Beyond the Guidelines: Treatment of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis in Cystic Fibrosis

2021 ◽  
pp. 106002802110220
Author(s):  
Madeline G. Tompkins ◽  
Rebecca Pettit

Objective: To review the available literature addressing alternative allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) treatment options for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Data Sources: A literature search of PubMed was performed (January 2002 to April 2021) using the following search terms: allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, aspergillus-related lung disease, cystic fibrosis. Manufacturer prescribing information, clinical practice guidelines, and data from ClinicalTrials.gov were incorporated in the reviewed data. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Relevant English-language studies or those conducted in humans were considered for inclusion. Data Synthesis: Available literature for alternative ABPA treatments in CF is lacking randomized controlled trials, but there is considerable support in case reports and case series describing the benefits in pediatric and adult patients. Recent literature has begun to explore the place in therapy for novel, corticosteroid-sparing treatment approaches. The alternative therapies summarized in this review all resulted in clinical improvement and subsequent discontinuation or dose reductions of oral corticosteroids, with minimal reported adverse drug effects. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Although corticosteroids are the cornerstone of ABPA management, the toxicities can be significant limitations in an already high-risk patient population. Patients may fail or become intolerant to guideline-recommended therapies and require alternative treatment approaches. Conclusions: Alternative treatment modalities for ABPA in patients with CF, including azole antifungals, pulsed intravenous glucocorticoids, omalizumab, mepolizumab, and inhaled amphotericin, appear to be efficacious and well tolerated. Pharmacological properties including route of administration, storage and stability, beyond use dating, and adverse effects of the various treatment modalities must be considered when selecting a practical care plan for patients.

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 175346662096164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel C. Eraso ◽  
Saveria Sangiovanni ◽  
Eliana I. Morales ◽  
Liliana Fernández-Trujillo

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a hypersensitivity reaction (HR) mediated by antigens to Aspergillus fumigatus. It is estimated that 2–15% of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and between 1% and 5% of asthmatics develop ABPA, affecting approximately 4.8 million people worldwide. The goals of treatment are controlling inflammation, reducing the number of exacerbations and limiting the progression of lung damage. Systemic steroids are therefore used as the mainstay therapy, along with antifungal medications. However, many patients do not respond or develop side effects to treatment. In this scenario, biological drugs such as Omalizumab, Mepolizumab, Benralizumab and Dupilumab have been implemented in clinical practice, even though there is a lack of scientific evidence to support their use. We performed a literature review of the studies carried out which analyzed biologics for the management of ABPA in adult populations with asthma and CF. To our knowledge this is the first literature review that included all biologics. We included a total of 32 studies, all but one were descriptive studies, and the vast majority evaluated the use of Omalizumab. Biologics appeared to have more benefit for patients with ABPA and asthma than CF, specifically at decreasing the frequency of acute exacerbations and by having a steroid-sparing effect. Although a decrease in serum IgE level is considered a measure of therapy success, values may not decline as expected in the context of a significant clinical improvement, highlighting the importance of measuring patient-oriented outcomes. As evidence comes mainly from case series and case reports, randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate further the safety and efficacy of biologics in ABPA. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.


Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 53
Author(s):  
Aoife O’Reilly ◽  
Eleanor Dunican

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a pulmonary disorder occurring in response to Aspergillus fumigatus that can complicate the course of asthma and cystic fibrosis. Here we present a case of acute ABPA without central bronchiectasis, a case of chronic active ABPA with central bronchiectasis, and a case of severe relapsing ABPA with central bronchiectasis. All three were initially treated with corticosteroids and antifungal agents but had an incomplete response. These patients were then treated with anti-IgE therapy with omalizumab before being switched to the anti-IL5R agent benralizumab. They responded well to both agents. These case reports highlight the potential role of omalizumab and benralizumab in the treatment of ABPA, but further studies are required to evaluate the effectiveness of these medications. Longer follow-up periods and objective measurements of the impact of treatment are necessary.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Riccardo Scagliola ◽  
Gian Marco Rosa ◽  
Sara Seitun

Background and Aims. Cardiac outpouchings encounter a series of distinct congenital or acquired entities (i.e. aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, diverticula, and herniations), whose knowledge is still poorly widespread in clinical practice. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview focusing on definition, differential diagnosis, and prognostic outcomes of cardiac outpouchings, as well as further insights on therapeutic options, in order to assist physicians in the most appropriate decision-making. Methods. The material reviewed was obtained by the following search engines: MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Clinical Trials databases, from January 1966 until March 2021. We searched for the following keywords (in title and/or abstract): (“cardiac” OR “heart”) AND (“outpouching” OR “outpouch” OR “aneurysm” OR “pseudoaneurysm” OR “false aneurysm” OR “diverticulum” OR “herniation”). Review articles, original articles, case series, and case reports with literature review were included in our search. Data from patients with congenital or acquired cardiac outpouchings, from prenatal to geriatric age range, were investigated. Results. Out of the 378 papers initially retrieved, 165 duplicates and 84 records in languages other than English were removed. Among the 129 remaining articles, 76 were included in our research material, on the basis of the following inclusion criteria: (a) papers pertaining to the research topic; (b) peer-reviewed articles; (c) using standardized diagnostic criteria; and (d) reporting raw prevalence data. Location, morphologic features, wall motion abnormalities, and tissue characterization were found to have a significant impact in recognition and differential diagnosis of cardiac outpouchings as well as to play a significant role in defining their natural history and prognostic outcomes. Conclusions. Careful recognition of cardiac outpouchings remains a diagnostic challenge in clinical practice. Due to a broad cluster of distinctive and heterogeneous entities, their knowledge and timely recognition play a pivotal role in order to provide the most appropriate clinical management and therapeutic approach.


2003 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 253-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ch Chung

Objective To review the treatment modalities available for paraphimosis, with special emphasis on those applicable to the emergency department. Data source Relevant medical literature was searched through MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Database. Manual search was performed in books on Urology, General Surgery and Emergency Medicine available in the Hospital Library. Further information was obtained through the Internet at < www.infoseek.com >. References cited in articles were also retrieved. Study selection Key words for the literature, Internet and textbook search were ‘paraphimosis’ and ‘treatment’. All available years of study were reviewed. Data extraction Relevant full text articles were obtained through the hospital library network. Original articles, review papers, medical practice, case reports, and relevant book chapters were reviewed. Data synthesis There were no prospective, randomised, controlled studies available. The majority were case series and expert experience or opinions only. Currently, a multitude of non-invasive and invasive treatment options are available, including manual reduction, help of non-crushing tissue forceps, puncture technique and dorsal slit. Conclusion All treatment methods are within the capability of the emergency physician. Hospitalization should rarely be required, unless there are serious complications.


2011 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muideen O Bakare ◽  
Kerim M Munir

<p><strong>Objectives.</strong> Characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in Africa are not known because of unavailability of large-scale epidemiological studies in this region. This review explored the age at first presentation to orthodox clinical practice of African children with ASDs and their expressive language ability at presentation.</p><p><strong>Methods.</strong> A literature search of case series and case reports of ASDs from Africa was done through PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, African Journals Online (AJOL), and archives of the Nigerian Journal of Psychiatry. Six articles included content relating to age of the child at first presentation to orthodox clinical practice and symptoms at presentation related to expressive language ability and therefore fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Suggestions are made to explain the observations emanating from the review.<strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Results.</strong> An excess of non-verbal over verbal cases of ASDs have been presenting to orthodox clinical practice and there is a common denominator of late presentation/diagnosis and in turn late intervention, with most cases presenting for the first time well above 8 years of age. Attempts to explain these observations included low levels of knowledge and awareness about ASDs in Africa; problems with help-seeking behaviour; and lack of mental healthcare facilities and trained personnel.</p><p><strong>Conclusions.</strong> Enhancement of processes directed at ensuring early diagnosis and interventions, especially interventions aimed at improving speech and language development well and sufficiently early, may bring about a shift in the trend of excess non-verbal cases of ASDs over verbal cases presenting to orthodox clinical practice.</p>


Author(s):  
Virginie Labossière ◽  
François Tremblay ◽  
Annick Lavoie ◽  
Maité Sylviet-Carricart ◽  
Céline Bergeron

1993 ◽  
Vol 27 (12) ◽  
pp. 1504-1509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael T. Grier ◽  
David G. Meyers

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and efficacy of edetate sodium (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid; EDTA) chelation therapy for atherosclerosis. METHODS: Literature search using MEDLINE, encompassing 1966 through May 1993. Further references were obtained from articles and books, and from citations obtained from the American Academy of Medical Preventics. RESULTS: 16 case reports or case series, 2 longitudinal studies, and 3 clinical trials were reviewed, along with testimonials cited in 19 books. CONCLUSIONS: Little valid scientific evidence is available. Although the postulated mechanisms of action for EDTA are biologically plausible and EDTA appears to be safe, it has not been proven effective. Indeed, the best evidence shows it to be ineffective. Therefore, EDTA chelation therapy should not be used in clinical practice to treat atherosclerosis.


Author(s):  
Sumod Khedekar ◽  
Renu Rathi ◽  
Bharat Rathi ◽  
Heramb Hattikar ◽  
Suraj Patlekar ◽  
...  

Background: In India, Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM)remains a significant and challenging public health issue despite implementing different nutritional policies over the period. It is also accompanying with aggravated risk of all-cause morbidity, as well as fatality Ayurveda mentions about various nutritional disorders such as karshya, balashosha, phakka, yakshma which are having similar symptomatology and treatment approach as that of the PEM. Several clinical studies have been conducted and some are under trial but systematic review is still pending to explore an effective treatment modality to combat PEM in Children. Aim: A systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of Ayurveda Interventions specifically on weight gain in the Management of Protein Energy Malnutrition in Children. Materials and Methods: A systematic review which will evaluate published clinical work of Ayurveda treatment modalities specifically for weight gain in the management of PEM in children that will involve “The randomized controlled trials (RCTs), multiple-arms clinical trials, quasi-experimental trials, observational studies (case series and case reports) through databases like PubMed, COCHRANE, AYUSH Research Portal, DHARA; Google Scholar; etc. and Ayurveda compendia to fetch complete available literature.” Observations and Discussion: The work of selection of the studies, data extraction, and synthesis will be taken up. Established guidelines for study selection, quality assessment, and narrative synthesis will be followed. Risk of bias assessment will be performed. A protocol will be designed that will ensure transparency for the completed review. Results of the study will be elaborately synthesized. The data will be presented in percentage, count and frequency; and if we find the data to be sufficiently homogeneous then meta-analysis will be carried out. Conclusion: The results obtained from this systematic review will be useful in identifying the evidence-based efficacy of Ayurveda interventions on weight gain in the Management of PEM. It will also provide substratum for future research studies for generating good-quality evidence that can be helpful to design new health policy to combat PEM effectively.


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