Combination Of Corticosteroids Research Articles

Punctate Inner Choroidopathy (PIC) disease recurrence with inflammatory choroidal neovascular membrane (iCNVM) post-COVID-19 vaccine.

To report a recurrence of punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC) with an inflammatory choroidal neovascular membrane (iCNVM) after the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Case report. A 38-year-old female with a history of myopia and previous episodes of PIC and iCNVM presented with distorted vision in her right eye, seven days after receiving the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The patient exhibited active PIC lesions with iCNVM confirmed on multimodal imaging. Treatment with a combination of oral corticosteroids and intravitreal anti-VEGF injection led to disease resolution. Subsequent COVID-19 vaccinations, administered while the patient was immunosuppressed, did not lead to disease relapse. However, relapse occurred following the fourth COVID-19 vaccine, when the patient was not immune suppressed. This case highlights the potential risk of PIC disease relapse following COVID-19 vaccination. Further research is needed to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and PIC exacerbation, as well as to determine optimal management strategies in this population, including close observation and consideration of prophylactic immune suppression at the time of COVID-19 vaccine for high-risk individuals.

Medullary sponge kidney with IgA nephropathy: a case report and literature review

BackgroundMedullary sponge kidney (MSK)is rare in association with glomerulonephritis. We report a patient with medullary sponge kidney, and the kidney biopsy revealed a diagnosis of IgA nephropathy.Case presentationA 27-year-old female presented with hematuria and proteinuria, and imaging studies indicated the presence of medullary spongy kidney. With appropriate preparation, a kidney biopsy was performed. Considering the patient’s clinical and pathological characteristics, the final diagnosis was determined to be medullary sponge kidney associated by IgA nephropathy. The combination of corticosteroids and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) proved to be significantly effective in reducing proteinuria in the current case. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case that demonstrates the coexistence of MSK and IgA nephropathy.ConclusionsAdministering precise therapy based on renal pathology can potentially enhance outcomes for patients with renal conditions, necessitating the need for clinicians to be vigilant about differential diagnosis in order to reduce the rates of missed diagnoses and misdiagnosis.

Corticosteroid monotherapy versus combined cytarabine continuous rate infusion and corticosteroid therapy in dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin: A blinded, randomized, controlled trial.

Treatment options available for meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) in dogs are suboptimal, and currently, no single treatment protocol appears to be superior. Compare neurological deterioration rates at 7 days between dogs with MUO treated with corticosteroids alone or combined with cytosine arabinoside (CA) continuous rate infusion (CRI) and compare clinical deterioration and survival at 30 and 100 days. Sixty-nine dogs with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) features or both compatible with MUO. Parallel, blinded, randomized controlled trial. Simple randomization into 2 treatment groups: 4 mg/kg/day prednisolone (or dexamethasone equivalent) for 2 days or 200 mg/m2 CA CRI over 8 hours plus 2 mg/kg/day prednisolone. Blinding of the treatment protocol was carried out using reversible redaction of clinical records, and treatment failure was defined as deterioration of neurological assessment or death. Using intention-to-treat analysis, proportions failing treatment at 7, 30, and 100 days were compared using Fisher's exact test. All-cause mortality at 100 days was compared using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Thirty-five dogs were allocated to corticosteroid only, and 34 dogs were allocated to combined CA CRI and corticosteroid. Proportions failing treatment at 7, 30, and 100 days were 7/35 (20%), 9/35 (26%), and 15/35 (43%) in the corticosteroid-only group and 8/34 (24%), 11/34 (32%), and 23/34 (68%) in the corticosteroid and CA CRI group. All-cause mortality at 100 days was not significantly different between groups (P = .62). Clinically relevant treatment-related adverse effects were not observed. We foundno difference in outcome between corticosteroid monotherapy and combined cytarabine CRI and corticosteroid therapy at 7, 30, and 100 days after diagnosis in dogs with MUO.

A Case of Psoriasis and Pemphigus Foliaceous in a 55-year-old Filipino

Pemphigus foliaceous is a rare autoimmune blistering disease, while psoriasis is a common immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. The coexistence of psoriasis and pemphigus foliaceous has rarely been reported. We report a case of a 55-year-old Filipino female with an 8-year history of chronic plaque-type psoriasis biopsy-proven. After 5 years, she developed generalized flaccid bullae and crusted erosions over the face, trunk, and extremities, with no mucous membrane involvement. Skin punch biopsy, direct immunofluorescence, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were consistent with pemphigus foliaceous. The combination of topical corticosteroids and oral methotrexate was selected as the therapeutic approach, leading to a notable improvement in the patient’s condition. This case report underscores the significance of identifying the simultaneous presence of psoriasis alongside autoimmune blistering diseases like pemphigus foliaceous. Examining predisposing and triggering factors, performing re-biopsy, and further work-up as the disease evolves may yield more profound insights. Nonetheless, effectively managing this condition poses a significant challenge.

Effects of prednisolone tapering on effectiveness of infliximab in patients with ulcerative colitis: data from a retrospective cohort

Background and objectiveThe influence of concomitant prednisolone on clinical outcomes and safety in infliximab-treated ulcerative colitis (UC) patients is unknown.Design, setting, participants and outcome measuresA retrospective cohort study was performed,...

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy associated with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: A rare case report

IntroductionChronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare disease that targets the myelin sheath, while neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) with anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4-Ab) affects astrocytes. We report a unique case of CIDP associated with NMOSD. Case presentationA 49-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with recurrent episodes of vertigo and blurred vision. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast eight months before admission showed Dawson’s finger, and follow-up brain MRI showed a new hyperintense lesion. Visual evoked potential showed bilateral pre-chiasma lesions, and somatosensory evoked potential indicated lesions between the medulla and cerebral cortex. The patient tested positive for AQP4-Ab, and had ascending lower motor neuron weakness for the past 10 weeks. Electromyography revealed multiple demyelinating lesions suggestive of CIDP. The patient was intravenously administered corticosteroids, methotrexate, and azathioprine, resulting in clinical improvement. ConclusionCIDP associated with NMOSD is a rare occurrence. In our patient, a combination of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants was effective. The mechanism of combined demyelination of the central and peripheral nervous systems is still not fully understood, and further immunological and pathological studies are needed.

Assessing the effect of remdesivir alone and in combination with corticosteroids on time to death in COVID-19: A propensity score-matched analysis

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the impact of remdesivir, alone or in combination with corticosteroids, on the time to death in COVID-19 patients. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted between March 20, 2020, and March 18, 2021, on 5318 patients with confirmed COVID-19 at three tertiary educational hospitals in Tehran, Iran. The treated group consisted of COVID-19 patients who received remdesivir, either alone or in combination with corticosteroids, while the untreated group included infected patients who did not receive these treatments. The two groups were matched by propensity score matching method, which adjusted for 92 confounding factors such as demographic, sign and symptom, clinical, and treatment-related factors, to provide balanced covariates between the treated and untreated groups. ResultsOf the 4,322 patients, 791 received remdesivir alone and 694 received remdesivir combined with corticosteroids. Among the patients who received remdesivir, 456 were male, and the mean (±standard deviation) age was 59.52±16.49 with a median hospitalization stay of 8 (interquartile range: 5–13) days. After applying the nearest neighbor propensity score matching method, there were no significant differences found in the hazard of death between patients who received remdesivir alone and those who did not receive treatment (hazard ratio: 0.94; 95 % confidence interval: 0.76, 1.16). In addition, the combination of remdesivir and corticosteroids was not associated with a reduced hazard of death (hazard ratio: 1.00; 95 % confidence interval: 0.80, 1.26). The median hospitalization stay was significantly longer in the group treated with remdesivir (alone/combined with corticosteroids) compared to the untreated group, both before and after matching. ConclusionNo association was observed between remdesivir treatment (alone/combined with corticosteroids) and a reduced hazard of death among COVID-19 patients. However, longer hospitalization stays were observed in patients receiving remdesivir, either alone or in combination with corticosteroids, compared to the untreated group.

Antiphospholipid Patients Admitted in the Intensive Care Unit: What Must The Rheumatologist Know?

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a rare systemic autoimmune disorder that can escalate into a 'thrombotic storm' called the catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS), frequently requiring ICU admission for multiple organ failure. This review aims to offer insight and recent evidence on critically-ill APS patients. The CAPS classification criteria define this condition as the involvement of at least three organs/systems/tissues within less than a week, caused by small vessel thrombosis, in patients with elevated antiphospholipid antibodies levels. These criteria do not encompass the full spectrum of critically-ill thrombotic APS patients and they need to be cautiously used for the bedside diagnosis of CAPS. Thrombocytopenia is the laboratory hallmark of CAPS, sometimes dropping below 20G/L, but a complete thrombotic microangiopathy pattern is infrequent. Anticoagulation is the pivotal treatment for APS and CAPS, associated with improved outcome. Triple therapy - the combination of anticoagulation, high-dose corticosteroids, and either plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulins - remains the standard treatment for CAPS patients. Eculizumab, an anti-C5 monoclonal antibody, may be useful in refractory patients. Despite significant progress, CAPS mortality rate remains high. Its diagnosis and management are complex, requiring a close multidisciplinary cross talk between APS specialists and intensivists.

A Rare Pediatric Case of Allopurinol-Induced Drug Reaction With Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) Successfully Treated With Intravenous Immunoglobulins

Allopurinol-induced drug reaction syndrome with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (A-DRESS) is a well-described condition in adults, whereas it is uncommon among children. We describe a case of A-DRESS in a 16-year-old male with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome. He presented a life-threatening clinical course with persisting fever, skin rash, eosinophilia, lymphadenopathy, distributive shock, and herpesvirus 6 detection. The withdrawal of allopurinol and a combination of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) and systemic corticosteroids led to the patient’s recovery without sequelae. Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) in pediatrics is rare and can present in a severe form. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are critical for prognostic purposes. This report suggests the potentially crucial role of IVIG in the treatment of patients with A-DRESS.

State of the microbial spectrum (microbiome) of the ocular surface of patients with cataracts and glaucoma in the early postoperative period

Background. The occurrence of infectious complications in the early postoperative period in patients undergoing ophthalmic surgery remains a persistent challenge in contemporary clinical practice. Typically the treatment regimen involves the administration of a combination of antibiotics and corticosteroids, often utilized in a fixed-dose combination for simplicity. Despite the prevalent use of these regimens, there’s a notable disregard for comprehensive microbiological diagnostics of the conjunctiva in surgical patients, attributed to various socio-economic factors. However, the significance of such diagnostics in forecasting postoperative outcomes is indisputable. Purpose of the study: to determine the medical and economic feasibility of prescribing individual antibacterial and anti-inflammatory medications in fixed combinations (FC) in postoperative treatment regimens for patients scheduled ophthalmic surgeries. Materials and methods. The study included data from 99 patients (65 males and 34 females, mean age 74 (70–77) years) admitted for elective surgery to address cataracts or glaucoma from May to September 2023. Patients were randomly divided to 2 observation groups. The division into groups was carried out according to the drugs (medicines) used in the postoperative treatment regimens, each of which was further divided into 2 subgroups in accordance with ophthalmopathology. The first group of patients received postoperative therapy with the levofloxacin/dexamethasone FC (L-dexopt, RK.O. Rompharm Company S.R.L., RU LP-007490), the second group was treated with a tobramycin/dexamethasone FC (Tobrazon, Kadila Pharmaceuticals, RU P№015176/01). All subjects underwent a comprehensive ophthalmological examination, as well as a microbiological examination of the conjunctival cavity before surgery and 8 days after surgical treatment. Additionally, all patients completed the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. Results. Analysis of microbial flora changes during therapy revealed an increase in cultures exhibiting a “zero” degree of growth by 29 and 11,1 % in the “cataract” and “glaucoma” subgroups of the fi rst observation group, respectively. The second group showed a similar increase. “zero” degree of growth (11,7 and 28,6 %, respectively). The treatment costs for patients undergoing cataract surgery and receiving the FC levofloxacin/ dexamethasone were 105.9 rubles per treatment course, compared to 40.5 rubles for those undergoing surgery for glaucoma or complicated cataracts. The cost-effectiveness for those treated with the FC tobramycin/dexamethasone in the early postoperative period was 21,6 and 51,9 rubles. respectively. The OSDI scores across in all subgroups ranged from 16,6 to 25,0 points indicating normal values. The administration of FC levofloxacin/dexamethasone and tobramycin/dexamethasone in the early postoperative period for patients with cataracts and glaucoma was clinically effectively in managing the inflammatory process by influencing the microbial spectrum (microbiome) of the ocular surface. No significant differences were observed in the degrees of microflora growth during the preoperative period between the “cataract” and “glaucoma” subgroups, which does not support the hypothesis regarding the antiseptic action of topical antiglaucoma medications in patients with glaucoma at this stage. Conclusions. The conducted medical and economic analysis proved the feasibility of using both drug combination with a slight preference FC levofloxacin/dexamethasone in patients undergoing surgery for glaucoma and FC tobramycin/dexamethasone for those with uncomplicated cataracts in the early postoperative period.

Diamond burr debridement of calcific band keratopathy in 24 eyes of 22 horses.

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of diamond burr debridement (DBD) for the treatment of calcific band keratopathy (CBK) in horses. Medical records from horses with CBK were reviewed over a period of 4 years. Diagnosis of CBK was based on slit-lamp examination findings, and DBD was performed on standing sedated horses. Follow-up was obtained by clinical reevaluation of the treated eyes or a telephone survey with the referring veterinarian. Twenty-two horses of different ages (median: 11 years; range: 5-23) representing 24 CBK-affected eyes (14 left eyes and 10 right eyes) were included in the study. The patients had a medical history of chronic and recurrent uveitis, which required repeated long-term treatments with various combinations of ophthalmic corticosteroids. DBD alone cleared the cornea in 22 affected eyes (92%), but it was combined with blade scraping in two cases with thick calcium plaques. The postoperative medication included a topical antibiotic, atropine drops, and oral flunixin meglumine. Corneal healing was achieved in 21 eyes (87%), 5-21 days (median time 13 days) postoperatively. The three remaining horses were lost to follow-up. Recurrence occurred in 5 of the 21 (24%) reexamined eyes, 3-12.5 weeks (median 8 weeks) postoperatively, and required a second DBD. Four of the 21 eyes ended up being enucleated due to sequelae of uveitis. The main limitations of the study include those inherent to all retrospective clinical data collections. Mechanical DBD can readily and safely clear the cornea in horses with CBK, but recurrence of calcium deposition is possible.

Time elapsed from definitive diagnosis to surgery for osteonecrosis of the femoral head: a nationwide observational study in Japan

ObjectivesThis study documents the time elapsed from the diagnosis of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) to surgery, exploring the factors that influence ONFH severity.DesignRetrospective observational study of a nationwide...

Recovery of Smell and Taste in Patients With Persistent COVID-19-Related Hyposmia and Dysgeusia by Targeting Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction.

Purpose New-onset loss of olfaction and/or taste is now recognized among the hallmark symptoms of COVID-19. In most patients, these symptoms resolve completely and spontaneously within days. However, some patients experience persistent olfactory and gustatory dysfunction after COVID-19 resolution. We evaluated the efficacy of a treatment combining several therapeutic agents to target inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in patients with persistent hyposmia and dysgeusia. Methods This 12-month observational pilot study involved patients presenting with symptoms of hyposmia and dysgeusia 30 days after COVID-19 had subsided. The main objective was to evaluate the efficacy of a combination of systemic corticosteroids, a glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-based antithrombotic (mesoglycan), a diuretic, and a vitamin complex. The perceived extent of olfaction and taste impairment was assessed using an 11-point visual analog scale (VAS), where 0 = complete loss of olfaction/taste and 10 = complete recovery of olfaction/taste. Results Eighty-seven patients with post-COVID-19 hyposmia and dysgeusia were enrolled. At treatment start (T0), the mean VAS scores were 2.0 and 3.2 for olfactory and gustatory functions, respectively. Both functions appeared to improve progressively and significantly from T0 to 12 months. A shorter time between viral infection and the start of treatment was associated with a more pronounced recovery of both senses. Conclusions Combined systemic corticosteroid, GAG-based antithrombotic agent (mesoglycan), and diuretic may constitute an option for treating persistent hyposmia and dysgeusia associated with COVID-19. To ensure optimal recovery, early treatment start is recommended. The described treatment protocol deserves to be further evaluated.

Is There a Place for Apheresis in the Management of Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy? A Report of Three Cases and Literature Review.

Membranous nephropathy constitutes approximately 20% of adult nephrotic syndrome cases. In approximately 80% of cases, membranous nephropathy is primary, mediated by IgG autoantibodies primarily targeting podocyte antigens (PLA2R, THSD7A, etc.). The treatment involves a combination of corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide or anti-CD20-based therapies, e.g., rituximab. In the event of significant proteinuria and in order to avoid the urinary elimination of rituximab, therapeutic apheresis, in particular semi-specific immunoadsorption, may be an option allowing for a reduction in proteinuria and autoantibodies before initiating treatment with rituximab. We present the preliminary experience of three patients treated with semi-specific immunoadsorption for primary membranous nephropathy between January 2021 and March 2023. Two patients were anti-PLA2R-autoantibody-positive and one was seronegative. The average age was 59 ± 17 years. Semi-specific immunoadsorption did not reduce albuminuria, but it, nevertheless, led to an increase in serum albumin, contributing to the regression of edema. It effectively eliminated anti-PLA2R autoantibodies in the two anti-PLA2R-positive patients. Consequently, apheresis may not induce a rapid reduction in proteinuria, but could contribute to a more accelerated remission when combined with the anti-CD20 treatment.

Diagnosis of Ocular Toxocariasis: a case report

Introduction : Ocular toxocariasis (OT) is an eye parasitosis due to incidental ingestion of Toxocara cati or canis larvae. Although mostly affects young children, it can also occur in older individuals. It is usually uniocular with various presentations.
 Case Illustration : A 69-year-old woman came with a chief complaint of deteriorating vision and pain in her left eye (LE)2 weeks prior to the visit, accompanied by floaters, redness, itchiness, and glare. She had a contact history with neighborhood dogs. Her best corrected visual acuity (VA) was 6/12 in the right eye (RE) and 3/60 in the LE. The intraocular pressure of LE was 27mmHg. Examinations of the LE found corneal edema, keratic precipitates, worm-like foreign bodies that moved in the anterior chamber, lens and vitreous opacity, and obscured fundus. The ultrasound showed a membrane-like lesion and no vitreomacular traction. The examination of the RE was unremarkable. We performed prompt foreign body extraction with local anesthesia and prescribed oral albendazole, topical and oral antibiotics, and steroids afterward. The investigation of the specimen revealed Toxocara larvae. There was no VA improvement after 1 month of close observation.
 Discussion : The OT diagnosis is based on clinical findings and a history of exposure to dogs or cats, soil, and consuming raw or undercooked meat. The gold standard for diagnosis is specimen biopsy. While no acceptable treatment regimen exists, the combination of anthelmintics and corticosteroids appears useful in some cases.
 Conclusion : Clinical presentation, parasitologic confirmation, and close contact with pets may be key elements to making the diagnosis.

Comparative effectiveness and safety of inhaled corticosteroid plus long-acting β2-agonist fixed-dose combinations vs. long-acting muscarinic antagonist in bronchiectasis

ABSTRACT Background This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of fixed-dose combination (FDC) inhaled corticosteroids/long-acting β2-agonists (ICS/LABA) in bronchiectasis. Research design and methods A retrospective cohort study analyzed electronic medical records of bronchiectasis patients initiating ICS/LABA FDC or LAMA between 2007 and 2021. All bronchiectasis diagnoses were made by radiologists using high-resolution computed tomography. Results Of the 1,736 patients, 1,281 took ICS/LABA FDC and 455 LAMA. Among the 694 propensity score matched patients, ICS/LABA FDC had comparable outcomes to LAMA, with HRs of 1.22 (95% CI 0.81–1.83) for hospitalized respiratory infection, 1.06 (95% CI 0.84–1.33) for acute exacerbation, and 1.06 (95% CI 0.66–1.02) for all-cause hospitalization. Beclomethasone/formoterol (BEC/FOR) or budesonide/formoterol (BUD/FOR) led to a lower risk of acute exacerbation compared to fluticasone/salmeterol (FLU/SAL) (BEC/FOR HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.43–0.81; BUD/FOR HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.50–0.93). BEC/FOR resulted in lower risks of hospitalized respiratory infection (HR 0.48, 95% 0.26–0.86) and all-cause hospitalization (HR 0.55, 95% 0.37–0.80) compared to FLU/SAL. Conclusion Our findings provide important evidence on the effectiveness and safety of ICS/LABA FDC compared with LAMA for bronchiectasis. BEC/FOR and BUD/FOR were associated with better outcomes than FLU/SAL.

Ophthalmic giant cell arteritis in a patient with normal visual acuity

Abstract: In this study, we report a case of giant cell arteritis (GCA) and central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) with cilioretinal artery sparing in a patient who presented with normal visual acuity and was treated with corticosteroids and tocilizumab. An 80-year-old male presented with restriction of his peripheral vision in the right eye along with fever, generalized headache, and jaw pain. His visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes (OU) with an afferent pupillary defect in the right eye. Dilated fundoscopy revealed whitening of the retina around the vascular arcades with sparing of the central macula in the right eye, indicating CRAO sparing the cilioretinal artery. Laboratory evaluation revealed elevated inflammatory markers. The patient was treated initially with a pulse dose of intravenous corticosteroids, followed by an oral steroid taper, and he underwent a temporal artery biopsy (TAB). At 1-week follow-up, the patient reported improvement in his right eye visual symptoms. The TAB results confirmed the diagnosis of GCA, and the patient’s oral steroid was tapered with the addition of subcutaneous tocilizumab. One month later, the patient’s inflammatory markers returned to normal, and the patient’s vision remained stable. We conclude from this case that GCA may present with normal visual acuity, it can affect the central retinal artery without posterior ciliary artery involvement, and the combination of corticosteroids and subcutaneous tocilizumab may be an adequate treatment regimen.

The Effectiveness of Salvage Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Following Combined Steroid Therapy for Refractory Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an accepted treatment option for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), but it is still recommended in combination with corticosteroids. We investigated the efficacy of salvage HBOT in refractory SSNHL that does not respond to corticosteroid combination therapy. Eighty-four patients were included, who had unilateral SSNHL with an improvement of pure-tone average (PTA) less than 10 dB after using intratympanic plus systemic corticosteroids (combined therapy) as the initial therapy. The control group (n = 66) received no further treatment, and the HBOT group (n = 18) received additional treatment with HBOT (10 sessions in total with 2.5 atmospheres absolute for 1 hour). No differences in PTA or WDS were found between the 2 groups. However, the mean hearing gain in the HBOT group (16.8 ± 4.49 dB) was significantly higher than that in the control group (4.45 ± 1.03 dB) (P = .015). The proportion of patients with hearing recovery (hearing gain of 10 dB or more) after treatment was significantly higher in HBOT group (38.9%) than in the control group (10.6%). In patients with refractory SSNHL after steroid combined therapy, salvage HBOT showed a significant effect on hearing gain and recovery rate.

Combination therapy with oral antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs improves the efficacy of delayed treatment in a COVID-19 hamster model

Pulmonary infection with SARS-CoV-2 stimulates host immune responses and can also result in the progression of dysregulated and critical inflammation. Throughout the pandemic, the management and treatment of COVID-19 has been continuously updated with a range of antiviral drugs and immunomodulators. Monotherapy with oral antivirals has proven to be effective in the treatment of COVID-19. However, treatment should be initiated in the early stages of infection to ensure beneficial therapeutic outcomes, and there is still room for further consideration on therapeutic strategies using antivirals. We studied the therapeutic effects of monotherapy with the oral antiviral ensitrelvir or the anti-inflammatory corticosteroid methylprednisolone and combination therapy with ensitrelvir and methylprednisolone in a delayed dosing model of hamsters infected with SARS-CoV-2. Combination therapy with ensitrelvir and methylprednisolone improved respiratory conditions and reduced the development of pneumonia in hamsters even when the treatment was started after 2 days post-infection. The combination therapy led to a differential histological and transcriptomic pattern in comparison to either of the monotherapies, with reduced lung damage and down-regulation of expression of genes involved in the inflammatory response. Furthermore, we found that the combination treatment is effective in case of infection with either the highly pathogenic delta or circulating omicron variants. Our results demonstrate the advantage of combination therapy with antiviral and corticosteroid drugs in COVID-19 treatment from the perspective of lung pathology and host inflammatory responses. Funding bodies are described in the Acknowledgments section.

Survey of Japanese nephrologists' use of clinical practice guidelines for rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis.

The guidelines in Japan for the treatment of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) have been revised; the latest update was released in 2020. We investigated the actual usage of the new guidelines in Japan. We distributed a survey electronically to board-certified nephrologists throughout Japan from December 15, 2021 to January 31, 2022. The survey focused on anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated RPGN and anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM)-antibody RPGN, plus the treatment strategies and infection-prevention measures used. The survey was completed by 155 certified nephrologists from medical facilities across Japan. Their responses regarding treatment procedures revealed that ANCA-associated RPGN was treated with immunosuppressants and/or biologics by 58.1% of the survey respondents, and with plasma exchange (PE) in combination with corticosteroids by 21.3%. Regarding anti-GBM-antibody RPGN, 78.1% of the respondents used corticosteroids in combination with PE (63.2%), cyclophosphamide (CY) (23.9%), or rituximab (RTX) (8.4%), suggesting a discrepancy between clinical practice and the actual use of the guidelines. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was prescribed as prophylaxis by 94.8% of the respondents, reflecting the widespread recognition of the need to prevent infectious disease in patients with RPGN. The survey responses revealed how Japan's new RPGN guidelines are used in actual clinical practice. Our findings will contribute to the guidelines' dissemination and implementation.