Effectiveness and Safety of Nebulized Magnesium as Last Line Treatment in Adults with Acute Asthma Attack: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation, however one-third of asthmatic cases did not respond adequately. Inhaled magnesium has been proposed as a treatment for unresponsive asthma cases. However, its role remains controversial. This review evaluates the effectiveness and safety of nebulized magnesium compared to standard therapy (Beta Agonist, Anticholinergic, Corticosteroid) in adults with acute asthma attacks. METHODS: The protocol has been registered in PROSPERO. A literature search was conducted through PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, ProQuest, and Google Scholar, and using the keywords "inhaled magnesium" and "asthma". Manual searches were carried out through data portals. Journal articles included are randomized controlled trials. The assessment risk of bias was performed using Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. RESULTS: There are five articles included in this review. There is no significant difference in readmission rate and oxygen saturation in the magnesium group compared to control (RR 1; 95% CI 0.92 to 1,08; p= 0,96 and MD 1,82; 95% CI -0.89 to 4.53; p= 0.19, respectively). There is a significant reduction of respiratory rate and clinical severity in magnesium (MD -1,72; 95% CI -3,1 to 0.35; p= 0.01, RR 0.29; 95% CI 0.17 to 0.69; p <0.001, respectively). There was a higher risk of side effects in the magnesium group (HR 1.56; 95%CI 1.05 to 2.32; p= 0.03). However, the side effects are relatively mild such as hypotension and nausea. CONCLUSION: Inhaled magnesium improves the outcome of asthmatic patients, especially in lung function, clinical severity, and respiratory rate. Moreover, inhaled magnesium is safe to be given.

Consensus Guidelines for Influenza Vaccination in Patients with Diabetes.

Influenza is a prevalent health issue encountered in daily practice. Patients with diabetes mellitus face a higher risk of infections, including influenza, owing to the compromised immune system associated with diabetes. This susceptibility arises from the potential of diabetes mellitus to weaken the immune system. Moreover, elevated blood glucose levels can create a conducive environment for the growth of bacteria and viruses. This consensus is formulated by a multidisciplinary team to serve as practical guidance for the administration of influenza vaccinations to patients with diabetes mellitus in daily practice.

Effectiveness of Internet-Based Group Supportive Psychotherapy on Psychic and Somatic Symptoms, Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio, and Heart Rate Variability in Post COVID-19 Syndrome Patients.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 can have serious long term health consequences, which is called Post-COVID-19 Syndrome (PCS). Currently, the available evidence and understanding of PCS management is limited. Because one of the symptoms of PCS is associated to psychological symptoms, psychotherapy is believed to have a role in the management of PCS. This study aimed to identify the effectiveness of supportive psychotherapy in PCS patients at Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital. METHODS: This study was a single blind randomized clinical trial using a pre-and post-test with control group study design. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: a psychotherapy group with 40 participants and an education group with 37 participants. Each group was given internet-based psychotherapy or education three times a week in a form of group consisting of 6-8 participants. Symptom Checklist-90 questionnaire was used to evaluate somatic and psychological symptoms. Heart rate variability and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio were also investigated. Data analysis was performed using the independent T test. RESULTS: An improvement in the SCL-90 score was found to be 17.51 (SD 30.52) in the psychotherapy group and 19.79 (SD 35.10) in the education group, although there was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.771). There was no significant difference between the two groups in decreasing NLR (p = 0.178) and improving HRV (p = 0.560). CONCLUSION: Both internet-based group supportive psychotherapy and education improved psychological and somatic symptoms in PCS patients, although there was no significant difference between the two groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups in decreasing NLR and improving HRV. Suggestions for further research regarding adding frequency of internet-based group psychotherapy in PCS patients and held in the morning to achieve more optimal results.

Asia Pacific perspectives on the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic: A follow-up survey.

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is currently in its third year. This follow-up survey was commissioned by the Asia Pacific Association of Allergy Asthma and Clinical Immunology (APAAACI) Task Force on COVID-19 to compare and contrast changes in the epidemiology, clinical profile, therapeutics and public health measures of the pandemic in the Asia Pacific region. METHODS: A questionnaire-based survey comprising 32 questions was electronically sent out to all 15 member countries of APAAACI using Survey Monkey® from 1 December 2021 to 28 February 2022. RESULTS: Seventeen responses were received from 14/15 (93.4%) member countries and 3 individual members. Mild-to-moderate COVID-19 predominated over severe infection, largely contributed by COVID-19 vaccination programmes in the region. The incidence of vaccine adverse reactions in particular anaphylaxis from messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines was no longer as high as initially anticipated, although perimyocarditis remains a concern in younger males. Novel therapeutics for mild-to-moderate disease including neutralizing antibodies casirivimab/imdevimab (REGEN-COV®) and sotrovimab (Xevudy®), anti-virals Paxlovid® (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) and Molnupiravir pre-exposure prophylaxis for high-risk persons with Tixagevimab and Cilgavimab (Evusheld) are now also available to complement established therapeutics (e.g., remdesivir, dexamethasone and baricitinib) for severe disease. In the transition to endemicity, public health measures are also evolving away from containment/elimination strategies. CONCLUSIONS: With access to internationally recommended standards of care including public health preventive measures, therapeutics and vaccines among most APAAACI member countries, much progress has been made over the 2-year period in minimizing the morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 disease.

Effect of Cholecalciferol Supplementation on Disease Activity and Quality of Life of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study.

BACKGROUND: Increase in the prevalence and survival rates has led to the assessment of disease activity and quality of life of SLE patients as targets in treatment. Cholecalciferol was considered as having a role in reducing disease activity and improving quality of life. METHODS: A double blind, randomized, controlled trial was conducted on female  outpatients aged 18-60 years with SLE, consecutively recruited from September to December 2021 at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital. Sixty subjects who met the research criteria were randomized and equally assigned into the cholecalciferol and placebo groups. The study outcomes were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention. RESULTS: Out of 60 subjects, 27 subjects in cholecalciferol group and 25 subjects in placebo group completed the intervention. There was a significant improvement on the level of vitamin D (ng/ml) after intervention in the cholecalciferol group, from an average of 15,69 ng/ml (8.1-28.2) to 49,90 ng/ml (26-72.1), and for the placebo group from 15,0 ng/ml (8.1-25,0) to 17.35 ng/ml (8.1-48.3) (p<0,000). Results of the MEX-SLEDAI score showed significant differences in both groups after the intervention, with a significant decrease in the cholecalciferol group from 2,67 (0-11) to 1,37 (0-6), compared to the placebo group from 2,6 (0-6) to  2,48 (0-6) (p<0,001). There were no significant differences on the quality of life in both groups. CONCLUSION: Supplementation of cholecalciferol 5000 IU/day for 12 weeks was statistically significant in increasing vitamin D levels and improving disease activity, but did not significantly improve the quality of life of SLE patients.

Supportive Psychotherapy for Healthcare Professionals in The Management of Acute Coronary Syndrome: The Use of Delphi Technique.

BACKGROUND: Supportive psychotherapy (SP) may increase the benefit of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) management, but there is no structured SP as a guideline for healthcare professionals. This study aimed to develop structured SP as a guideline for implementing psychotherapy in the management of ACS patients in intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU). METHODS:  This qualitative study used Delphi technique as a modified Delphi method to reach a consensus among experts of structured SP for healthcare professionals in the management of ACS during hospitalized in ICCU. This was developed using self-reflection, observation, and interview of SP implementation in daily psychosomatic practice, gathering literature reviews, doing focus group discussion (FGD) and interview with ACS survivors. During the Delphi rounds, we interviewed 50 informants as source people using valid questionnaires, to proceed a draft of the SP framework and the structured sessions. The SP framework draft and the structured sessions were evaluated and corrected by experts anonymously until the consensus was reached. The validity of the consensus was tested, using Likert psychometric scale to reach an agreement. Cronbach alpha test was used to assess construct validity with SPSS 20. RESULTS:  All of preparations conducted before the Delphi rounds showed that ACS patients had psychosomatic disorders during in ICCU, that required support. SP is very helpful to reduce the negative impact of this disorders.Off 50 informants answered a valid and reliable questionnaire which supports the above statement. The draft was made based on the above process. The development of SP for healthcare professionals of ACS managements was reached in a consensus of expert panelists in the second round of the Delphi with Cronbach alpha of 0.9. CONCLUSION: Supportive psychotherapy (SP) for healthcare professionals in the management of ACS in ICCU were developed and may be applied in clinical practice and research.

The impact of low muscle function on health-related quality of life in Indonesian women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: There was no study aimed at evaluating the effect of muscle function on SLE patients' quality of life using the Sarcopenia Quality of Life (SarQoL) questionnaire. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited 61 women with SLE consecutively, muscle function was measured with Jamar handheld-dynamometer and 6-meter walk test, HRQoL was measured with Sarcopenia Quality of Life (SarQoL) questionnaire. The cut-off point for low muscle strength (<18 kg) and low gait speed (<1.0 m/s) was according to the Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. Statistical analysis was conducted with a t-test for mean difference, and linear regression was used to adjust confounders (age, protein intake, physical exercise, and disease activity). RESULTS: The subjects' mean muscle strength was 19.54 kg (6.94), and 44.3% (n = 27) was found to have low muscle strength. The subjects' mean gait speed was 0.77 m/s (0.20), and 90.3% (n = 55) was found to have low gait speed. The difference of total SarQoL score in subjects with normal and low muscle strength was found to be significant; 74.86 (9.48) vs. 65.49 (15.51) (p = 0.009), and still statistically significant after adjustments with age, protein intake, physical exercise level, and disease activity [B 0.56; 95% CI 0.08-1.03; p = 0.022]. The difference of total SarQoL score in subjects with normal and low physical performance was found to be not significant, 70.67 (11.08) vs. 70.72 (13.56) (p = 0.993). CONCLUSION: There was a significant difference in SarQoL's total score in normal compared with low muscle strength groups of Indonesian women with SLE.

COVID-19 Vaccines: Current Status and Implication for Use in Indonesia.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has inflicted catastrophic damages in public health, economic and social stability-putting life globally on hold in 2020 and presumably a year more. Indonesia bears a heavy burden of the pandemic, counting the highest case prevalence and fatality rate in all of Southeast Asia. One hope remains in the groundbreaking universal effort in search of a vaccine against the causative virus SARS-CoV-2, which has shown success unparalleled in human vaccine development thus far. An array of modalities including novel techniques are being utilized as vaccine platforms, with the closest to phase III clinical trial completion being mRNA (manufactured by Moderna and BioNTech/Pfizer), inactivated virus (Sinovac, Sinopharm), viral vector (Oxford/AstraZeneca, Gamaleya, Janssen/Johnson&Johnson, CanSino), and protein subunit (Novavax). The vaccine produced by BioNTech/Pfizer has been deployed to the public as the first ever licensed COVID-19 vaccine. In this review, we will review all of these modalities on their safety and immunogenicity, phase II/III trial results of the nine vaccine candidates and current situation as of 29 December 2020, as well as the implication for use and distribution in Indonesia. COVID-19 vaccine progress, however, is moving exceedingly fast and new advances are unfolding on a daily basis, to which we hope an update to this review can be published in early 2021.

Factors Related to Knowledge, Perception, and Practices Towards COVID-19 Among Patients with Autoimmune Diseases: A Multicenter Online Survey.

BACKGROUND: autoimmune patients can be more susceptible to infection. Proper knowledge, perception, and practices towards COVID-19 are essential for these patients during pandemic. This study aimed to know their knowledge, perception, and practices regarding COVID-19. METHODS: cross sectional study using online survey was conducted from April to May 2020. Patients with autoimmune disease were asked about demographic characteristics, diagnosis, history of treatment, knowledge, perception, and practice regarding COVID-19. RESULTS: there were 685 respondents. Most of them were female and had systemic lupus erythematosus with median age of 37 years old. Almost all respondents had good knowledge regarding transmission of COVID-19 and did proper prevention practices. Adequacy of information and steroid or mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolic acid (MMF/MPA) use were related to perception of the effect of pandemic to their own health. Visiting private clinic and receiving hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine sulfate or sulfasalazine were related to perception that autoimmune conditions would make them more prone to COVID-19. Work from home was related to perception that when contracting COVID-19, the symptoms would be more severe. Living in Sumatra region and getting hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine sulfate or MMF/MPA were related to perception that autoimmune medications could reduce risk of getting COVID-19. Adequate information, university education, private clinic visit, and hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine sulfate use were related to perception that COVID-19 pandemic would cause difficulties in getting medications. CONCLUSION: almost all respondents had good knowledge and practices regarding COVID-19. Adequacy of information, autoimmune treatment, work from home, educational background, area of living, and health care facilities contributed to perception regarding COVID-19 pandemic.

Adult Diphtheria Vaccination.

Low adult vaccination coverage in Indonesia may contribute to a recent outbreak of diphtheria in Indonesia. Although well known as a pediatric vaccine, diphtheria vaccination should be administered as booster to adolescence and adults for longer prevention. Adult vaccine differs from pediatric vaccine but have similar protection. Additionally, there is special recommendation to vaccinate pregnant women and elderly people aged 65 years or more.

Comparison of Specific Immunoglobulin E with the Skin Prick Test in the Diagnosis of House Dust Mites and Cockroach Sensitization in Patients with Asthma and/or Allergic Rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: nowadays, specific IgE measurement has been conducted in Indonesia, however there is still lack of data regarding diagnostic test to detect inhalant allergen in patients with respiratory allergies.This study aimed to determine the accuracy of specific IgE test in diagnosing specific sensitization of inhalant allergen in patients with respiratory allergies. METHODS: this was a cross sectional study in patients with respiratory allergies and part of epidemiology study regarding to specific IgE sensitization in Allergy-Immunollogy Division, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta within November-December 2016. Measurement of specific IgE sensitization using Immunoblot method (Euroline®, Euroimmun AG, Germany). The tested allergen is house dust mites [Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p), Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f), Blomia tropicalis (Blo t)] and cockroach  [Blatella germanica (Bla g)]. The result is compared with gold standard, skin prick test. The diagnostic result includes sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (LR+), and negative likelihood ratio (LR-). RESULTS: a total of 101 patients were enrolled; 77 (76.2%) were women. Patients mean age was 38.8 years old. Based on SPT, sensitization was highest for Blo t (76.2%), followed by Der p (70.3%), Der f (69.3%), and Bla g (41.6%). Specific IgE-sensitization was highest for Der f (52.9%), followed by Der p (38.2%), Blo t (33.3%) and Bla g (10.8%). Der p allergen had 50.7% sentivity, 90% specificity, 92.3% PPV, 43.5% NPV, 5.1 LR+ and 0.1LR-. Der f showed 71.4% sensitivity, 87.1% specificity, 82.6% PPV, 57.4% NPV, 5.5 LR+ and 0.3 LR-. Blo t allergen had 41.6% sensitivity, 91.7% specificity, 94.1% PPV, 32.8% NPV, 5.0 LR+, and 0.6 LR-. Bla g allergen had 23.8% sensitivity, 98.3% specificity, 90.9% PPV, 64.4% NPV, 14.5 LR+ and 0.8 LR-. CONCLUSION: serum specific IgE testing to common inhalant allergen in patients with respiratory allergy showed only low-to-moderate sensitivity, but high specificity and PPV. This new assay can be used to diagnose allergen sensitization in the population with high prevalence of TDR and cockroach.

Pollen Serum Specific IgE Sensitization in Respiratory Allergic Patients in Jakarta, Indonesia.

BACKGROUND: pollens from trees or grasses in Indonesia have a perennial distribution due to the tropical climate. However, pollen allergy has not been well studied. This study aimed to evaluate the profile of pollen IgE sensitization in respiratory allergic patients in Jakarta. METHODS: this was a cross-sectional study in patients with a history of respiratory allergy in Jakarta, Indonesia between September and December 2016. Adult asthmatic patients aged 19-60 years were invited to undergo serum specific IgE testing at the Allergy and Immunology Clinic, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta. Patients were included if they showed at least one positive skin prick test with environmental allergens. Quantitative determination of specific IgE in serum was carried out by multiple allergosorbent (MAST) assays (Polycheck Allergy®, Biocheck GmbH, Munster, Germany).  Serum specific IgE levels of more than 0.35 kU/L or Class 1 was considered positive. RESULTS: a total of 106 cases were eligible for analysis; 81 (76.4%) were women. Patients' mean age was 38.8+12.1 (range 19-59) years old. 59.4% of patients have both asthma and allergic rhinitis. There are 9 (8.5%) patients positive for IgE-pollen sensitization; 8 among them showed sensitization to at least 2 pollens. Sensitivity to goosefoot pollen is the highest (5.7%), followed by rye pollen (4.7%), plantain pollen (4.7%), wall pellitory pollen (4.7%), and Bermuda grass pollen (3.8%). CONCLUSION: although most pollens tested are not originated from native plants to Indonesia, a small number of patients showed specific IgE-sensitizations. Allergic persons planning to travel to the endemic areas of the relevant pollen should be advised. A panel of pollen allergens from local plants is highly desired.

The Differences in Serum Quantitative Specific IgE Levels Induced by Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae and Blomia tropicalis Sensitization in Intermittent and Persistent Allergic Asthma.

BACKGROUND: house dust mites (HDM) are an important inhalant allergen in allergic asthma. However, molecular diagnostic study of specific IgE to HDM allergens has not been done in Indonesia. In addition, the association of quantitative specific IgE measurement with asthma severity has not been investigatedd. This study aimed to investigate the difference of serum quantitative specific IgE levels induced by Dermatophagoides (D.) pteronyssinus, D. farinae and Blomia tropicalis sensitization in intermittent and persistent allergic asthma. METHODS: this was a cross-sectional study on adult allergic asthma patients who were invited for serum specific IgE testing. This study was a part of a larger study within the Division of Allergy and Immunology, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital. Asthma severity was defined based on Global Initiative on Asthma (GINA) 2015 criteria and were grouped as intermittent or persistent. Quantitative specific IgE testing was done on blood serum using a multiple allergosorbent test (Polycheck Allergy, Biocheck GmbH, Munster, Germany). The HDM allergens tested were D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae, and Blomia tropicalis. Difference between two groups were analyze using Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: a total of 87 subjects were enrolled in this study; 69 (79.3%) were women. Mean patients' age was 40, 2 years. Sixty-three (72.4%) subjects had asthma and allergic rhinitis. Fifty-eight (66.7%) subjects were classified as persistent asthma. The prevalence of sensitization was 62.1% for D. farinae, 51.7% for D. pteronyssinus, and 48.3% for Blomia tropicalis. The median of specific IgE levels were significantly higher in persistent asthma compares to intermittent asthma induced by D. farinae (median 1.30 vs. 0.0 kU/L; p=0.024) and B. tropicalis (median 0.57 vs. 0.0 kU/L; p=0.015) sensitization. Level of Specific IgE  D. pteronyssinus was also to be higher in persistent asthma than the level measured in intermittent asthma (0.67 vs. 0.00 kU/L; p=0.066). CONCLUSION: Sensitization of HDM allergens was shown to be highest for D. farinae 62.1%, followed by D. pteronyssinus 51.7% and Blomia tropicalis 48.3%. Specific IgE level induced by D. farinae and Blomia tropicalis sensitization were significantly higher in patients with persistent asthma compared to intermittent asthma, whereas specific IgE level induced by D. pteronyssinus sensitization was higher in persistent asthma although not statistically significant.

A phase II clinical trial of a Vi-DT typhoid conjugate vaccine in healthy Indonesian adolescents and adults: one-month evaluation of safety and immunogenicity.

BACKGROUND: Typhoid fever is commonly found until today, especially in developing countries. It has fatal complications and measures must be taken to reduce the incidence of typhoid. Vaccinations are a key factor in prevention. This is a phase II randomized observer-blind clinical trial on a novel Vi-DT conjugate vaccine on 200 subjects 12 to 40 years of age. METHODS: Subjects were screened for eligibility after which a blood sample was taken and one dose of vaccine was administered. Investigational vaccine used was Vi-DT and control was Vi-PS. Twenty-eight days after vaccination, subjects visited for providing blood sample to assess immunogenicity and were asked about local and systemic adverse reactions that occurred in the first 28 days. RESULTS: Subjects had minor adverse reactions. Pain was the most common local reaction. Muscle pain was the most common systemic reaction. There were no serious adverse events up to 28 days post vaccination. Seroconversion rates were 100% in the Vi-DT group and 95.96% in the Vi-PS group. Post vaccination GMTs were increased in both groups but it was significantly higher in the Vi-DT group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Vi-DT typhoid conjugate vaccine is safe and immunogenic in healthy Indonesian subjects 12 to 40 years. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Approved by ClinicalTrials.gov. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03460405. Registered on 09/03/2018. URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03460405 .

Perspectives and gaps in the management of food allergy and anaphylaxis in the Asia-Pacific Region.

Background: Food allergy (FA), which is a condition that has no effective cure and can result in severe life-threatening allergic reactions, remains a global public health concern; however, little is known about how FAs are currently managed in the Asia-Pacific region. Objective: The main objective of this survey was to evaluate the epidemiology of FA, as well as the availability of resources and practices for management of FA and anaphylaxis by health care providers across Asia. Methods: From June 2022 to September 2022, a questionnaire-based survey comprising 66 questions was electronically sent to member societies of the Asia Pacific Association of Allergy Asthma and Clinical Immunology by using Survey Monkey. Results: A total of 20 responses were received from 15 member countries and territories. Compared with the pediatric data, there was a lack of prevalence data for FA in adults. Except for Australia and Japan, most regions had between 0.1 and 0.5 allergists per 100,000 population and some had fewer than 0.1 allergists per 100,000 population. The perceived rate of FA in regions with a short supply of allergists was high. Although specific IgE tests and oral food challenges were available in all regions, the median wait time for oral food challenges at government facilities was 37 days (interquartile range = 10.5-60 days). Seven regions still relied on prescriptions of ampules and syringes of injectable adrenaline, and adrenaline autoinjectors were not accessible in 4 regions. Oral immunotherapy as FA treatment was available in half of the surveyed countries and territories. Conclusions: Our study offers a cross-sectional evaluation of the management practices for FA in each Asia Pacific Association of Allergy Asthma and Clinical Immunology member country or territory. Urgent actions are required to enhance allergy services, improve the accessibility and affordability of adrenaline autoinjectors, and conduct robust epidemiologic studies.

Immunological dysfunction and mast cell activation syndrome in long COVID.

At least 65 million people around the world suffer from long COVID-19, with the majority of cases occurring in the productive age (36-50 years old). Individuals with long COVID-19 are confounded with multiple organ system dysfunctions, long-term organ injury sequelae, and a decreased quality of life. There is an overlapping of risk factors between long COVID-19 and other postviral infection syndromes, so advances in research could also benefit other groups of patients. Long COVID-19 is the consequence of multiple immune system dysregulation, such as T-cell depletion, innate immune cell hyperactivity, lack of naive T and B cells, and elevated signature of pro-inflammatory cytokines, together with persistent severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 reservoir and other consequences of acute infection. There is an activated condition of mast cells in long COVID-19, with abnormal granulation and excessive inflammatory cytokine release. A study by Weinstock et al. indicates that patients with long COVID-19 suffer the same clinical syndrome as patients with mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Diagnosis and treatment of MCAS in patients with long COVID-19 will provide further symptomatic relief, and manage mast cell-mediated hyperinflammation states, which could be useful in the long-term control and recovery of such patients.

Muscle strength, not muscle mass, determines the health-related quality of life in Indonesian women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: No study evaluated the impact of low muscle strength and mass on the Sarcopenia-related Quality of Life (SarQoL) in women with SLE. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited 145 women with SLE consecutively; muscle strength was measured with a calibrated Jamar handheld dynamometer, muscle mass was measured with appendicular muscle mass index (Tanita MC-780 MAP body impedance analyser) and health-related quality of life with SarQoL Questionnaire. The cut-off points for low muscle strength, low muscle mass and sarcopenia were derived from the Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia 2019. Statistical analysis was conducted with a t-test for mean difference, and logistic regression was used to evaluate for low muscle strength contributing factors. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the mean total score of SarQoL in individuals with normal compared with low muscle strength (74.36 vs 64.85; mean difference 9.50; 95% CI 2.10 to 5.33; p<0.001). On the other hand, there was no difference in individuals with normal compared with low muscle mass (71.07 vs 70.79; mean difference 0.28; -5.18 to 5.74; p=0.91). After minimally adjusted with age, we found moderate-severe joint pain (B -9.280; p<0.001) and low muscle strength (B -6.979; p=0.001) to be independently associated with low mean SarQoL total score. CONCLUSION: There was a lower total SarQoL score in individuals with low muscle strength but not with low muscle mass.

The effect of early radiofrequency turbinate reduction, intranasal steroid, and antihistamine H-1 on persistent allergic rhinitis: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the effect of radiofrequency turbinate reduction as an initial treatment on clinical improvement, inflammatory mediators, and remodeling process. METHODS: Between July 2018-February 2020, 32 patients with moderate-severe persistent AR were randomly divided into 2 groups. Intervention group received radiofrequency turbinate reduction followed by intranasal steroid and Antihistamine H-1 (AH-1), control group received intranasal steroid and AH-1. Both groups were evaluated for clinical improvement (using visual analogue scale based on total nasal symptoms score, peak nasal inspiratory flow, and turbinate size using imageJ) after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. Inflammatory mediators (ELISA from nasal secretions was performed to measure ECP, IL-5, and HSP-70) and remodeling markers (nasal biopsy followed by immunohistochemistry examination was performed to evaluate MMP-9, TIMP-1, and PAI-1) were evaluated in week 4. RESULTS: Three patients dropped out of the study, resulting in 16 patients in intervention group and 13 patients in control group. At week 4, clinical response improved significantly in the intervention group compared to control group (Chi-Square test, p < 0.05). Compared to control, intervention group experienced a reduction of IL-5 and no significant change in ECP level (Mann Whitney test, p > 0.05). Reduction in the ratio of MMP-9/TIMP-1 were significantly higher in intervention group (unpaired t-test, p < 0,05). Meanwhile, increase in HSP-70 in the intervention group was slightly lower than in control group, but the difference with control group was not significant (Mann Whitney test, p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Early radiofrequency turbinate reduction followed by pharmacotherapy given to persistent moderate-severe AR patients give more improvement only in early clinical symptoms and reduce MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio, thus it might be suggested as one of the adjuvant therapies for the management of moderate-severe persistent AR. However, further investigation with a larger sample size and longer follow-up period is needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1B.