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Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology May 2022Relapsing polychondritis (RP) evolves with variable and intermittent involvement of cartilage and proteoglycan-rich structures. Ocular manifestations are present in up... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Relapsing polychondritis (RP) evolves with variable and intermittent involvement of cartilage and proteoglycan-rich structures. Ocular manifestations are present in up to two-thirds of RP patients. Necrotising scleritis (NS) and peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) may be inaugural and may lead to eye perforation and vision loss. We aimed to review NS and PUK in RP, in order to characterise them, to identify successful treatment options and unmet needs.
METHODS
A systematic review of the currently available evidence in PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus was performed according to PRISMA, including observational studies, single case reports and case series of NS/PUK in RP. Study design, number of patients, age, gender, treatment and outcome, were extracted. Two RP patients also provided their opinion.
RESULTS
Five case reports and two case series were eligible for inclusion. We identified 10 RP patients with eye-threatening complications (NS and/or PUK), 9 adults (2 males, 7 females, aged 35-72, median age 57.6 years) and one paediatric patient (F, 11 years). Apart from glucocorticoids, cyclophosphamide was effective in 4 patients; infliximab, high-dose immunoglobulins, dapsone, or cyclosporine were also successfully employed in a case each. Surgical repair was reported in 2 cases.
CONCLUSIONS
Ocular inflammation is often bilateral and recurring in RP; NS/PUK are rare complications. All patients who develop NS/PUK should be specifically questioned for RP signs and symptoms. Early institution of immunosuppressive therapies is mandatory. Increasing awareness, physicians' and patients' education and a multidisciplinary approach may help improve the prognosis of these serious complications of RP.
Topics: Adult; Child; Corneal Ulcer; Cyclophosphamide; Female; Humans; Infliximab; Male; Middle Aged; Polychondritis, Relapsing; Scleritis
PubMed: 35238768
DOI: 10.55563/clinexprheumatol/27n7im -
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2021Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a disease with wheals and/or angioedema. Some drugs, especially antibiotics for () eradication and the sulfone antibiotic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a disease with wheals and/or angioedema. Some drugs, especially antibiotics for () eradication and the sulfone antibiotic dapsone, may be candidates for treating CSU. The present study assessed the efficacy of these antibiotic therapies for CSU.
METHODS
Databases (MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Platform Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov) were searched until October 2020. Study selection, data abstraction and quality assessments were independently performed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. The outcomes were the remission of CSU-related symptoms, activities and adverse events due to antibiotics for eradication or dapsone.
RESULTS
Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs; 361 patients) were included. The antibiotics for eradication increased the remission rate (risk ratio (RR) = 3.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.31 to 12.14; I = 0%), but dapsone did not (RR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.74 to 1.78). Antibiotics for eradication (standard mean difference (SMD) = 1.49, 95% CI = 0.80 to 2.18; I = 69%) and dapsone (SMD = 7.00, 95% CI = 6.92 to 7.08; I = 0%) improved symptoms. The evidence of certainty was moderate. Dapsone was associated with mild adverse events, whereas eradication was not.
CONCLUSION
Antibiotics, especially those for eradication, improved the remission rate and symptoms of CSU with few adverse events. Further studies are needed.
PubMed: 33557074
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10020156 -
International Journal of Dermatology May 2024Eosinophilic dermatosis of hematologic malignancy (EDHM) is a cutaneous manifestation seen in patients with hematoproliferative and lymphoproliferative disorders, most... (Review)
Review
Eosinophilic dermatosis of hematologic malignancy (EDHM) is a cutaneous manifestation seen in patients with hematoproliferative and lymphoproliferative disorders, most commonly chronic lymphocytic leukemia. This systematic review aimed to summarize the therapeutic interventions of EDHM. A comprehensive search yielded 71 studies, predominantly case reports and series. The most frequently reported modalities were systemic and topical corticosteroids, as well as treatment of the underlying malignancy. Responses to these treatments varied. Targeted therapies, including dupilumab and omalizumab, showed promise, as did other modalities such as montelukast, dapsone, doxycycline, and phototherapy. Higher-quality studies should be conducted to facilitate higher-quality management recommendations for EDHM.
PubMed: 38727148
DOI: 10.1111/ijd.17221 -
Clinical Microbiology and Infection :... Jul 2024Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is a common opportunistic infection among people living with HIV (PWH), particularly among new and untreated cases. Several... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study Review
Comparative efficacy and safety of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia prophylaxis regimens for people living with HIV: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is a common opportunistic infection among people living with HIV (PWH), particularly among new and untreated cases. Several regimens are available for the prophylaxis of PCP, including trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), dapsone-based regimens (DBRs), aerosolized pentamidine (AP), and atovaquone.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the efficacy and safety of PCP prophylaxis regimens in PWH by network meta-analysis.
METHODS
DATA SOURCES: Embase, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL from inception to June 21, 2023.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Comparative randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
PARTICIPANTS
PWH.
INTERVENTIONS
Regimens for PCP prophylaxis either compared head-to-head or versus no treatment/placebo.
ASSESSMENT OF RISK OF BIAS
Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for RCTs 2.
METHODS OF DATA SYNTHESIS
Title or abstract and full-text screening and data extraction were performed in duplicate by two independent reviewers. Data on PCP incidence, all-cause mortality, and discontinuation due to toxicity were pooled and ranked by network meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses of primary versus secondary prophylaxis, by year, and by dosage were performed.
RESULTS
A total of 26 RCTs, comprising 55 treatment arms involving 7516 PWH were included. For the prevention of PCP, TMP-SMX was ranked the most favourable agent and was superior to DBRs (risk ratio [RR] = 0.54; 95% CI, 0.36-0.83) and AP (RR = 0.53; 95% CI, 0.36-0.77). TMP-SMX was also the only agent with a mortality benefit compared with no treatment/placebo (RR = 0.79; 95% CI, 0.64-0.98). However, TMP-SMX was also ranked as the most toxic agent with a greater risk of discontinuation than DBRs (RR = 1.25; 95% CI, 1.01-1.54) and AP (7.20; 95% CI, 5.37-9.66). No significant differences in PCP prevention or mortality were detected among the other regimens. The findings remained consistent within subgroups.
CONCLUSIONS
TMP-SMX is the most effective agent for PCP prophylaxis in PWH and the only agent to confer a mortality benefit; consequently, it should continue to be recommended as the first-line agent. Further studies are necessary to determine the optimal dosing of TMP-SMX to maximize efficacy and minimize toxicity.
Topics: Humans; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Network Meta-Analysis; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Pneumocystis carinii; HIV Infections; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Dapsone; Pentamidine; Atovaquone; Antifungal Agents; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38583518
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2024.03.037 -
Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics May 2020IgA vasculitis, formerly known as Henoch-Schönlein purpura, is a systemic IgA-mediated vasculitis of the small vessels commonly seen in children. The natural history of...
IgA vasculitis, formerly known as Henoch-Schönlein purpura, is a systemic IgA-mediated vasculitis of the small vessels commonly seen in children. The natural history of IgA vasculitis is generally self-limiting; however, one-third of patients experience symptom recurrence and a refractory course. This systematic review examined the use of dapsone in refractory IgA vasculitis cases. A literature search of PubMed databases retrieved 13 articles published until June 14, 2018. The most common clinical feature was a palpable rash (100% of patients), followed by joint pain (69.2%). Treatment response within 1-2 days was observed in 6 of 26 patients (23.1%) versus within 3-7 days in 17 patients (65.4%). Relapse after treatment discontinuation was reported in 17 patients (65.4%) but not in 3 patients (11.5 %). Four of the 26 patients (15.4%) reported adverse effects of dapsone including arthralgia (7.7%), rash (7.7%), and dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome (3.8%). Our findings suggest that dapsone may affect refractory IgA vasculitis. Multicenter randomized placebo-controlled trials are necessary to determine the standard dosage of dapsone at initial or tapering of treatment in IgA vasculitis patients and evaluate whether dapsone has a significant benefit versus steroids or other medications.
PubMed: 32024340
DOI: 10.3345/kjp.2019.00514 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Aug 2021Linear IgA disease (LAD) is a rare autoimmune blistering disease with linear IgA deposits along the basement membrane zone. Direct immunofluorescence remains the gold... (Review)
Review
Linear IgA disease (LAD) is a rare autoimmune blistering disease with linear IgA deposits along the basement membrane zone. Direct immunofluorescence remains the gold standard for diagnosis, but other diagnostic measures reported in recent literature have proven useful in the setting of inconclusive preliminary results. Dapsone is a commonly used treatment, but many therapeutic agents have emerged in recent years. The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of updates on the diagnosis and management of LAD. A literature search was conducted from May to June of 2021 for articles published in the last 5 years that were related to the diagnosis and management of LAD. False-negative results in cases of drug-induced LAD and the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies on immunofluorescence studies were reported. Serration pattern analysis has been reported to be useful in distinguishing LAD from sublamina densa-type LAD. Rituximab, omalizumab, etanercept, IVIg, sulfonamides, topical corticosteroids, and others have been used successfully in adult and pediatric patients with varying disease severity. Topical corticosteroids were preferred for pediatric patients while rituximab and IVIg were used in adults with recalcitrant LAD. Sulfonamides were utilized in places without access to dapsone. In cases where preliminary biopsy results are negative and clinical suspicion is high, repeat biopsy and additional diagnostic studies should be used. Patient factors such as age, medical comorbidities, and disease severity play a role in therapeutic selection.
Topics: Adult; Autoimmune Diseases; Biopsy; Child; Dapsone; Humans; Immunoglobulin A
PubMed: 34441024
DOI: 10.3390/medicina57080818 -
Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious... May 2021Although multidrug therapy is considered an effective treatment for leprosy, antimicrobial resistance is a serious concern. We performed a systematic review of studies... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Although multidrug therapy is considered an effective treatment for leprosy, antimicrobial resistance is a serious concern. We performed a systematic review of studies on the diagnostic accuracy and screening of tests for antimicrobial resistance in leprosy. This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020177958). In April 2020, we searched for studies in the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo, and LILACS databases. A random effects regression model was used for the meta-analysis. We included 129 studies. Molecular tests for dapsone resistance had a sensitivity of 78.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 65.6-87.9) and a specificity of 97.0% (95% CI = 94.0-98.6). Molecular tests for rifampicin resistance had a sensitivity and specificity of 88.7% (95% CI = 80.0-93.9) and 97.3% (95% CI = 94.3-98.8), respectively. Molecular tests for ofloxacin resistance had a sensitivity and specificity of 80.9% (95% CI = 60.1-92.3) and 96.1% (95% CI = 90.2-98.5), respectively. In recent decades, no increase in the resistance proportion was detected. However, the growing number of resistant cases is still a clinical concern.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; DNA, Bacterial; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Humans; Leprosy; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Mycobacterium leprae; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sequence Analysis, DNA
PubMed: 33556650
DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2021.115325 -
Transfusion and Apheresis Science :... Apr 2022Acquired methemoglobinemia may cause cyanosis and tissue ischemia unresponsive to oxygen supplementation.
INTRODUCTION
Acquired methemoglobinemia may cause cyanosis and tissue ischemia unresponsive to oxygen supplementation.
METHODS
We performed a literature search to identify cases of acquired methemoglobinemia published between 1980 and 2020. Clinical, diagnostic, and treatment details were extracted from eligible cases.
RESULTS
A total of 76 reports involving 87 cases were analyzed. The median age at presentation was 32.5 with male to female ratio of 1.6. Cyanosis and SpO <90 % were reported in 82 % and 60 % of cases, respectively. Dapsone or cocaine-based anesthetics were causative in 52 % of cases; most anesthetic-related cases occurred in the peri-procedural setting. Methylene blue (MB) and red cell transfusion were given in 71 % and 10 % of cases, respectively. Compared to MB untreated patients, MB treated patients were more likely to be cyanotic (91.9 % vs 54.2 %), had higher proportions (%) and levels (g/dL) of methemoglobin (MetHb) - 33.2 % vs 15.3 % and 3.1 g/dL vs 1.2 g/dL, respectively. We found that among cyanotic cases, the median MetHb level was 3.0 g/dL (0.4-12.3 g/dL) with 74 % of values ≥ 1.5 g/dL. An SaO2:SpO ratio of >1 was not universally present, but always coincided with an [SaO-SpO] delta value greater than zero.
CONCLUSIONS
Cyanosis and hypoxemia were not universal findings of acquired methemoglobinemia in our series. In addition, not all patients had cyanosis at MetHb ≥ 1.5 g/dL or an SaO2:SpO ratio of >1. All those with an SaO:SpO >1 did, however, have a delta value greater than zero - a finding not previously reported which we feel holds diagnostic value.
Topics: Cyanosis; Female; Humans; Hypoxia; Male; Methemoglobinemia; Methylene Blue; Oxygen
PubMed: 34740513
DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2021.103299 -
Annales de Dermatologie Et de... Jun 2022Eosinophilic annular erythema (EAE) is a rare eosinophil-related skin disease which typically manifests with annular erythematous plaques and severe pruritus. Besides...
BACKGROUND
Eosinophilic annular erythema (EAE) is a rare eosinophil-related skin disease which typically manifests with annular erythematous plaques and severe pruritus. Besides the diagnosis, the treatment of EAE is challenging since relevant published data are sparse.
METHODS
The aim of this study was to assess the underlying diseases, treatments and outcomes of patients with EAE. To this end, we conducted a retrospective multicenter study and a systematic review of the MEDLINE database.
RESULTS
We included 18 patients with EAE followed in 8 centers. The MEDLINE database search yielded 37 relevant publications reporting 55 cases of EAE with 106 treatment sequences. The most common and efficient treatments included topical or systemic corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine and dapsone. In refractory patients, a combination of systemic corticosteroids with hydroxychloroquine was associated with 88% of complete clinical response.
DISCUSSION
To improve the management of EAE patients, we discuss the following treatment strategy: in topical steroid-resistant patients, hydroxychloroquine can be given as first-line systemic treatment. Dapsone, hydroxychloroquine or systemic corticosteroids are second-line options to consider. Last, monoclonal antibodies or JAK inhibitors targeting type 2 inflammation could represent promising last-resort options in refractory patients.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Dapsone; Eosinophilia; Erythema; Humans; Hydroxychloroquine; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Rare Diseases; Skin Diseases, Genetic
PubMed: 34716028
DOI: 10.1016/j.annder.2021.07.007 -
International Journal of Dermatology Jul 2020Erosive pustular dermatosis (EPD) is a rare chronic inflammatory condition of the scalp and legs that is often difficult to manage. Currently, there are no treatment...
IMPORTANCE
Erosive pustular dermatosis (EPD) is a rare chronic inflammatory condition of the scalp and legs that is often difficult to manage. Currently, there are no treatment guidelines.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically assess the existing literature on various treatment modalities and their efficacies when used in the management of EPD.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
We searched PubMed, Cochrane Libraries, Scopus, and clicnialtrial.gov databases for articles in the English language with no limited time frame. Emphasis was placed on articles that reported on treatment for EPD.
FINDINGS
Of the 168 articles identified by the literature search, 92 met eligibility criteria and were included for qualitative analysis. Efficacious topical treatments included clobetasol, betamethasone, and tacrolimus. Ninety-three and 88% of cases utilizing clobetasol and betamethasone respectively demonstrated improvement or resolution. All 32 cases utilizing tacrolimus reported improvement. Efficacious systemic treatments included oral steroids such as prednisone, methylprednisolone, and dexamethasone. Topical dapsone, photodynamic therapy, systemic steroids, cyclosporine, and oral zinc derivatives were also described with some success.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
According to available data, limited solely to case reports and case series, potent topical steroids are an effective treatment option for EPD. Topical tacrolimus may also be considered in cases that require long-term use or maintenance. Other treatment modalities shown to be successful based on high reported efficacy and low rates of recurrence after treatment include topical dapsone, systemic steroids, zinc derivatives, and cyclosporine. Further studies are needed to compare treatment modalities and to establish treatment protocols.
Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Administration, Oral; Anti-Infective Agents; Betamethasone; Calcineurin Inhibitors; Clobetasol; Dapsone; Dexamethasone; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Leg Dermatoses; Methylprednisolone; Photochemotherapy; Scalp Dermatoses; Tacrolimus
PubMed: 31904115
DOI: 10.1111/ijd.14744