Effective Therapeutic Management Research Articles

Effectiveness of a Telerehabilitation-Based Exercise Program in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain—A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Non-specific chronic neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder with a significant impact on individuals’ quality of life. The lack of consensus on effective therapeutic management complicates the establishment of standardized treatment protocols. Home exercise programs have yielded positive results. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a telerehabilitation program distributed through videoconferencing for patients with non-specific chronic neck pain compared to a home-based exercise program. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 36 participants who were divided into two groups: the experimental group (n = 18) received manual therapy combined with telerehabilitation, while the home-based group (n = 18) received the same manual therapy treatment along with recommendations for home exercises. Key outcome measures, including neck-related disability, kynesiophobia, anxiety and depression, pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, quality of life, and adherence to self-treatment, were evaluated at baseline and post-treatment. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between groups. However, both groups demonstrated improvements in all study variables except for the mental component of quality of life immediately post-treatment. Conclusions: After eight weeks of manual therapy and exercise, both the telerehabilitation and home-based exercise programs resulted in significant improvements in disability, pain, and kynesiophobia, indicating that telerehabilitation is as effective as home-based exercise.

Temporal differential effects of post-injury alcohol consumption in a mouse model of blast-induced traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury is a prevalent condition that affects millions worldwide with no clear understanding or effective therapeutic management available. Military soldiers have a high risk of exposure to blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI). Furthermore, alcohol drinking is common in this population, and studies have shown that post-TBI alcohol exposure can result in memory loss. Hence, it is possible that alcohol could contribute to the overall pathological outcome of brain trauma. However, such a possibility has not been explored in detail. Here, we combined a mild bTBI (mbTBI) model with the drinking-in-the-dark (DID) paradigm to investigate the pathological synergy between mbTBI and alcohol consumption by examining brain oxidative stress levels and behavioral alterations in mice. The results revealed the anxiolytic and short-term memory improvement effects of post-trauma alcohol drinking examined at an early timepoint post mbTBI. However, extended alcohol drinking for up to three weeks post mbTBI impaired long-term memory and was accompanied by intensified oxidative stress in brain regions associated with memory and anxiety. These findings, as well as those from previous in vitro TBI/alcohol studies, suggest a pathological synergy of physical force and post-impact alcohol exposure. This knowledge could potentially aid in establishing guidelines for TBI victims to avoid further injury to their brains as well as to help maximize their recovery following TBI.

Deep learning-assisted non-invasive pediatric tic disorder diagnosis using EEG features extracted by residual neural networks

Early diagnosis of pediatric tic disorders (TD) is crucial for effective therapeutic intervention and management, which can significantly improve neurological development and psychological well-being from childhood through adulthood. However, current pediatric TD diagnostic methodologies suffer from low specificity and sensitivity, as they rely primarily on the subjective expertise of clinicians. Herein, we demonstrated a non-invasive approach for deep learning-assisted diagnosis of pediatric TD. A residual neural network model was developed to predict TD using electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. The optimized model analyzed preprocessed EEG data to generate diagnostic reports indicating the probability of TD occurrence, thus providing deep learning-assisted support for clinical decisions. The clinical features of EEG signals in pediatric TD are elucidated through extensive analysis. Predictive accuracy of EEG decreases over time, with short-term EEG indicating that right hemisphere EEG activity is a predominant clinical feature of TD. A computer-based application was developed and implemented to calculate the probability of TD based on individual EEG patterns, thereby assisting clinicians with diagnostic decision-making in real-world scenarios. This work not only proposes a non-invasive and accurate approach for TD diagnosis but also contributes to the early intervention and long-term management of neurological and psychological health in affected individuals.

Adenomyosis and Adolescence: A Challenging Diagnosis and Complex Management.

Adenomyosis is a chronic, hormone-related disease characterized by the presence of the endometrial glands and stroma within the myometrium. This condition can manifest in various features, focal or diffuse adenomyosis or as an adenomyoma, and it may involve different uterine walls (posterior, anterior, and/or lateral walls). The disease can also be classified into different degrees, as mild, moderate and severe, which can be associated with more intense symptoms, although this correlation is not always directly proportional. In fact, adenomyosis can be asymptomatic in about a third of cases or it can significantly impact patients' quality of life through painful symptoms, such as dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia, abnormal uterine bleeding-particularly heavy menstrual bleeding-and potential effects on fertility. Historically, adenomyosis has been considered a disease primarily affecting premenopausal women over the age of 40, often multiparous, because the diagnosis was traditionally based on surgical reports from hysterectomies performed after the completion of reproductive desire. Data on the presence of adenomyosis in adolescent patients remain limited. However, in recent years, advancements in noninvasive diagnostic tools and increased awareness of this pathology have enabled earlier diagnoses. The disease appears to have an early onset during adolescence, with a tendency to progress in terms of extent and severity over time. Adenomyosis often coexists with endometriosis, which also has an early onset. Therefore, it is important, when diagnosing adenomyosis, to also screen for concomitant endometriosis, especially deep endometriosis in the posterior compartment. The aim of this narrative review is to investigate the prevalence of different types and degrees of adenomyosis in younger patients, assess the associated symptoms, and describe the most appropriate diagnostic procedures for effective therapeutic management and follow-up, with the goal of improving the quality of life for these young women.

A Study of Hydroelectrolytic and Acid-Base Disturbances in MIS-C Patients: A Perspective on Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion.

COVID-19-associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by a range of polymorphic manifestations, similar to but distinct from other well-known inflammatory syndromes in children. We conducted a retrospective-descriptive study in which we summarized the clinical presentation of, biomarker variations in, and complications occurring in patients diagnosed with MIS-C, admitted to the Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children "Sf. Ioan", Galati, between July 2020 and June 2024. A total of 36 children met the MIS-C classification criteria according to the WHO-approved case definitions. A total of 41.7% (n = 15) were male and 58.3% (n = 21) were female. The median age of the study group was 4 years (IQR: 1.75-9.25 years). Surgical involvement was suspected in 16.7% (n = 6) of the patients, while 52.8% (n = 19) required intensive care. Clinically, fever was the most common symptom present in 89% (n = 32) of the cases. Gastrointestinal disorders were also common, with 50% (n = 18) presenting with inappetence, 42% (n = 15) with vomiting, and 39% (n = 14) with abdominal pain from admission, which worsened over time. Paraclinically, all patients exhibited signs of inflammation, and 86.1% (n = 31) had hydroelectrolytic and acid-base imbalances. The median hospital stay was 10 days (IQR: 7-12 days), with a stagnant clinical course in most cases. The inflammatory mechanisms in MIS-C, which can affect the secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), were correlated with hydroelectrolytic disturbances and may lead to severe complications. For this reason, it is imperative to evaluate hydroelectrolytic disorders in the context of MIS-C and use diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers to develop effective therapeutic management strategies, ultimately improving the quality of life of affected children.

Management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Algeria and implementation of international recommendations

Introduction Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disease, yet it is often overlooked by the general public, patients themselves, and doctors due to its slow and insidious progression. Changing the natural history of COPD requires first of all the diagnosis of the disease, so its early detection seems an important element. It then becomes possible to set the objectives and criteria for the assessment of management and to choose the most appropriate treatments for each individual according to his characteristics. Patients and methods A prospective observational study in COPD patients who were hospitalized in the Department of Pneumology, University Hospital Center of Setif from January 2017 to March 2020 to analyze the quality of outpatient management of these patients. Results In all, 349 patients were included in the study of which 82.2% were men with an average age of 62 years. On admission, only 28.6% or 100 patients were diagnosed and confirmed to have COPD. The general practitioner received COPD patients first in more than 1/3 of cases (37.5%). Pneumologists received 34.6% of patients and diagnosed 99 cases out of 121 consultations, so the diagnosis was made in 81.8% of cases. Spirometry is essential for the diagnosis of COPD. It is simple, inexpensive, and safe; however, it was only performed for 100 patients or 28.6% of cases, confirming the sub-diagnosis of COPD in outpatients. In terms of therapeutic management, the differences between international recommendations and current practice are significant, particularly those concerning the prescription of inhaled or systemic corticosteroid therapy, as well as antibiotic therapy, without forgetting the underestimated therapies in these COPD patients, such as vaccinations (influenza vaccination rate at 27.2% of cases, pneumococcal at 8.26%), Long-term oxygen therapy, and the initiation of smoking cessation (4.1% of cases). Conclusion The publication of recommendations reviewed by experts enables updating the diagnostic management of COPD. We can hope that the recommendations will be followed up and that practices will be harmonized. However, differences between international recommendations and current practice are significant for COPD patients. Early diagnosis and effective therapeutic management of COPD remain, particularly current issues; they would reduce disability and improve the quality of life of the patient.

A scoping review on active vs. passive range of motion approaches to treat heterotopic ossification at the elbow.

The objective of this scoping review is to synthesize and clarify literature on the effectiveness of active and passive range of motion therapy techniques to address range of motion in people with heterotopic ossification (HO), and to provide guidance to therapists in clinical decision-making based on current evidence. To find articles that included therapeutic interventions to maintain or improve range of motion in people with heterotopic ossification, the authors searched the following databases: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PubMed, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Web of Science, and OTSeeker. To ensure that the search was comprehensive, the authors also searched Burns and Trauma, Burns Journal, Burns Open, and the Journal of Hand Therapy. Searches were limited to peer-reviewed articles published in the English language. No publication date limits were set. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database PEDro scale was utilized to measure the validity of the methodological quality of each article. Five studies met the inclusion criteria.. Two studies emphasized that passive range of motion was effective in less than 50% of their subjects, while the other three studies utilized active range of motion only, reporting 50% of patients did not require surgery. There is insufficient evidence to determine effective therapeutic management of HO and the literature that does exist is contradictory and inconclusive. Future research is necessary to determine if any effectiveness of manual therapeutic approaches exists for patients with HO.

Analysis of glycemia during olaparib therapy in patients with ovarian cancer.

e17559 Background: Olaparib (poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor) is a relatively new anticancer drug and some of its metabolic side effects, such as its effect on blood glucose, are not yet well defined. The aim of the study was a retrospective analysis to investigate olaparib-induced changes in glucose levels in patients with ovarian cancer (OC). Methods: The study was conducted on 32 OC patients with normoglycemia (3.9–5.5 mmol/l) confirmed before olaparib treatment. The fasting glucose (FG) levels were estimated after I (one month), II (two months), and III (three months) courses of olaparib treatment. The severity of hyperglycemia was graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v5.0). Results: During treatment with olaparib, grade 1 hyperglycemia was found in 18 patients (56.2%), therefore hemoglobin A1C level measurement was recommended. The number of patients with impaired fasting glucose (5.6–6.9 mmol/l), characteristic of a pre-diabetic state, was 17 (53.1%), while glycemia indicative of diabetes (≥7.0 mmol/l) were found in 1 patient (3.1%). The statistically significant increase in glycemia was observed after I course of treatment (p< 0.0001), then after the second (p=0.0003), and III course (p=0.0025). Conclusions: During olaparib therapy, hyperglycemia was observed in 56.2% of the analyzed OC patients, implying the need for glycemic monitoring during monthly routine check-ups to implement effective behavioral and therapeutic management.

Elucidating hippocampal proteome dynamics in moderate hepatic encephalopathy rats: insights from high-resolution mass spectrometry.

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a debilitating neurological disorder associated with liver failure and characterized by impaired brain function. Decade-long studies have led to significant advances in our understanding of HE; however, effective therapeutic management of HE is lacking, and HE continues to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients, underscoring the need for continued research into its pathophysiology and treatment. Accordingly, the present study provides a comprehensive overview aimed at elucidating the molecular underpinnings of HE and identifying potential therapeutic targets. A moderate-grade HE model was induced in rats using thioacetamide, which simulates the liver damage observed in patients, and its impact on cognitive function, neuronal arborization, and cellular morphology was also evaluated. We employed label-free LC-MS/MS proteomics to quantitatively profile hippocampal proteins to explore the molecular mechanism of HE pathogenesis; 2175 proteins were identified, 47 of which exhibited significant alterations in moderate-grade HE. The expression of several significantly upregulated proteins, such as FAK1, CD9 and Tspan2, was further validated at the transcript and protein levels, confirming the mass spectrometry results. These proteins have not been previously reported in HE. Utilizing Metascape, a tool for gene annotation and analysis, we further studied the biological pathways integral to brain function, including gliogenesis, the role of erythrocytes in maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity, the modulation of chemical synaptic transmission, astrocyte differentiation, the regulation of organ growth, the response to cAMP, myelination, and synaptic function, which were disrupted during HE. The STRING database further elucidated the protein‒protein interaction patterns among the differentially expressed proteins. This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms driving HE and paves the way for identifying novel therapeutic targets for improved disease management.

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans infection in children: two case reports and a review of the literature.

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), a Gram-negative coccobacillus commonly associated with endocarditis, poses a rare diagnostic challenge in pediatric cases. The presentation of two pediatric cases-myositis and chest mass-highlights novel aspects, including unusual symptom presentations in children which can be mistaken for malignancy. The limited sensitivity of standard blood tests complicates diagnosis, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Representative samples must be taken, especially if blood cultures are negative. Despite advances in detection methods, diagnosing Aa infection remains difficult due to its rarity in children and variable clinical presentation. In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of Aa infection in children is essential for early and effective diagnostic and therapeutic management.

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) seeds accelerates wound healing in rats: Possible molecular mechanisms.

Wound healing is a complex, intricate, and dynamic process that requires effective therapeutic management. The current study evaluates the wound healing potentials of methanolic extract of Cuminum cyminum L. seeds (CCS) in rats. Sprague Dawley (24) rats were distributed into four cages, wounds produced on the back of the neck, and received two daily topical treatments for 14 days: A, rats received normal saline; B, wounded rats treated with intrasite gel; C and D, rats received 0.2mL of 250 and 500mg/kg of CCS, respectively. After that, wound area and closure percentage were evaluated, and wound tissues were dissected for histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical examinations. Acute toxicity trials of methanolic extract of CCS showed the absence of any physiological changes or mortality in rats. CCS application caused a significant reduction in wound size and a statistically elevated percentage of wound contraction than those of vehicle rats. CCS treatment caused significant up-regulation of collagen fiber, fibroblasts, and fewer inflammatory cells (inflammation) in granulation tissues. TGF-β1 (angiogenetic factor) was significantly more expressed in CCS-treated rats in comparison to normal saline-treated rats; therefore, more fibroblasts transformed into myofibroblasts (angiogenesis). CCS-treated rats showed remarkable antioxidant potentials (higher SOD and CAT enzymes) and decreased MDA (lipid peroxidation) levels in their wound tissue homogenates. Hydroxyproline amino acid (collagen) was significantly up-regulated by CCS treatment, which is commonly related to faster wound closure area. The outcomes suggest CCS as a viable new source of pharmaceuticals for wound treatment.

The Profound Influence of Gut Microbiome and Extracellular Vesicles on Animal Health and Disease.

The animal gut microbiota, comprising a diverse array of microorganisms, plays a pivotal role in shaping host health and physiology. This review explores the intricate dynamics of the gut microbiome in animals, focusing on its composition, function, and impact on host-microbe interactions. The composition of the intestinal microbiota in animals is influenced by the host ecology, including factors such as temperature, pH, oxygen levels, and nutrient availability, as well as genetic makeup, diet, habitat, stressors, and husbandry practices. Dysbiosis can lead to various gastrointestinal and immune-related issues in animals, impacting overall health and productivity. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly exosomes derived from gut microbiota, play a crucial role in intercellular communication, influencing host health by transporting bioactive molecules across barriers like the intestinal and brain barriers. Dysregulation of the gut-brain axis has implications for various disorders in animals, highlighting the potential role of microbiota-derived EVs in disease progression. Therapeutic approaches to modulate gut microbiota, such as probiotics, prebiotics, microbial transplants, and phage therapy, offer promising strategies for enhancing animal health and performance. Studies investigating the effects of phage therapy on gut microbiota composition have shown promising results, with potential implications for improving animal health and food safety in poultry production systems. Understanding the complex interactions between host ecology, gut microbiota, and EVs provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying host-microbe interactions and their impact on animal health and productivity. Further research in this field is essential for developing effective therapeutic interventions and management strategies to promote gut health and overall well-being in animals.

Current Resistance of HIV-1 Strains Isolated in Volunteer Blood Donors in Gabon.

Detection of drug resistance mutations (DRMs) and HIV-1 subtypes ensures effective therapeutic management for HIV-infected individuals. In Gabon, data on DRMs are very little available in the population of people living with HIV and also among voluntary HIV-positive blood donors. This study aimed to study subtypes and DRMs in HIV-1-positive volunteer blood donors in Gabon. A cross-sectional study was carried out at the National Blood Transfusion Center of Gabon. A purposive sampling method was used to collect 128 HIV-1 seropositive blood samples. Viral RNA was extracted on real-time PCR (Abbott 2000®), and sequencing was performed on ABI 3500 (Hitachi®). SPSS version 21.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Of the 128 seropositive volunteer donors included, men and the 29-39-age group were more representative at 78.9% and 49.2%, respectively. Eighty-two samples were sequenced. The majority strains identified were subtype A, subtype F, subtype G, CRF02_AG, and CRF45_cpx. The resistance mutations identified were K103N, L210W, E138G, V179D, V179T, and M46L. The prevalence of resistant subtypes was 25.6%. CRF02_AG strains exhibited high-level resistance to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), including efavirenz and nevirapine. The study identified major DRMs in reverse transcriptase and protease that confer high-level resistance to most NNRTIs, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and protease inhibitors. CRF02_AG was more predominant, and the frequency of resistant subtypes was high. However, these data will contribute to the therapeutic choice during the initiation of antiretroviral treatment in treatment-naive patients in Gabon.

Alzheimer's disease: a review on the current trends of the effective diagnosis and therapeutics.

The most prevalent cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease. Cognitive decline and accelerating memory loss characterize it. Alzheimer's disease advances sequentially, starting with preclinical stages, followed by mild cognitive and/or behavioral impairment, and ultimately leading to Alzheimer's disease dementia. In recent years, healthcare providers have been advised to make an earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer's, prior to individuals developing Alzheimer's disease dementia. Regrettably, the identification of early-stage Alzheimer's disease in clinical settings can be arduous due to the tendency of patients and healthcare providers to disregard symptoms as typical signs of aging. Therefore, accurate and prompt diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is essential in order to facilitate the development of disease-modifying and secondary preventive therapies prior to the onset of symptoms. There has been a notable shift in the goal of the diagnosis process, transitioning from merely confirming the presence of symptomatic AD to recognizing the illness in its early, asymptomatic phases. Understanding the evolution of disease-modifying therapies and putting effective diagnostic and therapeutic management into practice requires an understanding of this concept. The outcomes of this study will enhance in-depth knowledge of the current status of Alzheimer's disease's diagnosis and treatment, justifying the necessity for the quest for potential novel biomarkers that can contribute to determining the stage of the disease, particularly in its earliest stages. Interestingly, latest clinical trial status on pharmacological agents, the nonpharmacological treatments such as behavior modification, exercise, and cognitive training as well as alternative approach on phytochemicals as neuroprotective agents have been covered in detailed.

Anafilaktički šok izazvan subkutanom imunoterapijom alergenom Ambrosia elatior - prikaz slučaja

Introduction: Sensitization to ragweed pollen can lead to symptoms of allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and allergic asthma. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is an immunomodulatory therapeutic procedure that, in addition to short-term curative effect (reduction of disease symptoms), also has a long-term preventive effect (preventing the progression of allergic rhinitis into allergic asthma and/or preventing the development of a more severe form of the disease). The two main AIT administration modalities used in clinical practice are subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual allergen immunotherapy (SLIT). Both modalities are equally effective in reducing disease symptoms, but the use of SCIT is associated with a higher risk of local and systemic adverse reactions. Case report: A patient who developed a clinical picture of anaphylactic shock during the induction phase of SCIT with Ambrosia elatior pollen extract is presented in this article. The clinical course is described as well as the quick and effective therapeutic management of this life-threatening condition. Conclusion: When properly dosed, in a medical facility and under medical supervision, SCIT with Ambrosia elatior is a very safe and well-tolerated treatment option for allergic rhinitis. Local reactions at the site of subcutaneous administration occur more often than systemic adverse reactions. Anaphylactic shock is the most severe form of a systemic allergic reaction that affects multiple organ systems and can end in death, usually due to airway obstruction and cardiovascular collapse. It is necessary to educate the medical staff as well as the patients regarding the proper treatment of this difficult condition. Based on the assessment of risk factors in each patient, severe reactions to SCIT can be predicted and avoided with appropriate precautions and prophylactic measures. Future innovations in AIT are expected to further improve the efficacy and safety of this form of treatment for allergic diseases.

Histopathological Spectrum of Ovarian Tumours in a Tertiary Care Centre in South Kerala, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Ovarian tumours are among the most common tumours in females, exhibiting diverse histopathological patterns that remain crucial for early diagnosis. Proper classification of ovarian neoplasms, particularly malignant ones, is essential for accurate treatment. Accurately subclassifying ovarian tumours aids in treatments such as targeted therapy. Aim: To examine the histopathological spectrum of ovarian tumours and to assess the role of histopathology in accurate diagnosis and treatment. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study on the histopathological spectrum of ovarian tumours was conducted in Department of Pathology, Travancore Medical College, Kollam, Kerala, India, over a five-year period (January 2017 to December 2021). The study included 850 ovarian specimens, and the various histopathological patterns were studied according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) classification of ovarian tumours, 5th edition, 2020. These patterns and age distribution were expressed in frequency and percentage. Results: Out of the 850 ovarian specimens, 140 were neoplastic and 710 were non neoplastic. Abdominal pain was the most common clinical presentation (30%). Among the 140 neoplastic cases, 115 were benign, 20 were malignant, and five were borderline. The majority of cases, including benign, borderline, and malignant tumours, were seen in the age group of 31-40 years (25.71%). Benign tumours were more common than malignant ones in all age groups. Categorising based on histopathological patterns, epithelial tumours were the most common (88 cases, 62.86%). Serous cystadenoma was the most common benign tumour, constituting 36 out of 115 benign cases (25.71%). Borderline serous tumour was the most common borderline epithelial tumour (3 out of total 5 borderline ovarian neoplasms, 2.14%). Serous cystadenocarcinoma was the most common malignant tumour (5 cases, 03.57%). Conclusion: The wide spectrum of ovarian tumours presents diagnostic challenges. Effective therapeutic management of ovarian malignant tumours continues to be a challenge for clinicians. Histopathological examination remains crucial in diagnosis. Accurate histopathological diagnosis, combined with clinical staging, facilitates prompt and appropriate treatment and timely patient management.

Pediatric systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis-related lung disease: Description of clinical cohort and review of management.

Since the early 2010s, there has been an increased awareness of interstitial lung disease in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA-LD) in pediatric patients. Despite the increase in prevalence of sJIA-LD, little is known about this disease process and effective therapeutic management. To identify and characterize the disease process and management of interstitial lung disease related to systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. In this single-center, retrospective case series of 9 patients, we analyze demographic, clinical, radiographic, and laboratory data to corroborate common clinical characteristics and describe an approach for diagnosis and monitoring of sJIA-LD. All data was extracted through electronic medical records and individually reviewed by two pediatric pulmonologists and two pediatric rheumatologists. Our results were similar to other described cases of sJIA-LD as patients in our cohort were more likely to be younger, have a history of macrophage activation syndrome and prior use of biologic therapies. In contrast to prior studies, they did not present with peripheral lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. The cohort size was small and data is reflective of one center's approach to management of a rare lung disease process. Interstitial lung disease due to sJIA is rare and management can be difficult in these complex patients.More research is necessary to understand the increased incidence and treatment of sJIA-LD in pediatric population.

BCR-ABL kinase domain mutations in CML patients, experience from a tertiary care center in North India

BackgroundChronic Myeloid Leukemia is characterized by the presence of the Philadelphia Chromosome (Ph) which contains the BCR::ABL1 fusion gene that occurs due to a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22. This accounts for up to 15 % of all adult leukemias [1]. Most patients treated with first line tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) imatinib achieve durable response but may undergo relapse at some stage [2]. The most important mechanism that may confer imatinib resistance is point mutation within BCR::ABL kinase domain. Other generation ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as dasatinib, nilotinib, bosutinib and ponatinib help to overcome imatinib resistance [3]. Sensitivity of the patient to each of the above TKIs depends upon the individual candidate mutation present. Thus, it is important to perform mutation analysis for effective therapeutic management of CML patients once they show imatinib resistance. We used direct sequencing to identify the different types of mutations responsible for resistance of imatinib treatment from north India. MethodsIn this study, the patient resistance for the imatinib were analyzed for BCR::ABL kinase domain mutation by direct sequencing and the detected mutations along with their percentage prevalence were reported. Results329 patients with CML-CP were analyzed for BCR::ABL kinase domain mutation. Total 66 (20.06 %) patients out of 329 had mutation in at least one of the domains of BCR::ABL conferring resistance to different generations of TKI. Mutations in BCR::ABL kinase domain was observed in different domain of BCR::ABL. ATP binding P-Loop (42.42 %), Direct binding site (36.36 %), C-Loop (10.60 %), A-Loop (6.06 %), SH2 contact (3.03 %), SH3 contact (1.51 %). ConclusionTotal 20.06 % patients (66/329) show mutation in at least one of the structural motifs of BCR-ABL kinase domain, which further confer the resistance to a particular generation of TKI.

Update on Treatment of Enteric Fever in Pediatric Patients According to Current Multidrug Resistance

Introduction: Enteric fever is a severe systemic disease caused by a gram-negative bacillus, Salmonella Enterica serotype Typhi. It commonly occurs in children and young adults. The aim of the research is to address the treatment of enteric fever in pediatric patients including multidrug resistance to first-line drugs. The treatment of enteric fever has been complicated by the worldwide spread of typhoid organisms resistant to ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and chloramphenicol. Ceftriaxone damages the germ structure that can kill Salmonella typhi, germ resistance is limited and there are no harmful side effects when administered to children. Discussion: The interest in this pathogen is based on Salmonella typhi strains that have become multiresistant to antibiotics such as some cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, etc. The importance in terms of antimicrobial resistance lies in the failure of conventional treatments, which causes a delay in effective therapeutic management. Conclusion: Cephalosporins are currently the first line against enteric fever, specifically ceftriaxone and cefixime. In order for the treatment to conclude satisfactorily, it is necessary to observe the disappearance of fever and the decrease of accompanying symptoms.

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis with predominant truncal muscle weakness: a retrospective case series.

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) frequently leads to mononeuritis multiplex, which are characterized by distal weakness associated with sensory disturbances. Although AAV has also been reported to be associated with myopathy, the pathogenesis and characteristics remain unclear. We aimed to show the clinical and laboratory findings in AAV-associated myopathy. This retrospective single-center study included patients with the diagnosis of AAV who had been admitted to the neurology department and had biopsy specimens of muscle and/or nerve tissue. We identified four patients with a distinct clinical presentation of muscle weakness in the trunk and proximal limbs. The weakness resembled that of inflammatory muscle disease. These patients denied symptoms associated with neuropathy, and had normal serum creatine kinase (CK) levels. Needle electromyography (needle EMG) showed spontaneous electrical activity at rest, and results of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggested inflammatory myopathy. Muscle biopsy specimens from all four patients revealed vasculitis and inflammation in proximity to the affected vessels, without any discernible characteristics of other myopathies. The patients also complained of symptoms affecting other organs, such as the ears and kidneys, which is typical of AAV cases. Remission induction therapy, such as cyclophosphamide pulse therapy in addition to oral prednisolone, were effective for all four patients. However, relapses occurred in two patients during maintenance therapy and two patients died of aspiration pneumonia. The clinical course of our patients might represent a subtype of AAV that is characterized by muscle weakness of the trunk and proximal extremities and arises from vasculitis within the muscles. The clinical manifestations of our patients were similar to those of patients with inflammatory myopathy with regard to the distribution of muscle weakness, MRI and needle EMG findings. However, there are notable differences between AAV associated myopathy vs. inflammatory myositis like dermatomyositis; (1) the absence of elevated CK levels, (2) the presence of complications in other organs, (3) distinct pathological findings, and (4) severe outcomes. Awareness that AAV patients with muscle involvement could have a subtype of AAV that seriously affects various organs is critical for an accurate diagnosis and effective therapeutic management.