scholarly journals COVID-19 and antibacterial therapy in the inpatient settings: to whom, when, why?

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 701-709
Author(s):  
Nina A. Karoli ◽  
Alena V. Aparkina ◽  
Elena V. Grigoryeva ◽  
Nadezhda A. Magdeeva ◽  
Natalia M. Nikitina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Infection ◽  
Elective Surgery ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Fourth Generation ◽  
Treatment Regimens ◽  
Inpatient Settings ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Group 1

Although antibiotics (ABs) are ineffective against COVID-19, they are often prescribed to patients with the new coronavirus infection. Many of these prescriptions are uncalled for.The aim of the work is to assess the frequency of prescribing antibiotics to hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19, identify the most commonly prescribed ABs, and determine the significance of various biomarkers for the diagnosis of bacterial infection.Methods. A retrospective analysis of 190 inpatient cases with confirmed COVID-19 was carried out. The records of COVID-19 patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit were excluded from the analysis. Two groups were formed: 30 patients (group 1) with COVID-19, emergency or elective surgery, and exacerbation of chronic infectious diseases, and 160 patients (group 2) with manifestations of COVID-19 only.Results. ABs were prescribed to 189 patients upon admission to the hospital. The most frequently prescribed ABs included macrolides (63.5%), respiratory fluoroquinolones (49.7%), and third or fourth-generation cephalosporins (57.1%). ABs were administered starting from the first day of admission and until the discharge. The patients in group 2 were more often prescribed respiratory fluoroquinolones and, less often, III - IV generation cephalosporins. Moreover, macrolides were used in the treatment regimens of both groups. Longer administration of respiratory fluoroquinolones to patients in group 2 than patients in group 1 (p < 0,05) was noted. Group 2 also tended to receive longer therapy with macrolides. On admission, the patients with signs of bacterial infection had more significant leukocytosis with a neutrophilic shift, a more common increase in ESR of more than 20 mm/h and an increase in the level of procalcitonin > 0,5 ng/ml.Conclusion. ABs were administered to the overwhelming majority of hospitalized patients in the absence of clear therapeutic indications. The ABs are likely to have a minimal benefit as empirical treatment of COVID-19 and are associated with unintended consequences, including adverse effects and increased antibiotic resistance. According to our data, the most informative markers of a secondary bacterial infection in patients with COVID-19 are leukocytosis with a neutrophilic shift, an increase in ESR of more than 20 mm/h, and a procalcitonin level of more than 0,5 ng/ml.

scholarly journals The use of an antagonist 5-HT2a/c for depression and motor function in Parkinson' disease

2009 ◽  
Vol 67 (2b) ◽  
pp. 407-412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Luiz dos Santos Werneck ◽  
Ana Lucia Rosso ◽  
Maurice Borges Vincent
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson Disease ◽  
Motor Function ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Initial Moment ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Group 1

OBJECTIVE: To test the ability of a 5HT2a/c (trazodone) antagonist, to improve depression and motor function in Parkinson' disease (PD). METHOD: Twenty PD patients with and without depression were randomly assigned to receive trazodone (group 1) or not (group 2). They were evaluated through UPDRS and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). RESULTS: For the UPDRS the mean score of group 2 was 33.1 ± 19.7 and 37.1 ± 18.0 at the end. For the group 1, the corresponding scores were 31.4 ± 11.3 and 25.9 ± 13.7. The variations in the Mann-Whitney test were 0.734 at the initial moment and 0.208 at the final moment. The variation in the comparison of the initial moment with the final moment was 0.005 providing statistical significance. For the HAM-D, the mean score went up 4 points in group 2, contrary to a 5.5 points decrease in group 1. CONCLUSION: Data analysis shows that this agent significantly improves depression, but the motor function improved only in the depressed patients. Because of the known anti-dopaminergic property of the 5-HT2c receptors, a possible approach for depression in PD could be the use of 5-HT2c antagonists, similarly to the use of atypical neuroleptics in case of psychotic symptoms.

scholarly journals Efficacy of azoximer bromide in the treatment of hospitalized patients with moderate to severe community-acquired pneumonia

2021 ◽  
pp. 106-117
Author(s):  
S. K. Zyryanov ◽  
O. I. Butranova ◽  
A. V. Ershov ◽  
Z. Sh. Manasova
Keyword(s):  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Community Acquired Pneumonia ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Therapy Regimen ◽  
Duration Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Comparator Group ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Severe Community Acquired Pneumonia ◽  
Group 1

Introduction. The high incidence of community-acquired pneumonia and the high complication rates in the cases of severe pneumonia actualize the search for new pharmacotherapy tools to improve the effectiveness of standard patient management regimens. A high level of severe inflammatory response underlies the high risk for developing septic complications of pneumonia, along with impaired immune responses.The aim is to evaluate the efficacy of azoximer bromide introduction in the combination therapy regimen for hospitalized patients with moderate to severe community-acquired pneumonia.Materials and methods. A prospective, open label, parallel group, randomized study comparing the efficacy of azoximer bromide introduction in the combination therapy of hospitalized patients with moderate to severe community-acquired pneumonia was conducted at the premises of Federal Scientific and Clinical Center for Reanimatology and Rehabilitation. 30 patients were included in the study group and 37 patients in the comparator group. The baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups. Results. The azoximer bromide introduction in the combination therapy of patients with community-acquired pneumonia led to a statistically significant reduction in the duration of hospital stay (Me (LQ; HQ): 9 (8; 10) days for the study group and 13 (10; 14) days for the comparator group, (p = 0.000078), duration of ICU stay (Me (LQ; HQ) 2 days (1.5; 2.5) and 5 days (5.0; 6.0), respectively, (p = 0.00001), the duration of febrile fever 5 (± 0.6) days versus 10 (± 1.2) days (p = 0.0000), the incidence of acute respiratory failure (13.33% in group 1 versus 37.84% in group 2, p = 0.024) and septic shock (10% in group 1 versus 32.43% in group 2, p = 0.0285).Conclusions. The azoximer bromide introduction in the standard therapy regimen for patients with community-acquired pneumonia allowed to reduce the duration of hospital stay, the duration of ICU stay, the length of febrile fever, the incidence of septic shock and respiratory failure. The possible mechanisms of action may include a reduction of the severe inflammatory reactions and an optimization of the patient's immune response to the infectious process.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Accuracy of the Delta Life DL 1000 Oscillometric Monitor for Blood Pressure Measurement in Anesthetized Dogs of Different Weight Ranges

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bárbara Silva Correia ◽  
Eduardo Raposo Monteiro ◽  
João Victor Barbieri Ferronatto ◽  
Luciana Branquinho Queiroga ◽  
José Ricardo Herrera Becerra
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Arterial Blood Pressure ◽  
Pressure Measurement ◽  
Elective Surgery ◽  
Blood Pressure Measurement ◽  
Measurement Data ◽  
Arterial Blood ◽  
Anesthetized Dogs ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Background: Arterial blood pressure is one of the most commonly variables monitored during anesthetic procedures in veterinary patients. The most reliable method for measuring arterial blood pressure in dogs and cats is the direct (invasive) method. However, the oscillometric method is less complex and more practical for clinical routine in small animals. Nevertheless, oscillometric monitors present great variability in accuracy. The present study aimed to determine the accuracy of the Delta Life DL 1000 oscillometric monitor for measurement of systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressures (SAP, MAP and DAP, respectively) in anesthetized dogs of different weight ranges.Materials, Methods & Results: This study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of Animal Use. Fifteen female dogs of different breeds, weighing 11.6 ± 10.0 kg and with a mean age of 48 ± 51 months were used. All animals were scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia in the Institution Veterinary Hospital. Dogs were anesthetized with morphine, propofol and isoflurane and had one 20 or 22 gauge catheter introduced into the dorsal pedal artery for continuous, invasive monitoring of SAP, MAP and DAP. A blood pressure cuff was positioned over the middle third of the radius and connected to Delta Life DL 1000 monitor. Oscillometric readings of SAP, MAP and DAP were registered every 5 minutes, and invasive values were simultaneously recorded. Values obtained with both methods were compared (invasive versus oscillometric) by use of the Bland Altman method to determine the bias, standard deviation of bias and 95% limits of agreement. The percentages of errors between the methods within 10 mmHg and within 20 mmHg were calculated. The results obtained were compared with the criteria from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) for validation of indirect methods of arterial blood pressure measurement. Data were stratified into two groups according to the weight: < 10 kg (Group 1; n = 9); and ≥ 10 kg (Group 2; n = 6). In Group 1, 119 paired measurements were obtained, four of which classified as hypotension (SAP < 90 mmHg), 98 as normotension (SAP from 90 to 140mmHg) and 17 as hypertension (SAP > 140 mmHg). Bias (± SD) values in Group 1 were as follows: SAP, 5.2 ± 18.1 mmHg; MAP, -3.4 ± 17.2 mmHg; and DAP, 12.0 ± 17.5 mmHg. The percentages of errors within 10 mmHg were 40.3% for SAP; 45.4% for MAP and 28.6% for DAP. The percentages of errors within 20 mmHg were 72.3% for SAP, 84.0% for MAP and 68.1% for DAP. In Group 2, 66 paired measurements were obtained, nine of which classified as hypotension, 56 as normotension and one as hypertension. Bias (± SD) in Group 2 were as follows: SAP, 13.6 ± 14.3 mmHg; MAP, -1.1 ± 13.5 mmHg; and DAP, 8.2 ± 16.0 mmHg. The percentages of errors within 10 mmHg were 33.3% for SAP, 77.3% for MAP and 33.3% for DAP. The percentages of errors within 20 mmHg were 65.1% for SAP, 92.4% for MAP and 83.4% for DAP.Discussion: Based on the results of this study and reference criteria from the ACVIM, the Delta Life DL 1000 monitor had a poor accuracy for SAP, MAP and DAP and did not meet the criteria from the ACVIM in anesthetized dogs under 10 kg. Measurements of MAP in dogs ≥ 10 kg met the ACVIM criteria, but measurements of SAP and DAP did not. Based on the findings in this study, the DL 1000 oscillometric monitor is not recommended for blood pressure measurement in anesthetized dogs < 10 kg. In dogs ≥ 10 kg, measurements of MAP yielded acceptable values, but SAP and DAP measurements did not.

Effect of Chlorhexidine Cleansing of Umbilical Cord for Prevention of Infection

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 35-39
Author(s):  
Md Khairuzzaman ◽  
MA Mannan ◽  
Abdul Matin ◽  
Mst Monjuman Ara Sarker ◽  
Nihar Ranjan Sarker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Umbilical Cord ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Care Group ◽  
Cord Care ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Level Hospital ◽  
Group 1

Background: Chlorhexidine cleansing of the cord can reduce neonatal mortality among newborns.Objective: The aim of study was to determine the effect of cord cleansing with chlorhexidine in reduction of umbilical infection among newborns in hospital settings.Methodology: This randomized controlled trial was carried out between April 2013 to July 2014 and 510 newborns were randomly assigned within a tertiary level hospital in Bangladesh to receive 1 of 3 cord care regimens single cord cleansing with 4% chlorhexidine(Group-1), multiple cord cleansing with 4% chlorhexidine (Group-2)  and clean and dry cord care (Group-3 : control).Results: The risk of umbilical cord infection (omphalitis) was significantly reduced in both the single (Relative risk [RR] 0.15 [95% CI] 0.008-0.93) and multiple chlorhexidine cleansing group (RR 0.37 [95% CI] 0.04- 0.99) compared to the dry cord care group.  The risk of omphalitis was not significantly different between multiple and single chlorhexidine cleansing group (RR 3.14 [0.13-76.54]). Conclusion: Chlorhexidine significantly reduce the risk of umbilical infection in both single and multiple cord cleansing neonates.Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases 2017;4(2):35-39

Predictive Value of Minimal Residual Disease: Analysis By Flow-Cytometry in Children with Relapsed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 2494-2494
Author(s):  
Myriam Ruth Guitter ◽  
Jorge Gabriel Rossi ◽  
Elisa Sajaroff ◽  
Carolina Carrara ◽  
Pizzi Silvia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
Residual Disease ◽  
Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽  
P Value ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Introduction: Despite the advances observed in the outcome of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment during the last 20 years, relapse remains the most common cause of treatment failure in childhood ALL. Several factors have been associated to the prognosis of these patients; however, minimal residual disease (MRD) emerges as a relevant predictor of outcome. Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess MRD by flow-cytometry in relapsed ALL and to evaluate its prognostic impact as a predictor factor of outcome at the end of the induction therapy and prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Patients and Methods: From Aug'10 to Jun'15, 123 ALL patients were treated at our center. MRD determination at least at two time-points during relapse treatment was a requirement for considering a patient eligible for the present study. Sixty-six cases were excluded due to the following causes: 10 patients died during induction, 2 died early in complete remission (CR), 29 did not respond to chemotherapy, in 13 patients MRD determination was not performed: 4 did not have clinical data available, 4 patients were Down Syndrome and 4 children received treatment for relapse in other centers. Thus, fifty-seven patients achieved CR and were evaluated for MRD at two time points. Of them, 56 patients belonged to S4 and S3 and 1 patient to S1 group as defined by the Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster stratification for relapsed ALL. MRD was analyzed by multiparametric flow-cytometry following ALL-IC 2009 guidelines. Negative MRD was defined as disclosing less than 0.1% of blasts. For this analysis, patients were stratified based on MRD levels at two different time points: after end of induction, before HSCT or at any other time point during the follow-up for patients who did not undergo HSCT. Three groups were defined: Group-1: negative at both time points (n= 23), Group-2: positive at 1 time point (n= 13) and Group-3: positive at both time points (n= 21). Patients who relapsed before receiving HSCT were considered Group-3. Twenty-five patients underwent HSCT: 13 of them from Group-1, 9 from Group-2 (2 had positive MRD previous to receive HSCT) and 3 patients from Group-3. HSCT was performed with matched familiar donor in 16 cases and matched unrelated donor in 9 cases. Results: The distribution of events according to receiving or not HSCT was: 5 died due to transplant related mortality (TRM), 9 relapsed after receiving HSCT and 16 during treatment with chemotherapy. With a median follow-up of 16 (range: 6-67) months, overall 3-year EFS probability (EFSp) (SE) was 32 (8)%. The 3-year EFSp was 75 (11)% for Group-1, 24 (14)% for Group-2 and 0% for Group-3 (p-value <0.00001). Comparing patients who did not receive HSCT vs. patients who did, EFSp (SE) was 32 (12)% and 29 (11)% respectively (p-value: non-significant). The EFSp (SE) according to MRD groups in patients who underwent HSCT was: Group-1: 53 (19)%, Group-2: 14 (13)% and 0% for Group-3 (p-value: 0.06). Conclusions: MRD quantification by flow-cytometry demonstrated to be a significant prognostic factor for relapsed ALL. Both, TRM and death in CR rates, were high and should be decreased by improving supportive measures. MRD determination by flow-cytometry in patients who underwent HSCT showed a trend to achieve a better EFSp, thus representing a relevant tool for stratifying relapsed ALL patients in order to achieve a better selection of patients to receive HSCT. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Benefits of the Intermittent Use of 6-Mercaptopurine and Methotrexate in Maintenance Treatment for Low-Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Children: Randomized Trial From the Brazilian Childhood Cooperative Group—Protocol ALL-99

2010 ◽  
Vol 28 (11) ◽  
pp. 1911-1918 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia R. Brandalise ◽  
Vitória R. Pinheiro ◽  
Simone S. Aguiar ◽  
Eduardo I. Matsuda ◽  
Rosemary Otubo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽  
Maintenance Treatment ◽  
Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
Cooperative Group ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Group 1

PurposeTo describe event-free survival (EFS) and toxicities in children with low-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) assigned to receive either continuous 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) and weekly methotrexate (MTX) or intermittent 6-MP with intermediate-dose MTX, as maintenance treatment.Patients and MethodsBetween October 1, 2000, and December 31, 2007, 635 patients with low-risk ALL were enrolled onto Brazilian Childhood Cooperative Group for ALL Treatment (GBTLI) ALL-99 protocol. Eligible children (n = 544) were randomly allocated to receive either continuous 6-MP/MTX (group 1, n = 272) or intermittent 6-MP (100 mg/m2/d for 10 days, with 11 days resting) and MTX (200 mg/m2every 3 weeks; group 2, n = 272).ResultsThe 5-year overall survival (OS) and EFS were 92.5% ± 1.5% SE and 83.6% ± 2.1% SE, respectively. According to maintenance regimen, the OS was 91.4% ± 2.2% SE (group 1) and 93.6% ± 2.1% SE (group 2; P = .28) and EFS 80.9% ± 3.2% SE (group 1) and 86.5% ± 2.8% SE (group 2; P = .089). Remarkably, the intermittent regimen led to significantly higher EFS among boys (85.7% v 74.9% SE; P = .027), while no difference was seen for girls (87.0% v 88.8% SE; P = .78). Toxic episodes were recorded in 226 and 237 children, respectively. Grade 3 to 4 toxic events for groups 1 and 2 were, respectively, 273 and 166 for hepatic dysfunction (P = .002), and 772 and 636 for hematologic episodes (P = .005). Deaths on maintenance were: seven (group 1) and one (group 2).ConclusionThe intermittent use of 6-MP and MTX in maintenance is a less toxic regimen, with a trend toward better long-term EFS. Boys treated with the intermittent schedule had significantly better EFS.

Feasibility of Outpatient Surgery in the Tropics

1990 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-20
Author(s):  
F Favretti ◽  
S Pucciarelli ◽  
M Lise ◽  
M Tieba ◽  
G F Rotigliano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Third World ◽  
Outpatient Surgery ◽  
World Country ◽  
Morbidity Rate ◽  
Local Staff ◽  
Third World Country ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Group 1

The feasibility of outpatient surgery was investigated at a regional hospital in a Third World country. A series of 73 patients with uncomplicated hernias (inguinal, femoral) and hydroceles were allocated at random to receive standard surgical treatment either as inpatients (group 1) or as outpatients (group 2). Patients living within a 4 km radius of the hospital or who agreed to stay in specially provided quarters nearby were eligible to take part in the study. Patients not able to follow the basic hygiene rules taught by the local staff were excluded. The morbidity rate was 5/36 (13.8%) in group 1 and 8/37 (21.6%) in group 2. No statistically significant differences were demonstrated between the complications that occurred in the two groups.

Narcotrend® Does Not Adequately Detect the Transition between Awareness and Unconsciousness in Surgical Patients

2004 ◽  
Vol 101 (5) ◽  
pp. 1105-1111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerhard Schneider ◽  
Eberhard F. Kochs ◽  
Bettina Horn ◽  
Matthias Kreuzer ◽  
Michael Ningler
Keyword(s):  
Elective Surgery ◽  
Surgical Patients ◽  
Dimensionless Number ◽  
Loss Of Consciousness ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Prediction Probability ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Narcotrend Index ◽  
Group 1

Background The Narcotrend index (MonitorTechnik, Bad Bramstedt, Germany) is a dimensionless number between 0 and 100 that is calculated from the electroencephalogram and inversely correlates with depth of hypnosis. The current study evaluates the capability of the Narcotrend to separate awareness from unconsciousness at the transition between these levels. Methods Electroencephalographic recordings of 40 unpremedicated patients undergoing elective surgery were analyzed. Patients were randomly assigned to receive (1) sevoflurane-remifentanil (&lt;/= 0.1 microg . kg . min), (2) sevoflurane-remifentanil (&gt;/= 0.2 microg . kg . min), (3) propofol-remifentanil (&lt;/= 0.1 microg . kg . min), or (4) propofol-remifentanil (&gt;/= 0.2 microg . kg . min). Remifentanil and sevoflurane or propofol were given until loss of consciousness. After tracheal intubation, propofol or sevoflurane was stopped until return of consciousness and then restarted to induce loss of consciousness. After surgery, drugs were discontinued. Narcotrend values at loss and return of consciousness were compared with each other, and anesthetic groups were compared. Prediction probability was calculated from values at the last command before and at loss and return of consciousness. Results At 105 of 316 analyzed time points, the Narcotrend did not calculate an index, and the closest calculated value was analyzed. No significant differences between loss and return of consciousness were found. In group 1, Narcotrend values were significantly higher than in group 3. Prediction probability was 0.501. Conclusions In these challenging data, the Narcotrend did not differentiate between awareness and unconsciousness. In addition, Narcotrend values were not independent from the anesthetic regimen.

scholarly journals Comparison of Two Anesthetic Methods for Intravitreal Ozurdex Injection

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Levent Karabaş ◽  
Berna Özkan ◽  
Çiğdem Akdağ Koçer ◽  
Özgül Altıntaş ◽  
Dilara Pirhan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Pain Score ◽  
Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion ◽  
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage ◽  
Vein Occlusion ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Lidocaine Injection ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Group 1

Purpose. To determine whether subconjunctival lidocaine injection maintains additional anesthetic effect during intravitreal Ozurdex injection.Methods. 63 patients who were diagnosed as central or branch retinal vein occlusion and planned to receive Ozurdex injection for macular edema were prospectively included in the study. The patients were randomized into one of the two anesthetic groups. The first group received topical proparacaine drop and lidocaine applied pledget. The second group received subconjunctival lidocaine injection in addition to the anesthetics in group 1.Results. Mean pain score was1.90±2.39in group 1 and 1.71 ± 2.09 in group 2 (p=0.746). Mean subconjunctival hemorrhage grade was1.67±0.17in group 1 and0.90±0.14in group 2 (p=0.001). There was no relationship between the amount of subconjunctival hemorrhage and pain score of the patients.Conclusions. There was no difference in pain scores between the two anesthetic methods. The addition of subconjunctival lidocaine injection offered no advantage in pain relief compared to lidocaine-applied pledgets.

scholarly journals Optimization of systemic juvenile arthritis treatment regimens with correction of tocilizumab intravenous administration according to data of observational retrospective study

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 229-234
Author(s):  
M. I. Kaleda ◽  
I. P. Nikishina ◽  
O. M. Kostareva
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Ferritin Level ◽  
Juvenile Arthritis ◽  
Active Growth ◽  
Initial Interval ◽  
Treatment Regimens ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Objective: to assess the possibility of using varying interval between intravenous infusions of tocilizumab (TCZ) as a tool for choosing the optimal treatment regimen in systemic juvenile arthritis (SJA).Subjects and methods. The observational retrospective study included 72 patients (29 boys and 43 girls) with a SJA fulfilled ILAR criteria, who received TCZ ≥12 months, in which previous therapy with various anti-rheumatic drugs was ineffective. We studied the changes of the main clinical and laboratory parameters of the SJA activity after correction of the interval between infusions.Results and discussion. In the studied group median age of onset was 3.8 [2.1; 5.9] years, duration of disease before the appointment of TCZ – 26.5 [9.25; 62.25] months. Therapy is continued by 70 patients, the median duration of therapy is 5.0 [2.75; 6.38] years. The initial interval between TCZ infusions was 2 weeks in 49 (group 1) and 4 weeks in 23 patients (group 2). After 6 months of therapy in group 2, the interval was reduced to 2 weeks in 15 (65.2%) patients due to decreased effectiveness. Prolongation of the period between the introduction of TCZ in patients of group 1 who did not reach the inactive status of the disease in the 1st year of the disease resulted in a significant increase of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level and exacerbation of systemic manifestations of SJA (p<0.01) in the absence of statistically significant changes of joint status parameters (p>0.05). 40% of these patients had involvement of «new» joints, including hip joints. «Harbingers» of exacerbation in the period of increasing intervals between infusions were: arthralgia (88%), myalgia (65%), sore throat (30%), dysphoria (50%, more often in preschool children), increase of ferritin level and number of leukocytes. In 90.3% of patients who have reached the inactive status of the disease, it was possible to gradually increase the interval between infusions. In 6 patients, TCZ was canceled by gradually increasing the intervals, in 4 of them, therapy was resumed at an initial interval of 2 weeks after 3, 6, 21 and 22 months, respectively, in two patients, a drug-free remission was maintained during 23 and 20 months. Reduction of intervals to the initial 2 weeks was performed in 13 (18.1%) patients. The development of exacerbations with the need to reduce the interval to the initial one was most often observed at 24–35 months of therapy, which chronologically coincided with the period of active growth. Currently, 15 patients receiving TCZ with an interval of 5–6 weeks, and 40 – with an interval of 4 weeks, 9 patients – 3 weeks, in 6 patients attempt to increase the interval to more than 2–2,5 weeks was unsuccessful.Conclusion. Experience suggests the need to comply with a two-week interval between infusions of TCZ at the initial stage of therapy in most patients with SJA until the inactive stage of the disease, followed by a smooth individual increase in the interval to 4 weeks (2–3 days under careful medical supervision). Appearance of initial signs of exacerbation, requires to reduce the interval to 2 weeks. Before deciding on the complete withdrawal of TCZ, it is advisable to increase the interval between infusions to 5–6 weeks under careful clinical and laboratory control.

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