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Journal of Clinical Medicine Mar 2023Although COVID-19 may cause various and multiorgan diseases, few research studies have examined the postmortem pathological findings of SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals... (Review)
Review
Although COVID-19 may cause various and multiorgan diseases, few research studies have examined the postmortem pathological findings of SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals who died. Active autopsy results may be crucial for understanding how COVID-19 infection operates and preventing severe effects. In contrast to younger persons, however, the patient's age, lifestyle, and concomitant comorbidities might alter the morpho-pathological aspects of the damaged lungs. Through a systematic analysis of the available literature until December 2022, we aimed to provide a thorough picture of the histopathological characteristics of the lungs in patients older than 70 years who died of COVID-19. A thorough search was conducted on three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science), including 18 studies and a total of 478 autopsies performed. It was observed that the average age of patients was 75.6 years, of which 65.4% were men. COPD was identified in an average of 16.7% of all patients. Autopsy findings indicated significantly heavier lungs, with an average weight of the right lung of 1103 g, while the left lung mass had an average weight of 848 g. Diffuse alveolar damage was a main finding in 67.2% of all autopsies, while pulmonary edema had a prevalence of between 50% and 70%. Thrombosis was also a significant finding, while some studies described focal and extensive pulmonary infarctions in 72.7% of elderly patients. Pneumonia and bronchopneumonia were observed, with a prevalence ranging from 47.6% to 89.5%. Other important findings described in less detail comprise hyaline membranes, the proliferation of pneumocytes and fibroblasts, extensive suppurative bronchopneumonic infiltrates, intra-alveolar edema, thickened alveolar septa, desquamation of pneumocytes, alveolar infiltrates, multinucleated giant cells, and intranuclear inclusion bodies. These findings should be corroborated with children's and adults' autopsies. Postmortem examination as a technique for studying the microscopic and macroscopic features of the lungs might lead to a better knowledge of COVID-19 pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment, hence enhancing elderly patient care.
PubMed: 36902856
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12052070 -
International Journal of Rheumatic... Oct 2010Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory rheumatic disorder of unknown etiology occurring in patients with psoriasis. The Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis... (Review)
Review
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory rheumatic disorder of unknown etiology occurring in patients with psoriasis. The Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis study group has recently developed a validated set of classification criteria for psoriatic arthritis with a sensitivity of 91.4% and a specificity of 98.7%. Three main clinical patterns have been identified: oligoarticular (≤ 4 involved joints) or polyarticular (≥ 5 involved joints) peripheral disease and axial disease with or without associated peripheral arthritis. In this context distal interphalangeal arthritis and arthritis mutilans may occur. According to other reports, also in our centre, asymmetric oligoarthritis is the most frequent pattern at onset. Axial disease has been estimated between 5% and 36% of patients. It is characterized by an irregular involvement of the axial skeleton with a predilection for the cervical spine. Recurrent episodes of enthesitis and dactylitis represent a hallmark of psoriatic arthritis. In around 20% of cases distal extremity swelling with pitting edema of the hands or feet is observed. Unilateral acute iridocyclitis, usually recurrent in alternate fashion, is the most frequent extra-articular manifestation, and accelerated atherosclerosis is the prominent comorbidity. The clinical course of peripheral and axial psoriatic arthritis is usually less severe than rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, respectively. Local corticosteroid injections and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are recommended in milder forms. Sulphasalazine and methotrexate are effective in peripheral psoriatic arthritis. Recent studies have provided evidence on the efficacy of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α drugs to control symptoms and to slow or arrest radiological disease progression.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adult; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Arthritis, Psoriatic; Disease Progression; Female; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Male; Predictive Value of Tests; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 21199465
DOI: 10.1111/j.1756-185X.2010.01540.x -
Clinical Kidney Journal Jun 2016There is growing evidence that adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) may be effective in treating various forms of glomerular diseases. However, the efficacy of treatment...
BACKGROUND
There is growing evidence that adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) may be effective in treating various forms of glomerular diseases. However, the efficacy of treatment and frequency of adverse effects associated with the use of ACTH in glomerular diseases are unknown. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was performed.
METHODS
A literature search was performed using Medline, Embase, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from inception through 18 July 2015. Studies assessing the efficacy and safety of ACTH treatment in adults with glomerular diseases were included.
RESULTS
Of the 343 identified citations, 18 evaluated the drug efficacy and 12 evaluated the adverse effects. The most common glomerular diseases were membranous nephropathy (MN), primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and minimal change disease (MCD). The overall rate of complete remission in MN was 80% at 0-6 months, 69% at >6-12 months, 90% at >12-24 months and 95% beyond 24 months of follow-up. Fifty percent of primary FSGS and MCD patients treated with ACTH were in remission at 6 months, but the relapse rate was high after ACTH discontinuation (17%). Evidence of ACTH efficacy for other glomerular diseases was scarce. Edema was the most commonly reported adverse effect {incidence rate [IR] 0.10 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04-0.18]} followed by insomnia [IR 0.08 (95% CI 0.03-0.15)]. The dropout rate due to adverse events was 7%, mostly due to edema and weight gain.
CONCLUSIONS
ACTH is a well-tolerated therapy and is most promising when treating patients with MN. There may be a potential role for ACTH in patients with MCD and FSGS, but data are lacking.
PubMed: 27274822
DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfw045 -
Advances in Therapy Dec 2023Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a leading cause of kidney disease and can progress to end stage kidney disease (ESKD). An overview of symptoms and impacts... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a leading cause of kidney disease and can progress to end stage kidney disease (ESKD). An overview of symptoms and impacts of the disease experienced will help inform the selection or development of fit-for-purpose clinical outcome assessments (COA) to be used in FSGS clinical trials. This study aimed to develop a conceptual model (CM) of the adult and pediatric patient experience of FSGS including disease signs/symptoms, treatment side-effects, and impact on functioning and wellbeing.
METHODS
This study comprised a systematic review and thematic analysis of qualitative studies with adults and pediatric patients diagnosed with FSGS. Data sources were identified through an electronic database search of journal articles (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO; June 2021) and hand-searching of conference proceedings, patient advocacy group websites, and gray literature. Non-English articles were excluded. Identified data (patient/caregiver quotes, author summaries, and interpretations of patient experiences) were extracted from the articles. Extracted data were qualitatively analyzed aided by ATLAS.ti v7. Codes were applied to data and concepts (symptoms/impacts) were identified, named, and refined. A CM was developed by grouping related concepts into domains.
RESULTS
In total, 12 sources were identified for analysis: 6 journal articles and 6 series of patient testimonials. Salient sign/symptom/side-effect domains included swelling/puffiness (edema), pain/aches/discomfort, fatigue, weight changes, skin problems, respiratory problems, and sleep problems. Salient impact domains included emotional/psychological wellbeing, physical functioning/activities of daily living, social functioning, and work/school.
CONCLUSION
Secondary analysis of published qualitative literature permitted development of a CM describing the adult and pediatric experience of FSGS. Concept elicitation interviews are recommended to refine the CM, confirm the salient/most bothersome concepts, and confirm the extent of impact on daily life. The refined CM will provide a useful tool to inform the selection, development, and/or amendment of COAs for use in future FSGS clinical trials.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Child; Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental; Activities of Daily Living; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Models, Theoretical; Patient Outcome Assessment
PubMed: 37819555
DOI: 10.1007/s12325-023-02651-6 -
JAMA Aug 2007Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in the working-aged population in the United States. There are many new interventions for DR, but evidence to... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in the working-aged population in the United States. There are many new interventions for DR, but evidence to support their use is uncertain.
OBJECTIVE
To review the best evidence for primary and secondary intervention in the management of DR, including diabetic macular edema.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
Systematic review of all English-language articles, retrieved using a keyword search of MEDLINE (1966 through May 2007), EMBASE, Cochrane Collaboration, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology database, and the National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials Database, and followed by manual searches of reference lists of selected major review articles. All English-language randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with more than 12 months of follow-up and meta-analyses were included. Delphi consensus criteria were used to identify well-conducted studies.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Forty-four studies (including 3 meta-analyses) met the inclusion criteria. Tight glycemic and blood pressure control reduces the incidence and progression of DR. Pan-retinal laser photocoagulation reduces the risk of moderate and severe visual loss by 50% in patients with severe nonproliferative and proliferative retinopathy. Focal laser photocoagulation reduces the risk of moderate visual loss by 50% to 70% in eyes with macular edema. Early vitrectomy improves visual recovery in patients with proliferative retinopathy and severe vitreous hemorrhage. Intravitreal injections of steroids may be considered in eyes with persistent loss of vision when conventional treatment has failed. There is insufficient evidence for the efficacy or safety of lipid-lowering therapy, medical interventions, or antivascular endothelial growth factors on the incidence or progression of DR.
CONCLUSIONS
Tight glycemic and blood pressure control remains the cornerstone in the primary prevention of DR. Pan-retinal and focal retinal laser photocoagulation reduces the risk of visual loss in patients with severe DR and macular edema, respectively. There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend routine use of other treatments.
Topics: Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Antihypertensive Agents; Blood Glucose; Blood Pressure; Diabetic Retinopathy; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Hypolipidemic Agents; Laser Coagulation; Light Coagulation; Macular Edema; Vitrectomy
PubMed: 17712074
DOI: 10.1001/jama.298.8.902 -
Survey of Ophthalmology 2022Refractory diabetic macular edema (DME) to monthly intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monotherapy has a prevalence of approximately 40% in... (Review)
Review
Refractory diabetic macular edema (DME) to monthly intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monotherapy has a prevalence of approximately 40% in landmark clinical trials. Options for these patients include use of intravitreal steroids, focal laser, or switching to an alternative anti-VEGF agent. We summarize the key conclusions from studies analyzing the efficacy of switching anti-VEGF agents for refractory DME. Twenty-four studies were included in analysis. The most common definitions of refractory in the included studies were a central retinal thickness (CRT) greater than 300μm or a reduction in CRT less than 10% after at least 3-6 prior anti-VEGF injections. Switching to intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) from either intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) or bevacizumab (IVB) is associated with moderate to significant improvement in central subfield thickness and may be an appropriate choice for patients with refractory DME. The improvement in retinal thickness and edema is typically seen after the first 3 injections of IVA post-switch. Switching to IVR has also demonstrated improvement in CRT at 3-6 months post switch in large sample population studies. Future studies are required to elucidate the ideal time point for a switch in anti-VEGF agent or which patients would benefit from this change.
Topics: Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Bevacizumab; Diabetes Mellitus; Diabetic Retinopathy; Humans; Intravitreal Injections; Macular Edema; Ranibizumab; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Visual Acuity
PubMed: 35452685
DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2022.04.001 -
World Neurosurgery Feb 2016Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurologic entity characterized by a primary insult followed by a secondary pathologic cascade that propagates... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurologic entity characterized by a primary insult followed by a secondary pathologic cascade that propagates further injury. Hypothermia has an established clinical role in preventing SCI after cardiac arrest and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair, yet its emergence as a potential neuroprotectant after spinal cord trauma remains experimental. There are currently no pharmacologic interventions available to prevent secondary mechanisms of injury after spinal cord trauma.
METHODS
Systematic review of literature.
RESULTS
Experimental studies demonstrated that hypothermia diminishes secondary pathomechanisms, such as ischemia, oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and edema. Early onset and longer durations of hypothermia as well as concomitant steroids or neural stem cell engraftment combined with hypothermia appear to improve functional and histologic outcomes in animal models of spinal cord trauma. Recent clinical studies provide evidence that localized and systemic hypothermia may be applied safely and efficaciously in patients with severe acute SCI. Randomized clinical trials are needed to better evaluate optimal cooling parameters and the effectiveness of hypothermia after traumatic SCI.
CONCLUSION
Although variability exists in the literature, therapeutic hypothermia most likely confers neuroprotection after spinal cord trauma by diminishing the destructive secondary cascade. The available clinical data suggest that regional and systemic hypothermia is a relatively safe and feasible initial treatment modality for patients with acute SCI when combined with surgical decompression/stabilization with or without steroids. However, establishing a clinical role for therapeutic hypothermia after spinal cord trauma will invariably depend on future well-designed, multicentered, randomized, controlled clinical trial data.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Hypothermia, Induced; Spinal Cord Injuries
PubMed: 26433095
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2015.09.079 -
PloS One 2016Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) is the only effective drug approved by US FDA to treat ischemic stroke, and it contains pleiotropic effects besides... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator Induces Neurological Side Effects Independent on Thrombolysis in Mechanical Animal Models of Focal Cerebral Infarction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) is the only effective drug approved by US FDA to treat ischemic stroke, and it contains pleiotropic effects besides thrombolysis. We performed a meta-analysis to clarify effect of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) on cerebral infarction besides its thrombolysis property in mechanical animal stroke.
METHODS
Relevant studies were identified by two reviewers after searching online databases, including Pubmed, Embase, and ScienceDirect, from 1979 to 2016. We identified 6, 65, 17, 12, 16, 12 and 13 comparisons reporting effect of endogenous tPA on infarction volume and effects of rtPA on infarction volume, blood-brain barrier, brain edema, intracerebral hemorrhage, neurological function and mortality rate in all 47 included studies. Standardized mean differences for continuous measures and risk ratio for dichotomous measures were calculated to assess the effects of endogenous tPA and rtPA on cerebral infarction in animals. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Stroke Therapy Academic Industry Roundtable score. Subgroup analysis, meta-regression and sensitivity analysis were performed to explore sources of heterogeneity. Funnel plot, Trim and Fill method and Egger's test were obtained to detect publication bias.
RESULTS
We found that both endogenous tPA and rtPA had not enlarged infarction volume, or deteriorated neurological function. However, rtPA would disrupt blood-brain barrier, aggravate brain edema, induce intracerebral hemorrhage and increase mortality rate.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis reveals rtPA can lead to neurological side effects besides thrombolysis in mechanical animal stroke, which may account for clinical exacerbation for stroke patients that do not achieve vascular recanalization with rtPA.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Genetically Modified; Blood-Brain Barrier; Brain Edema; Cerebral Infarction; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Disease Models, Animal; Male; Rats; Recombinant Proteins; Sensitivity and Specificity; Stroke; Thrombolytic Therapy; Tissue Plasminogen Activator
PubMed: 27387385
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158848 -
Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil) 2023Lipolytic substance injections to reduce localized fat have been extensively used because it is a low-invasive method. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Efficacy, safety, and potential industry bias in using deoxycholic acid for submental fat reduction ‒ A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
Lipolytic substance injections to reduce localized fat have been extensively used because it is a low-invasive method. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of deoxycholic acid in submental fat reduction compared to a placebo and investigate the potential industry sponsorship bias in the results of randomized clinical trials on this topic. Ten electronic databases were extensively searched for randomized clinical trials without restriction on language and year of publication. Two reviewers extracted the data and assessed the individual risk of bias in the studies with the RoB 2.0 tool. The industry sponsorship bias was evaluated according to citations in the articles regarding industry funding/sponsorship throughout the texts. Fixed and random effects meta-analyses were performed, and the results were reported in Risk Ratio (RR) at a 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI). The initial search provided 5756 results, of which only five were included. Only two studies had a low risk of bias. All studies showed a potential industry bias. The meta-analysis showed that patients treated with deoxycholic acid had significant positive results for all efficacy outcomes and a higher risk of fibrosis, pain, erythema, numbness, swelling, edema, pruritus, nodules, headache, and paresthesia. The low to moderate certainty of evidence found allows concluding that deoxycholic acid is effective in submental fat reduction, causing well-tolerated adverse effects. However, all eligible studies showed a potential industry bias.
Topics: Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Pain; Deoxycholic Acid; Bias
PubMed: 37806137
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinsp.2023.100220 -
Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine Sep 2022Patient self-inflicted lung injury (P-SILI) has been proposed as a form of lung injury caused by strong inspiratory efforts consequent to a high respiratory drive in...
INTRODUCTION
Patient self-inflicted lung injury (P-SILI) has been proposed as a form of lung injury caused by strong inspiratory efforts consequent to a high respiratory drive in patients with hypoxemic acute respiratory failure (hARF). Increased respiratory drive and effort may lead to variable combinations of deleterious phenomena, such as excessive transpulmonary pressure, , intra-tidal recruitment, local lung volutrauma, and pulmonary edema. Gas exchange and respiratory mechanics derangements further increase respiratory drive and effort, thus inducing a vicious circle. Forms of partial ventilatory support may further add to the detrimental effects of P-SILI. Since P-SILI may worsen patient outcome, strategies aimed at identifying and preventing P-SILI would be of great importance.
AREAS COVERED
We systematically searched Pubmed since inception until 15 April 2022 to review the patho-physiological mechanisms of P-SILI and the strategies to identify those patients at risk of P-SILI.
EXPERT OPINION
Although the concept of P-SILI has been increasingly supported by experimental and clinical data, no study has insofar demonstrated the efficacy of any strategy to identify it in the clinical setting. Further research is thus needed to ascertain the detrimental effects of spontaneous breathing and identify patients with hARF at high risk of developing P-SILI.
Topics: Humans; Lung Injury; Respiration, Artificial; Lung; Respiratory Mechanics; Respiratory Insufficiency
PubMed: 36154791
DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2022.2128335