Case Report: Acute effect of benralizumab on asthma exacerbation without concomitant corticosteroid use

Background: Monoclonal antibodies are a relatively new therapeutic option for patients with severe refractory asthma, which can be used as an add-on to maintenance therapy, reducing the need for systemic corticosteroid usage, improving asthma symptom control and reducing exacerbations. We report a case of a patient with severe refractory eosinophilic asthma, reluctant to take systemic steroids, who was successfully treated with benralizumab alone during an acute asthma attack. Case presentation: A 59-year-old Caucasian woman with a history of allergic asthma since childhood showed a progressive decline in lung function with difficult to control symptoms and an increased number of hospitalizations despite maximal maintenance treatment, and was diagnosed with severe refractory asthma. She was reluctant to take systemic corticosteroids during exacerbations due to severe urinary retention; therefore, she started omalizumab with a partial reduction of symptoms and exacerbations over time. During a follow-up visit, she showed signs of acute exacerbation and she was switched to benralizumab during her acute phase with a rapid, dramatic amelioration of respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function, without concomitant systemic corticosteroid administration. During the treatment and at follow-up after one month, good tolerance and no side effects were observed. Conclusions: The use of benralizumab seems to be feasible, rapid, and safe in treating acute exacerbation of severe eosinophilic asthma without the use of systemic corticosteroids.

Download Full-text

Case Report: Acute effect of benralizumab on asthma exacerbation without concomitant corticosteroid use

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.24603.2 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 637

Author(s):

Santi Nolasco ◽

Raffaele Campisi ◽

Rossella Intravaia ◽

Morena Porto ◽

Corrado Pelaia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Acute Exacerbation ◽

Systemic Corticosteroid ◽

Therapeutic Option ◽

Symptom Control ◽

Caucasian Woman ◽

Eosinophilic Asthma ◽

Corticosteroid Administration ◽

Systemic Corticosteroids ◽

Refractory Asthma

Download Full-text

Use of Systemic Corticosteroids for Reasons Other than Asthma in Subjects with Asthma

Respiration ◽

10.1159/000518461 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Keisuke Watanabe ◽

Nobuyuki Horita ◽

Yu Hara ◽

Nobuaki Kobayashi ◽

Takeshi Kaneko

Keyword(s):

Adverse Events ◽

Systemic Corticosteroid ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Vascular Diseases ◽

University Hospital ◽

Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis ◽

Collagen Vascular Diseases ◽

Systemic Corticosteroids ◽

Asthma Patients

Backgrounds: Recent studies have reported increased risks of adverse events from systemic corticosteroids even with only low-dose or short-term use. Some patients with asthma experience complications requiring systemic corticosteroids. However, few studies have examined issues associated with administration of systemic corticosteroids for reasons other than asthma among subjects with asthma. Objectives: We investigated patterns of systemic corticosteroid exposure for reasons other than asthma in subjects with asthma. Method: We retrospectively reviewed the records of adult subjects with asthma followed up for >1 year at Yokohama City University Hospital from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019. We investigated patterns and reasons for systemic corticosteroid use during follow-up. In addition, factors related to systemic corticosteroid use for reasons likely other than asthma were investigated. Results: Among the 568 subjects with asthma analyzed, 326 (57.4%) had received systemic corticosteroids for some reason. Among those 326 patients, 120 (36.8%) had received systemic corticosteroids for reasons likely other than asthma. Multivariable analysis revealed rheumatoid arthritis, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, other collagen vascular diseases, chronic rhinosinusitis, and malignancy as positively associated with systemic corticosteroid exposure for reasons likely other than asthma in subjects with asthma. Conclusions: About 40% of systemic corticosteroid use in subjects with asthma was for reasons likely other than asthma. Clinicians should be aware of their asthma patients’ exposures to systemic corticosteroids for nonasthma reasons, to avoid missing adverse events or underestimating the severity of asthma, and to reduce systemic corticosteroid use.

Download Full-text

Hybrid Endovascular Repair of Thoracoabdominal Aorta: Early Results

The Heart Surgery Forum ◽

10.1532/hsf98.2014315 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 17 (3) ◽

pp. 146

Author(s):

Osman Tansel Darcin ◽

Mehmet Kalender ◽

Ayse Gul Kunt ◽

Okay Guven Karaca ◽

Ata Niyazi Ecevit ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Endovascular Repair ◽

Therapeutic Option ◽

Complete Recovery ◽

Aortic Aneurysms ◽

Thoracoabdominal Aorta ◽

Mortality And Morbidity ◽

Early Results ◽

The Mean ◽

Procedural Success

Background: Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) present a significant clinical challenge, as they are complex and require invasive surgery. In an attempt to prevent considerably high mortality and morbidity in open repair, hybrid endovascular repair has been developed by many authors. In this study, we evaluated the early-term results obtained from this procedure.Methods: From November 2010 to February 2013, we performed thoracoabdominal hybrid aortic repair in 18 patients. The mean age was 68 years (12 men, 6 women). All of the patients had significant comorbidities. Follow-up computed tomography (CT) scans were performed at 1 week, 3 months, 6 months, and annually thereafter.Results: All patients were operated on in a staged procedure and stent graft deployment was achieved. Procedural success was achieved in all cases. All patients were discharged with complete recovery. No endoleaks weres detected in further CT examination.Conclusion: Our results suggests that hybrid debranching and endovascular repair of extensive thoracoabdominal aneurysms represents a suitable therapeutic option to reduce the morbidity and mortality of TAAA repair, particularly in those typically considered at high risk for standard repair.

Download Full-text

Efficacy and safety of oral dapsone in acne vulgaris – experience of a tertiary care teaching hospital in central Lahore

Journal of Fatima Jinnah Medical University ◽

10.37018/xqbw1463 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 87-90

Author(s):

Sadaf Amin Chaudhry ◽

Nadia Ali Zafar ◽

Rabia Hayat ◽

Ayesha Noreen ◽

Gulnaz Ali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Therapeutic Option ◽

Acne Vulgaris ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Poor Response ◽

Global Assessment Scale ◽

Severe Acne ◽

Hematologic Profile

Background: Acne is the eighth most prevalent disease affecting 9.4% of the population worldwide and its prevalence in our country is estimated to be around 5%. Severe inflammatory acne is most likely to leave scars and in order to prevent facial disfigurement due to acne scarring, early treatment is desirable. Various treatment options have been formulated for acne, and are tailored according to the severity of the disease. Numerous clinical trials have been conducted till now, to determine the usefulness and side effect profile of such therapies, making acne treatment a highly studied area in dermatology. Objective of this study is to highlight the fact that oral Dapsone could be used as a cheaper alternate to isotretinoin in recalcitrant severe acne, especially in females where retinoids are sometimes contraindicated. Patients and methods: 51 patients, suffering from severe nodulocystic acne, fulfilling the criteria, were enrolled from the Department of Dermatology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore. All the study patients were given oral Dapsone 50mg for initial two weeks and then 100mg daily for the next 10 weeks along with oral cimetidine and topical clindamycin application twice daily. Investigator Global Assessment Scale (IGAS) was employed to measure effectiveness. The treatment was considered ʽeffectiveʹ if the patient achieves 2 or more than 2-grade improvement or almost clear or clear skin at the end of 12 weeks according to IGAS scale. The lesion counts were also done before the start of therapy (day 1) and at every two weeks follow up for 12 weeks. The change in lesion count observed between the baseline number and that seen at follow up visits was also used to evaluate the effectiveness of oral Dapsone. Safety was analyzed by fortnightly visits of the patients to look for any undesirable side effects and monitoring of the hematologic profile of the patients. Final follow up was done at the end of 16 weeks. Results: The study was conducted on 51 patients, with a ratio of 1:3 for males and females and a mean age of 25.2 years (SD ±5.81). At 12th week, patients had significant reduction in their acne lesions; with 7 patients (13.7%) showing completely clear skin, 17 patients (33.3%) had almost clear skin, 5 patients (9.8%) had 3-grade improvement. Twelve patients (23.5%) had 2-grade improvement from baseline score and only 2 patients (3.9%) had 1-grade improvement from baseline. Based on percentage reduction of lesions, excellent response was seen in 32 patients (62.7%), good response in 9 patients (17.6%), moderate response in 2 patients (3.9%), while no patient showed poor response. Dapsone was discontinued in 8 patients due to derangement of hematologic profile. Conclusion: Oral Dapsone, when given carefully, is a very effective therapeutic option in severe recalcitrant acne, with limited side effects.

Download Full-text

Open Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus With Bone Grafting and Particulated Juvenile Cartilage Allografting

Foot & Ankle Specialist ◽

10.1177/19386400211009732 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 193864002110097

Author(s):

Suhas P. Dasari ◽

Thomas M. Langer ◽

Derek Parshall ◽

Brian Law

Keyword(s):

Therapeutic Option ◽

Symptomatic Improvement ◽

Pain Scale ◽

Osteochondral Lesions ◽

Outcome Scores ◽

Scale Scores ◽

Open Treatment ◽

Bone Autograft

Background: Large cystic osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) are challenging pathological conditions to treat, but particulated juvenile cartilage allografts (PJCAs) supplemented with bone grafts are a promising therapeutic option. The purpose of this project was to further elucidate the role of PJCA with concomitant bone autografts for treating large cystic OLTs with extensive subchondral bone involvement (greater than 150 mm2 in area and/or deeper than 5 mm). Methods: We identified 6 patients with a mean OLT area of 307.2 ± 252.4 mm2 and a mean lesion depth of 10.85 ± 6.10 mm who underwent DeNovo PJCA with bone autografting between 2013 and 2017. Postoperative outcomes were assessed with radiographs, Foot and Ankle Outcome Scores (FAOS), and visual pain scale scores. Results: At final follow-up (27.0 ± 12.59 weeks), all patients had symptomatic improvement and incorporation of the graft on radiographs. At an average of 62 ± 20.88 months postoperatively, no patients required a revision surgery. All patients contacted by phone in 2018 and 2020 reported they would do the procedure again in retrospect and reported an improvement in their symptoms relative to their preoperative state, especially with pain and in the FAOS activities of daily living subsection (91.93 ± 9.04 in 2018, 74.63 ± 26.86 in 2020). Conclusion: PJCA with concomitant bone autograft is a viable treatment option for patients with large cystic OLTs. Levels of Evidence: Level IV

Download Full-text

Feasibility of Proton Beam Therapy as a Rescue Therapy in Heavily Pre-Treated Retinoblastoma Eyes

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13081862 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (8) ◽

pp. 1862

Author(s):

Eva Biewald ◽

Tobias Kiefer ◽

Dirk Geismar ◽

Sabrina Schlüter ◽

Anke Manthey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Proton Beam ◽

Rescue Therapy ◽

Therapeutic Option ◽

Proton Beam Therapy ◽

External Beam Radiation ◽

Time Interval ◽

Beam Radiation ◽

Primary Tumors ◽

Increased Risk

Despite the increased risk of subsequent primary tumors (SPTs) external beam radiation (EBRT) may be the only therapeutic option to preserve a retinoblastoma eye. Due to their physical properties, proton beam therapy (PBT) offers the possibility to use the effectiveness of EBRT in tumor treatment and to decisively reduce the treatment-related morbidity. We report our experiences of PBT as rescue therapy in a retrospectively studied cohort of 15 advanced retinoblastoma eyes as final option for eye-preserving therapy. The average age at the initiation of PBT was 35 (14–97) months, mean follow-up was 22 (2–46) months. Prior to PBT, all eyes were treated with systemic chemotherapy and a mean number of 7.1 additional treatments. Indication for PBT was non-feasibility of intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) in 10 eyes, tumor recurrence after IAC in another 3 eyes and diffuse infiltrating retinoblastoma in 2 eyes. Six eyes (40%) were enucleated after a mean time interval of 4.8 (1–8) months. Cataract formation was the most common complication affecting 44.4% of the preserved eyes, yet 77.8% achieved a visual acuity of >20/200. Two of the 15 children treated developed metastatic disease during follow-up, resulting in a 13.3% metastasis rate. PBT is a useful treatment modality as a rescue therapy in retinoblastoma eyes with an eye-preserving rate of 60%. As patients are at lifetime risk of SPTs consistent monitoring is mandatory.

Download Full-text

Laparoscopic Fundoplication Is Effective Treatment for Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux and Absent Esophageal Contractility

Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery ◽

10.1007/s11605-021-05006-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Steven Tran ◽

Ronan Gray ◽

Feruza Kholmurodova ◽

Sarah K. Thompson ◽

Jennifer C. Myers ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Laparoscopic Fundoplication ◽

Symptom Control ◽

Symptom Assessment ◽

Partial Fundoplication ◽

Esophageal Dysmotility ◽

Postoperative Symptoms ◽

Esophageal Contractility ◽

Prospective Database

Abstract Background Anti-reflux surgery in the setting of preoperative esophageal dysmotility is contentious due to fear of persistent long-term dysphagia, particularly in individuals with an aperistaltic esophagus (absent esophageal contractility). This study determined the long-term postoperative outcomes following fundoplication in patients with absent esophageal contractility versus normal motility. Methods A prospective database was used to identify all (40) patients with absent esophageal contractility who subsequently underwent fundoplication (36 anterior partial, 4 Nissen). Cases were propensity matched based on age, gender, and fundoplication type with another 708 patients who all had normal motility. Groups were assessed using prospective symptom assessment questionnaires to assess heartburn, dysphagia for solids and liquids, regurgitation, and satisfaction with surgery, and outcomes were compared. Results Across follow-up to 10 years, no significant differences were found between the two groups for any of the assessed postoperative symptoms. Multivariate analysis found that patients with absent contractility had worse preoperative dysphagia (adjusted mean difference 1.09, p = 0.048), but postoperatively there were no significant differences in dysphagia scores at 5- and 10-year follow-up. No differences in overall patient satisfaction were identified across the follow-up period. Conclusion Laparoscopic partial fundoplication in patients with absent esophageal contractility achieves acceptable symptom control without significantly worse dysphagia compared with patients with normal contractility. Patients with absent contractility should still be considered for surgery.

Download Full-text

SAT0547 RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGING IN ASSESSMENT OF FLUOROSCOPIC GUIDED INJECTION OF RHEUMATOID ATLANTOAXIAL JOINT INFLAMMATION

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.1810 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 1230.1-1231

Author(s):

D. Fouad ◽

S. Rashad ◽

M. Ghaly ◽

M. Hassanien

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Neck Pain ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Sleep Disturbance ◽

Steroid Injection ◽

Therapeutic Option ◽

Control Group ◽

Atlantoaxial Joint ◽

Post Intervention

Background:Rheumatoid spondylitis is a feature of long-lasting Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that is presented by neck pain, headache and sleep disturbance. Atlantoaxial joint (AAJ) is the commonest cervical spine joint that affected in patients with RA. When it is involved, it can be associated with dangerous complications. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can be used for assessing the disease activity, the amount of cartilage destruction, associated cervical myelopathy and differentiating synovial fluid from inflammatory pannus (Taniguchi D, et al., 2008).Objectives:This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intra-articular steroid injection of inflamed AAJ in RA patients, regarding neck pain, headache and sleep quality using pre and post-interventions MRI.Methods:A prospective case control study. Patients with inflamed AAJ were recruited. Group 1 (AAJ group, n = 30), received intraarticular AAJ steroid injection, guided by fluoroscopy and Group 2 (control group, n = 30), received systemic steroids. Both groups were assessed with: Visual Analogue scale (VAS) for nocturnal neck pain and headache. Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was used for sleep disturbance. Pre and post contrasts enhanced MRI interventions were done for both groups during the period of follow up (three months).Results:Nocturnal neck pain, headache and sleep disturbance have significantly decreased, during follow up visits (3 months), in AAJ group in comparison to the control group. The Pre-intervention nocturnal pain score was 60.3 ±17.1 in AAJ group & 58.5 ±17.9 in control group. Pain has significantly decreased after 2weeks in AAJ group with continuous improvement till 3 months’ post-intervention 6.9 ±4.65 & 51.26 ±10.54 respectively. The pre-intervention headache was 22.68 ±16.74 in AAJ group & 45.17 ±15.83 in control group decreased to 7.54 ±5.23 & 48.52 ±11.98 respectively post intervention. The percentage of patients who had sleep disturbance at baseline was 66.7% & 73.3% in AAJ and control groups respectively which has significantly decreased to 6.7% & 43.3% after 3 months. Regarding MRI, AAJ group hada statistical significant decreasein the percentage of patients with MRI synovial enhancement, inflammatorypannus,fibrosis and bone marrow edema in comparison to control group 3 months post intervention. All post-procedural side effects resolved within thmonth without further medical intervention, and no long-term sequelae were identifiedConclusion:Fluoroscopic guided intra-articular steroid injection of inflamed atlantoaxial joints is considered a beneficial therapeutic option in rheumatoid arthritis patients regarding clinical and radiological assessments.References:[1]Taniguchi D, Tokunaga D, Hase H, et al. Evaluation of lateral instability of AAJ in RA using dynamic open-mouth view radiographs. Clin Rheumatol.2008 Jul. 27(7):851-7.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Download Full-text

Stent-assisted coil embolization followed by a stent-within-a-stent technique for ruptured dissecting aneurysms of the intracranial vertebrobasilar artery

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2009.2.jns081418 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 111 (1) ◽

pp. 48-52 ◽

Cited By ~ 50

Author(s):

Sang Hyun Suh ◽

Byung Moon Kim ◽

Sung Il Park ◽

Dong Ik Kim ◽

Yong Sam Shin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Coil Embolization ◽

Therapeutic Option ◽

Direct Consequence ◽

Treatment Method ◽

Dissecting Aneurysm ◽

High Rate ◽

Parent Artery ◽

Vertebrobasilar Artery ◽

Complete Obliteration

Object A ruptured dissecting aneurysm of the vertebrobasilar artery (VBA-DA) is a well-known cause of acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) with a high rate of early rebleeding. Internal trapping of the parent artery, including the dissected segment, is one of the most reliable techniques to prevent rebleeding. However, for a ruptured VBA-DA not suitable for internal trapping, the optimal treatment method has not been well established. The authors describe their experience in treating ruptured VBA-DAs not amenable to internal trapping of the parent artery with stent-assisted coil embolization (SAC) followed by a stent-within-a-stent (SWS) technique. Methods Eleven patients—6 men and 5 women with a mean age of 48 years and each with a ruptured VBA-DA not amenable to internal trapping of the parent artery—underwent an SAC-SWS between November 2005 and October 2007. The feasibility and clinical and angiographic outcomes of this combined procedure were retrospectively evaluated. Results The SAC-SWS was successful without any treatment-related complications in all 11 patients. Immediate posttreatment angiograms revealed complete obliteration of the DA sac in 3 patients, near-complete obliteration in 7, and partial obliteration in 1. One patient died as a direct consequence of the initial SAH. All 10 surviving patients had excellent clinical outcomes (Glasgow Outcome Scale Score 5) without posttreatment rebleeding during a follow-up period of 8–24 months (mean follow-up 15 months). Angiographic follow-up at 6–12 months after treatment was possible at least once in all surviving patients. Nine VBA-DAs showed complete obliteration; the other aneurysm, which had appeared partially obliterated immediately after treatment, demonstrated progressive obliteration on 2 consecutive follow-up angiography studies. There was no in-stent stenosis or occlusion of the branch or perforating vessels. Conclusions The SAC-SWS technique seems to be a feasible and effective reconstructive treatment option for a ruptured VBA-DA. The technique may be considered as an alternative therapeutic option in selected patients with ruptured VBA-DAs unsuitable for internal trapping of the parent artery.

Download Full-text

Case report of osteolytic lesions in a patient with multisystem granulomatous disease

BMJ Case Reports ◽

10.1136/bcr-2021-242685 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (6) ◽

pp. e242685

Author(s):

Henco Nel ◽

Brad Davis ◽

Brendan Adler ◽

Eli Gabbay

Keyword(s):

Cervical Lymphadenopathy ◽

Granulomatous Inflammation ◽

Initial Response ◽

Response To Treatment ◽

Caucasian Woman ◽

Granulomatous Disease ◽

Osteolytic Lesions ◽

Moderate Growth ◽

Systemic Corticosteroids ◽

Lytic Lesions

We present a case of a 70-year-old Caucasian woman with multisystem granulomatous disease involving her lungs, bones and lymph nodes. The patient initially presented with cervical lymphadenopathy and subsequently developed progressive breathlessness. Imaging revealed extensive mediastinal, hilar and intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy as well as bilateral pulmonary parenchymal infiltrates. Lymph node and lung biopsy confirmed non-necrotising granulomatous inflammation while a BAL showed scanty growth of Cryptococcus neoformans and moderate growth of Staphylococcus aureus. The patient received intravenous ceftriaxone and had a good response to treatment. She also completed 3 months of oral fluconazole. Although a diagnosis of sarcoidosis was considered most likely, the patient was not initially started on systemic corticosteroids due to concern around possible infection and initial response to antimicrobials. However, her exercise tolerance gradually deteriorated. A craniofacial CT revealed multiple lytic lesions involving the skull and visualised cervical spine. Biopsy of a clivus lesion revealed non-necrotising granulomatous inflammation while fungal cultures and histopathological stains were negative. The patient was diagnosed with widespread sarcoidosis and she was initiated on prednisolone and methotrexate which led to marked clinical and radiological improvement.

Download Full-text