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Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024Escitalopram is widely prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder with a well-documented side effects profile. Peripheral...
Escitalopram is widely prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder with a well-documented side effects profile. Peripheral edema, however, is a rarely reported adverse reaction that warrants further work up. This paper summarizes the case of a 58-year female patient who developed transient bilateral peripheral edema following the administration of low dose escitalopram. This case underscores the necessity for clinicians to be familiar with even rare potential side effects of commonly prescribed medications. It also suggests a need for patient education regarding the importance of reporting new symptoms promptly.
PubMed: 38736624
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1394813 -
Therapeutic Advances in Medical Oncology 2024While targeted therapy has become the standard treatment for certain non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with gene mutation positivity, there remains a lack of...
BACKGROUND
While targeted therapy has become the standard treatment for certain non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with gene mutation positivity, there remains a lack of enough reports of the efficacy of mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) alterations in the real world.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to explore the efficacy and toxicity of targeted therapy in NSCLC patients with different types of MET alterations and hope to provide more clinical medication guidance.
DESIGN
Designed different subgroups to compare the efficacy and safety of targeted therapy in NSCLC patients with MET alterations.
METHODS
We conducted analyses on the efficacy and safety of mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (MET-TKI) therapy in NSCLC patients with MET alterations. Tumor response was evaluated based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 criteria, and both progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method.
RESULTS
Our study encompassed 116 NSCLC patients with MET alterations, including MET ex14 skipping mutation ( = 50), MET primary amplification (amp) ( = 25), and secondary amp ( = 41). Among treated patients, 34 achieved a partial response, while 52 exhibited stable disease. The overall response rate for the entire cohort was 29.31%, with a disease control rate of 74.14%. A significant difference was observed in the median PFS among patients with MET ex14 skipping mutation, MET primary amplification (amp), and secondary amp (10.4 6.6 4.5 months, = 0.002). In all, 69 patients experienced drug-related adverse effects, with the most common being peripheral edema (35.34%), nausea and vomiting (21.55%), and fatigue (10.34%). In total, 29 patients (25%) encountered drug-related adverse reactions of grade 3 or higher.
CONCLUSION
MET-TKI therapy works better for MET ex14 skipping mutation than other types of MET gene alteration. In the two MET amplified groups, the secondary amp was less effective. This study may provide more research support for the treatment of these patients.
PubMed: 38736555
DOI: 10.1177/17588359241248352 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Sep 2024Syagrus coronata, a palm tree found in northeastern Brazil, popularly known as licuri, has socioeconomic importance for the production of vegetable oil rich in fatty...
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Syagrus coronata, a palm tree found in northeastern Brazil, popularly known as licuri, has socioeconomic importance for the production of vegetable oil rich in fatty acids with nutritional and pharmacological effects. Licuri oil is used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation, wound healing, mycosis, back discomfort, eye irritation, and other conditions.
AIM OF THE STUDY
The study aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects of treatment with Syagrus coronata fixed oil (ScFO), as well as to determine the safety of use in mice.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Initially, the chemical characterization was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Acute single-dose oral toxicity was evaluated in mice at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated through abdominal writhing, formalin, and tail dipping tests, and the anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated through the model of acute inflammation of ear edema, peritonitis, and fever at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg from ScFO.
RESULTS
In the chemical analysis of ScFO, lauric (43.64%), caprylic (11.7%), and capric (7.2%) acids were detected as major. No mortality or behavioral abnormalities in the mice were evidenced over the 14 days of observation in the acute toxicity test. ScFO treatment decreased abdominal writhing by 27.07, 28.23, and 51.78% at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg. ScFO demonstrated central and peripheral action in the formalin test, possibly via opioidergic and muscarinic systems. In the tail dipping test, ScFO showed action from the first hour after treatment at all concentrations. ScFO (100 mg/kg) reduced ear edema by 63.76% and leukocyte and neutrophil migration and IL-1β and TNF-α production in the peritonitis test.
CONCLUSION
Mice treated with ScFO had a reduction in fever after 60 min at all concentrations regardless of dose. Therefore, the fixed oil of S. coronata has the potential for the development of new pharmaceutical formulations for the treatment of pain, inflammation, and fever.
Topics: Animals; Analgesics; Mice; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Plant Oils; Male; Edema; Pain; Peritonitis; Antipyretics; Arecaceae; Female; Inflammation; Fever; Administration, Oral; Disease Models, Animal
PubMed: 38734393
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118283 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jun 2024Rosai-Dorfman disease was first described in the 1960s and is characterized by hyperproliferation of histiocytes, which presents as painless lymphadenopathy with fever,...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Rosai-Dorfman disease was first described in the 1960s and is characterized by hyperproliferation of histiocytes, which presents as painless lymphadenopathy with fever, night sweats, and weight loss. This disease often affects young adults and children of African descent. Different types of RDD exist, including familial, classical (nodal), extranodal, neoplasia-associated, and immune-associated. While this disease can cause significant pain, there is currently no consensus on treatment.
CASE PRESENTATION
This case series outlines three cases of bony involvement of histiocytic neoplasms and our technique for intralesionoal steroid injections. Two cases were successfully treated with intralesional steroid injections and one patient was treated with oral steroids.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Histiocytic neoplasms can cause significant pain for patients and there is no standardized treatment as of yet. An interesting finding on MRI was a characteristic peripheral edema we termed the "Halo Sign". Steroids are believed to exert their benefit in treating this disease by apoptosis and reducing tumoral swelling.
CONCLUSION
This case series demonstrates the successful management of bony involvement of RDD with intralesional steroids similar to eosinophilic granuloma. While intralesional steroid injection has previously been described for other types of RDD, this is the first description of bony RDD treated with this technique to our knowledge.
PubMed: 38733665
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109719 -
International Journal of Cardiology.... Jun 2024Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitors (VEGFRi), namely axitinib, are commonly used chemotherapeutic agents in patients with cancer; however, this...
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitors (VEGFRi), namely axitinib, are commonly used chemotherapeutic agents in patients with cancer; however, this medication has a significant cardiovascular side effect profile, such as high-grade hypertension. We performed this updated meta-analysis of RCTs to compile cardiovascular adverse events, such as all-grade and high-grade (>3) hypertension, the risk for thrombosis (DVT and PE), and peripheral edema. A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase from inception until October 2023 for studies using axitinib to treat various cancers. Trials with patients randomly allocated for VEGFRi drug therapy with axitinib and reported all-grade hypertension as an outcome were included. Statistical analysis was performed using Cochrane Review Manager to calculate pooled proportions of odds ratios (OR) with a 95 % confidence interval (CI) using the random-effects model, Mantel-Haenszel method. A total of 8 RCTs and 2502 patients were included in the review. Compared with the placebo group, the VEGFRi (Axitinib) therapy group was associated with a higher risk of all-grade and high-grade hypertension, hand-foot syndrome, and fatigue. Furthermore, there was no increased risk of thromboembolism (DVT/PE) or hypothyroidism. However, a lower risk of peripheral edema was noted between the two groups. Screening for patients with preexisting hypertension, identifying risk factors for cardiovascular diseases before the initiation of VEGFRi therapy, and careful monitoring of high-risk patients during VEGFRi therapy, as well as prompt treatment with antihypertensive drugs, will help mitigate the adverse effects. Further evaluation using prospective designs is required to study the clinical significance and develop mitigation strategies.
PubMed: 38715853
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2024.101415 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2024The brachial plexus injury (BPI) is one of the most severe types of peripheral nerve injuries, often caused by upper limb traction injury. In clinic, the surgery is...
UNLABELLED
The brachial plexus injury (BPI) is one of the most severe types of peripheral nerve injuries, often caused by upper limb traction injury. In clinic, the surgery is widely used to treat the BPI. However, surgery may need to be performed multiple times at different stages, which carries risks and brings heavy economic burden. In non-surgical treatment, splinting, local injection of corticosteroids, and oral corticosteroids can achieve significant short-term benefits, but they are prone to recurrence and may cause complications of mechanical or chemical nerve damage. In this report, we present a case of a 46-year-old female patient with BPI. The patient had difficulty in raising, flexing and extending of the left upper limb, and accompanied with the soreness and pain of neck and shoulder. After 3 months of EA treatment, a significant reduction in the inner diameter of the left C5 to C7 root at the outlet of brachial plexus nerve was detected by musculoskeletal ultrasound, and the soreness and pain in the left neck and shoulder were significantly reduced. The soreness and pain in the left neck and shoulder did not recur for 2 years.
CASE SUMMARY
The patient is a 46-year-old female with BPI. She experienced difficult in lifting, flexing and extending of the left upper limb, which accompanied by soreness and pain in the left neck and shoulder. After 3 months of EA treatment, the patient's pain and limb's movement disorder was improved. After 2 years of follow-up, the patient's left neck and shoulder showed no further pain.
CONCLUSION
EA has shown satisfied efficacy in BPI, improving limb restrictions and relieving pain in patients for at least 2 years.
PubMed: 38715690
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1342844 -
The International Journal of... May 2024Optociliary shunt vessels develop as a result of chronic retinal venous obstruction. Optic neuritis has never been reported as a causative influence.
BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION
Optociliary shunt vessels develop as a result of chronic retinal venous obstruction. Optic neuritis has never been reported as a causative influence.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether optic neuritis predisposes to the development of optociliary shunts in patients with multiple sclerosis.
CASES
This case series follows two patients with multiple sclerosis from August 1, 2019 to April 24, 2024, who developed optociliary shunt vessels after attacks of optic neuritis. A 43-year-old female presented with left visual loss and bilateral superior optociliary shunt vessels. Perimetry showed bilateral peripheral visual field loss. Optical coherence tomography showed bilateral retinal thinning and ganglion cell complex loss. Optical coherence tomography angiography showed reduced capillary density bilaterally. We investigated her and eventually diagnosed her with multiple sclerosis. The second, a 49-year-old female, developed right-sided optociliary shunt vessels after an episode of neuroretinitis. Perimetry revealed bilateral central scotomata; optical coherence tomography showed disc and retinal nerve fiber layer edema, and serous retinal detachment; later, ganglion cell complex loss; and reduced capillary density on optical coherence tomography angiography. Neuroimaging revealed demyelination in both, leading to a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, and therapy was instituted.
CONCLUSIONS
We hypothesize, that demyelinating optic neuritis due to multiple sclerosis causes chronic retinal hypoperfusion, leading to subsequent optociliary shunt development in affected eyes. Our case series reveals that eyes with optic neuritis, both previous episodes and fresh cases, can contribute to sufficient retinal vein hypoperfusion to cause the development of optociliary shunts, which should be reported in the literature.
PubMed: 38713461
DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2024.2352770 -
The Ulster Medical Journal Jan 2024The practice of immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) was more widely adopted in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic, in response to limited surgical...
BACKGROUND
The practice of immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) was more widely adopted in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic, in response to limited surgical capacity and the risk of nosocomial infection. This study reports on a single site experience of ISBCS in Northern Ireland.
METHODS
Data was collected prospectively between 17 November 2020 and 30 November 2021. The ISBCS surgical protocol, recommended by RCOphth and UKISCRS, was followed. Primary outcomes measures were: postoperative visual acuity (VA), refractive prediction accuracy, intraoperative and postoperative complications.
RESULTS
Of 41 patients scheduled, 39 patients completed ISBCS and two patients underwent unilateral surgery (n=80 eyes). Mean age at the time of surgery was 71.6 years (standard deviation (SD) ±11.8 years). Median preoperative VA was 0.8 logMAR (range: PL to 0.2 logMAR). Seventeen (20.9%) eyes were highly myopic and 9 (11.1%) eyes were highly hypermetropic. Median cumulative dissipated phacoemulsification energy was 15.7 sec (range: 1.8 sec to 83.4 sec). Median case time was 10.4 min (range: 4.3 min to 37.1 min).One eye (1.3%) developed iritis secondary to a retained tiny cortical fragment. Four eyes (5.0%, n=3 patients) developed cystoid macular oedema, with full resolution. On wide field imaging, an asymptomatic unilateral peripheral suprachoroidal haemorrhage was noted in two highly myopic patients (axial lengths of 27.01mm and 25.05mm respectively). The posterior pole was spared, and both resolved spontaneously without any visual impairment.
CONCLUSIONS
In our initial experience, ISBCS was found to be a safe approach to cataract surgery. Our patient cohort included eyes with dense cataracts and high ametropia. Further studies are required to assess patient reported outcome measures and the possible economic benefits of ISBCS in our local population.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Aged; Male; Female; Cataract Extraction; Visual Acuity; Middle Aged; Northern Ireland; Prospective Studies; Postoperative Complications; Aged, 80 and over; SARS-CoV-2; Phacoemulsification; Pandemics
PubMed: 38707980
DOI: No ID Found -
Frontiers in Medicine 2024Systemic amyloidosis is a rare protein misfolding and deposition disorder leading to progressive organ failure. Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) with systemic...
Systemic amyloidosis is a rare protein misfolding and deposition disorder leading to progressive organ failure. Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) with systemic amyloidosis as the main manifestation is even rarer. The patient in this study presented with recurrent diarrhea and had not been diagnosed in other hospitals on multiple occasions. Later, his diarrhea worsened and was accompanied by sunken edema of both lower limbs and dizziness. Renal biopsy showed deposits of PAS light-staining material in the glomeruli, interstitium, and small arteries, which stained positively with Congo red. Cardiac ultrasound showed interventricular septum thickening of 17 mm, right ventricular wall myocardial thickening of approximately 0.6 cm, and septal thickening of approximately 0.5 cm, considering myocardial amyloidosis. Electromyography showed abnormal peripheral nerve conduction. Lymphoplasmacytic cells were found in the bone marrow. Taken together, he was diagnosed with WM. He was treated with a BR (Bendamustine + Rituximab) regimen. After 6 courses, the patient's discomfort was relieved, his weight gained 5 kg, the level of serum IgM and dFLC decreased, and cardiac and renal assessments were more relieved. The patient has been followed up for more than 1 month.
PubMed: 38707188
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1340553