scholarly journals A Comparison of Clinical, Electro-Diagnostic, Laboratory, and Treatment Outcome Differences in a Cohort of HIV-Infected and HIV-Uninfected Patients With Myasthenia Gravis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaminie Moodley ◽  
Pierre L. A. Bill ◽  
Vinod B. Patel
Keyword(s):  
Myasthenia Gravis ◽  
Treatment Outcomes ◽  
Rescue Therapy ◽  
Infected Group ◽  
Mixed Ancestry ◽  
Diagnostic Laboratory ◽  
Black African ◽  
Clinical Criteria ◽  
Outcome Differences

There is limited literature comparing the clinical parameters and treatment outcomes in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected myasthenia gravis (MG) patients. The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical differences and treatment outcomes in the two categories of patients, particularly the safe use of immunosuppressive therapy in immunocompromised patients. The study was a retrospective analysis of medical records of MG patients from the neuromuscular unit at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in Kwa-Zulu Natal between 2003 and 2019. One hundred and seventy-eight (178) patients fulfilled the clinical criteria for MG. Twenty-four (13.4%) were HIV-infected and 154 (86.5%) were HIV-uninfected. There were 116 (65%) females, median 45 years, (IQR 40–62), 90 (50.5%) black African, 66 (37%) Indian, 20 (11.2%) white, and 2 (1.1%) of mixed ancestry. In the HIV-infected cohort, 20 (87%) had generalized MG, 12 (50%) bulbar, and 14 (60.9%) respiratory onset MG, 12 (50%) presented with MG Foundation of America (MGFA) class five diseases at diagnosis, six (25%) presented with MG crisis during the 5-year follow-up. Thirteen (54%) of the HIV-infected group required rescue therapy using (plasma exchange or IV immunoglobulin) combined with pulse cyclophosphamide compared with 17 (11%) in the HIV-uninfected cohort, respectively. At 5 years, 8 (33%) of the HIV-infected group remained refractory to treatment compared with 10 (6.5%) HIV-uninfected cohort, respectively. No adverse events were documented in HIV-infected patients receiving combination rescue therapy (PLEX or IVIG combined with IV cyclophosphamide). In conclusion HIV-infected MG patients are more likely to require combination rescue therapy with PE/IVIG and IV cyclophosphamide compared with those who were HIV-uninfected. No side effects were documented in the HIV-infected group receiving the above therapy.

Long-Term Treatment Outcomes for Heroin Dependence: The 11-Year Follow-Up of the ATOS Study

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Marel ◽  
Maree Teesson ◽  
Shane Darke ◽  
Katherine Mills ◽  
Joanne Ross ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Outcomes ◽  
Term Treatment ◽  
Heroin Dependence ◽  
Long Term Treatment

Short-Term Ultramicronized Palmitoylethanolamide Therapy in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis: a Pilot Study to Possible Future Implications of Treatment

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 232-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emanuela Onesti ◽  
Vittorio Frasca ◽  
Marco Ceccanti ◽  
Giorgio Tartaglia ◽  
Maria Cristina Gori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Myasthenia Gravis ◽  
Repetitive Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Antibody Titers ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Ultramicronized Palmitoylethanolamide ◽  
Open Pilot

Background: The cannabinoid system may be involved in the humoral mechanisms at the neuromuscular junction. Ultramicronized-palmitoylethanolamide (μm-PEA) has recently been shown to reduce the desensitization of Acetylcholine (ACh)-evoked currents in denervated patients modifying the stability of ACh receptor (AChR) function. <p> Objective: To analyze the possible beneficial effects of μm-PEA in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) on muscular fatigue and neurophysiological changes. <p> Method: The duration of this open pilot study, which included an intra-individual control, was three weeks. Each patient was assigned to a 1-week treatment period with μm-PEA 600 mg twice a day. A neurophysiological examination based on repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) of the masseteric and the axillary nerves was performed, and the quantitative MG (QMG) score was calculated in 22 MG patients every week in a three-week follow-up period. AChR antibody titer was investigated to analyze a possible immunomodulatory effect of PEA in MG patients. <p> Results: PEA had a significant effect on the QMG score (p=0.03418) and on RNS of the masseteric nerve (p=0.01763), thus indicating that PEA reduces the level of disability and decremental muscle response. Antibody titers did not change significantly after treatment. <p> Conclusion: According to our observations, μm-PEA as an add-on therapy could improve muscular response to fatigue in MG. The possible modulation of AChR currents as a means of eliciting a direct effect from PEA on the conformation of ACh receptors should be investigated. The co-role of cytokines also warrants an analysis. Given the rapidity and reversibility of the response, we suppose that PEA acts directly on AChR, though further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

scholarly journals Treatment Outcomes of Lesser Tuberosity Osteotomy Nonunion After Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 247154921880777
Author(s):  
Zachary J Bloom ◽  
Cesar D Lopez, BA ◽  
Stephen P Maier ◽  
Brian B Shiu ◽  
Djuro Petkovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Outcomes ◽  
Shoulder Arthroplasty ◽  
Surgical Repair ◽  
Total Shoulder Arthroplasty ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Radiographic Evaluation ◽  
Lesser Tuberosity ◽  
Conservative Care ◽  
Conservative Group

Introduction Lesser tuberosity osteotomy (LTO) during anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty has a 13% nonunion rate. Treatment for LTO nonunion is controversial and poorly described in the literature. The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical and nonsurgical treatment outcomes of LTO nonunion. Methods A retrospective case series of 9 consecutive patients with LTO nonunion after primary anatomic shoulder arthroplasty at 1 institution from 2010 to 2016 were studied. Outcomes measured were radiographic evaluation of LTO on axillary X-ray, clinical range of motion (ROM), subscapularis strength, and pain at the time of LTO nonunion diagnosis and after either conservative care or surgical repair of the LTO nonunion. Results LTO nonunion was treated surgically in 4 and conservatively in 5 patients with average follow-up of 30 and 22 months, respectively. There were no significant differences in age, sex, or smoking status between groups. Treatment decision was a shared model of surgeon and patient. Displaced LTO nonunion was treated surgically in 2 and conservatively in 3 patients. There were no differences in LTO union rate of 50% in the surgical versus 60% in the conservative group. Abdominal compression test was abnormal in 50% of surgical versus 40% of conservative groups. At follow-up, ROM was lower in the surgical group with 128° forward elevation (FE) and 33° external rotation (ER) compared to 148° FE and 62° ER. Only 1 patient with LTO nonunion required conversion to reverse replacement. Conclusion LTO nonunion after shoulder arthroplasty is rare. Surgical repair of LTO nonunion does not significantly improve clinical or radiographic outcomes compared to conservative care.

Status and Determinants of Treatment Outcomes Among New Tuberculosis Patients in South Korea: A Retrospective Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 101053952110005
Author(s):  
Hyunjin Son ◽  
Jeongha Mok ◽  
Miyoung Lee ◽  
Wonseo Park ◽  
Seungjin Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Success Rate ◽  
Treatment Outcomes ◽  
Retrospective Cohort Study ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Tuberculosis Patients ◽  
Lost To Follow Up

This is a retrospective cohort study using notification data in South Korea. We evaluated the nationwide status, regional differences, and the determinants of treatment outcomes among tuberculosis patients. Treatment success rate improved from 77.0% in 2012 to 86.0% in 2015. The lost to follow-up rate was higher among older people, males, and foreign nationals. Health care facilities designated for the Public-Private Mix (PPM) project showed higher success rate and lower rate of lost to follow-up. Moreover, municipalities with low regional deprivation index had higher PPM project coverage. Since there is a large regional difference in the coverage of the PPM project, an additional community-based support program should be implemented, especially for tuberculosis patients residing in region with low PPM project coverage.

scholarly journals POS0693 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF BELIMUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH LUPUS NEPHRITIS IN REAL-LIFE SETTING: RESULTS FROM A LARGE, NATIONWIDE, MULTICENTRIC, PROSPECTIVE COHORT

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 594-595
Author(s):  
F. Saccon ◽  
M. Gatto ◽  
M. Zen ◽  
M. Fredi ◽  
F. Regola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Independent Predictor ◽  
Rescue Therapy ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Class Iii ◽  
Baseline Serum ◽  
Renal Response ◽  
Real Life Setting

Background:LN is still a severe manifestation of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and multitarget therapy is needed to control the disease especially in refractory cases.Objectives:To evaluate renal response in SLE patients with glomerulonephritis (GN) treated with Belimumab in real-life setting.Methods:Patients with proteinuria >0.5 g/24 h and/or active sediment at baseline enrolled in a multicentre Italian cohort of SLE patients (BeRLiSS study), treated with monthly iv Belimumab 10 mg/kg plus standard of care were considered in this study. Complete renal response (CRR) was defined as proteinuria <0.5 g/24 h, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)≥90ml/min/1.73m2 and no rescue therapy. Primary efficacy renal response (PERR) was defined as proteinuria ≤0.7 g/24 h, eGFR ≥60ml/min/1.73m2 and no rescue therapy. Prevalence and predictive factors of CRR and PERR at 12 and 24 months after Belimumab initiation were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results:A total of 91 patients were considered in this study, 79 female, mean age 40.51±9.03 years, mean disease duration 12.18±8.15 years, median follow-up time after Belimumab initiation 22 months. Twenty patients had baseline proteinuria ≥0.5 <1 g/day, 17 ≥1 <2 g/day, 13 ≥2 g/day. Belimumab was started at GN onset in 20 (22%) patients and at the time of a renal flare in all other cases. Seventy-five patients underwent a renal biopsy: 1 class I, 4 class II, 14 class III, 47 class IV and 9 class V. Baseline serum creatinine was 82.44±29.26 umol/L; 15 patients showed eGFR<60ml/min/1.73m2 at baseline. Immunosuppresants were taken by 70 (76.9%) patients: 47 micofenolate, 15 azathioprine and 5 ciclosporine. Sixty patients (65.9%) were on antimalarials. During follow-up 34 (37.4%) patients achieved CRR. Among them 5 (14.7%) patients relapsed and 29 (85.3%) patients maintained remission. Mean time to achieved CRR was 9.71±5.91 months.High levels of baseline proteinuria were a negative independent predictor of CRR and PERR at 6 months (OR 0.044 CI95% 0.006-0.320 p=0.002 and OR 0.232 CI95% 0.091-0.596 p=0.002) and 12 months (OR 0.029 CI95% 0.002-0.556 p=0.019 and OR 0.056 CI95% 0.009-0.327 p=0.001). High levels of baseline creatinine were a negative independent predictor of renal response. Renal response at 6 months was a strong predictive factor of renal response at 12 and 24 months.Conclusion:Belimumab is an effective add-on therapy in the treatment of GN in real-life practice setting.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals FRI0495 FOLLOW UP OF INTERSTITIAL PNEUMONIA WITH AUTOIMMUNE FEATURES – THE EXPERIENCE OF ONE CENTRE

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 846.3-846
Author(s):  
N. Madeira ◽  
M. Alvarenga Santos ◽  
L. Cunha Miranda ◽  
S. Clemente ◽  
S. Furtado
Keyword(s):  
Interstitial Pneumonia ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Interstitial Lung Diseases ◽  
European Respiratory Society ◽  
High Resolution Computed Tomography ◽  
Disease Evolution ◽  
Clinical Criteria ◽  
Clinical Evolution ◽  
Relative Decline

Background:Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD) may present features suggesting an underlying autoimmune process, which seem to differentiate them from idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, although without fully meeting the classification criteria (CC) for a specific connective tissue disease. Different terms had been used to describe these conditions and, to reach a consensus, the European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society proposed the CC for an entity named Interstitial Pneumonia with Autoimmune Features (IPAF). Clinical evolution and prognosis of this entity are still poorly understood.Objectives:To evaluate clinical evolution and prognosis of a population of patients with IPAF.Methods:Retrospective analysis of clinical files of patients followed by the Pulmonology Department since 02/2012 until 06/2019, who met the CC for IPAF, regarding clinical, functional and radiological evolution. Patients were considered to have a progressive phenotype in 24±3 months from their 1stevaluation if they fulfil 1 of the 4 criteria: relative decline in FVC ≥10% predicted; relative decline in FVC ≥5–<10% predicted and worsened respiratory symptoms; relative decline in FVC ≥5–<10% predicted and increased extent of fibrosis on High-resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT); worsened respiratory symptoms and increased extent of fibrosis on HRCT.Results:22 (7.4%) of 296 ILD patients met IPAF CC. 59.0% were female with an age at the 1stevaluation of 66.7±12.4 years. They were all non-smokers (63.6%) or ex-smokers (36.4%). Serologic and morphologic criteria were both present in 21 (95.4%) and clinical criteria in 5 patients (22.7%). Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) were identified in 19, rheumatoid factor in 4, SSA in 3 and anti-Jo-1 in 1 patient. HRCT patterns were identified in 21 patients: 15 nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), 5 organizing pneumonia (OP) and 2 lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP). One NSIP and 1 LIP identified on HRCT were confirmed by histopathology. Three patients had inflammatory arthritis and 2 had Raynaud’s phenomenon. Immunosuppressive therapy was introduced in most cases (18 patients, including systemic corticotherapy in 17, azathioprine in 4, mycophenolate mofetil in 1), azithromycin was prescribed in 2 patients and 3 remained without therapy. Regarding the follow up at 24±3 months from the 1stevaluation (3 patients were excluded due to too recent follow-up), 4 patients (18.2%) had progressive phenotype, 7 (31.8%) had a favourable evolution and 3 (13.6%) patients had died. During a follow-up of 31.1±19.8 months, this number rose to 6 patients (27.3%), all of them died by respiratory cause and had NSIP pattern. No differences were found in age, last FVC, therapy and time of disease evolution between those who died and the others.Conclusion:Our study showed that a small proportion of IPAF patients had a progressive phenotype and the NSIP pattern seemed to be a poor prognosis factor for survival.References:[1]Ito Y, Arita M, Kumagai S, et al. Serological and morphological prognostic factors in patients with interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features. BMC Pulm Med 2017; 17:111 10.1186/s12890-017-0453-zDisclosure of Interests:None declared

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

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1862
Author(s):  
Eva Biewald ◽  
Tobias Kiefer ◽  
Dirk Geismar ◽  
Sabrina Schlüter ◽  
Anke Manthey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Proton Beam ◽  
Rescue Therapy ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Proton Beam Therapy ◽  
External Beam Radiation ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Beam Radiation ◽  
Primary Tumors ◽  
Increased Risk

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

scholarly journals Trends, Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of Patients with Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Uzbekistan: 2013–2018

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4663
Author(s):  
Khasan Safaev ◽  
Nargiza Parpieva ◽  
Irina Liverko ◽  
Sharofiddin Yuldashev ◽  
Kostyantyn Dumchev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Treatment Outcomes ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
National Level ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Drug Resistant Tuberculosis ◽  
Loss To Follow Up ◽  
Resistant Tuberculosis ◽  
Mdr Tb

Uzbekistan has a high burden of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). Although conventional treatment for multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) has been available since 2013, there has been no systematic documentation about its use and effectiveness. We therefore documented at national level the trends, characteristics, and outcomes of patients with drug-resistant TB enrolled for treatment from 2013–2018 and assessed risk factors for unfavorable treatment outcomes (death, failure, loss to follow-up, treatment continuation, change to XDR-TB regimen) in patients treated in Tashkent city from 2016–2017. This was a cohort study using secondary aggregate and individual patient data. Between 2013 and 2018, MDR-TB numbers were stable between 2347 and 2653 per annum, while XDR-TB numbers increased from 33 to 433 per annum. At national level, treatment success (cured and treatment completed) for MDR-TB decreased annually from 63% to 57%, while treatment success for XDR-TB increased annually from 24% to 57%. On multivariable analysis, risk factors for unfavorable outcomes, death, and loss to follow-up in drug-resistant TB patients treated in Tashkent city included XDR-TB, male sex, increasing age, previous TB treatment, alcohol abuse, and associated comorbidities (cardiovascular and liver disease, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS). Reasons for these findings and programmatic implications are discussed.

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