Testosterone replacement therapy: clinical considerations.

INTRODUCTION: As an increasingly popular therapeutic option, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has gained significant notoriety for its health benefits in indicated populations, such as those suffering from hypogonadism. AREAS COVERED: Benefits such as improved libido, muscle mass, cognition, and quality of life have led to widened public interest in testosterone as a health supplement. No therapy exists without side effects; testosterone replacement therapy has been associated with side effects such as an increased risk of polycythemia, benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH), prostate cancer, gynecomastia, testicular atrophy, and infertility. Testosterone replacement therapy is often accompanied by several prophylactic co-therapies aimed at reducing the prevalence of these side effects. Literature searches for sections on the clinical benefits and risks associated with TRT were performed to include clinical trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews from the last 10 years. EXPERT OPINION: Data from clinical studies over the last decade suggest that the benefits of this therapy outweigh the risks and result in overall increased quality of life and remission of symptoms related to hypogonadism. With this in mind, the authors of this review suggest that carefully designed clinical trials are warranted for the investigation of TRT in symptomatic age-related hypogonadism.

Etiology of Drug-Induced Edema: A Review of Dihydropyridine, Thiazolidinedione, and Other Medications Causing Edema.

Edema is an accumulation of fluid in the body's tissues that affects millions of Americans yearly. It can affect multiple body parts, for example, the brain or eyes, but often occurs in the periphery, including the feet and legs. Medications, such as dihydropyridine and thiazolidinediones (TZDs), can be the etiology of edema. Edema can develop in association with problems in the vasculature or lymphatic flow. In recent years, a better understanding of these drug-induced mechanisms has been appreciated. Specifically, dihydropyridines can increase hydrostatic pressure and cause selective pre-capillary vessel vasodilation. TZDs can cause edema through increased vascular permeability and increased hydrostatic pressure. Specifically, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) stimulation increases vascular endothelial permeability, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion, renal sodium, and fluid retention. Other drugs that can cause edema include neuropathic pain agents, dopamine agonists, antipsychotics, nitrates, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS), steroids, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and insulin. There are various clinical presentations of edema. Since multiple mechanisms can induce edema, it is important to understand the basic mechanisms and pathophysiology of drug-induced edema. Edema can even become fatal. For example, angioedema can occur from ACE inhibitor therapy. In this regard, it is considered a medical emergency when there is laryngeal involvement. This review aims to thoroughly appreciate the multiple causes of drug-induced edema and the ways it can be treated or prevented.

Hyperkalemia: Pharmacotherapies and Clinical Considerations.

Hyperkalemia has been defined as a condition where a serum potassium level is >5.5 mmol/l. It is associated with fatal dysrhythmias and muscular dysfunction. Certain medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes mellitus, and others, can lead to hyperkalemia. Many of the signs of hyperkalemia are nonspecific. A history and physical examination can be beneficial in the diagnosis of the condition. In this regard, certain characteristic electrocardiogram findings are associated with hyperkalemia along with laboratory potassium levels. In acute and potentially lethal conditions, hyperkalemia treatments include glucose and insulin, bicarbonate, calcium gluconate, beta-2 agonists, hyperventilation, and dialysis. There are several drugs, both old and new, that can additionally aid in the reduction of serum potassium levels. The present investigation evaluated some of these different drugs, including sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS), sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC), and patiromer. These drugs each have increased selectivity for potassium and work primarily in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Each of these medications has unique benefits and contraindications. Clinicians must be aware of these medications when managing patients with hyperkalemia.

The Evolving Role of Vericiguat in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure.

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic and progressive clinical disorder characterized by an inability to pump sufficient blood to meet metabolic demands. It poses a substantial global healthcare burden, leading to high morbidity, mortality, and economic impact. Current treatments for HF include lifestyle modifications, guideline-directed medical therapies (GDMT), and device interventions, but the need for novel therapeutic approaches remains significant. The introduction of vericiguat, a soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator, has shown promise in improving outcomes for heart failure patients. Vericiguat addresses the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of heart failure by augmenting the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway, leading to enhanced cardiac contractility and vasodilation. Clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of vericiguat, such as the Vericiguat Global Study in Subjects with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (VICTORIA) trial, have demonstrated promising results. It has been shown that vericiguat, when added to standard therapy, reduces the risk of HF hospitalization and cardiovascular death in patients with symptomatic chronic HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The addition of vericiguat to the current armamentarium of HF treatments provides clinicians with a novel therapeutic option to further optimize patient outcomes. Its potential benefits extend beyond symptom management, aiming to reduce hospitalizations and mortality rates associated with HF. As with any new treatment, the appropriate patient selection, monitoring, and management of potential adverse effects are essential. Further research is warranted to determine the long-term benefits, optimal dosing strategies, and potential combination therapies involving vericiguat. Its ability to target the cGMP pathway provides a unique mechanism of action, offering potential benefits in improving clinical outcomes for HF patients. Continued investigation and clinical experience will further elucidate the role of vericiguat in the management of HF and its overall impact on reducing the healthcare burden associated with this debilitating condition.

Topical Hydroquinone for Hyperpigmentation: A Narrative Review.

Topical hydroquinone (HQ) has been used for decades to treat disorders of hyperpigmentation such as melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and solar lentigines. Additionally, it has been used as a skin-lightening agent for cosmetic purposes. Multiple studies have shown it to be effective in treating hyperpigmentation, though it is not without side effects. Currently, HQ is not approved for over-the-counter use in the United States. Its use is also banned in other countries, including Japan, Australia, and the European Union. Hyperpigmentation disorders affect individuals worldwide. Patients with these disorders are frequently seen in medical practices. Hyperpigmentation disorders can significantly negatively impact a person's quality of life, and agents that treat hyperpigmentation can improve patient outcomes. A comprehensive literature search was performed on HQ as a treatment for skin hyperpigmentation disorders. A literature review revealed that HQ is an effective compound for treating hyperpigmentation disorders and can be combined with other therapies for enhanced results. Evidence exists to support HQ as a topical therapy for skin hyperpigmentation. HQ is not without side effects and should be prescribed by trained professionals who can educate patients on usage. HQ can be used in pharmaceutical regimens to treat hyperpigmentation disorders.

Clostridioides difficile Infection: A Clinical Review of Pathogenesis, Clinical Considerations, and Treatment Strategies.

BACKGROUND: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a common nosocomial infection. Risk factors for developing CDI include prior hospitalization, being older than 65 years old, antibiotic use, and chronic disease. It is linked with diarrhea and colitis and can vary in severity. It is a major cause of increased morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients. However, community-acquired CDI is also increasing. Proper diagnosis and determination of severity are crucial for the treatment of CDI. Depending on how severe the CDI is, the patient may endorse different symptoms and physical exam findings. The severity of CDI will determine how aggressively it is treated. Management and treatment: Laboratory studies can be helpful in the diagnosis of CDI. In this regard, common labs include complete blood count, stool assays, and, in certain cases, radiography and endoscopy. Mild-to-moderate colitis is treated with antibiotics, but severe colitis requires a different approach, which may include surgery. Several alternative therapies for CDI exist and have shown promising results. This review will touch upon these therapies, which include fecal transplants, intravenous immunoglobulin, and the use of cholestyramine and tigecycline. CONCLUSION: Prevention of CDI can be achieved by proper hygiene, vaccinations, and detecting the infection early. Proper hygiene is indeed noted to be one of the best ways to prevent CDI in the hospital setting. Overprescribing antibiotics is also another huge reason why CDI occurs. Proper prescription of antibiotics can also help reduce the chances of acquiring CDI.