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1.
Ocul Immunol Inflamm ; : 1-11, 2024 Jan 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38814046

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To analyze the referral patterns and the clinical and therapeutic features of patients diagnosed with uveitis in an Italian tertiary referral center to provide a comparison with previously published series from the same center. METHODS: Retrospective retrieval of data on all new referrals to the Ocular Immunology Unit in Reggio Emilia (Italy) between November 2015 and April 2022 and comparison with previously published series from the same center. RESULTS: Among the 1557 patients, the male-to-female ratio was 1:1.27. Anterior uveitis was the most common diagnosis (53.7%), followed by posterior (21.6%), pan- (18.5%), and intermediate (6.2%) uveitis. The most identifiable specific diagnoses were anterior herpetic uveitis (18.4%), Fuchs uveitis (12.8%), and tuberculosis (6.1%). Infectious etiologies were the most frequent (34.1%) and were more diffuse among non-Caucasian patients (p < 0.001), followed by systemic disease-associated uveitis (26.5%), and ocular-specific conditions (20%). Idiopathic uveitis accounted for 19.4% of cases. Fuchs uveitis presented the longest median diagnostic delay (21 months). Immunosuppressants were administered to 25.2% of patients. Antimetabolites, calcineurin inhibitors, and biologicals were prescribed to 18.4%, 3%, and 11.4% of cases, respectively. Compared to our previous reports, we observed a significant increase in foreign-born patients and in infectious uveitis, a decrease in idiopathic conditions, and an increasing use of non-biological and biological steroid-sparing drugs. CONCLUSIONS: The patterns of uveitis in Italy have been changing over the last 20 years, very likely due to migration flows. Diagnostic improvements and a more widespread interdisciplinary approach could reduce the incidence of idiopathic uveitis as well as diagnostic delay.

2.
Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci ; 28(9): 3293, 2024 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38766784

ABSTRACT

The article "Autoantibodies detection in patients affected by autoimmune retinopathies", by M.R. Ceccarini, M.C. Medori, K. Dhuli, S. Tezzele, G. Bonetti, C. Micheletti, P.E. Maltese, S. Cecchin, K. Donato, L. Colombo, L. Rossetti, G. Staurenghi, A.P. Salvetti, M. Oldani, L. Ziccardi, D. Marangoni, G. Iarossi, B. Falsini, G. Placidi, F. D'Esposito, F. Viola, M. Nassisi, G. Leone, L. Cimino, L. De Simone, V. Mastrofilippo, T. Beccari, M. Bertelli, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2023; 27 (6 Suppl): 57-63-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202312_34690-PMID: 38112948 has been retracted by the Editor in Chief for the following reasons. Following some concerns raised on PubPeer, the Editor in Chief has started an investigation to assess the validity of the results. The outcome of the investigation revealed that the manuscript presented major flaws in the following: -       Issues with ethical approval -       Undeclared conflict of interest In light of concerns regarding the potential manipulation of Supplementary Figure 2, the journal's inquiry has been unable to conclusively determine whether the alterations noted on PubPeer constitute figure manipulation. The investigation yielded divergent evaluations. However, given the aforementioned concerns, the Editor in Chief doubts the integrity of the findings presented and thus, has opted to retract the article. The authors disagree with this retraction. This article has been retracted. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/34690.


Subject(s)
Autoantibodies , Autoimmune Diseases , Humans , Autoantibodies/blood , Autoantibodies/immunology , Autoimmune Diseases/immunology , Autoimmune Diseases/diagnosis , Retinal Diseases/immunology , Retinal Diseases/diagnosis , Retraction of Publication as Topic
3.
Ocul Immunol Inflamm ; : 1-7, 2024 Mar 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38436932

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Uveitis-Glaucoma-Hyphema (UGH) syndrome results from contact between the intraocular lens (IOL) and the iris or ciliary body, leading to uveal structure erosion and blood-aqueous barrier breakdown. Treatment involves various drugs, with IOL removal often being necessary. Diagnosis relies on clinical signs, but imaging techniques like ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) or anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) are crucial. AS-OCT accurately depicts IOL position and potential contact, emerging as a primary alternative to UBM in the diagnosis. Our study aimed to correlate AS-OCT findings with clinically detectable iris atrophy in pseudophakic patients with IOL-iris chafing and UGH syndrome. METHODS: The study retrospectively analyzed patients diagnosed with UGH syndrome presenting at the Ocular Immunology Unit of Reggio Emilia, Italy, from January 2019 to August 2023. Patients' data were collected. Ophthalmological exams and imaging were performed. The peephole sign in AS-OCT images was evaluated. Statistical analyses were conducted, with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The study reviewed 22 eyes of 22 patients with UGH syndrome. Four eyes were excluded, leaving 18 patients (8 females, 10 males). Common misdiagnoses included idiopathic anterior uveitis (55.5%) and herpetic anterior uveitis (16.7%). All patients had iris transillumination defects, mostly focal (77.8%). AS-OCT revealed IOL chafing in all the eyes, with peephole sign correlation. More peephole signs occurred with IOL in the sulcus (p-value = 0.08). CONCLUSION: The study recommends AS-OCT for UGH syndrome confirmation and UBM when IOL-iris chafing is not observed on AS-OCT scans.

4.
Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci ; 27(6 Suppl): 57-63, 2023 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38112948

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Autoimmune retinopathies (ARs) encompass a spectrum of immune diseases that are characterized by the presence of autoantibodies against retinal proteins in the bloodstream. These autoantibodies (AAbs) lead to a progressive and sometimes rapid loss of vision. ARs commonly affect subjects over 50 years of age, but also rare cases of kids under 3 years of age have been reported. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study, 47 unrelated Caucasian patients were enrolled. All subjects showed negative cancer diagnoses and negative results in their genetic screenings. We studied 8 confirmed retinal antigens using Western blotting analysis, with α-enolase followed by carbonic anhydrase II being the two most frequently found in the patients' sera. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were positive (40.4%), thirteen uncertain (27.7%), and fifteen were negative (31.9%). Their gender did not correlate with the presence of AAbs (p=0.409). CONCLUSIONS: AAbs are responsible for retinal degeneration in some cases, while in others, they contribute to exacerbating the progression of the disease; however, their detection is crucial to reaching a better diagnosis and developing more effective treatments for these conditions. Moreover, finding good biomarkers is important not only for AR monitoring and prognosis, but also for helping with early cancer diagnosis.


Subject(s)
Autoimmune Diseases , Neoplasms , Retinal Diseases , Humans , Middle Aged , Autoantibodies , Autoantigens , Autoimmune Diseases/diagnosis , Retinal Diseases/diagnosis
5.
Ocul Immunol Inflamm ; 31(10): 2050-2059, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37922466

ABSTRACT

Uveitis is uncommon in children and its diagnosis and treatment are challenging. Little is known of the epidemiology of pediatric uveitis. Indeed, population-based studies in the literature are rare. However, there are many tertiary referral center reports that describe the patterns of uveitis in childhood, although few are from developed countries, and their comparison presents some issues. Anterior uveitis is the most frequent entity worldwide, especially in Western countries, where juvenile idiopathic arthritis is diffuse. Most cases of intermediate uveitis do not show any association with infectious or noninfectious systemic diseases. In low- and middle-income countries, posterior uveitis and panuveitis are prevalent due to the higher rates of infectious etiologies and systemic diseases such as Behçet disease and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease. In recent decades, idiopathic uveitis rate has decreased thanks to diagnostic improvements.


Subject(s)
Behcet Syndrome , Uveitis, Posterior , Uveitis , Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome , Humans , Child , Retrospective Studies , Uveitis/diagnosis , Uveitis/epidemiology , Uveitis/etiology , Behcet Syndrome/complications , Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome/complications , Uveitis, Posterior/complications
6.
Ocul Immunol Inflamm ; : 1-5, 2023 Apr 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37093910

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) alpha-2a to treat post-uveitic relapsing macular edema (ME) after withdrawal of non-PEG IFN alpha-2a or 2b to maintain treatment efficacy. METHODS: This retrospective study investigated subjects with post-uveitic ME who received weekly subcutaneous PEG-IFN alpha-2a injections. Comparisons between baseline central macular thickness (CMT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and those at all follow-up visits were made. RESULTS: Six patients (nine eyes) were treated and followed up for six months. CMT (mean [standard deviation]) decreased from 375[117] to 283[39] µm after one month (p < 0.001), remaining significantly lower up to the final follow-up visit at six months (275[38] µm, p = 0.008), and BCVA (0.21[0.16] logMAR at baseline) showed an improvement of 0.12[0.11] logMAR (p = 0.026) at six months. Neither recurrences nor any serious adverse events were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Post-uveitic ME patients were effectively and safely treated with PEG-IFN alpha-2a.

7.
Ann Ig ; 35(3): 319-330, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36190310

ABSTRACT

Background: Prevalence of mobile device addiction has increased over the years; both women and men have assimilated the mobile phone as a central component of their personal existence: integrating it into their lifestyle or becoming so dependent on it that life without it has become unimaginable. Smartphones generate radio-frequency electromagnetic fields. While short-term exposure in adults was considered quite safe, effects of long-term exposure or exposure during pregnancy on fetuses or during breastfeeding on newborns are not well studied yet. The objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and usage characteristics of smartphones among a sample of pregnant women, and promote the correct and conscious use of the smartphone. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, with a questionnaire administered during childbirth classes and - after the questionnaire administration - an educational intervention focused on promoting the correct and conscious use of smartphones was carried out by psychologists and psychotherapists. Results: The findings of our study suggest that a significant number of the participants suffered addiction to mobile phone usage, but were not aware of it. More than two third of the sample (67.2%) have not changed their smartphone use habits since the beginning of their pregnancy and even more significant data shows that almost all future moms (98.3%) never speak with their doctor about smartphone use during pregnancy. Conclusions: Data collected suggest a lack of attention to the proposed topic, especially in relation to pregnancy. It seems necessary to sensitize future mothers on this topic. The promotion of a more conscious and controlled use of electronic devices can help reduce the radiation to which the unborn child may be exposed, but has a fundamental role even after birth, to ensure an adequate psychomotor and relational development of the child and do not affect, due to uncontrolled use of smartphones, the mother-child relationship.


Subject(s)
Prenatal Education , Smartphone , Male , Adult , Humans , Female , Infant, Newborn , Pregnancy , Cross-Sectional Studies , Pregnant Women , Italy
8.
Inflamm Res ; 71(7-8): 949-961, 2022 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35763079

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional single-center study was conducted to assess cytokine levels in aqueous humor (AH) and plasma of three different uveitis entities: definite ocular sarcoidosis (OS), definite OS associated with QuantiFERON®-TB Gold test positivity (Q + OS) and presumed tubercular uveitis (TBU). SUBJECTS: Thirty-two patients (15 OS, 5 Q + OS, 12 TBU) were included. METHODS: Quantification of selected cytokines was performed on blood and AH samples collected before starting any treatment. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis test, the Mann-Whitney or Fisher test and the Principal Component Analysis (PCA). RESULTS: IL-6, IL-8 and IP-10 levels were higher in AH samples than in peripheral blood. In AH samples, BLC, IL-8 and IP-10 were significantly higher in definite OS than in presumptive TBU. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of cytokine levels between Q + OS and presumptive TBU. PCA showed a similar cytokine pattern in the latter two groups (IFNγ, IL-15, IL-2, IP-10, MIG), while the prevalent expression of BLC, IL-10 and MIP-3 α was seen in definite OS. CONCLUSIONS: The different AH and plasma cytokine profiles observed in OS compared to Q + OS and TBU may help to differentiate OS from TBU in overlapping clinical phenotypes of granulomatous uveitis (Q + OS).


Subject(s)
Sarcoidosis , Tuberculosis, Ocular , Uveitis , Aqueous Humor/metabolism , Chemokine CXCL10/metabolism , Cross-Sectional Studies , Cytokines/metabolism , Humans , Interleukin-8/metabolism , Sarcoidosis/complications , Sarcoidosis/diagnosis , Sarcoidosis/metabolism , Tuberculosis, Ocular/complications , Tuberculosis, Ocular/diagnosis , Tuberculosis, Ocular/metabolism , Uveitis/diagnosis
9.
Curr Opin Pharmacol ; 60: 216-225, 2021 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34474209

ABSTRACT

Growing evidencehas described a correlation between aldosterone, obesity, and insulin resistance, suggesting that adipocyte-related factors and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) overactivation may alter aldosterone secretion, potentially leading to obesity and glucose intolerance. Preclinical studies showed that pharmacological antagonism of MR prevents white adipose tissue dysfunction(s) and expansion, activates brown adipose tissue, and improves glucose tolerance. The clinical use of nonsteroidal MR antagonists has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetic kidney disease progression and cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes. This review aims to summarize the effects of pharmacological MR blockade on obesity and its associated metabolic comorbidities, with a particular focus on the therapeutic implications of nonsteroidal MR antagonists in the management of patients with diabetes.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Insulin Resistance , Adipose Tissue, Brown , Aldosterone , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy , Humans , Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists/pharmacology , Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists/therapeutic use , Receptors, Mineralocorticoid
10.
Clin Exp Immunol ; 204(1): 41-48, 2021 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33314028

ABSTRACT

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation in tissues that contain melanocytes. We aimed to increase the knowledge regarding immunological pathways deregulated in VKH disease. We compared the percentages of circulating natural killer (NK), NK T and T cells expressing the activatory markers: CD16, CD69, NK group 2D (NKG2D), natural cytotoxicity triggering receptor 3 (Nkp30), natural cytotoxicity triggering receptor 1 (Nkp46) and the inhibitory marker: NK group 2 member A (NKG2A) in 10 active VKH patients, 20 control subjects (CTR) and seven patients with Behçet disease (BD) by flow cytometry. Cytotoxic potential of NK cells was determined through the degranulation marker CD107a expression after contact with K562 cells by flow cytometry. Moreover, plasmatic levels of 27 cytokines were determined with a multiplex bead-based assay. VKH patients showed higher percentages of NKG2Dpos NK and NK T cells versus CTR. The cytotoxic potential of NK cells induced by K562 cells was comparable between VKH patients and CTR. Finally, higher concentrations of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-7, IL-17 and platelet-derived growth factor-subunits B (PDGF-bb) were detected in plasma of VKH patients versus CTR. The immune profile of VKH patients was similar to that of BD patients.


Subject(s)
Killer Cells, Natural/immunology , NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K/immunology , Natural Killer T-Cells/immunology , Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome/immunology , Adult , Becaplermin/blood , Becaplermin/immunology , Becaplermin/metabolism , Behcet Syndrome/blood , Behcet Syndrome/immunology , Behcet Syndrome/metabolism , Cells, Cultured , Cytokines/blood , Cytokines/immunology , Cytokines/metabolism , Female , Flow Cytometry , Humans , K562 Cells , Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism , Male , Middle Aged , NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K/blood , NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K/metabolism , Natural Killer T-Cells/metabolism , T-Lymphocytes/immunology , T-Lymphocytes/metabolism , Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome/metabolism , Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome/therapy
12.
Ocul Immunol Inflamm ; 28(2): 322-328, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31107604

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of interferon (IFN) alpha-2a in the treatment of post-uveitic refractory macular edema (ME).Methods: Retrospective cohort of patients with post-uveitic refractory ME, who received subcutaneous IFN alpha-2a injections for at least 3 months. Baseline central macular thickness (CMT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were compared with those at follow-up visits up to 12 months.Results: Thirty-seven patients were included. Treatment duration (median [interquartile range]) was 14[8-24] months with a follow-up of 17[10-38] months. CMT (mean [standard deviation]) decreased from 438[140] to 335[119] µm after 1 month (p < 0.0001) and remained significantly lower up to 12 months (286[98] µm, p = 0.001). BCVA (0.48[0.33] logMAR at baseline) improved by 0.26[0.33] logMAR (p = 0.001) at 12 months. There were 14 recurrences. Seven patients had treatment side effects, without serious adverse events.Conclusions: IFN alpha-2a was effective, safe, and well tolerated in treating post-uveitic refractory ME.


Subject(s)
Interferon alpha-2/administration & dosage , Macular Edema/drug therapy , Uveitis/complications , Visual Acuity , Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage , Female , Fluorescein Angiography/methods , Follow-Up Studies , Fundus Oculi , Humans , Intravitreal Injections , Macular Edema/diagnosis , Macular Edema/etiology , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Tomography, Optical Coherence/methods , Treatment Outcome , Uveitis/diagnosis
13.
J Endocrinol Invest ; 42(11): 1365-1386, 2019 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31111407

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Weight loss is a milestone in the prevention of chronic diseases associated with high morbility and mortality in industrialized countries. Very-low calorie ketogenic diets (VLCKDs) are increasingly used in clinical practice for weight loss and management of obesity-related comorbidities. Despite evidence on the clinical benefits of VLCKDs is rapidly emerging, some concern still exists about their potential risks and their use in the long-term, due to paucity of clinical studies. Notably, there is an important lack of guidelines on this topic, and the use and implementation of VLCKDs occurs vastly in the absence of clear evidence-based indications. PURPOSE: We describe here the biochemistry, benefits and risks of VLCKDs, and provide recommendations on the correct use of this therapeutic approach for weight loss and management of metabolic diseases at different stages of life.


Subject(s)
Diet, Ketogenic/methods , Diet, Reducing/methods , Endocrinology , Metabolic Diseases/prevention & control , Obesity/therapy , Consensus , Humans , Societies, Medical
14.
Diabet Med ; 35(6): 760-769, 2018 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29478265

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To assess the prevalence and management of depressive disorders in people with Type 2 diabetes in different countries. METHODS: People with diabetes aged 18-65 years and treated in outpatient settings were recruited in 14 countries and underwent a psychiatric interview. Participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire and the Problem Areas in Diabetes scale. Demographic and medical record data were collected. RESULTS: A total of 2783 people with Type 2 diabetes (45.3% men, mean duration of diabetes 8.8 years) participated. Overall, 10.6% were diagnosed with current major depressive disorder and 17.0% reported moderate to severe levels of depressive symptomatology (Patient Health Questionnaire scores >9). Multivariable analyses showed that, after controlling for country, current major depressive disorder was significantly associated with gender (women) (P<0.0001), a lower level of education (P<0.05), doing less exercise (P<0.01), higher levels of diabetes distress (P<0.0001) and a previous diagnosis of major depressive disorder (P<0.0001). The proportion of those with either current major depressive disorder or moderate to severe levels of depressive symptomatology who had a diagnosis or any treatment for their depression recorded in their medical records was extremely low and non-existent in many countries (0-29.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Our international study, the largest of this type ever undertaken, shows that people with diabetes frequently have depressive disorders and also significant levels of depressive symptoms. Our findings indicate that the identification and appropriate care for psychological and psychiatric problems is not the norm and suggest a lack of the comprehensive approach to diabetes management that is needed to improve clinical outcomes.


Subject(s)
Depressive Disorder, Major/epidemiology , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/psychology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology , Female , Global Health , Humans , Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use , Insulin/therapeutic use , Male , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Young Adult
15.
Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci ; 21(2 Suppl): 30-35, 2017 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28724176

ABSTRACT

Myo-inositol (MYO) usually represents a therapeutic option for female infertility associated with insulin resistance. Recently, several evidences are accumulating about the potential use of MYO for the treatment of male infertility. This article summarizes the rationale for MYO in the treatment of male infertility. In particular, it illustrates the potential antioxidant and prokinetic role of MYO, and its importance for the modulation of hormonal regulation. In the final part of the manuscript has been added a proposal for a clinical algorithm reserved for patients with asthenozoospermia, where probably MYO could exert specific pharmacological effects.


Subject(s)
Infertility, Male/drug therapy , Inositol/therapeutic use , Algorithms , Asthenozoospermia/drug therapy , Humans , Male
16.
Diabet Med ; 32(7): 925-34, 2015 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25659409

ABSTRACT

AIM: People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing depression and other psychological disorders. However, little is known about the prevalence, correlates or care pathways in countries other than the UK and the USA. A new study, the International Prevalence and Treatment of Diabetes and Depression Study (INTERPRET-DD) aims to address this dearth of knowledge and identify optimal pathways to care across the globe. METHOD: INTERPRET-DD is a 2-year longitudinal study, taking place in 16 countries' diabetes outpatients' facilities, investigating the recognition and management of depressive disorders in people with Type 2 diabetes. Clinical interviews are used to diagnose depression, with clinical and other data obtained from medical records and through patient interviews. Pathways to care and the impact of treatment for previously unrecognized (undocumented) depression on clinical outcomes and emotional well-being are being investigated. RESULTS: Initial evidence indicates that a range of pathways to care exist, with few of them based on available recommendations for treatment. Pilot data indicates that the instruments we are using to measure both the symptoms and clinical diagnosis of depression are acceptable in our study population and easy to use. CONCLUSIONS: Our study will increase the understanding of the impact of comorbid diabetes and depression and identify the most appropriate (country-specific) pathways via which patients receive their care. It addresses an important public health problem and leads to recommendations for best practice relevant to the different participating centres with regard to the identification and treatment of people with comorbid diabetes and depression.


Subject(s)
Depression/epidemiology , Depressive Disorder, Major/epidemiology , Depressive Disorder/epidemiology , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/psychology , Global Health , Stress, Psychological/epidemiology , Adult , Ambulatory Care Facilities , Comorbidity , Depression/diagnosis , Depression/therapy , Depressive Disorder/diagnosis , Depressive Disorder/therapy , Depressive Disorder, Major/diagnosis , Depressive Disorder, Major/therapy , Diabetes Complications/epidemiology , Diabetes Complications/prevention & control , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/therapy , Female , Humans , Incidence , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Pilot Projects , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Prevalence , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales , Referral and Consultation , Stress, Psychological/diagnosis , Stress, Psychological/therapy
17.
Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol ; 27(1 Suppl): 1-10, 2014.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24774503

ABSTRACT

Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, axial spondyloarthropathies, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, comprise a group of chronic disorders characterized by an immune-mediated pathogenesis. Although at clinical presentation these diseases appear unrelated, they have been recognized to share similar pathogenic mechanisms. Data from epidemiological and genetic studies further support the concept that IMIDs are interrelated, as they can co-occur in the same patient and share a similar genetic susceptibility. The specific aetiologies of IMIDs remain unknown, but all are known to involve dysregulation of the immune system, including an over-expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF). The pivotal role played by TNF in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of IMIDs has been documented by extensive preclinical and clinical investigations, and confirmed by the efficacy of anti-TNF biotechnological drugs, such as etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab, in the therapeutic management of these disorders. In this narrative review, we discuss the available data on the TNF-dependent pathogenesis of IMIDs and associations among the different disorders. Although much remains to be discovered about the pathogenesis and aetiology of IMIDs, their common inflammatory pathological features may explain why they can be successfully targeted by anti-TNF drugs. Among these, adalimumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody, has been approved for treatment of nine distinct IMID indications and it is likely to become a valuable therapeutic tool for this complex cluster of chronic inflammatory disorders.


Subject(s)
Autoimmune Diseases/etiology , Autoimmune Diseases/immunology , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology , Animals , Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/administration & dosage , Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/therapeutic use , Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage , Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use , Autoimmune Diseases/drug therapy , Autoimmune Diseases/genetics , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Humans , Inflammation , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/antagonists & inhibitors , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics
18.
Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol ; 27(1 Suppl): 11-32, 2014.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24774504

ABSTRACT

The complex pathogenesis of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) has been extensively investigated and dysregulation of cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF) has been shown to play a dominant role in the pathogenesis of various IMIDs, such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The subsequent development of biological agents capable of blocking TNF has led to important advances in the pharmacotherapy of such diseases and confirmed the concept of a common pathophysiology among IMIDs with TNF having a predominant role. Five TNF inhibitors have currently been approved for treatment of one or more IMIDs; these include infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, golimumab and certolizumab pegol. Given the similarities in the pathogenic background of IMIDs, one could expect that anti-TNF agents be similarly effective and with comparable tolerability profiles; however, this may not be the case. Structural and pharmacological differences among the anti-TNF drugs are likely to result in differences in efficacy and tolerability among the agents in the different IMIDs, together with differences in potency, therapeutic dose ranges, dosing regimens, administration routes, and propensity for immunogenicity. Among the five TNF inhibitors approved for treatment of IMIDs, adalimumab has the widest range of indications. Data from controlled clinical trials of adalimumab, showing its excellent efficacy and tolerability in a wide range of indications, are supported by real-world long-term data from observational studies, which confirm the value of adalimumab as a suitable choice in the management of IMIDs.


Subject(s)
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use , Autoimmune Diseases/drug therapy , Autoimmune Diseases/immunology , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/antagonists & inhibitors , Adalimumab , Animals , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/adverse effects , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/chemistry , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacokinetics , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/adverse effects , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/chemistry , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacokinetics , Clinical Trials as Topic , Humans , Inflammation , Structure-Activity Relationship
19.
Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol ; 27(1 Suppl): 33-48, 2014.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24774505

ABSTRACT

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). TNF inhibition results in down-regulation of abnormal and progressive inflammatory processes, resulting in rapid and sustained clinical remission, improved quality of life and prevention of target organ damage. Adalimumab is the first fully human monoclonal antibody directed against TNF. In this article, we review the role and cost effectiveness of adalimumab in the treatment of IMIDs in adults and children. The efficacy and tolerability of adalimumab has been demonstrated in patients with a wide range of inflammatory conditions, leading to regulatory approval in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), plaque psoriasis, inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, paediatric Crohn's disease, and intestinal Behçet's disease), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The major tolerability issues with adalimumab are class effects, such as injection site reactions and increased risk of infection and lymphoma. As with all anti-TNF agents, adalimumab is immunogenic, although less than infliximab, and some patients receiving long-term adalimumab will develop anti-drug antibodies, causing a loss of response. Comparisons of its clinical utility and cost effectiveness have shown it to be a valid treatment choice in a wide range of patients. Recent data from Italian economic studies show the cost effectiveness of adalimumab to be below the threshold value for health care interventions for most indications. In addition, analysis of indirect costs shows that adalimumab significantly reduces social costs associated with RA, PsA, AS, Crohn's disease and psoriasis. The fact that adalimumab has the widest range of approved indications, many often presenting together in the same patient due to the common pathogenesis, may further improve the utility of adalimumab. Current clinical evidence shows adalimumab to be a valuable resource in the management of IMIDs. Further research, designed to identify patients who may benefit most from this drug, will better highlight the role and cost-effectiveness of this versatile TNF inhibitor.


Subject(s)
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use , Autoimmune Diseases/drug therapy , Autoimmune Diseases/immunology , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/antagonists & inhibitors , Adalimumab , Animals , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/adverse effects , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/economics , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacokinetics , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/adverse effects , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/economics , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacokinetics , Clinical Trials as Topic , Cost-Benefit Analysis , Humans , Inflammation
20.
Clin Ter ; 163(5): e331-5, 2012.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23099983

ABSTRACT

Among adrenal masses only 0.06% to 0.18% are cysts and among them, pseudocysts are the second (39%) most common lesions. Due to the increased use of imaging studies their incidence seems to have increased. Most of these lesions are incidentally found during radiologic investigation or at the time of autopsy, and only rarely they are detected in pregnant women. The latter scenario warrants emergency surgery, due to the risk of rupture. We present a case of a 39-years old woman presenting with unrelenting left flank pain due to a large adrenal pseudocyst soon after her first delivery. Four months after, she presented to our surgical division for persistent pain and anemia so underwent an extensive work up that showed a large pseudocystic mass (8 x 8 cm ) of the left adrenal gland. Once the neoplastic and parasitic etiology of the lesion were excluded, she underwent uneventful laparoscopic adrenalectomy. She was discharged home three days postoperatively. This case is the 13th case in the English literature and at the same time is the first case of adrenal pseudocyst occurred four months after delivery.


Subject(s)
Adrenal Gland Diseases/diagnosis , Cysts/diagnosis , Abdominal Pain/etiology , Adrenal Gland Diseases/complications , Adult , Cysts/complications , Female , Humans , Postpartum Period
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