RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Despite multiple antibiotics being available to manage dental infections (DI), there is lack of data comparing commonly prescribed antibiotics in India. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the real-world effectiveness and tolerability of cephalexin-clavulanic acid fixed-dose combination (cephalexin CV FDC) in contrast with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (co-amoxiclav FDC) and cefuroxime among patients with dental infections (odontogenic) in India. METHODS: This retrospective, multi-centric, observational, real-world electronic medical record (EMR)-based study was conducted between January 2022 and December 2022. The EMRs of 355 adults with DI receiving oral cephalexin CV, co-amoxiclav, or cefuroxime were categorized into two distinct groups: Group I (Test Group) with patients prescribed cephalexin extended release 375/750 mg along with clavulanic acid 125 mg; and Group II (Comparator Group) with patients prescribed co-amoxiclav 625 mg (500 mg amoxicillin + 125 mg clavulanic acid) or cefuroxime (250 mg/500 mg). RESULTS: Toothache was the most common complaint, reported by 95.5% of patients, followed by swelling (46.8%), tooth sensitivity (35.5%), pus discharge (33.0%), redness and halitosis (30.4% each). Dental caries was observed in 81.1% of patients. Clinical improvement, defined as improvement/partial resolution of infection-related clinical signs and symptoms (composite measure of pain, swelling, fever, requirement of additional antimicrobial therapy) as per dentists' judgment, was recorded in 98.3% of patients with cephalexin CV, 96.8% of patients with co-amoxiclav, and 98.9% of patients treated with cefuroxime within 10 days. Time (days) to clinical improvement was numerically lesser among patients receiving cephalexin CV (4.6 ± 2.0) compared with cefuroxime (4.9 ± 2.1) and co-amoxiclav (5.0 ± 2.6). All treatments were well tolerated. CONCLUSION: Cephalexin CV was as effective as co-amoxiclav and cefuroxime, with faster clinical improvement and better resolution of certain symptoms.
RESUMO
In coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, dysregulated release of matrix metalloproteinases occurs during the inflammatory phase of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), resulting in epithelial and endothelial injury with excessive fibroproliferation. COVID-19 resembles idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in several aspects. The fibrotic response in IPF is driven primarily by an abnormally activated alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) which release cytokines to activate fibroblasts. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is postulated to be one of the early triggers in both diseases. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a heterogeneous autoimmune rare connective tissue characterised by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common complication and the leading cause of SSc-related death. Several corollaries have been discussed in this paper for new drug development based on the pathogenic events in these three disorders associated with pulmonary fibrosis. A careful consideration of the similarities and differences in the pathogenic events associated with the development of lung fibrosis in post-COVID patients, IPF patients and patients with SSc-ILD may pave the way for precision medicine. Several questions need to be answered through research, which include the potential role of antifibrotics in managing IPF, SSc-ILD and post-COVID fibrosis. Many trials that are underway will ultimately shed light on their potency and place in therapy.
RESUMO
Severe asthma can be associated with eosinophilic or allergic phenotypes or both. Eosinophilic inflammation is associated with exacerbations and disease severity due to biological activity of interleukin-5 (IL-5). Patients with severe asthma have reported reduced lung function and poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and may require systemic corticosteroids for its management. Thus, treatment targeting IL-5 can help improve quality of life and reduce the use of systemic corticosteroids in severe asthma. Mepolizumab is approved for treating severe eosinophilic asthma as it helps reduce exacerbations, improve lung function and asthma control, and reduce the use of systemic glucocorticoids. This further helps in enhancing HRQoL of these patients. This case series includes four adult patients suffering from severe eosinophilic asthma who were treated with mepolizumab.