scholarly journals Analysis of Steroid Effect in Patients with Olfactory Dysfunction

Author(s):  
Chang Bae Lee ◽  
Sangjun Kim

Background and Objectives Olfaction plays an important role on sensing and discriminating smell and taste. The number of patients visiting outpatient department for treatment of olfactory dysfunction is increasing along with the change in patients’ perception about the importance of olfactory function.Subjects and Method Patients with olfactory dysfunction, who visited the hospital from 2010 to 2018, were included in this study. The medical records were reviewed focusing on the Korean Version of Sniffin’ Stick, the CT finding of olfactory cleft or signs of sinusitis, and the effect of oral steroids. Postviral olfactory disorder (PVOD) patients and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients were treated by oral steroid, starting on prednisolon (Solondo Tab<sup>®</sup>, YuHan Corp.; 40 mg per day) and tapered for 2 weeks.Results There were 13 cases where patients’ sense of smell was improved only for a short period of time after taking steroids but worsened thereafter. They showed improvement of olfactory function every time they took steroids. We defined this group as “steroid dependent olfactory dysfunction.”Conclusion It is necessary to understand the physiology and molecular biologic mechanisms behind the causes of olfactory dysfunction in order to establish the diagnostic criteria and treatment strategy. Steroid dependent olfactory dysfunction also needs more investigation.

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chia-Yi Tian ◽  
Yang-Hao Ou ◽  
Shih-Liang Chang ◽  
Chih-Ming Lin

Abstract Introduction Pembrolizumab and other immune checkpoint inhibitors are the emerging treatment for selected, high-grade malignancies. However, a small number of patients are unable to tolerate its adverse effects, leading to discontinuation of this potentially life-changing therapy. In this study, we present a case of high-grade urothelial carcinoma patient, who experienced neurocomplications during the first pembrolizumab administration. However, we were able to limit the adverse effect by concomitant use of low-dose oral steroids. Case presentation A 75-year-old Taiwanese female with high-grade urothelial carcinoma of the left ureter came to the neurology clinic with complaints of acute onset of bilateral ptosis 16 days after her first infusion of pembrolizumab. It was found that she developed complete bilateral ptosis and limited extraocular muscle movements. Myasthenia gravis-related antibodies and repetitive stimulation test were negative. We diagnosed her with pembrolizumab-induced myasthenia gravis-like disorder and myositis based on clinical symptoms and elevation of muscle enzymes. We commenced methylprednisolone pulse therapy followed by oral steroid therapy with gradual resolution of the symptoms. Three months later, the patient received a second cycle of pembrolizumab with low-dose oral steroids without any complications. Conclusion Pembrolizumab exerts its antitumor activity by interfering with the binding of programmed death 1 and its ligand, programmed death ligand 1. As a result, enhanced cytotoxic T cells can recognize tumor cells and induce cellular death. However, neurological complications may be severe and require prompt recognition and treatment. Our case demonstrated that concomitant use of low-dose steroids and pembrolizumab might prevent such complications.


2005 ◽  
pp. 87-92
Author(s):  
R. S. Fassakhov ◽  
I. D. Reshetnikova ◽  
N. I. Ilyina ◽  
F. I. Petrovsky ◽  
L. M. Ogorodova ◽  
...  

The aim of the study was to assess efficacy and safety of 24-month treatment with Seretide (salmeterol / fluticasone propionate, 100 / 1 000 mcg daily) or Flixotide (fluticasone propionate, 1 000 mcg daily) in 105 steroid-dependent asthma patients aged 18 to 60 yrs who had received oral steroids for at least 6 months but not longer than 10 years. Methods. The study was comparative, randomized, multicentre, open in parallel groups (15 visits with 2-week intervals). Reduction of oral steroid doses started at the 3-rd visit. Results. In spite of the continual treatment with oral steroids patients did not reach asthma control. After 6-month therapy with fluticasone propionate or salmeterol / fluticasone propionate the maintaining dose of prednisolone was 6 times lower in comparison with baseline. Moreover, oral steroids were abolished in each second patient receiving Seretide and each third patient receiving Flixotide. The asthma control and quality of life significantly increased. Conclusion. The therapy with fluticasone propionate or salmeterol / fluticasone propionate allows to reduce doses of oral steroids and to cease oral steroids in most causes. Moreover, the patients can maintain good asthma control.


1997 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 263-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edith A. McFadden ◽  
B. Tucker Woodson ◽  
Jordan N. Fink ◽  
Robert J. Toohill

Aspirin sensitivity, asthma, and chronic sinusitis with polyposis comprises the syndrome of Aspirin Triad (AT). The sinusitis associated with this disease is often fulminate and difficult to treat. In order to evaluate the surgical treatment of chronic sinusitis of AT a 17-year retrospective study of 80 patients was performed. Friedman Class III or IV sinus CT scans were present in 73 patients (90%) preoperatively. Twenty-five patients (30.1%) had steroid-dependent asthma and an additional 40 (50%) required intermittent oral steroids for asthma control. All patients underwent bilateral sinus surgery by either a conservative or a radical approach. Patients were followed from 3 weeks to 16 years postoperatively, with an average followup of 3 years. Sixty-eight patients (85%) had significant improvement in their sinus symptoms and 67 (83%) had relief of their asthma. The eight patients (10%) who remained steroid dependent required smaller doses of steroids. Seven patients (8.8%) had nonoperative orbital complications. There was a significant incidence of revision surgery after both conservative and radical sinus procedures. We conclude that surgical treatment by either a conservative or a radical approach controlled the sinusitis in the majority of AT patients, but neither was effective in eliminating the need for subsequent sinus surgery in a significant number of patients with severe sinus disease (Classes III and IV). Control of the sinus disease has a definite beneficial effect on steroid dependency and the need for intermittent oral steroids in managing the asthma in AT. We recommend conservative surgery in the surgical treatment of these patients. AT patients also require close long-term followup with intense medical management of their chronic respiratory inflammation that appears to put them at increased risk for nonoperative complications of their severe sinusitis.


Crisis ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin Kim ◽  
Han Joon Kim ◽  
Soo Hyun Kim ◽  
Sang Hoon Oh ◽  
Kyu Nam Park

Abstract. Background: Previous suicide attempts increase the risk of a completed suicide. However, a large proportion of patients with deliberate self-wrist cutting (DSWC) are often discharged without undergoing a psychiatric interview. Aims: The aims of this study were to investigate the differences in the characteristics and outcomes of patients with DSWC and those with deliberate self-poisoning (DSP) episodes. The results of this study may be used to improve the efficacy of treatment for DSWC patients. Method: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 598 patients with DSWC and DSP who were treated at the emergency department of Seoul Saint Mary's Hospital between 2008 and 2013. We assessed sociodemographic information, clinical variables, the reasons for the suicide attempts, and the severity of the suicide attempts. Results: A total of 141 (23.6%) patients were included in the DSWC group, and 457 (76.4%) were included in the DSP group. A significantly greater number of patients in the DSWC group had previously attempted suicide (p = .014). A total of 63 patients (44.7%) in the DSWC group and 409 patients (89.5%) in the DSP group underwent psychiatric interviews. Conclusion: More DSWC patients had previously attempted suicide, but fewer of them underwent psychiatric interviews compared with the DSP patients.


ORL ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Sotiria Genetzaki ◽  
Evangelia Tsakiropoulou ◽  
Vasilios Nikolaidis ◽  
Konstantinos Markou ◽  
Iordanis Konstantinidis

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> There are limited treatment options for postinfectious olfactory dysfunction (PIOD). Olfactory training has recently been used in clinical practice, but no medical treatment is widely accepted. Although there is weak evidence for their value, some physicians use oral corticosteroids as first-line treatment. The aim of this study was to compare combined oral methylprednisolone and olfactory training with olfactory training alone in the management of PIOD. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This prospective cohort study included 131 patients with PIOD over a 2-year period before the COVID-19 pandemic. Seventy-eight patients who were treated with oral methylprednisolone and olfactory training (group A) were compared with 53 patients who were treated with olfactory training only (group B). Olfactory function was evaluated with “Sniffin’ Sticks” at baseline and 2, 8, and 16 weeks after initial assessment. Patients who improved after steroid treatment underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the paranasal sinuses, skin prick tests, lung spirometry, and sputum eosinophil assessment. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Oral steroids improved 19.23% of patients (<i>n</i> = 15) of group A. History, clinical evaluation, imaging, and laboratory tests identified an inflammatory background in half of them (<i>n</i> = 8). The remaining 7 had no findings of nasal inflammation, and all had a short history of olfactory dysfunction. Both groups significantly improved in olfactory testing results at the end of the olfactory training scheme without significant difference between them. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The percentage of improved patients after oral methylprednisolone was relatively low to suggest it as first-line treatment. Half of the improved patients had an underlying upper airway inflammatory condition not related to the infection that caused the acute loss of olfactory function.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 3365
Author(s):  
Benjie Law ◽  
Hui Yuh Soh ◽  
Syed Nabil ◽  
Rama Krsna Rajandram ◽  
Abd Jabar Nazimi ◽  
...  

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaws and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) are uncommon but serious diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial region with clinically similar appearance but distinct pathophysiology. Management of ORN and MRONJ is inherently challenging and the treatment outcomes are unpredictable. The use of autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) to promote hard and soft tissue healing is well described in the literature, and the efficacy of leucocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) has been well documented in a number of clinical studies. The aim of this study was to present our treatment strategy and the outcomes of incorporating L-PRF as a surgical adjunct in management of ORN and MRONJ in our centre. Methods: eight cases of ORN and MRONJ were treated with a combination of sequestrectomy and L-PRF as a surgical adjunct. Results: the overall success was 87.5%. Using L-PRF as an adjunct, we were able to predictably manage ORN and MRONJ without causing significant morbidity. Conclusion: our experience shows that L-PRF may be used as a valuable and cost-effective adjunct to surgical management of ORN and MRONJ. However, due to a limited number of patients, and a short period of review, the true effectiveness of the method is yet to be demonstrated in a longer follow-up study including a greater number of patients, besides the inclusion of a control group.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Lianda Siregar ◽  
Imelda Maria Loho ◽  
Agus Sudiro Waspodo ◽  
Siti Nadliroh ◽  
Rahmanandhika Swadari ◽  
...  

Background: There is currently no data regarding the efficacy of prophylactic telbivudine in hepatitis B patients undergoing chemotherapy. This study aims to describe the results of preemptive telbivudine and lamivudine to prevent chemotherapy-related HBV reactivation.Methods: The medical records of all patients with HBsAg positive or HBs-Ag negative, anti-HBc positive, who were referred to the hepatology clinic between May 2014 and December 2016, were retrospectively reviewed. As this is a descriptive study, no statistical analysis was done.Results: A total of 52 patients with prophylactic telbivudine or lamivudine therapy were included, with 26 patients in each group. Rituximab-based treatment was given in nine and five patients in the telbivudine and lamivudine group, respectively. The number of patients who completed antiviral treatment up to six months after chemotherapy was 17 patients in each group. There was less incidence of HBV reactivation in the telbivudine group (2 of 17 patients, 11.8%) than in the lamivudine group (7 of 17 patients, 41.2%). Delayed reactivation was noticed in 1 of 2 patients in the telbivudine group and 3 of 7 patients in the lamivudine group. The median log10[HBV DNA] at reactivation was 4.52 (1.70 – 8.35) IU/mL. Severe hepatitis was observed in two patients in the lamivudine group and one patient in the telbivudine group. Of 34 patients who completed antiviral treatment, two patients died due to primary cancer. No interruption of chemotherapy or mortality due to hepatitis was noticed in both groups.Conclusions: Preemptive telbivudine or lamivudine in HBsAg positive or HBsAg negative, anti-HBc positive patients seems to be a good treatment option.


2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
pp. 0-0
Author(s):  
L. Zou ◽  
A. Haehner ◽  
S. Menzel ◽  
N. Gunder ◽  
T. Hummel

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of the brief version of Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders (brief QOD). Methods: A total of 372 patients participated in this study. Olfactory function was examined using the Sniffin’ Sticks test. The brief version of QOD, including 4 items concerning parosmia (QOD-P), 7 items concerning quality of life (QOD-QOL), and 3 visual analog scales to rate disease burden, awareness of the disorder and issues related to professional life (QOD-VAS), was used to assess subjective information on olfactory dysfunction. We evaluated the split-half reliability, internal consistency and validity of the brief QOD. Results: The split-half reliability was 0.60 (QOD-P), 0.87 (QOD-QOL), and 0.66 (QOD-VAS), respectively. The Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.63 (QOD-P), 0.87 (QOD-QOL), and 0.71 (QOD-VAS), respectively. Olfactory function was found to be associated with QOD-P, QOD-QOL and QOD-VAS. Conclusions: The brief QOD is a suitable scale for the assessment of subjective severity of olfactory dysfunction for purposes such as treatment counseling, disability assessment, treatment control, and research in patients with olfactory disorder.


2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 1505-1516 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Rita Barbieri ◽  
Crhistinne Cavalheiro Maymone Gonçalves ◽  
Maria de Fátima Meinberg Cheade ◽  
Cristina Souza ◽  
Daniel Henrique Tsuha ◽  
...  

The increasing incidence of chronic renal failure in Brazil and the consequential expansion of hemodialysis as a choice for treatment in final stage have to be taken into account to guarantee access to those in need. The ecological study conducted in Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, in 2012, using data from the Brazilian Health Informatics Department (DATASUS) and from the analysis of medical records in 12 clinics, identified and mapped patients on hemodialysis, the distance they travelled and the estimated number of patients. The prevalence of hemodialysis patients in Mato Grosso do Sul State, about 55 per 100,000 inhabitants, is similar to the national average. The analyses indicated concentration of patients in counties with clinics and also geographical gaps that generate displacement of over 100km for more than 16% of patients. The results point to the necessity of strengthening public policies that consider, for decision-making, the decentralization of service, the expansion of home care and the follow-up education for professionals.


e-CliniC ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad F. Bazmul ◽  
Eka Y. Lantang ◽  
Barry I. Kambey

Abstract: Emergency Department provides first emergency services to patients with threats of death and disability in an integrated manner involving multi disciplines. Patients who come to the Emergency Department are always assessed as 3 priorities, namely priorities 1, 2 and 3. Priority 1 is case/disease with life-threatening emergency or severe emergency; Priority 2 is case/disease with mild emergency; and Priority 3 is non-emergency case/disease. This study was aimed to obtain the Triage profile of patients at Emergency Department of Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou Hospital Manado. This was a retrospective descriptive study using patients’ medical records. Samples were all patients treated at the Emergency Department of Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou Hospital from January 2018 until July 2018. The results showed that there were 19,229 patients as samples. Based on sex, most patients were male, meanwhile based on age most were 51-70 years, with the highest number of patients in March 2018. There were 6,913 patients (35.9%) in the orange or emergency category (Priority 2) and 6,130 patients (31.8%) in the yellow category (Priority 3). Conclusion: Based on the Start Triage in Emergency Department, the majority of patients were in Priority 2 category, followed by Priority 3 category.Keywords: Emergency Department, Start Triage Abstrak: Instalasi Gawat Darurat (IGD) memberikan pelayanan pertama yang bersifat emergency pada pasien dengan ancaman kematian dan kecacatan secara terpadu dengan melibatkan multi disiplin ilmu. Pasien yang datang di IGD selalu dinilai kegawatannya menja-di 3 prioritas, yaitu prioritas 1, 2, dan 3. Prioritas 1 yaitu kasus/penyakit dengan kegawat-daruratan yang mengancam jiwa atau gawat darurat berat. Prioritas 2 untuk kasus/penyakit dengan gawat darurat ringan. Prioritas 3 untuk kasus/penyakit yang bukan gawat darurat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui profil skala Triase pasien yang masuk di IGD RSUP Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou Manado. Jenis penelitian ialah deskriptif-retrospektif, menggunakan data rekam medis pasien. Sampel penelitian ialah seluruh pasien yang dirawat di IGD RSUP Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou Manado periode Januari 2018 sampai Juli 2018. Hasil penelitian mendapatkan data pasien yang masuk ke Ruang IGD RSUP Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou Manado terhitung sejak Januari hingga Juli 2018 sebanyak 19.229 orang. Distribusi pasien terbanyak berdasarkan jenis kelamin ialah laki-laki, dan berdasarkan usia ialah 51-70 tahun, dengan jumlah pasien terbanyak pada bulan Maret 2018. Pasien IGD terbanyak ialah kategori jingga yaitu emergency (Prioritas 2) berjumlah 6.913 orang (35,9%) serta kategori kuning (Prioritas 3) berjumlah 6.130 orang (31,8%). Simpulan: Berdasarkan skala Triase di IGD, pasien terbanyak ialah Prioritas 2, disusul dengan Prioritas 3.Kata kunci : Instalasi Gawat Darurat, skala Triase


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