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Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine 1991According to widely accepted theory, migraine is a self-limited neurogenic sterile inflammation characterized by initial cerebral vasoconstriction, subsequent... (Review)
Review
According to widely accepted theory, migraine is a self-limited neurogenic sterile inflammation characterized by initial cerebral vasoconstriction, subsequent extracranial and intracranial vasodilation, sterile inflammation, and secondary muscle contraction. It is characterized by recurrent attacks of headache, usually unilateral and accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and, often, other symptoms. Frequency, duration, and intensity of attacks are widely variable. Migraine affects more women than men, and is often related to menses. Patients with classic migraine experience visual or neurologic prodromes, but vague "premonitions" occur in both classic and common migraine. Precipitating factors include foods, alcohol, medications, visual stimuli, changes in routine, and stress. The first-line agent for abortive therapy is ergotamine; corticosteroids are indicated for prolonged headache. Propranolol is recommended for daily prophylactic therapy, and alternatives include calcium channel blockers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and tricyclic antidepressants.
Topics: Combined Modality Therapy; Female; Humans; Migraine Disorders; Precipitating Factors; Pregnancy
PubMed: 1893557
DOI: 10.3949/ccjm.58.3.257 -
Cardiac Failure Review May 2018Acute heart failure (AHF) is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate treatment. The initial therapy should take into account the clinical presentation,... (Review)
Review
Acute heart failure (AHF) is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate treatment. The initial therapy should take into account the clinical presentation, pathophysiology at play, precipitating factors and underlying cardiac pathology. Particular attention should be given to polymorbidity and the avoidance of potential iatrogenic harm. Patient preferences and ethical issues should be integrated into the treatment plan at an early stage. The average survival of AHF patients is 2 years and the most vulnerable period is the 3-month time window directly after discharge. Reducing both persistent subclinical congestion and underutilisation of disease-modifying heart failure therapies as well as ensuring optimal transitions of care after hospital discharge are essential in improving outcomes for AHF patients.
PubMed: 29892475
DOI: 10.15420/cfr.2017:21:1 -
Neurobiology of Stress May 2022Suicide is a leading cause of death and morbidity worldwide, yet few interventions are available to mitigate its risk. Barriers to effective treatments involve a limited... (Review)
Review
Suicide is a leading cause of death and morbidity worldwide, yet few interventions are available to mitigate its risk. Barriers to effective treatments involve a limited understanding of factors that predict the onset of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. In the context of suicide risk, stress is a precipitating factor that is largely overlooked in the literature. Indeed, the pathophysiology of stress and suicide are heavily interconnected, underscoring the need to target the stress system in suicide prevention. In this review, we integrate findings from the preclinical and clinical literature that links stress and suicide. We focus specifically on the effects of stress on underlying biological functions and processes associated with suicide, allowing for the review of research using animal models. Owing to the rapid anti-suicidal effects of ()-ketamine, we discuss its ability to modulate various stress-related endophenotypes of suicide, as well as its potential role in preventing suicide in those with a history of chronic life stress (e.g., early life adversity). We highlight future research directions that could advance our understanding of stress-related effects on suicide risk, advocating a dimensional, endophenotype approach to suicide research.
PubMed: 35685678
DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100450 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Apr 2023Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a thrombotic microangiopathy caused by a hereditary or immune-mediated deficiency of the enzyme ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and... (Review)
Review
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a thrombotic microangiopathy caused by a hereditary or immune-mediated deficiency of the enzyme ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13). TTPs are caused by the following pathophysiological mechanisms: (1) the presence of inhibitory autoantibodies against ADAMTS13; and (2) hereditary mutations of the gene, which is present on chromosome 9. In both syndromes, TTP results from a severe deficiency of ADAMTS13, which is responsible for the impaired proteolytic processing of high-molecular-weight von Willebrand factor (HMW-VWF) multimers, which avidly interact with platelets and subendothelial collagen and promote tissue and multiorgan ischemia. Although the acute presentation of the occurring symptoms in acquired and hereditary TTPs is similar (microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and variable ischemic end-organ injury), their intensity, incidence, and precipitating factors are different, although, in both forms, a severe ADAMTS13 deficiency characterizes their physiopathology. This review is aimed at exploring the possible factors responsible for the different clinical and pathological features occurring in hereditary and immune-mediated TTPs.
PubMed: 37176552
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12093111 -
Acute and Critical Care Aug 2022Neuroinflammation causing disruption of the blood-brain barrier and immune cell extravasation into the brain parenchyma may cause delirium; however, knowledge of the...
BACKGROUND
Neuroinflammation causing disruption of the blood-brain barrier and immune cell extravasation into the brain parenchyma may cause delirium; however, knowledge of the exact pathophysiologic mechanism remains incomplete. The purpose of our study was to determine whether cytokine profiles differ depending on whether delirium occurs in the setting of sepsis, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), or recent surgery.
METHODS
This prospective observational cohort study involved 119 critically ill patients admitted to a multidisciplinary intensive care unit (ICU) during 2019 and 2020. Delirium was identified using the validated confusion assessment method for the ICU. Multiple delirium risk factors were collected daily including clinical characteristics, hospital course, lab values, vital signs, surgical exposure, drug exposure, and COVID-19 characteristics. Serums samples were collected within 12 hours of ICU admission and cytokine levels were measured.
RESULTS
The following proinflammatory cytokines were elevated in our delirium population: tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-18, C-C motif ligand (CCL) 2, CCL3, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL)1, CXCL10, IL-8, IL-1 receptor antagonist, and IL-10. Analysis of relative cytokine levels in those patients that developed delirium in the setting of sepsis, COVID-19, and recent surgery showed elevations of CCL2, CXCL10, and TNF-α in both the sepsis and COVID-19 group in comparison to the postsurgical population. In the postsurgical group, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was elevated and CXCL10 was decreased relative to the opposing groups.
CONCLUSIONS
We identify several cytokines and precipitating factors known to be associated with delirium. However, our study suggests that the cytokine profile associated with delirium is variable and contingent upon delirium precipitating factors.
PubMed: 35791660
DOI: 10.4266/acc.2021.01508 -
Biology Apr 2021Obesity caused by the overconsumption of calories has increased to epidemic proportions. Insulin resistance is often associated with an increased adiposity and is a... (Review)
Review
Obesity caused by the overconsumption of calories has increased to epidemic proportions. Insulin resistance is often associated with an increased adiposity and is a precipitating factor in the development of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and altered metabolic health. Of the various factors contributing to metabolic impairments, nutrition is the major modifiable factor that can be targeted to counter the rising prevalence of obesity and metabolic diseases. However, the macronutrient composition of a nutritionally balanced "healthy diet" are unclear, and so far, no tested dietary intervention has been successful in achieving long-term compliance and reductions in body weight and associated beneficial health outcomes. In the current review, we briefly describe the role of the three major macronutrients, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and their role in metabolic health, and provide mechanistic insights. We also discuss how an integrated multi-dimensional approach to nutritional science could help in reconciling apparently conflicting findings.
PubMed: 33923531
DOI: 10.3390/biology10040336 -
Acta Medica Portuguesa 2010Dizziness is a non specific and incapacitating symptom. Its classification is based on the patient complaints and categorized in pre-syncope, disequilibrium,... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Dizziness is a non specific and incapacitating symptom. Its classification is based on the patient complaints and categorized in pre-syncope, disequilibrium, lightheadness and vertigo. Vertigo is the most prevalent cause of dizziness. This article pretends to review the management of vertigo, its causes, differential diagnosis and treatment.
METHODS
The articles used in this review were obtained from a Medline search with the keywords vertigo and dizziness, from publications from the past 5 years in the English, Spanish and Portuguese languages.
DISCUSSION
Vertigo is the most prevalent cause of dizziness in primary care. It is caused by an asymmetric involvement in the basal activity of the central and peripheric vestibular pathways. It occurs in episodes and the intensity of this symptom diminishes as the causative factor dissipates or compensation occurs. The clinical evaluation is bases on the clinical history and physical examination. The first step in the differential diagnosis is to differentiate central vertigo from peripheral vertigo. Knowing the duration of symptoms, precipitating factors and associated symptoms and performing the Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre is important in achieving this. The treatment of vertigo must be specific and oriented to the cause, and the use of symptomatic therapy must be reserved to the acute episodes. The definite treatment are rehabilitation exercises.
Topics: Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Vertigo
PubMed: 20353711
DOI: No ID Found -
Seminars in Nephrology Nov 2013Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a triad of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure. The atypical form of HUS is a disease... (Review)
Review
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a triad of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure. The atypical form of HUS is a disease characterized by complement overactivation. Inherited defects in complement genes and acquired autoantibodies against complement regulatory proteins have been described. Incomplete penetrance of mutations in all predisposing genes is reported, suggesting that a precipitating event or trigger is required to unmask the complement regulatory deficiency. The underlying genetic defect predicts the prognosis both in native kidneys and after renal transplantation. The successful trials of the complement inhibitor eculizumab in the treatment of atypical HUS will revolutionize disease management.
Topics: Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome; Autoantibodies; Complement Activation; Complement Factor H; Complement System Proteins; Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome; Humans; Kidney Transplantation; Precipitating Factors
PubMed: 24161037
DOI: 10.1016/j.semnephrol.2013.08.003 -
Lakartidningen Mar 2016Hepatic encephalopathy causes significant impairment and morbidity. Hepatic encephalopathy is just one of many causes for altered mental status in patients with... (Review)
Review
Hepatic encephalopathy causes significant impairment and morbidity. Hepatic encephalopathy is just one of many causes for altered mental status in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. The initial management at admission to hospital includes a search for differential diagnoses and precipitating factors. A structured description of the type, cause, time course and clinical severity is essential for achieving medically safe communication and care of the HE patient. Lactulose and correction of any precipitating factors is the basis for initial therapy. A post-discharge management which includes frequent monitoring, preventive measures as well as education of patient and caregivers may ameliorate the often very high readmission rate.
Topics: Diagnosis, Differential; Disease Management; Emergency Treatment; Gastrointestinal Agents; Hepatic Encephalopathy; Humans; Lactulose
PubMed: 26978809
DOI: No ID Found -
Medicina 2016Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an acute respiratory failure produced by an inflammatory edema secondary to increased lung capillary permeability. This... (Review)
Review
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an acute respiratory failure produced by an inflammatory edema secondary to increased lung capillary permeability. This causes alveolar flooding and subsequently deep hypoxemia, with intrapulmonary shunt as its most important underlying mechanism. Characteristically, this alteration is unresponsive to high FIO2 and only reverses with end-expiratory positive pressure (PEEP). Pulmonary infiltrates on CXR and CT are the hallmark, together with decreased lung compliance. ARDS always occurs within a week of exposition to a precipitating factor; most frequently pneumonia, shock, aspiration of gastric contents, sepsis, and trauma. In CT scan, the disease is frequently inhomogeneous, with gravitational infiltrates coexisting with normal-density areas and also with hyperaerated parenchyma. Mortality is high (30-60%) especially in ARDS associated with septic shock and neurocritical diseases. The cornerstone of therapy lies in the treatment of the underlying cause and in the use mechanical ventilation which, if inappropriately administered, can lead to ventilator-induced lung injury. Tidal volume = 6 ml/kg of ideal body weight to maintain an end-inspiratory (plateau) pressure = 30 cm H2O ("protective ventilation") is the only variable consistently associated with decreased mortality. Moderate-to-high PEEP levels are frequently required to treat hypoxemia, yet no specific level or titration strategy has improved outcomes. Recently, the use of early prone positioning in patients with PaO2/FIO2 = 150 was associated with increased survival. In severely hypoxemic patients, it may be necessary to use adjuvants of mechanical ventilation as recruitment maneuvers, pressure-controlled modes, neuromuscular blocking agents, and extracorporeal-membrane oxygenation. Fluid restriction appears beneficial.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation; Humans; Neuromuscular Blocking Agents; Patient Positioning; Positive-Pressure Respiration; Prognosis; Prone Position; Respiration, Artificial; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Risk Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 27576283
DOI: No ID Found