Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Therapeutic Choices (therapeutic + choice)
Selected AbstractsCentral nervous system is a sanctuary site for chronic myelogenous leukaemia treated with imatinib mesylateINTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL, Issue 6 2009Y. Isobe Abstract Imatinib mesylate (IM) is currently used as the first therapeutic choice against chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML). Because IM poorly penetrates the blood-brain barrier, IM-treated CML patients may have a potential risk of central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Here we report a case with lymphoid blast crisis isolated only in CNS after bacterial meningitis, although the patient achieved and maintained complete cytogenetic response by IM therapy. It is important to consider isolated CNS blast crisis as a possible event in IM-treated CML patients. [source] Acquired localized cutis laxa confined to the face: case report and review of the literatureINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 12 2004Claudia Jimena Perafán Riveros MD Background, Cutis laxa is an uncommon entity characterized by laxity of the skin, which hangs in loose folds, producing the appearance of premature aging. It can be subdivided into congenital and acquired. This latter variant is rare and the skin involvement varies from generalized to localized. We report a case of a localized acquired cutis laxa confined to the face, without preceding inflammatory lesions or systemic compromise. Four similar cases have been reported to date. The etiology remains unknown and there is no definitive treatment. Methods, A 27-year-old White woman came to our hospital with a wrinkled face, pendulous earlobes and drop eyelids. Changes began 5 years prior, and she appeared much older than her age. Results, Histological analysis and ultrastructural examination of skin biopsy revealed reduction and fragmentation of elastic fibers, confirming the diagnosis of cutis laxa. No systemic involvement was diagnosed. The patient was submitted to plastic surgery for repair, with satisfactory results to date. Conclusions, Acquired localized cutis laxa confined to the face without preceding inflammatory lesions is extremely rare. The etiology remains unknown. Clinical features and histopathologic findings confirm the diagnosis. Surgical repair seems to be the only therapeutic choice, but the results are variable and temporary. [source] Assessing the antifungal activity and toxicity profile of amphotericin B lipid complex (ABLC; Abelcet®) in combination with caspofungin in experimental systemic aspergillosisJOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 6 2004Olena Sivak Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess the antifungal activity and renal and hepatic toxicity of amphotericin B lipid complex (ABLC; Abelcet®) following co-administration of Caspofungin to rats infected with Aspergillus fumigatus. Aspergillus fumigatus inoculum (1.3,2.3,×,107 colony forming units [CFU]) was injected via the jugular vein; 48 h later male albino Sprague,Dawley rats (350,400 g) were administered either a single intravenous (IV) dose of Fungizone® (1 mg AmpB/kg), ABLC (1 or 5 mg AmpB/kg), or an equivalent volume of normal saline (NS) (vehicle control) once daily for 4 days. Rats were further randomized into groups to receive 3 mg/kg Caspofungin or physiologic saline IV once daily for 4 days. To assess antifungal activity, brain, lung, heart, liver, spleen, and kidney sections were homogenized with NS (2 mL; 1 g of each tissue/mL) and a 0.1-mL aliquot was spread plated onto a Sabouraud dextrose agar plate. The plates were incubated for 48 h at 37°C, at which time the numbers of CFU were determined and corrected for tissue weight. To assess renal and hepatic toxicity, serum creatinine and aspartate aminotransferase levels were determined. Fungizone and ABLC at a dosing regimen of 1 mg/kg i.v. once daily for four consecutive days and Caspofungin at a dosing regimen of 3 mg/kg i.v. once daily for four consecutive days had similar effectiveness in decreasing the total number of Aspergillus fumigatus CFUs found in all organs analyzed compared to non-treated controls. A combination of ABLC (1 mg/kg i.v.,×,4 days) and Caspofungin (3 mg/kg i.v.,×,4 days) significantly decreased the total number of Aspergillus fumigatus CFUs found in all organs analyzed compared to Caspofungin alone and non-treated controls. ABLC at a dosing regiment of 5 mg/kg i.v. once daily for four consecutive days was more effective in decreasing the total number of Aspergillus fumigatus CFUs found in all organs analyzed compared to Fungizone or ABLC alone at 1 mg/kg and Caspofungin alone at 3 mg/kg. However, a combination of ABLC (5 mg/kg i.v.,×,4 days) and Caspofungin (3 mg/kg i.v.,×,4 days) was not more effective than ABLC at 5 mg/kg or the combination of ABLC at 1 mg/kg and Caspofungin 3 mg/kg in reducing the total number of Aspergillus fumigatus CFUs compared to controls. Except for non-treated infected control rats, none of the treatment groups tested displayed a greater than 50% increase in serum creatinine concentrations from baseline. In addition, only ABLC at a dosing regimen of 1 mg/kg i.v. once daily for four consecutive days displayed a greater than 50% increase in AST concentration from baseline. Taken together, these findings suggest that ABLC at 5 mg/kg once daily,×,4 days appears to be the best therapeutic choice in this animal model. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 93:1382,1389, 2004 [source] Melatonin reduces dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis in ratsJOURNAL OF PINEAL RESEARCH, Issue 2 2004Veysel Tahan Abstract:, Increased deposition of the extracellular matrix components, particularly collagen, is a central phenomenon in liver fibrosis. Stellate cells, the central mediators in the pathogenesis of fibrosis are activated by free radicals, and synthesize collagen. Melatonin is a potent physiological scavenger of hydroxyl radicals. Melatonin has also been shown to be involved in the inhibitory regulation of collagen content in tissues. At present, no effective treatment of liver fibrosis is available for clinical use. We aimed to test the effects of melatonin on dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver damage in rats. Wistar albino rats were injected with DMN intraperitoneally. Following a single dose of 40 mg/kg DMN, either saline (DMN) or 100 mg/kg daily melatonin was administered for 14 days. In other rats, physiologic saline or melatonin were injected for 14 days, following a single injection of saline as control. Hepatic fibrotic changes were evaluated biochemically by measuring tissue hydroxyproline levels and histopathogical examination. Malondialdehyde (MDA), an end product of lipid peroxidation, and glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were evaluated in blood and tissue homogenates. DMN caused hepatic fibrotic changes, whereas melatonin suppressed these changes in five of 14 rats (P < 0.05). DMN administration resulted in increased hydroxyproline and MDA levels, and decreased GSH and SOD levels, whereas melatonin reversed these effects. When melatonin was administered alone, no significant changes in biochemical parameters were noted. In conclusion, the present study suggests that melatonin functions as a potent fibrosuppressant and antioxidant, and may be a therapeutic choice. [source] Surgical management of benign duodenal tumours,ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 7-8 2010Ji-Qi Yan Abstract Background:, While benign duodenal tumours are rare compared with malignant tumours, they comprise a wide variety of pathologies. Despite their diagnostic challenge, the optimal management of benign duodenal tumours remains undefined. We aimed to review the diagnosis and surgical treatment of benign duodenal tumours. Methods:, Records of all patients with post-operative pathological diagnosis of benign duodenal tumour were retrieved. Information on clinical presentations, diagnostic methods, tumour locations, surgical approaches, pathological results and patient outcomes were analysed. Results:, The operative spectrum included local resection in 8 cases, segmental duodenectomy in 1 case, subtotal gastrectomy in 1 case, papilla resection with sphincteroplasty in 3 cases and pancreaticoduodenectomy in 5 cases. The post-operative pathology results indicated 5 cases of adenoma, 2 cases of tubular adenoma, 2 cases of villous adenoma, 2 cases of tubulovillous adenoma, 2 cases of hamartoma and 1 case each of hamartomatous polyp, Brunner's adenoma, adenomyoma, fibromatosis and ectopic pancreas. Post-operatively, one patient died of unrelated disease, one case was lost in follow-up and the remaining patients survived recurrence-free with a good quality of life. Conclusion:, The presentation of benign duodenal tumours is non-specific, with upper abdominal discomfort and upper gastrointestinal bleeding as common symptoms. Surgical resection is the preferable therapeutic choice with satisfactory prognosis. [source] Retrospective Clinical Evaluation of 86 Procera AllCeramÔ Anterior Single Crowns on Natural and Implant-Supported AbutmentsCLINICAL IMPLANT DENTISTRY AND RELATED RESEARCH, Issue 2005Fernando Zarone MD ABSTRACT Background: The Procera AllCeramÔ (Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden, and Procera Sandvik AB, Stockholm, Sweden) technique is one alternative to metal-ceramic restorations. However, few long-term evaluations of its use for single crowns on natural and implant-supported abutments are available. Purpose: The aim of the present study was to assess the clinical performance of Procera AllCeram single crowns when placed in aesthetic sites supported by either natural teeth or implants over a period of 48 months. Materials and Methods: Eighty-six single crowns were fabricated and used in 51 patients. The restorations were examined according to the California Dental Association's quality assessment system. Results: One crown was lost after 20 months of follow-up. Of the 85 restorations that completed the 48-month follow-up, only one crown (1.2%) showed a veneering porcelain chip. All crowns were ranked as either excellent or acceptable. The success rates of single crowns supported by natural tooth and implant-supported abutments were 100% and 98.3%, respectively; the total crown success rate was 98.8%. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the present study, Procera AllCeram crowns proved to be a reliable therapeutic choice for the restoration of anterior teeth on both natural and implant-supported abutments. The hybrid glass-ionomer cement used in the present study appeared to be a reliable luting agent. [source] An epidemic of plasmids?FEMS IMMUNOLOGY & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2008Dissemination of extended-spectrum cephalosporinases among Salmonella, other Enterobacteriaceae Abstract CTX-M- and AmpC-type ,-lactamases comprise the two most rapidly growing populations among the extended-spectrum cephalosporinases. The evolution and dissemination of resistance genes encoding these enzymes occur mostly through the transmission of plasmids. The high prevalence of clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae producing the plasmid-mediated extended-spectrum cephalosporinases resembles an epidemic of plasmids, and has generated serious therapeutic problems. This review describes the emergence and worldwide spread of various classes of plasmid-mediated extended-spectrum cephalosporinases in Salmonella and other Enterobacteriaceae, the transfer mechanism of the plasmids, detection methods, and therapeutic choices. [source] Successful treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura by Chinese herbal medicine EK-49 and ascorbic acid in an elderly patient developing chronic subdural hematomaGERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2007Atsushi Hirano Treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura can present difficult therapeutic choices. An 88-year-old woman was admitted for treatment of a right subdural hematoma. She had a history of chronic thrombocytopenia, with follow-up evaluations by a local physician. Platelet count on admission was 5 × 103/µL, with a high serum concentration of platelet-associated immunoglobulin G. Bone marrow examination showed a marked increase in megakaryocytes. The patient was diagnosed with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura accompanied by chronic subdural hematoma. An increase in platelet count and gradual resolution of the subdural hematoma were obtained with prednisolone and azathioprine administration, but platelet count decreased when steroid tapering was attempted. Ultimately we administered the Chinese herbal medicine EK-49 and ascorbic acid, with a gradual increase in platelet count and no adverse effects. Some elderly patients with chronic subdural hematoma can be treated non-invasively. Further, a combination of EK-49 and ascorbic acid may be an effective treatment for refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. [source] Vignettes in Osteoporosis: A Road Map to Successful Therapeutics,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 1 2004Clifford J Rosen Abstract The diagnosis and management of osteoporosis have become increasingly more complex as new drugs enter the marketplace and meta-analyses of randomized trials with "other" agents become more prolific. We describe five common clinical scenarios encountered in the practice of osteoporosis medicine and various road maps that could lead to successful therapy. Introduction: The diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis have changed dramatically in the last decade. Advances in diagnostic technologies and a range of newer treatment options have provided the clinician with a wide array of choices for treating this chronic disease. Despite the issuance of several "guidelines" and practice recommendations, there still remains confusion among clinicians about basic approaches to the management of osteoporosis. This paper should be used as a case-based approach to define optimal therapeutic choices. Materials and Methods: Five representative cases were selected from two very large clinical practices (Bangor, ME; Pittsburgh, PA). Diagnostic modalities and treatment options used in these cases were selected on an evidence-based analysis of respective clinical trials. Subsequent to narrative choices by two metabolic bone disease specialists (SG and CR), calculation of future fracture risk and selection of potential alternative therapeutic regimens were reviewed and critiqued by an epidemiologist (DB). Results: A narrative about each case and possible management choices for each of the five cases are presented with references to justify selection of the various therapeutic options. Alternatives are considered and discussed based on literature and references through July 2003. The disposition of the individual patient is noted at the end of each case. Conclusions: A case-based approach to the management of osteoporosis provides a useful interface between guidelines, evidence-based meta-analyses, and clinical practice dilemmas. [source] Coronary heart disease outcomes in patients receiving antidiabetic agents in the PharMetrics database 2000,2007,PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 8 2008Alexander M. Walker MD, DrPH Abstract Background The risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in users of antidiabetic agents must be quantified to permit reasoned therapeutic choices. Objectives To assess the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and coronary revascularization (CR), in diabetic patients who began rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, metformin, or sulfonylureas. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of MI and CR in the PharMetrics database. We performed head-to-head comparisons using propensity-score-stratified Cox proportional hazards models, examining risks both on-treatment and during total follow-up before regimen switches. Results For the combined outcome (MI and CR), the crude rates per 1000 person years were 9 on monotherapy, 13 on dual therapy, and 21 on therapies combined with insulin. In the absence of insulin, regimens containing thiazolidinediones (TZDs) tended toward lower risk than comparable regimens containing sulfonylureas and higher risk than those containing metformin. The summary hazard ratio for rosiglitazone versus pioglitazone was 1.04 (95%CI: 0.94,1.14) for total follow-up and 1.05 (0.92,1.19) for on-treatment time. For MI, the hazard ratios were 1.07 (0.89,1.27) for total follow-up and 1.21 (0.95,1.54) for on-treatment time. Conclusions The present data indicate that the risk of CHD in patients using TZDs appears to lie between the risks associated with sulfonylureas and metformin. Neither the risk of MI and CR together nor the risk of MI alone was significantly different between rosiglitazone and pioglitazone. A nonsignificant observed excess risk of 21% for MI during on-treatment time will require combination with the results of other studies to provide a reliable assessment. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Should bipolar disorder be viewed as manic disorder?BIPOLAR DISORDERS, Issue 5 2005Implications for bipolar depression This paper proposes that the syndrome of mania rather than mood swings is the central distinguishing feature of bipolar disorder, which may be more appropriately viewed as manic disorder. The theoretical consequence of this change in perspective is to regard the depressive mood states as being a co-morbid condition. This may lead to a more profound and broader understanding of the variety of states of depression that complicate manic disorder. The paper also reviews diagnostic issues relating to bipolar depression. A broader approach may extend therapeutic choices, and open innovative research avenues. [source] Locally advanced prostate cancer: the role of surgical managementBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2009Kelly L. Stratton Among the heterogeneous population of patients with prostate cancer, a high-risk group with locally advanced prostate cancer (LAPC) present a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. Although the incidence of LAPC has decreased with screening since the introduction of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, significantly many patients are still diagnosed with LAPC. These patients are by definition at higher risk of metastatic disease and worse outcomes. The role of radical prostatectomy (RP) in this population has been debated, as the combination of radiotherapy and hormonal therapy is becoming used more frequently for LAPC. Unfortunately, the clinical staging and evaluation of LAPC is a challenge that results in possibly understaging or overstaging these patients. This further complicates therapeutic decision-making, and as a result no established standard treatment has been proposed. Like other patients with prostate cancer, individualized therapeutic choices are essential and depend on a multitude of factors. Herein we examine the role of RP for managing LAPC and attempt to emphasize how the risk of distant disease and difficulty with clinical staging might favour incorporating a surgical approach as part of the therapy for patients with LAPC. [source] The continuum of growth hormone,IGF-I axis defects causing short stature: diagnostic and therapeutic challengesCLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 6 2010Martin O. Savage Summary The growth hormone (GH),IGF-I axis is essential for normal foetal and childhood growth. Defects at different sites in the axis frequently result in short stature which may compromise adult height. We describe a continuum of clinically relevant abnormalities from GH deficiency through to GH resistance and discuss the implementation and interpretation of investigations. We consider appropriate therapy for patients with abnormal auxology and subnormal adult height prognosis, highlighting new data to clarify therapeutic choices leading to optimal clinical outcome. [source] | ||||||||||