Upon comparing the mean preoperative data to the mean postoperative data at three months, six months and one year intervals, an overall improvement in the measured outcomes was witnessed. UCVA, BSCVA, and keratometric readings exhibited a statistically significant improvement when comparing preoperative with one-year postoperative findings (p<0.001).Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that ICRS implantation is a safe and effective treatment for keratoconus.

scholarly journals Mycophenolate mofetil combined with steroids: New experiences in the treatment of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis

2007 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 385-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarina Obrencevic ◽  
Dragan Jovanovic ◽  
Zoran Kovacevic ◽  
Rajko Hrvacevic ◽  
Ljiljana Ignjatovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renal Failure ◽  
Mycophenolate Mofetil ◽  
Normal Level ◽  
Retroperitoneal Fibrosis ◽  
Oral Prednisone ◽  
Immunosuppressive Drugs ◽  
Obstructive Nephropathy ◽  
Idiopathic Retroperitoneal Fibrosis ◽  
Prior Therapy ◽  
Ureteral Catheters

Background/Aim. Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (IRF) is an uncommon disease characterized by a retroperitoneal fibrotic tissue that often involve the ureters, leading to the obstructive nephropathy and variable impairment of renal function. Findings strongly suggest an autoimmune etiology. Surgery, medical treatment with immunosuppressive drugs, or a combination of both are proposed. The optimal treatment has not been established yet. The aim of this study was to present our experience with combined immunosuppressive therapy of IRF, steroids (S) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Methods. We prospectively followed four patients with IRF from January 2004 to December 2006. Three patients had an active disease with bilateral hydronephrosis. In the two of them acute renal failure was presented, and ureteral catheters were inserted in one in order to manage ureteral obstruction. One patient has came to our unit with a relapse of IRF and incipient chronic renal failure after the prior therapy with ureterolysis and immunosuppressive drugs (azathioprine and tamoxifen). All patients received steroids and MMF. Two patients were treated with intravenous methylprednisolone pulses (250 mg each), for three consecutive days, followed by oral prednisone 0.5 mg/kg/day. The other two patients received oral prednisone at the same dose. Prednisone was gradually tappered to a maintenance dose of 10 mg/kg/day. Simultaneously, all patients received MMF, initially 1 g/day with the increase to 2 g/day. Results. After four weeks of the therapy all symptoms disappeared, as well as a hydronephrosis with a decrease of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and Creactive protein (CRP) to normal level in all patients. Three patients remain in remission untill the end of the follow up. One patient had a relapse because of stopping taking the therapy after six months. He was treated by oral prednisone 0.5 mg/kg/day, which was gradually decreased. After twelve weeks hydronephrosis disappeared and CRP returns to the normal level. Conclusion. The combination of steroids and mycophenolate mofetil led to the remission of IRF with a strong and quick immunosuppressive effect. It also provided avoiding the long-term use of high steroid dose and surgical procedures. .

scholarly journals A review of malignant pleural mesothelioma in a large North East UK pleural centre

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Declan C. Murphy ◽  
Alexander Mount ◽  
Fiona Starkie ◽  
Leah Taylor ◽  
Avinash Aujayeb
Keyword(s):  
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Pleural Mesothelioma ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Pleural Thickening ◽  
North East ◽  
Total Cohort ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
One Year

AbstractObjectivesThe National Mesothelioma Audit 2020 showed Northumbria to have low rates of histopathological confirmation, treatment and one-year survival rates for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). We hypothesized that an internal analysis over a 10-year period provides valuable insights into presentation, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes.MethodsA single-centre retrospective case series of all confirmed MPM patients between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2019 was performed. Demographics, clinical, radiological and histopathological characteristics and outcomes were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS V26.0.ResultsA total of 247 patients had MPM. About 86% were male, mean age 75.7 years. Dyspnoea (77.4%) and chest pain (38.5%) were commonest symptoms. 64.9 and 71.4% had pleural thickening and effusion, respectively. About 86.8% had at least one attempt to obtain a tissue biopsy, but histopathological confirmation in only 108 (43.7%). About 66.3% with PS 0 and 1 (62.7% of total cohort) had at least one anti-cancer therapy. Death within 12 months was associated with disease progression within 6 months (p≤0.001). Chemotherapy (p≤0.001) and epithelioid histological subtype (p=0.01) were protective.ConclusionsThis study confirms known epidemiology of MPM, demonstrates variability in practices and highlights how some NMA recommendations are not met. This provides the incentive for a regional mesothelioma multi-disciplinary meeting.

scholarly journals Clinical Characteristics, Treatments and Outcomes of 18 Lung Transplant Recipients with COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 229-245
Author(s):  
René Hage ◽  
Carolin Steinack ◽  
Fiorenza Gautschi ◽  
Susan Pfister ◽  
Ilhan Inci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Transplant ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Invasive Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Transplant Recipients ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Lung Transplant Recipients

We report clinical features, treatments and outcomes in 18 lung transplant recipients with laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. We performed a single center, retrospective case series study of lung transplant recipients, who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 between 1 February 2020 and 1 March 2021. Clinical, laboratory and radiology findingswere obtained. Treatment regimens and patient outcome data were obtained by reviewing the electronic medical record. Mean age was 49.9 (22–68) years, and twelve (67%) patients were male. The most common symptoms were fever (n = 9, 50%), nausea/vomiting (n = 7, 39%), cough (n = 6, 33%), dyspnea (n = 6, 33%) and fatigue (n = 6, 33%). Headache was reported by five patients (28%). The most notable laboratory findings were elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Computed Tomography (CT) of the chest was performed in all hospitalized patients (n = 11, 7%), and showed ground-glass opacities (GGO) in 11 patients (100%), of whom nine (82%) had GGO combined with pulmonary consolidations. Six (33%) patients received remdesivir, five (28%) intravenous dexamethasone either alone or in combination with remdesivir, and 15 (83%) were treated with broad spectrum antibiotics including co-amoxicillin, tazobactam-piperacillin and meropenem. Four (22%) patients were transferred to the intensive care unit, two patients (11%) required invasive mechanical ventilation who could not be successfully extubated and died. Eighty-nine percent of our patients survived COVID-19 and were cured. Two patients with severe COVID-19 did not survive.

scholarly journals One-year outcomes of fixed-dosing Aflibercept therapy for pre treated and naive polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy patient

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hun Gu Choo ◽  
Jin Hae Lee ◽  
Hyun Sub Oh ◽  
Soon Hyun Kim ◽  
Yong Sung You ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Research Information ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Treatment Naïve ◽  
One Year ◽  
Choroidal Vasculopathy

Abstract Background Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is a type of age-related macular degeneration that can cause permanent vision loss. The purpose of this paper was to report the one-year outcomes of fixed-dosing aflibercept therapy for the treatment of PCV. Methods This was a prospective, single-arm, interventional case series study of 25 PCV patients; 12 pre-treated and 13 treatment-naïve patients. The patients were treated and monitored for 12 months. Each patient was administered with an aflibercept (2.0 mg) injection every month for the first 3 months (the loading phase), and thereafter, once every 2 months. At every follow-up visit, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) test, fundus examination, and optical coherence tomography for measuring the central subfield macular thickness (CSMT) were performed. Fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography were conducted at baseline and at 4 and 12 months. Results After 12 months of aflibercept therapy, the mean BCVA of the patients significantly improved from 65.48 letters at baseline to 69.91 letters (p=0.001), and the CSMT significantly decreased from 406.92 um at baseline to 276.12 um (p< 0.001). Additionally, ten patients (40%) showed complete polyp regression. The treatment-naïve patients showed a statistically significant improvement in BCVA from 66.58 letters at baseline to 76.36 letters at 12 months, and a significant decrease in CSMT, from 462 to 243 um. In the pre-treated group, there was no change in BCVA (64.46 letters), and the decrease in CSMT from 356.08 to 303.69 um was not statistically significant. Conclusions The fixed-dosing aflibercept regimen is effective for treating patients with PCV and is more effective in treatment-naïve patients than in pre-treated patients. Trial registration Clinical Research Information Service (CRiS), Republic of Korea. Identifer: KCT0005798, Registered: Jan 20, 2021. Retrospectively registered, URL: https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/en/search/search_result_st01.jsp?seq=18546

Electrophysiological effects and clinical utility of propafenone in children

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Manavotam Singh ◽  
Keore McKenzie ◽  
Mark L. Hudak ◽  
Anil K. Gehi ◽  
Sunita J. Ferns
Keyword(s):  
Case Series ◽  
Clinical Effectiveness ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Cardiac Side Effects ◽  
Cardiac Depression ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Baseline Characteristics ◽  
Antiarrhythmic Medication ◽  
Electrophysiological Effects ◽  
Series Study

Abstract Aim: This retrospective case series study sought to describe the safety and clinical effectiveness of propafenone for the control of arrhythmias in children with and without CHD or cardiomyopathy. Methods: We reviewed baseline characteristics and subsequent outcomes in a group of 63 children treated with propafenone at 2 sites over a 15-year period Therapy was considered effective if no clinically apparent breakthrough episodes of arrhythmias were noted on the medication. Results: Sixty-three patients (29 males) were initiated on propafenone at a median age of 2.3 years. CHD or cardiomyopathy was noted in 21/63 (33%). There were no significant differences between demographics, clinical backgrounds, antiarrhythmic details, side effect profiles, and outcomes between children with normal hearts and children with CHD or cardiomyopathy. Cardiac depression at the initiation of propafenone was more common amongst children with CHD or cardiomyopathy compared to children with normal hearts. Systemic ventricular function was diminished in 15/63 patients (24%) prior to starting propafenone and improved in 8/15 (53%) of patients once better rhythm control was achieved. Other than one child in whom medication was stopped due to gastroesophageal reflux, no other child experienced significant systemic or cardiac side effects during treatment with propafenone. Propafenone achieved nearly equal success in controlling arrhythmias in both children with normal hearts and children with congenital heart disease or cardiomyopathy (90% versus 86%, p = 0.88). Conclusion: Propafenone is a safe and effective antiarrhythmic medication in children.

One-year Follow-Up Results with Hydrogel Implant in Therapy of Hallux Rigidus: Case Series with 44 Patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Zanzinger ◽  
Norbert Harrasser ◽  
Oliver Gottschalk ◽  
Patrick Dolp ◽  
Florian Hinterwimmer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Learning Algorithm ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Metatarsophalangeal Joint ◽  
Hallux Rigidus ◽  
Therapy Failure ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Aofas Score ◽  
Medium Level ◽  
One Year

Abstract Background The Cartiva implant (CI) is being increasingly used in the surgical therapy of hallux rigidus. Despite a growing number of studies, numerous questions regarding patient selection remain unanswered. Patients and Methods As part of a retrospective case series with prospective follow-up (average follow-up period: 12 months), a total of 44 patients (male/female = 16/28; mean age at the time of surgery: 55.4 years) with 44 CI were analysed (VAS, EFAS-, AOFAS-score). Using a correlation analysis and a machine learning algorithm, risk factors for therapy failure were investigated. Results The overall survival rate of the CI was 93% at 12 months. The VAS, EFAS and AOFAS scores showed a significant improvement in comparison to the preoperative condition. The mobility of the metatarsophalangeal joint showed no increase. Patients with a medium osteoarthritis grade and a medium level of clinical restraint showed the greatest improvement in relation to their preoperative condition. Conclusion The CI can be seen as an effective therapy for hallux rigidus. Nonetheless, realistic patient expectations must be communicated.

scholarly journals Safety of alemtuzumab in a nationwide cohort of Finnish multiple sclerosis patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilkka Rauma ◽  
Tiina Mustonen ◽  
Juha Matti Seppä ◽  
Maritta Ukkonen ◽  
Marianne Männikkö ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Serious Adverse Events ◽  
Highly Active ◽  
Disease Modifying Therapy ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Abstract Background Alemtuzumab is an effective disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for highly active multiple sclerosis (MS). However, safety concerns limit its use in clinical practice. Objectives To evaluate the safety of alemtuzumab in a nationwide cohort of Finnish MS patients. Methods In this retrospective case series study, we analyzed the data of all but two MS patients who had received alemtuzumab in Finland until 2019. Data were systematically collected from patient files. Results Altogether 121 patients were identified, most of whom had received previous DMTs (82.6%). Median follow-up time after treatment initiation was 30.3 months and exceeded 24 months in 78 patients. Infusion-associated reactions (IARs) were observed in 84.3%, 57.3%, and 57.1% of patients during alemtuzumab courses 1–3, respectively. Serious adverse events (SAEs) were observed in 32.2% of patients, serious IARs in 12.4% of patients, and SAEs other than IARs in 23.1% of patients. Autoimmune adverse events were observed in 30.6% of patients. One patient died of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and one patient died of pneumonia. A previously unreported case of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura was documented. Conclusions SAEs were more frequent in the present cohort than in previous studies. Even though alemtuzumab is a highly effective therapy for MS, vigorous monitoring with a long enough follow-up time is advised.

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