scholarly journals Clinical Features of POEMS Syndrome In Southeast Asia: A Literature-Based Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario B. Prado ◽  
Karen Joy Adiao
Keyword(s):  
Southeast Asia ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Poems Syndrome ◽  
Search Terms

Abstract Purpose: To determine and analyze the clinical characteristics of POEMS Syndrome among Southeast Asian countries.Methods: We searched the literature using a pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria and using the search terms “[(POEMS) or (Takatsuki) or (PEP) or (Crow Fukase) and (syndrome)] AND [Countries/People of Southeast Asia]”.Results: Seven studies, including 5 case reports, 1 case series and 1 correspondence letter containing 8 patients were eligible for analysis. The median age of onset was 54 years, while the median duration to correct diagnosis was 5.5 months. The most common initial presentation was weakness (4/6) with 50% initially diagnosed as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. On physical examination, 100% had evidence of length dependent polyneuropathy, 80% had papilledema, 75% had edema/effusion, 86% had skin changes and 67% had organomegaly. All had abnormal NCS and CT scan while 1 tested negative for monoclonal gammopathy restricted to lambda. Only 2 had VEGF results, one of which was normal. Melphalan and steroid combination was the most common treatment given with only 1 case dying of sepsis. Conclusion: Although the number of cases in Southeast Asia is lower, which can be attributed to difference in ethnicity and geographical location, the presenting signs and symptoms of this condition was similar to other countries. However, the new proposed criteria may not be applicable in the region as only few countries are capable of doing VEGF testing.

The Need for Routine Bleomycin Test Dosing in the 21st Century

2005 ◽  
Vol 39 (11) ◽  
pp. 1897-1902 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masha SH Lam
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
English Language ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Mail Survey ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Test Dose ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
High Grade Fever ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
E Mail

OBJECTIVE To review the clinical evidence for routine use of bleomycin test dosing. DATA SOURCES English-language review articles, references from retrieved articles, case reports, and clinical trials were identified from a MEDLINE literature search (1966–July 2005). Key search terms included bleomycin, test dose, anaphylactic reactions, and hypersensitivity. Information from an unpublished E-mail survey, the manufacturer, and the Internet was also used. DATA SYNTHESIS Early clinical trials and isolated case reports suggest that bleomycin-induced acute hypersensitivity reactions occur in 1% of patients with lymphoma and <0.5% of those with solid tumors. The reactions are mainly characterized by high-grade fever, chills, hypotension, and in a few cases, cardiovascular collapse, which can lead to death. The exact mechanism of these reactions is unclear, but is thought to be related to the release of endogenous pyrogens from the host cells. Evidence does not suggest any correlation between doses and the onset or severity of the reactions. Supportive care, including hydration, steroids, antipyretics, and antihistamines, may resolve the symptoms. However, it may not completely prevent recurrences. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of acute hypersensitivity or hyperpyrexic reactions associated with bleomycin is very low, but the reaction is potentially fatal. Clinicians should monitor their patients for any signs and symptoms of acute hyperpyrexic reactions during bleomycin administration. Since the onset of the reactions can occur with any dose of bleomycin and at any time, routine test dosing does not seem to predict when drug reactions may occur.

scholarly journals Extraoral Sinus Tracts of Odontogenic Origin: A Case Series

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellahe Azizlou ◽  
Mohsen AminSobhani ◽  
Sholeh Ghabraei ◽  
Mehrfam Khoshkhounejad ◽  
Abdollah Ghorbanzadeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Complete Recovery ◽  
Cutaneous Lesions ◽  
Odontogenic Origin ◽  
The Face ◽  
History Of ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Dental Infections

Extraoral sinus tracts of odontogenic origin often develop as the result of misdiagnosis of persistent dental infections due to trauma, caries, or periodontal disease. Due to these lesions' imitation from cutaneous lesions, misdiagnosis, and mismanagement, which we frequently encounter, this article aims to describe four cases with manifestations in different parts of the face and the neck. Patients were referred to an endodontist with a history of several surgical procedures and/or antibiotic therapy due to misdiagnosis. After comprehensive examinations, root canal treatment was performed. The resolution of signs and symptoms during the follow-up period confirmed the correct diagnosis. Dermatologists and other physicians should be aware of the possibility of the relationship of extraoral sinus tracts with dental infections. Precise examination and taking a comprehensive history can aid to prevent unnecessary and incorrect therapeutic and/or pharmaceutical interventions. Elimination of dental infection leads to complete recovery in such patients.

Mycobacterial Infections of the Hand

Hand ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 155894472094006
Author(s):  
Vivek K. Bilolikar ◽  
Asif M. Ilyas
Keyword(s):  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Joint Space ◽  
Cutaneous Infections ◽  
Mycobacterial Infections ◽  
Resistant Tuberculosis ◽  
Resistance Patterns ◽  
New Diagnosis ◽  
Resistance Rates

Background Hand infections caused by mycobacteria are relatively uncommon compared to infections caused by other pathogens; therefore, much of the available literature consists of case reports and limited case series. Broadly categorized into tuberculous and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections, both tuberculous and NTM infections are typically insidious with long incubation periods and with the ability to remain dormant for prolonged periods. Methods We reviewed the most current literature on the epidemiology, presentations, treatment methods, and resistance patterns of mycobacterial infections of the hand focusing on the indications and outcomes of nonoperative as well as operative interventions. Results The worldwide burden of tuberculosis remains high and while the overall rate of new diagnosis drug resistant tuberculosis has been on the decline some regions of the world have demonstrated staggeringly high resistance rates to first-line tuberculosis therapies. Signs and symptoms of mycobacterial hand infection are typically inconsistent, and highly dependent on the specific structures of the hand that are affected; therefore, these infections may mimic other infections of the hand like tenosynovitis, joint space infections, and cutaneous infections. The main stay of treatment remains antimycobacterial therapies including but not limited to rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. Conclusions The complications associated with mycobacterial hand infections can be significant. Prompt evaluation, including a thorough history to evaluate for potential exposures to infectious sources, followed by appropriate antibiotic choice and duration, with surgical management as needed, is key to reducing the chance that patients experience lasting effects of the infection.

POEMS Syndrome

Hematology ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 2005 (1) ◽  
pp. 360-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Dispenzieri
Keyword(s):  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Bone Lesion ◽  
High Dose Chemotherapy ◽  
Poems Syndrome ◽  
Bone Lesions ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Sclerotic Bone

Abstract POEMS syndrome is defined by the presence of a peripheral neuropathy (P), a monoclonal plasma cell disorder (M), and other paraneoplastic features, the most common of which include organomegaly (O), endocrinopathy (E), skin changes (S), papilledema, edema, effusions, ascites, and thrombocytosis. Virtually all patients will have either sclerotic bone lesion(s) or co-existent Castleman’s disease. Not all features of the disease are required to make the diagnosis, and early recognition is important to reduce morbidity. Other names for the syndrome include osteosclerotic myeloma, Crow-Fukase syndrome, or Takatsuki syndrome. Because the peripheral neuropathy is frequently the overriding symptom and because the characteristics of the neuropathy are similar to that chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), patients are frequently misdiagnosed with CIDP or monoclonal gammopathy of underdetermined significance (MGUS)-associated peripheral neuropathy. Not until additional features of the POEMS syndrome are recognized is the correct diagnosis made and effective therapies initiated. Clues to an early diagnosis include thrombocytosis and sclerotic bone lesions on plain skeletal radiographs. Therapies that may be effective in patients with CIDP and MGUS-associated peripheral neuropathy (intravenous gammaglobulin and plasmapheresis) are not effective in patients with POEMS. Instead, the mainstays of therapy for patients with POEMS include irradiation, corticosteroids, and alkylator-based therapy, including high-dose chemotherapy with peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.

Clinical Toxicology of Yew Poisoning

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (6) ◽  
pp. 591-599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander W. Labossiere ◽  
Dennis F. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Extracorporeal Life Support ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Plant Materials ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Life Threatening

Objectives: Yew plant materials contain highly toxic taxine alkaloids. Serious ingestions can result in life-threatening toxicity. The purpose of this article is to summarize the literature on the treatment of acute yew poisoning. Data Sources: PubMed (January 1946 to November 2017) was searched using the search terms “taxus/po”. EMBASE (1980 to November 2017) was searched using the search terms “taxus/to” and “yew.mp.” Web of Science (1945 to November 2017) was searched using the text words taxus, taxine, and yew. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Available English language articles involving case reports, epidemiology, treatment, and outcomes were included. Data Synthesis: Although not uncommon, unintentional yew poisoning rarely results in significant morbidity or mortality. A total of 26 case reports of yew poisoning were evaluated along with 4 case series articles (totaling 22 additional cases). Only 4 of the 48 total cases (8%) were accidental poisonings, the rest being deliberate ingestions. In 20 patients (42%), it resulted in fatalities. Severe, acute yew poisoning results in symptomatology largely resistant to pharmacotherapy intervention. Conclusions: Most nonintentional ingestions of yew plant constituents are asymptomatic and require little intervention. Severe poisoning can result in life-threatening cardiac toxicity and require aggressive supportive care. Therapeutic interventions, such as sodium bicarbonate, digoxin immune fab, and hemodialysis that have been utilized in case studies and case series in the literature have little proven benefit. Extracorporeal life support should be considered in severe yew poisoning.

Signs and symptoms associated with synthetic cannabinoid toxicity: systematic review

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 598-601 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Courts ◽  
Virginia Maskill ◽  
Andrew Gray ◽  
Paul Glue
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Emergency Services ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoid ◽  
Symptom Reporting ◽  
Presenting Symptoms ◽  
Study Population

Aims: Use of synthetic cannabinoids is associated with significant physical and psychological harms. This research quantified reported toxicities from published reports and assessed the influence of size of the reported study population on rates of symptom reporting. Methods: Systematic review of published case reports and case series of toxicity associated with use of synthetic cannabinoids. Results: Symptoms associated with synthetic cannabinoid toxicity were reported for 3695 individuals, predominantly young males. Symptoms included physiological (e.g. tachycardia, hypertension, nausea/vomiting), emotional (e.g. agitation, irritability, paranoia), behavioural (e.g. drowsiness, aggression) and perceptual (e.g. hallucinations) domains. Most common symptoms were tachycardia (30.2% of cases), agitation (13.5%), drowsiness (12.3%), nausea/vomiting (8.2%) and hallucinations (7.6%). Death or serious medical complications were uncommon (e.g. death 0.2%, stroke 0.1%, myocardial infarction 0.09%). Case reports/smaller case series ( n<10) reported statistically significantly higher rates for 29/34 symptoms than larger case series ( n≥10), which could represent selection bias. Conclusions: Symptoms of synthetic cannabinoid toxicity are variable and cover a number of physical and psychological domains. Symptom reporting varies by study population size. Due to the variable presenting symptoms of synthetic cannabinoid toxicity, clinicians in emergency services should consider synthetic cannabinoid toxicity when evaluating young adult male patients presenting with unexplained agitation or cardiovascular symptoms.

scholarly journals A comprehensive review on clinical and mechanistic pathophysiological aspects of COVID-19 Malady: How far have we come?

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Baila Shakaib ◽  
Tanzeel Zohra ◽  
Aamer Ikram ◽  
Muhammad Bin Shakaib ◽  
Amna Ali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Organ Damage ◽  
Underlying Disease ◽  
The Body ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Irreversible Damage ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
Wide Range

AbstractSince its outbreak in 2019, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a pandemic, affecting more than 52 million people and causing more than 1 million mortalities globally till date. Current research reveals a wide array of disease manifestations and behaviors encompassing multiple organ systems in body and immense systemic inflammation, which have been summarized in this review. Data from a number of scientific reviews, research articles, case series, observational studies, and case reports were retrieved by utilizing online search engines such as Cochrane, PubMed, and Scopus from December 2019 to November 2020. The data for prevalence of signs and symptoms, underlying disease mechanisms and comorbidities were analyzed using SPSS version 25. This review will discuss a wide range of COVID-19 clinical presentations recorded till date, and the current understanding of both the underlying general as well as system specific pathophysiologic, and pathogenetic pathways. These include direct viral penetration into host cells through ACE2 receptors, induction of inflammosomes and immune response through viral proteins, and the initiation of system-wide inflammation and cytokine production. Moreover, peripheral organ damage and underlying comorbid diseases which can lead to short term and long term, reversible and irreversible damage to the body have also been studied. We concluded that underlying comorbidities and their pathological effects on the body contributed immensely and determine the resultant disease severity and mortality of the patients. Presently there is no drug approved for treatment of COVID-19, however multiple vaccines are now in use and research for more is underway.

scholarly journals Complete Response to R-EPOCH in Primary Cardiac Lymphoma

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kartik Anand ◽  
Sai Ravi Pingali ◽  
Barry Trachtenberg ◽  
Swaminathan Padmanabhan Iyer
Keyword(s):  
Pericardial Effusion ◽  
Complete Remission ◽  
Treatment Modality ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Complete Response ◽  
Cardiac Lymphoma ◽  
Primary Cardiac Lymphoma ◽  
Treatment Consensus

Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) is a rare extranodal lymphoma involving only the heart and/or the pericardium. Most common presenting signs and symptoms are nonspecific including dyspnea, pericardial effusion, and arrhythmia. Prognosis of PCL patients remain poor compared to non‐cardiac lymphoma patients. Since most of the information about PCL comes from case reports or case series, there is no treatment consensus. Anthracycline containing chemotherapy remains main treatment modality which is potentially cardiotoxic. We present a case of PCL that achieved complete remission using R-EPOCH (rituximab, etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin). We also used dexrazoxane in an effort to reduce cardiotoxicity of chemotherapy.

Medically important trombiculids: a systematic review of the global distribution and clinical consequences of their bites

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-76
Author(s):  
Julián F. Porras-Villamil ◽  
Mario Javier-Olivera
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Clinical Importance ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Rickettsial Infections ◽  
Clinical Consequences

Background: Mites are among the smallest arthropods that can be seen without magnification, were the use of dermatoscopy is an invaluable tool. They are a cosmopolitan pest, and at the moment more than 250 species have been shown to produce problems for humans and animals alike. These mites are capable of producing a wide array of clinical signs and symptoms, from local to systemic, from mild to severe, as well as transmitting pathogens. This study aimed to provide an update to the clinical impact on human health, the distribution and species involved in the clinical conditions produced by trombiculids through a systematic review. Background: Mites are among the smallest arthropods that can be seen without magnification, were the use of dermatoscopy is an invaluable tool. They are a cosmopolitan pest, and at the moment more than 250 species have been shown to produce problems for humans and animals alike. These mites are capable of producing a wide array of clinical signs and symptoms, from local to systemic, from mild to severe, as well as transmitting pathogens. This study aimed to provide an update to the clinical impact on human health, the distribution and species involved in the clinical conditions produced by trombiculids through a systematic review. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in Medline, Lilacs, Redalyc, Scopus, SciELO and Google Scholar, were we use as a threshold of publication date the year 2008. We limited the search strategy to articles published in Portuguese, French, English and Spanish. Eligible studies were case reports and case series that reported outcomes in humans caused by trombiculid bites. Patient-level and study-level information was extracted. Results: The literature search yielded 832 studies; 13 were case reports, 4 case series and 2 descriptive studies reporting a total of 49 cases. Most patients were male, and the median age was 33.7±6.4 years old. The most frequently reported symptoms were local erythema, pruritus and papules. No deaths were documented. Trombiculids from the genera Trombicula, Eutrombicula and Leptotrombidium appear to be the most commonly reported. Discussion: Trombiculiasis is an infestation caused by the larval stage of various types of mites, known as chiggers, they belong to the class Arachnida and the family Trombiculidae. This systematic review provides an overview of the trombiculids of clinical importance, their distribution and effects of the bite on human health. Our results show that there are different species of mites that can have important consequences for human health. No fatal cases owere registered.Even so, the transmission of scrub typhus is important and remains one of the most life-threatening rickettsial infections in some regions of Asia. Conclusions: The bite of different species of trombiculids around the world can cause a wide array of clinical consequences to human health. Even as mortality appear to be nonexistent, trombiculid bites must be adequately diagnosed and treated properly: A systematic literature review was conducted in Medline, Lilacs, Redalyc, Scopus, SciELO and Google Scholar, were we use as a threshold of publication date the year 2008. We limited the search strategy to articles published in Portuguese, French, English and Spanish. Eligible studies were case reports and case series that reported outcomes in humans caused by trombiculid bites. Patient-level and study-level information was extracted. Results: The literature search yielded 832 studies; 13 were case reports, 4 case series and 2 descriptive studies reporting a total of 49 cases. Most patients were male, and the median age was 33.7±6.4 years old. The most frequently reported symptoms were local erythema, pruritus and papules. No deaths were documented. Trombiculids from the genera Trombicula, Eutrombicula and Leptotrombidium appear to be the most commonly reported. Discussion: Trombiculiasis is an infestation caused by the larval stage of various types of mites, known as chiggers, they belong to the class Arachnida and the family Trombiculidae. This systematic review provides an overview of the trombiculids of clinical importance, their distribution and effects of the bite on human health. Our results show that there are different species of mites that can have important consequences for human health. No fatal cases owere registered.Even so, the transmission of scrub typhus is important and remains one of the most life-threatening rickettsial infections in some regions of Asia. Conclusions: The bite of different species of trombiculids around the world can cause a wide array of clinical consequences to human health. Even as mortality appear to be nonexistent, trombiculid bites must be adequately diagnosed and treated properly.

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