scholarly journals Visual Side Effects Linked to Sildenafil Consumption: An Update

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 291
Author(s):  
Eva Ausó ◽  
Violeta Gómez-Vicente ◽  
Gema Esquiva
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Guanosine Monophosphate ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Ischemic Optic Neuropathy ◽  
Serous Macular Detachment ◽  
Increased Risk

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors such as Viagra® (sildenafil citrate) have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) by inducing cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) elevation followed by vasodilation and increased blood flow. It also exerts minor inhibitory action against PDE6, which is present exclusively in rod and cone photoreceptors. The effects of sildenafil on the visual system have been investigated in a wide variety of clinical and preclinical studies due to the fact that a high dose of sildenafil may cause mild and transient visual symptoms in some patients. A literature review was performed using PubMed, Cochrane Library and Clinical Trials databases from 1990 up to 2020, focusing on the pathophysiology of visual disorders induced by sildenafil. The aim of this review was not only to gather and summarize the information available on sildenafil clinical trials (CTs), but also to spot subpopulations with increased risk of developing undesirable visual side effects. This PDE inhibitor has been associated with transient and reversible ocular side effects, including changes in color vision and light perception, blurred vision, photophobia, conjunctival hyperemia and keratitis, and alterations in the electroretinogram (ERG). Sildenafil may induce a reversible increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) and a few case reports suggest it is involved in the development of nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Reversible idiopathic serous macular detachment, central serous retinopathy and ERG disturbances have been related to the significant impact of sildenafil on retinal perfusion. So far, sildenafil does not seem to cause permanent toxic effects on chorioretinal tissue and photoreceptors as long as the therapeutic dose is not exceeded and is taken under a physician’s direction to treat a medical condition. However, the recreational use of sildenafil can lead to harmful side effects, including vision changes.

scholarly journals Vitamin C in the Treatment of COVID-19

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1172
Author(s):  
Gregorio Paolo Milani ◽  
Marina Macchi ◽  
Anat Guz-Mark
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Vitamin C ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Vitamin C Supplementation ◽  
Essential Nutrient

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that serves as antioxidant and plays a major role as co-factor and modulator of various pathways of the immune system. Its therapeutic effect during infections has been a matter of debate, with conflicting results in studies of respiratory infections and in critically ill patients. This comprehensive review aimed to summarize the current evidence regarding the use of vitamin C in the prevention or treatment of patients with SARS-CoV2 infection, based on available publications between January 2020 and February 2021. Overall, 21 publications were included in this review, consisting of case-reports and case-series, observational studies, and some clinical trials. In many of the publications, data were incomplete, and in most clinical trials the results are still pending. No studies regarding prevention of COVID-19 with vitamin C supplementation were found. Although some clinical observations reported improved medical condition of patients with COVID-19 treated with vitamin C, available data from controlled studies are scarce and inconclusive. Based on the theoretical background presented in this article, and some preliminary encouraging studies, the role of vitamin C in the treatment of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection should be further investigated.

Challenges in Treating Chlamydia trachomatis, Including Rectal Infections: Is It Time to Go Back to Doxycycline?

2021 ◽  
pp. 106002802110299
Author(s):  
S. Lena Kang-Birken
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Treatment Failure ◽  
English Language ◽  
Treatment Guidelines ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Absolute Difference ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Meta Analyses

Objective: To evaluate recent publications on efficacy of single-dose azithromycin and 7-day doxycycline when treating Chlamydia trachomatis. Data Sources: A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane library was conducted (1990 to June 13, 2021) using the terms: Chlamydia trachomatis, genital chlamydia, rectal chlamydia, extragenital chlamydia, azithromycin, doxycycline, and treatment guidelines. ClinicalTrials.gov was searched to identify ongoing trials. Study Selection and Data Extraction: English language studies, including controlled studies, retrospective analyses, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and case reports, reporting microbiological or clinical outcomes in adolescents and adults were considered. Data Synthesis: Systemic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized trials reported azithromycin efficacy of 96% to 97% in genital chlamydia. However, reports of treatment failure have emerged, especially among symptomatic males, with an increased risk of microbiological failure after azithromycin than doxycycline (relative risk = 2.45; 95% CI = 1.36-4.41). Retrospective analyses and prospective observational cohort studies reported lower efficacy range following azithromycin than doxycycline (74%-87% vs 92%-100%, respectively) in rectal chlamydia. First randomized controlled trial comparing azithromycin and doxycycline reported significantly higher microbiological cure following doxycycline, with absolute difference of 26% (95% CI = 16%-36%; P < 0.001). The proposed 2021 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention treatment guidelines designate doxycycline as the preferred agent for treatment at any site. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: A growing body of evidence for treatment failure following azithromycin, especially in rectal chlamydia supports updating current practice. Conclusions: Doxycycline continues to achieve high efficacy in genital and rectal chlamydia. Clinicians should consider efficacy with convenience of dosing regimen, medication compliance, and sexual behavior risks when treating chlamydia infections.

Z-drugs and Falls: A Focused Review of the Literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (12) ◽  
pp. 549-554
Author(s):  
Nicole Ryba ◽  
Rebecca Rainess
Keyword(s):  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Inappropriate Medication ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Inpatient Setting ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Risk Of Falls

OBJECTIVE: To provide a focused review of the literature related to the association between exposure to Z-drugs and the risk of falls, especially in the older population.<br/> DATA SOURCES: A literature search was conducted using Medline, PsychInfo, and the Cochrane Library database for all clinical trials, case series, and case reports published in English up to May 2020. The search terms used consisted of each Z-drug, including "zolpidem," "zopiclone," "eszopiclone," and "zaleplon," matched with "falls."<br/> STUDY SELECTION: The search yielded 295 studies. After review of abstracts, content and references were reviewed, and duplicates removed, a total of 9 articles met inclusion of exposure to at least 1 Z-drug and a primary outcome of falls.<br/> DATA EXTRACTION: The American Geriatrics Society 2019 Beers Criteria Update for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults recommends to avoid using nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics in this patient population because of the risk of adverse events.<br/> DATA SYNTHESIS: A majority of the literature suggests an increased risk of falls with exposure to Z-drug use, especially zolpidem. Eight trials examined falls as a primary outcome in non-elderly (n=3) and elderly (n=5) patients in different settings, mostly in an inpatient setting (nursing facility or acute care hospital).<br/> CONCLUSION: Exposure to Z-drugs, especially zolpidem, should be evaluated and counseled on continuously as these medications put patients at an increased risk for falls and other complications.

Z-drugs and Falls: A Focused Review of the Literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (12) ◽  
pp. 549-554
Author(s):  
Nicole Ryba ◽  
Rebecca Rainess
Keyword(s):  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Inappropriate Medication ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Inpatient Setting ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Risk Of Falls

OBJECTIVE: To provide a focused review of the literature related to the association between exposure to Z-drugs and the risk of falls, especially in the older population.<br/> DATA SOURCES: A literature search was conducted using Medline, PsychInfo, and the Cochrane Library database for all clinical trials, case series, and case reports published in English up to May 2020. The search terms used consisted of each Z-drug, including "zolpidem," "zopiclone," "eszopiclone," and "zaleplon," matched with "falls."<br/> STUDY SELECTION: The search yielded 295 studies. After review of abstracts, content and references were reviewed, and duplicates removed, a total of 9 articles met inclusion of exposure to at least 1 Z-drug and a primary outcome of falls.<br/> DATA EXTRACTION: The American Geriatrics Society 2019 Beers Criteria Update for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults recommends to avoid using nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics in this patient population because of the risk of adverse events.<br/> DATA SYNTHESIS: A majority of the literature suggests an increased risk of falls with exposure to Z-drug use, especially zolpidem. Eight trials examined falls as a primary outcome in non-elderly (n=3) and elderly (n=5) patients in different settings, mostly in an inpatient setting (nursing facility or acute care hospital).<br/> CONCLUSION: Exposure to Z-drugs, especially zolpidem, should be evaluated and counseled on continuously as these medications put patients at an increased risk for falls and other complications.

Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis followed by Optic Neuritis: A Rare Syndrome of Uncertain Treatment and Prognosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (04) ◽  
pp. 286-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Serra ◽  
Anna Presicci ◽  
Martina Fucci ◽  
Mariella Margari ◽  
Roberto Palumbi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optic Neuritis ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Oral Prednisone ◽  
Clinical History ◽  
Complete Recovery ◽  
Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Intravenous Steroid

Abstract Aim Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis followed by optic neuritis (ADEM-ON), first described in 2013, is a rare demyelinating syndrome, typical of the pediatric age. We conducted a mini review of the existing literature, focusing on clinical, laboratory, radiological, therapeutic, and prognostic aspects in order to improve the identification of new cases. Methods We searched PubMed and Cochrane Library for studies on ADEM-ON between 2013 and 2018. Results Examination of the reported cases (three case reports and eight observational studies) established the following features. Time between ADEM and ON is highly variable. Almost all patients show antimyelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody (MOG-abs) seropositivity. High-dose intravenous steroid and plasmapheresis efficacy is reported for the acute phase; oral prednisone and other maintenance drugs may be useful in avoiding relapses. The clinical history may lead to a complete recovery but also to residual deficits. Conclusion MOG-abs detection strongly supports ADEM-ON diagnosis, confirming this entity as part of MOG-abs spectrum disorder. Owing to the very small number of cases so far reported, predicting clinical evolution is very difficult.

scholarly journals A Mini-Review on Ceftaroline in Bacteremia Patients with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Infections

Antibiotics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Lounsbury ◽  
Mary Reeber ◽  
Georges Mina ◽  
Christiane Chbib
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Clinical Success ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Ceftaroline Fosamil ◽  
Methicillin Resistant

Objective: The objective of this review is to describe the outcomes of patients treated with ceftaroline in the non-Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved indication of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in both pediatric and adult populations. Data sources: A systematic overview was conducted by searching PubMed, Medline, and The Cochrane Library up to January 2019. Study selection and data extraction: All English-language clinical trials and case reports related to the efficacy of ceftaroline in new, not-yet-approved FDA indications in MRSA infections in pediatric or adult populations. Data synthesis: In the case of MRSA bacteremia (MRSAB) infections, three different randomized studies in pediatric patients showed effectiveness of ceftaroline. When used in the case of adult populations with MRSA bacteremia, a small trial of 16 patients showed 50% clinical success in patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections versus 63% clinical success in patients with community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. Another case series of six refractory case reports showed 50% clinical success of ceftaroline in patients with MRSA. Conclusions: Although there are few case reports and limited data to date, ceftaroline fosamil should continue to be studied as an alternative therapy in MRSA infections in both pediatric and adult populations. Clinical success rates of ceftaroline were, in most cases, considered high when treating patients with MRSA infection. More clinical trials need to be studied. In the specific case of MRSA bacteremia, the treatment options remain few and ceftaroline should be extensively studied for the salvage treatment of MRSAB.

scholarly journals Decreased Mortality in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients Treated With Tocilizumab: A Rapid Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jishnu Malgie ◽  
Jan W Schoones ◽  
Bart G Pijls
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Difference ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Number Needed To Treat ◽  
Receptor Antagonists ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background We systematically reviewed the literature to answer the following research questions: (1) Does interleukin 6 (IL-6) (receptor) antagonist therapy reduce mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients compared to patients not treated with IL-6 (receptor) antagonists; and (2) is there an increased risk of side effects in COVID-19 patients treated with IL-6 (receptor) antagonists compared to patients not treated with IL-6 (receptor) antagonists? Methods We systematically searched PubMed, PMC PubMed Central, Medline, World Health Organization COVID-19 Database, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Emcare, and Academic Search Premier (through 30 June 2020). Random effects meta-analysis was used to pool the risk ratios and risk differences of individual studies. Risk of bias was appraised using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) checklist. Results The search strategy retrieved 743 unique titles, of which 10 studies (all on tocilizumab [TCZ]) comprising 1358 patients were included. Nine of 10 studies were considered to be of high quality. Meta-analysis showed that the TCZ group had lower mortality than the control group. The risk ratio was 0.27 (95% confidence interval [CI], .12–.59) and the risk difference was 12% (95% CI, 4.6%–20%) in favor of the TCZ group. With only a few studies available, there were no differences observed regarding side effects. Conclusions Our results showed that mortality was 12% lower for COVID-19 patients treated with TCZ compared with those not treated with TCZ. The number needed to treat was 11, suggesting that for every 11 (severe) COVID-19 patients treated with TCZ, 1 death is prevented. These results require confirmation by randomized controlled trials.

scholarly journals The Impact of Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer : An Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin-Ru Li ◽  
Yi Zhu ◽  
Guo-Nan Zhang ◽  
Jian-Ming Huang ◽  
Li-Xia Pei
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Confidence Level ◽  
Liposomal Doxorubicin ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin ◽  
Recurrent Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Cochrane Library

Abstract Background: Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin (PLD) could improve the survival rate of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer in previous meta-analysis studies. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to further update the role of PLD in the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer.Methods: Literature search was performed by using the electronic databases Medicine, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane library until 27 July 2020. We only restricted the randomized clinical trials. Study specific hazard ratios and 95% confidence level (HR/95% CI), risk ratios and 95% confidence level (RR/95% CI), were pooled using a random effect model. Results: 10 studies (12 trials) were included after screening of 940 articles. We categorized the eligible studies into two groups: the doublet regimens (four trials, 1767 patients) resulted that PLD plus carboplatin(carbo) provided superior progression free survival (PFS) (HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74-0.97) and similar overall survival (OS) (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.88-1.14) compared PAC plus carbo. PLD plus carboplatin was associated with significantly more anemia and Thrombocytopenia, other side effects well-tolerated. In platin resistant patients, the monotherapy regimens (eight trials, 1980 patients) resulted that PLD had similar PFS (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.90–1.16) and OS (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.77–1.01) to other monotherapies. PLD alone was more associated with mucositis/stomatitis and hand-foot syndrome, other side effects well-tolerated.Conclusion: In platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer, PLD plus carbo is more effective than PAC plus carbo. In platinum-resistant or refractory recurrent ovarian cancer, PLD has similar survival to others monotherapies. For side effects, PLD plus carbo or monotherapy chemotherapy both were well-tolerated.

scholarly journals The Adverse Cardiovascular Effects and Cardiotoxicity of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.): A Comprehensive Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Farris Iman Leong Bin Abdullah ◽  
Darshan Singh
Keyword(s):  
Case Reports ◽  
Cardiovascular Effects ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Qtc Interval ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Polysubstance Use ◽  
Mitragyna Speciosa ◽  
Increased Risk

Background: Kratom or Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) has received overwhelming attention recently due to its alleged pain-relieving effects. Despite its potential therapeutic value, kratom use has been linked to many occurrences of multiorgan toxicity and cardiotoxicity. Accordingly, the current narrative review aimed to provide a detailed account of kratom’s adverse cardiovascular effects and cardiotoxicity risk, based on in vitro studies, poison center reports, coroner and autopsy reports, clinical case reports, and clinical studies.Methods: An electronic search was conducted to identify all research articles published in English from 1950 to 2021 using the major research databases, such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Mendeley, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Medline. We then analyzed the literature’s discussion of adverse cardiovascular effects, toxicity, and mortality related to kratom use.Results: Our findings revealed that, although in vitro studies have found kratom preparations’ most abundant alkaloid—mitragynine—to cause a prolonged QTc interval and an increased risk of torsades de pointes, a clinical study examining humans’ regular consumption of kratom did not report such a risk. However, this latter study did show that regular kratom use could induce an increased QTc interval in a dose-dependent manner. A few case reports also highlighted that kratom consumption is associated with ventricular arrhythmia and cardiopulmonary arrest, but this association could have ensued when kratom was co-administered with another substance. Similarly, analyses of national poison data showed that kratom’s most common adverse acute cardiovascular effects include tachycardia and hypertension. Meanwhile, coroner and autopsy reports indicated that kratom’s cardiovascular sequelae encompass coronary atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, hypertensive cardiovascular disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, cardiac arrhythmia, cardiomegaly, cardiomyopathy, focal band necrosis in the myocardium, and myocarditis. Given the available data, we deduced that all cardiac eventualities reported in the literature could have been compounded by polysubstance use and unresolved underlying medical illnesses.Conclusion: Although kratom use has been associated with death and cardiotoxicity, especially at higher doses and when associated with other psychoactive drugs, the dearth of data and methodological limitations reported in existing studies do not allow a definitive conclusion, and further studies are still necessary to address this issue.

scholarly journals The Use of Herbal Medicines for the Prevention of Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leiming Zhang ◽  
Xiaoli Li ◽  
Tianhao Ying ◽  
Tian Wang ◽  
Fenghua Fu
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Glycyrrhizic Acid ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Hormone Synthesis ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
High Doses ◽  
Risk Of Treatment ◽  
Plant Sources

Glucocorticoids are drugs that are widely used to suppress inflammation and the activation of the immune system. However, the prolonged use or at high doses of glucocorticoid can result in adverse side effects including osteoporosis, bone loss, and an increased risk of fracture. A number of compounds derived from natural plant sources have been reported to exert anti-inflammatory activity by interacting with the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), likely owing to their chemical similarity to glucocorticoids, or by regulating GR, without a concomitant risk of treatment-related side effects such as osteoporosis. Other herbal compounds can counteract the pathogenic processes underlying glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) by regulating homeostatic bone metabolic processes. Herein, we systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases to identify articles discussing such compounds published as of May 01, 2021. Compounds reported to exert anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid-like activity without inducing GIOP include escin, ginsenosides, and glycyrrhizic acid, while compounds reported to alleviate GIOP by improving osteoblast function or modulating steroid hormone synthesis include tanshinol and icariin.

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