Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of Prurigo Nodularis: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a complex chronic skin disease characterized by severe pruritic nodules. PN is often associated with mental health disorders and chronic medical comorbidities. Until recently, PN treatment has been challenging and difficult. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to describe the demographic, clinical characteristics, and comorbidities associated with PN. Also, we aim to describe the effectiveness of systemic therapies, including methotrexate, cyclosporine, and narrow band ultraviolet (NB-UVB) in adult patients with PN. METHODS: This is a retrospective chart review of adult patients diagnosed with PN at Hamilton Health Science Center and/or McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, between 2015 and 2023. RESULTS: The study included 81 patients (57% female). The mean age was 52.8 years, and the mean age of PN diagnosis was 50 years. Reported symptoms included: itching (100%), dry skin (53%), pain (17%), and burning sensation (5%). Lower and upper extremities were the most common areas involved in 93% and 69%, respectively. Mental health disorders were present in 79% of patients, with depression (58%) and anxiety (52%) being the most common. Atopic dermatitis was the most common skin comorbidity noted. Treatments used included cyclosporine, and NB-UVB, and MTX, which resulted in significant improvement of pruritus in 38%, 35%, and 31% of patients, respectively, at week 16. CONCLUSIONS: PN is associated with increased risk of mental health disorders and other medical comorbidities. Cyclosporine, methotrexate, and NB-UVB therapy may be effective treatment options, however clinicians must consider the potential short- and long-term adverse effects of these treatments.

Treatment patterns and drug survival for generalized pustular psoriasis: A patient journey study using a Japanese claims database.

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a potentially life-threatening skin disease. Although several medications are approved for treating GPP in Japan, there are limited data on real-world treatment patterns or drug survival (the number of prescribed days of treatment). This retrospective cohort study describes drug survival and treatment patterns of patients with newly diagnosed GPP (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision code L40.1), and ≥1 year of follow-up, using de-identified claims data (Medical Data Vision Co., Ltd.) from January 2016 to August 2021. Most (97.0%) of the 434 Japanese patients received first-line therapy of etretinate (26.4%), topical medications (14.7%), or cyclosporin (14.3%); 80.0% and 60.1% of patients received a second and third line of therapy (LOT), respectively. Use of etretinate (12.6%) and cyclosporin (5.9%) decreased in second-line therapies, whereas use of biologics (interleukin [IL]-17, 14.3%; IL-23 inhibitors, 7.6%) and topical medications (22.1%) increased or remained consistent. Approximately 50% of biologics were prescribed in combination with systemic medications or systemic corticosteroids. Median (range) time to next therapy (TTNT) was 2.8 (0.03-48.07) months for first-line therapy and 3.3 (0.03-52.97) months for all other LOTs. TTNT was longer for combination therapies (up to 16.5 months) compared with monotherapies (up to 7.5 months). Biologics exhibited longer drug survival with fewer treatment episodes compared with non-biologic systemic medications. Among frequently used therapies, the median (95% confidence interval) drug survival was 8.8 (5.8-11.8) months for etretinate, 4.3 (2.2-6.9) months for systemic corticosteroids, and 19.6 (16.1-26.7) months for secukinumab. Treatment patterns varied considerably, highlighting the need for treatment algorithms and effective, well-tolerated medications to support patients to help them remain on long-term therapy.

Immunosuppressive therapy and oral anticoagulation in kidney transplant recipients: Direct oral anticoagulants versus vitamin-k antagonists.

BACKGROUND: direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are an alternative to conventional antagonist of vitamin-K (AVK). However, immune suppressive drugs (ISDs) may interfere with DOACs pharmacokinetic. AIM OF THIS STUDY: evaluate safety and efficacy profile of DOACs compared to AVK in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) treated with ISDs. METHODS: a multi-center study from 4 Italian University hospitals enrolling consecutive KTRs on DOACs or AVK was carried out. Sixty-six patients on DOACs were compared with fifty patients on AVK with similar clinical features. Serial evaluation of renal function and serum levels of ISDs during 18 months follow-up (FU) was performed. RESULTS: Mean age of DOACs patients was 67±9 and mean eGFR was 58,3± 30,4mL/min/1.73m2. ISDs included tacrolimus (n=47, 71%), cyclosporin (n=13, 20%), everolimus (n=10, 7%) and sirolimus (n=4, 6%). After 14 days of DOACs therapy initiation there was a slight increase of serum levels of tacrolimus (+0.19±0.67 p=0.80) and cyclosporine (+0.12±0.25 p=0.94) not statistically significant. Levels of Tacrolimus and cyclosporin were stable at serial evaluation during 18-months follow-up. There were no thromboembolic events among patients treated with DOACs or AVK and no differences in term of major bleeding (6% vs 4% p=0.69), at long-term follow-up. There was no difference in term of eGFR decline from start therapy to 18 months FU between DOACs vs AVK therapy (-3.9±1 vs -3.8±2 p=0.82). CONCLUSION: DOACs have similar safety and efficacy than AVK among KTRs treated with ISDs. However, careful evaluation of potential drug interaction and ISDs serum levels is needed.

A computational biology approach to identify potential protein biomarkers and drug targets for sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the loss of upper and lower motor neurons. The sporadic ALS (sALS) is a multigenic disorder and the complex mechanisms underlying its onset are still not fully delineated. Despite the recent scientific advancements, certain aspects of ALS pathogenic targets need to be yet clarified. The aim of the presented study is to identify potential genetic biomarkers and drug targets for sALS, by analysing gene expression profiles, presented in the publicly available GSE68605 dataset, of motor neurons cells obtained from sALS patients. We used different computational approaches including differential expression analysis, protein network mapping, candidate protein biomarker (CPB) identification, elucidation of the role of functional modules, and molecular docking analysis. The resultant top ten up- and downregulated genes were further used to construct protein-protein interaction network (PPIN). The PPIN analysis resulted in identifying four CPBs (namely RIOK2, AKT1, CTNNB1, and TNF) that commonly overlapped with one another in network parameters (degree, bottleneck and maximum neighbourhood component). The RIOK2 protein emerged as a potential mediator of top five functional modules that are associated with RNA binding, lipoprotein particle receptor binding in pre-ribosome, and interferon, cytokine-mediated signaling pathway. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis revealed that cyclosporine exhibited the highest binding affinity (-8.6 kJ/mol) with RIOK2, and surpassed the FDA-approved ALS drugs, such as riluzole and edaravone. This suggested that cyclosporine may serve as a promising candidate for targeting RIOK2 downregulation observed in sALS patients. In order to validate our computational results, it is suggested that in vitro and in vivo studies may be conducted in future to provide a more detailed understanding of ALS diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic intervention.

Letermovir for Cytomegalovirus prophylaxis in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Letermovir (LTV), an antiviral with exclusive activity against Cytomegalovirus (CMV), is approved for prophylaxis of CMV infection and disease in adult hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) patients. The use of LTV in the pediatric HCT population is off-label, and has limited literature to support its use. PROCEDURE: This was a single-center, retrospective, matched (1:1 LTV:non-LTV) cohort study of allogeneic HCT recipients transplanted at Children's Hospital Colorado from 2015 to 2022. The primary endpoint was clinically significant CMV DNAemia (defined as a CMV viral load >1000 copies/mL or any CMV DNAemia leading to preemptive treatment) through 6 months post transplant. Secondary outcomes included time to clinically significant CMV DNAemia, drug adverse effects, and dose adjustments of concomitant cyclosporine and voriconazole (known drug interactions). RESULTS: We compared 41 patients who received LTV prophylaxis to 41 patients who received no CMV prophylaxis. There was less clinically significant CMV DNAemia through D+180 in the LTV group (9.8% vs. 17.0%, p = .33). Overall, LTV was well tolerated, and 87.8% of patients experienced no adverse effects related to the drug. There was no observed pattern in LTV effect on cyclosporine serum concentrations, but LTV was associated with decreased voriconazole trough levels. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective study, the use of LTV prophylaxis in pediatric stem cell patients was associated with reduced clinically significant CMV DNAemia through D+180.

Dry Eye Disease: Focus on Prescription Therapy.

Objective To review the pharmacotherapy of prescription drugs approved for treatment of chronic dry eye disease (DED). A brief background on DED management and the pharmacist's role for care is included. Data Sources Articles indexed in PubMed (National Library of Medicine), Iowa Drug Information Service, Cochrane Reviews and Trials, and Google Scholar in the past 10 years using the key words "dry eye," "dry eye and treatment," "cyclosporine," "lifitegrast," and "varenicline." Current guidelines and manufacturers' prescribing information were reviewed. Primary sources were used to locate additional resources. Study Selection/Data Extraction Sixty-five publications were reviewed, and criteria supporting the objectives identified useful resources. Data Synthesis Selected literature included practice guidelines, review articles, research articles, product prescribing information, and drug information databases. Conclusion Patient education, eliminating causative factors, improving the daily environment for eye health, and using ocular lubricants are the first steps in DED management. A therapeutic mainstay is ocular lubricants; preservative-free formulations are recommended for chronic or repeated daily use. The Food and Drug Administration approved prescription medications for chronic use for DED, cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion and solution, lifitegrast ophthalmic solution, and varenicline nasal spray, all improve signs and symptoms but do not cure DED. The ophthalmic products all cause ocular discomfort upon instillation. As a nasal spray, varenicline does not cause ocular discomfort, but it can cause sneezing, cough, and throat and nose irritation in some patients. Pharmacists have an opportunity to provide patient education regarding lifestyle modifications to mitigate DED and provide counseling on available products. Emerging therapies may provide advances in DED treatment.

Clinical profile and management with immunosuppressants and biologics in Behcet's uveitis: A cohort of 25 patients from a tertiary eye care center in South India.

Purpose: To report the clinical profile of Behcet's disease and its management with immunosuppressants and biologics in a cohort of 25 patients from a tertiary eye care center in South India. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study. Records of 45 eyes of 25 patients between January 2016 and December 2021 were retrieved from the hospital database. Complete ophthalmic evaluation and systemic examination by the rheumatologist with appropriate investigations had been done. Results were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: Males (19, 76%) were found to be more affected than females (6, 24%). Mean age of presentation was 27.68 ± 11.08 years. Twenty patients had bilateral involvement (80%), and unilateral involvement was seen in five patients (20%). Seven eyes of four patients (16%) had isolated anterior uveitis, out of which one patient had unilateral and three patients had bilateral involvement. Twenty-six eyes of 16 patients (64%) had posterior uveitis, out of which six patients had unilateral and 10 had bilateral involvement. Twelve eyes of seven patients (28%) had panuveitis, out of which two patients had unilateral and five had bilateral involvement. Hypopyon was seen in five eyes (11.1%) and posterior synechiae in seven eyes (15.55%). Posterior segment findings included vitritis (24.44%), vasculitis (17.78%), retinitis (17.78%), disc hyperemia (11.11%), and disc pallor (8.89%). Steroids alone were given in five patients (20%) and intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) was given in four patients (16%). Immunosuppressive agents along with steroids were given in 20 patients (80%), of which azathioprine alone was given in seven patients (28%), cyclosporin alone was given in two patients (8%), mycophenolate mofetil alone was given in three patients (12%), combination of azathioprine and cyclosporin was given in six patients (24%), and combination of methotrexate and mycophenolate mofetil was given in one patient (4%). Biologics were given in 10 patients (40%) - adalimumab in seven patients (28%) and infliximab in three patients (12%). Conclusion: Behcet's disease is an uncommon uveitis in India. Addition of immunosuppressants and biologics to conventional steroid therapy gives better visual outcomes.

Abatacept as salvage therapy for life-threatening refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia: a case report.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) can be life-threatening, if hemoglobin (Hb) levels continue to decline after established treatments with glucocorticoids, rituximab, intravenous immunoglobulins, and plasmapheresis. Impaired regulatory T cells (Treg) are proposed to alleviate AIHA development through decreased binding of CTLA-4 to antigen-presenting cells. Abatacept is a fusion protein with a CTLA-4 domain and is approved for use in rheumatoid arthritis. It mimics the immunosuppressive CTLA-4 effect of Treg. Thus, application of abatacept in refractory AIHA might be reasonable. A 54-year-old woman with known AIHA was admitted to our clinic due to therapy-refractory hemoglobin decrease to 4.0 g/dl. Previously, multiple courses of glucocorticoids, rituximab, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, and a splenectomy failed to stop or stabilize hemoglobin levels and hemolysis. A new immunosuppressive therapy with cyclosporine was initiated and erythropoiesis was stimulated with darbepoetin alfa. Again, therapy failed even though we tried to support immunosuppressive therapy by reducing the amount of pathogenic antibody through plasmapheresis. We stopped the treatment with cyclosporine and applied abatacept instead. After seven days hemoglobin stabilized at 4.3 g/dl and no further red blood cells transfusions were necessary. About one month later hemolysis aggravated again and azathioprine was added to the ongoing abatacept treatment. Finally, the combination of abatacept and azathioprine led to a long-lasting increase of the Hb level above 11 g/dl six months later. Abatacept can be applied to overcome therapy refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia but should be combined with an additional immunosuppressive medication such as azathioprine.

Changing from preserved, to preservative-free cyclosporine 0.1% enhanced triple glaucoma therapy: impact on ocular surface disease-a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Halting and reversing glaucoma therapy-related ocular surface disease (GTR-OSD) will improve the success of long-term medical therapy, impacting millions of patients worldwide. METHODS: A single-centre, masked, prospective, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of 41 well-controlled open-angle glaucoma subjects with moderate to severe GTR-OSD on preserved latanoprost and dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination (DTFC) therapy was conducted. Subjects were randomized to preservative-free (PF) tafluprost and DTFC with either placebo or cyclosporine 0.1% drops for 6 months and were then crossed over to the opposite therapy. Oxford score of ocular staining was the primary outcome; osmolarity, matrix-metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) testing, tear film break-up time (TFBUT), meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), punctum evaluation, adverse events and diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP) comprised secondary outcomes. RESULTS: GTR-OSD findings improved with PF therapy. At 6 months the triple PF with placebo group showed improvement compared to baseline in mean Oxford score (mean difference [MD]:-3.76; 95% confidence interval [CI]:-4.74 to -2.77; p < 0.001), osmolarity (MD:-21.93; 95%CI:-27.61 to -16.24 mOsm/l; p < 0.001), punctum stenosis (p = 0.008) and conjunctival hyperaemia (p < 0.001). Similar improvements occurred in the cyclosporine enhanced period, which also provided greater improvement in MMP-9 positivity (24 vs 66%; p < 0.001) and TFBUT (p = 0.022). The cyclosporine group was superior vs placebo in mean Oxford score (MD:-0.78; 95%CI:-1.40 to -0.15); p < 0.001), itchiness and objective adverse events (p = 0.034). Cyclosporine elicited more stinging vs placebo (63 vs 24%; p < 0.001). Both PF regimens reduced mean diurnal IOP more than preserved therapy (14.7 vs 15.9 mmHg; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Changing from preserved to PF glaucoma medications improves ocular surface health and IOP control. Topical cyclosporine 0.1% further reverses GTR-OSD.

Abrocitinib: A New FDA-Approved Drug for Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to review abrocitinib, an oral Janus kinase (JAK) 1 inhibitor, for the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). DATA SOURCES: A literature search of MEDLINE (PubMed) was performed for articles from inception through end-March 2022 using the following search terms: atopic dermatitis, abrocitinib, PF-04965842, methotrexate, cyclosporine, dupilumab, ruxolitinib, and JAK-STAT pathway. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: English articles relating to pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of abrocitinib, and other conventional systemic medications for AD, were included. DATA SYNTHESIS: Across phase IIb and phase III clinical trials, abrocitinib was efficacious with an average of 47.5% patients on 200 mg abrocitinib and 32.0% on 100 mg abrocitinib achieving an Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) of 0 or 1 at 12 weeks. In comparison with dupilumab 300 mg subcutaneously every other week, patients on abrocitinib 200 mg once daily had improved disease severity and itch response. The majority of adverse events were not severe and self-limited. RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE: Prior to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of abrocitinib, prednisone was the only FDA-approved oral medication for AD. Although biologics such as dupilumab have revolutionized care, some patients prefer oral medications. Compared with clinical trials of conventional AD treatments, abrocitinib appears more effective. CONCLUSIONS: Abrocitinib is an efficacious oral JAK 1 inhibitor recently FDA-approved for patients ≥ 18 years old with moderate-to-severe AD who have not responded to systemic medications or when contraindicated otherwise.

Use of Ultra-Widefield Fluorescein Angiography to Guide the Treatment to Idiopathic Retinal Vasculitis, Aneurysms, and Neuroretinitis-Case Report and Literature Review.

PURPOSE: To review the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of idiopathic retinal vasculitis, aneurysms, and neuroretinitis (IRVAN) and to report a case with the use of ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography (UWFA) for confirming the precise staging of IRVAN and aid in early treatment. The patient improved after being treated with intravitreal aflibercept injection. RESULTS: A 26-year-old female complained of progressive blurred vision OD for one week. Her BCVA was 0.6 OD and 1.0 OS. Fundus examination showed vitritis, retinal hemorrhage, and vasculitis over bilateral eyes. Fluorescein angiography (FA) with a 55 degree of view revealed aneurysmal dilations of the peripapillary arteriole, peripapillary focal leakage, venous leakage, and capillary nonperfusion area. Stage 2 IRVAN was impressed OU. Oral prednisolone was administered. After four months, she experienced decreased visual acuity OS. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed subretinal and intraretinal fluid with hyperreflective material. One posterior subtenon triamcinolone and one intravitreal aflibercept injection were performed OS, and macular edema subsided. A 105-degree ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography (UWFA) showed multiple peripheral background hypofluorescence areas corresponding to capillary nonperfusion. Retinal neovascularization (NV) was found OS, which had not been revealed by the previous 55-degree FA. Stage 3 IRVAN was made OS and panretinal laser photocoagulation (PRP) was performed. Oral prednisone and cyclosporine were prescribed. Her vision improved to 1.0 OU. CONCLUSION: UWFA provides visualization of peripheral retinal pathology and for precise staging. It also had direct implications in the follow-up and treatment strategy.

Overlap syndrome in a 12-year-old girl with systemic lupus erythematosus and anti-oj antibody-positive polymyositis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The peculiar presentation of overlap syndrome in children makes precise diagnosis difficult. Children with overlap syndrome may or may not have specific antibodies. We present the case of a 12-year-old girl diagnosed with overlap syndrome of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and juvenile polymyositis (JPM) who tested positive for anti-OJ antibodies. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the case of a 12-year-old girl diagnosed with SLE at the age of 7 and presented with fever with malar rash, periungual erythema, generalized weakness, and multiple joint pain at admission. The patient had persistent joint pain and weakness after intravenous methylprednisolone administration and complained of an inability to walk with a positive test for Gower's sign one week after admission, accompanied by elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and creatine-phospho-kinase (CPK) levels. The results of nerve conduction velocity test were normal. Electromyography revealed abundant spontaneous activity and myopathic motor unit action potentials in the right deltoid, biceps, and iliopsoas, in addition to fibrillation and mild myopathic motor unit action potentials in the right rectus femoris muscle. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffusely increased signal intensities in the myofascial planes of the bilateral iliopsoas, gluteus, obturator, pectineus, and hamstring muscles. Anti-nuclear antibody, anti-RNP, and rheumatoid factor IgG tests were positive, and inflammatory myopathy autoantibodies revealed anti-OJ antibody positivity, which strongly indicated autoimmune myositis. High-resolution computed tomography of the lung revealed mild pericardial effusion without any evidence of interstitial lung disease. We initiated intravenous pulses of methylprednisolone treatment, followed by cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and oral steroids. Clinical improvement with a delayed, slowly reduced CPK level after the above treatment and she was discharged after the 18th day of hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Overlap syndrome with inflammatory myositis can occur years later in pediatric SLE cases. We should be alert when patients with SLE develop a new presentation characterized by decreased SLE-specific autoantibody titers, positive anti-RNP antibodies, and elevated CPK. Treatment of the overlap syndrome of SLE and JPM is individualized, and the course differs between pediatric and adult patients.

Urticaria.

Urticaria is an inflammatory skin disorder that affects up to 20% of the world population at some point during their life. It presents with wheals, angioedema or both due to activation and degranulation of skin mast cells and the release of histamine and other mediators. Most cases of urticaria are acute urticaria, which lasts ≤6 weeks and can be associated with infections or intake of drugs or foods. Chronic urticaria (CU) is either spontaneous or inducible, lasts >6 weeks and persists for >1 year in most patients. CU greatly affects patient quality of life, and is linked to psychiatric comorbidities and high healthcare costs. In contrast to chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) has definite and subtype-specific triggers that induce signs and symptoms. The pathogenesis of CSU consists of several interlinked events involving autoantibodies, complement and coagulation. The diagnosis of urticaria is clinical, but several tests can be performed to exclude differential diagnoses and identify underlying causes in CSU or triggers in CIndU. Current urticaria treatment aims at complete response, with a stepwise approach using second-generation H1 antihistamines, omalizumab and cyclosporine. Novel treatment approaches centre on targeting mediators, signalling pathways and receptors of mast cells and other immune cells. Further research should focus on defining disease endotypes and their biomarkers, identifying new treatment targets and developing improved therapies.

Management of Coexisting Bullous Pemphigoid and Psoriasis: A Review.

Psoriasis in an immune-mediated inflammatory disease and is associated with increased risk of various comorbidities, especially autoimmune bullous diseases. However, the optimal management of coexisting psoriasis and bullous pemphigoid (BP) is not known. A systematic search revealed 64 articles, including 84 patients with such cases. For those with mild BP activity and clear triggers, discontinuation of culprit agents and using topical corticosteroid was the most common treatment. Systemic corticosteroids and methotrexate were most widely used for moderate to severe diseases, but flare up of BP and psoriasis was common when the immunosuppressants were tapered. Azathioprine and cyclosporine were less often used but appeared to be reasonable alternatives. Antibiotics with anti-inflammatory properties and vitamins (niacinamide and acitretin) exert modest effect. Effects of novel biologics approved for use in psoriasis, such as etanercept, ustekinumab, secukinumab, and ixekizumab, on coexisting BP and psoriasis remain controversial because new onset of BP has been reported. Though rituximab and dupilumab may be beneficial for BP, they might sometimes induce or aggravate psoriasis. Despite the presence of many case reports or case series, high-quality studies are lacking and are needed to better clarify the optimal treatment strategy for coexisting BP and psoriasis. Based on current evidence, we suggest physicians evaluate the severity of BP and identify if there is any modifiable trigger factor, such as UV or biologics. After removing trigger factors, for patients with mild BP, topical corticosteroid may be considered first. Systemic immunosuppressants such as corticosteroid and methotrexate remained the most popular choices for more extensive cases followed by azathioprine and cyclosporine, but the dose should be slowly tapered to prevent psoriasis or BP flare up.

Assessment of hearing levels in children with nephrotic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Due to the similarities in the physiological mechanisms and antigenicity of the kidney and cochlea, they are simultaneously affected by certain diseases and drugs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether the hearing functions of patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS) were affected by the severity of the disease and the cyclosporine treatment. METHODS: The sample of this study consisted of 87 participants, including 65 patients (130 ears) with NS and 22 age- and sex-matched normal hearing children (44 ears). Based on the severity of the disease, the patients were divided into two groups: infrequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (IRNS) and steroid-dependent or frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (SD/FRNS). Their audiologic tests, including Pure-tone Audiometry and Distortion-Product Otoacoustic Emission (DPOAE), were compared with the tests of the control group. In addition, the audiologic tests of the NS patients who received cyclosporine were compared with those who did not. RESULTS: In the pure-tone audiometry, there were statistically significant differences between the IRNS, SD/FRNS, and control groups at 2000, 4000 Hz, and pure-tone average (PTA). Hearing levels of the SD/FRNS group at 2000, 4000 Hz, and PTA were higher than those of the control group. At 6000 Hz in pure-tone audiometry, there was a very weak positive correlation between the hearing level and the number of relapses. At 250 Hz and PTA, hearing levels of the group that received cyclosporine were higher compared to the group that did not receive it. In DPOAE, there was no significant difference between the groups according to the severity of the disease and the use of cyclosporine. CONCLUSION: During the follow-up of the patients with NS, their hearing functions should be questioned, especially in patients with SD/FRNS and receiving cyclosporine treatment.

Clinical, imaging features and treatment response of idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis (IHP) is a rare inflammatory disease that causes focal or diffuse thickening of the dura mater. However, longitudinal follow up studies are still lacking for these patients. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical characteristics, neuroimaging findings, treatment response and outcome of IHP. METHOD: A retrospective case series of 30 patients admitted Beijing Tiantan Hospital were screened via Hospital Information System from January 1st, 2011, to January 31st, 2021. All patients' clinical symptoms, imaging, and treatment response were collected via a standardized form. We compared the effects of high-dose and low-dose corticosteroids on headache, impaired vision, and MRI remission during acute onset. The effects of different immunosuppressants on preventing relapses were also compared. RESULTS: Headache (93.3%) and multiple cranial neuropathy (66.7%) were the most common symptoms of IHP. Cerebral spinal fluid test showed that protein levels were elevated in 17 (56.7%) patients, and white blood cells were increased in seven patients. MRI demonstrated that diffuse (60%) and focal (40%) enhancement occurred in the dura mater, especially in the tentorium cerebellum (80%). High-dose and low-dose corticosteroids reduced headache and dural enhancement during the acute phase. The high dose corticosteroid significantly relieved the headache than the low dose group (p = 0.041). Patients treated with mycophenolate mofetil and cyclophosphamide might achieve longer remission (months, p = 0.428). CONCLUSION: Headache and multiple cranial neuropathy are the most common clinical manifestations of IHP. In this study, almost all patients had a good initial response to corticosteroid therapy during the acute phase. Mycophenolate mofetil and cyclosporine may be effective for preventing relapses.

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Orally Administered Letermovir Prophylaxis in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients.

With balanced safety-efficacy profile, letermovir anti-cytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis is used in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients (HSCTR). We assessed feasibility and usefulness of letermovir therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in HSCTR. We performed a prospective observational study on letermovir-TDM including 40 consecutive adult CMV-seropositive allogeneic-HSCTR who received orally (PO) administered letermovir. Minimal blood concentrations of letermovir (Ctrough) were measured on days 3 and 7 postletermovir initiation and weekly thereafter. Letermovir-Ctrough remained stable during the first 70 days post-HSCT at a median of 286 µg/L (interquartile range, 131 to 591 µg/L), with large interpatient/intrapatient variability. No associations between breakthrough clinically significant CMV infection or detectable CMV DNAemia and letermovir-Ctrough were observed. Patients with letermovir-associated adverse events had higher letermovir-Ctrough than patients without (400 versus 266 µg/L, P = 0.02). Letermovir-Ctrough was similar in patients with or without gastrointestinal symptoms (280 versus 300 µg/L, P = 0.49). Acute grade ≥2 GvHD was associated with higher letermovir-Ctrough (479 versus 248 µg/L, P = 0.001), including gastrointestinal GvHD (499 versus 263 µg/L, P = 0.004). Concomitantly administered posaconazole and cyclosporine were associated with higher letermovir-Ctrough (707 versus 259 µg/L, P < 0.001 and 437 versus 248 µg/L, P = 0.01, respectively). In multivariable analysis, both posaconazole (odds ratio [OR], 4.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4 to 9.7; P < 0.0001) and cyclosporine-adjusted letermovir dose at 240 mg daily (OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.4 to 9.0; P = 0.01) were independently associated with higher letermovir-Ctrough. In conclusion, administration of PO letermovir led to measurable and relatively stable letermovir-Ctrough, without noticeable associations with clinical efficacy. Letermovir exposure was not affected by gastrointestinal symptoms, but with posaconazole and cyclosporine administration. Associations between letermovir and concomitantly administered agents and adverse events warrant additional clinical studies.

Delayed Pressure Urticaria: Clinical and Diagnostic Features and Response to Omalizumab.

BACKGROUND: Delayed pressure urticaria (DPU) is a rare form of chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) when it manifests alone. Treatment of DPU is disappointing owing to the lack of response to antihistamines, even when up-dosing. In addition, the absence of randomized clinical trials and the low number of patients included in the studies mean that there is little scientific evidence for the validity of omalizumab in DPU. OBJECTIVE: Objectives of the study were to perform a real-world study of the effectiveness and safety of omalizumab in DPU patients without chronic spontaneous urticaria or other forms of CIndU and to describe their clinical and diagnostic features. METHOD: We performed an ambispective observational study of 14 patients with DPU who did not respond to 2 or more second-generation H1-antihistamines in an up-dosing regimen and/or corticosteroids, montelukast, or cyclosporine. Treatment was initiated with omalizumab 300 mg every 4 weeks. We recorded the following: age, time to diagnosis, previous treatment, diagnostic testing (mean time threshold after removing the stimulus and duration of the lesions), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), D dimer, total IgE, antithyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies, and the Urticaria Control Test (UCT) score before and after the first dose. We evaluated the efficacy of omalizumab according to the Urticaria Control Test score. We analyzed the time to complete or satisfactory response after the first dose (superfast) and its adverse effects. RESULTS: Women accounted for 64.28% patients. The mean age at diagnosis was 43.64 (±13.78) years. The time to diagnosis was 4.53 (±5.54) years. The mean time threshold after removing the stimulus was 4.18 h (±2.75). The mean duration of lesions after testing was 32.42 (±13.8) hours. High ERS values (>20.0 mm/h) were detected in 50% of patients. CRP was >0.5 mg/dL in 42.85% and D dimer levels were high (>500.0 ng/mL) in 3/10 patients. Anti-TPO level was normal in 100% of patients. Total IgE was >100 IU/mL in 6/8 patients. Medium UCT levels before treatment with omalizumab were 3.07 (±2.40), reaching 15.28/16 (±1.72) after the first dose of omalizumab. All 14 patients responded superfast, and none experienced an adverse reaction. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limitation of a low sample size in this real-life study, our findings suggest that omalizumab is a rapid, effective, and safe treatment for patients with DPU refractory to antihistamines in an up-dosing regimen. We recommend omalizumab for patients who do not respond to up-dosing antihistamines and montelukast.

Oral lichen planus: comparative efficacy and treatment costs-a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the reported efficacy and costs of available interventions used for the management of oral lichen planus (OLP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed from database inception until March 2021 in MEDLINE via PubMed and the Cochrane library following PRISMA guidelines. Only randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing an active intervention with placebo or different active interventions for OLP management were considered. RESULTS: Seventy (70) RCTs were included. The majority of evidence suggested efficacy of topical steroids (dexamethasone, clobetasol, fluocinonide, triamcinolone), topical calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus, cyclosporine), topical retinoids, intra-lesional triamcinolone, aloe-vera gel, photodynamic therapy, and low-level laser therapies for OLP management. Based on the estimated cost per month and evidence for efficacy and side-effects, topical steroids (fluocinonide > dexamethasone > clobetasol > triamcinolone) appear to be more cost-effective than topical calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus > pimecrolimus > cyclosporine) followed by intra-lesional triamcinolone. CONCLUSION: Of common treatment regimens for OLP, topical steroids appear to be the most economical and efficacious option followed by topical calcineurin inhibitors. Large-scale multi-modality, prospective trials in which head-to-head comparisons interventions are compared are required to definitely assess the cost-effectiveness of OLP treatments.

Clinically Different Presentations of Family Members With the Same Homozygote Diacylglycerol Kinase Epsilon Mutation: Case Report.

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and renal microangiopathies may manifest similar clinical presentations and histology. Many genetic mutations that cause these diseases have been reported. Studies on mutations in the gene encoding diacylglycerol kinase epsilon identified a novel pathophysiologic mechanism leading to atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and/or membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Here, we present the different clinical presentations and treatments in 4 family members who carried the same homozygous diacylglycerol kinase epsilon mutation. The first patient (age 5 years, 3 months old at diagnosis) had nephrotic syndrome. The kidney biopsy was membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis; partial remission was achieved with cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, and mycophenolate mofetil treatment. The second patient (age 5 years, 7 months at diagnosis) presented with overlapping atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Remission could not be achieved with cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, and mycophenolate mofetil, and hemodialysis treatment was started. At 10 years from first admission, the patient had end-stage kidney disease, and kidney transplant was performed successfully. The third patient was admitted with the diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome at 13 months of age, kidney biopsy showed membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, and spontaneous remission developed during followup. He presented with hemolytic uremic syndrome 15 months after the first admission, and dialysis was started. Remission was achieved with plasma infusion and eculizumab treatment. The fourth patient (a 7-month-old boy and brother of patient 3) had no clinical or laboratory findings. All patients had genetic analysis, and mutation in exon 2:c.473G>A(p. W158*) was detected. Our related patients with the same mutation showed different clinical and histological findings. However, we did not observe a clear genotype-phenotype correlation in patients with diacylglycerol kinase epsilon nephropathy, suggesting additional factors mediating phenotypic heterogeneity.