Can Anhedonia Be Considered a Suicide Risk Factor? A Review of the Literature.

Background and Objectives: At present, data collected from the literature about suicide and anhedonia are controversial. Some studies have shown that low levels of anhedonia are associated with serious suicide attempts and death by suicide, while other studies have shown that high levels of anhedonia are associated with suicide. Materials and Methods: For this review, we searched PubMed, Medline, and ScienceDirect for clinical studies published from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2018 with the following search terms used in the title or in the abstract: "anhedonia AND suicid*." We obtained a total of 155 articles; 133 items were excluded using specific exclusion criteria, the remaining 22 articles included were divided into six groups based on the psychiatric diagnosis: mood disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), other diagnoses, attempted suicides, and others (healthy subjects). Results: The results of this review reveal inconsistencies. Some studies reported that high anhedonia scores were associated with suicidal behavior (regardless of the diagnosis), while other studies found that low anhedonia scores were associated with suicidal behavior, and a few studies reported no association. The most consistent association between anhedonia and suicidal behavior was found for affective disorders (7 of 7 studies reported a significant positive association) and for PTSD (3 of 3 studies reported a positive association). In the two studies of patients with schizophrenia, one found no association, and one found a negative association. For patients who attempted suicide (undiagnosed), one study found a positive association, one a positive association only for depressed attempters, and one a negative association. Conclusions: We found the most consistent positive association for patients with affective disorders and PTSD, indicating that the assessment of anhedonia may be useful in the evaluation of suicidal risk.

Pharmacogenomics-Guided Pharmacotherapy in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar Disorder Affected by Treatment-Resistant Depressive Episodes: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study.

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) reduces affected patients' quality of life and leads to important social health care costs. Pharmacogenomics-guided treatment (PGT) may be effective in the cure of TRD. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical changes after PGT in patients with TRD (two or more recent failed psychopharmacological trials) affected by bipolar disorder (BD) or major depressive disorder (MDD) compared to a control group with treatment as usual (TAU). We based the PGT on assessing different gene polymorphisms involved in the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of drugs. We analyzed, with a repeated-measure ANOVA, the changes between the baseline and a 6 month follow-up of the efficacy index assessed through the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale, and depressive symptoms through the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). The PGT sample included 53 patients (26 BD and 27 MDD), and the TAU group included 52 patients (31 BD and 21 MDD). We found a significant within-subject effect of treatment time on symptoms and efficacy index for the whole sample, with significant improvements in the efficacy index (F = 8.544; partial η² = 0.077, p < 0.004) and clinical global impression of severity of illness (F = 6.818; partial η² = 0.062, p < 0.01) in the PGT vs. the TAU group. We also found a significantly better follow-up response (χ² = 5.479; p = 0.019) and remission (χ² = 10.351; p = 0.001) rates in the PGT vs. the TAU group. PGT may be an important option for the long-term treatment of patients with TRD affected by mood disorders, providing information that can better define drug treatment strategies and increase therapeutic improvement.

Suicidal risks with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Evidence of increased suicidal risk in association with psoriasis is growing, but findings concerning atopic dermatitis are inconsistent. METHODS: We systematically reviewed reports of suicidal ideation, attempts, or suicides among subjects diagnosed with psoriasis or atopic dermatitis compared to healthy controls or persons with other illnesses. Reported rates of suicidal ideation and behavior were compared among the groups, using meta-analyses to compare suicidal rates with dermatologic patients versus controls, as well as between dermatological diagnoses. RESULTS: Mean rates of suicidal ideation with psoriasis were 1.60-fold (13.9%/8.67%) above controls, and with atopic dermatitis, 1.84-fold higher (16.8%/9.12%); meta-analyses found similar differences: psoriasis (OR = 1.97 [CI: 1.26-3.08]; p = 0.003) and atopic dermatitis (OR = 2.62 [1.32-5.19]; p = 0.006). For suicidal acts, with psoriasis, mean rates versus controls were 2.51-fold higher (3.34%/1.33%), and 2.81-fold higher (5.03%/1.79%) with atopic dermatitis; meta-analyses found significantly more suicidal acts with psoriasis (OR = 1.42 [1.05-1.92]; p = 0.02) and a similar tendency with atopic dermatitis (OR = 1.53 [0.96-2.45]; p = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: The study findings support emerging evidence of increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior with psoriasis and extend it to increased risk of suicidal ideation and a trend toward increased suicidal acts with atopic dermatitis.

Current Clinical Psychopharmacology in Borderline Personality Disorder.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) manifest affective and behavioral symptoms causing personal distress, relationship difficulties, and reduced quality of life with global functioning impairment, mainly when the disease takes an unfavorable course. A substantial amount of healthcare costs is dedicated to addressing these issues. Many BPD patients receive medications, mostly those who do not respond to psychological interventions. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to assess the efficacy of the most used strategies of pharmacological interventions in BPD with a comprehensive overview of the field. METHODS: We searched the PubMed database for papers focused on the most used psychotropic drugs for BPD. We included randomized controlled trials and open studies in adult patients with BPD, focusing on the efficacy and tolerability of single classes of drugs with respect to specific clinical presentations that may occur during the course of BPD. RESULTS: Specific second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) or serotonergic antidepressants can be effective for different core symptoms of BPD, mainly including mood symptoms, anxiety, and impulse dyscontrol. Some atypical antipsychotics can also be effective for psychotic and dissociative symptoms. Specific antiepileptics can be useful in some cases in treating different BPD symptoms, mainly including mood instability, impulsiveness, and anger. CONCLUSION: No medication is currently approved for BPD, and clinicians should carefully assess the benefits and risks of drug treatment. Further studies are needed to identify specific personalized treatment strategies, also considering the clinical heterogeneity and possible comorbidities of BPD.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome: A Principal Component Analysis of Symptoms.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic and/or recurrent condition with somatic, cognitive, and affective symptoms following a contact with chemical agents whose concentrations do not correlate with toxicity in the general population. Its prevalence is not well defined; it mainly affects women between 40 and 50 years, without variations in ethnicity, education and economic status. We aimed to assess the core symptoms of this illness in a sample of Italian patients. Two physicians investigated different symptoms with a checklist compilation in 129 patients with MCS (117 women). We conducted a categorical Principal Component Analysis (CATPCA) with Varimax rotation on the checklist dataset. A typical triad was documented: hyperosmia, asthenia, and dyspnoea were the most common symptoms. Patients also frequently showed cough and headache. The CATPCA showed seven main factors: 1, neurocognitive symptoms; 2, physical (objective) symptoms; 3, gastrointestinal symptoms; 4, dermatological symptoms; 5, anxiety-depressive symptoms; 6, respiratory symptoms; 7, hyperosmia and asthenia. Patients showed higher mean prevalence of factors 7 (89.9%), 6 (71.7%), and 1 (62.13%). In conclusion, MCS patients frequently manifest hyperosmia, asthenia, and dyspnoea, which are often concomitant with other respiratory and neurocognitive symptoms. Considering the clinical association that is often made with anxiety, more studies are necessary on the psychosomatic aspects of this syndrome. Further analytical epidemiological studies are needed to support the formulation of aetiological hypotheses of MCS.

Drug Treatment of Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder), Excoriation (Skin-picking) Disorder, and Nail-biting (Onychophagia).

BACKGROUND: Trichotillomania (TTM), excoriation (or skin-picking) disorder and some severe forms of onychophagia are classified under obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. There are different interacting neurotransmitter systems involved in the pathophysiology of impulse-control disorders, implicating noradrenaline, serotonin, dopamine, opioid peptides and glutamate, hence investigators focused on drugs able to act on these transmitters. Our aim was to critically review the efficacy of the drugs employed in impulse-control disorders. METHODS: We searched for controlled drug trials to treat TTM, excoriation, and/or nail-biting six databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO/PsycARTICLES, and Web of Science), using the search strategy: (trichotillomania OR "excoriation disorder" OR "face picking" OR "skin picking" OR "hair pulling" OR onychophagia OR "nail-biting") AND drug treatment on 12 March 2018 for all databases. We followed in our method of identifying relevant literature the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. RESULTS: SSRIs and clomipramine are considered first-line in TTM. In addition, family members of TTM patients are often affected by obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders. Other drugs used in the treatment of TTM are lamotrigine, olanzapine, N-Acetylcysteine, inositol, and naltrexone. CONCLUSION: The treatment of TTM, excoriation disorder and nail-biting is still rather disappointing. Conjectures made from preclinical studies and the relative pathophysiological hypotheses found poor confirmations at a clinical level. There is a need for further studies and the integration of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic. Our results point to the need of integrating personalised medicine principles in the treatment of these patients.

Are too many inferior vena cava filters used? Controversial evidences in different clinical settings: a narrative review.

The use of inferior vena cava filters to prevent pulmonary embolism is increasing mainly because of indications that appear to be unclearly codified and recommended. The evidence supporting this approach is often heterogeneous, and mainly based on observational studies and consensus opinions, while the insertion of an IVC filter exposes patients to the risk of complications and increases health care costs. Thus, several proposed indications for an IVC filter placement remain controversial. We attempt to review the proof on the efficacy and safety of IVC filters in several "special" clinical settings, and assess the robustness of the available evidence for any specific indication to place an IVC filter.

A Rare Case of Aortic Valve Thrombosis in Patient with Idiopathic Hypereosinophilic Syndrome.

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is characterized by persistent eosinophilia and eosinophil-mediated organ-system damage. Cardiac thrombosis and thromboembolic complications represent common causes of morbidity and mortality and usually involve cardiac ventricles or mitral and prosthetic valves, while the involvement of the aortic valve is extremely rare in HES. Here we report peculiar multimodality images of an atypical case of extended thrombosis of the aortic valve, complicated by myocardial ischemia and asymptomatic cerebral ischemia, likely due to thrombus embolization, occurring in a 48-year-old man with HES. Prompt anticoagulant and steroid therapy lead to rapid and complete resolution of the thrombotic lesions, allowing preserving the native valve and preventing further embolic events.

From the Veins to the Heart: A Rare Cause of Varicose Veins.

The presence of pulsating varicous veins is an uncommon finding, generically attributed to right heart failure. The precise causes of this phenomenon have been poorly defined in the literature. The finding of this infrequent condition is important because it may be a sign of major diseases, often not known. Here we described a 75-year-old woman presented to the Angiology Unit for the presence of bilateral pulsatile swelling in her groin and along both lower limbs. A bedside ultrasound examination showed an arterial like pulsating flow both in the superficial and in the deep veins of the lower limbs due to a severe tricuspid regurgitation not previously known.

Clinical and pathological findings of a fatal systemic capillary leak syndrome (Clarkson disease): a case report.

Systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) is a rare disorder with episodes of hypotension, hypoalbuminemia, and hemoconcentration. During attacks endothelial hyperpermeability results in leakage of plasma proteins into the interstitial space. Attacks vary in severity and may be lethal.A 49-year-old previously healthy man was admitted to hospital for hypovolemic shock, anasarca with pleuropericardial effusion, muscle fatigue, and oliguria occurring after a flu-like syndrome. Laboratory data showed an increase in hematocrit (65%), leucocytes (24.590 µ/L), creatinine (2.5 mg/dL), creatine phosphokinase (10.000 U/L), and a decrease in serum albumin (17 g/L) without proteinuria. Immunoglobulins of class G/λ monoclonal gammopathy were detected (1.3 g/L). The initial suspicions addressed to a protein-loosing syndrome or to an effort-related rhabdomyolysis. Initial therapy was based on steroids, albumin, and high molecular weight plasma expanders (hydroxyethyl starch). Because of high hematocrit, phlebotomy was also performed. The patient had complete clinical remission and a diagnosis of SCLS was finally made. He received prophylactic therapy with verapamil and theophylline that was self-stopped for intolerance (hypotension and tachycardia). He had a new crisis 2 days after a physical effort, and was admitted in intensive care unit. The patient died for severe hypovolemic shock with multiorgan failure and sudden cardiac arrest 15 hours after hospital admission. Postmortem investigation revealed massive interstitial edema of main organs with myocardial hyperacute ischemia.Studies on SCLS are limited for the rarity of the disease and its unpredictable course. Both prophylactic and acute crisis treatments are empirical and optimal management of severe attacks is still lacking.

Myasthenia Gravis following Low-Osmolality Iodinated Contrast Media.

We describe the case of 79-year-old man admitted to our general hospital for a 6-week history of progressive dysphagia to solids and liquids associated with weight loss. To reach a diagnosis a total body CT scan with low-osmolality iodinate contrast agent was performed. Two hours later the patient developed an acute respiratory failure requiring orotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. The laboratory and neurological tests allow formulating the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. In literature, other three case reports have associated myasthenic crisis with exposure to low-osmolality contrast media. This suggests being careful in administering low-osmolality contrast media in myasthenic patients.

Oral renin inhibitors in clinical practice: a perspective review.

Hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The importance of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in cardiovascular and renal diseases has long been recognized: for this reason the conventional therapies, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), ß-blockers, and aldosterone antagonists represent the backbone of current antihypertensive therapy. Aliskiren is the first direct renin inhibitor (DRI) suitable for oral administration. By achieving more complete renin-angiotensin system inhibition, direct renin inhibitors may afford greater protection from hypertensive complications. Present evidence indicates that aliskiren reduces baseline systolic and diastolic blood pressure greater than placebo and that it is as effective as other first-line antihypertensive agents. Extra advantages can be reached when it is used in combination therapy. Clinical trials and in vitro studies also suggest that aliskiren has several cardioprotective and renoprotective effects. Therapy with aliskiren is well tolerated, but recently some concerns have arisen because of the early termination of the ALTITUDE study due to an increased incidence of adverse effects.

Multiple myeloma cell survival relies on high activity of protein kinase CK2.

Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is a ubiquitous cellular serine-threonine kinase that regulates relevant biologic processes, many of which are dysregulated in malignant plasma cells. Here we investigated its role in multiple myeloma (MM). Analysis of MM cell lines and highly purified malignant plasma cells in patients with MM revealed higher protein and CK2 activity levels than in controls (normal in vitro-generated polyclonal plasma cells and B lymphocytes). The inhibition of CK2 with specific synthetic compounds or by means of RNA interference caused a cytotoxic effect on MM plasma cells that could not be overcome by IL-6 or IGF-I and that was associated with the activation of extrinsic and intrinsic caspase cascades. CK2 blockage lowered the sensitivity threshold of MM plasma cells to the cytotoxic effect of melphalan. CK2 inhibition also resulted in impaired IL-6-dependent STAT3 activation and in decreased basal and TNF-alpha-dependent I kappaB alpha degradation and NF-kappaB-driven transcription. Our data show that CK2 was involved in the pathophysiology of MM, suggesting that it might play a crucial role in controlling survival and sensitivity to chemotherapeutics of malignant plasma cells.