RESUMO
Strokes are the second leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The brain injury resulting from stroke produces a persistent neuroinflammatory response in the brain, resulting in a spectrum of neurologic dysfunction affecting stroke survivors chronically, also known as post-stroke pain. Excess production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of stroke survivors has been implicated in post-stroke pain. Therefore, this literature review aims to assess and review the role of perispinal etanercept in the management of post-stroke pain. Several studies have shown statistically significant evidence that etanercept, a TNF alpha inhibitor, can reduce symptoms present in post-stroke syndrome by targeting the excess TNF alpha produced in the CSF. Studies have also shown improvements in not only post-stroke pain but also in traumatic brain injury and dementia. Further research is needed to explore the effects of TNF alpha on stroke prognosis and determine the optimal frequency and duration of etanercept treatment for post-stroke pain.
RESUMO
It is of greatest concern how COVID-19 is affecting pregnancy, mothers, and babies. Scientists are studying the impact of COVID-19 on pregnant women and babies and are understanding a little more every day. Reports show that there is an increased risk in pregnant women compared to nonpregnant women to get more serious illness due to COVID-19. Researchers are also investigating COVID-19 and its potential impact on a fetus. There are exceedingly rare cases of COVID-19 transmission to the fetus, and newborns can pick up COVID-19 when exposed. Vaccines are proved to be safe for pregnant women and help prevent both mother and the fetus from getting COVID-19 and are also highly effective to prevent COVID-19 infection, critical sickness, and fatalities in general. There are specific guidelines for labor and delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic which are to be imposed and followed to achieve safer and healthier childbirth. In this article, the overall influence of COVID-19 in pregnancy, its pathophysiology, effects on placenta and neonates, maternal and perinatal features and outcomes, the role of vaccination, available treatment options, and the guidelines to be followed during the pandemic are discussed based on the available scientific evidence.
RESUMO
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a fungal hypersensitivity reaction in chronic lung diseases like bronchial asthma and cystic fibrosis. It is caused by an allergic reaction to aspergillus antigen in the lung mucus resulting in airway inflammation and damage. This condition usually presents in a patient with asthma as a poorly controlled disease with recurrent infection symptoms that do not respond to standard antibiotic therapy. Diagnosis is made by chest X-ray, computed tomography, eosinophilia, and raised serum IgE on serology and immunological tests for aspergillus antigen. Lack of diagnosis and treatment of the condition can lead to respiratory failure from bronchiectasis and pulmonary fibrosis.
RESUMO
A simple renal cyst can become infected spontaneously due to various modes like direct cyst penetration during biopsy or surgical exploration, hematogenous spread of infection, and retrograde infection from the urinary tract. Managing such cases becomes challenging due to the risk of rupture of the cyst, causing sequelae of bacteremia and septic shock. Aspiration of cyst along with imaging modality can strengthen the diagnosis. However, nephrectomy coupled with antibacterial administration is an updated therapeutic intervention for an infected simple renal cyst. Our patient presented with a renal cyst at each pole of the left kidney complicated by infection, and after confirming the diagnosis on computed tomography, we performed a right-sided nephrectomy after proper informed consent. The patient responded well to treatment and improved her quality of life.