scholarly journals Rationale for COVID-19 Treatment by Nebulized Interferon-β-1b–Literature Review and Personal Preliminary Experience

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aurélien Mary ◽  
Lucie Hénaut ◽  
Pierre Yves Macq ◽  
Louise Badoux ◽  
Arnaud Cappe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Clinical Improvement ◽  
The United States ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Inhalation Therapy ◽  
Type I ◽  
Intensive Care Patients ◽  
Significant Clinical Improvement ◽  
Systemic Side Effects ◽  
Set Up

The inflammatory response to COVID-19 is specifically associated with an impaired type I interferon (IFN) response and complete blockade of IFN-β secretion. Clinically, nebulization of IFN-α-2b has been historically used in China to treat viral pneumonia associated with SARS-CoV. Very recent data show that the use of inhaled type I IFN is associated with decreased mortality in Chinese COVID-19 patients. However, IFN nebulization is currently not standard in Europe and the United States. Therefore, our group has set up a project aimed to evaluate the possibility to nebulize IFN-β-1b (a drug currently used in Europe to treat multiple sclerosis via subcutaneous injections) and to assess the safety of this new mode of administration in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. We present here literature data that allowed us to build our hypothesis and to develop collaboration between clinical pharmacists, intensivists and nebulization engineers in order to gain first pre-clinical and clinical experience of IFN-β-1b nebulization. After validation of the nebulization method and verification of droplet size compatible with nebulization, the method has been applied to four intensive care patients treated at our university hospital, for whom none of the COVID-19 therapies initially used in France led to significant clinical improvement. All patients exhibited negative viral carriage and experienced clinical improvement 7–16 days after having initiated nebulized IFN-β-1b inhalation therapy. No side effects were observed. All patients were alive within a 90-days follow-up. Although it is not possible to draw firm conclusions on treatment efficacy based on this case report, our study shows that pulmonary IFN-β-1b administration is feasible, with a good safety profile. This procedure, which presents the advantage of directly targeting the lungs and reducing the risks of systemic side effects, may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the care of patients with severe COVID-19. However, our preliminary observation requires confirmation by randomized controlled trials.

scholarly journals The effectiveness of Fractional CO2 laser and long-pulsed ND- YAG laser in managing striae

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hendawy AF ◽  
Aly DG ◽  
Shokeir HA ◽  
Samy NA
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Clinical Improvement ◽  
Co2 Laser ◽  
Nd:Yag Laser ◽  
The Other ◽  
Yag Laser ◽  
Fractional Co2 Laser ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Significant Clinical Improvement

Abstract Background: Striae Distansae (SD) are a disfiguring dermal condition, characterized by linear bands of atrophic skin, occurring at sites of dermal damage caused by stretching. They affect adolescents and more than 70% of pregnant females due to stretching of the skin. Aims: To evaluate and to compare the efficacy of 1, 064 nm Long Pulsed Nd: YAG laser and Fractional CO2 laser in the management of SD. Patients/Methods: Thirty female patients with bilateral symmetrical SD were treated with Fractional CO2 laser on one side and long-pulsed Nd: YAG laser on the other side. All patients received 3 sessions at 3 weeks interval. Global Aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) and was used to evaluate improvement 3 months post treatment. Four mm punch biopsies were taken from each side before treatment and 3 months after the last session to measure epidermal and collagen thickness. Findings: More significant clinical improvement was noted with the Nd:YAG laser than Fractional CO2 laser. Both GAIS and satisfaction score were significantly higher in the Nd:YAG laser treated side epidermal and collagen thickness were evidently increased in the Nd: YAG laser treated lesions than those treated by Fractional CO2 laser with no significant difference. Conclusions: Long pulsed Nd-YAG laser is clinically more effective than the Fractional CO2 laser in treating SD without serious side effects, although there was no significant difference between them histopathologically.

scholarly journals Unresolved chronic ulcerated nodules: Disseminated Cutaneous Sporotrichosis

2022 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 191-195
Author(s):  
Nurkhaniza Kaman ◽  
Azlina Ishak ◽  
Juliawati Muhammad
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Clinical Improvement ◽  
Male Patient ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Good Compliance ◽  
Significant Clinical Improvement ◽  
Nodular Vasculitis

We present a case of disseminated cutaneous sporotrichosis in a 72-year-old male patient who has multiple ulcerated painless nodules over the left side of his chest and on his upper and lower left limbs for three years. He was initially diagnosed to have nodular vasculitis based on early repeated biopsies. Despite the patient’s good compliance with his prednisolone medication, no significant clinical improvement was observed. Another biopsy, which was arranged after two years of treatment for nodular vasculitis, supported the diagnosis of sporotrichosis. Itraconazole was initiated, and all the lesions showed a remarkable response toward the treatment. The delay in finding the correct diagnosis unnecessarily exposed the patient to the side effects of steroid and caused the disease to worsen. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 21(1) 2022 Page : 191-195

Inhaled Glucocorticoids in Rhinosinusitis: A Few Pharmacological Aspects, We Must Know

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 129-130
Author(s):  
JS Thakur ◽  
NK Mohindroo ◽  
DR Sharma ◽  
Anamika Thakur
Keyword(s):  
Allergic Rhinitis ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Inhalation Therapy ◽  
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis ◽  
Systemic Side Effects ◽  
Low Incidence ◽  
Therapeutic Doses ◽  
Inhaled Glucocorticoids

Abstract Inhaled glucocorticoids are very effective for the management of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. Various glucocorticoids are available for inhalation therapy with varying affinity for the receptors. Inhaled glucocorticoids have very low incidence of systemic side effects at the usual therapeutic doses. In this review we have discussed the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and adverse effects profile of the commonly available inhaled glucocorticoids.

Antidiabetic effect of Psychotria malayana Jack in induced type 1 diabetic rat

MEDISAINS ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 19
Author(s):  
Fairuz Fairuz ◽  
Hasna Dewi ◽  
Humaryanto Humaryanto
Keyword(s):  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Type I Diabetes ◽  
Langerhans Cell ◽  
Diabetic Rat ◽  
Type I ◽  
Antidiabetic Effect ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Blood Glucose Levels

Background: Therapies for hyperglycemic treatment, including insulin and oral diabetes medications, have been confirmed to cause several side effects. Thus, finding new drugs with fewer side effects is of high importance. Salung leaf herb (Psychotria malayana Jack) reported used in traditional societies as a treatment for diabetes. However, the scientific proof of this plant for diabetes treatment is still lacking.Objective: To evaluate the antidiabetic effect of the P. malayana jack in induced type 1 diabetic rats by assessing blood glucose level and pancreatic cells in white rats.Methods: Alloxan used to induce type I diabetes. Rats randomly divided into six groups. A Group P1 received 250 mg/kg BW; group P2 received 500 mg/kg BW, group P3 received 1000 mg/kg BW. While group 4 basal received no treatment, group 5 received distilled water as a negative control, and group 6 received glibenclamide as a positive control. Medications are given for six days. Glucose levels were measured, and observation of pancreatic Langerhans cell damages.Results:  A decrease in blood glucose levels observed in all treatment groups. The most significant reduction (49.76%; 1000 mg/kg BW) occurred in the P3 group. Morphological features of pancreatic Langerhans cell damage were slightly high in the P1 group.Conclusion: P. malayana Jack can consider having an antidiabetic effect in a type 1 diabetic rat by reducing blood glucose levels.

Diabetic thoracic radiculopathy: a case of a young woman with clinical improvement following immunotherapy

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. e236412
Author(s):  
Alfonsa C Taiello ◽  
Vincenzo La Bella ◽  
Rossella Spataro
Keyword(s):  
Abdominal Pain ◽  
Young Woman ◽  
Clinical Improvement ◽  
Type I Diabetes ◽  
Severe Abdominal Pain ◽  
Full Recovery ◽  
Type I ◽  
Sustained Improvement ◽  
Immune Mediated ◽  
Paravertebral Muscles

Thoracic radiculopathy is a rare cause of thoracic-abdominal or abdominal pain in subjects with poorly controlled diabetes. We present a case of a young woman with type I diabetes and a severe abdominal pain in both lower quadrants. An extensive diagnostic gastroenterological and gynaecological workup did not disclose abnormalities. Electromyography revealed an initial polyneuropathy and significant neurogenic abnormalities in the T10-T12 paravertebral muscles. Following the hypothesis that the radiculopathy-related abdominal pain might have an immuno-mediated pathogenesis, the patient underwent a complex trial of immunotherapy, which was accompanied by a sustained improvement over months to full recovery. This report would support the hypothesis that immune-mediated mechanisms are still active even months after onset of symptoms.

scholarly journals Recent advances in understanding NRF2 as a druggable target: development of pro-electrophilic and non-covalent NRF2 activators to overcome systemic side effects of electrophilic drugs like dimethyl fumarate

F1000Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 2138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takumi Satoh ◽  
Stuart Lipton
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Specific Interaction ◽  
Dimethyl Fumarate ◽  
Carnosic Acid ◽  
European Medicines Agency ◽  
Related Factor ◽  
Inflammatory Phase ◽  
First Case ◽  
Systemic Side Effects ◽  
Transcriptional Pathway

Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an electrophilic compound previously called BG-12 and marketed under the name Tecfidera®. It was approved in 2013 by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis. One mechanism of action of DMF is stimulation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) transcriptional pathway that induces anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory phase II enzymes to prevent chronic neurodegeneration. However, electrophiles such as DMF also produce severe systemic side effects, in part due to non-specific S-alkylation of cysteine thiols and resulting depletion of glutathione. This mini-review presents the present status and future strategy for NRF2 activators designed to avoid these side effects. Two modes of chemical reaction leading to NRF2 activation are considered here. The first mode is S-alkylation (covalent reaction) of thiols in Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), which interacts with NRF2. The second mechanism involves non-covalent pharmacological inhibition of protein-protein interactions, in particular domain-specific interaction between NRF2 and KEAP1 or other repressor proteins involved in this transcriptional pathway. There have been significant advances in drug development using both of these mechanisms that can potentially avoid the systemic side effects of electrophilic compounds. In the first case concerning covalent reaction with KEAP1, monomethyl fumarate and monoethyl fumarate appear to represent safer derivatives of DMF. In a second approach, pro-electrophilic drugs, such as carnosic acid from the herb Rosmarinus officinalis, can be used as a safe pro-drug of an electrophilic compound. Concerning non-covalent activation of NRF2, drugs are being developed that interfere with the direct interaction of KEAP1-NRF2 or inhibit BTB domain and CNC homolog 1 (BACH1), which is a transcriptional repressor of the promoter where NRF2 binds.

scholarly journals COVID-19 does not stop obstetrics: what we need to change to go on safely birthing. The experience of a University Obstetrics and Gynecology Department in Milan

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (9) ◽  
pp. 997-1000
Author(s):  
Nikita Alfieri ◽  
Stefano Manodoro ◽  
Anna Maria Marconi
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Obstetrics And Gynecology ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Clinical Services ◽  
Wuhan City ◽  
Set Up

AbstractSince SARS-COV-2 appeared in Wuhan City, China and rapidly spread throughout Europe, a real revolution occurred in the daily routine and in the organization of the entire health system. While non-urgent clinical services have been reduced as far as possible, all kind of specialists turned into COVID-19 specialists. Obstetric assistance cannot be suspended and, at the same time, safety must be guaranteed. In addition, as COVID-19 positive pregnant patients require additional care, some of the clinical habits need to be changed to face emerging needs for a vulnerable but unstoppable kind of patients. We report the management set up in an Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit during the COVID-19 era in a University Hospital in Milan, Italy.

scholarly journals Quality of life, symptoms and dietary habits in oncology outpatients with malnutrition: A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mira Sonneborn-Papakostopoulos ◽  
Clara Dubois ◽  
Viktoria Mathies ◽  
Mara Heß ◽  
Nicole Erickson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Nutritional Assessment ◽  
Mini Nutritional Assessment ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
European Organization

AbstractCancer-related malnutrition has a high prevalence, reduces survival and increases side effects. The aim of this study was to assess oncology outpatients and risk of malnutrition. Reported symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in patients found to be at risk of malnutrition or malnourished were compared to patients without malnutrition. Using a standardized questionnaire, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Questionnaire for Quality of Life and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), patients in an outpatient cancer clinic undergoing chemotherapy treatment at a German University Hospital were assessed for nutrition, risk of malnutrition and quality of life. Based on the MNA, 39 (45.9%) patients were categorized as malnourished or at risk for malnutrition. Loss of appetite (n = 37.6%, p < 0.001) and altered taste sensation (n = 30,3%, p < 0.001) were the symptoms most frequently associated with reduced food intake. Patients with risk of malnutrition scored lower on the global health status (n = 48.15%, p = 0.001). Side effects of cancer treatments lead to a higher risk of malnutrition and as a consequence lower QoL. These side effects should be addressed more efficiently in cancer care.

scholarly journals Response to treatment with intra-articular triamcinolone hexacetonide and triamcinolone acetonide in oligo articular juvenile idiopathic arthritis

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rana Harhay ◽  
Wajiha Jeelani ◽  
Barbine Tchamba Agbor Agbor ◽  
Teresa Hennon ◽  
Brian H. Wrotniak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Triamcinolone Acetonide ◽  
The United States ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Joint Injection ◽  
Triamcinolone Hexacetonide ◽  
Active Arthritis ◽  
General Response

Abstract Background Oligo-articular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (Oligo JIA) is the most common subtype of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Intra-articular corticosteroid (IAC) injection is a mainstay treatment of oligo JIA providing pain relief, improving mobility and preventing further joint destruction in the majority of patients. In 2015, production of triamcinolone hexacetonide (TH) an intra-articular corticosteroid was discontinued in the United States leading to use of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) as an alternative. In this study, we compared response to treatment in children with oligo JIA who underwent therapy with intra-articular TA and TH injection. Methods Our study is a retrospective chart review of children with oligo JIA who were treated with IAC injections with TH between January 2012 and June 2015 and TA between J uly 2015 and December 2018. The two groups were followed at John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital of Buffalo and were evaluated for response to treatment, side effects and predictors of response including duration of disease before treatment, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and c-reactive protein (CRP). Response to treatment was defined as at least 6 months follow up without evidence of active arthritis in injected joints. Patients were considered to be non-responders if they continued to show active arthritis during their first follow up after joint injection. The primary objective was to evaluate whether there was a significant difference in rate of response between TH and TA. Results Forty-nine patients, 38 female and 11 male with oligo JIA were included in the study. The average age was 6.7 years. A total of 111 joints were injected includin g 78 knees, 13 ankles, 9 wrists, 4 hips, 4 elbows, 2 TMJ and one subtalar joint. In the TA group, 49% (29/59) did not show response to injection compared to 27% (14/52) in the TH group. After 6 months, response rates were better for individuals injected with TH compared to TA (73% vs. 51%). In general, response to intra-articular TH was superior to TA with P = .016 using chi-square test of independence. This difference in outcome was not influenced by other variables such as duration of illness before treatment (P value 0.784) or elevated ESR and CRP. No difference in side effects between the two groups were noted. Conclusion Our results in conjunction with prior published data suggests that TH intra-articular joint injection in oligo JIA is superior to TA, although future controlled trials are necessary for confirmation. An effective, long lasting treatment can have a great impact on the outcome of these children.

scholarly journals Infection Prevention Considerations for a Multi-Mission Convention Center Field Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Jennifer A. Jones ◽  
Zishan K. Siddiqui ◽  
Charles Callahan ◽  
Surbhi Leekha ◽  
Sharon Smyth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
The United States ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Field Hospital ◽  
First Case ◽  
Convention Center ◽  
Set Up ◽  
And Control

Abstract The state of Maryland identified its first case of COVID-19 on March 5, 2020. The Baltimore Convention Center (BCCFH) quickly became a selected location to set up a 250-bed inpatient Field Hospital and Alternate Care Site. In contrast to other field hospitals throughout the United States, the BCCFH remained open throughout the pandemic and took on additional COVID-19 missions, including community SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing, monoclonal antibody infusions for COVID-19 outpatients, and community COVID-19 vaccinations. At the time of publication, the BCCFH had cared for 1,478 COVID-19 inpatients, performed 108,155 COVID-19 tests, infused 2,166 COVID-19 patients, and administered 115,169 doses of COVID-19 vaccine. To prevent the spread of pathogens during operations, infection prevention and control guidelines were essential to ensure the safety of staff and patients. Through multi-agency collaboration, utilization of infection prevention best practices, and answering what we describe as “PPE-ESP”, an operational framework was established to reduce infection risks for those providing or receiving care at the BCCFH during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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