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.

Continuous and Extended Infusions of β-Lactam Antibiotics in the Pediatric Population

2012 ◽  
Vol 46 (11) ◽  
pp. 1537-1546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Covington Walker ◽  
Weng Man Lam ◽  
Kalen B Manasco
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Continuous Infusion ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Studies ◽  
Randomized Controlled

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review of available data on the use of extended or continuous infusion of β-lactam and monobactam therapy in the pediatric population (aged 0–18 years). DATA SOURCES: A literature search was performed using PubMed (1975-May 2012), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-May 2012), and Web of Science (1977-May 2012) to identify studies for inclusion. In addition, reference citations from identified publications were reviewed. The following search terms were used: pediatric, children, neonate, infant, adolescent, β-lactam, cephalosporin, carbapenem, penicillin, monobactam, continuous infusion, extended infusion, and/or prolonged infusion. Individual names of drugs in each class of antibiotics were also included in the search. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Randomized controlled clinical trials, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies, observational studies, and case reports involving pediatric patients who received extended or continuous infusion of β-lactam or monobactam antibiotics were reviewed. Only English-language publications were included. DATA SYNTHESIS: One randomized controlled clinical trial, 5 pharmacokinetic studies, 2 pharmacodynamic studies using Monte Carlo simulation, 1 case series, and 7 case reports were included in the analysis. The cephalosporin class has been studied the most and currently represents the only clinical trial using a continuous infusion dosing strategy in pediatric patients. There is limited clinical evidence available to support the use of extended or continuous infusion of β-lactam antibiotics in the pediatric population. Pharmacodynamic studies conducted in this population mirror the current evidence in adults for cefepime and meropenem. The single prospective clinical trial using continuous infusion of ceftazidime failed to demonstrate any clinical benefit over traditional dosing; however, there was equal efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: More well-designed prospective clinical trials are required to determine the role of extended or continuous infusion of β-lactam antibiotics in treatment of pediatric patients.

Anticoagulation with Warfarin in Infants and Children

1996 ◽  
Vol 30 (11) ◽  
pp. 1316-1322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcia L Buck
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Initial Dosage ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Infants And Children ◽  
Target Range ◽  
Search Term ◽  
Cardiac Valves ◽  
In Infants And Children

OBJECTIVE: TO provide a comprehensive review of warfarin use in infants and children, including recommendations for appropriate dosage and monitoring parameters. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search (1966-1995) was used to identify pertinent English-language articles in the medical literature. The key search term was warfarin. Additional material was obtained from references cited in articles retrieved through MEDLINE. STUDY SELECTION: All articles involving children younger than 18 years were evaluated. In addition, articles on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in adults, adverse effects, and drug interactions were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Material selected for review included clinical trials, case reports, and surveys of practice. DATA SYNTHESIS: Warfarin has been used as prophylactic therapy in children with prosthetic cardiac valves as well as for prevention of thromboembolic complications associated with autoimmune disorders and protein C or protein S deficiency. Warfarin also has been used to prevent embolization in children with deep-vein thrombosis or clots in central venous catheters. According to the literature, an initial dosage of 0.1 mg/kg/d should provide anticoagulation without significant adverse effects. As in adults, dosing should be adjusted to achieve a target international normalized ratio (INR). Although the target range in children is not well established, INR values of 1.5–3 are recommended for most patients. Higher values have been used in children with prosthetic cardiac valves and hereditary clotting disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Due to its infrequent use, there is limited information on the effects of warfarin in children. Basic guidelines for initiating and monitoring warfarin were developed by using data gathered from clinical trials, retrospective reviews, case series, and surveys of practice.

scholarly journals Is Non-Chlamydial Non-Gonococcal Urethritis Associated with Significant Clinical Complications in Men? A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cassandra E.L. Fairhead ◽  
Alexander Hampson ◽  
Louis Dwyer-Hemmings ◽  
Nikhil Vasdev
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Reactive Arthritis ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Gonococcal Urethritis ◽  
Clinical Complications

Background: It is estimated that between 50 and 89% of non-gonococcal urethritis is not caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Associations between non-chlamydial non-gonococcal urethritis (NCNGU) with balanoposthitis, epididymo-orchitis and reactive arthritis have been suggested, but evidence to support these often-theoretical relationships is sparse and further investigation is called for. Concerns over increasing antimicrobial resistance has rendered the need for clarity over this question ever more pressing in recent years. A review of the current evidence on the complications of NCNGU in men is therefore urgently warranted. Objective: This systematic review summarizes and evaluates the available evidence that NCNGU, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, causes the significant complications that are already well-recognized to be associated with non-gonococcal urethritis. These significant complications are epididymo-orchitis, balanoposthitis, and sexually-acquired reactive arthritis (Reiter's syndrome) including arthritis or conjunctivitis. Summary: We conducted a systematic review and qualitative synthesis using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis framework. Five databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, and British Nursing Index) were searched. We included studies that measured clinical outcome after diagnosis of NCNGU in men. Bias was assessed using variations of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Data were extracted and entered into a pre-written data abstraction proforma. Seven peer-review studies were included. This included 2 retrospective cohort studies, 1 case series, 2 case reports and 2 cross-sectional studies. The studies described and analyzed 3 types of complication: balanitis, posthitis and/or meatitis; reactive arthritis and/or conjunctivitis; and epididymitis. All studies reported one or more complications. Key Messages: This review identifies an important avenue for future research: while the available evidence suggests that NCNGU has the potential to cause significant complications in men, with the strongest evidence existing for balanitis, posthitis and/or meatitis, the nature and significance of these relationships is far from clear. The findings of this review suggest that prospective, adequately powered research into whether there is a causal link between NCNGU and significant clinical complications in men would be highly worthwhile. The findings of this review raise important questions about the utility of the term NCNGU in research and clinical practice.

scholarly journals Cannabidiol as a Treatment for Mood Disorders: A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 213-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jairo Vinícius Pinto ◽  
Gayatri Saraf ◽  
Christian Frysch ◽  
Daniel Vigo ◽  
Kamyar Keramatian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Mood Disorders ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Mood Symptoms ◽  
Affective Symptoms

Objective: To review the current evidence for efficacy of cannabidiol in the treatment of mood disorders. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsychInfo, Scielo, ClinicalTrials.gov , and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies published up to July 31, 2019. The inclusion criteria were clinical trials, observational studies, or case reports evaluating the effect of pure cannabidiol or cannabidiol mixed with other cannabinoids on mood symptoms related to either mood disorders or other health conditions. The review was reported in accordance with guidelines from Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol. Results: Of the 924 records initially yielded by the search, 16 were included in the final sample. Among them, six were clinical studies that used cannabidiol to treat other health conditions but assessed mood symptoms as an additional outcome. Similarly, four tested cannabidiol blended with Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in the treatment of general health conditions and assessed affective symptoms as secondary outcomes. Two were case reports testing cannabidiol. Four studies were observational studies that evaluated the cannabidiol use and its clinical correlates. However, there were no clinical trials investigating the efficacy of cannabidiol, specifically in mood disorders or assessing affective symptoms as the primary outcome. Although some articles point in the direction of benefits of cannabidiol to treat depressive symptoms, the methodology varied in several aspects and the level of evidence is not enough to support its indication as a treatment for mood disorders. Conclusions: There is a lack of evidence to recommend cannabidiol as a treatment for mood disorders. However, considering the preclinical and clinical evidence related to other diseases, cannabidiol might have a role as a treatment for mood disorders. Therefore, there is an urgent need for well-designed clinical trials investigating the efficacy of cannabidiol in mood disorders.

scholarly journals Applications of Office-Based 445 nm Blue Laser Transnasal Flexible Laser Surgery: A Case Series and Review of Practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 100 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 105S-112S
Author(s):  
Benjamin John Miller ◽  
Amr Abdelhamid ◽  
Yakubu Karagama
Keyword(s):  
Laser Surgery ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Blue Laser ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Laryngeal Lesions ◽  
Benign Laryngeal Lesions

Background: The recent introduction of 445 nm blue laser to office-based laryngology presents potential advantages. These include a desirable combination of cutting and photoangiolytic qualities and a lightweight, shock-resistant design. Despite its increasing use, current evidence is limited to experimental data and case reports. Objectives: The authors present a case series and overview of office blue laser transnasal flexible laser surgery (TNFLS), considering indications, patient selection, safety, technique, and surgical outcomes. We also review the safety and relevance of TNFLS to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Methods: Retrospective case series and narrative review. Our primary outcome measure was preoperative and postoperative Voice Handicap Index (VHI-10) score. Complications were documented by nature and severity. Results: Thirty-six cases of office blue laser TNFLS were performed. A statistically significant improvement in VHI-10 score was demonstrated in cases of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) and benign laryngeal lesions causing dysphonia ( P < 0.01 and 0.045). Blue laser also proved effective in assisting office biopsy procedures. A minor and self-limiting complication was reported. Conclusions: Office blue laser TNFLS is safe and effective in the treatment of RRP and a range of benign laryngeal lesions. Future research should compare the efficacy and safety of blue laser with potassium titanyl phosphate laser in office-based treatment of these conditions. Further assessment of the cutting qualities of blue laser, initially in the theater environment, is necessary to refine our understanding of future applications.

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.

Is SARS-CoV-2 transmitted by asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic infected individuals?

2021 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abigail F. Melicor ◽  
Katrina Loren R. Rey ◽  
Leonila F. Dans
Keyword(s):  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
World Health ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Wide Confidence Interval ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Viral Shedding ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Health Organization

KEY FINDINGSAsymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 may occur.• Manifestations of COVID-19 are highly varied and may include asymptomatic cases, who do not manifest with anysigns and symptoms despite testing positive for COVID-19 by viral nucleic acid tests. Pre-symptomatic cases areinfected individuals who are still in their incubation period, hence do not exhibit any symptoms yet but eventuallydevelop symptoms.• As of June 2020, only 586 (2.8%) of the 20,990 active cases in the Philippines were classified as asymptomatic,but it is unclear whether cases are pre-symptomatic or carriers (true asymptomatic).• Based on 36 observational studies (case reports, case series, cross-sectional and cohort studies) and 9 statisticalmodeling analysis, asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 may occur. However, 3studies reported no transmission from pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic cases.• Studies on viral load comparing symptomatic cases with pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic cases reportedcontradicting results. The duration of viral shedding was significantly longer for symptomatic patients comparedto asymptomatic patients but similar for asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic patients.• Therewas no difference in the transmission rates of symptomatic and asymptomatic cases. However,the estimatedinfectivity and probability of transmission was higherfor symptomatic cases compared to asymptomatic cases, butresults were imprecise due to a wide confidence interval.• The World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognize thepossibility of pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic transmission. According to WHO, current evidence suggestsasymptomatic cases are less likely to transmit the virus than symptomatic cases.

Propranolol for treating emotional, behavioural, autonomic dysregulation in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 641-653 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilyas Sagar-Ouriaghli ◽  
Kate Lievesley ◽  
Paramala J Santosh
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Semantic Networks ◽  
Neural Correlates ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Autonomic Dysregulation ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Objectives: To date, there is no single medication prescribed to alleviate all the core symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD; National Institute of Health and Care Excellence, 2016). Both serotonin reuptake inhibitors and drugs for psychosis possess therapeutic drawbacks when managing anxiety and aggression in ASD. This review sought to appraise the use of propranolol as a pharmacological alternative when managing emotional, behavioural and autonomic dysregulation (EBAD) and other symptoms. Materials and methods: Sixteen reports examined the administration of propranolol in the context of ASD. Results: Sixteen reports broadly covered cognitive domains, neural correlates, and behavioural domains. From the eight single-dose clinical trials, propranolol led to significant improvements in cognitive performance – verbal problem solving, social skills, mouth fixation, and conversation reciprocity; and changes in neural correlates – improvement in semantic networks and functional connectivity. The remaining eight case series and single case reports showed improvements in EBAD, anxiety, aggressive, self-injurious and hypersexual behaviours. Additionally, propranolol significantly improved similar behavioural domains (aggression and self-injury) for those with acquired brain injury. Conclusion: This review indicates that propranolol holds promise for EBAD and cognitive performance in ASD. Given the lack of good quality clinical trials, randomised controlled trials are warranted to explore the efficacy of propranolol in managing EBAD in ASD.

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