Combination Of Methylprednisolone Research Articles

COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF METHYLPREDNISOLONE AND TOCILIZUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH A SEVERE FORM OF COVID-19

Background. Recently, we have again noted an increase in the incidence of COVID-19. The treatment of patients with severe coronavirus infection poses a significant medical challenge. Objectives. The purpose of this research was to compare the efficacy of standard therapy and pulses of methylprednisolone in combination with or without tocilizumab in patients with a severe form of COVID-19. Patients and methods. In a retrospective study, the medical charts of 220 patients with a severe course of COVID-19 were reviewed. Patients were divided into four groups: those on daily methylprednisolone at a dose of 32 mg enterally; patients who received methylprednisolone pulses (500 mg daily intravenously for three consecutive days, with a subsequent change to the 32 mg of methylprednisolone daily); patients who received a single dose of 400 mg tocilizumab in combination with a 32 mg of methylprednisolone daily; patients who received a single dose of 400 mg tocilizumab in combination with methyl­prednisolone pulse therapy. At the end of therapy, 28-day mortality and the number of intubations in each group one week after the end of therapy were analyzed. Results. Patients treated with a combination of tocilizumab and pulse methylprednisolone therapy had the lowest risk of death (p<0.001), OR=0.03 (95 % CI 0.01-0.16), compared to patients treated only with 32 mg of methylprednisolone. Conclusions. Methylprednisolone pulses therapy is more effective than therapy with methylprednisolone at a daily dose of 32 mg. The combination of methylprednisolone and tocilizumab is more effective than the isolated administration of methylprednisolone. The combination of tocilizumab with methylprednisolone pulse therapy had the highest therapeutic effect.

Optimization of the Search for Neuroprotectors among Bioflavonoids.

For the first time, to optimize the creation of new neuroprotective agents based on bioflavonoids, we applied information technologies; these include docking analysis to calculate the binding of candidate molecules to the pharmacological target protein transthyretin as well as a program of virtual screening of NO scavengers. As a result of this approach, the substance catechin was isolated from candidate molecules-quercetin, catechin, Epicatechin gallate, Epicatechin, Procyanidin B1, Procyanidin B2, Procyanidin B3, and Catechin-3-gallate-according to docking analysis. As a result of virtual screening, catechin was identified as a potential NO scavenger (55.15% prediction). The results of the prediction were confirmed by in vitro experiments. Course administration of catechin to animals with experimental multiple sclerosis (MS) against the background of methylprednisolone administration completely eliminated lethal cases, reduced the number of diseased animals by 20% as well as prevented the development of severe neurological symptoms by 20% (compared to the methylprednisolone group) and by 60% compared to the control group. Course administration of catechin with methylprednisolone leads to a decrease in the neurodegradation markers in the cytosol of rats, with EAE: NSE by 37% and S-100 by 54.8%. The combined administration of methylprednisolone significantly exceeds the combination of methylprednisolone with the reference drug mexidol by the degree of NSE reduction. The obtained results indicate a significant neuroprotective effect of ocular combinations of methylprednisolone and catechin. The above-mentioned confirms the correctness of the bioflavonoid selection with the help of a virtual screening program.

A Phase I Trial Evaluating the Addition of Lenalidomide to Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma Progressing on Ruxolitinib and Methylprednisolone.

Ruxolitinib (RUX), an orally administered selective Janus kinase 1/2 inhibitor, has received approval for the treatment of myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera, and graft-versus-host disease. We have previously demonstrated the anti-multiple myeloma effects of RUX alone and in combination with the immunomodulatory agent lenalidomide (LEN) and glucocorticosteroids both pre-clinically and clinically. This study aims to evaluate whether LEN can achieve clinical activity among patients with multiple myeloma progressing on the combination of RUX and methylprednisolone (MP). In this part of a phase I, multicenter, open-label study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of RUX and MP for patients with multiple myeloma with progressive disease who had previously received a proteasome inhibitor, LEN, glucocorticosteroids, and at least three prior regimens; we also determined the safety and efficacy of adding LEN at the time of disease progression from the initial doublet treatment. Initially, all subjects received oral RUX 15 mg twice daily and oral MP 40 mg every other day. Those patients who developed progressive disease according to the International Myeloma Working Group criteria then received LEN 10 mg once daily on days 1-21 within a 28-day cycle in addition to RUX and MP, which were administered at the same doses these patients were receiving at the time progressive disease developed. Twenty-nine subjects (median age 64 years; 18 [62%] male) were enrolled in this part of the study and initially received the two-drug combination of RUX and MP. The median number of prior therapies was six (range 3-12). The overall response rate from this two-drug combination was 31% and the clinical benefit rate was 34%. The best responses were 1 very good partial response, 8 partial responses, 1 minor response, 12 stable disease, and 7 progressive disease. The median progression-free survival was 3.5 months (range 0.5-36.2months). The median time to response was 3.0 months. The median duration of response was 12.5 months (range 2.8-36.2 months). Twenty (69%) patients whoshowed progressive disease had LEN added to RUX and MP; all patients had prior exposure to LEN and all but one patient was refractory to their last LEN-containing regimen. After the addition of LEN, the overall response rate was 30% and the clinical benefit rate was 40%. The best responses of patients following the addition of LEN were 2 very good partial responses, 4 partial responses, 2 minor responses, 8 stable disease, and 4 progressive disease. The median time to response was 2.6 months (range 0.7-15.0 months). The median duration of response was not reached. The median progression-free survival following the addition of LEN was 3.5 months (range 0.3-25.9 months). For patients with multiple myeloma, treatment with RUX and MP is effective and well tolerated, and LEN can be used to extend the benefit of this RUX-based treatment. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03110822, and is ongoing.

High content omega-3 fish oil co-treatment maintains proper bone physiology in glucocorticoid treated autoimmune mice

Despite the known side effects of glucocorticoid therapy, such as a higher risk of osteoporosis, fractures, and reduced bone density, it remains a frequently prescribed treatment for autoimmune disorders due to its strong anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. If strategies could be identified to reduce the side effects commonly associated with glucocorticoid use, it could lead to more frequent and safer use of this treatment option for autoimmune diseases. In this work, the combined effects of high content omega-3 fish oil (HCW3FO) and a synthetic glucocorticoid, methylprednisolone (MP) medication are investigated in relation to bone mineral density (BMD) reduction in arthritis prone female MRL-lpr/lpr mice. Two treatment groups were introduced to the mice when they were 4 months old: one group was given weekly injections of PBS, while the other group was given either 5 mg/kg MP or 20 mg/kg MP. Additionally, both groups were provided with the AIN93M diet, supplemented with either 4% corn oil or 4% HCW3FO daily, for a duration of 8 weeks. Prior to initiating the drug injections and dietary modifications, the mice underwent dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans to establish their baseline BMD values. To find out their ultimate BMD values, the mice underwent another DXA scan eight weeks later, right before being sacrificed. Over the course of eight weeks, the MP treatment did not lead to a significant reduction in BMD across various bone regions, except for the lumbar regions. Similarly, the HCW3FO treatment alone did not offer protection against BMD loss in MRL-lpr/lpr mice. However, when MP and HCW3FO were combined, it resulted in a remarkable preservation of BMD in different bone regions. This enhanced protection against BMD loss was associated with a reduced number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) positive areas and an increased number of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) positive areas in tibial sections as revealed by immunohistochemistry. Our findings provide compelling evidence that the combination of MP and HCW3FO maintains bone health in arthritis-prone MRL-lpr/lpr mice by promoting a balance between bone resorption and bone formation. Co-treatment with HCW3FO may hold promise as a potential strategy for preventing bone deterioration induced by long-term glucocorticoid therapy. Before moving on to clinical trials, more in vitro research into the mechanisms should be carried out alongside preclinical studies in mice with inflammatory diseases. QUCG-CAS-2122-2. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Effectiveness of Erector Spinae Muscle Block in Vertebral Oncologic Fracture.

Objectives An observational, retrospective, longitudinal, and analytical study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the erector spinae plane (ESP) block in managing pain in patients with vertebral fractures secondary to tumoral activity. This study included patients treated at the Pain Clinic who underwent ESP block. The objectives were to describe demographic characteristics, oncological diagnosis, vertebral fracture features, imaging techniques, medications used, and the level of ESP block. Additionally, pain levels were assessed using a numerical analog scale, and the consumption of opioid analgesic medications before and after the ESP block, during follow-up consultations, along with patient satisfaction. Methodology This retrospective, observational, and analytical study was conducted at the Pain Clinic of the National Cancer Institute of Mexico. Patients with vertebral fractures secondary to tumor activity were included, with data collected from March 2020 to September 2023. A consecutive non-probabilistic sampling method was employed, and specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for quantitative variables, with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. IBM SPSS Statistics v. 26.0(IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) software was utilized. Results A sample comprising 16 individuals was obtained, with an equal distribution between males and females. Fracture levels displayed variation, with L3 (12.5%) and T6 (12.5%) being the most prevalent. The ESP approach was primarily conducted using ultrasound (68.8%), while fluoroscopy and computed tomography were utilized in 25.0% and 6.3% of cases, respectively. Predominantly, methylprednisolone and ropivacaine (75.0%) were administered, with phenol used in 18.8% and a combination of methylprednisolone and bupivacaine in 6.3%. Patient satisfaction levels were reported at 81.3% (satisfied or very satisfied). Statistically significant disparities were noted between baseline and incidental pain reduction and oral opioid equivalent dosage in milligrams of morphine per day (MME/day) before and after ESP block (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions This research provides promising preliminary evidence supporting the effectiveness of ESP block for pain management in vertebral fractures secondary to tumoral activity, enhancing the quality and safety of care for oncology patients. The absence of complications, significant improvement in pain, and reduction in opioid dependence underscore the clinical relevance of this therapeutic approach. An observational, retrospective, longitudinal, and analytical study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the ESPblock in managing pain in patients with vertebral fractures secondary to tumoral activity. This study included patients treated at the Pain Clinic who underwent ESP block. The objectives were to describe demographic characteristics, oncological diagnosis, vertebral fracture features, imaging techniques, medications used, and the level of ESP block. Additionally, pain levels were assessed using a numerical analogue scale, and the consumption of opioid analgesic medications before and after the ESP block, during follow-up consultations, along with patient satisfaction.

Effects of methylprednisolone combined with advanced antibiotics and antiviral drugs on serum immunoglobulin and inflammatory factor levels in patients with viral pneumonia.

Viral pneumonia (VP) is known for its wide transmission and severe pathological damage. ninety cases of VP patients were rolled into an experimental group (group E, methylprednisolone + advanced antibiotics + antiviral drugs) and a control group (group C, methylprednisolone), with 45 cases in each group. General information about the patients, inflammatory factors, serum immunoglobulins, T lymphocyte subsets, and treatment outcomes (efficiency rate, conversion rate to negative) were compared. In group E, interleukin-6 (IL-6) (0.18±0.07) ng/L was inferior to in group C (0.33±0.09) ng/L, p<0.05; tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (17.22±4.13) ng/L was inferior to group C (26.07±4.08) ng/L, p<0.05; lgA (0.81±0.22) g/L was superior to in group C (0.68±0.17) g/L, P<0.05; lgM (1.62±0.13) g/L was superior to group C (1.09±0.03) g/L, p<0.05; lgE (0.19±0.02) g/L was inferior to group C (0.23±0.03) g/L, p<0.05; CD4+/CD8+ ratio (1.71±0.33) was superior to group C (1.24±0.43), p<0.05; the total efficiency rate in group C (77.78%) was inferior to group E (97.78%), p<0.05; the conversion rate to negative of viral antigens in group E (91.11%) was superior to in group C (64.44%), p<0.05. methylprednisolone in combination with advanced antibiotics and antiviral drugs is an effective treatment approach for VP.

Combination of Eucheuma Cottonii and Corticosteroids has a Superior Immunomodulatory Effect on Asthma

Asthma prevalence has been increasing globally which is commonly treated using corticosteroid as gold standard treatment. However, corticosteroids have adverse effects and cases of corticosteroid-resistant asthma are emerging. Eucheuma cottonii (EC) has been shown to potentially attenuate inflammatory response in type I hypersensitivity. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Eucheuma cottonii extract and methylprednisolone combination on IL-4, IL-10, and histamine levels in Ovalbumin-induced asthma BALB/c mice. Thirty female BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to 6 groups : (1) Sham; (2) Ovalbumin-induced asthma mice; (3) Ovalbumin-induced asthma mice treated with methylprednisolone (MP) 0.24 mg/day; (4) Ovalbumin-induced asthma mice treated with EC extract 300 mg/kgBW/day; (5) Ovalbumin-induced asthma mice treated with combination of both. Treatments were given respectively for 7 days. Plasma IL-4, IL-10, and histamine levels were measured using ELISA method. The combination group showed both the lowest IL-4 levels (89.30 ± 1.37 pg/ml) and the highest IL-10 levels (487.03 ± 20.57 pg/ml) compared to other asthma-like mouse groups (p = 0.001). No significant difference was observed in histamine levels among all treatments (p &gt; 0.05). The administration of a combination of methylprednisolone and Eucheuma cottonii extract significantly affected plasma IL-4 and IL-10 levels compared to monotherapies. However, there was no significant difference in plasma histamine levels compared to monotherapies.

A Phase 1 Trial Evaluating the Addition of Lenalidomide to Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma Patients Progressing on Ruxolitinib and Methylprednisolone

Background Ruxolitinib (RUX), an orally administered selective JAK 1/2 inhibitor, has received approval for the treatment of myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera, and graft-versus-host disease. We have previously demonstrated the anti-multiple myeloma (MM) effects of RUX alone and in combination with the immunomodulatory agent lenalidomide (LEN) and glucocorticosteroids both preclinically and clinically. Although we have previously demonstrated that LEN and steroid refractory MM patients respond to the addition of RUX, no studies have evaluated whether LEN can achieve clinical activity among those progressing on the combination of RUX and methylprednisolone. Methods Patients included those with MM showing progressive disease (PD) who had previously received a proteasome inhibitor, LEN, glucocorticosteroids, and at least three prior regimens. Initially, subjects received oral RUX 15 mg twice daily and oral methylprednisolone 40 mg every other day. Those patients who developed PD according to International Myeloma Working Group criteria had LEN 10 mg once daily days 1-21 on a 28-day cycle added to RUX and methylprednisolone which were administered at the same doses they were receiving at the time of PD. Results A total of 29 subjects were enrolled and initially received the combination of RUX and methylprednisolone. Follow up was until June 30, 2023. The median number of prior therapies was 6 (range, 3-12). The overall response rate (ORR) was 31% and the clinical benefit rate (CBR) was 34%. The best responses were 1 very good partial response (VGPR), 8 partial responses (PR), 1 minor response (MR), 12 stable disease (SD), and 7 PD. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.5 mo (range, 0.5-36.2 mo). The median time to response was 3.0 mo (n=10). The median duration of response (DOR) was 12.5 mo (range, 2.8-36.2 mo). Twenty (69%) showed PD and had LEN added to the RUX and methylprednisolone combination: all of these patients were refractory to their last LEN-containing regimen. After the addition of LEN, the ORR was 30% and CBR was 40%. The best responses of patients following the addition of LEN were 2 VGPR, 4 PR, 2 MR, 8 SD, and 4 PD. The majority of patients (71%) who initially achieved a &amp;gt; MR to the two-drug combination responded following the addition of LEN whereas only 23% of patients who did not initially achieve a &amp;gt; MR responded to the addition of the third drug. The median time to response was 2.6 mo (range, 0.7-15 mo). The median DOR was undefined (range, 1.2-10.9 mo). The median PFS was 3.5 mo (range, 0.3-25.9 mo). The median PFS2 (including time from first treatment to end of study or June 30, 2023) was 7.3 mo (range, 0.5-39.9). Treatment was well tolerated with no additional toxicity identified following the addition of LEN. Interestingly, PFS2 was predicted by the patient's baseline serum B-cell maturation level; patients with values above the median (128 ng/mL) had significantly shorter PFS2 than those below it (3.5 mo vs. undefined, p = 0.0337). Conclusion The addition of LEN to heavily, previously treated relapsed/refractory MM patients progressing on RUX and methylprednisolone shows significant clinical activity. This three-drug combination is well tolerated and is able to extend the benefit of RUX-based treatment for these patients. The promising results from this phase 1 clinical trial demonstrate a potential novel, all oral therapeutic approach for treating RRMM patients.

Daratumumab Maintenance after Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma

Background: Maintenance therapy after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a standard of care in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). Lenalidomide maintenance after transplantation is the most frequently recommended regimen. Daratumumab has been increasingly used as a maintenance drug in NDMM. However, there is no enough clinical information about daratumumab as maintenance strategy after ASCT. This study is aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of daratumumab as maintenance after ASCT for NDMM. Patients and Methods: Clinical data, hematological and renal response, and safety of 15 post-transplant patients with NDMM who had received daratumumab maintenance between 1 May 2022 and 30 June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Daratumumab-naive patients received weekly dosing (16mg/kg) for the first 8 weeks. Results: Fifteen patients (11 males and 4 females) with median age of 58 years (41～72 years) , were included. Thirteen patients were daratumumab native, 6 patients had renal impairment, and 2 patients with high-risk cytogenetics. The median infusion times of daratumumab were 12 (6～17) times. Efficacy was evaluable in all 15 patients，and daratumumab maintenance therapy increase the rate of stringent complete response (from 6 [40%] to 9 [60%] ) by 20%，improved the renal response rate and median eGFR in patients with renal injury. During maintenance therapy with daratumumab, the most common hematological grade 3 adverse events(AE) were lymphopenia (4 [26.67%] of 15 patients), non-hematologic adverse events were infusion-related reactions (7 [46.67%] of 15 patients) and grade 3 pneumonia (5 [33.33%] of 15 patients). These 5 pneumonia patients were daratumumab naive ( 5 [38.46%] of 13 patients) , with median 8 (6～10)infusions. Among them, 3 patients chest CT showed interstitial infiltrates, and combination of methylprednisolone was effective. With a median follow-up of 12 months, one patient had died (not related to daratumumab treatment), 1-year OS rate was 93.33%. Conclusions: Daratumumab was safe and effective as a maintenance agent for post-ASCT patients with NDMM, and adverse events were controllable. The most common AE is grade 3 pneumonia, maybe a less dose-intense maintenance regimen for the first 8 weeks can reduce the incidence of pneumonia.

The efficacy and safety of dupilumab combined with methylprednisolone in the treatment of bullous pemphigoid in China.

We access the safety and efficacy of methylprednisolone combined with dupilumab in treating the bullous pemphigoid. 27 patients were enrolled, of which 9 received dupilumab in addition to methylprednisolone (dupilumab group, D group), while the other 18 patients were administered methylprednisolone alone (traditional group, T group). The median time to stop the formation of the new blister was 5.5days (3.5-11.75days) and 10days (9-15days) in the D group and the T group, respectively (p=0.032). Additionally, the median time of complete healing reached was 21days (16.25-31days) and 29days (25-50days) in the D group and the T group, separately (p=0.042). The median amount of cumulative methylprednisolone at the time of disease control was 240mg (140-580mg) and 460mg (400-840mg) in the D group and the T group, respectively (p=0.031). The total amount of the methylprednisolone used at the time of complete healing reached was 792mg (597-1,488.5mg) in the D group while that was 1,370mg (1,000-2,570mg) in the T group (p=0.028). No adverse event associated with dupilumab was recorded. Methylprednisolone in combination with dupilumab appeared superior to methylprednisolone alone in control of disease progression and the methylprednisolone-sparing effect.

Comparison of the preventive effect of colchicine versus diphenhydramine, prednisolone, and a combination therapy on intraperitoneal adhesion bands: an experimental study in rats

BackgroundPeritoneal adhesion formation is an inevitable consequence of abnormal repair of the peritoneum following different peritoneal injuries of intra-abdominal operations with the subsequent morbidity that they represent. Vast efforts have been made to elucidate the cause and prevent the development of abdominal adhesions. The aim of our study is to compare the capability of colchicine versus diphenhydramine (DPH) and methylprednisolone (MP), and also prednisolone in adhesion prevention.MethodsSixty-one male Wistar stock rats were divided into four groups. The first group attended as the control group. Groups 2, 3, and 4 received oral combination of MP + DPH solution (20 mg/kg), colchicine (0.02 mg/kg), and prednisolone (1 mg/ kg), respectively. Adhesion bands were induced by standardized abrasion of the peritoneum through a midline laparotomy. All rats were sacrificed on the 15th-day post medication administration and the subjects underwent an exploratory laparotomy. The presence of adhesions was evaluated with the modified using Nair's classification.ResultsThe proportion of the control group with substantial adhesion bands (73.3%) was significantly higher than that of the MP + DPH (13.3%), colchicine (33.3%), and prednisolone (31.3%) groups. There were significant differences between the scores of the control and the MP + DPH, colchicine, and prednisolone groups (P = 0.001, 0.028, and 0.019, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference to favor colchicine against MP + DPH (P = 0.390) or MP + DPH against prednisolone (P = 0.394).ConclusionsBoth colchicine and combination of DPH + MP prevented postoperative abdominal adhesions separately in our study. However, the lowest adhesion formation rate was observed in the DPH + MP group, even lower than the prednisolone group.

Morphofunctional Changes in the Spinal Cord of Rats after Contusion Injury with Local Delivery of Methylprednisolone in Combination with a Copolymer.

We studied the neuroprotective effect of local application of methylprednisolone in combination with a block copolymer after contusion spinal cord injury in rats. Histological analysis of the spinal cord showed that delivery of a complex of methylprednisolone with a block copolymer reduced the volume of white and gray matter lesions. An increase in the amplitude of the evoked response of the gastrocnemius muscle was observed during epidural stimulation of the spinal cord 6 h after the injury. The maximum amplitude of the muscle response was greater in the group with local delivery of the methylprednisolone complex with the polymer 72 h after the injury. The obtained results demonstrate the neuroprotective effect of the local administration of the complex and allow to make positive prognosis for the recovery of the sensorimotor functions in rats.

Deep vein thrombosis in a patient with Cronkhite-Canada syndrome: a complex case report

BackgroundCronkhite-Canada syndrome (CCS) is a rare disease characterized by generalized gastrointestinal polyps, ectodermal abnormalities and variable gastrointestinal symptoms. Few cases to date have described complications with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Here we reported a rare case of CCS concomitant with DVT. The patient’s clinical details, endoscopic findings, safety, and efficacy are reported.Case presentationA 58-year-old patient was admitted to our hospital with recurrent diarrhea, overall abnormal appearance, including hyperpigmentation, hair loss and onychodystrophy, and multiple polyps distributed along the gastrointestinal tract except the esophagus. After considerable assessment, the patient was diagnosed with CCS. She was also diagnosed with concurrent DVT, nephrotic syndrome, and infectious enteritis during the course of disease. After treatment with a combination of methylprednisolone, mesalazine, antibiotics, rivaroxaban, and nutritional support during the 24 months of following the patient in this case, the clinical manifestations and endoscopic findings reached complete remission two years after the diagnosis.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this study is the first case of CCS complicated with DVT reported in China. Although rare, it is important to consider that DVT may occur after CCS and that it is vital to conduct careful follow-up.

Intravenous immunoglobulin versus methylprednisolone in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children with COVID-19: an observational study

Background: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is temporally associated with SARS CoV 2 infection with a possible immune dysregulation. Presents with a multi organ involvement with dreaded complication of LV dysfunction and a long term sequalae of coronary involvement.Methods: Prospective observational study of a cohort of 35 patients who fulfilled the CDC criteria for MIS-C. Demographic, clinical, lab, echocardiographic, treatment and outcome details were noted and analysed.Results: The 35 children fulfilled CDC definition of MIS-C. Fever was present in 100% cases, rash in 62%, diarrhoea in 57%, RTI in 43%, hypotension in 43% and lymphadenopathy in 19% cases. The 23 patients had moderate MIS-C and 12 patients had severe MIS-C on admission. The 38% had normal contracting heart, 19% had dilated coronaries, 17% had mild LV dysfunction,12% had moderate LV dysfunction,12% had severe LV dysfunction, two patients had prolonged PR interval, one patient had AV block. Four patients had acute kidney injury; one patient had brachial vein thrombosis. 52% patients received combination of methylprednisolone and IVIG while 48% received only methylprednisolone. Defervescence was earlier in IVIG+MPS group compared to MPS group (1.72 days vs 2.8 days [p&lt;0.05]). Improvement in LV dysfunction was earlier in IVIG+MPS group compared to MPS group (33 hours vs 40 hours, p&lt;0.05). At 3 months followup Z score of coronaries was 1.9 (SD=0.125) in LMCA and 1.8 (SD=0.1) in LAD.Conclusions: Patients treated with IVIG+MPS had better outcome compared to MPS only. Older children had more severe disease presentation. Coronary artery dilatation tends to improve with time.

Retrospective analysis of methylprednisolone treatment alone and in combination with methotrexate in patients with extensive alopecia areata.

Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the hair follicle. Systemic corticosteroids and methotrexate (MTX) are among the therapeutic options in severe cases. This study aimed to show whether the combination therapy of methylprednisolone (MP) and MTX was superior to MP alone in the management of extensive AA. A total of 26 patients with extensive AA, 14 treated with MP alone and 12 treated with the combination of MP and MTX, were retrospectively evaluated in terms of gender, age, severity of disease, clinical characteristics, disease duration, dose and duration of medications, therapy response, and side effects. Of the 26 patients with extensive AA, 14 were male and 12 were female, and the average age was 17.02 ± 10.70 years. All patients had more than 50% hair loss, 23 had extensive multifocal AA, and three had alopecia totalis. A total of 14 patients were treated with MP alone (starting dose: 0.3-0.5mg/kg, maximum 32 mg/day), and 12 were treated with MP + MTX (starting dose: 5-15 mg/week, maximum 20 mg/week). A total of 12 of the 14 patients (85.7%) who were treated with MP alone showed a complete response, with the response rate of the patients who showed more than 50% response being 92.85%. Seven of the 12 patients (58.3%) who were treated with MP + MTX achieved complete healing, and all patients on this regimen had more than 50% treatment response. Our results showed that the combination therapy of MP and MTX was not superior to MP alone in the management of extensive alopecia areata.

Prognosis and Treatment for Active and Chronic Antibody-Mediated Rejection in Renal Transplant Recipients; Single Center Experience

The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic factors and treatment alternatives of antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) in renal transplant patients. Three thousand renal transplant patients were included in the study. The patients were first divided into 2 groups. Group 1: ABMR [-] recipients (n=2871), Group 2: ABMR (+) recipients (n=129). ABMR patients were compared among themselves by dividing them into 3 subgroups (early-active, late-active, chronic-active). The study was performed retrospectively. Different combinations of methylprednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), rituximab, plasmapheresis (PP), anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) were used in the treatment and the results were compared. Graft survival and functions were worse and the rates of CAD, delayed graft function, BK virus, and cytomegalovirus higher in patients with ABMR. Also, graft survival was lower in patients with serum creatinine ≥3 (P=0.001), GFR <30 (P <0.001), and spot urine protein to creatinine ratio ≥1 (P = 0.042) at the time of diagnosis. High interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy scores in chronic ABMR cases and high intimal arteritis scores in active ABMR cases were poor prognostic factors. The study showed that ABMR has a poor prognosis in terms of clinical parameters, and treatment should be individualized according to pathologic findings and graft functions at the time of diagnosis. Pulse methylprednisolone and IVIG should be used in the treatment of all ABMR patients, but PP, rituximab, and ATG should be used in selected cases. ABMR has a poor prognosis and treatment should be individualized.

The effect of endostatin on angiogenesis and osteogenesis of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head in a rabbit model.

This study aimed to investigate whether endostatin, a crucial anti-angiogenic factor, plays a negative role in angiogenesis and osteogenesis and aggravates the progression of osteonecrosis of the femoral head induced by steroid use in a rabbit model. 66 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: glucocorticoid model (GC) group (GC group, n = 18), glucocorticoid model and endostatin group (GC;ES group, n = 18), ES group (ES group, n = 18), and blank control group (CON group, n = 12). In the GC group, 10 μg/ kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was intravenously injected into the ear margin, and 24h after LPS injection, 20 mg/kg GC methylprednisolone (MPS) was injected into the gluteus muscle three times, each time at an interval of 24h. The animals of the GC;ES group were given as same treatment as the GC group, except for the addition of ES. MPS was not used in the ES group and CON group. ES group was only given ES, while the CON group was only given the same amount of normal saline. All animals successfully established models of femoral head necrosis, and then the difference among the Immunohistochemistry, Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Biomechanical test, etracyclline-calcein double labeling, and Van Gieson staining indices were compared among the four groups. The combination of MPS and LPS was successful in establishing the femoral head necrosis model in New Zealand white rabbits. The incidence of osteonecrosis after MPS and LPS intervention was 70% (7/10), while that plus ES was 100% (10/10). At the same time, after MPS and LPS intervention, while the empty bone lacuna rate of the femoral head was significantly increased, the number of osteo- blasts was decreased. Also, the expressions of CD31 positive cells, Runx2, Osterix, COL1A1, and VEGF mRNA in the femoral head were decreased, and the levels of osteogenesis-related protein b-ALP, OCN, and angiogenic factor VEGF in the femoral head were decreased. The percentage of the trabecular bone area (%Tb.Ar), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number (Tb.N), labeled perimeter percent (%L.Pm), mineral apposition rate (MAR), and bone formation rate (BFR/BS) in the femoral head after MPs and LPS intervention detected by tetracycline calcein double labeling and Van Gieson staining decreased significantly, except trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) increased significantly. The compressive strength (CS), elastic modulus (EM), and strain energy (SE) of the femoral head examed by biomechanical measurement decreased significantly. All the above changes were more obvious after adding ES intervention. ES mRNA in the femoral head was undifferentiated and increased in the GC, ES, and GC;ES group compared with group CON. This study has revealed that ES can inhibit angiogenesis and osteogenesis in the femoral head and aggravate the occurrence and development of femoral head necrosis. Thus, antiangiogenic factors may play an important role in the pathogenesis of ONFH.

Methylprednisolone Plus Low-Dose Methotrexate for Bullous Pemphigoid-A Single Center Retrospective Analysis.

Monomodal systemic glucocorticoids remain the mainstay of treatment for bullous pemphigoid (BP). In this retrospective, single-arm study, we evaluated the feasibility (efficacy and tolerability) of the combination of methylprednisolone and low-dose (up to 12.5 mg/week) methotrexate (MP + MTX) for BP. At week 12, 53/55 (96.4%) patients initiated on MP + MTX during a five-year period (potential follow up time: ≥4 years) remained on treatment. At this time-point, BP remission was achieved in all compliant patients (including n = 24 cases of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors-associated BP; 12-week remission rate: 100% [95% CI: 91.9–100.0%]; mean time to remission: 29.5 days, SEM: 2.3 days) at a mean cumulative MP dose to disease control of 678.4 mg (SEM = 49.4 mg). Eight patients relapsed during follow up (10.81 [95% CI: 5.16–21.72] relapses/100 person years, py), and seven manifested a severe adverse event (6.80 [95% CI: 3.00–14.28] severe adverse events/100 py); however, 73.4% (±7.9%) had suffered neither a relapse nor a SAE at the three-years follow up. Continuing low dose MP intake (≤8 mg/day) beyond week 12 in combination with MTX minimized the risk of a feasibility limiting event (p = 0.013). Conclusively, the combination of methylprednisolone with methotrexate is a promising, safe, and efficient modality for BP patients, which enables rapid glucocorticoid tapering.

Incidence, Risk Factors, and Prognosis of Bloodstream Infections in COVID-19 Patients in Intensive Care: A Single-Center Observational Study

BackgroundCritically ill COVID-19 patients are prone to bloodstream infections (BSIs).AimTo evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and prognosis of BSIs developing in COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).MethodsPatients staying at least 48 h in ICU from 22 March 2020 to 25 May 2021 were included. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were analyzed.ResultsThe median age of the sample (n = 470) was 66 years (IQR 56.0-76.0), and 64% were male. The three most common comorbidities were hypertension (49.8%), diabetes mellitus (32.8%), and coronary artery disease (25.7%). Further, 252 BSI episodes developed in 179 patients, and the BSI incidence rate was 50.2 (95% CI 44.3-56.7) per 1000 patient-days. The source of BSI is central venous catheter in 42.5% and lower respiratory tract in 38.9% of the episodes. Acinetobacter baumannii (40%) and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (21%) were the most common pathogens. CRP levels were lower in patients receiving tocilizumab. Multivariable analysis revealed that continuous renal replacement therapy, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and treatment with a combination of methylprednisolone and tocilizumab were independent risk factors for BSI. The estimated cumulative risk of developing first BSI episode was 50% after 6 days and 100% after 25 days. Of the 179 patients, 149 (83.2%) died, and a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was found in the survival distribution in favor of the group without BSI.ConclusionBSI is a common complication in COVID-19 patients followed in the ICU, and it can lead to mortality. Failure in infection control measures, intensive immunosuppressive treatments, and invasive interventions are among the main factors leading to BSIs.

РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ КОМПЛЕКСНОГО КОНСЕРВАТИВНОГО ЛЕЧЕНИЯ ПАЦИЕНТОВ С ЭНДОКРИННОЙ ОФТАЛЬМОПАТИЕЙ СРЕДНЕЙ СТЕПЕНИ ТЯЖЕСТИ

Background. Pathogenetic therapy of the moderate severity endocrine ophthalmopathy (EOP) is performed by the administration of glucocorticoids (GC), which possess immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects. Currently, the application of selenium and pentoxifylline medications, as well as treatment with magnetic field over periorbital region are considered as a part of combined therapy for the disease. Purpose of the study. To evaluate the results of combined conservative treatment of patients with moderate severity EOP. Material and methods. The study included 25 patients (50 orbits) with the clinical signs of moderate severity EOP. Depending on the treatment regimen, patients were divided into group A (comparison) and group B (main). Group A (comparison) – 10 patients who received pulse therapy with methylprednisolone. Group B (main) – 15 patients who were prescribed a combination of pulse therapy with methylprednisalone and a new developed treatment regimen additionally: selenium 100 mgq 2 times a day for 6 months, pentoxifylline at a dose of 600 mg 2 times a day for 6 months, a low-frequency pulsed magnetic field generated by the "UniSPOK" apparatus, lasting for 10-20 minutes, up to 8-12 procedures performed daily. Methylprednisolone application in the form of intravenous pulse therapy was prescribed collegially by an endocrinologist and an ophthalmologist individually for each patient and in total did not exceed 4.5 g recommended for the present process intensity (on average, 4.5±0.5 g in both groups). Results. The sequence in decreasing of EOP clinical signs in patients receiving combination therapy was revealed: a decrease in tremor, eyelid edema and palpebral fissure width in comparison with the initial parameters were noted already by the 3rd month of treatment, after 6 months these indicators disappeared. Lacrimation in the studied groups was not recorded by the 6th month, which can be explained by the corticosteroids application. A significant reduction in exophthalmos under developed therapy was found after 6 months, while no reduction was observed in the standard treatment group. Conclusions. The method of EOP complex treatment, including pulse therapy with methylprednisolone in combination with selenium, pentoxifylline and magnetotherapy, was effective in the moderate severity of the disease and led to the reduction of the ophthalmopathy severity symptoms. The positive effect of the combined therapy indicates the necessity for a six-month treatment course.