Factor Analysis of Fatigue in the Early Stages of Cancer Chemotherapy.

Patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer frequently experience fatigue, which can significantly lower their quality of life and interfere with treatment. However, the risk factors for the occurrence of chemotherapy-induced fatigue (CIF) are unclear. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of CIF in 415 patients newly treated with chemotherapy at Fukuoka University Hospital between December 2020 and July 2022, and analyzed the factors that influence the occurrence of fatigue. The observation period was defined as the two-week period starting from the day after the induction of chemotherapy, and we collected data retrospectively from medical records. Fatigue was assessed based on Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0 by pharmacists who interviewed patients. The prevalence of fatigue was 56.4% (234/415). Nausea and vomiting, anorexia, hypoalbuminemia, and a high blood urea nitrogen/creatinine (BUN/Cr) ratio were extracted as risk factors for CIF. The prevalence of fatigue in 95 patients with nausea and vomiting was 83.2% (79/95), of whom 74.7% (59/79) had concomitant anorexia. Patients with nausea and vomiting had a high prevalence of both fatigue and anorexia, indicating that control for nausea and vomiting is crucial for the prevention of CIF. The serum albumin level reflects the nutritional status of patients approximately three weeks before chemotherapy, and BUN/Cr ≥20 indicates dehydration. Patients with a poor nutritional status or dehydration should be closely monitored for fatigue before and during treatment. These findings offer new prospects for healthcare providers to avoid or reduce CIF and improve patients' quality of life by early control of CIF risk factors.

Efficacy and safety of empagliflozin: a "real-world" experience from Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are new agents for treating type 2 diabetes. In addition to the glycemic benefits, these agents provide cardiorenal protection in patients with diabetes and without diabetes. There is consistent evidence that these agents increase the risk of genitourinary infections and dehydration, but randomized controlled trials have not included patients from the Middle East. OBJECTIVES: Determine the efficacy and safety of empagliflozin, specifically whether the genitourinary infection risk differs in our population and whether there is an increased risk of dehydration, ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia, and hospitalization with fasting. DESIGN: Retrospective review of medical records. SETTINGS: Department of medicine at tertiary care center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the electronic records of patients with type 2 diabetes who took empagliflozin from 1 December 2018 to 30 November 2019. We collected safety and efficacy data for 12 months from the initiation of treatment. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Glycemic and weight loss efficacy, risk of hospitalization due to hypoglycemia, dehydration, and genitourinary infections. SAMPLE SIZE: 637 patients. RESULTS: We observed an improvement in glycated hemoglobin, a 4.2% weight loss, improved left ventricular function, stable serum creatinine, and reduced albuminuria. Our patients did not have an increased risk of genitourinary infections, hypoglycemia, dehydration, ketoacidosis, or hospitalizations. Fasting did not increase the incidence of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Empagliflozin is safe and effective in our local population. We hypothesize that glycosuria induced by empagliflozin is not the sole contributor to the increased risk of genitourinary infections. Local hygiene and circumcision might reduce this risk. Empagliflozin can be used safely during fasting. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective design. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.

Safety of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) during the month of Ramadan in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Pakistani population-an observational study from a tertiary care center in Karachi.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Primary aim was to assess the safety of SGLT2-i in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D) in a real-life scenario during Ramadan by finding the frequency and severity of hypoglycemic/hyperglycemic events, dehydration, and Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Secondary aim was to assess changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), weight and creatinine levels. METHODS: This prospective, observational, controlled cohort study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan from March 15 to June 30, 2021. Participants were over 21 years of age, on stable doses of SGLT2-I, which was started at least 2 months before Ramadan. Endpoint assessments were done 1 month before and within 6 weeks after Ramadan. RESULTS: Of 102 participants enrolled, 82 completed the study. Most (52%) were males, with mean age 52.2 ± 9.5 years and average duration of T2D 11.2 ± 6.5 years. 63% were on Empagliflozin (mean dose; 14.8 ± 7.2 mg/day) whereas 37% were on Dapagliflozin (mean dose; 8.2 ± 2.7 mg/day). Six (7.3%) documented symptoms of hypoglycemia. However, no episode of severe hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, dehydration, DKA, hospitalization or discontinuation of SGLT2i was reported. HbA1c changes were (7.7 ± 1.2% from 7.9 ± 2.3%, p 0.34), weight (78.4 ± 12.9 kgs from 78.9 ± 13.3, p 0.23) and eGFR (87.8 ± 27.9 from 94.3 ± 37.6, p < 0.001). The reasons of study participants drop outs were: six did not keep any fasts; four discontinued study participation for personal reasons; three were out of city and missed post Ramadan follow-up, two protocol violation and five could not be contacted for post-Ramadan follow up during the third wave of COVID-19. CONCLUSION: Results showed the safety of SGLT2i agents during Ramadan in the Pakistani population recommending it as a treatment option in adults with T2D, without any additional adverse events.

Furosemide-induced systemic dehydration alters the proteome of rabbit vocal folds.

Whole-body dehydration (i.e., systemic dehydration) leads to vocal fold tissue dehydration. Furosemide, a common diuretic prescribed to treat hypertension and edema-associated conditions, induces systemic dehydration. Furosemide also causes voice changes in human speakers, making this method of systemic dehydration particularly interesting for vocal fold dehydration studies. Our objective was to obtain a comprehensive proteome of vocal folds following furosemide-induced systemic dehydration. New Zealand White rabbits were used as the animal model and randomly assigned to euhydrated (control) or furosemide-dehydrated groups. Systemic dehydration, induced by injectable furosemide, was verified by an average body weight loss of -5.5% and significant percentage changes in blood analytes in the dehydrated rabbits compared to controls. Vocal fold specimens, including mucosa and muscle, were processed for proteomic analysis using label-free quantitation LC-MS/MS. Over 1600 proteins were successfully identified across all vocal fold samples; and associated with a variety of cellular components and ubiquitous cell functions. Protein levels were compared between groups showing 32 proteins differentially regulated (p ≤ 0.05) in the dehydrated vocal folds. These are mainly involved with mitochondrial translation and metabolism. The downregulation of proteins involved in mitochondrial metabolism in the vocal folds suggests a mechanism to prevent oxidative stress associated with systemic dehydration. SIGNIFICANCE: Voice disorders affect different population demographics worldwide with one in 13 adults in the United States reporting voice problems annually. Vocal fold systemic hydration is clinically recognized for preventing and treating voice problems and depends on optimal body hydration primarily achieved by water intake. Herein, we use the rabbit as a translatable animal model, and furosemide as a translatable method of systemic dehydration, to reveal a comprehensive proteomic profile of vocal fold mucosa and muscle in response to systemic dehydration. The significant subset of proteins differentially regulated due to furosemide-induced dehydration offer novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of systemic dehydration in the vocal folds. These findings also deepen our understanding of changes to tissue biology after diuretic administration.

Risk Factors and Medical Symptoms Associated With Electronic Vapor Product Use Among Adolescents and Young Adults.

The use of electronic vapor products (EVPs) has increased dramatically in the past decade. The objectives of our study were to examine the frequency of EVP use; to identify demographic characteristics, risk-taking behaviors, and beliefs about vaping; and to determine symptoms associated with EVPs among adolescents. A questionnaire addressing these objectives was administered to a convenience sample of subjects aged 12 to 23 years. Among 494 completed questionnaires, 80% of responders were considered experimenters/nonusers (never tried or tried one time) and 20% were considered frequent users (at least once a month). We identified demographic features and risk-taking behaviors associated with EVP use. In the previous 6 months, frequent users were more likely to report headache, cough, sleep disturbances, dehydration, weakness, racing heart, chest pain, and tremors. Our findings provide evidence to support efforts to decrease EVP use through screening, education, and preventative strategies.

Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show?

Supplementing with creatine is very popular amongst athletes and exercising individuals for improving muscle mass, performance and recovery. Accumulating evidence also suggests that creatine supplementation produces a variety of beneficial effects in older and patient populations. Furthermore, evidence-based research shows that creatine supplementation is relatively well tolerated, especially at recommended dosages (i.e. 3-5 g/day or 0.1 g/kg of body mass/day). Although there are over 500 peer-refereed publications involving creatine supplementation, it is somewhat surprising that questions regarding the efficacy and safety of creatine still remain. These include, but are not limited to: 1. Does creatine lead to water retention? 2. Is creatine an anabolic steroid? 3. Does creatine cause kidney damage/renal dysfunction? 4. Does creatine cause hair loss / baldness? 5. Does creatine lead to dehydration and muscle cramping? 6. Is creatine harmful for children and adolescents? 7. Does creatine increase fat mass? 8. Is a creatine 'loading-phase' required? 9. Is creatine beneficial for older adults? 10. Is creatine only useful for resistance / power type activities? 11. Is creatine only effective for males? 12. Are other forms of creatine similar or superior to monohydrate and is creatine stable in solutions/beverages? To answer these questions, an internationally renowned team of research experts was formed to perform an evidence-based scientific evaluation of the literature regarding creatine supplementation.

Cellular dehydration acutely degrades mood mainly in women: a counterbalanced, crossover trial.

It is unclear if mild-to-moderate dehydration independently affects mood without confounders like heat exposure or exercise. This study examined the acute effect of cellular dehydration on mood. Forty-nine adults (55 % female, age 39 (sd 8) years) were assigned to counterbalanced, crossover trials. Intracellular dehydration was induced with 2-h (0·1 ml/kg per min) 3 % hypertonic saline (HYPER) infusion or 0·9 % isotonic saline (ISO) as a control. Plasma osmolality increased in HYPER (pre 285 (sd 3), post 305 (sd 4) mmol/kg; P < 0·05) but remained unchanged in ISO (pre 285 (sd 3), post 288 (sd 3) mmol/kg; P > 0·05). Mood was assessed with the short version of the Profile of Mood States Questionnaire (POMS). The POMS sub-scale (confusion-bewilderment, depression-dejection, fatigue-inertia) increased in HYPER compared with ISO (P < 0·05). Total mood disturbance score (TMD) assessed by POMS increased from 10·3 (sd 0·9) to 16·6 (sd 1·7) in HYPER (P < 0·01), but not in ISO (P > 0·05). When TMD was stratified by sex, the increase in the HYPER trial was significant in females (P < 0·01) but not in males (P > 0·05). Following infusion, thirst and copeptin (surrogate for vasopressin) were also higher in females than in males (21·3 (sd 2·0), 14·1 (sd 1·4) pmol/l; P < 0·01) during HYPER. In conclusion, cellular dehydration acutely degraded specific aspects of mood mainly in women. The mechanisms underlying sex differences may be related to elevated thirst and vasopressin.

Sugar-Induced Obesity and Insulin Resistance Are Uncoupled from Shortened Survival in Drosophila.

High-sugar diets cause thirst, obesity, and metabolic dysregulation, leading to diseases including type 2 diabetes and shortened lifespan. However, the impact of obesity and water imbalance on health and survival is complex and difficult to disentangle. Here, we show that high sugar induces dehydration in adult Drosophila, and water supplementation fully rescues their lifespan. Conversely, the metabolic defects are water-independent, showing uncoupling between sugar-induced obesity and insulin resistance with reduced survival in vivo. High-sugar diets promote accumulation of uric acid, an end-product of purine catabolism, and the formation of renal stones, a process aggravated by dehydration and physiological acidification. Importantly, regulating uric acid production impacts on lifespan in a water-dependent manner. Furthermore, metabolomics analysis in a human cohort reveals that dietary sugar intake strongly predicts circulating purine levels. Our model explains the pathophysiology of high-sugar diets independently of obesity and insulin resistance and highlights purine metabolism as a pro-longevity target.

Cabazitaxel plus carboplatin for the treatment of men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancers: a randomised, open-label, phase 1-2 trial.

BACKGROUND: Taxane-platinum combinations have shown promising activity in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancers in single-group clinical studies but not in randomised trials. Distinct biological subsets of the disease might derive the greatest benefit from the addition of platinum. We aimed to determine whether adding carboplatin to cabazitaxel would improve the outcomes of men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. METHODS: We did a phase 1-2, open label, randomised study at two centres in men with progressive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. In phase 1, patients received intravenous cabazitaxel 20-25 mg/m2 and intravenous carboplatin area under the curve (AUC) 3-4 mg/mL per min every 21 days. The maximum tolerated dose was defined as the highest dose cohort studied in which one of six or fewer patients experienced a dose-limiting toxicity. In phase 2, patients were randomly assigned (1:1) centrally by a computerised algorithm to intravenous cabazitaxel 25 mg/m2 with or without intravenous carboplatin AUC 4 mg/mL per min. All patients received growth factor support and oral prednisone 10 mg daily. The primary endpoints were the maximum tolerated dose of the combination in phase 1 and investigator-assessed progression-free survival in phase 2. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01505868. FINDINGS: Between Aug 17, 2012, and May 11, 2015, nine patients completed phase 1 as planned, and 160 were randomly assigned to cabazitaxel (n=79) or cabazitaxel plus carboplatin (n=81) in phase 2. During phase I, grade 3 adverse events were anaemia (n=2), fatigue (n=1), thrombocytopenia (n=1), hypomagnesaemia (n=1), diarrhoea (n=1), hypokalaemia (n=1), anorexia (n=1), and dehydration (n=1), and no grade 4 adverse events occurred. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed, therefore, a maximum tolerated dose of cabazitaxel of 25 mg/m2 and carboplatin of AUC 4 mg/mL per min was selected for phase 2. At a median follow-up of 31·0 months (IQR 20·5-37·1), the combination improved the median progression-free survival from 4·5 months (95% CI 3·5-5·7) to 7·3 months (95% CI 5·5-8·2; hazard ratio 0·69, 95% CI 0·50-0·95, p=0·018). In the phase 2 study, the most common grade 3-5 adverse events were fatigue (7 [9%] of 79 in the cabazitaxel group vs 16 [20%] of 81 in the combination group), anaemia (3 [4%] vs 19 [23%]), neutropenia (3 [4%] vs 13 [16%]), and thrombocytopenia (1 [1%] vs 11 [14%]). There were no treatment-related deaths. INTERPRETATION: Carboplatin added to cabazitaxel showed improved clinical efficacy compared with cabazitaxel alone for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Although adverse events were more common with the combination, the treatment was safe and generally well tolerated. Our data suggest that taxane-platinum combinations have a clinically beneficial role in advanced prostate cancer and a randomised phase 3 study is planned. FUNDING: Sanofi Genzyme, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Prostate Cancer Moon Shot Program, and Solon Scott III Prostate Cancer Research Fund.

Individualised axitinib regimen for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma after treatment with checkpoint inhibitors: a multicentre, single-arm, phase 2 study.

BACKGROUND: Checkpoint inhibitor therapy is a standard of care for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Treatment options after checkpoint inhibitor therapy include vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGF-R) tyrosine kinase inhibitors, although no prospective data regarding their use in this setting exist. Axitinib is a VEGF-R inhibitor with clinical data supporting increased activity with dose titration. We aimed to investigate the activity of dose titrated axitinib in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma who were previously treated with checkpoint inhibitor. METHODS: We did a multicentre, phase 2 trial of axitinib given on an individualised dosing algorithm. Patients at least 18 years of age with histologically or cytologically confirmed locally recurrent or metastatic renal cell carcinoma with clear cell histology, a Karnofsky Performance Status of 70% or more, and measurable disease who received checkpoint inhibitor therapy as the most recent treatment were eligible. There was no limit on number of previous therapies received. Patients received oral axitinib at a starting dose of 5 mg twice daily with dose titration every 14 days in 1 mg increments (ie, 5 mg twice daily to 6 mg twice daily, up to 10 mg twice daily maximum dose) if there was no axitinib-related grade 2 or higher mucositis, diarrhoea, hand-foot syndrome, or fatigue. If one or more of these grade 2 adverse events occurred, axitinib was withheld for 3 days before the same dose was resumed. Dose reductions were made if recurrent grade 2 adverse events despite treatment breaks or grade 3-4 adverse events occurred. The primary outcome was progression-free survival. Analyses were done per protocol in all patients who received at least one dose of axitinib. Recruitment has been completed and the trial is ongoing. This trial is registered with ClincalTrials.gov, number NCT02579811. FINDINGS: Between Jan 5, 2016 and Feb 21, 2018, 40 patients were enrolled and received at least one dose of study treatment. With a median follow-up of 8·7 months (IQR 3·7-14·2), the median progression-free survival was 8·8 months (95% CI 5·7-16·6). Fatigue (83%) and hypertension (75%) were the most common all-grade adverse events. The most common grade 3 adverse event was hypertension (24 patients [60%]). There was one (3%) grade 4 adverse event (elevated lipase) and no treatment-related deaths occurred. Serious adverse events that were likely related to therapy occurred in eight (20%) patients; the most common were dehydration (n=4) and diarrhoea (n=2). INTERPRETATION: Individualised axitinib dosing in patients with metastatic renal cell inoma previously treated with checkpoint inhibitors did not meet the prespecified threshold for progression free survival, but these data show that this individualised titration scheme is feasible and has robust clinical activity. These prospective results warrant consideration of axitinib in this setting. FUNDING: Pfizer.

Effects of dehydration on echocardiographic diastolic parameters in healthy cats.

This study aimed to assess the effects of dehydration on echocardiographic indices in healthy cats: specifically, it aimed to assess the effects of volume depletion on diastolic function. Nine experimental cats were subjected to both a dehydration and placebo protocol separated by a 21-day washout period. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and on completion of each protocol. Results were compared between the two protocols. Volume depletion was induced by intravenous administration of furosemide. Volume depletion showed a significant association with increased interventricular septal and left ventricular free wall thickness at end-diastole, decreased left ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole, and left atrial diameter at end-systole. The peak early (E) and late (A) diastolic filling velocities, and the peak early diastolic velocities (E') were significantly decreased by dehydration. Volume depletion did not affect peak longitudinal strain rate during early diastole, E/A, or E/E'. Volume depletion significantly affected the echocardiographic diastolic indices and conventional echocardiographic parameters in healthy cats.

Preventive effect of purgative manna on neonatal jaundice: A double blind randomized controlled clinical trial.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cotoneaster nummularioides Pojark manna (Shir-e-Khesht) is popular in Persian medicine. Different effects of some Cotoneaster species manna include antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, and hepatoprotective effects, as well as bilirubin serum levels reduction. Cotoneaster species manna is used in many parts of Iran as a laxative and accelerates the passage of meconium. Neonatal jaundice has relatively costly and sometimes invasive therapeutic interventions, which its prevention from becoming severe cases can be a priority in neonatal medicine. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an herbal product (Purgative Manna, native to Iran and Asian countries) in preventing severe cases of jaundice and reducing total bilirubin levels in neonates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial included full-term babies. Four hundred and forty-five (445) eligible neonates were assigned to two groups using the block balanced randomization method; 222 neonates received the Purgative Manna product as drops, and 223 neonates received placebo drops. The neonates received a dose of 5 drops per kilogram of neonatal weight (divided into three doses per day) for three days. The treatment period was three days, and a 24-h (three times) examination was performed to measure the initial outcome of the trial (i.e., the total serum bilirubin level). The secondary outcomes of this trial were the need for hospitalization due to jaundice and/or phototherapy from 4 to 14 days after birth, the frequency of defecation within 24 h, and the triple complications of diarrhoea, dehydration symptoms, and abdominal colic. RESULTS: In this study, 220 neonates in the Purgative Manna product group and 222 neonates in the placebo group completed their interventions within the predicted period of the study. At the end of study, the total bilirubin level in the Purgative Manna treated group was significantly lower than that of the placebo group. The difference between the mean total bilirubin levels of the two groups was approximately 2.1 mg/dl on the third day after treatment, with an effect size of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.06-0.98). The relative risk for reducing the need for hospitalization or phototherapy in the group treated with Purgative Manna drops was 0.26, compared with the placebo group. The risk of occurrence of severe jaundice or phototherapy in the Purgative Manna group was 75% lower than that of the placebo group. The median frequency of defecation in the intervention group at three time intervals in the first, second and third days after treatment was 1-2 times more than that of the comparison group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Meanwhile, considering the fact that one in every eight neonates who used the product avoided having a severe and high-risk case of jaundice or the need for phototherapy intervention (even through an exchange transfusion), the use of Purgative Manna drops can be recommended; however, further study is necessary.

Reduced-dose combination chemotherapy (S-1 plus oxaliplatin) versus full-dose monotherapy (S-1) in older vulnerable patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (NORDIC9): a randomised, open-label phase 2 trial.

BACKGROUND: Older or vulnerable patients with metastatic colorectal cancer are seldom included in randomised trials. The multicentre NORDIC9 trial evaluated reduced-dose combination chemotherapy compared with full-dose monotherapy in older, vulnerable patients. METHODS: This randomised, open-label phase 2 trial was done in 23 Nordic oncology clinics and included patients aged 70 years or older with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer who were not candidates for full-dose combination chemotherapy. Patients were block randomised (1:1) using a web-based tool to full-dose S-1 (30 mg/m2 orally twice daily on days 1-14 every 3 weeks) followed by second-line treatment at progression with irinotecan (250 mg/m2 intravenously on day 1 every 3 weeks or 180 mg/m2 intravenously on day 1 every 2 weeks) or reduced-dose combination chemotherapy with S-1 (20 mg/m2 orally twice daily on days 1-14) and oxaliplatin (100 mg/m2 intravenously on day 1 every 3 weeks) followed by second-line treatment at progression with S-1 (20 mg/m2 orally twice daily on days 1-14) and irinotecan (180 mg/m2 intravenously on day 1 every 3 weeks). Use of bevacizumab (7·5 mg/kg intravenously on day 1 of each cycle) was optional. Treatment allocation was not masked and randomisation was stratified for institution and bevacizumab. The primary outcome was progression-free survival. Survival analyses were by intention to treat and safety analyses were done on the treated population. This trial is registered with EudraCT, number 2014-000394-39, and is closed to new participants. FINDINGS: From March 9, 2015, to Oct 11, 2017, 160 patients with a median age of 78 years (IQR 76-81) were randomly assigned to full-dose monotherapy (n=83) or reduced-dose combination chemotherapy (n=77). At data cutoff (Sept 1, 2018; median follow-up 23·8 months [IQR 18·8-30·9]), 81 (98%) patients in the full-dose monotherapy group and 71 (92%) patients in the reduced-dose combination group had progressed or died. Median progression-free survival was significantly longer with reduced-dose combination chemotherapy (6·2 months [95% CI 5·3-8·3]) than with full-dose monotherapy (5·3 months [4·1-6·8]; hazard ratio [HR] 0·72 [95% CI 0·52-0·99]; p=0·047). Toxicity was evaluated in 157 patients who received treatment. Significantly more patients in the full-dose monotherapy group (51 [62%] of 82 patients) experienced at least one grade 3-4 adverse event than in the reduced-dose combination group (32 [43%] of 75 patients; p=0·014). Grade 3-4 diarrhoea (12 [15%] vs two [3%]; p=0·018), fatigue (ten [12%] vs three [4%]; p=0·083), and dehydration (five [6%] vs none; p=0·060) were more frequent in the full-dose monotherapy group than in the reduced-dose combination group. Treatment-related deaths occurred in three patients during first-line treatment and three patients during second-line treatment (two in the full-dose monotherapy group vs one in the reduced-dose combination group in both cases). INTERPRETATION: Reduced-dose combination chemotherapy with S-1 and oxaliplatin for older, vulnerable patients with metastatic colorectal cancer was more effective and resulted in less toxicity than full-dose monotherapy with S-1. Reduced-dose combination chemotherapy could be a preferred treatment for this population. FUNDING: Taiho Pharmaceuticals, Nordic Group, the Danish Cancer Society, the Swedish Cancer Society, Academy of Geriatric Research (AgeCare), and Region of Southern Denmark.

Effects of Drugs and Excipients on Hydration Status.

Despite being the most essential nutrient, water is commonly forgotten in the fields of pharmacy and nutrition. Hydration status is determined by water balance (the difference between water input and output). Hypohydration or negative water balance is affected by numerous factors, either internal (i.e., a lack of thirst sensation) or external (e.g., polypharmacy or chronic consumption of certain drugs). However, to date, research on the interaction between hydration status and drugs/excipients has been scarce. Drugs may trigger the appearance of hypohydration by means of the increase of water elimination through either diarrhea, urine or sweat; a decrease in thirst sensation or appetite; or the alteration of central thermoregulation. On the other hand, pharmaceutical excipients induce alterations in hydration status by decreasing the gastrointestinal transit time or increasing the gastrointestinal tract rate or intestinal permeability. In the present review, we evaluate studies that focus on the effects of drugs/excipients on hydration status. These studies support the aim of monitoring the hydration status in patients, mainly in those population segments with a higher risk, to avoid complications and associated pathologies, which are key axes in both pharmaceutical care and the field of nutrition.

[An unusual case of olmesartan induced enteropathy]. / Un cas inhabituel d'entéropathie secondaire à la prise d'olmesartan.

Olmesartan induced enteropathy was first described in 2012. It is a rare adverse effect of this antihypertensive drug. The clinical presentation commonly includes severe chronic diarrhea leading to weight loss and a variable degree of dehydration. Histological findings are most commonly observed in the duodenum and consist of partial or total villous atrophy, increased intraepithelial lymphocytes and inflammation in the lamina propria. Involvement of gastric and colic mucosa has also been described. We report on the case of a 63-year-old man, treated by olmesartan, who presented with severe chronic diarrhea. Biopsies from different levels of the gastrointestinal tract revealed a pandigestive intraepithelial lymphocytosis.

[Management of side effects related to adjuvant hormone therapy in young women with breast cancer]. / Gestion des effets secondaires de l'hormonothérapie du cancer du sein chez la femme jeune.

Despite proven survival benefits after breast cancer, long-trem compliance with adjuvant hormone therapy remains a major issue, partly due to the side effects of treatment. In young women treated for breast cancer, these treatments include tamoxifen, anti-aromatase and LH-RH analogues, with even more side effects when these treatments are combined, especially for younger patients with more aggressive disease. The management of the potential side effects requires first of all detailed and precise information at initiation of treatment, and preventive measures including patient education. Once the treatment has been initiated, clinicians should be able to propose to their patients appropriate measures to alleviate the potential of the side effects, which can be of various types: biological (dyslipidemia), physical (weight gain, hot flushes, vaginal dryness, sexual disorders with low libido, musculoskeletal symptoms…) or psychosocial (anxio-depressive disorders, poor body image, difficulties of professional reintegration). Management of these effects can combine various modalities: drugs (switching hormone therapy, anti-depressants, hormonal treatments of vaginal dryness in some cases, gabapentin), physical treatments (CO2 laser for vulvovaginal atrophy) or psycho-physical techniques (physical activity, mindfulness, acupuncture…). Eventually, the lenghth of these adjuvant hormonal treatments requires supportive measures to help young patients engage in new lifestyle measures, in particular in term of physical activity and diet. This will help them mitigate the symptoms related to these side-effects while reducing the long-term risks related to their disease and treatments.

Hypoxic hepatitis and furosemide.

Hypoxic hepatitis is a rather common complication of heart, circulatory or respiratory failure. We present the case of a patient with hypoxic hepatitis in the setting of heart failure and dehydration from furosemide as a reminder of an important clinical lesson. The pathogenesis of hypoxia (especially in the case of heart failure) is explained by a two-hit mechanism in which the liver at risk of hypoxic injury by passive hepatic congestion (right heart failure) is subsequently exposed to systemic hypoperfusion, which leads to a marked and transient elevation of aminotransferases. In the case presented, the use of furosemide (at least partially) promoted the second hit because it helped to generate hypotension and splanchnic hypovolaemia and favoured hepatic hypoxia.

A Practical Guide for Treatment of Rapidly Progressive ADPKD with Tolvaptan.

In the past, the treatment of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) has been limited to the management of its symptoms and complications. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved tolvaptan as the first drug treatment to slow kidney function decline in adults at risk of rapidly progressing ADPKD. Full prescribing information approved by the FDA provides helpful guidelines but does not address practical questions that are being raised by nephrologists, internists, and general practitioners taking care of patients with ADPKD, and by the patients themselves. In this review, we provide practical guidance and discuss steps that require consideration before and after prescribing tolvaptan to patients with ADPKD to ensure that this treatment is implemented safely and effectively. These steps include confirmation of diagnosis; identification of rapidly progressive disease; implementation of basic renal protective measures; counseling of patients on potential benefits and harms; exclusions to use; education of patients on aquaresis and its expected consequences; initiation, titration, and optimization of tolvaptan treatment; prevention of aquaresis-related complications; evaluation and management of liver enzyme elevations; and monitoring of treatment efficacy. Our recommendations are made on the basis of published evidence and our collective experiences during the randomized, clinical trials and open-label extension studies of tolvaptan in ADPKD.

Rehydration with fructose worsens dehydration-induced renal damage.

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence suggests heat stress induced chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be mediated by endogenous fructose generation and may be exacerbated by rehydration by fructose-containing solutions. We have recently reported a model of CKD induced by heat stress. Here we test the hypothesis that rehydration with fructose may induce worse kidney injury than rehydration with equal amounts of water, and we also test if this fructose-induced injury is associated with activation of inflammasomes in the kidney. METHODS: Mice were recurrently exposed to heat (39.5 C0 for 30 min/h, 5 times daily for 5 wks) with rehydration consisting of 6 ml each night of water (Heat, n = 7) or fructose (Heat+F, 10%, n = 7), and were compared to control mice on water (Control, n = 7) or fructose (Fructose, n = 7). Various markers of renal injury were assessed. RESULTS: Compared to control animals, there was a progressive worsening of renal injury (inflammation and fibrosis) with fructose alone, heat stress alone, and heat stress with fructose rehydration (P < 0.01 by ANOVA). The combination of heat stress with rehydration with fructose was associated with increased intrarenal expression of the inflammasome markers, NLRP3 and IL-18, compared to heat stress alone. In addition, heat stress with or without fructose was associated with increased expression of caspase - 3 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels. Fructose administration was also associated with an increase in serum copeptin levels (a biomarker of vasopressin) and elevated copeptin was also observed in mice undergoing heat stress alone. CONCLUSIONS: These studies suggest that heat stress may activate intrarenal inflammasomes leading to inflammation and renal injury, and provide evidence that rehydration with fructose may accelerate the renal injury and inflammatory response.