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Neuro-oncology May 2016Primary central nervous system lymphomas may present as diffuse, nonenhancing infiltrative lesions. This rare variant is termed lymphomatosis cerebri (LC). We did a... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Primary central nervous system lymphomas may present as diffuse, nonenhancing infiltrative lesions. This rare variant is termed lymphomatosis cerebri (LC). We did a systematic review and analysis of the literature, adding our own cases, to better characterize LC in order to improve early diagnosis and treatment.
METHODS
PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, and hospital databases were reviewed. Information was extracted regarding demographic, clinical, histological, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), neuroimaging, and treatment variables. The impact of single parameters on overall survival (OS) was determined by applying univariate and multivariate analyses.
RESULTS
Forty-two patients were included (median age: 58 y; range: 28-80 y). At consultation, 52% of patients had a poor KPS. The most common presenting symptom was cognitive decline (59.5%). Imaging studies showed supratentorial and infratentorial infiltration in 55% of patients and bilateral hemispheric involvement in 95%. CSF pleocytosis was present in 51.5% of the patients. Median time to diagnosis was 4.5 (range: 1-30) months, and the diagnosis was not established until autopsy for 33% of patients. The median OS was 2.95 (range: 0.33-56) months; however, those patients who received methotrexate had a median OS of 13.8 (range: 0.7-56) months. Analysis identified KPS ≥ 70 (HR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.114-0.894; P = .03) and treatment with methotrexate (HR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.041-0.886; P = .034) as independent favorable prognostic factors, whereas T-cell lymphoma was independently related with a worse outcome (HR: 6.62; 95% CI: 1.317-33.316; P = .022).
CONCLUSIONS
LC is a misdiagnosed entity associated with considerable diagnostic delay. MRI evidence of bilateral hemispheric involvement and CSF pleocytosis should be alerts for this diagnosis. Treatment with methotrexate-based chemotherapy must be considered, especially for patients with good KPS.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antineoplastic Agents; Central Nervous System Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Lymphoma; Male; Middle Aged; Radiotherapy
PubMed: 26415875
DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nov197 -
Psychosomatics 2015A new class of synthetic hallucinogens called NBOMe has emerged as drugs of abuse. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
A new class of synthetic hallucinogens called NBOMe has emerged as drugs of abuse.
OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to conduct a systematic review of published reports of toxicities associated with NBOMe ingestion.
METHODS
We searched PubMed for relevant English-language citations that described adverse effects from analytically confirmed human NBOMe ingestion. Demographic and clinical data were extracted.
RESULTS
A total of 10 citations met the criteria for inclusion, representing 20 individual patients. 25I-NBOMe was the most common analogue identified, followed by 25B-NBOMe and 25C-NBOMe. Fatalities were reported in 3 (15%) cases. Of all the patients, 7 (35%) were discharged after a period of observation, whereas 8 (40.0%) required admission to an intensive care unit. The most common adverse effects were agitation (85.0%), tachycardia (85.0%), and hypertension (65.0%). Seizures were reported in 8 (40.0%) patients. The most common abnormalities reported on laboratory tests were elevated level of creatinine kinase (45.0%), leukocytosis (25.0%), and hyperglycemia (20.0%).
CONCLUSION
NBOMe ingestion is associated with severe adverse effects. Clinicians need to have a high index of suspicion for NBOMe ingestion in patients reporting the recent use of hallucinogens.
Topics: Anisoles; Benzylamines; Creatine Kinase; Dimethoxyphenylethylamine; Hallucinogens; Humans; Hyperglycemia; Hypertension; Leukocyte Count; Leukocytosis; Phenethylamines; Seizures; Tachycardia
PubMed: 25659919
DOI: 10.1016/j.psym.2014.11.002 -
Neurology Research International 2013Introduction. Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis occurs in about 5% of cancer patients. Ocular involvement is a common clinical manifestation and often the presenting... (Review)
Review
Introduction. Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis occurs in about 5% of cancer patients. Ocular involvement is a common clinical manifestation and often the presenting clinical feature. Materials and Methods. We report the case of a 52-year old lady with optic neuritis as isolated manifestation of neoplastic meningitis and a review of ocular involvement in neoplastic meningitis. Ocular symptoms were the presenting clinical feature in 34 patients (83%) out of 41 included in our review, the unique manifestation of meningeal carcinomatosis in 3 patients (7%). Visual loss was the presenting clinical manifestation in 17 patients (50%) and was the most common ocular symptom (70%). Other ocular signs were diplopia, ptosis, papilledema, anisocoria, exophthalmos, orbital pain, scotomas, hemianopsia, and nystagmus. Associated clinical symptoms were headache, altered consciousness, meningism, limb weakness, ataxia, dizziness, seizures, and other cranial nerves involvement. All patients except five underwent CSF examination which was normal in 1 patient, pleocytosis was found in 11 patients, increased protein levels were observed in 16 patients, and decreased glucose levels were found in 8 patients. Cytology was positive in 29 patients (76%). Conclusion. Meningeal carcinomatosis should be considered in patients with ocular symptoms even in the absence of other suggestive clinical symptoms.
PubMed: 24223306
DOI: 10.1155/2013/892523 -
Acta Medica Portuguesa 2013Prognostication is a critical medical task for the adequacy of treatment and management of priorities and expectations of patients and families. In 2005, the European... (Review)
Review
Prognostication is a critical medical task for the adequacy of treatment and management of priorities and expectations of patients and families. In 2005, the European Association of Palliative Care (EAPC) published recommendations on the formulation of vital prognosis in advanced cancer patients. The aim of this study is to analyze the literature subsequent to this review and to update the presented recommendations. Using the same strategy of the EAPC group, we performed a systematic literature search in the electronic databases PubMed and Scopus, which included original studies in adults with advanced cancer, without tumor-directed treatment, with a median survival of less than 90 days. The articles were analyzed and classified according to the level of evidence by two independent reviewers. The 41 articles analyzed allowed to keep grade A recommendations for clinical estimation of survival and Palliative Prognostic score and now also for Palliative Prognostic Index, performance status, dyspnea, lymphopenia and lactate dehydrogenase. Recommendations regarding the use of C-reactive protein, leukocytosis, azotemia, hypoalbuminemia and male gender as predictors reached grade B. To formulate the vital prognosis and to communicate it properly to the patient and family are core competencies of physicians, particularly of those who deal with end of life patients. The clinical impression combined with scientific evidence allows us to estimate more accurately the survival, allowing prioritizing and managing more appropriately the existing resources.
Topics: Humans; Neoplasms; Palliative Care; Prognosis; Severity of Illness Index; Survival Rate
PubMed: 24016654
DOI: No ID Found -
PloS One 2012Identifying patients at risk for adverse outcomes of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), including recurrence and death, will become increasingly important as novel... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Identifying patients at risk for adverse outcomes of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), including recurrence and death, will become increasingly important as novel therapies emerge, which are more effective than traditional approaches but very expensive. Clinical prediction rules (CPRs) can improve the accuracy of medical decision-making. Several CPRs have been developed for CDI, but none has gained a widespread acceptance.
METHODS
We systematically reviewed studies describing the derivation or validation of CPRs for unfavourable outcomes of CDI, in medical databases (Medline, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane) and abstracts of conferences.
RESULTS
Of 2945 titles and abstracts screened, 13 studies on the derivation of a CPR were identified: two on recurrences, five on complications (including mortality), five on mortality alone and one on response to treatment. Two studies on the validation of different severity indices were also retrieved. Most CPRs were developed as secondary analyses using cohorts assembled for other purposes. CPRs presented several methodological limitations that could explain their limited use in clinical practice. Except for leukocytosis, albumin and age, there was much heterogeneity in the variables used, and most studies were limited by small sample sizes. Eight models used a retrospective design. Only four studies reported the incidence of the outcome of interest, even if this is essential to evaluate the potential usefulness of a model in other populations. Only five studies performed multivariate analyses to adjust for confounders.
CONCLUSIONS
The lack of weighing variables, of validation, calibration and measures of reproducibility, the weak validities and performances when assessed, and the absence of sensitivity analyses, all led to suboptimal quality and debatable utility of those CPRs. Evidence-based tools developed through appropriate prospective cohorts would be more valuable for clinicians than empirically-developed CPRs.
Topics: Algorithms; Biomarkers; Clostridioides difficile; Diagnostic Techniques, Digestive System; Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous; Humans; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Recurrence; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 22291926
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030258 -
PloS One 2012Outbreaks of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) have occurred in many parts of the world especially in China. We aimed to summarize the characteristics of the levels of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Outbreaks of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) have occurred in many parts of the world especially in China. We aimed to summarize the characteristics of the levels of blood glucose and white blood cell (WBC) counts in cases of HFMD in Mainland China and Taiwan, using meta-analysis based on systematic review of published articles.
METHODS
We systematically reviewed published studies, from the MEDLINE and WANFANG Data, about the levels of blood glucose and WBC counts in cases of HFMD until 15(th) June 2011, and quantitatively summarized the characteristics of them using meta-analysis.
RESULTS
In total, 37 studies were included in this review. In Mainland China and Taiwan, generally, the average level of blood glucose, the prevalence of hyperglycemia, WBC counts and the prevalence of leukocytosis increased with the severity of the illness. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of leukocytosis between ANS (autonomic nervous system dysregulation)/PE (pulmonary edema) group and CNS (central nervous system) group, and in the average level of blood glucose between healthy controls and mild cases of HFMD. WBC counts in cases infected by EV71 were less than those in cases infected by CA16.
CONCLUSIONS
our analyses indicated that blood glucose and WBC counts increased with the severity of HFMD disease, which would help doctors to manage patients efficiently.
Topics: Blood Glucose; China; Female; Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease; Humans; Leukocyte Count; Male; Regression Analysis
PubMed: 22235257
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029003 -
Cytometry. Part B, Clinical Cytometry 2010Individuals with monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) have been identified in clinic outpatients, in unaffected relatives of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Individuals with monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) have been identified in clinic outpatients, in unaffected relatives of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and in general populations. MBL and its relationship with CLL have been actively investigated over the last decade. This report systematically reviews the prevalence of MBL in the context of the populations studied and the evolution of laboratory methods used to define MBL.
METHODS
To identify published studies that have assessed the prevalence of MBL, we systematically searched the MEDLINE databases and consulted with members of the International MBL Study Group. We reviewed the 10 articles that were identified by this process. We abstracted information on study populations, laboratory tests, criteria for designating MBL, and the reported frequencies.
RESULTS
Three of the ten studies were published in 2009, three between 2007 and 2008, and four between 2002 and 2004. Reported prevalences varied widely, ranging from 0.12 to 18.2%. This variability was clearly associated with both the laboratory methods and the populations studied. MBL was more common among older individuals and kindred of persons with CLL. The most common MBL subtype was CLL-like MBL.
CONCLUSIONS
Large population-based studies of MBL that employ standardized laboratory methods with a consensus case definition are needed to assess prevalence and establish risk factors. These studies should include prospective follow-up of MBL cases to determine the relationship between MBL and CLL. Data from original studies should be reported in sufficient detail to allow future synthesis of information from multiple studies, such as meta-analysis.
Topics: B-Lymphocytes; Clone Cells; Female; Global Health; Humans; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell; Lymphocyte Count; Lymphocytosis; MEDLINE; Male; Prevalence
PubMed: 20839330
DOI: 10.1002/cyto.b.20538 -
Annals of Hematology Aug 2009Polycythemia vera (PV) in children and adolescents is very rare. Data on clinical and laboratory evaluations as well as on treatment modalities are sparse. Here, we... (Review)
Review
Polycythemia vera (PV) in children and adolescents is very rare. Data on clinical and laboratory evaluations as well as on treatment modalities are sparse. Here, we report the long-term clinical course of a PV patient first diagnosed more than 40 years ago at age 12. In addition, after a systematic review of the scientific medical literature, clinical and hematological data of 35 patients (19 female and 17 male) from 25 previous reports are summarized. Three patients developed PV following antecedent hematological malignancies. Budd-Chiari syndrome was diagnosed in seven patients indicating a particular risk of young patients of developing this disorder. One patient presented with ischemic stroke, one patient with gangrene, and three patients with severe hemorrhage. Three patients died from disease-related complications. Hematocrit levels and platelet counts were not correlated with disease severity. Leukocytosis >15 x 10(9)/L was present in 9/35 patients and associated with a thromboembolic or hemorrhagic complication in seven patients. The few available data on molecular genetics and endogenous erythroid colony growth indicate changes comparable to those detectable in adult patients. Treatment varied enormously. It included aspirin, phlebotomy, hydroxycarbamide, busulfan, melphalan, pyrimethamine, and interferon-alpha. Two patients successfully underwent stem cell transplantation. Currently, it is impossible to treat an individual pediatric PV patient with an evidence-based regimen.
Topics: Adolescent; Budd-Chiari Syndrome; Child; Erythropoiesis; Hematologic Neoplasms; Hematologic Tests; Humans; Middle Aged; Polycythemia; Polycythemia Vera
PubMed: 19468728
DOI: 10.1007/s00277-009-0758-y -
The Journal of Infection Oct 2007Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of bacterial pneumonia and associated bacteremia during HIV infection. Rapid diagnostic assays may limit inappropriate... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial Review
OBJECTIVES
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of bacterial pneumonia and associated bacteremia during HIV infection. Rapid diagnostic assays may limit inappropriate therapy.
METHODS
Clinical signs and symptoms and sera and urine were collected prospectively from 70 adults with pneumococcal pneumonia, including 47 with HIV co-infection. Pneumococcal C-polysaccharide antigen was detected in urine using the Binax immunochromatographic test (ICT). A systematic review of 24 published studies was conducted.
RESULTS
Clinical symptoms, signs, and laboratory parameters except leukocytosis, were similar in HIV-infected and HIV-seronegative pneumonia. The performance of the urine antigen ICT was independent of HIV-status (sensitivity 81%, specificity 98%, positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) 98%, and 82%, respectively). The sensitivity of sputum Gram's stain was 58% (34/59) with sputum unable to be provided by 16%. The CRP response was identical in HIV-infected (mean+/-SD) 133+/-88 vs. seronegative 135+/-104 mg/L (p=0.9). In the systematic review, the ICT performance revealed 74% sensitivity (95% CI 72-77%) and 94% specificity (95% CI 93-95%). Urine antigen testing increases etiologic diagnosis by 23% (range: 10-59%) when testing adults with community acquired pneumonia of unknown etiology.
CONCLUSIONS
Urinary antigen detection provides a credible rapid diagnostic test for pneumococcal pneumonia regardless of HIV-status. CRP response to acute infection is similar in HIV co-infection and increases diagnostic certainty.
Topics: Adult; Antigens, Bacterial; C-Reactive Protein; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pneumonia, Pneumococcal; Polysaccharides, Bacterial; Predictive Value of Tests; Prospective Studies; Urinalysis
PubMed: 17692384
DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2007.06.014