scholarly journals Clinical Observations on Infliximab Treatment of Infantile Onset Takayasu Arteritis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Kang ◽  
Jianming Lai ◽  
Dan Zhang ◽  
Yingjie Xu ◽  
Jia Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Takayasu Arteritis ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Normal Growth ◽  
Clinical Effectiveness ◽  
Vascular Imaging ◽  
Vascular Lesions ◽  
Infliximab Treatment ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Series Evaluation

Abstract Background: To study short-term clinical effectiveness and safety of infliximab (IFX) treatment of infants with Takayasu arteritis (TA). Methods: We investigated the therapeutic effectiveness of IFX in 10 infantile TA in a retrospective case series. Evaluation included assessment of clinical symptoms, laboratory testing, and vascular imaging. Results: Fever was the presenting symptom for 8 of 10 infants with TA. In the acute episode, leucocyte and inflammatory indices increased significantly. Vascular imaging showed that the most commonly-involved arteries were carotid arteries, abdominal aortas, and coronary arteries (9 cases, 90%). Two weeks after IFX treatment, leukocyte and platelet counts decreased, and hemoglobin levels increased. There were significant clinical differences 6 weeks after treatment compared with before treatment (p<0.05). Inflammatory indices decreased significantly 2 weeks after starting IFX treatment compared with before treatment (p<0.05). Vascular lesions began to recover within 1.5-3 months of initiating IFX therapy, and the involved vessels significantly recovered within 13 months. Some arteries remained stenotic, intimal thickening and uneven lumen wall thickness. Conclusions: TA is rare in infancy. Fever may be the main manifestation of illness, often accompanied by significantly increased inflammatory indices. Early use of IFX appears to be effective, significantly decreasing inflammatory markers and improving clinical features, leading to partial remission of vascular lesions and sustain remissions for some infants. Use of IFX reduced or eliminated need for glucocorticoids. IFX has a reasonable safety profile and does not appear to affect normal growth and development of infants with TA.

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.

scholarly journals A broad spectrum of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome - a case series with clinical and paraclinical characterisation, and histopathological findings

BMC Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatme Seval Ismail ◽  
Johannes van de Nes ◽  
Ilka Kleffner
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Epileptic Seizures ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy ◽  
Histopathological Findings ◽  
Delay In Diagnosis ◽  
Reversible Encephalopathy

Abstract Background Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is clinical-neuroradiologically defined and potentially reversible, so there are limited data about histopathological findings. We aimed to describe the clinical and paraclinical features of patients with PRES with regard to its reversibility. Methods This retrospective case series encompasses 15 PRES cases out of 1300 evaluated patients from a single German center between January 1, 2010, and June 15, 2020. PRES was established according to the diagnostic criteria as proposed by the Berlin PRES Study 2012. One of the cases studied was subject to brain autopsy. Results From the 15 patients studied (median age 53 years, range 17–73; 11 female), 67 % presented with epileptic seizures, 40 % suffered from encephalopathy with reduced consciousness and 53 % developed delirium, while 47 % had headache and visual disturbances. Subcortical brain MRI abnormalities related to PRES were observed in all patients. One patient developed spinal ischemia and another Guillain-Barré syndrome in addition to PRES. Hypertensive blood pressure was the main underlying/trigger condition in all patients. Clinical symptoms and MRI changes were not reversible in 42 %, even progressive in 3 out of these 5 patients. Median time from symptom onset to diagnosis in these non-reversible cases was 7 days (range 0–13), while the median delay in diagnosis in the reversible group was 1 day (range 0–3). Cerebellar/brain stem involvement and status epilepticus were more frequently in patients with non-reversible disease course. Mortality due to PRES occurred in 13 % of these patients. Neuropathological examination of the brain of a 57-year-old female patient revealed major leukencephalopathic changes, fibrinoid necrosis of endothelial cells and fresh petechial hemorrhages in accordance with PRES. Conclusions Our case series demonstrates that PRES was not reversible in 42 % of the studied patients. Delay in diagnosis seems to contribute to limited reversibility and poor outcome.

scholarly journals Pseudo paralysis of the shoulder and increased C-reactive protein are predictive factors for septic shoulder in children superior to other clinical symptoms: a retrospective case series of 25 patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cezara Danilov ◽  
Christoph Ihle ◽  
Francisco F. Fernandez ◽  
Gunnar Blumenstock ◽  
Thomas Wirth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Septic Arthritis ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Diagnostic Procedures ◽  
White Blood Count ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Shoulder Arthritis

Purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate predictable parameters with the highest sensitivity used in the diagnosis of children septic shoulder arthritis. Methods All children treated in our paediatric orthopaedic hospital between 2000 and 2017 with intraoperative verified septic arthritis of the shoulder were included in this retrospective study. Diagnostic procedures e.g. ultrasound, MRI, radiograph or blood samples as well as typical clinical symptoms were evaluated as predictable parameters for septic shoulder arthritis in paediatric patients. Descriptive statistics as well as sensitivity analysis were performed. Results In all, 25 children, 20 boys and five girls, aged from eight days to 15 years, were included for further statistical analysis. All parameters included were tested for sensitivity with binomial confidence intervals (Cis) of 95%. Predictive parameters with highest sensitivity were pseudo paralysis (100%, CI 0.86 to 1.00) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (96%, CI 0.79 to 0.99) superior to temperature (52%, CI 0.3 to 0.73), white blood count (11%, CI 0.01 to 0.34), radiograph (21%, CI 0.04 to 0.50), ultrasound (71%, CI 0.47 to 0.88) or MRI (100%, CI 0.78 to 1.00). Conclusion The diagnosis of a septic arthritis of the shoulder in children can be challenging for the clinician and especially for the resident doctor. Clinical symptoms such as pseudo paralysis and increased CRP level must be considered as predictive markers not to delay further diagnostics and treatment. Level of Evidence IV

scholarly journals The Epidemiology of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in a Pediatric Healthcare Network in the United States

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 523-529 ◽  
Author(s):  
William R Otto ◽  
Sarah Geoghegan ◽  
Leila C Posch ◽  
Louis M Bell ◽  
Susan E Coffin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Case Series ◽  
The United States ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
White Children ◽  
Healthcare Network ◽  
Pediatric Healthcare

Abstract Background Understanding the prevalence and clinical presentation of coronavirus disease 2019 in pediatric patients can help healthcare providers and systems prepare and respond to this emerging pandemic. Methods This was a retrospective case series of patients tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) across a pediatric healthcare network, including clinical features and outcomes of those with positive test results. Results Of 7256 unique children tested for SARS-CoV-2, 424 (5.8%) tested positive. Patients aged 18–21 years had the highest test positive rate (11.2%), while those aged 1–5 years had the lowest (3.9%). By race, 10.6% (226/2132) of black children tested positive vs 3.3% (117/3592) of white children. By indication for testing, 21.1% (371/1756) of patients with reported exposures or clinical symptoms tested positive vs 3.8% (53/1410) of those undergoing preprocedural or preadmission testing. Of 424 patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, 182 (42.9%) had no comorbidities, 87 (20.5%) had asthma, and 55 (13.0%) were obese. Overall, 52.1% had cough, 51.2% fever, and 14.6% shortness of breath. Seventy-seven (18.2%) SARS-CoV-2–positive patients were hospitalized, of whom 24 (31.2%) required respiratory support. SARS-CoV-2-targeted antiviral therapy was given to 9 patients, and immunomodulatory therapy to 18 patients. Twelve (2.8%) SARS-CoV-2-positive patients required mechanical ventilation, and 2 patients required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Two patients died. Conclusions In this large cohort of pediatric patients tested for SARS-CoV-2, the rate of infection was low but varied by testing indication. The majority of cases were mild and few children had critical illness.

Adverse Effects of Tenofovir Use in HIV-infected Pregnant Women and their Infants

2008 ◽  
Vol 42 (11) ◽  
pp. 1581-1585 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Nurutdinova ◽  
Nur F Onen ◽  
Ericka Hayes ◽  
Kristin Mondy ◽  
E Turner Overton
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Normal Growth ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Childhood Growth ◽  
Highly Active

Background: Data regarding use of tenofovir disopraxil fumarate in HIV-infected pregnant women are limited. Objective: To identify adverse effects of tenofovir use during pregnancy in HIV-infected women and their infants. Methods: In a retrospective case series, the charts of 127 pregnant HIV-infected women who received highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) between 2001 and 2005 were reviewed. Those who received tenofovir during pregnancy were selected for this study. Each woman's chart was reviewed for clinical data and adverse events during the pregnancy; each infant's chart was reviewed for growth parameters from birth to 12 months. Results: Fifteen HIV-infected women with limited treatment options were prescribed HAART containing tenofovir during 16 pregnancies. In utero tenofovir exposure was a median of 127 days (range 6–259). Tenofovir was well tolerated by all women throughout pregnancy. There were 15 successful deliveries occurring at a median (range) of 36 weeks (30–40), with a median birth weight of 3255 g (1135–3610). Complications, including 1 spontaneous abortion, occurred in 9 pregnancies and were not attributed to tenofovir. Eleven (73%) women had abnormal laboratory results, including 6 who experienced grade 1 hemoglobin abnormalities; 4 of these women had preexisting anemia. Calculated glomerular filtration rate (calculated by Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation) remained above 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 in all women, except one who had a transient decline. Fourteen infants demonstrated normal growth and development for weight and height at birth, as well as during the 12-month follow-up period; no congenital malformations were documented. Mother-to-child transmission of HIV was not observed in this cohort. Conclusions: Tenofovir was found to be a well-tote rated component of HAART in this small cohort. Longer-term assessment of tenofovir effects on childhood growth and larger prospective studies of tenofovir use in pregnant women are warranted.

scholarly journals Axis screws: results and complications of a large case series

2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-203
Author(s):  
Cleiton Formentin ◽  
Erion Junior de Andrade ◽  
Fernando Luis Maeda ◽  
Enrico Ghizoni ◽  
Helder Tedeschi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Series ◽  
Spinal Cord Trauma ◽  
Mechanical Instability ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Series Evaluation ◽  
Large Case Series ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Axis Fixation ◽  
Hybrid Construction ◽  
Large Case

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To present the surgical results of patients who underwent axis screw instrumentation, discussing surgical nuances and complications of the techniques used. METHODS: Retrospective case-series evaluation of patients who underwent spinal surgery with axis instrumentation using screws. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients were included in this study. The most common cause of mechanical instability was spinal cord trauma involving the axis (36 patients – 55.4%), followed by congenital craniocervical malformation (12 patients – 18.5%). Thirty-seven (57%) patients required concomitant C1 fusion. Bilateral axis fixation was performed in almost all cases. Twenty-three patients (35.4%) underwent bilateral laminar screws fixation; pars screws were used in twenty-two patients (33.8%), and pedicular screws were used isolated in only three patients (4.6%). In fourteen patients (21.5%), we performed a hybrid construction. There was no neurological worsening nor vertebral artery injury in this series. CONCLUSION: Axis screw instrumentation proved to be a safe and efficient method for cervical stabilization. Laminar and pars screws were the most commonly used

scholarly journals Clinical Features of Patients with Probable 2019 Novel Coronavirus Infected Pneumonia in Rasht, Iran: A Retrospective Case Series

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (T1) ◽  
pp. 16-22
Author(s):  
Samad Karkhah ◽  
Mohammad Javad Ghazanfari ◽  
Amir Shamshirian ◽  
Latif Panahi ◽  
Meysam Molai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Features ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Symptomatic Treatment ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Retrospective Case Series ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is the first pandemic infectious disease caused by a novel coronavirus. Viral pneumonia is a severe complication of COVID-19. AIM: Due to the high prevalence of this disease globally, especially in Iran, the aim of this study was to determine the clinical features of seven patients with probable COVID-19 infected pneumonia in Rasht, North Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective case series study, we described the clinical, laboratory, and radiological features of seven patients with probable COVID-19 infected pneumonia at Razi Hospital, Rasht, north of Iran, from February 27 to March 16, 2020. RESULTS: In this study, the most common clinical symptoms during hospitalization in patients with COVID-19 were poor appetite (seven cases), dehydration (seven cases), cough (six cases), dyspnea (six cases), fatigue (six cases), fever above 38°C (five cases), myalgia (five cases), Chills (five cases), feeling fever (five cases), sore throat (five cases), and nausea (five cases), respectively. The average body temperature in these patients was 39.32°C. In laboratory findings, erythrocyte sedimentation rate was elevated in three patients. Contrary to most of the evidence, C-reactive protein was not elevated in five patients. All patients received antibiotic and antiviral medications and received symptomatic treatment. Finally, four patients responded to the treatments and were discharged from the hospital; two patients were still hospitalized and only one patient died. CONCLUSION: Patients with COVID-19 associated pneumonia can be treated by evaluating and implementing appropriate therapeutic management. However, at the moment the disease progression for patients with COVID-19 cannot be accurately predicted.

scholarly journals Treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia and acute respiratory distress with ramatroban, a thromboxane A2 and prostaglandin D2 receptor antagonist: A 4-Patient Case Series Report

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin L. Ogletree ◽  
Kate Chander Chiang ◽  
Rashmi Kulshreshta ◽  
Aditya Agarwal ◽  
Ashutosh Agarwal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Failure ◽  
Respiratory Distress ◽  
Receptor Antagonist ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Prostaglandin D2 ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Blood Oxygen Saturation

Abstract Importance Hypoxemia in COVID-19 pneumonia is dispositive for hospitalization and mechanical ventilation and contributes to mortality. Other than oxygen supplementation, there is no treatment that resolves hypoxemia in COVID-19 pneumonia. Objective COVID-19 pneumonia sustains a massive increase in lipid mediators, especially thromboxane A2 >> PGE2 > PGD2. Thromboxane A2 induces pulmonary venoconstriction, increases pulmonary capillary pressure and contributes to pulmonary edema. High thromboxane A2 metabolite levels are strongly associated with respiratory failure and mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Ramatroban (Baynas®, Bayer Yakuhin Ltd., Japan) is an inexpensive, orally bioavailable, thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist. Ramatroban was administered to patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and hypoxemia to explore the effect of thromboxane A2 antagonism on clinical symptoms and outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants A retrospective case series comprising 4 consecutive outpatients, 22 to 87 years of age, with COVID-19 pneumonia and hypoxemia treated with ramatroban between April and July 2021 in India. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome measure was blood oxygen saturation using pulse oximetry (SpO2). Secondary outcome measures were respiratory distress and need for hospitalization. Results Four COVID-19 outpatients had developed progressive respiratory distress and hypoxemia. Within 12-36 hours of the first dose of ramatroban, all four patients experienced increase in SpO2 and decrease in respiratory distress, which obviated hospitalization. Continued treatment for 5 days was associated with complete resolution of respiratory distress and hypoxemia. Conclusions and Relevance There is an unmet medical need for drugs that target the hemodynamic, prothrombotic, and maladaptive immune responses that lead to pneumonia and respiratory failure following SARS-CoV-2 infection. As an anti-vasospastic, broncho-relaxant, anti-thrombotic and immunomodulatory agent, ramatroban addresses the fundamental host response mechanisms underlying respiratory and critical organ failure in COVID-19. Ramatroban merits study in randomized clinical trials that might offer hope for a cost-effective pandemic treatment.

scholarly journals Treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia and acute respiratory distress with ramatroban, a thromboxane A2 and prostaglandin D2 receptor antagonist: A 4-Patient Case Series Report

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin L. Ogletree ◽  
Kate Chander Chiang ◽  
Rashmi Kulshreshta ◽  
Aditya Agarwal ◽  
Ashutosh Agarwal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Failure ◽  
Respiratory Distress ◽  
Receptor Antagonist ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Prostaglandin D2 ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Blood Oxygen Saturation

Abstract Importance Hypoxemia in COVID-19 pneumonia is dispositive for hospitalization and mechanical ventilation and contributes to mortality. Other than oxygen supplementation, there is no treatment that resolves hypoxemia in COVID-19 pneumonia. Objective COVID-19 pneumonia sustains a massive increase in lipid mediators, especially thromboxane A2 >> PGE2 > PGD2. Thromboxane A2 induces pulmonary venoconstriction, increases pulmonary capillary pressure and contributes to pulmonary edema. High thromboxane A2 metabolite levels are strongly associated with respiratory failure and mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Ramatroban (Baynas®, Bayer Yakuhin Ltd., Japan) is an inexpensive, orally bioavailable, thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist. Ramatroban was administered to patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and hypoxemia to explore the effect of thromboxane A2 antagonism on clinical symptoms and outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants A retrospective case series comprising 4 consecutive outpatients, 22 to 87 years of age, with COVID-19 pneumonia and hypoxemia treated with ramatroban between April and July 2021 in India. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome measure was blood oxygen saturation using pulse oximetry (SpO2). Secondary outcome measures were respiratory distress and need for hospitalization. Results Four COVID-19 outpatients had developed progressive respiratory distress and hypoxemia. Within 12-36 hours of the first dose of ramatroban, all four patients experienced increase in SpO2 and decrease in respiratory distress, which obviated hospitalization. Continued treatment for 5 days was associated with complete resolution of respiratory distress and hypoxemia. Conclusions and Relevance There is an unmet medical need for drugs that target the hemodynamic, prothrombotic, and maladaptive immune responses that lead to pneumonia and respiratory failure following SARS-CoV-2 infection. As an anti-vasospastic, broncho-relaxant, anti-thrombotic and immunomodulatory agent, ramatroban addresses the fundamental host response mechanisms underlying respiratory and critical organ failure in COVID-19. Ramatroban merits study in randomized clinical trials that might offer hope for a cost-effective pandemic treatment.

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