Fifteen-minute consultation: Assessing the child with persistent urticaria

2019 ◽  
pp. edpract-2018-315878
Author(s):  
Simon Jonathan Hardman ◽  
Eleanor Minshall
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Urticaria ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
Short Discussion ◽  
Underlying Factor ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Structured Approach ◽  
Costly Screening

Chronic urticaria is the presence of wheals and/or angioedema, with daily or intermittent symptoms lasting more than 6 weeks. Although rarely life threatening, it can be a cause of significant embarrassment and misery. In most cases, no underlying factor is identified. It is therefore important to have a structured approach to the assessment in order to exclude important diagnoses, minimise costly screening tests and ensure a correct diagnosis is made. This article aims to highlight the importance of a focused history, provides a clear scheme for establishing a diagnosis and recommends when to perform appropriate investigations. A short discussion regarding treatment options and prognosis is also provided.

scholarly journals Hereditary angioedema: an update on causes, manifestations and treatment

2019 ◽  
Vol 80 (7) ◽  
pp. 391-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hilary J Longhurst ◽  
Konrad Bork
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Hereditary Angioedema ◽  
Genetic Disorder ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Self Administration ◽  
Diagnosis And Management ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Short And Long Term

Hereditary angioedema is a rare genetic disorder caused by deficiency of C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) and characterized by recurrent episodes of severe swelling that affect the limbs, face, intestinal tract and airway. Since laryngeal oedema can be life-threatening as a result of asphyxiation, correct diagnosis and management of hereditary angioedema is vital. Hereditary angioedema attacks are mediated by bradykinin, the production of which is regulated by C1-INH. Hereditary angioedema therapy relies on treatment of acute attacks, and short- and long-term prophylaxis. Acute treatment options include C1-INH concentrate, icatibant and ecallantide. Self-administration of treatment is recommended and is associated with increased quality of life of patients with hereditary angioedema. Advances in diagnosis and management have improved the outcomes and quality of life of patients with hereditary angioedema.

scholarly journals A case report of capillary leak syndrome with recurrent pericardial and pleural effusions

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Habib R Khan ◽  
Saima Khan ◽  
Asha Srikanth ◽  
William H T Smith
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Options ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Capillary Leak Syndrome ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Capillary Leak ◽  
Pleural Effusions ◽  
Pericardial Effusions ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
High Degree

Abstract Background Capillary leak syndrome (CLS) is a rare connective tissue disease, triggered by the leak of serous fluid into the interstitial spaces, characterized by a hallmark of oedema and effusions in confined spaces. The limiting factor in CLS management appears to be its diagnosis rather than treatment, which is usually to contain the disease progression rather than a cure. Case summary We report a case of a 51-year-old woman with recurrent life-threatening presentations of pericardial effusions, pleural effusions, and generalized swelling of face and extremities. The only notable past medical history was of Type 1 diabetes. Numerous investigations did not lead to specific disease accounting for pericardial effusions and pleural effusions. Eventually, the diagnosis of CLS was made based on hypovolaemic shock, hypoalbuminaemia, and haemoconcentration without the presence of albuminuria. She was managed with steroids to reduce system inflammation and later with immunoglobulins and tumour necrosis factor to contain the disease process. Since her diagnosis and subsequent appropriate management, she has not had further admissions with cardiac tamponade 16 months of follow-up. Discussion The diagnosis of CLS is difficult to make unless there is a high degree of suspicion and until other causes have been ruled out. It remains a challenging condition to manage as the treatment options are limited and patients recurrently present with emergencies until the correct diagnosis is made and the optimal treatment is provided.

Ascites, Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis, and Hepatorenal Syndrome

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fredric D. Gordon
Keyword(s):  
Web Sites ◽  
Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis ◽  
Hepatorenal Syndrome ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
Refractory Ascites ◽  
Bacterial Peritonitis ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Associated Conditions ◽  
Primary Focus

Ascites, a common occurrence in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension, is the pathologic accumulation of fluid in the peritoneum. Associated conditions are spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). SBP occurs in 30% of patients with ascites and carries a 20% mortality, most often due to the severity of the underlying cirrhosis. HRS involves life-threatening sequela of refractory ascites with limited treatment options; a review that focuses exclusively on this disease can be found elsewhere in this section. The development of these diseases is a poor prognostic feature, and referral for liver transplantation should be a consideration. This review examines ascites, SBP, and HRS and their relation to each other. The primary focus is ascites, addressing its epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and management. Figures show theories of ascites formation and pathophysiology of HPS. Tables list screening tests on ascitic fluid, serum ascites–albumin gradient, drugs and agents to avoid in patients with ascites, diagnostic criteria for HPS, and clinical features of type 1 HPS. Also included are two recommended, pertinent Web sites for those who wish to learn more about ascites, SBP, and HPS. This review contains 2 highly rendered figures, 5 tables, and 73 references.

scholarly journals Ossification of the Anterior Longitudinal Ligament with Dysphagia as the First Symptom: Rehabilitation of Two Cases

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (16) ◽  
pp. 7300
Author(s):  
Norihiro Nishida ◽  
Hiroyoshi Ogasa ◽  
Kazushige Seki ◽  
Tomohiro Kato ◽  
Yasuaki Imajo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Options ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Timing Of Surgery ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
Posterior Fixation ◽  
Anterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Posterior Decompression ◽  
Pharyngeal Cavity ◽  
Life Threatening

Dysphagia is associated with poor quality of life, and pneumonia due to aspiration is life-threatening. Cervical ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament (C-OALL) is one of the causes of dysphagia, and we report two cases in which dysphagia improved after surgery. Case 1: A 76-year-old man had C-OALL of greater than 16 mm and dysphagia and developed myelopathy. A fall resulted in upper and lower limb insufficiency paralysis, and posterior decompression fixation was performed. Pressure on the pharynx by C-OALL remained, but dysphagia improved. Improvement in this case was considered to be due to the loss of intervertebral mobility. Case 2: A 62-year-old man developed dysphagia 6 years ago. It gradually exacerbated, and the C-OALL increased. Laryngeal fiberscope and swallowing angiography revealed that the pharyngeal cavity was compressed and narrowed anteriorly due to ossification. Resection of the ossification was performed, and the patient’s symptoms improved. Direct decompression was successful in this case. Several evaluation methods for dysphagia have been reported, including screening tests, endoscopy, contrast studies, and radiological evaluation. In case 1, extensive ossification was improved by posterior fixation, albeit incidentally, whereas in case 2, a patient with extensive ossification exhibited symptoms. It is necessary to examine the cervical mobility, extent and morphology of ossification, and timing of surgery stenosis to determine the risk factors and treatment options, including rehabilitation.

An Overview of Dementias

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 75-84
Author(s):  
Venkata Vijaya K. Dalai ◽  
Jason E. Childress ◽  
Paul E Schulz
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Current Treatment ◽  
Great Variability ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Public Health Concern ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
The Common ◽  
Neurodegenerative Dementias ◽  
Made In

Dementia is a major public health concern that afflicts an estimated 24.3 million people worldwide. Great strides are being made in order to better diagnose, prevent, and treat these disorders. Dementia is associated with multiple complications, some of which can be life-threatening, such as dysphagia. There is great variability between dementias in terms of when dysphagia and other swallowing disorders occur. In order to prepare the reader for the other articles in this publication discussing swallowing issues in depth, the authors of this article will provide a brief overview of the prevalence, risk factors, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, current treatment options, and implications for eating for the common forms of neurodegenerative dementias.

scholarly journals TNF-Alpha Inhibitors for Chronic Urticaria: Experience in 20 Patients

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Freja Lærke Sand ◽  
Simon Francis Thomsen
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Chronic Urticaria ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Response Duration ◽  
Immunosuppressive Drugs ◽  
Tnf Alpha ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Duration Of Treatment ◽  
Durable Response

Patients with severe chronic urticaria may not respond to antihistamines, and other systemic treatment options may either be ineffective or associated with unacceptable side effects. We present data on efficacy and safety of adalimumab and etanercept in 20 adult patients with chronic urticaria. Twelve (60%) patients obtained complete or almost complete resolution of urticaria after onset of therapy with either adalimumab or etanercept. Further three patients (15%) experienced partial response. Duration of treatment ranged between 2 and 39 months. Those responding completely or almost completely had a durable response with a mean of 11 months. Six patients (30%) experienced side effects and five patients had mild recurrent upper respiratory infections, whereas one patient experienced severe CNS toxicity that could be related to treatment with TNF-alpha inhibitor. Adalimumab and etanercept may be effective and relatively safe treatment options in a significant proportion of patients with chronic urticaria who do not respond sufficiently to high-dose antihistamines or in whom standard immunosuppressive drugs are ineffective or associated with unacceptable side effects.

Ultrasound diagnosis of dissecting thoracic aortic aneurysms: procedure with a handheld device and a video-illustrated case

2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-15
Author(s):  
Kenneth V Iserson ◽  
Sri Devi Jagjit ◽  
Balram Doodnauth
Keyword(s):  
Aortic Dissection ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Handheld Device ◽  
Thoracic Aortic Dissection ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Handheld Ultrasound

Acute thoracic aortic dissection is an uncommon, although not rare, life-threatening condition. With protean signs and symptoms that often suggest more common cardiac or pulmonary conditions, it can be difficult to diagnose. Ultrasound has proven useful in making the correct diagnosis. This case demonstrates that training gained using standard ultrasound machines can be easily and successfully adapted to newer handheld ultrasound devices. The examination technique using the handheld device is illustrated with photos and a video.

scholarly journals Congenital Craniofacial Plexiform Neurofibroma in Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 218
Author(s):  
Antonella Cacchione ◽  
Alessia Carboni ◽  
Mariachiara Lodi ◽  
Rita De Vito ◽  
Andrea Carai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Plexiform Neurofibroma ◽  
Neurofibromatosis Type ◽  
Detection Techniques ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽  
Diagnostic Work ◽  
Radiological Methods

We present a case demonstrating the performance of different radiographical imaging modalities in the diagnostic work-up of a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and plexiform neurofibroma (PN). The newborn boy showed an expansive-infiltrative cervical and facial mass presented with macrocrania, craniofacial disfigurement, exophthalmos and glaucoma. A computer tomography (CT) and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed. The CT was fundamental to evaluate the bone dysmorphisms and the MRI was crucial to estimate the mass extension. The biopsy of the lesion confirmed the suspicion of PN, thus allowing the diagnosis of NF1. PN is a variant of neurofibromas, a peripheral nerves sheath tumor typically associated with NF1. Even through currently available improved detection techniques, NF1 diagnosis at birth remains a challenge due to a lack of pathognomonic signs; therefore congenital PN are recognized in 20% of cases. This case highlights the importance of using different radiological methods both for the correct diagnosis and the follow-up of the patient with PN. Thanks to MRI evaluation, it was possible to identify earlier the progressive increasing size of the PN and the possible life threatening evolution in order to perform a tracheostomy to avoid airways compression.

scholarly journals Radiation-Inactivated Acinetobacter baumannii Vaccine Candidates

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 96
Author(s):  
Stephen J. Dollery ◽  
Daniel V. Zurawski ◽  
Elena K. Gaidamakova ◽  
Vera Y. Matrosova ◽  
John K. Tobin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acinetobacter Baumannii ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Bacterial Pathogen ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Wound Infections ◽  
Protein Profiles ◽  
Vaccine Candidates ◽  
Rich Media ◽  
Life Threatening

Acinetobacter baumannii is a bacterial pathogen that is often multidrug-resistant (MDR) and causes a range of life-threatening illnesses, including pneumonia, septicemia, and wound infections. Some antibiotic treatments can reduce mortality if dosed early enough before an infection progresses, but there are few other treatment options when it comes to MDR-infection. Although several prophylactic strategies have been assessed, no vaccine candidates have advanced to clinical trials or have been approved. Herein, we rapidly produced protective whole-cell immunogens from planktonic and biofilm-like cultures of A. baumannii, strain AB5075 grown using a variety of methods. After selecting a panel of five cultures based on distinct protein profiles, replicative activity was extinguished by exposure to 10 kGy gamma radiation in the presence of a Deinococcus antioxidant complex composed of manganous (Mn2+) ions, a decapeptide, and orthophosphate. Mn2+ antioxidants prevent hydroxylation and carbonylation of irradiated proteins, but do not protect nucleic acids, yielding replication-deficient immunogenic A. baumannii vaccine candidates. Mice were immunized and boosted twice with 1.0 × 107 irradiated bacterial cells and then challenged intranasally with AB5075 using two mouse models. Planktonic cultures grown for 16 h in rich media and biofilm cultures grown in static cultures underneath minimal (M9) media stimulated immunity that led to 80–100% protection.

Approach to the Cardiovascular Patient

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine M. Otto ◽  
David M Shavelle
Keyword(s):  
Physical Examination ◽  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Clinical Status ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Complete Evaluation ◽  
Treatment Expectations ◽  
Cardiovascular Patient ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Background History ◽  
Cardiac Testing

The complete evaluation of the cardiovascular patient begins with a thorough history and a detailed physical examination. These two initial steps will often lead to the correct diagnosis and assist in excluding life-threatening conditions. The history and physical examination findings should be assessed in the overall clinical status of the patient, including the patient's specific complaints, lifestyle, comorbidities, and treatment expectations. This chapter discusses the cardiovascular conditions that frequently require evaluation: chest pain, dyspnea, palpitations, syncope, claudication, and cardiac murmurs; and reviews the background, history and physical examination, and diagnostic tests available for each. Diagnostic algorithms are provided, and the appropriate use of invasive and noninvasive cardiac testing for each condition is discussed. This review contains 8 highly rendered figures, 12 tables, and 52 references.

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