Histological alterations in Rabbit liver after treatment with dexamethasone

Background One of the most potent glucocorticoids is known as Dexamethasone. Many metabolic side effect shave been reported on almost every organ after dexamethasone treatment specially its effect on liver. Aim: To investigate harmful side effects of dexamethasone sodium phosphate on rabbit’s liver that serve as human liver model via using light microscope, by administration of two doses (extreme) and two durations in order to depict the duration as well as dosage dependency. Methods: Liver samples were taken via rabbits who were administered dexamethasone sodium phosphate. Then two Stratas were made namely, 1 and 2. The fixations of liver samples were carried out and underwent into evaluation in order to observe any histochemical and histological alterations. Study duration is from February to May 2021 Rabbits were brought from Veterinary Research Institute, Lahore. These Rabbits were kept in cages in the animal house of PGMI, Bird wood road Lahore. Results: The ballooning and vacuolation of hepatic cells were seen in the liver in case of Stratas that were treated along with the degenerative alterations of these cells, congestion and dilatation of central hepatic vein with sinusoidal capillaries, positive periodic acid schiff's stain (PAS) reactions. The severity of all these alterations was dependent upon duration and dosage. Conclusion: Morphological variations induced in the liver by dexamethasone sodium phosphate could be accepted as side effects of these drugs. Keywords: Liver, dexamethasone, histology, glycogen.

Risperidone-associated enuresis—a case report

Background Risperidone has been reported to be effective in treating both the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, aggression, and behavioral disorders. While the metabolic side effect profile of this medication has been broadly studied, studies related to this medication’s bladder effects are relatively rare. We present a case of risperidone-induced enuresis in an adult male with schizophrenia that resolved upon discontinuation of the offending medication. Case presentation We describe a case of a 32-year-old man with a primary psychotic disorder who developed debilitating enuresis secondary to taking risperidone. Enuresis resolved upon switching to Seroquel. Conclusion Enuresis secondary to risperidone is not commonly discussed prior to initiation by the treating psychiatrist however can be debilitating. Discussing this potential side effect is critical to informed decision making on the patient’s part.

Economic evaluation of long acting aripiprazole as maintenance therapy for paranoid schizophrenia

IntroductionPatient adherence to a treatment regimen is of utmost importance for successful outcomes in schizophrenia. Long acting aripiprazole (LAA) is a new drug of depot antipsychotic type placed in the market recently that could prevent non-adherence and in reducing relapse in schizoprenia administered every 28 days.ObjectiveA descriptive, observational study designed to explore the efficacy and tolerability of long acting aripiprazole in a sample of patients diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia that were admitted to Acute Unit in 2014. LAA was introduced on the admission.MethodsSociodemographic variables: age, sex, and marital status. Clinical variables: average time since diagnosis, concomitant consumption of toxic substances, reason to change medication, subsequent readmissions after LAA was introduced, evaluation of the modification of the oral regimen. PANSS and CGI. Metabolic profile: weight, glycaemia, and total cholesterol, LDL and HDL, triglycerides. Cost at the beginning and after 6 months.ResultsMean age: 44.50 years, 54% women. Marital status: 54% single, 27% married, 27% divorced. Mean time from diagnosis: 11 years. Toxic consumption: 27% active, 18% ex-drug users. Three patients were readmitted after introducing LAA, 2 of them were for abandoning medication (including LAA). PANSS at 6 months showed statistically significant differences in negative subscale (3 points). No statistical differences in positive and general psychopathology subscales. No metabolic side effect was found. Average saving per patient 37.05 euros per month (Fig. 1).ConclusionThis study signalizes that LAA is an effective treatment. Clinically, it has been shown that our patients improve adherence and prevent relapse. Moreover, no metabolic side effects were found. Besides, LAA is also efficient and we would save 407,55 euros per month.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Reversible inhibition of sperm production and gonadotrophin secretion in men following combined oral medroxyprogesterone acetate and percutaneous testosterone treatment

Six men requesting male contraception received a daily oral dose of 20 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) in combination with 50 or 100 mg percutaneous testosterone for 1 year. From the third month the sperm concentration was < 106/ml for all the men at one time or another during treatment, and usually < 5 × 106/ml, with an average reduction of 95% with respect to pre-treatment values. The sperm count returned to previous values 3–6 months after cessation of the treatment. While FSH and LH secretion was inhibited throughout the treatment period, plasma testosterone levels were not reduced. Oestradiol levels were unaffected while dihydrotestosterone was elevated. The secretory activity of the prostate and seminal vesicles was not appreciably affected; seminal carnitine concentration was reduced during the treatment with a subsequent return to pretreatment values. No pregnancies occurred during treatment. There was no impairment of libido in the subjects, nor any incidence of gynaecomastia, or increase in average body weight. The only observed metabolic side-effect was a moderate increase in glycaemia. A synergistic action of MPA and testosterone is proposed to explain the inhibition of gonadotrophin secretion.