Randomized trial of anakinra plus zinc vs. prednisone for severe alcohol-associated hepatitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Severe alcohol-associated hepatitis (SAH) is associated with high 90-day mortality. Glucocorticoid therapy for 28 days improves 30- but not 90-day survival. We assessed the efficacy and safety of a combination of anakinra, an IL-1 antagonist, plus zinc (A+Z) compared to prednisone using the Day-7 Lille score as a stopping rule in patients with SAH.

METHODS

In this phase IIb double-blind randomized trial in adults with SAH and MELD scores of 20-35, participants were randomized to receive either daily anakinra 100 mg subcutaneously for 14 days plus daily zinc sulfate 220 mg orally for 90 days, or daily prednisone 40 mg orally for 30 days. Prednisone or prednisone placebo was stopped if Day-7 Lille score was >0.45. All study drugs were stopped for uncontrolled infection or ≥5 point increase in MELD score. The primary endpoint was overall survival at 90 days.

RESULTS

Seventy-three participants were randomized to prednisone and 74 to A+Z. The trial was stopped early after a prespecified interim analysis showed prednisone was associated with higher 90-day overall survival (90% vs. 70%; hazard ratio for death = 0.34, 95% CI 0.14-0.83, p = 0.018) and transplant-free survival (88% vs. 64%; hazard ratio for transplant or death = 0.30, 95% CI 0.13-0.69, p = 0.004) than A+Z. Acute kidney injury was more frequent with A+Z (45%) than prednisone (22%) (p = 0.001), but rates of infection were similar (31% in A+Z vs. 27% in prednisone, p = 0.389).

CONCLUSIONS

Participants with SAH treated with prednisone using the Day-7 Lille score as a stopping rule had significantly higher overall and transplant-free 90-day survival and lower incidence of acute kidney injury than those treated with A+Z.

IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS

There is no approved treatment for severe alcohol-associated hepatitis (SAH). In this double-blind randomized trial, patients with SAH treated with prednisone using the Lille stopping rule on Day 7 had higher 90-day overall and transplant-free survival and lower rates of acute kidney injury compared to patients treated with a combination of anakinra and zinc. The data support continued use of glucocorticoids for patients with SAH, with treatment discontinuation for those with a Lille score >0.45 on Day 7.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT04072822.

Comparing the efficacy of corticosteroids among patients with community-acquired pneumonia in the ICU versus non-ICU settings: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite the potential of corticosteroids in treating community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), conflicting evidence exists regarding their effect on mortality. To address this gap and provide new insights, we conducted a pre-specified subgroup meta-analysis of corticosteroid use in CAP patients, focusing on the ICU versus non-ICU subsets.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and SCOPUS from inception to May 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The primary outcomes of interest were mortality, need for mechanical ventilation, need for ICU admission, and treatment failure. Secondary outcomes analysed were the need for hospital readmission, length of hospital stay, length of ICU stay, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, secondary infections, and hyperglycaemic events. The results were analysed through the random-effects model. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Eighteen randomized controlled trials (n = 4472) analyzing patients withCAP were included. Our results suggest that corticosteroids significantly reduced the incidence of mortality (RR: 0.66; 95 % CI: 0.54, 0.81; P = <0.0001) and need for mechanical ventilation (RR: 0.57; 95 % CI: 0.44, 0.73; P = <0.00001). It was also observed that corticosteroids significantly decrease the lengths of ICU (MD: -1.67; 95 % CI: -2.97, -0.37; P = 0.01) and hospital stay (MD: -1.94; 95 % CI: -2.89, -0.98; P = 0.0001), while increasing the number of hyperglycemic events (RR: 1.68; 95 % CI: 1.32, 2.12; P = <0.0001) and hospital readmissions (RR: 1.19; 95 % CI: 1.04, 1.37; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this meta-analysis demonstrate that corticosteroids yield improved outcomes in CAP patients with regard to reduced mortality and the need for mechanical ventilation. It highlights the need for further large-scale RCTs with the proposed, specific stratifications.

Pharmacologic Management of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), swallowed topical corticosteroids (STSs), and dupilumab are highly effective therapies for the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis. Shared decision-making informs the choice of therapy and factors such as ease of use, safety, cost, and efficacy should be addressed. PPIs are the most common medication utilized early in the disease course; however, for nonresponders, STSs are an excellent alternative. Dupilumab is unlikely to replace PPIs or STSs as first-line therapy, except in highly specific circumstances. Identification of novel biologic pathways and the development of small molecules may lead to a wider range of treatment options in the future.

Non-genomic actions of steroid hormones on the contractility of non-vascular smooth muscles

Steroid hormones play an important role in physiological processes. The classical pathway of steroid actions is mediated by nuclear receptors, which regulate genes to modify biological processes. Non-genomic pathways of steroid actions are also known, mediated by cell membrane-located seven transmembrane domain receptors. Sex steroids and glucocorticoids have several membrane receptors already identified to mediate their rapid actions. However, mineralocorticoids have no identified membrane receptors, although their rapid actions are also measurable. In non-vascular smooth muscles (bronchial, uterine, gastrointestinal, and urinary), the rapid actions of steroids are mediated through the modification of the intracellular Ca2+ level by various Ca-channels and the cAMP and IP3 system. The non-genomic action can be converted into a genomic one, suggesting that these distinct pathways may interconnect, resulting in convergence between them. Sex steroids mostly relax all the non-vascular smooth muscles, except androgens and progesterone, which contract colonic and urinary bladder smooth muscles, respectively. Corticosteroids also induce relaxation in bronchial and uterine tissues, but their actions on gastrointestinal and urinary bladder smooth muscles have not been investigated yet. Bile acids also contribute to the smooth muscle contractility. Although the therapeutic application of the rapid effects of steroid hormones and their analogues for smooth muscle contractility disorders seems remote, the actions and mechanism discovered so far are promising. Further research is needed to expand our knowledge in this field by using existing experience. One of the greatest challenges is to separate genomic and non-genomic effects, but model molecules are available to start this line of research.

Improvement of liver histology in hepatic sarcoidosis due to treatment with corticosteroids and ursodeoxycholic acid: a case report

We report the case of a 48-year-old male with a history of pulmonary and ocular sarcoidosis. Non-caseating granulomas, identified histologically, are the most characteristic manifestation of sarcoidosis. Hepatic sarcoidosis is difficult to diagnose using radiological imaging. In the patient reported in this study, ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans identified multiple intra-abdominal lymphadenopathies, with evidence of liver and splenic infiltrations. The first liver biopsy revealed non-caseating granulomatous hepatitis consistent with hepatic sarcoidosis. The patient was treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), but his laboratory parameters did not improve. Prednisone was initiated at a dose of 30 mg daily and slowly tapered. At a dose of 12.5 mg daily, marked improvements in the fibrotic and sarcoid-like lesions were noted at the second biopsy. A third biopsy was performed, with the patient on a prednisone taper of 5 mg/day showed mild fibrous expansion in the portal tracts and mild parenchymal necro-inflammatory lesions. However, overall, fibrosis marker levels remained stable over the course of treatment. A fourth biopsy was performed after a 5-year course of 5 mg/day prednisone. This revealed minimal lobular inflammation without fibrosis. Thus, treatment of this patient with corticosteroids and UDCA resulted in marked improvements in his biochemical and histological parameters.

Perioperative growth hormone levels as an early predictor of new-onset secondary adrenal insufficiency following transsphenoidal pituitary tumor resection

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to predict new-onset secondary adrenal insufficiency (NOSAI) after transsphenoidal pituitary tumor resection surgery using perioperative growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) levels, among other factors.

METHODS

A cohort of 124 adult patients who underwent transsphenoidal resection for non-functioning pituitary adenoma, with routine perioperative glucocorticoid use, was used to develop the predictive regression model. An additional 46 patients served as the validation cohort. Generalized additive models were used to identify optimal cut-off points for the variables.

RESULTS

The GH level on postoperative day one (POD1) can be a simple predictor by implementing a cut-off point of 0.41 ng/ml. A value ≤ 0.41 ng/mL predicted NOSAI with 0.6316 sensitivity and 0.7810 specificity for the original cohort and 1.0000 sensitivity and 0.7143 specificity for the validation cohort. The multiple logistic regression model included perioperative PRL level difference, perioperative GH level difference, intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, tumor size, and the combined effect of diabetes insipidus (DI) and relative perioperative GH level difference. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.9410 (original cohort) and 0.9494 (validation cohort) for the regression model.

CONCLUSION

Early morning GH level on POD1 can predict NOSAI with fair accuracy when perioperative stress dose glucocorticoid is administered. Prediction accuracy can be improved by considering CSF leakage, DI, and perioperative changes in GH and PRL in the final regression model.

Pharmacologic Treatments in Acute Respiratory Failure

Acute respiratory failure relies on supportive care using non-invasive and invasive oxygen and ventilatory support. Pharmacologic therapies for the most severe form of respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), are limited. This review focuses on the most promising therapies for ARDS, targeting different mechanisms that contribute to dysregulated inflammation and resultant hypoxemia. Significant heterogeneity exists within the ARDS population. Treatment requires prompt recognition of ARDS and an understanding of which patients may benefit most from specific pharmacologic interventions. The key to finding effective pharmacotherapies for ARDS may rely on deeper understanding of pathophysiology and bedside identification of ARDS subphenotypes.

Pseudotumoral neuro-behcet's disease: case series and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Behcet's disease (BD) is a multisystem autoimmune relapsing vasculitis with an almost unknown etiology involving both large and small vessels. The neurological involvement called neuro-Behcet's disease (NBD) is rare. NBD can be responsible for tumor-like masses mimicking low-grade gliomas in only a few cases.

METHODS

We report here the main characteristics, treatment, and outcome of 43 patients (4 personal cases and 39 patients from the literature) with a pseudotumoral presentation of NBD (PT NBD). We compared our findings with those of the classical form of NBD.

RESULTS

The median age was 35.86 (12-59 years) years, with a male predominance (67.4%). PT NBD was the inaugural of the disease in 51.2% of cases. The neurological manifestations included headache (n = 31), pyramidal syndrome (n = 28), cerebellar syndrome (n = 5), behavioral changes (n = 5), and pseudobulbar signs (n = 2). Ophthalmologic examination revealed papilledema in 3 cases. On cerebral imaging, the most affected regions of the brain were the capsulothalamic region (n = 15, 37.5%) and the brainstem (n = 14, 35). Histological analysis revealed necrotic lesions with perivascular inflammatory infiltrate without signs of tumoral or infectious lesions. Treatment consisted of corticosteroids (n = 40, 93%) and immunosuppressive agents (n = 28, 65.11%), leading to complete clinical and imaging remission in 41.5% of patients.

CONCLUSION

PT NBD is a rare but life-threatening condition.

Adjunctive Therapies in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Despite significant advances in understanding acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), mortality rates remain high. The appropriate use of adjunctive therapies can improve outcomes, particularly for patients with moderate to severe hypoxia. In this review, the authors discuss the evidence basis behind prone positioning, recruitment maneuvers, neuromuscular blocking agents, corticosteroids, pulmonary vasodilators, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and considerations for their use in individual patients and specific clinical scenarios. Because the heterogeneity of ARDS poses challenges in finding universally effective treatments, an individualized approach and continued research efforts are crucial for optimizing the utilization of adjunctive therapies and improving patient outcomes.

Corticosteroids to Reduce Inflammation in Severe Pancreatitis (CRISP) protocol and statistical analysis plan: a prospective, multicentre, double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Acute pancreatitis is a common disease which, in its severe form, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Currently, there is no specific therapy known to attenuate organ failure in severe pancreatitis and treatment consists primarily of supportive care. Corticosteroids have been shown to be beneficial in disease processes associated with systemic inflammation and could potentially improve outcomes in severe acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

The Corticosteroids to Reduce Inflammation in Severe Pancreatitis (CRISP) trial is a multi-centre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial that aims to determine the impact of corticosteroids versus placebo on organ injury in patients with severe acute pancreatitis. Patients are randomized to receive 100 mg of hydrocortisone parenterally versus matching placebo every 8 h for 3 days. Clinical and laboratory data are collected at the time of study enrollment, at 24, 48 and 72 h. The primary end-point for the trial is the difference in 72-h change in the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score between hydrocortisone and placebo groups. Additional key secondary outcomes include ventilator free days and 28-day mortality.

DISCUSSION

This study will add to the evidence base in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis. The results will inform clinical practice and future studies in the field. Trial registration number The trial is registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05160506). It was posted on December 16th, 2021. The study protocol was approved by the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Committee on Clinical Investigation (CCI) (protocol 2021 P-000803).

Efficacy and safety of corticosteroids for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

The role of corticosteroids in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains uncertain. We conducted an updated meta-analysis to investigate the effectiveness and potential effect modifiers of adjunctive corticosteroids in patients with CAP.

METHODS

The protocol of this meta-analysis was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022354920). We searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library and trial registers from inception till March 2023 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating corticosteroids in adult patients with CAP. Our primary outcome was the risk of all-cause mortality within 30 days after randomization (if not reported at day 30, we extracted the outcome closest to 30 days). Risk ratios (RR) and mean differences (MDs) were pooled under a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Fifteen RCTs (n = 3252 patients) were included in this review. Corticosteroids reduced the risk of all-cause mortality in CAP patients (RR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.53-0.89; high certainty). This significant result was restricted to hydrocortisone therapy and patients with severe CAP. Additionally, younger patients demonstrated a greater reduction in mortality. Corticosteroids reduced the incidence of shock and the need for mechanical ventilation (MV), and decreased the length of hospital and ICU stay (moderate certainty).

CONCLUSIONS

Corticosteroids reduce the risk of all-cause mortality, especially in younger patients receiving hydrocortisone, and probably decrease the need for MV, the incidence of shock, and the length of hospital and ICU stay in patients with CAP. Our findings indicate that patients with CAP, especially severe CAP, will benefit from adjunctive corticosteroid therapy.

[Role of intratympanic glucocorticoid treatment in sudden hearing loss]

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is one of the most common diseases in otolaryngology. Its etiology remains unknown. Furthermore, there is only a low level of evidence for the efficacy of established treatment modalities. In addition to systemic glucocorticoids, intratympanic corticosteroid treatment (ICT) has become increasingly important for treatment of ISSNHL. Different application strategies and treatment regimens have been described; however, uniform standards do not yet exist. ICT may be used for primary treatment as well as salvage therapy. Current data from meta-analyses show no benefit of intratympanic versus systemic primary therapy for sudden hearing loss (moderate evidence) but suggest a benefit of intratympanic secondary treatment over no treatment or placebo (high effect size, low evidence). Regarding combination of systemic and local glucocorticoid therapy in primary treatment of hearing loss, there may be a small benefit over systemic treatment alone (low effect size, low evidence).

Role of corticosteroids in the treatment of critically ill sepsis patients: a meta-analysis review

OBJECTIVE

It was to systematically evaluate the effect of corticosteroids on 28d all-cause mortality (ACM), in-hospital death rate, and ICU death rate in critically ill sepsis patients.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Medline databases were used to screen the published literatures on the therapeutic effect of corticosteroids in the treatment of critically ill sepsis patients. After evaluating the quality of the included literatures, RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis. 4524 literatures regarding the application of corticosteroids to treat critically ill sepsis patients were preliminarily searched. After screening was carried out, 9 literatures were finally included. 2,850 patients were treated with corticosteroids and 2867 patients were treated with placebo.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis of the effect of corticosteroids versus placebo on 28dACM showed [OR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.78-0.98, Z = 2.22, P = 0.03], P < 0.05; the meta-analysis of the outcome of corticosteroids versus placebo on ICU death rate showed [OR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.63-0.94, Z = 2.60, P = 0.009], P < 0.05; and the meta-analysis of the effect of corticosteroids versus placebo on in-hospital death rate showed [OR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.66-0.96, Z = 2.34, P = 0.002], P < 0.05.

CONCLUSION

In summary, corticosteroids can reduce the death rate of critically ill sepsis patients to a certain extent and have good clinical application value.

Disease burden and unmet need for acute allergic reactions - A patient perspective

Background

Acute allergic reactions (AARs) occur shortly after exposure to an allergen, and the severity is on a continuum. Systemic corticosteroids (CS) are mainstay treatment of moderate to severe AARs, whereas those at risk of the most severe AARs (ie, anaphylaxis) are also recommended prescription of epinephrine autoinjectors. There is limited research on the impact of AARs not fulfilling the criteria for anaphylaxis. We have characterized a sample with a history of moderate to severe AARs and evaluated their self-reported disease burden (ie, daily life impact, anxiety, and treatment impediments).

Methods

Survey study of adults with experience of AARs treated with CS. Participants recruited from a web-based panel and using social media were asked to complete a questionnaire related to their allergy and experience of AARs. The results were summarized for the whole sample and across subgroups with and without prescription of epinephrine.

Results

The final study sample included 387 participants (80% women, mean age 41), of which 129 (33%) had at some point been prescribed epinephrine. The most common symptoms were respiratory (80%) and skin (78%) manifestations, and the mean (standard deviation, SD) self-rated severity score (scale from 0 [very mild] to 10 [very severe]) of the most recent AAR was 6.1 (2.0). More than 80% had experience of AARs interrupting daily activities and 50% of AARs that had limited work/studies or participation in leisure activities. Most of the respondents reported some degree of anxiety related to AARs and 43% had feared for their lives. Moreover, difficulties swallowing allergy medicine at an AAR was experienced by 26% and not having the medicine available when needed by 66%. Participants with prescription of epinephrine experienced more severe AARs than those without such prescription (mean [SD] severity 6.8 [2.1] vs 5.8 [1.8], p < 0.0001); however, also those without epinephrine prescription reported considerable anxiety and impact on daily life and to a similar degree as those with prescription.

Conclusions

In this sample, subjects with experience of AARs treated with CS showed a considerable disease burden with anxiety and interruption on daily life, as well as problems related to access to, and swallowing of, medication. Although respondents with epinephrine prescription had more severe disease, a high disease burden was also evident among those without epinephrine. The study increases the knowledge of people with moderate to severe AARs, a patient population that has previously been underrepresented in the research literature.

Medical treatment selection and outcomes for hospitalized patients with severe ulcerative colitis as defined by the Japanese criteria

BACKGROUND

Hospitalization for ulcerative colitis (UC) is potentially life-threatening. Severe disease in the Japanese criteria which modifies the Truelove-Witts' criteria might encompass more fulminant cases than the definition for acute severe UC. However, few studies have investigated the predictive factors for clinical remission (CR) after medical treatments for severe hospitalized patients by Japanese criteria.

METHODS

Medical treatment selection, CR rates, and factors contributing to CR on day 14 were assessed in severe patients by Japanese criteria. We also investigated whether the reduction rate in patient-reported outcome 2 (PRO2) on day 3 could predict short-term prognosis.

RESULTS

Eighty-five severe hospitalized patients were selected. Corticosteroids, tacrolimus, and infliximab were mainly selected as first-line treatments (76/85; 89.4%). The CR rates on day 14 were 26.8%, 21.4%, and 33.3% in patients receiving corticosteroids, tacrolimus, and infliximab, respectively. Extensive disease (odds ratio [OR] 0.022; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.002-0.198), higher PRO2 (OR 0.306; 95% CI 0.144-0.821), and higher reduction rate in PRO2 on day 3 (OR 1.047; 95% CI 1.019-1.075) were independent factors predicting CR on day 14. If the cutoff value for the reduction rate in PRO2 on day 3 was 18.3%, sensitivity was 0.714 and specificity was 0.731 to predict CR on day 14. A higher reduction rate in PRO2 on day 3 (OR 0.922; 95% CI 0.853-0.995) was a negative factor to predict surgery within 28 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Tacrolimus and infliximab in addition to corticosteroids were used as first-line treatment in severe hospitalized patients. PRO2 on day 3 is a useful marker for switching to second-line therapy or colectomy.

Predictors of serious infections in rheumatoid arthritis-a prospective Brazilian cohort

BACKGROUND

Infections increase mortality and morbidity and often limit immunosuppressive treatment in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the occurrence of serious infections and the associated factors in a cohort of rheumatoid arthritis patients under real-life conditions.

METHODS

We analyzed data from the REAL, a prospective observational study, that evaluated Brazilian RA patients, with clinical and laboratory data collected over a year. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed from the adjustment of the logistic regression model Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE), with the primary outcome being the occurrence of serious infection, defined as need for hospitalization or use of intravenous antibiotics for its treatment.

RESULTS

841 patients were included with an average follow-up time of 11.2 months (SD 2.4). Eighty-nine serious infections occurred, corresponding to 13 infections per 100 patient-years. Pulmonary fibrosis, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and central nervous system disease increased the chances of serious infection by 3.2 times (95% CI: 1.5-6.9), 3.6 times (95% CI: 1.2-10.4) and 2.4 times (95% CI: 1.2-5.0), respectively. The use of corticosteroids in moderate doses increased the chances by 5.4 times (95% CI: 2.3-12.4), and for each increase of 1 unit in the health assessment questionnaire (HAQ), the chance increased 60% (95% CI: 20-120%).

CONCLUSION

The use of corticosteroids at moderate doses increased the risk of serious infection in RA patients. Reduced functionality assessed by the HAQ and comorbidities were other important factors associated with serious infection in this cohort.

Dexamethasone and concentrated growth factors on peripheral nerve injury: A clinic-relevant animal study

BACKGROUND

Mandibular nerve injury is a common clinical condition that affects clinicians' management and patients' quality of life. In the literature, there are various effective treatments available. The primary purpose of this study was to determine and compare the effects of dexamethasone and concentrated growth factor (CGF) on regeneration in patients with nerve trauma that mimics clinical situations.

METHODS

In this study, 36 rats were divided into 3 groups: the control, dexamethasone and CGF groups. The inferior alveolar nerve was traumatized through the extraction socket after mandibular molar tooth extraction in each group.

RESULTS

The data showed a decrease in the control (4.5-4), dexamethasone (3-2), and CGF (4-3) groups according to the histological injury severity score (HISS) results. Compared with those in the other groups, the number of degenerative axons and edematous areas observed via histological examination were significantly lower in the CGF groups. Similarly, compared with those in the control group, the nNOS and Neurofilament-H positivity in the dexamethasone group on the 30th day (2,2 to 1,1 respectively) was significantly lower. The positivity of all the primary antibodies in the 3rd and 30th day CGF groups was significant compared than that in the dexamethasone 30th day group.

CONCLUSION

According to the results of the analysis of the immunohistopathological and HISS data, the CGF groups exhibited greater regeneration than did the dexamethasone groups.

Is there a role for platelet rich plasma injection in vulvar lichen sclerosus? A self-controlled pilot study

BACKGROUND

Owing to the evidence that as many as 30-40% of patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) fail to report a remission of symptoms with first-line corticosteroid treatment (TCS), especially as what regards dyspareunia, we aimed to analyze patients' satisfaction following vulvar injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP). This is intended as an adjunctive treatment, to be used following TCS, and appears to promote tissue repair. It may also possibly have immunomodulatory proprieties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with VLS were considered eligible for this pilot study if, despite having been treated with a 3-month TCS regimen, they reported a persistence of symptoms. PRP was produced in a referral center using a manual method and a standardized protocol. Each patient received three treatments 4 to 6 weeks apart.

RESULTS

A total of 50 patients with a median age of 53 years [IQR 38-59 years] were included in the study. 6 months after the last injection of PRP all patients were either satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment (100%; 95% CI 93-100%). Median NRS scores for itching, burning, dyspareunia and dysuria were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) and FSFI, HADS and SF-12 questionnaires revealed a significant improvement in sexual function, psychological wellbeing and quality of life (p < 0.05). The number of patients reporting the need for maintenance TCS treatment was reduced by 42% (p < 0.001) and an improvement in vulvar elasticity and color was reported in all patients.

CONCLUSION

Following standard medical therapy, PRP may be effective not only in improving symptoms, but also in restoring function.

Treatment of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children

BACKGROUND

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a relatively uncommon but severe pediatric complication, is associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A variety of treatment approaches, including intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs), glucocorticoids (GCs) and biologic agents, such as anakinra and infliximab, have been described for the management of COVID-19-related MIS-C. Anticoagulant therapy is also important. However, a well-developed treatment system has not been established, and many issues remain controversial. Several recently published articles related to the treatment of MIS-C have been released. Hence, in this review, we identified relevant articles published recently and summarized the treatment of MIS-C more comprehensively and systematically.

DATA SOURCES

We reviewed the literature on the treatment of MIS-C through 20 September 2023. The PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched with the combination of the terms "multisystem inflammatory syndrome", "MIS-C", "PIMS-TS", "therapy", "treatment", "drug", "IVIG", "GCs", "intravenous immunoglobulin", "corticosteroids", "biological agent", and "aspirin".

RESULTS

The severity of MIS-C varies, and different treatment schemes should be used according to the specific condition. Ongoing research and data collection are vital to better understand the pathophysiology and optimal management of MIS-C.

CONCLUSIONS

MIS-C is a disease involving multiple systems and has great heterogeneity. With the accumulation of additional experience, we have garnered fresh insights into its treatment strategies. However, there remains a critical need for greater standardization in treatment protocols, alongside the pressing necessity for more robust and meticulously conducted studies to deepen our understanding of these protocols. Supplementary file1 (MP4 208044 kb).

Unusual CLIPPERS presentation with a predominant spinal cord involvement: case report and review of the literature

Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) is a discrete nosological entity characterized by punctate and curvilinear gadolinium enhancement "peppering" the pons and a strong response to steroids. MRI images typically show pontine and cerebellar punctate-enhancing lesions, which occasionally spread up to the juxtacortical areas and down to the spinal cord. Interestingly, the more distant the lesion is from the pons, the less intense they become. Herein, we describe an extremely rare case of CLIPPERS presenting with predominant spinal cord involvement; then, we searched in the literature the available cases with a similar presentation. Our case focuses attention on a rare MRI CLIPPERS presentation. Since CLIPPERS has a dramatic response to corticosteroid treatment, it is fundamental to promptly recognize its MRI pattern to start treatment as soon as possible.

Systemic Corticosteroid Uses in Endodontics- Part 1: Managing Postoperative Pain

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to systematically search and review all available literature regarding systemic (oral or locally injected) corticosteroids in endodontics to assess their effect on postoperative pain.

METHODS

A search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, Dentistry & Oral Science, and ProQuest. Randomized controlled trials enrolling participants undergoing endodontic treatment and assessing the presence of pain and pain scores at 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively were included. We synthesize the effect measures using risk ratios, standardized mean differences, and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects inverse variance method. The level of significance was set at p < .05. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated using GRADE approach.

RESULTS

A total of 2,303 participants from 29 trials were included. Patients who received corticosteroids were significantly less likely to report pain at 6 hours (RR= 2.5; 95% CI, 1.74 to 3.61; p < .00001), 12 hours (RR= 2.10; 95% CI, 1.53 to 2.90; p < .00001) and 24 hours (RR= 1.77; 95% CI, 1.38 to 2.28; p < .00001) postoperatively. Furthermore, they reported lower pain intensity at 6 hours (SMD= - 0.82; 95% CI, -1.17 to -0.48; p < .00001), 12 hours (SMD= - 0.63; 95% CI, -0.75 to -0.51; p < .00001) and 24 hours (SMD= - 0.68; 95% CI, - 0.90 to -0.46; p < .00001) postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Moderate certainty evidence indicates that the use of systemic corticosteroids likely results in a moderate to large reduction in postoperative endodontic pain.

Prehospital and In-Hospital Treatment with Adrenaline and Related Prognosis in Anaphylaxis Patients

INTRODUCTION

Although intramuscular adrenaline is the recommended first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, not all patients receive this treatment. The consequences in daily clinical practice are sparsely described. This study aimed to investigate the treatment administered to anaphylactic patients and the related prognosis.

METHODS

A retrospective register-based study of patients with anaphylaxis referred to the allergy centre, Odense University Hospital (2019-2021). Each patient's medical records were reviewed for contacts with the emergency departments and the prehospital emergency medical service in the Region of Southern Denmark. The World Allergy Organization (WAO) grading system was used to assess the severity of prehospital and in-hospital anaphylaxis. Furthermore, the treatment administered to the patients was registered.

RESULTS

In total, 315 patients were included. The prehospital system had contact with 256 of these patients (two were released prehospitally following treatment and 12 patients had insufficient data to assess anaphylaxis). Of the remaining 242 patients, 115 had anaphylaxis prehospitally (WAO grades 3-5); 59% (67/115) received adrenaline. Among the 67 patients who received prehospital adrenaline, 9 patients (13.4%; 95% CI: 6.3-24.0%) still had anaphylaxis at arrival at the emergency department. Of the 48 patients that were not treated with prehospital adrenaline, 17 patients (35.5%; 95% CI: 22.1-50.5) had anaphylaxis at the arrival to the emergency department. Among the 127 patients without prehospital anaphylaxis (WAO grades 0-2), 22 patients (18.2%; 95% CI: 11.8-26.2%) who did not receive prehospital adrenaline had anaphylaxis at arrival to the emergency department, while none of the 6 patients treated prehospitally with adrenaline had anaphylaxis.

CONCLUSION

Omission of prehospital adrenaline in anaphylactic patients is associated with more severe anaphylactic symptoms at arrival to the hospital. Adrenaline treatment remains suboptimal since only half of the patients received prehospital adrenaline and only 1 out of 4 patients, with clinical signs of anaphylaxis, received adrenaline inside the hospital.

Transcriptomic profiling of osteoarthritis synovial macrophages reveals a tolerized phenotype compounded by a weak corticosteroid response

OBJECTIVES

It is well-known that long-term osteoarthritis prognosis is not improved by corticosteroid treatments. Here we investigate what could underlie this phenomenon by measuring the short term corticosteroid response of OA-Mf.

METHODS

We determined the genome-wide transcriptomic response to corticosteroids of end-stage osteoarthritic joint synovial macrophages (OA-Mf). This was compared with LPS-tolerized and β-glucan-trained circulating blood monocyte-derived macrophage models.

RESULTS

Upon corticosteroid stimulation, the trained and tolerized macrophages significantly alter the abundance of 201 and 257 RNA transcripts, respectively. By contrast, by the same criteria, OA-Mf have a very restricted corticosteroid response of only 12 RNA transcripts. Furthermore, while metalloproteinases 1, -2, -3 and -10 expression clearly distinguish OA-Mf from both the tolerized and trained macrophage models, OA-Mf Interleukin 1 (IL1), chemokine (CXCL) and cytokine (CCL) family member profiles resemble the tolerized macrophage model, with the exception that OA-Mf show high levels of CCL20.

CONCLUSION

Terminal osteoarthritis joints therefore harbor macrophages with an inflammatory state that closely resembles the tolerized macrophage state and this is compounded by a weak corticosteroid response capacity that may explain the lack of positive long-term effects of corticosteroid treatment for osteoarthritis patients.

Efficacy and safety of low-dose corticosteroids combined with leflunomide for progressive IgA nephropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The effectiveness of immunosuppressive and corticosteroid treatments for Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (IgAN) remains thoroughly evaluated. We undertook a meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy and safety of low-dose corticosteroids plus leflunomide for progressive IgA nephropathy.

METHODS

Eligible studies were obtained from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. We also searched the references of the included studies. Our protocol followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Eligibility criteria were defined using a PICOS framework.

RESULTS

Our study included three articles presenting 342 patient cases. Findings revealed that low-dose corticosteroids combined with the leflunomide group were effective in relieving urine protein excretion (UPE) [mean difference (MD) = -0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.41 to -0.30, P < 0.00001] compared with the full-dose corticosteroids group. Regarding serum creatinine (SCr), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), complete remission rate, and overall response rate, there was no difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Regarding safety, low-dose corticosteroids combined with leflunomide significantly reduced the risk of serious adverse events [odds ratio (OR): 0.11, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.91, P = 0.04]. Besides, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in the incidence of respiratory infection, abnormal liver function, diarrhea, herpes zoster, alopecia, pruritus, insomnia, pneumonia, diabetes, and urinary tract infection (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose corticosteroids combined with leflunomide are a safe and effective treatment for progressive IgA nephropathy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The PROSPERO registration number is CRD42022361883.

Oral prednisolone and warfarin and risk of oesophageal cancer: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

A recent epidemiological study systematically screened 250 prescription medications for associations with oesophageal cancer risk, using Scottish data, and identified an increased risk with use of prednisolone and warfarin. We investigated whether oral prednisolone or warfarin use was associated with increased oesophageal cancer risk.

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted within the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. In the primary analysis oesophageal cancer cases were identified from linked cancer registry records. Up to 5 cancer-free controls were matched to each case (based upon sex, birth year, GP practice and year of GP registration). Prednisolone and warfarin medications were identified from prescribing records. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using conditional logistic regression after adjusting for covariates including demographics, comorbidities and medication use.

RESULTS

There were 4552 oesophageal cancer cases and 22,601 matched control participants. Overall, there was no evidence of an increased risk of oesophageal cancer with oral prednisolone use (unadjusted OR=1.16 95% CI 1.06, 1.27 and adjusted OR=0.99 95% CI 0.89, 1.11) or warfarin use (unadjusted OR=1.12 95% CI 0.99, 1.28 and adjusted OR=1.08 95% CI 0.92, 1.27).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large population-based study, oral prednisolone and warfarin were not associated with oesophageal cancer risk.

Is COVID-19 an independent risk factor for the development of avascular necrosis of the hip? A retrospective study to evaluate the factors associated with avascular necrosis of the hip in patients who had COVID-19 infection

PURPOSE

The cumulative effect of hyper-coagulative COVID-19 disease and using steroids leads to increased avascular necrosis (AVN) hip incidence. This study aims to correlate the various factors of COVID-19 infection with the occurrence of AVN hip.

METHODS

It is a retrospective cross-sectional study of non-traumatic AVN hip patients with a history of COVID-19 infection. A total number of 50 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. The following details were obtained: (a) patient's demographics, (b) COVID-19: interval of infection and groin pain, duration of symptoms, severity, steroid intake, (c) AVN hip: involved side, Ficat-Arlet staging.

RESULTS

The mean age was 36.3 years (range: 20-60), and body mass index (BMI) was 25.13 kg/m2 (range: 18.50-31.50). There were 45 males and five females. Sixty percent (30) of patients managed at home, 24% (12) required admission into the ward, 2% (1) were in ICU only, and 14% (7) admitted to both ICU and ward. The mean interval of COVID-19 infection and onset of hip pain was 359.02 days (range: 10-822 days). Thirty-eight percent (19) patients required steroids (injection and oral), 46% (23) took steroids (oral only), whereas 16% (8) recovered without steroids. The stage of AVN correlated with the severity of COVID-19 infection (p-value -0.038) and significant improvement in VAS and HHS after treatment in each stage. The mean follow-up was 9.79 months (6-19 months).

CONCLUSION

A low-dose steroid intake with moderate to severe COVID-19 infection produces an additive effect on the development of AVN hip. Most affected individuals were adult males, and stage II AVN was the most common, managed with bisphosphonates and core decompression for short intervals.

Outcomes of Preoperative Medical Therapy for Thyroidectomy in Autoimmune Thyroid Disease

INTRODUCTION

Thyroidectomy provides definitive treatment for autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) often resulting in improved quality of life. Historically, patients with AITD undergoing thyroidectomy have increased rates of postoperative hypoparathyroidism and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. We investigated the outcomes of preoperative medications in patients with AITD undergoing thyroidectomy.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent thyroidectomy for AITD at a single institution from 2015 to 2021. Surgical outcomes and perioperative laboratory values were analyzed by type of AITD and type of preoperative medical treatment: none, saturated solution of potassium iodide (SSKI), corticosteroids, or both SSKI and corticosteroids.

RESULTS

A total of 123 patients underwent thyroidectomy for AITD and were included in analysis: 50 received no preoperative medications, 40 received SSKI, 20 received corticosteroids, and 13 received both. Seventy-six patients had Graves' disease and 47 had Hashimoto's thyroiditis. There were no significant differences in blood loss, operative time, wound complications, hematoma, or recurrent laryngeal nerve injury for patients treated with preoperative corticosteroids compared to those who were not. Patients who received corticosteroids and patients with Graves' disease more commonly had at least one instance of hypocalcemia postoperatively (P < 0.01, P = 0.01), although only on postoperative day 1 was mean calcium < 8.5 mg/dL. There was no difference in rate of transient or permanent hypoparathyroidism.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who received corticosteroids preoperatively had no increased risk of complications. They did have mildly lower calcium levels in the early postoperative period, although no difference in hypoparathyroidism. Further exploration is warranted to investigate the impact of preoperative corticosteroids on operative difficulty, quality of life, and autoantibody clearance.

Immunosuppressive Medications and COVID-19 Outcomes in Patients with Noninfectious Uveitis in the Era of COVID-19 Vaccinations

Purpose

To determine the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, hospitalization, and death in the era of COVID-19 vaccination among patients with noninfectious uveitis (NIU) taking immunosuppressive therapies.

Design

Retrospective cohort study from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022, using data from the Optum Labs Data Warehouse (OLDW) de-identified claims database.

Participants

Patients with a diagnosis of NIU from January 1, 2017, and who had ≥ 1 year of continuous enrollment in the OLDW.

Methods

Incidence rates (IRs) were calculated for each COVID-19 outcome. Unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated for each variable and COVID-19 outcome using Cox proportional hazards models with time-updated dichotomous indicators for outpatient immunosuppressive medication exposure. To assess the dose-dependent effect of systemic corticosteroid (SC) exposure, the average daily dose of prednisone over the exposed interval was included in the adjusted models.

Main Outcome Measures

Hazard ratios and IRs for COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death.

Results

This study included 62 209 patients with NIU. A total of 12 895 (20.7%) were exposed to SCs during the risk period. Incidence rates were increased when exposed to SCs versus unexposed for all COVID-19 outcomes. Incidence rates were also increased for all COVID-19 outcomes when exposed to SCs without COVID-19 vaccination versus exposed to SCs with ≥ 1 vaccination. In adjusted models, SCs were associated with increased risk of COVID-19 infection (HR, 3.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.24-3.93; P < 0.0001), hospitalization (HR, 2.75; 95% CI, 2.07-3.65; P < 0.0001), and death (HR, 2.49; 95% CI 1.29-4.82; P = 0.007). Incremental increases in SC dose were associated with a greater risk for all outcomes. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs were associated with a decreased risk of infection (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.74-0.96; P = 0.01), and tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors were associated with an increased risk of infection (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.01-1.39; P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Systemic corticosteroid exposure continues to be associated with greater risk of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death among patients with NIU in an era of widespread COVID-19 vaccination. Unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to immunosuppressive treatments have a greater risk of severe outcomes. Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination should be strongly encouraged in these patients.

Financial Disclosures

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Burden of comorbidities: Osteoporotic vertebral fracture during non-small cell lung cancer - the BONE study

INTRODUCTION

Immunotherapy and targeted therapy have extended life expectancy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, shifting it into a chronic condition with comorbidities, including osteoporosis. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and incidence of osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OPVF) during NSCLC follow-up, identify risk factors of OPVF, and determine the impact on overall survival (OS).

METHODS

We performed a longitudinal single-center retrospective cohort study involving patients with histologically proven NSCLC of any stage. Chest-abdomen-pelvis computed tomography (CAP CT) at diagnosis and during follow-up were double-blind reviewed to determine OPVF site, count, type, time to incident OPVF, and trabecular volumetric bone density (TVBD). An institutional expert committee adjudicated discrepancies. Binary logistic regression was used to predict the occurrence of incident OPVF. OS was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

We included 289 patients with a median follow-up of 29.7 months. OPVF prevalence was 10.7% at inclusion and 23.2% at the end of follow-up. Cumulative incidence was 12.5%, with an incidence rate of 4 per 100 patient-years. Median time to incident OPVF was 13 months (IQR: 6.7-21.2). Seven of the 36 patients with incident OPVF received denosumab or bisphosphonates. In multivariable analysis, independent risk factors for incident OPVF were BMI < 19 kg/m2 (OR: 5.62, 95%CI 1.84-17.20, p = 0.002), lower TVBD (OR: 0.982 per HU, 95%CI 0.97-0.99, p = 0.001) and corticosteroid use (OR: 4.77, 95%CI: 1.76-12.89, p = 0.001). OPVF was not significantly associated with OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Osteoporosis should be screened for in NSCLC patients. Thoracic oncologists must broaden the use of steroid-induced osteoporosis recommendations.

Punctate inner choroidopathy: A review of the current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches

Punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC) is an uncommon idiopathic inflammatory condition characterized by multifocal chorioretinopathy that primarily affects young adults, with a predilection for myopic females. Clinically, it manifests as small, yellowish-white lesions in the inner choroid and outer retina, often associated with inflammatory changes. Accurate diagnosis remains a challenge due to its resemblance to other posterior uveitic entities, necessitating an astute clinical eye and advanced imaging techniques for differentiation. Multimodal imaging plays a crucial role by offering valuable insights, as it enables the visualization of various abnormalities related to uveitis. The pathogenesis of PIC is still a subject of debate, with a complex interplay of genetic, immunological, and environmental factors proposed. Managing PIC presents multiple challenges for clinicians. Firstly, variable disease severity within and among patients requires diverse treatments, from observation to aggressive immunosuppression and/or anti-VEGF therapy. Secondly, treatment must distinguish between primary causes of vision loss. New or worsening PIC lesions suggest active inflammation, while new neovascular membranes may indicate secondary neovascular processes. Thirdly, deciding on maintenance therapy is complex, balancing PIC prognosis variability against immunosuppression risks. Some patients have long periods of inactivity and remission, while others face sudden, vision-threatening episodes during quiescent phases. Through a systematic review of the literature, this paper sheds light on the current understanding of PIC, its challenges, and the prospects for future research. By synthesizing existing knowledge, it aims to aid clinicians in accurate diagnosis and guide treatment decisions for improved visual outcomes in individuals affected by PIC.

Corticosteroids and mania: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Corticosteroids are widely prescribed for a variety of medical conditions. Accumulating evidence suggests that their use may be associated with adverse psychiatric effects, including mania. In this systematic review, we aim to critically evaluate the existing literature on the association between corticosteroid use and the emergence of mania.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search of major electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library) for relevant studies published up to the date of the search (12th January 2023). Inclusion criteria involve studies that investigate the association between corticosteroid use and the emergence of mania in adult patients. The primary outcome is the prevalence of (hypo)mania following corticosteroid administration. Secondary outcomes include potential risk factors, dose-response relationships, and differences among various corticosteroid formulations.

RESULTS

The identified studies were subjected to a systematic selection process and data extraction by an independent reviewer. A total of 47 articles met the inclusion criteria for our systematic review.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that mania is a common side-effect of corticosteroid use, particularly in prednisone equivalent doses above 40 mg. These findings hold practical significance for clinicians and provide insights into potential interventions, including careful monitoring, dose adjustments, and consideration of psychotropic medications when managing corticosteroid-induced mania.

Evaluating Relapse Knowledge in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Development and Validation of the Relapse Knowledge Questionnaire

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) knowledge is a prerequisite for active patient engagement in medical decision-making. Treatment of relapses in MS is a clinical field with many uncertainties and each acute relapse requires decisions regarding possible options for action, indicating the need for patient involvement. However, there is no validated instrument assessing relapse knowledge in people with MS. Our study aims to develop a valid MS relapse questionnaire for use as an outcome instrument for educational interventions.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary panel developed the relapse knowledge questionnaire (RKQ) based on a previously developed questionnaire. We tested the RKQ on MS patients for comprehensibility, usability and acceptance in qualitative think-aloud interviews and conducted a cross-sectional quantitative online survey to validate the questionnaire. People with suspected or confirmed relapsing-remitting MS and a recent relapse experience were eligible for inclusion. We checked normal distribution of the RKQ score and determined the item difficulty. Construct validity was analysed using correlational analysis.

RESULTS

The final RKQ consists of 10 items. After minor changes of the RKQ during pre-testing (n = 2), pilot testing (n = 10) confirmed the usability and acceptance of the instrument. The subsequent validation study (n = 203) resulted in a mean item difficulty of 0.44, ranging from 0.18 to 0.83. Seven items were particularly difficult and answered incorrectly by more than 50 % of participants. Construct validity of the RKQ was satisfactory. The RKQ score correlated only weakly with participants' degree of education (|rp|>0.1), years since diagnosis (|rp|>0.1), and the intention to receive corticosteroids (|rp|>0.1).

CONCLUSION

This study indicates the validity of the RKQ and proposes that the RKQ is a suitable instrument to assess relapse knowledge in people with MS participating in educational interventions.

Acquired enophthalmos in idiopathic orbital inflammatory disease

Purpose

To describe a rare case of acquired enophthalmos in a patient with idiopathic orbital inflammatory disease after treatment with systemic corticosteroids.

Observations

Orbital socket contracture produces a non-traumatic enophthalmos and is most frequently reported as a consequence of orbital trauma or metastatic fibrosis. A previously healthy 64-year-old male presented with 3-month history of binocular diplopia and left proptosis, hypoglobus, supraduction deficit, and compressive neuropathy. Imaging techniques showed a left orbital mass; laboratory tests and biopsy of the mass lead to the diagnosis of idiopathic orbital inflammatory disease. Systemic corticosteroids were administered and, surprisingly, the patient developed left enophthalmos with eyelid retraction.

Conclusions and Importance

Although extremely unusual, orbital socket contracture can cause enophthalmos and visual morbidity in patients with idiopathic orbital inflammatory disease treated with corticosteroids.

Corticosteroid sensitivity detection in sepsis patients using a personalized data mining approach: A clinical investigation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Sepsis is a life-threatening disease with high mortality, incidence, and morbidity. Corticosteroids (CS) are a recommended treatment for sepsis, but some patients respond negatively to CS therapy. Early prediction of corticosteroid responsiveness can help intervene and reduce mortality. In this study, we aim to develop a data mining methodology for predicting CS responsiveness of septic patients.

METHODS

We used data from a randomized controlled trial called APROCCHSS, which recruited 1241 septis patients to study the effectiveness of corticotherapy. We conducted a thorough study of multiple machine learning models to select the most efficient prediction model, called "signature". We evaluated the performance of the signature using precision, sensitivity, and specificity values.

RESULTS

We found that Logistic Regression was the best model with an AUC of 72%. We conducted further experiments to examine the impact of additional features and the model's generalizability to different groups of patients. We also performed a statistical analysis to analyze the effect of the treatment at the individual level and on the population as a whole.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data mining methodology can accurately predict cortico-sensitivity or resistance in septis patients. The signature has been deployed into the Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP) information system as a web service, taking patient information as input and providing a prediction of cortico-sensitivity or resistance. Early prediction of corticosteroid responsiveness can help clinicians intervene promptly and improve patient outcomes.

Effect of corticosteroids on ischemia-reperfusion injury of deep inferior epigastric perforator flap after re-exploration for anastomosis thrombosis: A prospective randomized trial

Patients undergoing breast reconstruction with the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap are at risk of arterial and venous thrombosis, necessitating flap salvage surgery. However, this carries the risk of ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and potential significant partial or complete flap loss. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential benefit of corticosteroids in reducing IRI related complications in DIEP flaps that are returned to the operation theater for attempted salvage after venous or arterial failure. A double-blinded prospective randomized study was conducted between January 2012 and January 2023 on patients scheduled for secondary unilateral breast reconstruction using the DIEP flap technique. Patients were included if they developed post-operative venous or arterial flap thrombosis and experienced DIEP flap IRI following operative take-back and anastomosis revision. The treatment group (TG) received a 5-day course of corticosteroids, while the control group (CG) did not receive any specific treatment. Forty-six patients were enrolled in the study. In the CG, two cases of total flap loss and eight cases of partial flap necrosis were observed, while the TG had only 1 case of partial flap necrosis (p < 0.05). The complete resolution of clinical signs of IRI occurred within 13 ± 2.1 days for the TG and 21 ± 3.5 days for the CG (p = 0.00001). The TG had a significantly shorter hospital stay (11.13 ± 0.38 days) compared with the CG (15.47 ± 1.27 days; p < 0.0001). Targeted corticosteroid therapy following a salvage procedure for vascular thrombosis in DIEP flaps has shown promise as an effective treatment for subsequent IRI. This approach may be considered as a viable option for managing IRI in free flaps. However, further studies involving a larger number of patients are required to substantiate our hypothesis.

The effectiveness and pharmacoeconomic study of using different corticosteroids in the treatment of hypersensitivity pneumonitis

PURPOSE

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are caused by inflammation and/or fibrosis of alveolar walls resulting in impaired gas exchange. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is the third most common type of ILDs. Corticosteroids are the mainstay treatment for HP. The use of intramuscular (IM) betamethasone or intravenous (IV) dexamethasone as weekly pulse doses has shown higher benefit than daily oral prednisolone for HP patients. The aim of this study is to directly compare different corticosteroids in terms of effectiveness and in monetary values and perform an economic evaluation.

METHODS

One hundred and seven patients were tested for pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and inflammatory markers to assess the treatment effectiveness. A cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) was performed. ICERs between 3 treatment groups were calculated.

RESULTS

Post treatment, Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) levels significantly improved in betamethasone group from 723.22 ± 218.18 U/ml to 554.48 ± 129.69 U/ml (p = 0.001). A significant improvement in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) occurred in the dexamethasone group from 56.12 ± 27.97 mm to 30.06 ± 16.04 mm (p = 0.048). A significant improvement in forced expiratory volume (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and six-minute walk distance (6MWD) was observed within the three treatment groups. A significant improvement in oxygen desaturation percentage (SpO2) occurred within dexamethasone and betamethasone groups. Betamethasone and dexamethasone were found more cost-effective than prednisolone as their ICERs fell in quadrant C. Furthermore, ICER between betamethasone and dexamethasone was performed; a small difference in cost was found compared to the higher benefit of betamethasone.

CONCLUSION

Betamethasone and dexamethasone were found to be more effective than prednisolone in improving the inflammatory reaction and the clinical features of HP patients. Betamethasone was found to be the best intervention in terms of cost against the effect.

Microscopic colitis found together with celiac disease in a female population is associated with one episode of lymphocytic colitis

BACKGROUND

Microscopic colitis (MC) is considered a chronic disease associated with autoimmune disease, smoking, and drugs. The aim was to examine the association between MC and celiac disease, adjusted for smoking, considering subtypes and clinical course of the disease in a retrospectively collected female cohort.

METHODS

Women (n = 240), ≤ 73 years, diagnosed as MC in medical records or pathological registers were invited. One hundred and fifty-eight women accepted to be included. Participants completed a study questionnaire about sociodemographic factors, lifestyle habits, and medical history; the Rome III questionnaire; and the visual analog scale for irritable bowel syndrome (VAS-IBS). Participants were categorized into collagenous colitis (CC) (n = 92) and lymphocytic colitis (LC) (n = 66) or MC with one episode of the disease (n = 70) and refractory MC (n = 88). Presence of IBS-like symptoms were noted. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for anti-transglutaminase antibodies. Differences between groups were calculated and logistic regression was adjusted for smoking habits.

RESULTS

MC and celiac disease debuted simultaneously in half of the cases. Celiac disease was most prevalent in LC (12.1% vs. 3.3%; p = 0.05) and MC with one episode (12.9% vs. 2.3%; p = 0.01). Anti-transglutaminase antibodies were found in one patient with one episode of MC. Corticosteroid use was most often found in CC (37.0% vs. 21.2%; p = 0.037) and refractory MC (38.6% vs. 20.0%; p = 0.015). Past smokers were most prevalent in patients with one episode of MC (54.3 vs. 29.5%; p = 0.007). Current smoking was the smoking habit with highest prevalence of IBS-like symptoms. When adjusted for smoking habits, celiac disease was associated with LC (OR: 4.222; 95% CI: 1.020-17.469; p = 0.047) and tended to be inversely associated with refractory MC (OR: 0.210; 95% CI: 0.042-1.506; p = 0.058).

CONCLUSION

Celiac disease is most common in patients with one episode of LC. The question remains whether LC in combination with celiac disease should be classified as celiac disease or two different entities.

Better Breathing, Tougher Speaking? A Scoping Review of the Effects of Inhaled Corticosteroids on the Voice Quality of Asthmatic Children

BACKGROUND

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are a common treatment for certain lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder in adults, and asthma across the lifespan. There is a link between the use of ICS and dysphonia in adults. This scoping review aims to investigate the incidence of dysphonia, in children aged under 12, who use ICS to treat asthma.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted, in accordance with the guidelines prescribed by Arksey and O'Malley (2005). ASHAWire, Science Direct, PubMed, and ProQuest databases were searched. Out of the total yield of 1471 articles, four articles met the inclusion criteria, that is, were primary studies reporting on voice quality in children who use ICS, who present with asthma and/or allergy.

RESULTS

The majority of papers yielded from the initial search were retrieved because of the use of the term "dysphonia" in the basic definitions of asthma and descriptors of its side effects. Only four studies presented primary data about the presence of dysphonia in asthmatic children (with or without comorbid allergic conditions). None specifically investigated the relationship between ICS and dysphonia. Research questions focused on side effects associated with allergies and asthma, which included some information about medication. Only three of the four studies conducted a comprehensive review of the voice and utilized video laryngoscopy.

DISCUSSION

The evidence of a relationship, between ICS and dysphonia in children, is not conclusive, and is complicated by the connection between asthma, and breath support for phonation. There is a need for more thorough and focused investigation of the relationship between ICS, with or without bronchodilator use, and any resultant effects on children's vocal quality.

Association between oral corticosteroid starting dose and the incidence of pneumonia in Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis: a nation-wide claims database study

Background/Aims

A previous study demonstrated that half of patients started oral corticosteroids (OCS) for ulcerative colitis (UC) exacerbations at lower doses than recommended by Japanese treatment guidelines (initial OCS prednisolone equivalent dose, 30-40 mg). This may relate to physician's concern about infection, especially pneumonia including Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP), from high OCS doses. We assessed whether pneumonia incidence is increased with guideline-recommended OCS initial doses.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used the Japan Medical Data Center claims database (2012-2021). The whole cohort consisted of all UC patients who started OCS during the study period meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The matched cohort was created by propensity score matching; the lower (initial OCS dose < 30 mg), guideline-recommended (30-40 mg), and higher groups ( > 40 mg) in a 2:2:1 ratio. Pneumonia incidence in the primary analysis was evaluated in the matched cohort. A Poisson regression model determined pneumonia-related risk factors in the whole cohort.

Results

After screening, 3,349 patients comprised the whole cohort; 1,775 patients comprised the matched cohort (lower dose, n = 710; guideline-recommended dose, n = 710; higher dose, n = 355). The incidence of any pneumonia was low; no differences were observed in incidence rates across these dose subgroups. In total, 3 PJP cases were found in the whole cohort, but not detected in the matched cohort. Several risk factors for any pneumonia were identified, including age, higher comorbidities index, treatment in large facility and hospitalization.

Conclusions

The incidence of pneumonia, including PJP, in UC patients was low across initial OCS dose treatment subgroups.

The effectiveness of glucocorticoid treatment in post-COVID-19 pulmonary involvement

RATIONALE

Persistent respiratory symptoms following Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) are associated with residual radiological changes in lung parenchyma, with a risk of development into lung fibrosis, and with impaired pulmonary function. Previous studies hinted at the possible efficacy of corticosteroids (CS) in facilitating the resolution of post-COVID residual changes in the lungs, but the available data is limited.

AIM

To evaluate the effects of CS treatment in post-COVID respiratory syndrome patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Post-COVID patients were recruited into a prospective single-center observational study and scheduled for an initial (V1) and follow-up visit (V2) at the Department of Respiratory Medicine and Tuberculosis, University Hospital Olomouc, comprising of pulmonary function testing, chest x-ray, and complex clinical examination. The decision to administer CS or maintain watchful waiting (WW) was in line with Czech national guidelines.

RESULTS

The study involved 2729 COVID-19 survivors (45.7% male; mean age: 54.6). From 2026 patients with complete V1 data, 131 patients were indicated for CS therapy. These patients showed significantly worse radiological and functional impairment at V1. Mean initial dose was 27.6 mg (SD ± 10,64), and the mean duration of CS therapy was 13.3 weeks (SD ± 10,06). Following therapy, significantly better improvement of static lung volumes and transfer factor for carbon monoxide (DLCO), and significantly better rates of good or complete radiological and subjective improvement were observed in the CS group compared to controls with available follow-up data (n = 894).

CONCLUSION

Better improvement of pulmonary function, radiological findings and subjective symptoms were observed in patients CS compared to watchful waiting. Our findings suggest that glucocorticoid therapy could benefit selected patients with persistent dyspnea, significant radiological changes, and decreased DLCO.

Direct medical cost related to the management of pemphigus: A pilot Tunisian study

INTRODUCTION

Pemphigus is a therapeutically challenging disease with high morbidity and economic burden. First-line prescription of rituximab remains limited in Tunisia due to its high cost. Systemic steroids remain the standard of care but are associated with a major risk of morbidities and higher treatment costs.

AIM

To assess the direct medical costs of pemphigus in Tunisia.

METHODS

Retrospective estimation of direct medical costs during the 18 months following the diagnosis using the "bottom-up approach" in the Dermatology Department of Hedi Chaker Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia.

RESULTS

Total medical costs were estimated at 38745.7 €, with an average cost of 1 210 € per patient and per year: paraclinical investigations (46%), medical treatment (30%), hospitalization (21%) and outpatient visits (3%). The average cost was the highest in the age group of 15-24 years (1553 €). Treatment costs related to corticosteroid-induced morbidity were estimated at 1208 €.

CONCLUSIONS

The management of pemphigus in Tunisia needs to be adapted to take into account the health economic analysis in order to reduce overall disease costs and the burden of steroid-induced morbidities.

Naomi Rothfield, MD, MACR: A Giant Gift in a Small Package

Naomi Rothfield was truly a pied piper of lupus. She had an abiding interest in the characterization and clinical significance of antinuclear antibodies and anti-DNA antibodies in the serum of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. She described the use of serum complement in SLE diagnosis and the association of inherited complement deficiencies with SLE. Under her leadership, numerous professionals focused their clinical and research activities to benefit lupus patients. Naomi was also instrumental in establishing a lupus group to assist lupus patients, which became one of the founding chapters of the Lupus Foundation of America.

Comparison Between Pre-COVID and Post-COVID Mucormycosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Introduction

Mucormycosis has emerged as one of the most fatal complications arising due to COVID-19, though it has to be mentioned that the disease is capable of causing serious illness even on its own.

Objectives

Through this investigation, we would review the threat that mucormycosis poses, in terms of its prevalence and degree of severity both in the pre- and post-COVID world.

Materials and Methods

A comprehensive examination of the studies published in online databases turned up 207 papers, 103 of which had undergone in-depth analysis, using both inclusion and exclusion criteria, shortlisting 15 studies that were appropriate for reviewing.

Results

The incidence of mucormycosis was linked to coronavirus in 7 of the 15 studies that were chosen. The remaining eight studies had sufferers of various systemic diseases, like HIV/AIDS and diabetes.

Discussion

All the cases suffered diabetes mellitus. Regardless of the time period of the chosen article, corticosteroids and antifungal medications were administered to all patients. There were noticeable differences in terms of mortality, predisposing factors, and virulence between pre-COVID and post-COVID mucormycosis.

Summary and Conclusion

The prevalence of systemic conditions such as diabetes in cases of mucormycosis has remained the same even after the incidence of this pandemic, showing that the basic treatment modalities continue to remain the same irrespective of the damage that corona virus has caused to the sufferer, although mucormycosis arising due to COVID-19 differs from mucormycosis that was incident before the advent of the pandemic.

Exploring the influence of the microbiome on the pharmacology of anti-asthmatic drugs

The microbiome is increasingly implicated in playing a role in physiology and pharmacology; in this review, we investigate the literature on the possibility of bacterial influence on the pharmacology of anti-asthmatic drugs, and the potential impact this has on asthmatic patients. Current knowledge in this area of research reveals an interaction between the gut and lung microbiome and the development of asthma. The influence of microbiome on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anti-asthmatic drugs is limited; however, understanding this interaction will assist in creating a more efficient treatment approach. This literature review highlighted that bioaccumulation and biotransformation in the presence of certain gut bacterial strains could affect drug metabolism in anti-asthmatic drugs. Furthermore, the bacterial richness in the lungs and the gut can influence drug efficacy and could also play a role in drug response. The implications of the above findings suggest that the microbiome is a contributing factor to an individuals' pharmacological response to anti-asthmatic drugs. Hence, future directions for research should follow investigating how these processes affect asthmatic patients and consider the role of the microbiome on drug efficacy and modify treatment guidelines accordingly.