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International Journal of Dermatology Jun 2021Keloid scar formation arises from a disorganized fibroproliferative collagen response that extends beyond the original wound margins because of excessive production of... (Review)
Review
Keloid scar formation arises from a disorganized fibroproliferative collagen response that extends beyond the original wound margins because of excessive production of extracellular matrix (ECM). Despite treatment options for keloid scars including medical and surgical therapies, such as intralesional steroid injection and surgical excision, the recurrence rate remains high. Herein we consolidate recently published narrative reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses to provide an overview of updated treatment recommendations for keloidal scar formation. PubMed search engine was used to access the MEDLINE database to investigate updates regarding keloid incidence and treatment. More than 100 articles were reviewed. Keloid management remains a multimodal approach. There continues to be no gold standard of treatment that provides a consistently low recurrence rate; however, the increasing number of available treatments and synergistic combinations of these treatments (i.e., laser-based devices in combination with intralesional steroids, or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in combination with steroid therapy) is showing favorable results. Future studies could target the efficacy of novel treatment modalities (i.e., autologous fat grafting or stem cell-based therapies) for keloid management. This review article provides updated treatment guidelines for keloids and discusses insight into management to assist patient-focused, evidence-based clinical decision making.
Topics: Fluorouracil; Humans; Injections, Intralesional; Keloid; Recurrence; Steroids
PubMed: 32905614
DOI: 10.1111/ijd.15159 -
Blood Mar 2021Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA) is caused by increased erythrocyte destruction by immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies, with or without complement activation.... (Review)
Review
Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA) is caused by increased erythrocyte destruction by immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies, with or without complement activation. Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity by macrophages/activated lymphocytes occurs in the lymphoid organs and spleen (extravascular hemolysis). The ability of the bone marrow (BM) to compensate determines clinical severity. The different pathogenic mechanisms, their complex interplay, and changes over time may explain wAIHA's great clinical heterogeneity and unpredictable course. The disease may be primary, drug induced, or associated with lymphoproliferative neoplasms, autoimmune and infectious diseases, immunodeficiencies, solid tumors, or transplants. Therapeutic interventions include steroids, splenectomy, immunosuppressants, and rituximab; the latter is increasingly used in steroid-refractory cases based on evidence from the literature and a few prospective trials. We present 5 patient case studies highlighting important issues: (1) the diagnosis and proper use of steroid therapy, (2) the concerns about the choice between rituximab and splenectomy in second-line treatment, (3) the need of periodical re-evaluation of the disease to assess the possible evolution of relapsed/refractory cases in myelodysplastic and BM failure syndromes, and (4) the difficulties in managing cases of severe/acute disease that are at high risk of relapse. Incorporating novel targeted therapies into clinical practice will be an exciting challenge in the future.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune; Antineoplastic Agents; Disease Management; Female; Humans; Immunologic Factors; Immunosuppressive Agents; Male; Middle Aged; Rituximab; Splenectomy; Steroids
PubMed: 33512406
DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019003808 -
The Oncologist Aug 2022Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a common complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and is associated with significant morbidity and... (Review)
Review
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a common complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. For many years, there have been few effective treatment options for patients with GVHD. First-line systemic treatment remains corticosteroids, but up to 50% of patients will develop steroid-refractory GVHD and the prognosis for these patients is poor. Elucidation of the pathophysiological mechanisms of acute and chronic GVHD has laid a foundation for novel therapeutic approaches. Since 2017, there have now been 4 approvals by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for GVHD. Ruxolitinib, an oral selective JAK1/2 inhibitor, received FDA approval for the treatment of steroid-refractory acute GVHD in 2019 and remains the only agent approved for acute GVHD. There are currently 3 FDA approvals for the treatment of chronic GVHD: (1) ibrutinib, a BTK inhibitor traditionally used for B-cell malignancies, was the first agent approved for chronic GVHD after failure of one or more lines of systemic therapy, (2) belumosudil, an oral selective inhibitor of ROCK2, for patients with chronic GVHD who received at least 2 prior lines of treatment, and (3) ruxolitinib for chronic GVHD after failure of one or two lines of systemic therapy. In this review, we highlight the clinical data which support these FDA approvals in acute and chronic GVHD with a focus on mechanism of actions, clinical efficacy, and toxicities associated with these agents.
Topics: Acetamides; Graft vs Host Disease; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Nitriles; Steroids; United States; United States Food and Drug Administration
PubMed: 35443042
DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyac076 -
Autoimmunity Reviews Jan 2021Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular junction. Immunosuppressive treatments are part of the therapeutic armamentarium in MG. Long-term... (Review)
Review
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular junction. Immunosuppressive treatments are part of the therapeutic armamentarium in MG. Long-term systemic steroid administration carry considerable risks and adverse events. Consequently, steroid-free immunosuppressive therapy is necessary to reduce the dose or discontinue steroids. First immunosuppressive drug trials in MG were performed in the mid-60s using standard and nonspecific immunosuppression. Since then, only few randomized controlled clinical trials were conducted in MG and assesed drug efficacy in terms of its steroid-sparing capacity and the ability to reduce myasthenic signs and symptoms. Treatment strategy in MG is quite challenging, mainly due to the disease heterogeneity in terms of clinical presentation, immunopathogenesis and drug response. To solve this dilemma, emerging treatment are based on biological drugs and use new targets of the immune pathway.
Topics: Autoantibodies; Humans; Immunosuppression Therapy; Immunosuppressive Agents; Myasthenia Gravis; Steroids
PubMed: 33197578
DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102712 -
European Review For Medical and... Mar 2020Analyzing the available evidence by comparing the role of arthroscopic surgery and conservative treatment in the management of degenerative meniscopathy.
OBJECTIVE
Analyzing the available evidence by comparing the role of arthroscopic surgery and conservative treatment in the management of degenerative meniscopathy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A literature search was carried out on the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and PEDro databases in May 2019 to identify all the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing arthroscopic surgery to conservative management of painful but stable degenerated menisci. The quality of the RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment.
RESULTS
A total of 10 studies, including 1525 patients and dealing with conservative treatment vs. arthroscopic surgery were included in this review. In eight studies the effectiveness of exercise therapy was compared to surgery; in one study the effectiveness of intra-articular steroid injection was compared to surgery; in one study the effectiveness of placebo surgery was compared to partial meniscectomy. In all studies, no significant inter-group difference in terms of knee pain and knee function were observed at any follow-up evaluation.
CONCLUSIONS
Degenerative meniscal tears, without symptoms of locking and catching, can be successfully managed by a proper regimen of physical therapy as a first line treatment. Surgical approach might be considered in case of poor response after conservative treatment.
Topics: Arthroscopy; Humans; Meniscectomy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Steroids; Tibial Meniscus Injuries
PubMed: 32271405
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202003_20651 -
Leukemia Nov 2022Patients with steroid-refractory graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) are known to have a poor prognosis and for decades no approved drug has been available to treat this... (Review)
Review
Patients with steroid-refractory graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) are known to have a poor prognosis and for decades no approved drug has been available to treat this serious condition. Although ruxolitinib, a selective Janus kinase (JAK)1/2 inhibitor demonstrated significantly higher response rates in randomized trials compared to the best available therapy, and thus, is of benefit in both acute as well as chronic GvHD, there is an urgent medical need to improve results, such as durability of responses, response in eye, liver and lung manifestations and reduction of infectious complications. In this "Review" article we would like to offer strategies for improving treatment results in patients with steroid-refractory GvHD by combining ruxolitinib with extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP), a leukapheresis-based immunomodulatory treatment frequently applied in T-cell mediated immune disease including GvHD. Our article explores key published evidence supporting the clinical efficacy of both ruxolitinib and ECP in the treatment of GvHD and highlights their potentially complementary mechanisms of action.
Topics: Humans; Photopheresis; Graft vs Host Disease; Chronic Disease; Steroids; Acute Disease
PubMed: 36153436
DOI: 10.1038/s41375-022-01701-2 -
Veterinary Journal (London, England :... 2023Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) occurs as an immune-mediated, inflammatory, and non-infectious disorder of juvenile and young-adult dogs. In principle,... (Review)
Review
Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) occurs as an immune-mediated, inflammatory, and non-infectious disorder of juvenile and young-adult dogs. In principle, SRMA is divided into two clinical courses: during the typical acute form, dogs are presented with fever, cervical hyperaesthesia, and reluctance to move. The more protracted form most probably emerges after insufficient immunosuppressive treatment or relapses, with additional neurologic deficits localized in the cervical and thoracolumbar spinal cord or multifocally. The trigger leading to SRMA still remains an unsolved riddle for immunologists and clinical neurologists. In the past, many attempts have been made to clarify the etiology of this disease without success. The purpose of writing this narrative review about SRMA is to summarize new insights on the pathogenesis of SRMA with a focus on immunologic dysregulation. Furthermore, unusual manifestations of the disease, new diagnostic approaches using possible laboratory biomarkers or diagnostic imaging tools, and potential innovative treatment strategies are discussed.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Meningitis; Arteritis; Biomarkers; Steroids; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 37704169
DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2023.106030 -
Rhode Island Medical Journal (2013) Dec 2019Sepsis remains a field of active research with many unknown and unanswered questions. Over the past few decades, advancements in sepsis management have led to improved... (Review)
Review
Sepsis remains a field of active research with many unknown and unanswered questions. Over the past few decades, advancements in sepsis management have led to improved mortality and morbidity. This article will review the current evidence-based practices of the treatment of sepsis and septic shock. It will also critically appraise some of the current controversies in sepsis management, such as fluids, steroids, early vasopressors, early goal-directed therapy and immunotherapy.
Topics: Disease Management; Drug Therapy, Combination; Early Goal-Directed Therapy; Evidence-Based Practice; Fluid Therapy; Humans; Immunotherapy; Sepsis; Shock, Septic; Steroids; Vasoconstrictor Agents
PubMed: 31795528
DOI: No ID Found -
Pulmonology 2019The management of symptoms in patients with advanced chronic respiratory diseases needs more attention. This review summarizes the latest evidence on interventions to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
The management of symptoms in patients with advanced chronic respiratory diseases needs more attention. This review summarizes the latest evidence on interventions to relieve dyspnoea in these patients.
METHODS
We searched randomised controlled trials, observational studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published between 1990 and 2019 in English in PubMed data base using the keywords. Dyspnoea, Breathlessness AND: pharmacological and non pharmacological therapy, oxygen, non invasive ventilation, pulmonary rehabilitation, alternative medicine, intensive care, palliative care, integrated care, self-management. Studies on drugs (e.g. bronchodilators) or interventions (e.g. lung volume reduction surgery, lung transplantation) to manage underlying conditions and complications, or tools for relief of associated symptoms such as pain, are not addressed.
RESULTS
Relief of dyspnoea has received relatively little attention in clinical practice and literature. Many pharmacological and non pharmacological therapies are available to relieve dyspnoea, and improve patients' quality of life. There is a need for greater knowledge of the benefits and risks of these tools by doctors, patients and families to avoid unnecessary fears which might reduce or delay the delivery of appropriate care. We need services for multidisciplinary care in early and late phases of diseases. Early integration of palliative care with respiratory, primary care, and rehabilitation services can help patients and caregivers.
CONCLUSION
Relief of dyspnoea as well as of any distressing symptom is a human right and an ethical duty for doctors and caregivers who have many potential resources to achieve this.
Topics: Analgesics, Opioid; Chronic Disease; Diuretics; Dyspnea; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Exercise Therapy; Furosemide; Humans; Noninvasive Ventilation; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Steroids
PubMed: 31129045
DOI: 10.1016/j.pulmoe.2019.04.002 -
Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets Sep 2021Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD) is the major toxicity of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Systemic steroids are the standard primary treatment... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD) is the major toxicity of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Systemic steroids are the standard primary treatment but only half of the patients will respond completely and the survival of steroid-refractory patients is poor. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a key target organ that usually determines a patient's response to therapy.
AREAS COVERED
This review summarizes the use of clinical grading systems and biomarkers in GVHD treatment and highlights pathophysiologic phases of acute GVHD as context for the mechanisms of action and therapeutic targets of various approaches. We reviewed >100 publications and performed a search of ongoing, current clinical trials on the emerging therapeutic targets for prophylaxis and treatment of acute GVHD. Search databases included clinicaltrials.gov and PUBMED. Search terms and keywords included 'acute graft-versus-host disease,' 'GVHD,' 'graft versus host,' 'treatment.'
EXPERT OPINION
Future strategies will employ a risk-adapted therapy using biomarkers, which more accurately predict 6-month NRM. Strategies for high-risk patients will inhibit GI tract damage by selective targeting of effectors (e.g. inhibition of JAK signaling in T cells), blockade of trafficking through mAbs against integrin receptors, or enhancement of target cell survival. Future strategieswill reduce immunosuppression to avoid risk of infections and relapse.
Topics: Acute Disease; Biomarkers; Graft vs Host Disease; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Steroids
PubMed: 34669521
DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1992383