Recalcitrant Cases Research Articles

Off-Label Uses of Rituximab in Dermatology.

Purpose of ReviewRituximab has transformed the treatment of B-cell malignancies and rheumatoid arthritis in the past 2 decades. More recently, this anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody has seen increasing usage in the field of dermatology. This review highlights the evidence supporting its use in several important dermatologic conditions.Recent FindingsKey recent findings include the 2018 FDA approval of rituximab for the treatment of moderate-to-severe pemphigus.SummaryData from randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy of rituximab in pemphigus, ANCA-associated vasculitis, and cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. More limited data suggests its use in recalcitrant cases of diseases such as pemphigoid, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, and dermatomyositis. There is scarce evidence and mixed results for rituximab when studied in cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa and cutaneous lupus erythematosus.

Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: Comparison of Ultrasonic Guided Percutaneous Fasciotomy vs New Technique Combining Fasciotomy with Amniotic Membrane Allograft

Category: Basic Sciences/Biologics Introduction/Purpose: Plantar fasciitis is a common condition affecting approximately one in ten people in their lifetime. Treatment is typically conservative and symptoms are self-limiting. Operative treatment is indicated in recalcitrant cases. Minimally-invasive partial plantar fasciotomy can be performed using ultrasound-guided percutaneous techniques and is an attractive alternative to traditional surgery. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on consecutive patients who underwent either an ultrasound-guided fasciotomy or a combined percutaneous fasciotomy with a flowable amniotic matrix allograft. All ultrasound-guided percutaneous fasciotomy procedures were performed using the Tenex TX2 cutting device. Human amniotic allograft consisted of an injection of 0.5 mL of a flowable placental tissue matrix. Outcomes were assessed at short-term (2, 8, and 16 weeks) and long-term follow-up (26 and 52 weeks). Results: Both groups demonstrated a significant reduction in pain from baseline after the respective interventions and demonstrated a high level of patient satisfaction. The only significant difference in the 2 groups was at short-term follow-up in which the percutaneous fasciotomy with the amniotic membrane allograft (n=12) showed a statistically-significant reduction (p<0.05) in pain when compared to the fasciotomy alone group (n=11). There was no difference between the 2 groups at long- term follow-up. Conclusion: Treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis using ultrasound-guided fasciotomy is an attractive alternative to traditional surgery. Ultrasound-guided fasciotomy did improve pain from baseline with high level of patient satisfaction. Furthermore, the combination of percutaneous fasciotomy with a flowable amniotic matrix allograft may provide a greater reduction in pain earlier in the post-operative period, but does not seem to alter the long-term outcome of the procedure. More subjects are needed to possibly detect long-term effects.

Tofacitinib in Scleritis: A Case Series

ABSTRACT Purpose To report the use of tofacitinib in ten patients with scleritis where the traditional immunomodulation was not successful or could not be used. Method A retrospective chart review. Result Tofacitinib was successful in the treatment of scleritis in patients either recalcitrant to or intolerant to conventional therapy in 9 out of 10 cases reported here. Two patients had developed reactivation of herpetic infection after 1 month of starting tofacitinib. The duration from diagnosis of scleritis to the institution of tofacitinib therapy varied from 1 month to 60 months. Duration of follow-up varies from 2 months to 11 months. Conclusion Tofacitinib can be used as an important future option for managing recurrent and recalcitrant cases of scleritis.

Plasma Cell Vulvitis Treated with Platelet-rich Plasma: A Case Report.

case report; immunosuppressant; platelet-rich plasma; vulvitis.

Homocystinuria and ocular complications - A review.

Homocystinuria is a rare metabolic inborn disorder caused due to dysfunctional cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) enzyme activity, thus resulting in elevated levels of methionine and homocysteine in the blood and urine. The timely recognition of this rare metabolic disorder and prompt methionine-restricted diet are crucial in lessening the systemic consequences. The recalcitrant cases have a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, neural tube defects, and other severe clinical complications. This review aims to present the ophthalmic spectrum of homocystinuria and its molecular basis, the disease management, as well as the current and potential treatment approaches with a greater emphasis on preventive strategies.

HSD34 Treatment Patterns and Healthcare-Resource Utilization Among Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps Patients: In the New Era of Biologics

It is unclear how biologics are incorporated into the current management of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), especially when compared to surgical options for recalcitrant cases. This study aims to investigate treatment patterns and related healthcare-resource utilization (HCRU) in real world settings, with a focus on biologics and surgeries for CRSwNP.

Open Ischiofemoral Impingement Decompression

Ischiofemoral impingement is a relatively rare cause of posterior hip pain associated with narrowing of the space between the lateral aspect of the ischium and the lesser trochanter. Symptoms typically consist of lower buttock, groin, and/or medial thigh pain, which is commonly exacerbated by adduction, extension, and external rotation of the hip. This condition can be treated nonoperatively in many circumstances; however, recalcitrant cases may require surgical intervention. Whereas described operative treatment options for this pathology range from endoscopic to open procedures, this Technical Note describes a safe and reliable technique for open ischiofemoral decompression with sciatic nerve neurolysis through a posterior approach for treatment of ischiofemoral impingement refractory to conservative treatment.

Knee Extensor Mechanism Tendinopathy: Evaluation, Treatment, and Prevention.

Knee extensor mechanism tendinopathy, including patellar and quadriceps tendinopathy, is common among athletes and those involved in jumping sports. It is largely a clinical diagnosis that presents as anterior knee pain and stiffness with associated tenderness over the affected tendon. Imaging modalities, including ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging, may be helpful with the diagnosis of difficult cases or in the planning of interventional procedures. Focused and structured rehabilitation using eccentric or heavy slow resistance exercise in conjunction with load management is important for recovery. Adjuvant therapies (e.g., injections or surgery) may be necessary in recalcitrant cases or those with insufficient response to rehabilitation efforts. Prevention strategies focus on improving biomechanics, landing mechanism and lower-extremity balance, flexibility, and strength.

Sympathetic ophthalmia: A comprehensive update.

Sympathetic ophthalmia is a rare, bilateral, granulomatous, panuveitis following penetrating trauma or surgery to one eye. Clinical presentation commonly occurs within the first year of trauma occurrence but can be delayed by several years. It manifests as acute/chronic granulomatous uveitis with yellowish-white choroidal lesions or Dalen–Fuchs nodules. Initially, patients respond rapidly to corticosteroid therapy, but a majority require long-term use of corticosteroid-sparing agents to prevent recurrences. The purpose of this review is to elaborate on the current understanding of the pathophysiology, the importance of multimodal imaging in early diagnosis, and the role of newer immunomodulatory and biological agents in recalcitrant cases.

Skin manifestations associated with checkpoint inhibitors

AbstractImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a relatively novel class of drugs whose administration has been approved for several malignancies. Adverse events are quite common, and the skin is the most frequently involved organ. In fact, regardless of the neoplasm being treated, more than 50% of patients receiving ICIs develop cutaneous immune‐related adverse events (irAEs), with variable time to onset and severity. Potential pathogenetic mechanisms include drug‐induced formation of neoantigens, unmasking of hidden self‐antigens, and diffuse keratinocyte apoptosis induced by CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation. Risk of cutaneous irAEs seems to be higher after anti‐CTLA‐4 rather than anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 agent administration and rises in case of combination therapy. Furthermore, incidence of skin toxicity increases in the presence of specific malignancies (i.e., advanced melanoma) and pre‐existing dermatoses or autoimmune diseases, while the possible role of ethnicity is still unclear. Aim of this review is to summarise the current knowledge of cutaneous irAEs and provide the clinician with a detailed clinical and histopathological description of the following types of skin toxicity: inflammatory dermatoses, immunobullous diseases, alterations of melanocytes, alterations of keratinocytes, hair abnormalities, oral and nail involvement. Particular attention is given to practical management of the different cutaneous irAEs, including detailed information about treatment regimens and necessity for ICI discontinuation. Patients should always receive multidisciplinary care, especially in severe or recalcitrant cases. The role of the dermatologists remains pivotal, particularly with regard to differential diagnosis and management of complex skin toxicity, as well as regular long‐term follow‐up of the patient's conditions.

Clinical outcome of percutaneous common extensor tenotomy for recalcitrant lateral humeral epicondylitis

Introduction: Tennis elbow is a commonly encountered problem in orthopaedic clinical practice. The patients are usually in their financially productive years and many a times, this is a work related disorder that becomes severe enough leading for lost work days. Conservative treatment is almost always the first choice; but once it fails, there is no clear consensus for the management of recalcitrant cases. We undertook this study to evaluate the clinical outcomes of percutaneous tenotomy in cases of resistant lateral epicondylitis. Materials and methods: This was a prospective study done over a period of 5 years. A total of 108 patients with recalcitrant tennis elbow were recruited and underwent percutaneous tenotomy. They were followed up for an average period of 14 months. The outcomes measured were: tenderness, DASH score, Roles & Maudsley scale, Visual analogue scale (VAS), and Grip strength. Statistical analysis was done using Paired t-test. Results: 95% patients were pain free after an average of 12 weeks. The 6 months postoperative improvement in VAS score was 6.84 and change in mean DASH score was 23.04. The average increase in mean grip strength was 13.30 kg. These results were statistically significant. Conclusion: Percutaneous tenotomy can be considered as a useful treatment option for resistant cases of tennis elbow.

Photo-activated chromophore for infectious keratitis cross-linking and its efficacy as a treatment modality in managing microbial keratitis.

Purpose:To assess Photo Activated Chromophore for Infective Keratitis-Cross Linking (PACK-CXL) and its efficacy as a treatment modality in managing microbial keratitis.Methods:Single Centre prospective interventional study in infectious keratitis. A total of eleven patients were taken who had corneal thickness (CT) more than 400µm. PACK-CXL was performed according to Dresden’s protocol. The response was assessed by slit lamp examination, BCVA and AS-OCT at the time of complete healing.Results:The mean visual acuity at presentation was 1.207logMAR (0.3-3) which improved to mean value of 0.53logMAR (0.3-1). Mean time taken for complete epithelization was 17.45 days (14- 30 days) and that for complete healing was 33.72 days (21- 60 days). Mean CT at the baseline was 650.5± 108µm which reduced on consecutive follow up visits. There was reduction in the symptoms in nine patients except in two. One case reported increase in symptoms with worsening increase in endoexudates and hypopyon, and the other developed drug toxicity due to topical medications.Conclusion:Patients who underwent PACK-CXL showed good and early healing, good remodelling of cornea and improved visual acuity. The recalcitrant cases became responders to the same medications after PACK-CXL. Thus, PACK-CXL works well for both fungal and bacterial keratitis.

Osgood-Schlatter disease: a review of current diagnosis and management

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common cause of knee pain in children and adolescents, particularly in those who participate in sports. Repetitive force during athletic activities, along with changes that happen during a growth spurt, result in the development of traction apophysitis. Because of its typical presentation, the diagnosis is usually made clinically. The disorder generally resolves with skeletal maturity, and most patients respond to conservative therapy. Surgery can be considered in recalcitrant cases. Several approaches of surgical intervention have been proposed; each approach has its advantages and disadvantages.

Antimicrobial photodynamic and photobiomodulation adjuvant therapies for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw – Report of two cases with long-term follow-up

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a relatively rare condition with high morbidity. In this study, we report the management of two recalcitrant cases of MRONJ in the mandibles of two older women who received treatment with alendronate for osteoporosis. Sequestrectomies, combined with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and photobiomodulation (PBMT), were performed in both patients. During perioperative and weekly postoperative aPDT sessions, a diode laser treated three anatomical points by emitting a continuous gallium-aluminum-arsenide wave at 660 nm (red laser), 0.028 cm2, 0.1 W, 3.57 W/cm2 for 90 s per point, 9 J per point, 321 J/cm2, and a total energy of 27 J. PBMT was applied weekly after surgery at 808 nm wavelength (other parameters being equal) for wound healing and pain relief. Both patients were followed-up for two years without any report of recurrence. Thus, aPDT and PBMT can be considered non-invasive adjuvant therapies for MRONJ without any adverse effects.

Ultrasound-guided, minimally invasive looped thread fasciotomy for chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the lower leg: A cadaveric feasibility study

Background– Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is an exertional pain syndrome that typically affects the lower legs of participants involved in high-intensity running or marching activities. Surgical open fasciotomy is the standard treatment for recalcitrant cases of CECS. Alternative, minimally invasive fasciotomy techniques are emerging which may reduce rates of procedural complications and expedite recovery. The standard fasciotomy procedure for CECS may be improved by looped thread release with additional image guidance. The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate a novel technique of ultrasound-guided, minimally invasive looped thread fasciotomy for release of anterior and lateral compartments of the leg in a cadaveric model. We hypothesized that a fasciotomy of this type would be effective in achieving a target fasciotomy length of 80% of the length of a muscle compartment while avoiding injury to neurovascular structures. Materials and methods– We conducted a controlled laboratory study. Two proceduralists performed anterior and lateral compartment fasciotomies on ten lightly embalmed cadaveric legs. A total of twenty compartment releases were completed, using an ultrasound-guided, percutaneous looped cutting thread technique. The specimens were evaluated for length and completeness of fasciotomy, as well as any inadvertent injury to muscle, tendon, or neurovascular structures. Completeness of fasciotomy was compared between the anterior and lateral compartments. Results– Eighteen of twenty (90%) fasciotomies were continuous. Fasciotomy length was consistently under target (72% complete). Completeness of lateral compartment release was significantly more likely to be under target compared to anterior compartment release (65% vs. 79%, p ​= ​0.014). Sixteen of twenty (80%) fasciotomies incurred no iatrogenic soft tissue injury; no injuries to nerves or vessels were observed. Discussion –Ultrasound-guided, minimally invasive looped thread fasciotomy of the anterior and lateral leg compartments is feasible and can be successfully performed in a cadaveric model with low risk to neurovascular structures. However, further investigation is needed to improve completeness of release prior to recommendation for clinical use.

Hip Microinstability: Understanding a Newly Defined Hip Pathology in Young Athletes

Microinstability is an increasingly recognized diagnosis in young athletes presenting with hip pain. Causes of microinstability may include abnormality of the hip bony anatomy, acetabular labral tears, joint capsule laxity or injury, and muscle dysfunction. Borderline hip dysplasia is an increasingly recognized factor predisposing to microinstability. The capsuloligamentous structures of the hip, particularly the iliofemoral ligament, provide important restraints to femoral head motion, and iatrogenic defects can predispose patients to instability after surgery. Injury to the acetabular labrum may disrupt its important hip-stabilizing properties including the suction seal and improved acetabular depth. Hip muscle weakness or imbalance may result in increased femoral head motion within the acetabulum. The diagnosis of hip microinstability can be challenging, and the history is often nonspecific. Physical examination maneuvers include the anterior apprehension, prone instability, axial distraction, and abduction-hyperextension-external rotation tests. Radiographic features may include borderline hip dysplasia, femoral head-neck junction cliff sign, and an elevated femoral-epiphyseal acetabular roof index. Magnetic resonance arthrography may demonstrate a capsular defect, capsular thinning, or labral pathology. Diagnostic intra-articular injection of anesthetic can confirm the intra-articular nature of the pathology. Management of hip microinstability focuses on strengthening the dynamic stabilizers of the hip through focused physical therapy. Surgery may be considered in recalcitrant cases where symptoms persist despite optimization of hip stabilizer strength. In such cases, addressing the primary source of instability through labral repair or reconstruction and capsular repair or plication can be considered. In highly selected cases, surgery can result in excellent outcomes.

Lateral epicondylitis of the elbow: an up-to-date review of management.

Lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, is an overuse tendinopathy of the common extensor origin of the elbow in patients involved in repetitive movement of the wrist and forearm. Lateral epicondylitis is a self-limiting condition, with operative management only recommended in severe, recalcitrant cases. This article reviews the recent updates on operative and non-operative management of lateral epicondylitis.

Treatment of Non-Infectious Corneal Injury: Review of Diagnostic Agents, Therapeutic Medications, and Future Targets.

Corneal injuries can occur secondary to traumatic, chemical, inflammatory, metabolic, autoimmune, and iatrogenic causes. Ocular infection may frequently occur concurrent to corneal injury; however, antimicrobial agents are excluded from this present review. While practitioners may primarily rely on clinical examination techniques to assess these injuries, several pharmacological agents, such as fluorescein, lissamine green, and rose bengal, can be used to formulate a diagnosis and develop effective treatment strategies. Practitioners may choose from several analgesic medications to help with patient comfort without risking further injury or delaying ocular healing. Atropine, cyclopentolate, scopolamine, and homatropine are among the most frequently used medications for this purpose. Additional topical analgesic agents may be used judiciously to augment patient comfort to facilitate diagnosis. Steroidal anti-inflammatory agents are frequently used as part of the therapeutic regimen. A variety of commonly used agents, including prednisolone acetate, loteprednol, difluprednate, dexamethasone, fluorometholone, and methylprednisolone are discussed. While these medications are effective for controlling ocular inflammation, side effects, such as elevated intraocular pressure and cataract formation, must be monitored by clinicians. Non-steroidal medications, such as ketorolac, bromfenac, nepafenac, and diclofenac, are additionally used for their efficacy in controlling ocular inflammation without incurring side effects seen with steroids. However, these agents have their own respective side effects, warranting close monitoring by clinicians. Additionally, ophthalmologists routinely employ several agents in an off-label manner for supplementary control of inflammation and treatment of corneal injuries. Patients with corneal injuries not infrequently have significant ocular surface disease, either as a concurrent pathology or as an exacerbation of previously existing disease. Several agents used in the management of ocular surface disease have also been found to be useful as part of the therapeutic armamentarium for treatment of corneal injuries. For example, several antibiotics, such as doxycycline and macrolides, have been used for their anti-inflammatory effects on specific cytokines that are upregulated during acute injuries. There has been a recent wave of interest in amniotic membrane therapies (AMTs), including topical, cryopreserved and dehydrated variants. AMT is particularly effective in ocular injuries with violation of corneal surface integrity due to its ability to promote re-epithelialization of the corneal epithelium. Blood-based therapies, including autologous serum tears, plasma-enriched growth factor eyedrops and autologous blood drops, have additionally been explored in small case series for effectiveness in challenging and recalcitrant cases. Protection of the ocular surface is also a vital component in the treatment of corneal injuries. Temporary protective methods, such as bandage contact lenses and mechanical closure of the eyelids (tarsorrhaphy) can be particularly helpful in selective cases. Glue therapies, including biologic and non-biologic variants, can also be used in cases of severe injury and risk of corneal perforation. Finally, there are a variety of recently introduced and in-development agents that may be used as adjuvant therapies in challenging patient populations. Neurotrophic corneal disease may occur as a result of severe or chronic injury. In such cases, recombinant human nerve growth factor (cenegermin), topical insulin, and several other novel agents may be an alternate and effective option for clinicians to consider.

Nervus Intermedius Neuralgia With Vestibular Paroxysmia -A Rare Combination of Nerve Compression Syndromes

Introduction: Posterior cranial fossa nerve compressions in a rare combination are discussed here. Case Reports: 51 year old male with intractable vertigo, vomiting and left ear ache, had left spontaneous nystagmus. Another 25 year old female had recurrent ear ache and vertigo.Both MRI Brain showed compression of VII/VIII nerve complex in the cistern. They were given Ox carbamazepine with supportive therapy tapered with no recurrence in past 1 year. Discussion: The combination of the 7th and 8th cranial neuralgias presents with common symptomatology. The investigation of choice is HR T2 weighted MRI brain (CISS/FIESTA SPACE sequence), treated medically. Surgically, decompression or nerve sectioning are done. Conclusion: Though rare due to different positions of the nerve entry/exit zones of these nerves, this combination of posterior cranial fossa nerve compression syndromes can coexist. Diagnosis can help in the proper management of such patients and even open the hori-zon for surgical options in recalcitrant cases.

Amphotericin B versus Voriconazole in the treatment of fungal keratitis

Purpose Evaluate the efficiency and safety of Voriconazole compared with Amphotericin B in the treatment of fungal keratitis. Background Fungal keratitis in Egypt is considered the second prevalent corneal infection after bacterial keratitis. It is one of the main causes of corneal blindness in Egypt. Many recalcitrant cases are frequently met with. Delay in the diagnosis and management usually leads to complications. Patients and methods During the period from July 2016 to October 2019, 106 patients who were clinically diagnosed in one eye as fungal keratitis, followed by culture and histopathological proof were recruited. They were divided into groups A and B. One hundred and six eyes of 106 patients whose age ranged from 10 to 74 years of both sexes were recruited, 53 eyes in each group. Group A received Amphotericin B while group B received Voriconazole. Adjuvant measures were used in deteriorating progressive cases in the form of cyanoacrylate glue with a high oxygen permeability contact lens in impending perforation, intrastromal Voriconazole injection, and lastly therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. Follow-up was done on days 1, 3, 7, then weekly until cure. Size, depth, deep vascularization, presence of satellites, intraocular pressure monitoring, hypopyon, and any complication were recorded. Visual acuity and healing outcome and duration to achieve were also recorded. Results In all, 80 cases (39 of group A and 41 of group B) were healed, 21 cases (11 of group A and 10 of group B) progressed and needed adjuvant treatment to heal, five cases (three of group A and two of group B) needed urgent therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. Voriconazole group showed a shorter time for healing and less complications. Discussion Voriconazole was slightly better than Amphotericin B as regards the duration for healing, progression of keratitis, extent of deep vascularization, density of the healed scar, and visual acuity. Conclusion Both Amphotericin B and Voriconazole were successful in treating fungal keratitis. Voriconazole showed statistically significant better results.